A petition to save a much-loved indoor play centre in South Gloucestershire from closure has received more than 5,000 signatures. This comes after Little Giggles soft play in Yate was issued an "eviction notice" and told it had until November 15 to vacate the premises.
The news sent shockwaves throughout the community and nearby regions that have benefited from its services for both children and adults since it opened five years ago. Operations manager Sarah Stafford, who has been with the company since its establishment, said the staff were "heartbroken" upon hearing the announcement.
"When we got the news our breath was taken away. The team work so hard and are fantastic at what they do so to see everyone’s hard work just ripped away is gut-wrenching," she added.
READ MORE: Little Giggles soft play in Yate faces closure after ‘eviction notice’ issued
She said the business "built up rent arrears" during the lockdown as it was unable to trade but has since "proved" itself to be "a good tenant" after regaining financial stability and paying towards rent arrears when restrictions were lifted.
She continued: "Personally, it is so emotional for me as I’ve worked here for five years now and I’ve seen the business grow and evolve to become what it is today - finally profit-making and a real asset to the community with people travelling far and wide to visit us."
The 23-year-old said the team has been "fantastic" but their hard work has "just been ripped away" - describing it as "gut-wrenching". Although the devastating news has hit the business hard, Miss Stafford said it "will still deliver every session and party with 100 percent effort".
She said: "We have seen children grow and develop from taking their first steps to their first words here at our centre which are lifelong memories for those families that we will always be a part of. We want to continue helping children develop their fine and gross motor skills whilst helping parents to build new friendships in our safe, friendly and inspiring environment."
Miss Stafford said that the support and love received from her mum Gill has helped her get through the bittersweet ordeal describing her as a "knight in shining armour."
MP Luke Hall Yate and Thornbury have also backed the campaign to save a popular soft play centre. In a letter to landlords, he expressed his concerns.
An extract read: "As the local member of Parliament, I would be very grateful if Cushman and Wakefield would immediately review this specific situation and I would appreciate any greater support and timeframe the company could be afforded."
The soft play team alongside its customers across South Gloucestershire, Bristol and Bath say they will continue to "fight" on. To help save Little Giggles from closure click here.
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