Chesterfield soft play centre forced to stay closed during lockdown demands clarification from Government on reopening

Rachael Marples and business partner Natalie purchased the former Chuckles playcentre in Clay Cross on March 9, and set about transforming it into Jilbee Messy Play and Slime.

The pair had already been running events from their shop on Derby Road, and wanted to extend their vision. But a fortnight later, lockdown came into play.

"We’d spent all that time making the playcentre beautiful, so it was so frustrating,” said Rachael.

"We received our Hospitality and Leisure grant which we were extremely grateful for- however, that was three months ago.

"As other businesses who received the same grant have been allowed to reopen we’ve been left behind. We have rent and overheads to pay.

"The lack of information is the worst part. If we had a date to work towards, we could budget and things would be easier.

"But the only guidance we’ve had is that we have to stay shut.”

Rachael says she’s had an amazing response from residents with parents ‘desperate’ for the playcentre to open.

"Because the centre is quite small, we’re in a position where we could easily introduce the correct safety measures,” added Rachael.

"We have thought about opening our cafe in the meantime. It wouldn’t be enough to keep us afloat, but it’s something.”

Recently non-essential shops, outdoor play areas and theme parks have been given the green light to reopen and at the beginning of August it will be possible for ice rinks, bowling alleys and casinos to welcome customers back.

But indoor playcentres along with nighclubs have been left out of the loop.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: "We recognise the frustration of businesses which have had to remain closed because of the pandemic and we are working to help them reopen as soon as it is safe.

“We are also providing businesses and their employees with an unprecedented package of support during this national emergency including £330 billion worth of government backed and guaranteed loans and the Coronavirus Job Retention scheme.”

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