It was on Guy Fawkes’ Night almost six years’ ago that an imaginative addition to Ruddington kids’ social scene first lit up children’s faces in our village.
On November 5th 2014 a new soft play centre called ‘Dizzy Rascalz’ opened its doors on Brookside Road and became an instant hit with youngsters and their parents. In March 2020, however, like so many other businesses, it was forced to close temporarily due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Now the owners have decided the knock-on effect of the ‘lockdown’ – plus new operating restrictions and guidelines – mean it is no longer sustainable. This week they have announced that the temporary closure will become permanent.
It’s a bitter disappointment for Ruddington mum Amy Phipps who originally came up with the idea for the business around 6 years’ ago. She managed the popular kids’ centre with her mum Jeanette Pearson. Sadly now they both feel it is not financially viable to continue.
Last week, when the Government confirmed it would “reopen for the first time indoor play and soft play centres which comply with new COVID-19 Secure guidelines” the owners evaluated their situation and “with a heavy heart” eventually made the decision to close the business.
Amy then posted on social media: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce that Dizzy Rascalz will not be reopening. This is a very sad time for all of the Dizzy’s team as with the news that softplay are now allowed to open we were very hopeful. But, unfortunately, it is just not possible for us to carry on.”
Amy adds: “We would just like to thank all of our loyal customers for all of your support over the last five years. We hope you all stay safe. It has been lovely watching you grow and getting to know all the lovely parents!”
What will happen next at the premises of the former play venue is uncertain. However, with a number of village businesses having recently been served notice to vacate Kempson Court, it’s unlikely they will stay empty for very long.
