PARENTS are devasted after a popular children’s soft-play centre announced it will shut its doors for the last time.
The owners of The MADhouse, located in Taunton, Somerset decided to close the business after they “had a tough couple of years”.
Breaking the news on Facebook, the centre announced that it would officially shut up shop “on February 17”.
However, The Madhouse aims to go out in style with Paw Patrol characters expected to visit throughout the day.
The popular children’s play centre admitted it thought it’d be possible to find a new modern venue, but said “the market is tough”.
The owners said in the post: “Estate agents haven’t been forthcoming with spaces for us to move into.
As many of you already know, we have had a tough couple of years, and with various reasons we have had to make the tough decision to close our business.
The MADhouse
Many parents were disappointed that the centre was suddenly closing its doors.
“Oh no this is heartbreaking,” cried one parent.
She added: “My girls had some amazing times at The MADhouse and would spend hours there.”
Another parent said: “Not another one.
“Not many places to take our children to play anymore.”
And a third said: We’re really going to miss you.
“You got us through the most difficult years of parenting our two little ones.
“It was hands down my favourite place to hang out with two young children of different ages.
“It wasn’t too big, or too small. It was just right. I can’t imagine life without MADhouse.”
Other parents were also grateful for what the centre had done for their children and the community.
One parent wrote: “Thank you for providing such a lovely and affordable place to bring my son to play.”
Another commented: “You are amazing and have done so much for the community.”
And a third wrote: “Such a lovely place, perfect for younger kids.”
The MADhouse is urging people to come for one last play before they shut their doors on Saturday at 3pm.
These parents are not the only ones to lose their beloved local kids’ soft-play area.
Families in Swindon were left “absolutely gutted” after what they described as the “only decent” centre in the UK closed down.
This is so sad. We moved to Saudi Arabia a year ago and still came back to Kidz About for a visit this summer when we were in Swindon for three days.
Hazel Adams
The popular Venue, Kidz, failed to receive a new lease which led to an outpour of sadness and support on Facebook.
Within the same month that Kidz announced its closure, another child soft-play centre in Cumbria reported its closure to families.
Tommy-Lee’s stated that it couldn’t stay open during the ongoing cost of living crisis, with rent and electricity skyrocketing.
Other places across the UK offering soft-play have recently been highlighted, including Knockhatch Adventure Park in Hailsham in East Sussex.
And a mother recommended Oxygen Trampoline Park in Acton, west London.
