Hundreds of parents are up in arms over plans to close a soft play centre that has been running in The Meadows for nearly 10 years. Eden Softplay operates inside St Saviours Church but it will close on June 30 so the building can be solely used by the church once again.
A petition has now been started to save the popular community attraction, at St Saviour's Gardens, for children up to the age of 10. It boasts four levels with climbing, slides, wavy mirrors and obstacles plus a cafe for parents, who say it's a lifeline for them as well as entertainment for their youngsters.
Mum Laura Flanagan visits once a week with her two youngest children and at least two Saturdays a month with the older ones. She said: "The loss of Eden would be absolutely devastating. There is the obvious convenience of having it so local but the most important factor for us is in Eden you are never alone.
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"It's a place we can meet with friends whilst our children play together. If you're not meeting friends, the staff have become friends so you are never truly alone and it's environments like these that get you through some really dark days that life throws at you. Without Eden all this would be lost. It's such a sad devastating loss for The Meadows community and wider areas."
Amiyrah Andrew-Boulahtit, 41, runs a SEN (Special Educational Needs) session for youngsters with learning difficulties and disabilities once a month, including two of her own. She said it would be devastating loss for all families who use the centre.
"I am gob-smacked. I know so many people personally that this has helped with mental health and the cost of living. There is nothing in The Meadows for families. We can go elsewhere but we get this at a reduced price and if you have SEN kids they won't go anywhere else.
"I started the group in October and we have seven families now. These are people who have never taken their children to soft play before because they wouldn't have the courage to do it because having children with ADHD can be a nightmare. My son is autistic and my daughter has ADHD so I know what it's like trying to get the kids anywhere. It's difficult.
"We have literally become a family. Eden turn the music off for us so it's quiet. The kids all look after each other and the parents can sit and have five minutes to themselves and have a normal chat. It's great. It's really helped a lot of families.
"To be losing that alone, never mind the fact we're a deprived area and there's nothing left, it's so maddening. If they want a church service, shut Eden Softplay on Sundays, it's as simple as that."
A statement on Eden Softplay's website read: "The Board of Directors are sad to inform you that Eden Softplay will be closing business on the 30th June 2023.
"We can’t thank you enough for your loyal custom and heartfelt support since we first opened and share the sense of loss this will be for many people. We are deeply thankful to St Saviour’s Church who have kindly given us the freedom, resources, and support to set up and run Eden Softplay for nearly 10 years.
"We’re glad to announce that St Saviour’s Church will be reopening soon, but in the light of significant challenges faced both by the church and Eden Softplay we, together, have made the decision that the season of Eden Softplay being hosted in the church building is coming to an end. St Saviour’s hope this building will again be a home into which everyone will be welcome.
"The directors of Eden hope that in the future we will start something new, but currently have no clear plans to announce and we appreciate the support and suggestions of the community for our next project.
"We do have plans for the last week of June to celebrate the wonderful times we’ve had at Eden Softplay and hope that you’ll join us in that because we would love to see you there."
Southwell Diocese, of which the church is part of, has been contacted for a response.
To sign the petition click here
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