The indoor play industry is facing extinction according to the trade body representing British leisure parks, piers and attractions.

On Friday, BALPPA, which has more than 400 members and represents over 180 indoor playcentres, started an emergency online petition urging Boris Johnson to rescue the indoor playindustry from closure.

By today (Monday), the 'RIP – Rescue Indoor Play' petition, had already been signed by more than 12,500 people.

“Last week the indoor play industry was dealt the latest devastating blow in the COVID-19 crisis when they were once again totally overlooked in the government's re-opening plans,” said Paul Kelly, BALPPA chief executive. 

“Over the past month, more than 20 of our members have gone out of business, and a survey we conducted showed that nearly two-thirds of the remaining centres will permanently shut by October.

“The indoor play sector already has COVID-secure guidelines signed off by the Health & Safety Executive, Public Health England and the Government.

“The financial support given by the Chancellor last week can only add value to those allowed to reopen. Without further financial support, the very future of this entire sector is at risk,” he added. 

In addition to the damage being done to businesses, BALPPA is also receiving feedback from young families concerned at the potential long-term damage being done to their children's health and wellbeing.

“Throughout this pandemic children have been an overlooked group in decisions taken by government,” said Paul.

“The mental and physical health of children is especially important in an age group that is the least vulnerable to the virus and also the least able to comprehend the enormity of the situation.

“The National Children's Bureau has called on government to put children as a third pillar of their recovery strategy, alongside health and the economy.

“They have been backed in their campaign by over 160 organisations, from teaching unions to children's charities. But the government has not yet listened,” he added.

Desperate industry members fear the lack of diversity in government has meant their plight is being ignored. 

A number of indoor play operators have received representations from their MPs that the sector would have received a timeline for reopening by now if the decisions had involved a more diverse group of individuals in Whitehall.  

One MP has said that in her opinion indoor play would not be closed if there had been more women taking part in the reopening decisions.

In Northern Ireland, which is led by Arlene Foster, the date for indoor play reopening has

been brought forward from 7th August to 17th July, such is the importance placed on children's mental and physical wellbeing.

• You can help save your local centre and protect children's mental and physical wellbeing by joining the petition here: http://chng.it/nJKtf9JTnJ . For more information on BALPPA visit www.balppa.org. 

Issued on behalf of BALPPA by Flamingo Marketing. For more information please contact: Nikki Smith | nikki@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | 01637 873379 or 07525 780624.

About BALPPA 

Founded in 1936, BALPPA is the non-profit-making Trade Association representing the interests of owners, managers, suppliers and developers in the UK's commercial leisure parks, piers, zoos, family entertainment centres (indoor play and soft play centres) and static visitor attractions sector.