A CHILDREN's indoor soft play area in Kidderminster which has been unable to reopen since the first lockdown in March has now closed down for good.

Bosses at Monkey Mayhem, in Meadow Mill Industrial Estate, made the announcement on social media on Wednesday, saying they had decided to "cut our losses" after nine months of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The post read: "It’s with a heavy heart that we have to announce unfortunately we won’t be reopening and Monkey Mayhem will be no more. Our tenancy is up the end of November and this was the best decision for us.

"It’s been a really difficult decision we’ve had to make but without being able to re-open since March and still having to pay full rent, electricity bills, phone and internet bills to name a few we’ve decided we have to cut our losses now!

"I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support you’ve given us since we took over back in January 2019! We’ve loved every minute of it!"

It went on to say: "What a crazy year it’s been! Thank you for joining us on our short but amazing adventure, take care all and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support."

Soft play areas in England were given the go-ahead to reopen in August, however Monkey Mayhem told customers in September it was working on a plan to open safely due to the centre's small size.

The closure announcement was met with dozens of kind messages from upset customers.

One parent wrote: "Such a shame but fully understandable. My kids absolutely love it at monkey mayhem we travel from Worcester weekly to visit and always had a positive experience."

Another person commented: "You did a fantastic job getting the place up and running again, but in the circumstances, I don't think anyone could blame you. Thanks for lots of lovely memories."

The owner of another soft play centre in Worcester wrote: "Just seen the terrible news that you are not reopening. So sad to see that a local play centre has to close due to Covid. We know how tough things are at the moment and my team and I wish you and your staff all the best. "

Monkey Mayhem bosses will continue to operate their other soft play centre, Chilly Kiddy's in Mill Race Lane, Stourbridge.