An indoor amusement park has been forced to close just two months after opening.
Dingles Fun Park, in Lifton, on the Devon and Cornwall border, opened up on a site that was once a fairground museum.
The amusement park posted on social media: ‘We are very sorry to announce, due to unforeseen circumstances Dingles Fun Park is now closed.
‘The Pop Fest tribute festival will also be cancelled due to the park closure.
‘All festival tickets will be refunded via ticket sailor.
‘We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused.’
Manager Tom Ellis said the ‘vast scale’ of the site meant the rent was more than the park could generate.
He added: ‘We hoped to bring in more attractions as planned, however we just couldn’t quite obtain a long-term lease to suit us and the landlords.’
Locals shared their disappointment with the news with one commenting: ‘Wow, can’t believe this is closed already.’
Another added: ‘I had the best time there, the twister was great.’
The fairground museum closed last year because of the pandemic, a limited season and working in a remote location.
On the other end of the scale, one of the largest theme parks shut with immediate effect in March after operating for almost 40 years.
Oakwood Theme Park, in Pembrokeshire, west Wales, announced it was shutting immediately after ongoing financial challenges and dwindling visitors.
Aspro Parks said the ‘difficult decision’ came after investing more than £25,000,000 since the park was last saved from closure in 2008.
A spokesperson said: ‘In the entire history of Aspro we have never closed any park or attraction.
‘We, and our dedicated team of staff, have strived to overcome numerous challenges to continue to bring joy to families and visitors across the region and country.
‘Unfortunately, we could no longer see a sustainable way forward and will seek to improve our other parks using the assets and where possible, move the team elsewhere.
‘We are aware that Oakwood has been a much-loved destination for generations and a rite of passage for many young visitors. It is for this reason we feel such a sense of sadness.
‘We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedication and commitment of our team members past and present, suppliers and contractors who have loyally supported us and of course all those that have visited Oakwood Theme Park over the years. We are sincerely grateful.’
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