The owners of a family fun zone in Larne have expressed shock as their lease for the site was “terminated” by the council after 22 years.
Attractions at the Funzone include a miniature railway, 18-hole mini golf, bungee trampolines and walk on water balls.
Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone owners Ian and Christopher Lough said they were called to a meeting by Mid & East Antrim council and handed a letter stating that their lease has been “terminated”.
The owners were told they have six months to vacate the premises which came as “a massive shock and hit us very hard”.
In a statement, they said: “Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone has been in our family for the last 22 years and has meant we have met many wonderful people over the years.
“We have invested nearly half a million pounds of our own money and received nothing from the council in return.
“The council offered us alternative locations but you cannot simply pick up an 18 hole mini golf or miniature railway and put it somewhere else.
“As many of you may know, the council are planning to do construction work in a different part of the park but felt that it would be too much of a health and safety risk to allow us to open.”
The owners added: “We appreciate and readily accept that this decision has been made, but to tell us to vacate the park all together is ridiculous.
“The current time scale for the work is 18 months but yet to start with planning still not approved as I write this. They are hoping to have it finished by June 2026 but we do not see this being achieved with set back upon set back.
“If the day comes that we are allowed to operate Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone back in the park, we hope to welcome you back but currently there is no certainty that we will be welcomed back from the council.
“We are still able to operate this weekend and next weekend so will be open from 12pm to 4pm, weather permitting.
“Thank you to our loyal customers, merchandise dealers, family and friends for your support over the 22 years.”
In comments underneath their social media post there was an outpouring of support from the public and many were critical of the council’s decision.
Mid & East Antrim Council said major construction works to dramatically redevelop Carnfunnock Country Park are planned to commence January 2025 and be completed by Summer 2026.
“The successful contractor will be responsible for the security of the construction site throughout the programme of works, however as Council has a legal obligation to consider all aspects of health and safety in and around the site, it was decided that the site should not remain open during the planned redevelopment,” a council spokesperson added.
“Pedestrian access will be available through appropriate areas of the park by way of an isolated path. The path has been purposefully redirected through a field to ensure walkers are safely away from the construction site.
“Council is available to liaise with the affected party to discuss further.”