STAFF and parents say they are ‘gutted’ by a shock announcement that an indoor kids’ play area in Poole is to close tomorrow.

Workers at Monkey Bizness, at Tower Park, on Canford Heath, were told they would lose their jobs at an emergency meeting on Sunday.

And young children have had their birthday parties cancelled.

A member of the staff from Monkey Bizness, who asked not to be named, told the Daily Echo: “We were called in for an emergency meeting on Sunday and told the centre will be closing on Thursday. We’ve not been told why or anything at all. We, the parents and the kids are just as gutted as each other really.”

The soft play park above Empire Cinemas employs around 15 people. It opened more than four years ago.

She added: “We have not been told anything at all only that we will be jobless as of Thursday. The team were pretty shellshocked.”

Canford Heath resident Jason Coombes, 42, says his daughter, nine, and step-grandchildren “absolutely love” Monkey Bizness. Mr Coombes, a windscreen technician, said: “Locally around this area it’s a big built up estate. There’s plenty for the adults but nothing for the children, so Monkey Bizness is ideal. It’s a real shame people are going to lose their jobs.”

Dad-of-seven Gary Youell, from Oakdale, said: “I’m sad it’s closing down, that’s bad news.

“We had my son’s seventh birthday party there.”

Grace Matthews, from Upton, says her grandson Tyler Matthews is devastated that plans for his eighth birthday party in June have been ruined.

Monkey Bizness called to deliver the news on Monday and said it is “likely” that the family will get their £100 deposit back.

Mrs Matthews, 72, said: “My grandson is mortified. Fifteen of his little school friends were coming and we’ve got to tell them all.

“With the school holiday starting on Friday it’s almost impossible to book something else at this notice and let them all know.”

Parkstone resident Gillian Bell, 69, said: “My grandchildren live in Upton and they would have come here.

“It’s wonderful for children. My neighbour works there and the news came as a bit of a shock.”

Robert Warner, of X-Leisure, which runs the Tower Park centre, said they are looking for an operator to take over the unit.

Mr Warner said: “It’s a really popular space and we want to get it open as quickly as possible.”

National chain Monkey Bizness went into administration last year, he said.

A spokesman for Monkey Bizness was unavailable for comment.