A children’s play centre which supplied over 4,000 hot meals to vulnerable and elderly people in Southport during the coronavirus lockdown is ‘overwhelmed and excited’ over news that they can finally reopen.
Playtown at Ocean Plaza in Southport was among businesses across the UK which were ordered to close when the Covid outbreak struck in March. But as other businesses have gradually reopened over the last few weeks, they have been waiting expectantly for any news.
Last night they heard the unexpected announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson that play centres, bowling alleys and cinemas could welcome back customers from this Saturday – although Playtown isn’t ready to open quite that fast.
Owner Louie and Tanya Gaffney said: “So it’s true… we could open tomorrow and believe us when we say that us and the team are so overwhelmed and excited to see you all again!
“But that being said the risk assessment and guidelines we have to follow are substantial to say the least. For example the following changes :
* New booking system with time slots allocated.
* new risk assessments throughout
* removal of ball pit and individual / loose items.
* deep clean of the frame ( just been sanitised but you know we love a clean)
** PPE, signage, staff training the list is endless.
“But we want to ensure we are Covid secure for everyone’s safety and to do this will take a few days to implement.
“So we can’t give an open date as yet but we are aiming for next weekend.
“Thank you all so, so much and we honestly can’t believe how amazing you have all been. “Please keep an eye out for the latest updates.”
During the coronavirus lockdown, despite worries over their own business, owners Louie and Tanya Gaffney decided they needed to do something to help as many other people as they could.
As lockdown came and panic set in – not least with the toilet paper panic buying stampede – they initially sourced toilet rolls and hand sanitisers to help residents who had lost out. They then turned to those not able to leave their homes who were worried about being able to source food.
So along with volunteers, they reopened the kitchens at Playtown and began cooking hot meals for people in need in the town.
Four months later, on Saturday, July 11, saw their last delivery to the families they have been helping.
During that time they have provided over 4,000 freshly cooked meals, over 4,000 bags of crisps and over 8,000 chocolate bars or packs of biscuits.
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