The owners of a long-standing soft play centre have promised to introduce changes based on customer feedback.
Rascals Party and Play Centre, based in Walton-le-Dale, has been welcoming families for almost two decades having been set up and run by Damian North and his family. This summer, it was sold to 24 Indoor and became the company’s first UK site to add to the more than 75 play centres it operates across the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland.
Seemingly in response to dissatisfaction among some customers, the new owners have issued a message promising to make changes. Among frequently raised issues are entry prices and cleanliness.
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Writing on Facebook, the owners said: “The Rascals team has been listening. Since the change of ownership in July, a lot has been happening behind the scenes. Some decisions were necessary to stabilise the business and keep it operating properly, but your feedback has been heard throughout, and it’s shaped what happens next.”
The first changes, which have already been introduced, include reductions in food prices, changes to kids’ meal deals, and the introduction of “pay for 7, get 10” play session passes
The owners said: “These aren’t cosmetic changes, they’re practical improvements based on what you’ve told us actually matters, putting money back in peoples pockets.
“We’re also keeping our off-peak entry price before 11.30am during term time, and our daily cooking club and arts-and-crafts sessions remain completely free. They’re staying exactly as they are because they’re part of the DNA of Rascals.
“Change isn’t easy. Taking on a business often means tightening things up first, strengthening the foundations, and then rebuilding value in the right places. That’s where we are now, and we’re doing it in a challenging climate. Food costs continue to rise, and from April, Rascals will face a 27 per cent jump in business rates, alongside other unavoidable pressures.
“Despite all of that, the aim is clear: keep Rascals affordable, welcoming, and sustainable for the long term. Thank you for your patience, your honesty, and for backing us as we steady the ship and move forward with purpose.”
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