The owner of a soft play centre in Swindon that considered closing has issued an update to customers.

Karen Morris feared for the future of Toddler Town after seeing a sharp drop in stay-and-play session bookings post-pandemic and having to deal with flooding damage from a neighbouring unit in the Cheney Manor base that ruined furniture and play equipment.

She described her situation as like being at a crossroads, as solely hosting birthday parties would not be able to sustain the business and other suitable premises were hard to find.

After announcing in January that she would stay open for two months before deciding its future, she said there was an outpouring of supportive messages which has secured the short-term success of Toddler Town.

Karen said: “A huge thank you to everyone who has booked a stay-and-play session or party.

“It’s so lovely to see Toddler Town being embraced again and I’m so grateful for your support, kind words, and all the lovely messages so many of you have sent.

“We are definitely going to be open until the end of April and then, depending on how the situation is with the landlords, we’ll decide the best way forward.

“Life started to throw some curveballs at us on a personal level and I haven’t known if I’ve been coming or going, but hopefully things seem to be settling down a bit now, so my focus is back on the business.

“My patience with it all is starting to wear very thin. Roll on the day when we can find new premises!

“Remember, I’m always on the lookout, so if you ever hear or see anything that looks suitable, please let me know.

“Party bookings have dropped slightly but I completely understand why.

“The uncertainty is undoubtedly putting a few of you off but, as I say, we’ll still be there through to the end of April for definite so please consider us for your toddler parties.

“Without your bookings, we can’t survive.”

Karen and her family opened Swindon Party Warehouse in Cheney Manor 10 years ago, then set up Toddler Town in the unit opposite shortly afterwards.

The Party Warehouse side of the business is not at risk of closure.