A travelling inflatable theme park will not be returning to Swindon this summer after being blighted by anti-social behaviour in 2023.

In recent years local children have been able to enjoy the thrills of Inflatable Theme Park UK when it took up residence at Greenbridge Rec for a number of weekends.

But after coming to Swindon last year Angus Pedrick, who runs the company, has announced via social media that the inflatable theme park will not be returning to the town. He cited the alleged anti-social behaviour and criminal damage he experienced during last year's stint. 

In a post on the Swindon Community Notice Board, Mr Pedrick said: "For those of you who have seen our previous post we are NOT returning to Swindon this year after attending many years due to vandalism and anti-social behaviour last year, we will however still be visiting Bristol if any of our loyal fans want to come and visit us here."

This news has served as a blow to families in the area, with many saying that their children always looked forward to the travelling park coming to town. 

But those who may still wish to catch it when it visits the region are encouraged to visit Gatcombe Farm Shop on West Road, Long Ashton, near Bristol. 

It will be there on May 11 and 12, 18 and 19, May 25 to June 2 and June 8 and 9. 

The post that Mr Pedrick was referring to in his announcement of a Swindon boycott was one he made in June last year, appealing for witnesses or help to identify a group of young boys who had caused extensive damage. 

He said: "Does anyone recognise these youths?

"They are responsible for causing several thousand pounds worth of criminal damage in Greenbridge last night.

"They also tried bottling two people.

"Police would like to know their names. If anyone knows the names or who their parents are please let me or the police know!"

In a further post, he added that the alleged damage was caused to one of the inflatable owners' motorhomes and that the two people allegedly violently threatened with a bottle were members of staff.

He also said that the youths were 'extremely drunk and on electric bikes'

The post was widely shared on social media.