Save Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone petition attracts thousands of signatures
Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for a popular family fun zone to remain at a Co Antrim country park after its lease was terminated by the council.
Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone has been operating in Carnfunnock Country Park since 2002 after it was taken over by Ian Lough who has since invested half a million pounds in order to turn it into the much-loved attraction that it is today.
However, last week Mid and East Antrim Borough Council told the Lough family that their lease for Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone will be terminated and that they have six months to leave the location.
Read more: Upset as family fun park has lease terminated by MEA Council after 22 years
Read more: Carnfunnock Country park improvement plans spark public concern
It has said that the decision has been made due to "health and safety implications" while redevelopment work takes place at Carnfunnock Country Park.
The move has caused a lot of upset in the local community and among visitors to the family fun zone, with many calling for the council to reconsider their actions.
A petition has now been launched by Cheryl Robinson calling for Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone to be saved, which has recevied over 3,500 signatures since it was launched on September 21.
It says: "We are a community deeply connected with the Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone. This shared connection stems from countless hours of joy and cherished memories tied to this place. My children, along with countless others in the Larne area, have spent many afternoons in the fun zone, building memories and a sense of community togetherness.
"The decision to shut down this cherished local attraction has taken us all by surprise, and the rationale remains unclear. Ensuring public spaces like the Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone remain open and accessible is not just a matter of upholding tradition, but also about promoting social cohesion and mental well-being, particularly for our younger generations and especially in an area which offers so few alternative options. The impact public parks and recreational spaces have on the overall well-being and social integration of a community is well documented (Haggart, B., "The Importance of Public Parks," Social Science Review, 2014).
"Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone attracts many visitors to not only the country park on our stunning coastline but also to our town. The subsequent loss of revenue and footfall to our already suffering community would be detrimental to say the least.
"We must stand together now to prevent this irreparable loss to our community. We implore our elected officials to reconsider this closure and take into account the voices and needs of the Larne residents. Save the Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone and join us in preserving this valuable space. Sign the petition and make your voice heard."
Speaking to Belfast Live on Friday, September 20, Christopher Lough said: ""When my dad took over Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone there was only a bouncy castle and a small miniature railway here and over the years he has invested half a million pounds of his own money into creating what we have here today.
"We have added new attractions here, improved security and installed CCTV and have 19 full and part time members of staff and have done our best for 22 years to make the fun zone somewhere that people come from all over Northern Ireland to enjoy.
"We have been discussing with the council over the past year about the development work that will be taking place in the Country Park and told them of our intention to stay open, all while knowing of the risks that we would be facing and the loss of certain facilities.
"To be told that our lease has been terminated and we have six months to leave the premises is a huge blow for us and everyone who enjoys Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone, and while we have been offered other locations we could use, it is very difficult to move a miniature railway and 18 hole mini golf course and the costs of moving would be close to a million in itself.
"To be honest this news feels like a death in our family and I know it has caused upset for many of our visitors too.
"We just hope that we are able to fight this decision and keep Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone open."
A Council spokesperson said: “Major construction works to dramatically redevelop Carnfunnock Country Park is planned to commence January 2025 and be completed by Summer 2026.
“The successful contractor will be responsible for the security of the construction site throughout the programme of works, however as Council has a legal obligation to consider all aspects of health and safety in and around the site, it was decided that the site should not remain open during the planned redevelopment.
“Pedestrian access will be available through appropriate areas of the park by way of an isolated path. The path has been purposefully redirected through a field to ensure walkers are safely away from the construction site.
“Council is available to liaise with the affected party to discuss further.”
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