‘Huge loss’ as iconic UK theme park confirms sudden closure after council battle
A theme park will close its doors for the final time on August 31 following a local council’s rejection of its planning application to relocate to a new farm
East Links Family Park in East Lothian, Scotland, will close its doors for the final time on August 31(Image: Google Maps)
Families have been left heartbroken after a beloved amusement park announced its impending closure following an unsuccessful bid to relocate with council approval. East Links Family Park in East Lothian, Scotland, will close its doors for the final time on August 31.
The Dunbar attraction disclosed that the lease on its existing location was ending after 25 years. Despite efforts to continue operating, the council turned down its planning application to move to a new farm site ten minutes away.
Its follow-up appeal was also turned down, reports the Express. Visitors have branded it a “huge loss” for the region east of Edinburgh.
One visitor posted: “I’m very sad to read this. We, like many others, have had many happy family times with you, when our kids were younger.”
The attraction drew families with its variety of activities, including animal enclosures, train rides, go-karts, trampolines and a bouncy castle.
East Links Family Park confirmed that the “wonderful team”, equipment and animals will all be transferred to their Clyde Valley Family Park in South Lanarkshire, south of Glasgow, which they launched in 2018.
The team said in a closure announcement on social media: “Thank you all for 25 years of fun and family memories, and we hope you will join us for the next chapter at Clyde Valley Family Park!”.
Following the revelation, the business was forced to disable its comments, explaining there were “far too many for us to read them all”.
A representative for the business said: “Thank you all for the wonderful outpouring of love and memories! It means so much to hear how much the park we created means to you all. Hope to see you all this summer and at Clyde Valley next year!”.
Several disheartened visitors shared their fond recollections with the team.
One individual said: “Huge loss for the area, great for young kids and adults alike, great memories on the bikes and feeding the animals.
“Loved the goats. Was hoping I would get to take my grandkids here one day in the future to recreate the memories.” Another added: “It’s a huge huge loss for East Lothian. All the best wishes.”
