A FAMILY-run play centre is looking forward to opening its doors today as restrictions are eased in the next stage of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

Wiggles Play Space and Coffee Shop, in Idle, opened last September and managed five weeks of trade before the country was plunged into lockdown and tier restrictions.

But, there’s now hope on the horizon for Katie Mathers and her mum Kim Rands as they open things back up to create a hub in the heart of the village.

Katie, 36, said: “It has been a bit overwhelming, but we’ve got through.

“It’s given us time to put our own mark on it, we were just going to take the business over and run it how it was, but we’ve changed quite a lot, decorated, we’ve put new things in.

“It has given us the time to do extra things we wanted to do.”

Katie highlighted the importance of spaces like “little haven” Wiggles for mums and what they, and their babies, have missed out on during the pandemic.

She said: “I don’t think the Government has realised how much of a support it is for new mums, not just new mums, mums in general.”

Katie described it as a “lifeline”.

Wiggles includes a sensory room, two rooms with various toys and activities, plus a garden with a mud kitchen, water and sand play areas and a climbing fort.

And while little ones can play and interact – something which has been made difficult during lockdown – adults can enjoy a coffee and treat from the coffee shop.

When the indoors opens again, there will be a limit on capacity and measures in place to ensure safety, including enhanced cleaning and NHS Test and Trace.

People can book a space through the online booking system by visiting www.facebook.com/Wigglesplay