THE owners of a long-standing Bradford play centre are disappointed their legacy will not be continuing after they failed to find a buyer.

In January, Lynne O'Neill and daughter Karen Jackson announced Funsters Children’s Play & Party Venue, on Harry Street in Dudley Hill, will shut at the end of this month after 17 years if a buyer cannot be found before then.

Sadly, this proved to be the case with the pair struggling to find someone willing to use the building for the same purpose.

Sunday is the last day for children to play at the centre before it closes its doors for good.

"It’s been heartbreaking that we haven’t been able to find a buyer," Lynne said.

"It's sad, but both Karen and I are resigned to the fact the timing is right. We have stuck to the date.

"It’s a shame that it does not continue in the community. 17 years is a long time for this type of business.

"There is a place for children soft play centre's but you have got to diversify which is what we knew we had to do.

"It's the time and effort you put into that. You are catering for the younger end with children at school most days.

"If we had set up now, I would be doing it a little bit differently because you would be looking to have a main core of income during the week.

"Our sales have been going up, even though we have been open very little. We have been making more money than we did prior to the pandemic."

The failure in finding a buyer has resulted in the business putting all their individual items up for sale to ensure the unit is cleared by the end of next week.

The variety of items includes role play, kitchen/catering, furniture, toys, toilet and miscellaneous.

Lynne added: "We have been selling individual items. We have not sold the main frames yet, which is the most disappointing thing.

"We have so much equipment from kitchen things to furniture to children’s toys. Hopefully, most of it will go next week.

"People can view the items to see if they are interested on three dates next week."

The dates are as follows: Tuesday, March 29 (10am-noon), Wednesday, March 30 (1-3pm) and Thursday, March 31 (5-7pm).

For more details on the items for sale, click here.