A POPULAR amusement park has announced it will close for good after 16 years on Canvey seafront.

Leisure Island Fun Park, in Eastern Esplanade, will keep its doors closed after the Government move to lift lockdown restrictions.

Despite being named as one of the top ten favourite places for island day trips and holiday breaks just two years ago, park owner Scott Petty has revealed that Covid-19 is not the reason for closure.

Instead, he claims the park does not fit into the council’s future plan for the seafront - although the council disputes this.

A statement on Facebook said: “We have had to come to the hard decision of not re-opening the park. As it stands the park will be closed for good.

“We are all so disappointed but with circumstances out of our control this was the only decision we could make. Any change we will let everyone know.”

Mr Petty added: “It’s been really hard to come this decision - I’ve been here every day for the last 16 years.

“Our problem is by no means financial or anything to do with Covid-19. We wanted to move in one direction and the council in another- we don’t fit into their plans for the seafront.

"I can confirm the council have never told us we cannot open. Our issue is the land next to us is going up for tender and is commercial, they’re looking at getting other companies to come in and use it.

"Although we’re safe where we are it won’t be sustainable to have multiple businesses along there doing the same thing.”

Mr Petty added a heartfelt thank you to the community that has supported him.

He said: "Thank you to all our visitors for your support over the years and our ward councillors who have been amazing."

A spokesman for Castle Point Council, said: “The council has received no formal notification that Mr Petty has decided to close the business or wishes to relinquish the lease of Leisure Island.

“The council has been extremely generous in supporting Mr Petty granting a 15 year lease, writing off rent and other debts as part of the negotiations on the lease to support and develop his business.

"He has received appropriate and professional advice regarding any business proposal that he has wished to put forward.

“He is due to submit his business plan later this year for the site and any other attraction proposed as part of the council’s programme to improve Canvey seafront."

Castle Point Council leader Councillor Norman Smith, added: "Castle Point Council is not preventing Mr Petty from reopening Leisure Island. Statements that we are stopping him opening are completely untrue. He can reopen at any time he wishes, subject to government advice concerning Covid -19.

"The improvement of Canvey sea front is a top priority for the council. I have held many meetings with Mr Petty along with cabinet members to discuss plans and ideas for the improvement of his business as part of the seafront regeneration. Mr Petty is part of the seafront working group involved in developing our plans for the seafront.

"To be clear it is Mr Petty’s decision to close Leisure Island.  The council will be pleased to offer advice and assistance to him to reopen the business. I look forward to receiving his business plan and ideas for the sea front."