MAGICLAND in Cirencester closed its doors today due to rising costs, employment issues and lack of parking in town. 

The playcentre said that due to its financial situation, it had "no other option" but to shut the family business.

Andrew Baird, the director of Magicland Playcentre Ltd, said in a statement received by the Standard today: "Magicland Playcentre Ltd unfortunately will be closing with immediate effect.

"The family who have been operating the business since 2011, have been struggling with rising costs, employment issues and lack of parking provision for our customers.

"The family has been propping up the business financially for a couple of years and tried to do everything they could to keep the playcentre open and preserve the jobs of its workforce.

"Unfortunately that just became untenable and there was no other option for the company than to cease trading.

"The family would like to thank their staff for their hard work, and all of the families who have visited us over the past seven years.

"All customers who have paid deposits for birthday parties will be refunded this week."

The company is now being advised by business recovery and insolvency specialist Steve Elliott of Monahans in Swindon.

If you would like your deposit refunded, Steve can be contacted on 01793 818300

How do you feel about the closure of the playcentre? Let us know by emailing ann.yip@wiltsglosstandard.co.uk or calling 01285 627319