Snappy's in Whitstable closed suddenly

A popular children’s play centre has been branded “disgraceful” after it shut without warning – leaving many parents out of pocket.

Snappy’s in Whitstable has closed its doors, with its owners reportedly failing to pay rent for the last three months.

Landlord George Wilson told My Kent Family he will be repossessing the building on the Joseph Wilson Industrial Estate today.

The closure has angered parents who have already paid deposits for birthday parties at the indoor centre.

Among them is Erika Yeatman, 30, who paid £80 up front for a joint bash for sons Harrison, three, and Teddy, who celebrates his first birthday next Wednesday – the day the party was due to be held.

“I think it’s disgraceful that we haven’t even had a courtesy call,” said the mum-of-five.

“Obviously I’ve lost the money, but I’m more angry that they’ve let my children down. They thought they were having a party at Snappy’s and now they’re not."

Mr Wilson, who owns a number of industrial estates in east Kent, says he was only alerted to the play centre’s closure yesterday.

“They never contacted us to let us know and they’re not returning my calls,” he said.

“They were three months behind with the rent, unable to pay and making excuses.

“I’m told they came up with a van and loaded up some things up like bouncy castles, all that sort of stuff.

“We’ll be repossessing the building today and changing the locks."

Mr Wilson says Snappy’s will not be reopening, nor a similar venture taking on the building.

“It’s 99.9% certain it will not be another children’s play centre,” he said. “We’ll restore it to its original use as a warehouse or business premises.”

Companies House lists the directors of Snappy’s as Neil and Nicola Birchall, of Whyteleafe in Surrey.

Mr Birchall, 43, gives his occupation as an insurance advisor, while Mrs Birchall, 37, is a bank manager.

Attempts have been made to contact them for comment.