RESIDENTS have expressed their shock and sadness on social media over the announced closure of Bromsgrove’s beloved children’s play centre Imagination Street.

Kevin Grubbs, co-owner of the soft play and party centre, posted the announcement on Facebook on Sunday, March 7, which has since been shared more than 170 times.

He said: “To all our friends & customers,

“It is with regret and sadness that we are announcing our intention to close Imagination Street, Bromsgrove. With the impending sale of the site to the Aldi retail group for redevelopment and the necessary investment required to keep the venue at the high standards we demand, we feel that there is no alternative.”

The Birmingham Road play centre opened its doors in July 2009, and has since launched a street youth club, a baby sensory room and an interactive football zone.

Co-owners Mr Grubbs and Matt Jinks plan to transfer as many Bromsgrove staff as possible to their branch on Astwood Lane in Redditch.

Mr Grubbs continued: “It has been an honour and a pleasure to have served Bromsgrove for seven years and to be involved with so many outstanding members of staff through this time. We have met so many special people, of which, many have become close friends to Matt and I.

"We hope that you can understand the reasons for this decision and we hope that we can see you all at Imagination Street Redditch in the near future.”

Imagination Street staff plan to create a memorabilia wall at the Bromsgrove branch and are encouraging residents to contribute any old photographs of special times they have spent at the facility.

One commenter on social media said: “I’m gutted. It’s the only place in Bromsgrove to take the little ones and chill for as long as you like. Not keen on the Redditch one and it is too far out of the way. Why on earth we need another Aldi, I don’t know. We need another soft play centre.”

Another commented: “I’m sure I speak for many in saying the staff really go above and beyond especially on the toddler mornings. So thank you all.”

Bromsgrove’s Imagination Street play centre will open for the final time on Sunday, April 10.