Bounce centre to close after car park controversy

The inflatable park is due to close for good on 2 November

An indoor inflatable play centre in Derby is to close after managers said customers were reluctant to use a controversial car park.

The Copeland Street car park, run by Excel Parking in Siddals Road, came to prominence after its rule that drivers had to pay within five minutes of arriving was successfully challenged.

However Jumpin Fun, which is situated next to the car park, said the problems associated with it had "sadly impacted the site's trade and made it increasingly difficult to continue operating".

Excel Parking has been approached for comment.

The centre, which has been open for six years, said its final day of trading would be 2 November.

Rosey Hudson was sent charges totalling £1,906 by Excel Parking

Rosey Hudson was among numerous people facing legal action by Excel Parking due to its five-minute payment rule - which has seen drivers sent parking charge notices (PCNs) for not paying within that time.

But following publicity about the case - and an MP describing the PCNs as a "five-minute rip-off charge" - the claim against Miss Hudson was dropped in December 2024.

The BBC was then contacted by numerous other people who had been threatened with legal action for the same reason.

In August the car park operator paid more than £10,000 to charity after losing a second court case against a woman who appealed against a charge issued in Darlington.

And earlier this year, the Private Parking Scrutiny and Advice Panel announced a new code of practice to ensure "motorists who face genuine difficulties in paying in a short timeframe are treated fairly".

Jumpin Fun manager Nikola Slovakova said: "The car parking situation has massively impacted our trade and sales.

"It has put a massive strain on our business over the years. Unfortunately we can't withstand it any more.

"They [customers] associate the parking situation and fines with us and they are unlikely to return because they don't want to risk receiving another parking fine.

"We would love to stay in the community if the situation allowed, but at the moment there are no buildings [in Derby] that are suitable for what we do."

Jodie Ashbourne said she was sad the centre was closing

In a Facebook post announcing the closure, Jumpin Fun thanked "every single customer who has bounced, laughed, and celebrated with us over the years".

Jodie Ashbourne, who had brought her 10-year-old and eight-year-old to the venue, told the BBC: "It's a shock really, because I thought it was amazing.

"I've got two little boys, one with special needs and he's just had the best time ever really.

"This is the first time I've been, I thought it was really good. I was thinking of coming again."

Norman Blake, who takes his five-year-old daughter to the play centre, said: "It's a shame. She loves it here. If it's due to the parking it's a shame.

"She just likes the bouncing castle. Hopefully they can sort something out with the parking."

Helen Johnson, who takes her two children to the centre, added: "They'll be very upset because they really do love it here.

"There's not many places that suit a three-year-old and a nine-year-old so finding places to take them together is a bit tricky. They will be disappointed."