A MOTHER and daughter, who run a popular children's play centre in Bradford, feel it’s the right time to call it a day after 17 years in business.

Funsters Children’s Play & Party Venue, on Harry Street in Dudley Hill, will shut at the end of March if a buyer cannot be found before then.

The Bradford business have said all parties will continue to run until that closure date.

Funsters was established by Lynne O'Neill and daughter Karen Jackson back in 2005.

At that time, both women had no experience when it came to running play centres. Lynne had been working at Bradford College while Karen was a veterinary nurse. So to go on for almost two decades is a remarkable achievement.

"We have always tried to offer a personal service," Lynne, 73, said.

"It has been a safe haven for people to come. We have made so many friends it's been more than a business, it has been more like a huge family. We have got some amazing customers.

"We have got the children who used to come in now coming in with their children. You recognise them and think time goes by so quick.

"It has been a hard decision, especially for Karen, because it was her baby. It has got lots of emotional involvement.

"Prior to Covid, we were going to sell because my 96-year-old mother had become sick. We carried on, but it has now got to the point where I am just run raged.

"When you start getting nice comments you start to wonder if you really want to, but it is just the right time.

"If we can sell it before the end of March then we will. It just needs someone with vision to come in with a new pair of eyes."

Lynne and Karen want to find a buyer who will carry on their legacy at a meeting on Friday, January 28 at 2pm, where they will provide information to anyone seriously interested in purchasing.

Upon hearing the news, our readers were sad to see the place close.

"My girls love Funsters," Joanne Skelton said. "The Christmas parties were especially amazing. I love how small it is so you can keep an eye on your children at all times plus the hot chocolate is amazing."

Kelly Hill added: "I used to go here all the time when my kids were younger. The staff were always lovely."