A POPULAR play space for children in Odiham is being forced to close because other businesses have complained the youngsters make a “constant barrage of thumping, crashing and running”.

Hundreds of people have taken to social media in support of Little Play Town, in Fountains Mall, after the owners announced this week it will be closing, having just celebrated its first anniversary.

Husband and wife team Virna and Clinton Browne said they are “heartbroken" to lose their business, resulting in 10 job losses.

They have been involved in a dispute with businesses underneath the premises, after becoming aware of foundation issues with the building which results in noise problems and were issued with a noise abatement notice by Hart District Council earlier this year.

Virna, a mother-of-two, said the stress had resulted in her being taken to hospital by ambulance with chest pains.

She added: “In the end, my husband tells me that my health is more important than the business which I love so much.”

The Brownes said they have made various attempts to rectify the noise problem, but without success, and an application to install steel plates and pavement slabs in the building to make the foundation stronger was rejected.

A final solution would be to put in a suspended ceiling in the gift store below, but Virna and Clinton claim the owner has refused permission.

“We will be closed down and lose all our savings of £85k which will have a terrible impact upon our family,” said Virna.

She said launching Little Play Town, which offers children the chance to dress up and role play in a creative space, was a “dream come true”, adding: “We are good, kind and honest people, and we have been trying very hard to fix this problem, but we can only do so much…my kids want their mummy back, as all they see is me crying every day.”

She has no idea how much longer the venue will be open and said: “My heart is broken. I love Little Play Town and I’m struggling to come to terms with this, but it’s been taken out of my hands.”

A statement from Katherine Jane Gift Shop and Fountains Coffee Shop, said Little Play Town has resulted in their customers leaving because of the noise.

It added: “We do not hear children happily playing but experience a constant barrage of thumping, crashing and running producing a significant noise and vibration impact to our business below.”

The shop and café have been in Odiham High Street for many years, and the statement said they provide “an important social hub for the local area. We have always welcomed children and those with disabilities, and actively support the community and local charities”.

It added: “We are truly sorry about this situation, but we did not cause it and in hindsight the listed building is totally unsuitable for this type of activity. We are also both very upset about how we have been portrayed on social media and elsewhere.”

Nick Steevens, head of regulatory services at Hart District Council, said it was first made aware of the noise issues in November 2017, and site investigations began in January this year, which concluded that noise nuisance was occurring, and the abatement notice was issued.

He said the council had been working the business owners to find a solution but said listed building consent was refused “due to the lack of detail provided to demonstrate how the proposal will impact on the structure of the building and will not result in harm to the character of the building”.

He added: “Throughout this case the council has worked proactively with both parties to try and find a resolution and give reasonable time to address the issue. Supporting local businesses is a key priority for the council and we will continue to support all businesses involved, where appropriate to do so.”

Jon Hale, chairman of Odiham Parish Council, said he was “devastated” to hear of the closure of Little Play Town, adding: “Outside of my own children enjoying the facility, I am aware it was liked by a huge number of parents and children and I have no doubt it brought much valued footfall to our high street.

“However, I am also aware of the impact to the businesses below and sympathetic to their issues too.”

He said the parish council had raised no objections to any of Little Play Town’s applications, adding: “It is very disappointing to hear that a resolution could not be found.”