A POPULAR theme park boss is reminding residents his venue is open following the news a host of businesses will close on Canvey’s seafront.

Last week the Echo revealed how the owners of Monico Leisure, Derek and Suzanne Gray, are set to leave the island, closing their businesses and putting them on the market.

One of those businesses is theme park Fantasy Island.

And after being contacted by a few concerned customers, the owner of nearby Leisure Island, Scott Petty, on Eastern Esplanade took to Facebook to remind customers his theme park would be staying open.

The Facebook post read: “After the news regarding Monico Leisure there seems to be some confusion over the two parks on the seafront.

“Monico Leisure owns Fantasy island.

“Leisure Island is run by another company.

“We have been contacted today about our closure.

“We can reassure everyone Leisure island is not closing.

“We hope this clears up any confusion people may have.”

Speaking to the Echo, Mr Petty insisted Leisure Island will be staying on Canvey for a number of years to come, as well as praising the Grays for everything they have done on the island, which in turn has supported Mr Petty and Leisure Island.

Mr Petty added: “We have no plans to go anywhere.

“Some people have been a little bit confused, but I think most our customers know us well enough. I just thought I’d put the post up to let people know.

“Of course I was disappointed to hear the news.

“They have been on the island for a long time, and were first to bring leisure and entertainment to the seafront.

“It is sad to see them go. Their success has always helped us too, anything bringing people to the island has a positive effect for us all.”

Derek and Suzanne Gray own a number of businesses on the seafront, including Sugar Rays dessert parlour, Fantasy Island on Eastern Esplanade, which neighbours both Estuary Lounge and Estuary Views, as well as Cheeky Monkey’s soft play centre.

The first to go, and already placed on the market, is Jimmy Mac’s All American Dinner, also on Eastern Esplanade.