More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
The director of a roller rink has spoken of his sadness at 'pulling the plug' as the venue announced its sudden closure.
Yesterday it was confirmed on the Bizz website that Roller Bizz in the Medway City Estate, Strood, would close on Monday.
Children from across the Towns headed to the venue for the final roller disco which was held last night.
Yesterday also saw the final roller Princess and Superhero Party where children got to dance with their favourite fictional characters.
The final skate session will be on Sunday evening from 1-6pm.
Bizz Gym is also set to close, whereas soft play area Monkey Bizz will stay open.
Roy Lee is Bizz director alongside Paul Denby and Pauline Crossman.
Mr Lee said: "We opened Monkey Bizz 22 years ago and then the buildings either side became vacant so we opened Roller Bizz and Bizz Gym in 2014.
"But in the last five years there has been about six different gyms opening in Strood and across the whole of Medway.
"There are so many national brands, we can't keep up with their advertising.
"Plus there's only so many people who want to keep fit.
"At one point we had 800 members now we're down to 300.
"It was mostly the gym but the roller rink was not making enough money either."
Mr Lee says his favourite roller discos were the first and last ones as they were the most emotional.
The 70-year-old said: "Sometimes you need to know when to pull the plug.
"I have no regrets, it's been great fun."
Staff members took to social media to share pictures of the final roller disco, held last night.
Young skaters enjoyed games and danced to top tunes including Baby Shark.
Amanda Chapman of Albany Road, Gillingham used to take her daughter, Chloe Chapman, seven, to Roller Bizz.
She said: "We loved the late night discos and competing to win a free trip back.
"We won a couple of times.
"It was such a great place to go as you don’t find many roller skating rinks these days, as you did many years ago.
"It was great that we could take our kids and show them how we skated.
"We will miss this place."
Fans of soft play area Monkey Bizz need not worry as that is staying open.
Mr Lee said: "Monkey Bizz will celebrate its 22nd birthday this year.
"We'll be doing plenty of special events, including Pudsey Bear and a Christmas grotto with Father Christmas."
