AN inflatable theme park has become one of the most popular family entertainment centres in the north west following its post-lockdown reopening.

Inflata Nation, on Shaw Street in Runcorn, boasts an array of slides, ball pools, assault courses and a climbing wall for a fun-filled family day out.

Sean Plunkett had only run the 20,000sq ft attraction for four months before the business and the UK as a whole was hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

He said: “Nobody could have foreseen the pandemic and the effect it would have on the leisure industry.

“There were definitely times during lockdown where I wondered if we would make it out the other side.”

However, Inflata Nation has been overwhelmed by the community’s support since reopening in the spring.

It has introduced a number of Covid-related safety measures – including reducing opening hours, capping capacity at 70 people per hour, intensive hourly cleaning and a one-way system to minimise contact between guests.

Sean added: “We have been blown away by the support we’ve received and we’re truly grateful for it.

“It has been fantastic to finally be up and running and I’m enjoying it every bit as much as I thought I would.

“It’s my responsibility to be constantly reviewing safety measures to ensure everyone can continue to enjoy Inflata Nation.

“We take the safety of our guests and our team extremely seriously.”

The theme park runs classes and events every week, including Inflata Tots, where children under four have the main arena to themselves and accompanying adults bounce for free.

It also has disability-friendly sessions without music on Monday afternoons and Saturday mornings with a reduced capacity, as well as free juice and biscuits.

The centre has a number of exciting upcoming events, with Halloween and Christmas-themed plans set to entertain families.