PLAY PLANET Dunfermline is in a fight for survival after its date for re-opening was pushed back by the Scottish Government.

The soft play centre was all set to welcome back families this Monday before last week's devastating blow was announced.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed on Thursday that the tightening of lockdown rules would mean facilities such as Play Planet, would have to remain closed until October 5 at the earliest.

Lauren Baillie, general manager of the Queen Anne Street business, told the Press she was "absolutely devastated" when she heard the news.

"It was a blow we were not expecting," Lauren said.

She fears that unless funding is secured for the sector in the coming weeks, there is a risk that business could face closure.

Lauren continued: "We're struggling, mostly financially.

"By the time Nicola Sturgeon delivers the next review, the furlough will be at 60 per cent from the Government with ourselves having to make up the remaining 40 per cent.

"We employ nine members of staff so that's a lot of payments going out each month when we're stopped from bringing any money in.

"We've been closed for six months already so it's a lot to ask us to keep supporting, and retaining, our staff when there's no money coming in at all. It's becoming impossible.

"I'm sure there will be jobs at risk and centres at risk of closing.

"We are lumped in with nightclubs and theatres which have received ongoing or new grants and financial support because that seems to be the industry the Scottish Government cares about, and rightly so.

"But, because we're not a huge percentage of maybe the money or trade within Scotland, it feels like we're not worth that financial support. That's how it feels.

"That's devastating for us because we really do need that going forward.

"They can't expect us to stay closed without it and survive."

Lauren created an online petition via Change.org calling on the Scottish Government to reconsider the decision to change the indicative date for the re-opening of soft play centres.

The petition has been signed by more than 1,000 people following its creation on Thursday afternoon.

The Scottish Government announced last Thursday that September 14 would no longer be viable for the re-opening of indoor soft play centres.

The revised indicative date is now October 5 with appropriate guidance being followed; such as no ball pools and an increase in hygiene measures.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "I'm well aware that for people who work in the sectors affected by today's pause this is a very hard message to hear.

"I know how long you have waited to start up again or to resume more of your activities and I know, because I have seen this in so many sectors, how much work you have put into plans for safe re-opening and I know the impact of continued closure.

"I want to stress that this decision to delay the indicative date by three weeks has not been taken lightly but, right now, given the rising cases, it is the only responsible decision we can reach."