THE new owners of a bowling alley are calling on members of the public to use it or lose it.

Disco Bowl has taken over the MFA Fantasy Park, at The Kursaal in Southend but said they are struggling to get the customers back in after MFA Bowl collapsed into administration.

They claim they are fighting a battle for a better reputation.

Combining this with business rates and a lack of trade could mean the temporary takeover is not made permanent.

Pete Terry, managing director of Disco Bowl said: “We were so happy to get the site back open and re-employ all the staff who had been made redundant.

“But we have found a lot of residents who think we are still closed, and trade has been halved.

“This site has the largest rates bill I have ever seen, costing more than £3,000 a week for just the bowling alley let alone the rest of it.

“We really want to fight for this historic building and the staff who have worked so hard and already been put through the anguish of an administration process.”

Perry Mountford, complex director, said it really is a case of use it or lose it.

He said: “I have been working tirelessly to get the word out, but due to the large amount of shock and disbelief when the administrators closed, people are confused.

“The message is loud and clear – we are open for business and we hope the people of Southend will support the town’s only bowling facility.

“We have function rooms, laser tag, a cafe bar, arcade, VIP bowling area, soft play and free parking.”

The venue closed suddenly in February and consultancy firm Duff and Phelps was drafted in to deal with the business.

It then closed after claims a mouse was seen in the soft play area.

Since then a deep clean has taken place and the facility improved.

It is hoped the public will take a look for themselves and help the firm thrive.