A popular amusement park will not re-open and will close for good, owners have announced.

The team from Leisure Island Fun Park, on Eastern Esplanade, Canvey, issued a statement last night announcing the news, thanking families and guests for their support over the years.

It's reported the closure is "by no means financial", but rather comes after the team "wanted to move in one direction and the council in another."

Their statement read: "We have had to come to the hard decision of not re-opening the park. As it stands the park will be closed for good. 

"We are all so disappointed but with circumstances out of our control this was the only decision we could make. 

"If there is any change we will let everyone know.

"We would like to thank all our visitors and guests over the years for their support and wish you all the best in the future."

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Owners added: "After our last post we have been contacted by so many people regarding fundraising and donations. Our problem is by no means financial.

"At this point we can only say we wanted to move in one direction and the council in another. 

"Thank you all for your support and kind words."