Pleasure Island Family Theme Park in Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, will close its doors permanently at the end of its current season after 23 years of operation.

Park owner Melanie Wood made the announcement yesterday, attributing the decision to a decline in visitor numbers meaning the park is not making enough money.

Originally a subsidiary of Flamingo Land, the park will close on 29 October, with the last event being held its annual fireworks display.

"For the past seven seasons we, as a team, have tried very hard indeed to keep the business going but unfortunately there have been too many hurdles,” said Wood in a statement.

"Despite heavy investment over the years the visitor numbers continue to fall and the good August weather this year sadly was not enough to sustain the business.

"In truth it has been a massive struggle from day one but I lived in the hope that with the support of such a loyal and dedicated team and some good weather we would get through.

"The park will remain open for the rest of the season, meaning there are just eight days of normal operation left plus, of course, our last firework event."

The park briefly closed in 2010 before reopening shortly afterwards with nearly all of its 200+ staff members rehired.

The future of the site is yet-to-be determined, but the local council has been informed of the decision. The attraction’s bar and restaurant will survive the closure, shutting down through the winter for renovations and improvements before being reopened in Q1.