'No half measures on half-term fun for Atherstone schoolchildren despite flooding misery at Drayton Manor'

Thousands of Atherstone and district schoolchildren have been offered a holiday "rescue package" after being left high and dry when one of their favourite attractions was forced to close due to severe flooding.

North Warwickshire Borough Council says there's still plenty of fun to be had in and around the town despite the news Drayton Manor will not be open during half term.

The theme park – just a 15 minute ride down the Watling Street – bore the brunt of Storm Dennis over the weekend and the main lake burst its lakes.

Hopes of reopening on Thursday were dashed today as the UK's fifth most popular theme park, which last year celebrated 70 years in business, announced it would not reopen its gates to the public until Saturday February 29.

Park managing director William Bryan, a third generation of family since George and Vera Bryan started the venture in 1949, said: "The safety of our guests and staff is our utmost priority, and we are doing everything we can to ensure the site is safe and secure for visitors to enjoy from next week."

So what's on offer.

Atherstone Lesiure Complex has fun play sessions with rafts and floats on Thursday from 12.15pm to 2.30pm, Friday from 2pm to 3.30pm, and Saturday lunchtime from 1pm to 2pm.

There's an extra special playtimes session for children aged seven and below this Thursday from 10am to 11.30am with inflatables, soft play, toys and music plus a drink and biscuits afterwards.

Also, Polesworth Sports Centre has a supervised 'challenge' day tomorrow from 10am to 11.30am as well as Footy 4 A Fiver from 9am to 4pm each day of the half-term holiday.

A spokeswoman for North Warwickshire Borough Council told Nub News: "We are sorry to hear Drayton Manor has had to close due to the flooding and wish them a speedy recovery.

"But why not bring the kids along to Atherstone Leisure Complex this half term?"

So parents, to get those "fed-up" half-termers off your case, call 01827 719321 right away . . .