Family amusement centre and sweet emporium in Rugby at risk of closure

The owners of Yum Yum World are calling for more people to support independent businesses or face losing them.

Simon Hawker is co-owner of the business, in High Street.

A notice on the shop says: “We will be closing from July 6 - 19 and open again on July 20 for the summer holidays.

“After that we have a difficult decision to make. From evidence and observations over the last decade it seems to me Rugby Borough Council is more interested in flats than shops and cafes in the town centre.

"It's a vicious circle; the less shops, cafes etc, the less reasons for people to come into town, resulting in more closures. If there is no appetite for a town centre, there's no point in being here.

“I love Rugby. Please make a special effort to support the shops and caes and show them they're not wasting their time."

Customer and former staff member Jessica Bryn said people need to take action to save the business which she describes as ‘a real hub of the community’.

She said: “Yum Yum World is at risk of closure and this is heartbreaking.

"It is a great place for children and the whole family can enjoy the roof top golf and laser tag.

"If they close, there will be nothing left in the centre and I can't bear to see another family business shut down."

Jessica remembers when it was a tiny sweet shop in the old Clock Towers.

"Simon, Neil and Katrina are the nicest owners who take time to know people on a personal level,” she said.

"I worked in the cafe from 2020-2022, and as a 16 year old, it gave me vital work experience that so many teens don't get now, so I think it’s great they are giving teens job opportunities and a way to make money in this cost of living crisis.

"It’s a real hub of the community. We need to protect it and urge people to join in and save it

“Let's all do our bit to try and one of the few remaining independent businesses in the town.”

Hundreds of people signed a petition in support of Yum Yum World in 2018 after the owners nearly shut up shop due to high business rates.

We have contacted Rugby Borough Council for a comment.

Find out more about Yum Yum World at https://yumyumworld.co.uk/