BOSSES from the Funworld attraction today warned that plans for a new publicly-funded children’s adventure play area could force them out of business.

Owner Sharon Murdoch, who runs the hugely successful soft play venture in Greenock, blasted Inverclyde Leisure (IL) and the council for considering using taxpayers’ money to set up a venture which she says would be in direct competition to her Fort Matilda facility.

Inverclyde Leisure recently revealed plans for a soft play area at Ravenscraig Sports Centre as part of a major £1.2m revamp there.

But Sharon, pictured, believes there is only room for one such place in Inverclyde — and says Ravenscraig would have an unfair advantage because it would enjoy charitable trust status under the IL umbrella.

The businesswoman, who owns Funworld with her brother Douglas Brands, said: “I am very concerned about the future of our business.

“I thrive on competition and it is a good thing.

“But this is not a level playing field.” Funworld owner Sharon has held talks with Inverclyde Leisure to express her concerns about their plans for Ravenscraig.

She added: “Now that I have had a look at the plans it is clear they are in direct competition with us.

“We fully support their charity status in providing gyms, football parks and swimming pools for the health of people in the area.

“But we fail to see the logic in providing public money to enter into the commercial world and compete with an existing company.” Sharon says that, as a charitable trust, Inverclyde Leisure would not have to pay VAT and the new facility would qualify for reduced rates.

She added: “If this project goes ahead only one of us will survive as the town is not big enough to support both.” Since opening 10 years ago Funworld has had £1 million invested into it, and now employs 42 members of staff.

But bosses have had to shelve plans to spend a six figure sum installing a clip and climb wall — because Inverclyde Leisure plans to do the same at Ravenscraig.

Funworld are now planning to invest in a new high ropes obstacle course instead.

The popular centre gets thousands of visitors from outside Inverclyde every year and is a recognised tourist attraction.

Sharon said: “It has been tough since the recession but we have invested in our business — we are always looking at ways to build on what we have.

“People see us when we are busy but we have had to work really hard to make Funworld a success. It is a family business and we are hugely loyal to our staff who work here.” The Tele put the concerns of Funworld management about the Ravenscraig plans to Inverclyde Leisure, who mounted a staunch defence of them.

Their head of leisure, David McCorkindale, said: “We would like to confirm that the plans published in the Telegraph last week were for illustration purposes only.

“We would like to reassure readers that our main focus surrounding the refurbishment work at Ravenscraig will be large climbing activity walls and a large affordable state of the art fitness gym, with a small section of soft play.

“Inverclyde Leisure’s mission is to ‘get people active’ and encourage and engage as many children and adults to be as active as possible.

“The Ravenscraig development creates a new attraction for Inverclyde, creates jobs and keeps the facility sustainable for years to come.

“We believe this wonderful new facility will attract new users to Inverclyde.” Inverclyde Council today sought to reassure management at Funworld over the Ravenscraig revamp.

A spokesman said: “In February we committed £600,000 towards the cost of retaining Ravenscraig sports centre subject to a feasibility study on its future. “Inverclyde Leisure have come up with a proposal following lengthy community consultation designed to meet local needs, fill gaps in local leisure provision and attract visitors from further afield.

“Inverclyde Leisure has also met with the owners of a soft play facility to reassure them there will be no adverse effect on their business.

“A total of £1.2 million has been committed towards transforming Ravenscraig into a leisure facility Inverclyde can be proud of.”