A COUPLE that have provided soft play for children’s parties for almost nine years are “heartbroken” after vandals wrecked their business.

It comes after owners Simon and Iwona Beckingham, who drive the Funky Playbus across Hampshire, were forced to close in March when the coronavirus pandemic hit.

But although the couple, both 40, kept doors closed, chances of reopening have been paused after they discovered vandals had broken in and destroyed the play areas.

The break-in took place between Saturday and Monday, where two buses are kept at Arlington Fleet Services, Eastleigh.

Simon and Iwona discovered the damaged soft play equipment, ripped netting, graffiti and broken doors on Monday.

The pair said they are “sickened” at those who targeted the family business.

Simon said: “Soft play and play buses are still waiting to be allowed to start work again.

“So imagine turning up to discover both buses had been broken into and vandalised both inside and out. Iwona and I are completely devastated and heartbroken.

“I am physically broken and sickened by the people that have done this to my family.”

He said security were called after being told of four adults at the site, but that the alleged vandals had already left.

He also said the bus insurance expired in March, so Simon’s sister Sarah Guppy launched a fundraiser to help the couple pay for damages.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: “We received a report at 12.45am on 4 August, of a burglary to two play-buses parked at Campbell Road, Eastleigh. Between 5pm on 1 August and 8.30am on 3 August entry was forced to both buses, one Volvo and one Leyland, and property had been spread on the ground outside both buses.

“Damage was caused to the play equipment inside, and to the exterior of both buses, and a photo printing system and children’s prizes had been stolen. Anyone with information is asked to phone 101 with the reference 44200292646.”

To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/fix-the-funky-playbuses-both-buses-vandalised.