Families are devastated after a much-loved amusement park confirmed its imminent closure following an unsuccessful relocation bid to the council. East Links Family Park in East Lothian, Scotland, will have its last day of trading on August 31.

The Dunbar park revealed that the lease on its current site was wrapping up after 25 years. Despite attempts to remain open, the council rejected its planning application to relocate to a new farm 10 minutes away. Its subsequent appeal was also rejected. Visitors have described it as a “huge loss” for the area east of Edinburgh.

One visitor wrote: “I’m very sad to read this. We, like many others, have had many happy family times with you, when our kids were younger.”

The park attracted families with its range of activities, including animal enclosures, train rides, go-karts, trampolines and a bouncy castle.

The East Links Family Park confirmed that the “wonderful team”, equipment and animals will all be relocated to their Clyde Valley Family Park in South Lanarkshire, south of Glasgow, which they opened in 2018.

The team said in a closure statement on social media: “Thank you all for 25 years of fun and family memories, and we hope you will join us for the next chapter at Clyde Valley Family Park!”

Following the announcement, the business was forced to shut its comments, saying there were “far too many for us to read them all”.

A spokesperson for the business added: “Thank you all for the wonderful outpouring of love and memories! It means so much to hear how much the park we created means to you all. Hope to see you all this summer and at Clyde Valley next year!”

Several disappointed visitors shared their memories with the team. One person wrote: “Huge loss for the area, great for young kids and adults alike, great memories on the bikes and feeding the animals. Loved the goats. Was hoping I would get to take my grandkids here one day in the future to recreate the memories.”

Another added: “It’s a huge huge loss for East Lothian. All the best wishes.”