STAFF at two Maldon children's play centres have denied spreading malicious rumours about their rivals.
Lisa Noble, owner of Monkey Puzzle play centre, says she is fed up with unfounded rumours that the venue is to become an all-you-can-eat Indian restaurant.
The play centre, which caters for children from toddlers up to 12-year-olds, has pointed the finger at neighbouring competitor Dizzy Rascals, which recently began offering similar services.
But Paul Wheeler, owner of the new Wycke Hill centre, denies the allegations and has claimed instead that staff at the Monkey Puzzle Play centre have been making comments about him and his business.
"I'm all for a little healthy competition but you shouldn't go around starting false rumours like this," said Ms Noble.
"We've had so many people coming in and saying how sad they are that we're closing, but it just isn't true.
"Apparently we're turning into an all-you-can-eat Indian buffet – it's just completely made up."
The false closure rumours have led to some customers cancelling parties.
"We believe it's them because we've sent staff members around and they've tried to tell them the same thing," added Lisa.
"We've had people asking us if it's safe to make bookings for children's parties and we just want to let everyone know that we're here to stay."
But bosses at the rival centre, which opened just 10 weeks ago, have denied responsibility.
"I've heard the same rumours but it's not coming from me, I have no idea where it started," said Mr Wheeler.
"You'd think with the amount of primary schools in Maldon there would be more than enough children to go around.
"I've heard members of their staff have been around to check me out, and I've heard they've been saying things about me too.
"It's all just competition."
Both centres deny creating rumours about the other, but are yet to meet to discuss the issue.
"We have not said a word about him, we have nothing to say," Ms Noble added.
"Maybe he feels we are a bigger threat to him than the other way around."
