Around 20 jobs are expected to have been saved in Weymouth after a bowling alley changed hands.

Disco Bowl, a Midlands-based nightclub and bar group, has announced the acquisition of nine bowling alleys, including the MFA Bowl Weymouth.

The deal was made with administrator Duff and Phelps after MFA Bowl UK fell into administration on Wednesday, February 13.

Phil Duffy, joint administrator of Duff and Phelps, said: “This is tremendous news for the staff and loyal customers of MFA Bowl (UK) Ltd and we are delighted to have saved some of the most iconic bowling alleys in the South East at Southend, as well as sites in the North West and North East.”

Managing Director of Disco Bowl, Pete Terry, said: “It’s no secret that we had been looking at the MFA Bowl UK estate before they fell into administration, but we felt that the problems of the previous company were too great to overcome”

“Our new company can operate with a clean sheet and looks forward to investing heavily in these nine sites once we have agreed long term deals with the landlords. I’m pleased to announce that all previous bookings will be honoured in full”

“We look forward to making Weymouth Bowl a fabulous family destination ready for the summer season and adding to the appeal of this popular facility.”

He told the Echo that he expects around 20 jobs to have been saved by the takeover.

He added that he will be looking to develop more activities on the nine sites in the future, including crazy golf and escape rooms.

He said: “What we want to do is broaden the appeal, people want so much more than just bowling these days.”

Craig Oakes, President of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, has commented on the takeover.

He said: “From a Chamber of Commerce official point of view this can only be viewed as fantastic thing. It’s a business like any other and is a pivotal part of the town and is very important to both the daytime and night-time economy here in Weymouth & Portland. The saving of jobs is of paramount importance.”

The nine sites acquired by Disco Bowl include:

• Nottingham Bowl

• Southend Fantasy Park & Bowl

• Chatham Bowl

• Lewisham Bowl

• Weymouth Bowl

• Nuneaton Bowl

• Scunthorpe Bowl

• Sunderland Bowl

• Worcester Bowl

Disco Bars operate six venues in the Midlands and Northincluding the award-winning KIKI Manchester and the Society, Bamboogy and Manhattans brands in Ashby de la Zouch, Leek, Uttoxeter, Bolton and Wigan.