Rutland Water: Rumble Live Action Gaming apply to set up laser tag centre at reservoir

Laser tag, which is aimed at ages eight upwards, sees players wear sensors and use infrared-emitting light guns to tag their targets. All equipment is silent.

The company, based in Leesthorpe in Leicestershire, was founded by Billy and Jacquie Rumble and inspired by their sons.

Billy said they work closely with site owners Anglian Water and will close their Rutland Water centre from the end of October to the beginning of March in line with Natural England’s request not to disturb migratory birds.

“We live in harmony with nature which is important to us,” he said. “There are buzzards nesting within our centre at Grafham and we see muntjac deer there.”

Temporary wooden structures would be added as hiding places and barricades, made from reclaimed timber and wood.

Low-level branches posing a safety risk and trip hazards would be removed professionally.

“We have seen the health of the wood improve at Grafham Water,” he said. “It is the sort of work you would do in managing woodland anywhere.”

If approved, the centre would run daily from June to August, and opening would be mostly limited to weekends and school holidays for the other five months of opening. Customers would use existing car parks serving the beach, crazy golf, aqua park, and sailing club.

“We would be right in the middle of those so it fits well and creates another thing for families to do at Rutland Water,” Billy added.

“This is not a macho, lads-focused activity, this was always very much going to be a family thing.

“What’s really been wonderful at Grafham is seeing multiple generations playing together from the kids right up to grandparents.”

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