Staff laid off from Flambards last month are back in their jobs – but for some it will only be a temporary return.

New owner of the Helston theme park, Ian Cunningham, has reinstated the work force and was on site last week getting to know the team.

However, a spokesperson confirmed to the Packet that staff have been told the number of positions will reduce by about 20 or 25, effectively halving the workforce.

This is likely to take place in the New Year, following a consultation process with the staff.

Last week the Packet revealed that, after months of speculation, the attraction had been sold for an undisclosed sum to Livingstone Leisure Ltd, which is run by the founder of Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquarium.

Mr Cunningham, who is also a former operations director of the Eden Project, near St Austell, said at the time of the sale: “Great leisure opportunities are hard to find and so we’re very excited to have been able to acquire such a fantastic park with so much opportunity.

“Our aim is to develop the park and museums and to invest in the good work of the past few years.”

Flambards has now been closed for the winter in order to fully refurbish the attractions and will be re-opened in time for Easter. However, the One2Eleven indoor play centre will remain open all year.