Concerned that Pontins are running their UK holiday parks into the ground, MPs representing areas where they are located have suggested that the company should consider selling the sites to a company that will invest in them.
Pontins provide half-board and self-catering holidays, featuring entertainment, at their holiday parks which are located in Prestatyn (Denbighshire), Southport (Merseyside), Camber (East Sussex), Pakefield (Suffolk) and Burnham on Sea and Weston Super-Mare (Somerset).
Founded in 1946 by Fred Pontin, they were once very popular with families wishing to holiday in the UK.
However, in recent years they have come under fire from both holiday makers staying at the parks and those living close to them, despite often the best efforts of local staff. Issues have varied from site to site but include anti-social behaviour, criminal activity, litter, dirty accommodation and more general environmental health concerns.
Recently, Dr James Davies MP arranged for five MPs representing the areas they are located to hold a meeting with the Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, Nigel Huddleston MP to discuss problems at the sites and possible solutions.
In a joint statement following the meeting, Dr James Davies MP (Prestatyn Sands, Prestatyn), Damien Moore MP (Southport) and Sally-Ann Hart MP (Camber Sands, East Sussex) said:
“We have all received a huge number of complaints about these sites, not only from visitors, but also the communities in which they are located. These complaints are compounded by stories of the poor treatment of staff.
“A great number of families have been forced to cut their holidays short because of the poor state of both the accommodation and facilities at these holiday parks, whilst those who live close to them are desperate for an end to the antisocial behaviour, criminal activity, litter and noise.
“A significant proportion of recorded crimes in Camber stems from the Pontins site, whilst the figure is estimated to be around a quarter in Prestatyn.
“These holiday parks were once an asset to the areas we represent, but are now increasingly a burden and are tarnishing the reputation of some of the best holiday resorts in the UK.
“There has been very little investment in these holiday parks for years and we are concerned that the owners are simply running them into the ground.
“We have all tried to engage with the owners to discuss the issues and a way forward, but to no avail.
“It is our view that if the owners are unable or unwilling to invest in the holiday parks to bring them up to an acceptable standard, and rectify all of the issues we have received complaints about, then they should consider selling them to a company which can and will.”
