THE chair of the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee has written to the chief executive of the company which owned Pontins’ holiday park in Prestatyn following its closure.
Dame Caroline Dinenage MP has penned a letter to Britannia Hotels CEO, Alex Langsam, stating that the abrupt shutting of Pontins’ parks in Prestatyn, Southport and Camber Sands has caused “significant distress”.
Neither Mr Langsam nor Britannia Hotels has commented publicly on the matter since Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park closed on November 30, 2023.
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Dame Dinenage’s letter reads: “As chair of the CMS Committee, I am writing to express concerns regarding the recent closures of the Southport, Prestatyn and Camber Sands Pontins holiday parks.
“Through our work on the tourism industry, the CMS Committee understands the vital role that holiday parks play in local communities, not just as employers, but by attracting visitors who in turn increase demand for local businesses.
“As such, the closures of these sites at such short notice have caused significant distress for staff and uncertainty for the local economies.
“Concerns have also been raised with me about your willingness to engage with MPs representing the constituencies affected.
“It is vital that business leaders, communities and elected representatives are able to work together constructively to find long-term solutions to safeguard our seaside towns.
“I would, therefore, be grateful for further information about what measures you are taking to minimise the disruption for staff, visitors and the local economies affected by these closures.
“I would also welcome an update on your engagement with MPs whose constituencies are affected by these closures, including confirmation that you are meeting directly with them.
“I would be grateful for a response by Thursday, February 1, to inform the committee’s consideration of our next steps on this matter.”
Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park opened in 1971, but staff told the Journal they were only informed of its closure when a post was shared on Pontins’ Facebook page.
They added that the reason they were given for the park’s closure was that it was due to make a financial loss in 2024.
In a separate statement, Dame Dinenage added: “The closure of the Pontins parks will be deeply unsettling for the communities concerned given the crucial contribution such venues make to the local economy and general health of our seaside towns.
“The disquiet felt among staff and local businesses will be exacerbated by the apparent lack of engagement and support from those in charge.”
James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, said last week that “discussions need to take place” regarding the site’s future, while Lucy Frazer MP, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport, has also written to Mr Langsam.
Dr Davies has previously written to a dozen successful holiday park operators to encourage them to look at acquiring the site.
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