THE new owners of one of Prestatyn’s biggest holiday resorts is promising a jobs boom for local people.
Alex Langsam, of Cheshire-based Britannia Hotel Group, secured the future of Prestatyn Pontin’s site during a dramatic buyout of the holiday park group’s assets.
The future of Pontin’s and its five sites based in Prestatyn, Sussex, Somerset, Suffolk and Southport was plunged into doubt at the start of this year when it announced debts of £47m. The holiday company was placed in administration while a new buyer was sought.
Britannia Hotel Group, which has established a reputation of turning round the fortunes of hotels including The Grand, Llandudno, secured the deal at the close of last week.
Mr Langsam, who said he was committed to helping Pontin’s remain a national treasure, promised a new era for the iconic brand and wanted the local community to benefit from the upgrade with plans “getting underway without delay”.
“What I want to do is employ as many local people as possible,” said the businessman, who singled out urgent work to the holiday park’s cabins as a priority along with building and developing more activities for children.
“At present people are brought in to carry out any work. I want to employ local people. I like the idea of employing local people.
“It is probably the best of the sites and is in a great location.”
Mr Langsam, whose company’s move secures the future of the Pontin’s Prestatyn workforce currently totalling 150, said he was keen to employ more people by increasing visitor numbers during the winter months when it had only 40% occupancy - a figure he wants to increase to 90%.
“The more we fill the site the more people we can employ.”.
Mr Langsam also revealed plans to establish a connection between the site and residents of Prestatyn.
He said: “I want to open up the site a great deal more to local people.”
Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane said: “Pontin’s brings thousands of people into Denbighshire each year and does so much for the local economy. I'm delighted they're staying, Rule Britannia!”
Prestatyn councillor Anne Horobin added: “Job security for so many people in the area is a big relief.
“I have stayed at several Britannia Hotels and am pleased that such an operator with a well proven record has brought a bright future to the camp.”