Holidaymakers from England visiting Lyons Winkups in Towyn share their thoughts on the continuation of restrictions in Wales

Lyons Winkups in Towyn, part of Lyons Holiday Parks, was alive with guests from all over the UK who voiced mixed reviews about the contrasting regulations in Wales and the ‘new normal’ in England.

On Monday July 19, prime minister Boris Johnson scrapped all Coronavirus measures in England which included the wearing of face masks indoors, social distancing guidelines, and the rule of six.

Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford, however, is taking a more cautious approach. From August 7, face coverings will remain a legal requirement indoors, with the exception of hospitality premises

Jason Davies, park manager, who works at the Lyons Winkups right opposite Tir Prince Fun Fair, said the biggest battle has been reminding people of the current restrictions in Wales.

Jason Davies, Park Manager Lyons Winkups

He said: “The majority of our guests and owners come from the likes of Manchester and Liverpool, where the rules were lifted earlier this week. In their minds, all the restrictions are gone – but when they hop on the train to Wales, it’s a different story, and it’s left many people confused and agitated.

“In Wales, it is still a legal requirement to wear face coverings indoors, maintain social distancing rules, and comply with additional measures such as one-way systems and sanitising hands before entering public areas.

“We are of course reminding guests that these are the requirements if they wish to dine in our bars, use our arcades, or cool off in the swimming pool. But unfortunately, this hasn’t been met with a great reception as many people thought we were past those things.”

Holidaymakers from England who were staying at the popular resort have given their opinions on the current measures.

Kerry Manifold

Kerry Manifold, of Prenton: “We knew about the restrictions before coming here, and we knew Wales were a bit behind. I think Wales should be where England are, because the fact you can jump on a train and get here without barriers or being stopped just doesn’t make sense. We’ve been able to come here with no travel restrictions, but there are restrictions as soon as you arrive on-park.”

Michael and Laura Johnson

Michael Johnson, from Liverpool, said: “It felt so normal at home on Monday to take our masks off once and for all, like going back to normal and then when you come here you have to start wearing them again. To be honest, judging by the size of the park and the pool area, I think it’s quite good that Wales are lagging behind because it makes you feel safer."

Craig and Wayne Malpas

Craig Malpas, of the Midlands, said: “I think it’s good that Wales has more restrictions in place still, simply because there’s so many people around. It feels safer to wear a mask and it hasn’t really impacted our holiday. It means the kids are safe too. We should have been in Turkey right now but we decided to buy a caravan here – so that’s a lot safer!”

Lee Jones, of Manchester, said: “In Manchester at the moment, no one bothers wearing face masks and social distancing anymore. They expect us to wear facemasks playing a whole game of pool indoors in weather like this. It’s quite unhygienic I think because masks carry bacteria, then you put them in your pocket, carry them around everywhere.”

Steven Ridgeway

Steven Ridgeway, who had travelled from Stockport, said: “I knew the restrictions in Wales were still in place, and the thing I was worried about before coming here was more with the kids, sitting down, and it has taken us so much longer to do everything because you have to sign in. I think Wales should bite the bullet really and lift everything.”

Ann Godfrey

And Ann Godfrey, Lancashire, commented: “It’s annoying having to sign in everywhere. The arcades have a card system now that you have to load up, instead of the old-fashioned pennies and slots which the kids loved. It does take the fun away, but I suppose that’s the way it’s got to be.”

Beth Hughes, Lyons Holiday Parks PR Executive, said that while the lingering restrictions may confuse or agitate some holidaymakers, the guidelines are in place as a precautionary measure to reduce risk.

She added: “Everyone in the tourism industry is hoping for the same thing: a long, successful and vibrant summer where everyone from team, to owners, to guests, is as safe as possible.

“The situation is what it is, and at the moment, we’re grateful that so many people can come back to this beautiful area and revive the tourism industry after such a difficult year. All we can do is work in tandem with government guidelines, and implement the correct procedures to ensure Towyn and the North Wales coast stays alive and kicking.”

Lyons Holiday Parks, based in Rhyl, who own sites in Towyn, Kinmel Bay, Prestatyn, Gronant, St Asaph, Ruthin, Gwespyr, Dwygyfylchi and Cumbria, spoke earlier in July about their fears when it comes to prolonging the roadmap out of lockdown in Wales.

Joseph Lyons Mound, company director, said: “Everyone is ready to move forward after the year we’ve had, and we’re all desperate to get back to the things we love, without having to wear face masks, social distance, and limit the number of people at gatherings. The differences between the regulations in Wales and England in terms of wedding venues last month was one thing, but now we’re talking about business across the board, as a group we’re failing to understand why the First Minister is dragging his feet.”