A NUMBER of events which were scheduled to take place in 2024 at Pontins’ Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park have been affected as a result of the site’s closure last week.
The park, which opened in 1971 and has been owned by Britannia Hotels since 2011, closed effective immediately on November 30.
Among the events due to be held at the park next year were record label Tidy Trax’s "wet and wild weekender"; the Welsh Open, as organised by the Welsh Darts Organisation, and the annual evangelical Christian conference, Word Alive.
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Pontins explains why Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park has closed
Nigel Benyon, director of Word Alive, said communication with Pontins or Britannia since the site’s closure has proved difficult.
He said: “I've had some contact with Pontins events team - largely when they call me, as they had their incoming phone line not taking calls for some days.
“The events manager I spoke to didn't know why Prestatyn had been closed. I feel for the staff there, some of whom we know having had events there since 2012.
“The impact for us is that we have had to cancel our annual event for April 2024.”
Tidy Trax, which is based in Wakefield and was due to hold its “Tidyland 2024” event at the park next July, said it has had “discussions with Pontins” following the site shutting.
It said: “Discussions with Pontins are still ongoing as we carefully explore every available option for the event.
“Please be assured that we are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to find the best possible solution for all involved.
“Once again, thank you for your unwavering patience and trust in us. Together, we are confident that we will find a solution that lives up to our shared expectations.”
The Welsh Darts Organisation added: “We are looking into the situation and will have some news soon.
“As soon as we have an update regarding the Welsh Open and the inter-county championship, we will let you all know.
“Please bear with us as these things take time to resolve.”
Meanwhile, both the MP and MS for Vale of Clwyd, James and Gareth Davies respectively, have urged greater communication from Pontins and Britannia.
James Davies MP said: “I have attempted on numerous occasions in the past to engage with Britannia Hotels to discuss their Prestatyn Pontins site but these attempts have been met with silence.
“Following last week’s unexpected news, I did manage to make contact with the company via telephone and email, but only to be told that their public statement was the limit of what they were prepared to divulge.
“I have therefore written to the company formally, asking basic information as to why the site has closed, whether this is permanent, and what future plans for the site may be being considered.
“In my letter, I explained that such information would help quell some of the more unhelpful rumours that exist, provide clarity to their employees, and help me assist them in ensuring a positive future for the site.
“I have been able to obtain some useful information and reassurances from the county council and the Home Office.
“I have also written to a dozen well-regarded holiday park companies, encouraging them to explore the acquisition of the site.
“I have already passed on interest from one company to Britannia, who have acknowledged the enquiry.”
Gareth Davies MS added: “Myself and everyone I’ve spoke to seems to have had radio silence from Britannia regarding the sad closure of Pontins in Prestatyn.
“We need clear and firm answers from the company on why they have decided to close the site, leaving many staff redundant just before Christmas.
“I find it scandalous how a company who recorded £33.3million in pre-tax profits in 2022 and claimed millions of pounds in furlough money from the UK Government during COVID-19 can blame Pontins’ slim profit margins as a reason to close a site which they have failed to significantly invest in for many years and decades.
“The hypocrisy is unbelievable and shows the complete disrespect they have for their loyal staff members.
“I have raised this in the Senedd this week with economy minister, Vaughan Gething MS, expressing my concerns with the conduct of the company in handling the closure of the site.
“I hope the affected staff members can find good, alternative employment as soon as possible."
Elsewhere, Warren Ward, who managed the Prestatyn park from 1974 to 1980, told the Journal that he felt the site’s closure was a “great shame”, having been a part of it when it was in its heyday.
He said: “It is very sad that Pontins Prestatyn has now closed. Perhaps someone more enlightened will want to take over.
“I thought it was a great shame. I don’t know why they had to close, but there we are.
“When I was there, it was very, very busy all the time, and we put on lots of special events. It was a thriving place, with about 3,500 people there.
“I’d like to see it carry on as a holiday park.”
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