Prestatyn’s new MP writes to owners of town's closed Pontins park

Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park, owned by Britannia Hotels Ltd, closed effective immediately on November 30, 2023, having been open since 1971

Mrs Gittins, whose constituency includes Prestatyn, said resolving the future of the site is one of her biggest priorities as MP, and has also spoken to “one of the parties interested in occupying the site”.

As yet, she said, Britannia Hotels has not responded to her request for a meeting with representatives of the company.

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She said: “I’ve written to Britannia Hotels, and I’m going to keep knocking on that door. I’m hoping we can use the changeover (of government) as a bit of momentum, and all pull in the same direction.

“I’ve also spoken to Denbighshire County Council’s leader (Cllr Jason McLellan) about it, and one of the parties interested in occupying the site.

“I think it’s absolutely crucial to make sure interested stakeholders know that we’re all bought in to them coming in to utilise the site and make it successful.

“What worries me is that I know there are other Pontins sites in the UK that have just been left, and that’s what we desperately need to avoid.”

Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park (Image: Newsquest)

Britannia Hotels has not spoken publicly about Prestatyn Sands since the park closed, despite multiple requests for comment from various other MPs and from the Journal.

While Mrs Gittins acknowledged she may not receive a response from the company, either, she added she is “looking at other routes to escalate” the matter.

She also stressed that any claims that the park is currently being used to house asylum seekers are incorrect.

Mrs Gittins added: “The week that the announcement came out (about Prestatyn Sands closing), I spoke to three different High Street businesses, and they were so concerned. They’re able to operate because their summer periods are so busy.

“I used to do dance competitions at Pontins. I know so many other people who have stories like that.

“People living immediately next to Pontins told me they really loved living next to it, not only because they could go and see live music on their doorstep, but also because of issues with things like waste since the site became vacant.

“From the conversations I’ve had, I think people want it to still be a holiday park, and to remain as a really important part of Prestatyn as a resort.”

Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park (Image: Newsquest)

Mrs Gittins, 29, who won Clwyd East by a margin of more than 4,000 votes, said she is in the process of setting up her office in the constituency, and plans to hold surgeries twice a month.

Raised in Bagillt and now living in Pentre Halkyn, she has been involved in politics since the age of 24, when she was elected a city councillor in Coventry.

Mrs Gittins added: “For me, the drive to get into politics was from a belief that things can be better. I didn’t see many voices like mine - a working-class woman from North Wales - in politics.

“I want to make sure I’m getting involved in lots of discussions about farming, trade, Great British Energy, green jobs on the North Wales coast, rail, crime and antisocial behaviour, and policing.

“I’m also going to make sure I’m not just someone who knocks on doors at general election time.

“I’d been knocking on doors for 14 months before the election, and I’m going to actively be doing that (again) from the autumn.”