Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, has written to the parent company of Pontins holiday parks, following the closure of the camps in Southport, Prestatyn and Camber Sands.

The letter to Britannia Hotels chief executive Alex Langsam highlights concerns about the company’s willingness to engage with MPs and asks for information on the measures being taken to minimise the disruption to staff, visitors and the local economies affected by the closures.

Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the CMS Committee, said: “The closure of the Pontins holiday 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."

Letter ...

Dear Mr Langsam,

Closures of Pontins holiday parks

As Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport 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 Members of Parliament 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 1 February, to inform the Committee’s
consideration of our next steps on this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Dame Caroline Dinenage DBE MP

Chair, CMS Committee