30 November 2023 , 17:53
815
0
Pontins has announced it will be closing two of its popular seaside resorts with "immediate effect".
The Official Pontins Holiday's Facebook page released a statement today to let customers know they would be closing its Prestatyn and Camber Sands locations with "immediate effect".
The post read: "Important announcement. We regret to inform you that our parks in Prestatyn and Camber Sands will be closing with immediate effect. Customers whose bookings will be affected by these closures will be contacted by our team and refunded. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."
Pontins holiday camps were initially the brainchild of Fred Pontin, who opened his first Pontins in a former US army base in Weston-super-Mare in Somerset in 1946.
Over the years, the holiday camp magnate bought more camps, expanding his empire to 30 sites at its peak. Smaller and less expensive than Butlin's holiday camps, Pontins had Bluecoats to entertain guests as opposed to the Redcoats of its major rival. TV stars who learned their comedy trade as former Bluecoats include Bradley Walsh, Shane Richie, Bobby Davro and Lee Mack.
Popular Pontins resort visited by thousands annually to shut for next 3 years
The three remaining Pontins resorts are at Pakefield, Suffolk; Weston-super-Mare, Somerset; and Southport, Merseyside.
Pontins is owned by Britannia Hotels which was named the UK's worst hotel chain for the 11th consecutive year earlier this year. The company recorded record profits earlier this year but has yet again come bottom in the Which? rankings with a score of just 48%. It received a one-star rating for bedrooms, bathrooms and quality of the wi-fi.
The chain scored no higher than two stars in any of the remaining categories including cleanliness, reports the Liverpool Echo. Dozens of people took to the comments section to ask why the destinations would be closing and if it would be "forever".
One commenter said: "I had a feeling this was going to happen. Sad times." Another asked: "Is this temporary or for good?" A third added: "No explanation??"
An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]