Pontins fans 'gutted' by latest closure but some call it a 'concentration camp'
Former Pontins visitors and staff have had mixed reactions to the news a third site has closed in recent weeks.
The firm’s Southport site in Merseyside announced on Wednesday it has permanently closed. It came after its parks in Prestatyn, North Wales and Camber Sands in Sussex were also shut without warning overnight last November. Customers with future bookings were assured they will be refunded as the firm apologised for the inconvenience.
Several people shared their shock at the sudden decision to close the popular park on social media, with some describing it as a shame - while others were less kind. One person wrote: “Dear Pontins, as [a] former bluecoat entertainer 1999 at Ainsdale, Southport, I'm totally gutted the site has closed with immediate effect. This site gave me my big break to become the entertainer today so I just want to say thanks for the memories.”
Another added: “I was five years old when my parents took me to Pontins Southport and from that week, I only ever wanted to be a Bluecoat. I did 4 seasons at Southport and they were the best years of my life. I am sad to hear Pontins Southport is no more as of today.”
Some were less surprised than others at Southport’s sudden closure, with one describing it as a “sick animal”. They added: “A shame Pontins Southport has closed but in all honesty, it's like an animal that has been sick for sometime being put out of its misery. It was on its last legs when I went five years ago and seems like nothing was done to fix it. A shame for the area and the staff.”
Popular Pontins resort visited by thousands annually to shut for next 3 years
Another added: “Went 20 years ago bad like a concentration camp. Dump, run down, filthy, dirty. Should have been closed years ago. Nice if a well established holiday chain re-invested redeveloped Pontins whole. Tbh Southport is run down, not much there now.”
People described precious memories of their time at Southport, while others were less kind (Liverpool Echo)Another added: "RIP Pontins Ainsdale, you were a s***hole, but ah, so many brilliant memories." The latest sudden closure means Pontins now has just three parks left - Pakefield in Suffolk and at Brean and Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.
Southport MP Damien Moore said: “Whilst the closure of Pontins is clearly concerning for the staff who I’m sure will be shocked, it provides a fantastic opportunity for a high-quality holiday accommodation provider to take over the site. Given its excellent location next to Ainsdale Beach, and with suitable investment, it could offer a substantial economic boost to Ainsdale and the wider Southport area.”
Several firms were also affected by the sudden closure. Rave Kidz was due to hold an event at the site in February and told the Metro.co.uk it was informed Southport was closing by email, sparking an "absolute nightmare". Manger as Amy, said the firm was hit by more than 1,000 concerned messages in the wake of the decision - although it has found a new site.
She said: "We received an email this afternoon notifying us that as from today they would be closing and they wouldn’t be able to hold our event in February. It was a bit of a shocker and it’s been an absolute nightmare in the new year letting all our DJs and families know what is going on.
"We’ve been bombarded with over a thousand emails and messages. Thankfully we’ve been able to move our event elsewhere within the Britannia group so all our families will be ok, so there is light at the end of the tunnel for us."
Several staff took to Indeed to share their own experiences of working for Pontins in the past. One praised their workmates but were less positive about the firm itself.
They added: "Expect you to have no social life outside of the job. Have no flexibility. Accommodation is awful. Treat you like your (sic) nothing. Don't listen to any concerns or issues you have. Most enjoyable part of the job is the guests and the very few other members of other departments."
The sprawling site at Southport (Liverpool Echo)It was reported staff claimed on social media they had found out they had lost their jobs by text message just hours before the announcement on social media. A statement on Pontins’ website said: “It is with great sadness we announce the closure of Pontins Southport Holiday Park.
"After assessing the future viability of the park, we have come to the difficult decision to close our doors. Unfortunately, this means Pontins Southport Holiday Park will be closing from Wednesday 3rd January 2024. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Pontins still has holidays from £5 per person over the May bank holidays
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