Pontins seaside town haunted by empty bars, derelict shops and deserted streets

29 May 2023 , 18:35

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The Brean Sands resort in Somerset will undergo a major refurbishment before hundreds of workers from Hinkley Point C are housed there (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

A once bustling seaside resort has been left deserted, with streets and bars empty and shops left derelict.

The town of Brean in Somerset, on the south west coast of England, offered a seaside escape for families looking for a break on the coast.

Many holidaymakers head for the sprawling Pontins Holiday Park each summer, but this year marks the start of a three year construction project at the nearby Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant which will close down the holiday park.

Hinkley Point C is expected to start generating electricity in 2026 after Hinkley Point A, the first nuclear power station at the site on the north Somerset coast, stopped operating in 2000 and is being decommissioned.

Hinkley Point B began operating in 1976 and stopped generating electricity at the beginning of August this year.

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Business owners have spoken of the changes in the town over the course of numerous constriction projects, and the effects of low tourist numbers on the town.

Pontins in Brean is usually bustling with holidaymakes (GloucestershireLive/ WS)

Former publican Gary Reid, 61, from Brean, said many are fearing what the future holds, writes The Sun.

He said: “It has the feel of a one-horse town where even the horse has left. At this time of year it’s never very busy but we are fearful for the coming season.

“Pontins had a weekly turnover of 3,000 people coming into the resort and although there are many caravan sites around the loss of so many visitors and their spending power will be huge.”

By the end of the year as many as 900 nuclear power plant workers will be living at the Pontins, Somerset Live reported (BPM MEDIA)

The Brean Sands resort in Somerset will undergo a major refurbishment before hundreds of workers from Hinkley Point C are housed there.

By the end of the year as many as 900 nuclear power plant workers will be living at the Pontins, Somerset Live reported.

The upgrades to the park should benefit visitors to the Pontins once it reopens to the public in three years time.

Construction continues at pace at the construction site of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station (Getty Images)

The first members of staff have already moved into the resort following an application from EDF Energy to Sedgemoor District Council to change the use of the camp.

The site will be used for Hinkley Point for three years before it reverts back to its original use, meaning fans of the resort can expect to return there one day.

Improvement works include upgrades to the 600 chalets that are onsite and the installation of WiFi.

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Abigail O'Leary