Hundreds of Hartlepool and Northumberland jobs saved as holiday parks prepare to reopen

Parkdean Resorts, which runs five holiday parks in Northumberland, North Tyneside and near Hartlepool, said around 350 positions have been secured with the venues set to welcome back guests on Monday, July 6, for the summer season.

The firm, which was forced to close its facilities to the public following the March lockdown, also believes the parks’ return will have a positive knock-on effect for nearby businesses such as suppliers, shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes and visitor attractions.

Its five North-East park reopening next week are Church Point, in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Cresswell Towers, at Druridge Bay, Crimdon Dene, near Hartlepool, Sandy Bay, in Ashington, and Whitley Bay.

Each will be introducing a series of new health and safety measures to protect staff and visitors following the coronavirus pandemic.

Steve Richards, chief executive of Parkdean Resorts, said: “We are ready and waiting to warmly welcome holidaymakers who want to enjoy a well-deserved break whilst seeking fresh air, open spaces and safe, beautiful locations.

“Our team has worked hard to ensure that whilst social distancing and health and safety measures are adhered to, our holidaymakers’ experience will be the best yet.”

Parkdean Resorts, which has provided accommodation to NHS workers nationwide in a number of its parks during the lockdown, has also introduced a number of “stringent safety and hygiene processes and procedures”, in line with the latest Government guidelines and instructions, including:

Implementing and enforcing a social distance policy with drive-thru check-ins, one-way systems and clear social distancing markers; Deep cleaning each caravan between every new customer visit; Hand sanitiser available throughout the park; Restricting access to communal facilities to meet the Government’s ‘one-metre plus’ social distance requirements.

The firm’s parks include caravan, lodge, cabin, glamping and camping facilities.

It is also taking on around 1,500 new employees across its sites nationwide in anticipation of “one of its busiest summers ever” as holidaymakers choose to stay at home amid continued doubts over foreign travel.

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