Pontins shut its doors suddenly 12 months ago but there has been no news on what will become of the site owned by Britannia Hotels
Lorraine Cross, of Ainsdale, spoke about the future of Pontins and the thriving village one year on from the closure of the holiday park
It’s been a year since Merseyside’s only Pontins closed its doors for the last time. Its closure was a huge blow for holidaymakers, but there were also fears for what would happen to the surrounding village that had been its home for more than 50 years.
The ECHO paid a visit to Ainsdale Village, to ask residents and local businesses what the impact has been since Britannia Hotels’ sudden announcement to close the park 12 months ago. Lorraine Griffin, resident of the village for more than 30 years and employee at The Chocolate Box newsagents, said: “I work and live in the village and have done for more than 30 years.
“It’s a shame really because it did bring people into the town and into the village. It helped the shop too because we sell buckets and spades, sweets for the kids, so it did bring people into the shop, but having said that the shop is doing well without it.”
Lorraine Griffin said she thinks Pontins needs ‘knocking down’ if it’s not repurposed
Lorraine explained how the village, which is sandwiched between Birkdale and Formby, is thriving and has seen redevelopment since Pontins’ closure. Walking down Station Road it is clear to see why the village is growing in popularity with locals and visitors alike, with bustling bars and restaurants nestled between the shops.
Just a ten minute walk from the village centre and you reach the now abandoned Pontins site, sitting on what is known locally as the beach gateway. The holiday park is next door to the empty, mural covered Toad Hall and opposite a derelict The Sands pub.
Life is starting to return to this part of Ainsdale though, with the recent addition of The Beach House, a pop-up food and drink stall. The Sands, which has sat boarded up since 2017, is currently under offer from a mystery bidder and it’s hoped its reopening could see a further rejuvenation of the beachfront.
Ainsdale Village has become a microcosm for the everchanging hospitality industry in recent years – the Golden Monkey being a prime example. Another recent addition is The Mallard, a more traditional pub serving a range of drinks and food. And in an age of sampling beers from around the world, the just last month In Den Engel opened its doors on Liverpool Road, where it offers customers more than 130 beers.
Pontins in Ainsdale(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Lorraine Cross, bar manager at the Golden Monkey, told the ECHO how people no longer leave the village for a day out, preferring to stay local and support businesses. She said: “I’ve only worked here for a year but I don’t think we’ve lost out since it’s [Pontins] shut. It’s just been normal.
“Even though we’re quite close to Pontins, being next to the train station, we’ve not lost out at all. We have a strong customer base here with people who live in the village.
“Once upon a time it used to be Formby and Birkdale that were the places to be but the number of people that now rave about Ainsdale village, I think it’s great. It’s good to have all these thriving businesses in the area.”
Originally from Chester, Lorraine has lived in Ainsdale on-and-off for more than 20 years with her husband. Having spent much of her adult life with a corporate career she left the rat race to work in a local, independent business close to home and hasn’t looked back. She explained how she loves the ease of having the beach and pinewoods on her doorstep like most living in the village south of Southport town centre.
But despite all the positive signs from Ainsdale, the question still remains – what will happen to Pontins? In September last year, it was revealed Britannia Hotels has a 150 year lease agreement with Sefton Council which owns the land the holiday park sits on.
Britannia Hotels is a budget hotel group with 64 hotels across the United Kingdom – including the Adelphi in Liverpool city centre – and it has owned the holiday park in Sefton since 2011. Some people in Ainsdale told the ECHO how it should be “knocked down” if not immediately repurposed. Recently, the ECHO reported on one persistent rumour claiming the park would be turned into a golf course, but this was quickly squashed.
Alistair Urry, who lives a stone’s throw from the Shore Road site, has lived in Ainsdale on-and-off for the last 30 years and claims the village hasn’t missed the visitors the park would usually attract. He said: “People are coming into the village from around the town, it’s good to see businesses busy and making money.”
Alistair Urry, of Shore Road in Ainsdale(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Speaking to the ECHO, local MP Bill Esterson said: “We now have an eyesore in Ainsdale and people are fed up with the situation. I ran a consultation and it was the biggest response I have ever had. There is a real desire for investment in what is known as the beach gateway. People want it to be an attraction for people locally and those coming from out of the area.”
He also revealed how he will be meeting with senior councillors and officers from Sefton Council to discuss further steps and whether there is anything he can do to help the situation. He said: “My understanding is the council is trying to have a conversation with them.”
Mr Esterson also added he plans to speak with other members of parliament about the situation with Britannia Hotels, with the company also shutting the doors at its Prestatyn and Camber Sands camps in 2022.
Britannia Hotels was approached for comment about the Ainsdale site.