MP addresses rumours Pontins Camber Sands closed to house refugees

Pontins in Camber Sands announced its sudden closure yesterday, with customers being contacted for refunds.

The holiday park, owned by Britannia Hotels, had been considered as a potential site to house asylum seekers while their claims are assessed, but the plans were dropped in February.

Hastings and Rye MP Sally-Ann Hart told The Argus that the Home Office was not connected to the sudden closure, contrary to rumours circulated on social media.

She said: “I messaged Home Office minister Robert Jenrick this morning, because I’ve had emails from people thinking that they had closed because the Home Office had taken them over.

“The minister confirmed with me that the Home Office has no plans whatsoever for Pontins.”

It is unclear how many staff have been made redundant at the holiday park (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

She also said that, from conversations with Rother District Council, the closure was not as a result of environmental health concerns.

However, she is still working to find out why the park has closed at such short notice.

“We’re all in the dark - obviously we will be trying to find out what’s happening, but nothing is coming from Britannia Hotels yet as to what’s going on,” she said.

Ms Hart also said her team is working to find out how many people are being made redundant following the sudden closure.

“Can you imagine just being told you’ve lost your job before Christmas? I presume there was no warning as we would have heard about it before yesterday,” she said.

In a statement on its website and on social media, Pontins told customers: “We regret to inform you that our park in Camber Sands will be closing with immediate effect.

“Customers whose bookings will be affected by the closure will be contacted by our team and refunded.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Pontins holiday park in Prestatyn in Wales has also closed.