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Sittingbourne and Sheppey’s MP has called for holiday parks to be reopened immediately to “rescue the economy of coastal towns”.
During a debate on social distancing and the two-metre rule in the House of Commons last week, Gordon Henderson said: “Caravans and chalets on holiday parks have to be at least six metres apart, so residents could easily observe current social distancing guidelines.
“When the Prime Minister undertakes his review, will my honourable friend (Edward Argar) ask him to consider allowing holiday parks to open immediately?
“In doing so, he would help rescue the economy of coastal towns, which are already among the most deprived communities in the country.”
Health Minister Edward Argar said Mr Henderson was “right” to have raised the issue and said he would pass the comments on to Boris Johnson.
It comes as holiday parks across the county say they are ready to welcome guests back safely.
The Government’s latest plans for easing lockdown outline the hospitality industry, including hotels and resorts, may begin to reopen from Saturday, July 4. But bosses of caravan and holiday parks have sought clarity about when they might be able to welcome visitors again.
One of Kent’s largest holiday park operators, Park Holidays UK, is taking bookings from July 4 in anticipation, and says demand has “avalanched”.
The group says it is having to deal with requests on a first come, first served basis.
Its six parks – which, in high season, can together accommodate up to 2,000 people a night – include Harts Holiday Park in Leysdown as well as two sites in Whitstable and one each in Birchington, New Romney and Dymchurch.
Director of Park Holidays UK, Tony Clish, said preparations for reopening had been going on for weeks and were designed to “ensure maximum peace of mind” for guests.
“Our parks are ideal for social distancing as holiday homes are all, at least, five metres apart, but we have also put in place many other measures to ensure safety,” he said.
“Check-ins will not involve any physical contact with staff and all members of our team will wear personal protective equipment where appropriate, and be temperature checked on their arrival at work each day.
“There will be plenty of hand sanitising stations and all holiday homes will be deep cleaned between visits and then sealed until opened up by the next family.
“Some facilities, such as pools and indoor entertainment might not be available, but all of our parks are located near some of Kent’s loveliest beaches and countryside.”
He added: “We’re ready to go and our teams are looking forward to providing an unforgettable holiday experience, which we deserve after so many weeks of lockdown.”
Mr Clish said the reopening of parks would be “widely welcomed” by many retailers and visitor attractions, which rely on tourism spending. We will be encouraging visitors to get out and spend in the area by providing special offers,” he added.
