By Chris Littley
Caravan sites across the UK will not be able to reopen in June, it has been confirmed by the government.
July 4th had been set as the expected date for a long time, but a campaign led by the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) had hoped it could be brought forward.
Sites are due to reopen in Northern Ireland on June 26th, which the association hoped would set a precedent for England to follow suit, but the transport secretary dashed those hopes.
Grant Shapps said: “The next review. or the next potential date for an unlock, if it’s possible, if the science allows, is July 4th onwards. So it won’t be weeks and weeks away.”
As well as confirming that caravan parks will not be permitted to reopen early, the statement also casts uncertainty over whether they will be allowed to welcome guests from July 4th.
Ros Pritchard, director-general of the BH&HPA, acknowledged that the date for England was still an ‘ambition’ and that an indicative date of July 15th has been set for Scotland.
She added: “Guidance on procedures is expected soon but we have no idea when opening dates will be confirmed to give us and our customers certainty.
“It’s worse in Wales where currently we have no prospect of opening at all. The Welsh First Minister has expressed his sympathy for our plight, but no more. Sympathy won’t keep the wolf from the door!”
When caravan sites are given the green light to reopen to the public, they will do so with stricter cleaning regimes in place, the enforcement of social distancing rules and measures like contactless check-in to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
It is not yet known whether on-site facilities including toilets and shower blocks; restaurants and cafes; and entertainment venues will be able to open up at the same time as the caravan parks.
