By William Coleman
The touring community are a huge park on the UK’s holiday economy. The contributions come from all angles like buying new leisure vehicles or fully booking out sites all across the country. Another branch of support is helping small towns and businesses thrive, such as this local pub which is set to get a total revamp as a large touring park has been approved directly behind it.
The news follows a decision made by Flintshire councillors who have given the go ahead for a 55 pitch caravan site on the area at the back of Old Tavern, Llanerch-y-Mor, near Mostyn, which is believed to date back to 1664.
The pub itself is actually a grade 2 listed building so due to its importance and special interest the amount of pitches allowed on the new site has actually scaled down to protect the building and grounds.
Committee members of Flintshire Council planning office were told that the new site would become a tourist hotspot which will lead to more tourists visiting the area and provide vital income to help renovate the building.
Speaking at a meeting recently, David Roney, one of the pub’s owners, said: “With your support, this change of use will bring visitors to an area of the coast road which has been neglected for many years.
“We forecast that we will create at least 10 new jobs, which can all be performed by recruiting local people. All the features of the Coastal Path in Flintshire and the Heritage Trail are accessible from our front door.
“The Old Tavern is the only pub still trading in Mostyn and has been run down for many years. We will restore the pub to its former glory, retaining an important community asset.”
The on site pitches at the park will be for touring caravans only and permanent pitches will not be an option at this time.
Some locals have expressed some mild concern and feel the site should be surrounded by secure fencing, which I think it a good idea as caravans seem to be a bit of a vandalism target of late.
The plans were supported by the majority of councillors on the committee. Cllr Chris Bithell, cabinet member for planning, said: “I’ve known the Old Tavern for many, many years, it was my watering holes in years gone by. It’s a very important building from an historical point of view.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Derek Butler, who seconded the proposals added: “Tourism is a vital economy in Flintshire, employing over 3,000 people and generating millions into our local economy.
“We’re constantly exploring expanding that economic activity. Hostelries are closing on a daily basis all over the area. This is an isolated old tavern and it will anchor that purpose building for the foreseeable future.”
News like this is so important as it demonstrates just how important caravan and leisure vehicle holidays are to the UK economy. It is no surprise that most tourism hotspots throughout the UK are pretty much flanked on all sides by caravan parks.
