Check the weather before setting off

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Caravan owners planning a trip in the next few weeks should remember to check the weather forecast before setting off.

According to recent figures reported by Sainsbury’s Car Insurance, a third (33 per cent) of drivers fail to do this before leaving home – a tactic that could see them run into trouble after a winter of snow, ice and sleet.

Furthermore, more than a quarter (27 per cent) do not even clear their windscreens of frost or mist before setting off, putting them in danger of an accident caused by poor in-car visibility.

The Met Office has predicted more snow in many areas and Sainsbury’s Car Insurance has suggested that drivers should remain vigilant to keep themselves and their vehicles safe.

“UK motorists have a typically stoic approach to driving in wintry conditions and if they start to become complacent and think the worst weather is behind them, they could increase their chances of having an accident in the coming days and weeks,” Sainsbury’s Car Insurance manager Ben Tyte said.

He added that it is important to take steps to ensure your own safety and that of others, especially during the colder months when the risk of accident may be heightened.

Vauxhall recently suggested that motorists have their car serviced to avoid costly repairs after a particularly harsh winter.

Haven to invest £40 million into caravan parks

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A caravan holiday operator has revealed that it is preparing for what it expects to be a record season by investing £40 million into its facilities.

Haven has promised to offer Brits the “best” holiday in the UK by pouring cash into its pool complexes, landscaping and eateries.

As part of the upgrades, 14 new Mash & Barrel Lounge-Bar-Cafes will be added to its sites across the country.

Funding will also be allocated to improve its golf courses, children’s entertainment offerings, tennis courts and other sports facilities.

The firm enjoyed a record year in 2009 and expects this to continue into 2010 with Brits choosing cost-effective breaks in the UK instead of travelling abroad.

“Haven is all about the wow factor and in 2010 we are investing heavily in our caravan parks to bring our guests the very best holiday experience in the UK,” a spokesperson said.

The firm also recently revealed that it will be offering regular visitors a loyalty package which could see them enjoy a discount and even free stays at the company’s parks throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

Devon caravan park set for revamp

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A Devon caravan park is set to invest £5 million into its facilities as part of plans to increase capacity.

The Paignton site currently has permission for 130 touring caravans, 40 timber-clad holiday caravans and a tented camping area.

However, if the Haulfryn Group gets permission from Torbay Council, it plans to turn Byslades International Touring Park into a facility comprising 108 timber-clad caravans, the Herald Express revealed.

General manager for the park Graham Lay said that it would be an exciting move for the site.

“It started off being four separate parks and over the years we’ve raised the standard of accommodation and facilities,” he explained.

Mr Lay added that work could start this year if the plans are approved.

In other news, the East Coast Target has revealed that one of the country’s rarest birds was found entangled in a fishing line at Pinetrees Leisure Park in Skegness.

However, park worker Simon Dodsworth contacted Lincolnshire Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and it has now been taken to Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary to recover from its ordeal.

Investment into caravan site water parks

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A British holiday operator has invested millions of pounds in new water parks at its 35 UK sites.

Haven Holidays operates a chain of caravan and holiday home resorts around the country and has recently spent £40 million improving its fun pools and other facilities.

It has installed two Space Bowls at its Combe Haven and Marton Mere sites, where guests can enjoy a high-speed ride down the flumes before spinning around the bowl and being dropped into the pool.

Visitors to the firm’s other parks will not miss out, with new adventure golf courses, sports facilities and entertainment venues being installed across the country.

“We’ve invested £40 million in our parks to ensure that families can enjoy even better facilities and some spectacular new innovations,” Haven said.

Despite the large investment, the company was keen to point out that its prices remain very reasonable, with family spring breaks costing from just £99.

Meanwhile, Haven recently suggested that its customers turn off their mobile phones while on holiday to enjoy total relaxation.

Caravan park to sponsor youth group

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Kind-hearted caravan park owners in Cheshire are to pay a four-figure sum to a local organisation as part of a competition to win sponsorship.

The Winsford Guardian revealed that it has teamed up with Lakeside Caravan Park to organise the contest in which young peoples’ groups are asked to explain why they deserve the cash.

They will have 100 words to get their point across, with all entries being published in the paper and a public vote creating a final shortlist of six.

From this stage, groups will talk to staff from the newspaper and caravan site in person and the six will be cut down to three for a final taking place on May 3rd.

Lakeside Caravan Park assistant manager Tracy Mills told the newspaper that youth groups are extremely important and deserve assistance.

“That’s who this money is for – the local people who don’t get recognised, who don’t get major funding. That’s who we want to help,” she said.

Lakeside Caravan Park opens from March to January and features its own conservatory bar overlooking the water.

Haven creates caravan loyalty scheme

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Caravan site operator Haven is to offer guests a new loyalty programme, which rewards regular customers with a number of benefits.

The Freedom Trail will grant members discounts, as well as a free ten-night stay at a caravan park of their choice.

Those booking caravan and camping breaks will get ten per cent off, excluding monthly and seasonal pitches, meaning that they can choose from any of the more than 35 sites nationwide.

Caravanners wishing to qualify for the scheme must book three breaks with Haven throughout 2010, although these can be at different locations if preferred.

The firm has endeavoured to place its parks in areas of natural beauty such as beaches and countryside locations.

Guests will this year benefit from a recent £40 million of investment into the company’s facilities, which included upgraded accommodation, improved swimming pools and 14 new lounge bar cafes.

“The freedom trail programme is our way of saying thank you to the thousands of loyal customers who return to our campsites again and again,” a Haven spokesperson said.

Those looking for an exciting break could stay at Haven’s Blackpool site, from which they can access the Pleasure Beach funpark. Last year we reported how millionaire England captain Rio Ferdinand

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Caravanners should check windscreens

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Brits planning a caravan holiday this year should check their car windscreens for damage after a particularly harsh winter.

Motor glazing firm Auto Windscreens has suggested that the number of vehicles failing their MOTs this year due to windshield damage could increase by as much as 400 per cent.

It advised drivers to give their car’s glazing a quick once over to check for chips and cracks and to have any repairs or replacements carried out as a matter of urgency.

Vehicles will fail their MOT if there is a chip of more than 10mm in the driver’s line of sight or 40mm anywhere else on the windscreen.

Auto Windscreens sales and marketing director Nigel Davies explained that having small repairs carried out could save motorists having to shell out for an MOT re-sit.

“My advice is to check it now to avoid the costly inconvenience of the vehicle failing its MOT and subsequently being off the road until a windscreen replacement or repair can be arranged,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Met Office has warned that much of England can expect heavy snow today (February 18th).

Cold weather means cars should be checked out

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Caravan enthusiasts planning a trip in the next few months may wish to have their car checked out to help minimise the chances of a hassle-causing breakdown enroute.

The Met Office has predicted more snow for parts of the UK today (February 18th) and vehicles can often take a pounding during the colder months.

With this in mind, Vauxhall has suggested that motorists have their vehicles checked to cut the chances of costly repairs.

The firm urged drivers to pay a visit to one of its facilities to take advantage of the £35 Winter Safety Check & Top Up service that is currently on offer.

A 25-point visual inspection of the motor and full top up of vital fluids is accompanied with a tyre-pressure check and comes with a free Winter Car Care Pack worth more than £12.

“Regular servicing and checks are vital for trouble free motoring, particularly after the extreme conditions this winter has thrown at the UK’s motorists,” a Vauxhall Aftersales spokesman said.

He added that air conditioning is also an important facet to have looked at, as it can be useful for demisting the windows, as well as keeping occupants cool in summer.

Park Resorts earns several awards

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by Chris Malone

Park Resorts is hoping that its raft of awards will convince Brits to enjoy a caravan holiday at one of its sites.

The firm noted that all of its coastal parks throughout Scotland, England and Wales have been graded by their relative tourist boards and awarded three, four or five stars.

Meanwhile, the company is recognised by S.A.F.E for its work in protecting children during visits to its holiday sites.

It revealed that it works closely with the charity to promote safe activities for all youngsters visiting its parks.

Some of the sites are also holders of David Bellamy Conservation Awards, which recognise every aspect of park management and its relation to protecting the environment.

Likewise, caravanners may be interested to learn that several of Park Resorts’ facilities have been given a Rose award for their high-quality caravan sites.

In other news, the firm recently sent marketing director Andy Edge undercover at two of its sites as part of the Channel 4 show Undercover Boss.

Park Resorts launches new website

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Caravan site operator Park Resorts has launched a new website ahead of the 2010 holiday season.

The aim of the upgraded online resource is to provide information for customers, as well as a simple search and book process.

The website has been updated with new images to allow customers to make informed choices about where they head for their caravan holiday and the touring pages have now been combined with the holiday site for greater ease of navigation.

A map of the company’s 37 parks is available, while there are also plenty of ideas for those who are still undecided on where to spend their vacation.

Each site comes with a list of local attractions, while an FAQ section should hopefully answer any questions that customers may have.

There are also accommodation and entertainment sections meaning customers can find out all they need to know about their chosen park before they set off.

The firm recently announced that it has spent millions of pounds upgrading its facilities ahead of the summer season.

Cancer charity to buy second caravan

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A charity for terminally ill children is set to buy a second caravan to use as part of its service.

Set up in memory of two-year-old Rusden resident Zach Sanders, Zach’s Helping Hand aims to provide assistance for the families of kids with serious conditions.

Zach died of a brain tumour six years ago and his relations founded the charity in his honour.

It already owns a caravan at Butlins in Skegness which is used to give terminally ill children a chance to take short holidays with their family between treatments.

The organisation is hoping to raise a further £40,000 for the new mobile home after already amassing £15,000 towards it.

It hopes to make it available by 2012 and Zach’s father Andy told the newspaper that it is “really important” that families are able to have a break together.

“Before we got the caravan, families would often miss out on holidays because of hospital appointments and medical treatment,” he said.

Mr Sanders added that the free service allows them to have a holiday without stressing about having to leave early if necessary.

As well as fun activities for kids, Skegness Butlins offers a “tranquil health and beauty” spa for adults.

Caravan site extension to be vetoed

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Councillors look set to knock back plans to expand a caravan park in Devon’s Brixham.

According to the Herald Express, Landscove Holiday Park’s intention to create an extra 90 caravan pitches would be damaging to the outstanding natural beauty of the area.

The request was a reduction on the original plans for 151 new spaces, which received numerous objections from locals.

It was part of £2.5 million plans that would also have involved upgrading existing mobile homes at the site and improving its amenities.

The only way that owners would be able to proceed is if they met 26 conditions, which local councillor Jackie Stockman suggested would be “diabolical”.

Planners suggested that the submitted request lacked enough improvement of facilities and voiced concerns about overdevelopment and increased traffic.

However, some members of the council believe that if permission is not granted then the owners will take their cash elsewhere and the site may close.

Devon is a renowned caravan holiday destination and offers numerous scenic walks and watersports.