A popular UK theme park has closed its doors and locals aren’t happy to see the site go. After four decades, Wales’ biggest theme park will now remain closed as a new tourism tax is partly blamed.
Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire was a popular attraction for locals and theme park lovers, reports Daily Mail. The owners of the park pointed at rising costs and the government’s decision to increase minimum wage as two reasons why the park has run into difficulties. But these weren’t the only reasons why the park has struggled – other factors include national insurance contributions and sharp fuel prices.
Locals say the tourist tax, proposed by the Welsh government, will likely have impacted the site.
The new tax would see visitors to Wales charged £1.25 per night to stay in the area.
While the tax will help fund tourism, it could also deter visitors.
Kevin Hart, the manager of The Snooty Fox, a bar restaurant and caravan site, told The Sun: “How am I going to be able to sell up and retire now when the Welsh and national governments are doing their level best to destroy what we’ve spent 18 years building up?”
Mr Hart has been running the site, within walking distance of Oakwood, for 18 years. He said the theme park’s closure will have a devastating impact on his business and the imminent threat of a tourism tax fills him with greater dread.
The earliest the tax could be introduced is April 2027 but new legislation must be approved by the Welsh government before it can come into effect.
A visitor on Tripadvisor posted: “Such a shame to see Wales’s biggest theme park close.
“Absolutely loved coming here and riding Speed over and over. Hopefully that doesn’t mean the end for Speed…
“Oakwood was a fabulous park that did look quite tired but was still a very good day out with friends. I will miss you so much Oakwood.”
The park has gained a reputation for being an affordable and fun family day out over the years, with many sad to hear of its closure.
And another local, Jenny, 45, said: “Once the dreaded tourist tax comes in, I don’t think anyone in their right mind will want to come to Wales.”
Announcing the closure, a spokesperson for Aspro Parks Group said: “In the entire history of Aspro we have never closed any park or attraction.
“We, and our dedicated team of staff has strived to overcome numerous challenges to continue to bring joy to families and visitors across the region and country.
“Unfortunately, we could no longer see a sustainable way forward and will seek to improve our other parks using the assets and where possible team elsewhere.
“We are aware that Oakwood has been a much-loved destination for generations and a rite of passage for many young visitors. It is for this reason we feel such a sense of sadness.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedication and commitment of our team members past and present, suppliers and contractors who have loyally supported us and of course all those that have visited Oakwood Theme Park over the years. We are sincerely grateful.”
Express.co.uk has contacted the Welsh Parliament for a comment.
