Tips from IAM on avoiding being scammed on the road

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by Daniella Almeida

Avoid being scammed with these tips from IAM

Attention all drivers, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM)’s head of driving standards, Peter Rodger, reveals his tips on how to avoid being scammed by intentionally staged road accidents that force insurance companies to pay out high claims.

For starters, motorists should always be very aware of their surroundings at all times. However, should you be travelling through busy urban roads, it’s important to stay extra alert. Don’t be afraid to overuse your mirrors in order to maintain constant alertness of what is going on around you. If you spot a hazard early such as a motorist driving in an unusual way or a surge of oncoming traffic, make sure to slow down right away. Wait until it’s the right time to pass them and do so safely.

It’s also important for drivers to be able to spot hazards before they happen. If you can spot a hazard, you can probably stop it before it occurs. Many accidents happen when you’ve been following too close to another vehicle.

Always maintain a safe following distance from the car in front of you as a precaution. The general driving rule of thumb is to keep a two second distance behind any vehicle on any road. This allows you to have much more time to react than if you were directly behind the vehicle should they have to brake suddenly.

Even though you won’t be tailgating anyone, it is possible that others will not extend that courtesy to you. Always be aware of anyone that may be tailgating you and never let your guard down! Always keep your eyes on the road before you.

However, if the motorist behind you makes you feel threatened, pull over somewhere safe and legal to allow time for them to pass you.

Even if you feel safe to proceed with your journey, it is imperative that you continue to use caution. Don’t continue the drive if you don’t feel safe enough on the road. Only when you’ve regained your cool and feel safe should you do so. If you think a driver is flashing their headlights to give you way, think again. They could be doing this as a way to distract you. Always use your better judgment.

Road rage is a major factor in accidents, which is why it’s important to avoid engaging in an argument with the driver behind you. If you do, you run the risk of angering them further and increasing the chance of a collision. Again, should you feel threatened, pull over and call the police.

No matter how safe you are, accidents will happen. If a collision occurs and you don’t think you’re to blame, call the police. If anyone is injured, it’s imperative to the call emergency services – don’t try to fix the problem on your own.

Once you’ve called everyone that needs to be informed, be sure to collect the other driver’s details. Take pictures of any damage and the people involved so that you can’t be cheated later on. If you can prove that their were less people in the car, you can avoid the potential of injury claims being made. The same goes for damages. If you can prove what damages there were, you reduce the risk of being cheated.

Witnesses to the collision can be important, but seeing is believing. A dashboard camera is the best bet on understanding how an accident happened and who was involved. All motorists are encouraged for all motorists to install one in their vehicle.

If all drivers follow these tips, they can avoid getting scammed on the road. However, if you still need more assistance, consult the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB).

Being involved in an accident is scary enough. Don’t let yourself be scammed on top of that.

Fire safety warnings issued after a series of caravan combustions

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by Ellie Pritchard

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue reveal its hottest tips to prevent caravan fires

After a series of caravan fires, Lincolnshire fire fighters are warning caravanners to take extra precautions.

Deputy community safety manager, Steve Screaton, said: “In Lincolnshire, we have a large number of caravans and mobile homes. They are used for holidays, weekend breaks or for permanent residences.

“With this in mind, and the fact that a fire in a caravan or mobile home is nine times more likely to lead to death or injury than in a house, it is important that people are aware of the precautions they can take to reduce the risk of fire.”

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is urging caravanners to park their vans at least six metres part, never use barbecues inside a caravan or awning and to be sure to have a working smoke alarm fitted.

In addition, you should never leave children alone in your caravan, nor should you leave any cooking appliances unattended or smoke in bed.

If you’re ever in doubt, think PAT:
Phone: Make sure you know where the nearest phone point is.
Arrangements: Be aware of the caravan site’s fire safety arrangements.
Torch: Keep a torch by the door.

If your caravan catches fire, you should get out as quickly and as safely as possible. Once safe, call 999 giving your exact location and map reference and do not attempt to go back inside the caravan until the fire is out.

Marquis Leisure announces 11 NCC Approved Workshops

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by Daniella Almeida

The UK’s largest Dealer Network announces that all 11 of their workshops have passed NCC assessment

Marquis Leisure Motorhomes and Caravans announced today that all 11 of their nationwide Service Centres have passed strict assessment by the NCC. They have also been granted the Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS).

Commercial director of Marquis, Graham Davidson-Bowman, responded to the approval by saying: “I am delighted that the NCC have recognised the standard of our workmanship and customer satisfaction in awarding all of our Service Centres the AWS seal of approval.

“Jason Wilson, Marquis Director of Service along with all of our Service Centre personnel should be justifiable proud of this achievement,” he concluded.

The AWS is considered to be the standard for motorhome and touring caravanning service. It was created as a joint effort between the NCC, The Caravan Club, and The Camping and Caravanning Club.

The standards set out by AWS are quite stringent, but Marquis came prepared. The company has been investing in training for these services, as well as adding additional equipment and a purpose designed computer system.

We here at CaravanTimes extend our congratulations to Marquis Leisure.

Bailey announces Australian cross-country adventure

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by David Bates

Bailey set outback challenge for Alu-Tech machines

Bailey of Bristol is set to send two caravans across Australia, in a trip dubbed the West2East Challenge, aimed at demonstrating the manufactuer’s caravans’ reliability and durability in rough conditions.

On 21 August, two Bailey caravans – the first and second caravans to be fully built in Australia at Bailey’s Melbourne subsidiary – will depart on their 6,000km journey, which the Bristol manufacturer believes will exhibit the lightweight endurance of its Alu-Tech design and mark the advent of Australian-made Bailey leisure vehicles.

Leaving from Denham, Australia’s most westerly point, the two caravans, towed by two Toyota Land Cruisers, will travel to Byron Bay, the eastern-most point, in a journey expected to last 14 days until 3 September.

The West2East Challenge will move through Australia’s outback heartlands, taking in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, Birdsville and Uluru, as well as 2,200km of gravel, dirt and corrugated roads, picked to put Bailey’s Alu-Tech construction system to the test.

Although it’s currently winter down under, the cross-country route will expose the inaugural Australian Baileys to daytime temperatures of between 34 and 38 degrees celsius, whilst during the night temperatures can drop below zero, especially in the Gibson and Simpson deserts. The team from Bailey will be hoping their temperature control system and market-leading insulation is as good as they say.

The caravans have been tested in advance at the Australian Automotive Research Centre (AARC) to ensure they’re up to the task, but, with a challengethe size of this, surely anything could happen.

For those keen to follow Bailey’s outback shenanigans, follow @BaileyofBristol using #W2EChallenge.

Kinmel Bay £5m holiday park expansion meets objection from locals

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by Daniella Almeida

Kinmel Bay residents voice concern following plans for park expansion

Plans to extend a caravan park in North Wales to the tune of £5 million have been met with strong opposition from local residents.

Plans to expand Sunnyvale Caravan Park in order to create more room for touring caravans and motorhomes, as well as more landscaping throughout the park, have already sprung into action. A bandstand, large golf course, toilet block and a liquified petroleum gas storage compound look set to also be introduced.

Guests flocking to the area on holiday will naturally desire to take in the amenities of the site. The pubs, restaurants, and public buildings in the area will be open to the holidayers and this will escalate the traffic of a usually tamed locale.

Local residents have expressed concern that the expansion will cause an increase in noise and traffic in the area, with one resident, Patricia Hill, saying: “All residents object to tourers on the underdeveloped area as the tourers will have access to Southlands Road to get to the pubs and restaurants, which will cause noise and disturbance and litter to a very quiet cul de sac.

“The proposal to put a permanent toilet and shower block and bulk gas behind our properties is a major concern for elderly residents.

“The access road from the camp is one of the most dangerous in the area and there have already been several near misses by residents already,” Hill concluded.

The problems aren’t going unheard, though; a spokesperson for Sunnyvale said: “We have fully taken on board the concerns of local residents.

“Planning permission already exists for touring caravans to be sited on this section of the site. With reference to the location of the toilet block, it has been considered that this is the best location for this facility.

“We are unable to restrict holidaymakers or the general public from accessing Southlands Road from the park itself.

“Finally, we have been committed to the locality for over fifty years and have worked with local people and the local authority to continually improve and work to resolve any legitimate questions and concerns,” the spokesman finished.

Despite the issues that come with the park, the residents will also be offered generous opportunities once the expansion happens. Future plans will provide employment for local tradesmen and bring in around £3 million to the local economy each year.

What do you think of these concerns? Let us know in the comments below.

The CaravanTimes guide to the top 10 best dog-friendly caravan sites

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by Jessica Almeida

Why leave your dog at home bring when you can bring it on your next family holiday? CaravanTimes looks at some of the best dog-friendly sites across the UK

To many, a dog is more than just an animal, it is a member of the family. You wouldn’t leave a family member behind on a family trip, so why leave your dog? Many families take their pets with them while caravanning, but the problem is some caravan sites don’t allow pets. CaravanTimes has taken the initiative to compile a list of the top ten dog-friendly campsites so you don’t have to. So read on to find out our top ten best dog-friendly caravan sites.

Thetford Forest

Located on the edge of Britain’s largest lowland pine forest, the Camping and Caravanning Club’s Thetford Forest is ideal for those wanting to explore Norfolk’s towns and cities. The local area is perfect for walking and cycling and has many trails designated for dog walking. There is an abundance of outdoor actives and members and non-members are welcome along with motorhomes, trailers and tents – and of course our four-legged friends.

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors heaping praise on the great dog exercising areas throughout. The site has been described as nice and quiet which is perfect for a dog’s first caravanning experience. And, with so many returning visitors, this site is a top choice for dog owners whose furry friends are welcomed free of charge.

For more information on Theford Forest click here.

Dunstan Hill Campsite

Dunstan Hill Campsite is located in an area that is best known for its beautiful views and beaches. Situated just a mile from the North Northumberland Heritage Coast, this site is a great place to adventure out into the ‘castle coast’. The bonus part of this site is the pleasant woodland walk near the beach, which is a wonderful place to walk your four-legged family member. The site welcomes caravans, trailers, motorhomes and tents.

Guests say the campsite has many points of interests for all ages and is popular among those who like to take their dogs with them on holidays since there are many areas your dog can explore. Dunstan Hill is perfect for every member of the family especially your dog.

To find out more about Dunstan Hill Campsite click here.

Normans Bay

Normans Bay site is a great retreat for those who enjoy walking and exploring all nature has to throw at them. The site, located in East Sussex, is just a stone’s throw away from a dog-friendly beach – ideal if your pooch enjoys chasing the sea. Meanwhile, facilities onsite include all the essentials and allow caravans, motorhomes and trailers with its all season pitches. The area is steeped in history and is surrounded by a lot of places where you can discover an abundance of history.

Reviewers say the campsite is very friendly and welcoming and it is a very well kept dog-friendly site. With little to complain about, the site is sure to be well received by every family member, especially dogs.

For more information on Normans Bay click here.

King’s Lynn Caravan and Camping Park

Situated on the edge of North Runcton, Norfolk, King’s Lynn Caravan and Camping Park is an eco-friendly site that has all the amenities needed for a well deserved holiday. The campsite is very welcoming of all kinds including families, motorcyclists and student groups, but most importantly it’s dog-friendly. There are many on-site attractions and many nearby leisure activities for everyone.

With high-rated reviews, guests state that this campsite is a perfect getaway for a nice relaxing weekend, featuring well maintained pathways and open areas perfect for dog walkers.

For more information visit www.kl-cc.co.uk.

Crows Nest Caravan Park

Located between Scarborough and Filey, award-winning Crows Nest Caravan Park is a great place for your dog to feel as free as a bird. Not only is it perfect for your furry friend, but this park has everything you are looking too. Able to accommodate tents, touring caravans, motorhomes or campervans, Crow Nest Caravan Park provides activities for every member of the family.

If that doesn’t sounds good enough guests rate this park highly, with 85 per cent willing to recommend this site to a friend and 83 per cent indicating they would stay at Crow Nest Caravan Park again. Guests were pleased with the efficiency of the staff and mentioned that a number of personal touches made them feel like they were at home.

For more information visit Crows Nest Caravan Park’s website here

Stowford Farm Meadows

Stowford Farm Meadows is one of the few campsites in Devon that is open all year round, which means it is never a bad time to visit. The park welcomes dogs with open arms within its superb rural setting and is sure to be the best spot for your next adventure into the great outdoors.

Stowford Farm Meadows is an award winning touring site and well received among caravanners and campers. Well worth the money, many guests enjoy the area owing to the location being set directly within the centre of the park – an ideal opportunity to explore the many restaurants, pubs, play areas, and leisure activities to boot.

Want more information? Click here.

Dornafield Caravan Park

Five star multi award winning park, Dornafield is also located in Devon between Torquay, Totnes, Newton Abbot and Dartmoor. It is affiliated with The Caravan Club and is a member of the Best of British group. After you have relaxed and recharged you and your dog can explore everything the site has to offer, from beaches to restaurants, the site has it all, including two spacious off-lead dog exercise areas.

Guests have previously commented on the friendly staff who are always on hand, remaining knowledgeable and passionate about their home county and willing to help to no end. Those who intend to only stay for a short period, often find themselves returning to Dornafield Caravan Park for an extended break time and time again.

If the awards this park has received don’t express you, then check out the site for yourself. Visit http://www.dornafield.com now for more information.

Thriftwood Holiday Park

Located within easy reach of London, Thriftwood Holiday Park is situated in the picturesque village of Stansted, Kent. Owners of the park have made it their responsibility to create a five-star park to be proud of. Whatever you are looking for in a holiday you are bound to find it here. This family-friendly and dog-friendly park offers a variety of activities including a play-park, arcade, swimming pool and other on-site facilities.

Guests admire the friendly, willing-to-help staff who are on hand to make your stay as easy and comfortable as possible. Taking notice of the ideal locations, guests have expressed their thoughts on the beautiful views Thriftwood Holiday Park has to offer time and time again.

Check out the picturesque view for yourself and visit http://www.thriftwoodholidaypark.com for more details.

Stanwix Park Holiday Centre

Geared towards families, this Cumbrian coastal park offers a great number of facilities to keep everyone – including your furry family member – entertained. The site accommodates caravans, motorhomes and tents all year round. The site has also featured in many other publications as a top park, so we can’t all be wrong!

Guests describe the park as a “beautiful hidden gem” and state that it provides everything you are looking for when it comes to planning a perfect family holiday. A majority of visitors say that Stanwix Park Holiday Centre is well worth a visit.

To experience the fun yourself click here.

Plassey Holiday Park

Plassey Holiday Park is a perfect getaway for those who are accompanied by a furry friend. This site is dog-friendly and even has a specific dog exercise area where they are permitted off-lead, with an additional three miles of nature trails dogs are allowed to enjoy on-lead. Located in the beautiful Dee Valley, in North Wales, the site is home to a retail village with 20 independent boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops too, so if you’re also looking for a spot of retail therapy, you really can’t go wrong.

Popular among families, the park’s guests say it is a favourite for every member of the family. Guests describe the site as first class and a delightful place that is easily accessible, leaving very impressed and claiming that they will return.

If you are interested in finding out more about Plasey Holiday click here.

Next time you plan a family holiday, save the kennel costs and bring your pooch with you. With these top ten caravan sites to take dogs to, there is no reason why your furry family member should stay stuck in the kennels when it’s time to relax and explore pastures new.

If you think we’re missing somewhere you think deserves to be on the list, let us know below. We’d be interested to hear your thoughts.

Bunn Leisure refunds bereaved grandmother – into her dead partner’s bank account

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by Ellie Pritchard

Leisure park that wouldn’t refund a grieving grandmother has now made another faux pas

A holiday park which refused to refund a pensioner the cost of her holiday following her partner’s sudden death has finally issued a refund – into the pensioner’s deceased partner’s bank account.

As reported last week, bereaved grandmother, Jean Kinahan, 78, was denied a refund on her Bunn Leisure caravan holiday following the death of her husband because, according to the popular leisure park company, death is not covered in the terms of the comany’s cancellation policy.

Jean told the Mail Online: “I was banking on that money so I could pay for the funeral. I’m not sure what I’m going to do now.

“I am relieved that they are repaying it, it’s more the principle than anything else.”

Jean had been with her partner James Burgess, 76, for 20 years. They had planned to marry, but had to postpone the wedding when James was taken into hospital with heart disease.

They postponed the big day from June to August in the hope that James would be out of hospital in time, and then booked a caravanning honeymoon at West Sands Holiday Park in Selsey for September. Sadly, James sadly passed away two weeks ago.

Bunn Leisure’s reluctance to refund Jean outraged one local resident, who set up a petition gaining over 1,000 signatures.

“I was shocked to get so many signatures on the petition. After it reached 1,000 I had a phone call from John Bunn himself,” Jean said.

“He didn’t apologise but did say the refund was being done.”

Jean explained to the company that her late partner had paid for the holiday with his bank card, and she had then repaid him in cash. But, now that the money has been refunded into his bank account, it could take weeks for Jean to have access to it, because his estate has to be managed.

John Bunn, managing director of the leisure park, has confirmed that the company has received James’ death certificate – a necessary procedure, which enabled the company refund the full £434 for the week long stay.

He said: “‘We have never had this situation arise before, but in light of this case, we are reviewing our terms and conditions and will undoubtedly be including bereavement in the policy terms moving forwards.”

What do you think about this series of unfortunate events? Do you feel as though Bunn Leisure should have moved the goalposts in this instance to handle the matter with a bit more dignity? Let us know in the comments below.

John Lennon’s gypsy caravan: the story behind one of the world’s most famous caravans

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by Ellie Pritchard

We all know of John Lennon’s famous Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band caravan, but where did it come from? And where is it now?

Since 2011, John Lennon’s lavish Rolls Royce has been kept safe in the confines of the Royal British Columbia Museum and many of his well known drawings have long been auctioned, but there was one key piece of Beatles memorabilia that left fans bemused as it remained lost for 40 years.

The Burton design caravan was initially bought by Lennon as a gift for his son Julian’s fourth birthday. He hired the pop art designing trio from Amsterdam who collectively called themselves ‘The Fool’ – consisting of Josje Leeger and Simon and Marijke Koger – to paint his son’s extravagant present with the famous Sgt Pepper motif and the Romany art designs that were so popular amongst travellers at that time.

Lennon also commissioned the trio to paint his famed Rolls Royce with a similar, but more psychedelic pattern as he wanted to be known as “an eccentric millionaire” according to reports at that time.

After the final touches had been added, Lennon, who was living with his first wife Cynthia and their son Julian at the time, had the caravan delivered to the family home in Tittenhurst Park, Ascot on July 24th 1967, while the family were on holiday in Greece. There, it remained in the garden for 7 years – of course, it was taken out for a spin every once in a while, as the family frequently toured Europe in the comfort of their caravan.

Later that year, the hippy Beatle bought the Irish island of Dorinish. Yes, he actually bought an island. After paying £1,900 for the land, and with it being only 15 minutes away from the coast of Ireland, Lennon’s initial plan was to build a house there. And if buying an island didn’t raise enough eyebrows, fans were surprised when he ferried his son’s colourful caravan over to Dorinish too.

Alas, with his busy recording schedule, Lennon didn’t get the chance to visit his island as much as he had wanted to and, by the time 1973 came around, he still wasn’t ready to settle down in Dorinish, so the planning permission for his dream home fell through.

With a long-term absence from Dorinish looking ever more likely, generous Lennon lent the land to Sid ‘King of the Hippies’ Rawle free of charge. Rawle used the land as a retreat for hippies, and together they started a commune, but the group eventually dissipated when they moved to Wales after their tents were destroyed by a fire.

Four years after Lennon was murdered in 1980, Ono sold Dorinish for £30,000 and donated the money to an Irish orphanage. Dorinish is now used as a grazing site for livestock and is sometimes visited by enthusiastic Beatles fans on the anniversary of Lennon’s death.

After the shock sale of Dorinish, caravan enthusiasts and Beatles fans all over the world were left asking what on Earth happened to that caravan? With it nowhere to be seen on the island, it was rumoured that the Sgt Pepper gypsy caravan lay at the bottom of the Irish sea – but that couldn’t have been further from the truth.

When fundraising director of the Ascot Lawyers Foundation, Alan Carr, bought former Beatle Ringo Starr’s Longcross residence, he was shocked to discover Lennon’s caravan hidden under polythene sheets in the garden.

It was soon revealed that Starr had acquired the caravan shortly after Lennon’s murder as part of his estate. When he saw the poor condition of his band mate’s pride and joy, Starr called in vintage caravan restorer John Pockett to make some much needed repairs. The caravan was then kept next to Starr’s swimming pool for 40 years, but this was unknown until Carr bought the house.

Upon discovery, Lennon’s gypsy caravan was completely dilapidated and much of the paintwork had been worn off. In fact, only the metal frame, the wheels and a few planks of wood had survived decades of dilapidating dormancy and its pending refurbishment is set to cost around £30,000 – coincidently the same amount of money for which Ono sold Dorinish – a small price to pay for the caravan’s return to its former glory.

Carr, 60, said: “I do not know at the moment quite what I want as I want to sell it to someone close to The Beatles.

“Hopefully it can be sold to somewhere in Liverpool to a cultural memorabilia museum or the cultural division of the band or something. But I will have to balance the interest of the charity very carefully.”

The fate of the gypsy caravan is still to be decided, but for now it lies in the safe hands of Carr, who is looking to have it auctioned or moved to a cultural museum. This has struck controversy amongst Beatles’ fans who think the caravan should be returned to its rightful owner: Julian Lennon.

Carr has since fought back, explaining his reasoning. He said: “I think it’s fine if fans want it to go to Julian but we are determined to raise a specific value so the charity can do as much good as possible.”

All we know is, with Lennon’s tooth being sold for $31,000 (around £20,000), his Rolls Royce being sold for $2.3 million (£1.5m) – making it the most expensive car in history – and the price of standard gypsy caravans retailing at around £10,000, Lennon’s Sgt Pepper vehicle could break caravan and motorhome sale records.

Let us know what you think should be done with this intriguing piece of history once it’s been refurbished to its former glory.

UK expected to see hottest August in years

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by Jessica Almeida

Hotter than usual weather is expected to make its way to the UK, followed by extreme rain storms

Forecasters are predicting the UK could see the hottest August temperatures in 20 years as the next wave of the jet stream roars across Britain, expect thermometers to rocket over the next fortnight.

James Madden, forecaster for Exacta Weather, believes that a “significant change” could happen as early as next week.

He said: “We are now likely to see the significant pattern change to much warmer and more settled conditions for many taking place.”

Madden also stated that it is possible that August temperatures could be above average, and at times could approach the mid to high 30s, most likely within the second half of the month in parts of the south.

“Even the worst hit areas throughout the pool summer to date in the north and west can also look forward to some decent summer conditions and exceptionally warm conditions at times through the remainder of the month,” Madden continued.

With above-average temperatures likely to last into autumn, Madden said that the heat will also cause spectacular thunderstorms.

Despite the record-breaking start, the scorching forecast comes as Britain arises from an unusually cool and dreary July.

Recorded at London’s Heathrow Airport, July started off with the highest temperature ever of 36.7C (98F). However, some parts of the country saw the month end on a record cold note with lows of just 2C.

Warnings have been issued that jet stream anomalies along with a powerful El Nino Pacific Ocean warnings could lead to stormy weather up until winter.

Powerful typhoons currently sweeping across Asia could head northwards triggering a knock-on effect to the UK, climate experts and meteorologists warn.

Madden added: “Vigorous thunderstorms will be a threat as warmer conditions become the more prominent feature.

“With this comes the risk of some potentially extreme flash-flooding events due to excessive rainfall amounts that will fall in small periods.”

It’s true to say 2015’s summer has been a unique one, featuring a mix of extreme heat, storms, gales and torrential rain and cold snaps. Playing a major role in the British weather over the past two and a half months, the jet stream has diverged wildly which has essentially driven the changes.

This Saturday is said to be the hottest day of the year so far with the mercury in France, Germany, Spain and Italy expected to touch 40C.

As warmer UK forecasts start to rise, bookies have been forced to cut the odds on summer ending on a record hot note.

Spokesperson for Coral, John Hill, said: “Before the month got underway, August was well backed to be the hottest on record as punters were banking on a heatwave.”

Not all forecasters agree on the timing of the next heatwave, however, with some predicting that Britons may have to wait until September for the heat.
Weather Action forecaster, Piers Corbyn, said: “The jet stream is wildly deviating and this pattern will continue over the next month.
“There are signs that we could see another hot spell at the end of August into September, but in the interim it is staying very up and down.
“Everybody though can look forward to a good bank holiday.”

Caravan and staycation popularity helps advance Park Leisure

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by Daniella Almeida

Rising profits and double the turnover for holiday park reveal that caravanning and staycations are here to stay

A surge in the popularity of caravan holidays, as well as an increase in people opting to holiday at home, has led to yet another holiday park announcing massive profits.

In the six months leading up to 30 June 2015, Park Leisure has announced a turnover of £28.4 million. This is up 56 per cent from the same period in 2014, doubling the turnover rate for the park. Park Leisure, which is based in York, owns 11 holiday parks across the UK that are perfect for caravanners.

In this same six month period, the company also reported a profit rise of 70 per cent to £3.4 million and a 59 per cent increase in EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) up to £5.1 million.

Earlier this year, the firm also expanded by acquiring the luxury site, Plas Coch Holiday Homes, in Anglesey, which cost the company roughly £15 million. Although this acquisition boosted the company significantly, nothing has impacted the firm quite like the boom in staycations.

The rise in staycations across the UK is the leading cause of the company’s surge. Chief executive of Park Leisure, Gary Molloy, recently revealed to The Yorkshire Post that he believes the success of the company can be founded on these increases in staycations.

Molloy said: “I think there’s more and more people looking for their own piece of Britain to go holidaying in”

Some people are fed up of all the stress and hassle of going abroad. I just think there’s a new breed of British people who are wanting to spend more time in their own country,” he concluded.

It’s no secret that staycations have been on the rise throughout the UK and every aspect of the caravan industry has profited from this.

Finance director at Park Leisure, Jo Cowl, said: “One of the things I’ve noticed since joining Park Leisure is the fact that people tend to buy a caravan or lodge only a couple of hours away from where they live. So they can actually get over to their holiday home practically every weekend, which gives them a lot more opportunities to enjoy the countryside,” she finished.

Nearly 200,000 Brits own a caravan or motorhome in the UK and continue to venture closer to home for their holidays proving that caravanning is here for the long haul.

Amongst being good for caravanners and holidayers alike, this increase for Park Leisure is also beneficial for employees. Across its 11 parks, the company now employs 300 staff members. This is a 100 per cent increase since 2011.

Park Leisure has been working diligently to improve their parks, investing quite a bit to keep them up to par. The acquisition of new parks is also a task the company hopes to continue. Park Leisure plans to introduce a concierge service at every park and ‘Park Leisure Experience’ to ensure that guests of their parks enjoy their stay to the full extent.

These changes will include a multitude of activities available at these sites including, but not limited to, surfing, water sports, and rock climbing.

What do you think of these changes to the great Park Leisure? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Swift announces new expansion as speculation of production increase mounts

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by Ellie Pritchard

Swift is planning huge new development for Cottingham site

UK leisure vehicle manufacturer, Swift, has revealed plans to drastically expand its Cottingham site.

Plans unveiled, include arrangements for a new assembly hall to be built adjacent to its current production facility, adding fuel to rumours circulating regarding an increase in the company’s production of leisure vehicles and holiday homes over the next few years.

The new facility will incorporate a large covered storage area to accommodate the delivery of components, along with an enlarged holiday home despatch area.

Swift’s managing director, James Turner, said of the new development: “I am delighted to announce this expansion to our Cottingham facility. There has been confidence and strong demand in Swift Group products across all sectors.”

“The market has shown signs of resurgence, so the expansion of the factory and development of the Cottingham site will provide some great opportunities to strengthen our future position in all of our markets,” he concluded.

News of the expansion at Swift’s production facility comes as the company has reported an increase in export sales of a third, to £12 million, with consistently popular markets in the Netherlands and Germany remaining integral to Swift’s overseas success, as well as a boost in Asia as previously reported on CaravanTimes

The main building will be finished by April 2018, and will preparatory works will begin over the next few months.

Plans for controversial Yorkshire caravan site on greenbelt given green light

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by Ellie Pritchard

Third proposal for caravan site on greenbelt riles local residents

Plans for a controversial caravan park situated on a Yorkshire greenbelt have finally been given the goahead following years of debate.

As previously reported on CaravanTimes, plans for the controversial Hepstonall caravan site faced opposition and were subsequently rejected in 2013 and 2014. However, the plans are now back in place – and they’re causing a stir amongst residents amidst fears that a new caravan site could cause damage to the greenbelt and agricultural land, as well as increase traffic within the picturesque area.

Of the newly accepted proposal, councillor Janet Battye explained her opposition, saying: “My objections to this application continue to be because I have serious concerns about the impact of putting a caravan site in a visible place on top of the horizon in this wonderful landscape.

“And because of the number of vehicles it will draw either up Lee Wood Road which has been narrowed because of flood damage, or through the old village of Heptonstall,” Battye continued.

“The applicant is proposing to lower the height of the fields by excavating nearly two metres of subsoil, this itself could cause unintended damage to the subsoil and drainage and I believe that the countryside should not be tampered with in this way. The work involved in doing this could cause further damage to local roads.”

But it’s not just councillors who are objecting. A number of comments have been left on Calderdale Council‘s planning website by vexed Heptonstall residents, expressing their aversion to the new site.

Sue Meniconi, from Heptonstall, wrote: “I am appalled by this application for a number of reasons.
The main reason is the possibility of a change from a green belt to brown field site and the myriad of problems this would create.

“Both access points to the village are already busy and further traffic would cause immense damage to the cobbles and Lee Wood road.”

But one of the applicants, Steve Holt, fought back, saying: “I believe Calderdale should be promoting projects like this for tourism and promoting quality accommodation.

“Caravanners are especially friendly people who drive carefully and follow signs, no vehicles would be going through Heptonstall,” he concluded.

Similarly, Welcome to Yorkshire backed the last application, highlighting a site of this kind would be ideal in the wake of the Tour de Yorkshire.

Joining Welcome to Yorkshire in approval, Mark Thompson, Calderdale Council’s acting director of economy and environment, said: “There have been two previous planning applications for the land off Smithwell Lane in Heptonstall for change of use from agricultural land to touring caravan site, submitted in 2013 and 2014. The second application was subsequently dismissed on appeal.

“When considering the previous applications, we took account of the benefits of the development for tourism; however it was concluded that these were outweighed by the harm to the Green Belt and the character of the area.

“The Council is now in the process of considering a third application and this will be considered on its own merits,” he concluded.

Do you think plans for the new caravan site should go ahead? Or is building on the green belt unforgivable? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.