People and politicians have been reacting to the news that Pembrokeshire theme park Oakwood has shut down - with many asking the question, can the attraction now be saved?
After weeks of mounting speculation that the attraction wouldn’t open for the 2025 holiday season - the owners of Oakwood Aspro Parks announced on March 4 that the site near Narberth would be closing permanently.
“Following a strategic review of the business, Aspro Parks, owner and operator of Oakwood Theme Park have reached this difficult decision due to the challenges presented by the current business environment,” they stated.
“All possible avenues have been explored to avoid the closure, and we fully recognise the impact of the closure on the local community and the loss that will be felt as a result.
“Despite the ongoing investment visitor numbers have declined, the financial performance of the park has suffered, making further investment unsustainable.
“The unrelenting economic challenges ahead, increases in costs, affecting all areas of the operation from; ride parts to electricity costs, food and beverage inflation, increases in NLW and changes to national insurance thresholds have all impacted the decision.
“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.”
Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Samual Kurtz said the announcement was ‘deeply sad news’
“Oakwood has held a special place in the hearts of many in Pembrokeshire and from further afield. Many happy memories have been made there over the years,” he remarked.
“However, it’s a sad reflection of the challenges facing the tourism sector and the wider economy given Labour’s mismanagement at both ends of the M4.
“I’ll be submitting a Topical Question in the Senedd to ask what support is being made available to staff.
“If you’re impacted by this closure then please email me on samuel.kurtz@senedd.wales”
Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales Cefin Campbell commented: “The news that Oakwood is closing is a serious blow to Pembrokeshire and bordering Carmarthenshire.
“Not only is the attraction an important employer, but it is also a significant tourist attraction which is a huge boost to the area's economy.
“I will be raising the issue in the Siambr soon to ask how the Welsh Government will respond to the development and if it is possible to save the park.”
Wales’ First Minister, Eluned Morgan said that she was “deeply saddened” by the news.
“This is a huge blow for the dedicated staff, the local community, and the tourism economy of Pembrokeshire,” she stated.
After weeks of mounting speculation that the attraction wouldn’t open for the 2025 holiday season - the owners of Oakwood Aspro Parks announced on March 4 that the site near Narberth would be closing permanently.
“Following a strategic review of the business, Aspro Parks, owner and operator of Oakwood Theme Park have reached this difficult decision due to the challenges presented by the current business environment,” they stated.
“All possible avenues have been explored to avoid the closure, and we fully recognise the impact of the closure on the local community and the loss that will be felt as a result.
“Despite the ongoing investment visitor numbers have declined, the financial performance of the park has suffered, making further investment unsustainable.
“The unrelenting economic challenges ahead, increases in costs, affecting all areas of the operation from; ride parts to electricity costs, food and beverage inflation, increases in NLW and changes to national insurance thresholds have all impacted the decision.
“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.”
Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Samual Kurtz said the announcement was ‘deeply sad news’
“Oakwood has held a special place in the hearts of many in Pembrokeshire and from further afield. Many happy memories have been made there over the years,” he remarked.
“However, it’s a sad reflection of the challenges facing the tourism sector and the wider economy given Labour’s mismanagement at both ends of the M4.
“I’ll be submitting a Topical Question in the Senedd to ask what support is being made available to staff.
“If you’re impacted by this closure then please email me on samuel.kurtz@senedd.wales”
Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales Cefin Campbell commented: “The news that Oakwood is closing is a serious blow to Pembrokeshire and bordering Carmarthenshire.
“Not only is the attraction an important employer, but it is also a significant tourist attraction which is a huge boost to the area's economy.
“I will be raising the issue in the Siambr soon to ask how the Welsh Government will respond to the development and if it is possible to save the park.”
Wales’ First Minister, Eluned Morgan said that she was “deeply saddened” by the news.
“This is a huge blow for the dedicated staff, the local community, and the tourism economy of Pembrokeshire,” she stated.
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