Concern for tourism industry after theme park shuts

Residents and business owners have voiced concern the closure of Brean Theme Park could dent visitor numbers and put pressure on the local economy.

Brean Theme Park in Somerset, which opened in the 1940s, appointed liquidators last week.

Simon Gready, who lives nearby and volunteers for the Burnham Tourism Information Office, told BBC Radio Somerset the loss of the theme park was "a real concern for the area."

A spokesperson for the attraction's liquidators said the site had experienced "significant financial challenges" amid reduced visitor numbers following the Covid-19 pandemic.

"It's going to affect the choice that people have in terms of the activities on offer, and that will have a significant affect on footfall," Gready continued.

"It's a shame that visiting members of the public will have less choice, and it will have an effect on the local economy."

"[The park] was incredibly well-used, so one would hope there's going to be an option to seek an alternative company to run it."

While Brean Theme Park's closure is seen as a major loss, some believe the area's other attractions will help soften the blow.

David Chedzey runs The Sundowner Beach Bar in Brean and said: "While it's sad we lost the biggest attraction in the area, the area has a lot of other attractions to bring people in. It's very sad for the guys who run the fun fair."

"I don't think the level of tourism will go down as much as people are worried about."

Sue Chedzey added that while the theme park played a big part in visitor numbers, the beach is the "main attraction".

Unity Holidays, which owns the site of Brean Theme Park, said its caravan park was still operating, and its other attractions, Brean Play, Brean Splash and Brean Gym would reopen as planned for the 2026 season.

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.