Hundreds sign two petitions to save Porthcawl’s Coney Beach Amusement Park

The sale includes the freehold interest in the Coney Beach Amusement Park site and the leasehold interest in an adjoining section of land known locally as the ‘monster park’ as it was previously used to exhibit sculptures of dinosaurs.

The Welsh Government’s purchase forms part of Bridgend County Borough Council’s wider regeneration plans for the area.

This includes a mixed-use development including an access road to a new housing development at Sandy Bay and an extension to Griffin Park.

As part of the deal, the amusement park will continue to operate for up to three years with work expected to begin on site soon after.

Welsh Government Climate Change Minister, Julie James called the regeneration plans “exciting” adding that the land purchase “offers a unique opportunity to deliver affordable homes in an attractive waterfront setting”.

Sarah Murphy, Member of the Senedd for Bridgend also welcomed the land purchase, saying that it would allow Bridgend Council to “deliver on the regeneration plan for the seafront area as well as delivering much needed social and affordable homes.”

Petitioners are unhappy at the closure however, with both saying the closure of the Amusement Park would hit tourism in Porthcawl.

Richard Harris, author of one of the petitions said: “The Fun Fair has been there for 100 years and is part of the heritage of South Wales for the old and the young. 

“So any memories have been made and will continue to be made there until work starts in three years time. It’s brought so many visitors not just from Wales and a lot return for holidays year after year. 

“This will affect Porthcawl dramatically as a holiday resort and people will go else where. It will also affect the livelihood of so many small businesses. We need to act now as we only have three years to fight this.”

Author of a second petition, KD said: “This affects the local Porthcawl community and anyone visiting the area.  It will affect local business as Porthcawl will be less appealing as a holiday destination and there is a real risk that Porthcawl will become a ‘ghost town’ considering so many businesses rely on the tourism that the pleasure park and surrounding tourist attractions bring in.

“The local areas extremely proud history and exciting future is at a threat.  Opening it’s gates over 100 years ago and is home to so many wonderful memories. If we don’t act now Porthcawl could deteriorate and the local residents and businesses will likely suffer the consequences in order to make for unsightly housing a retail park and a primary school “ 

“We encourage the Welsh Government to reconsider their plans, or to sell the pleasure park to an investor who wants to keep Coney Beach pleasure park.” 

Pat Evans, of Coney Beach Amusement Park, said: “Generations of our family have lived and worked alongside each other here at Coney Beach for over 100 years. We will be forever proud of our showman heritage and the memories that we have created for all our customers who have visited us and shared in our love of the ‘fun of the fair’ and the legacy that Coney Beach leaves.”

(Lead image: Bridgend County Borough Council)