Butlin’s closes all resorts over coronavirus fears

Bognor Regis and Minehead sites will join Skegness resort in closing on 18 December

The resorts will reopen in 2021 (PA)

Butlin’s is closing two of its holiday resorts due to the number of areas moving into the highest tier of coronavirus restrictions, the company has announced.

The Bognor Regis and Minehead sites will remain closed for at least the rest of 2020. Its third resort, in Skegness, announced in November it would stay shut for the remainder of the year.

A spokesperson said the decision had been made due in order to “keep our guests and team safe” and “avoid unnecessary journeys” as more areas are placed under tier 3 restrictions.

A Butlin's spokesperson wrote on Twitter: “Due to the number of areas moving into Tier 3 and to continue to keep our guests and team safe by following the latest government guidance of limiting contact and avoiding unnecessary journeys, we’re sad to say that we’ll be closing our Bognor Regis and Minehead resorts from Friday 18 December, for the remainder of 2020.

“We know this will be disappointing for you and your family, particularly during this time of year.

“We’ve worked hard over the past few months to be as flexible as possible following the change in government advice, whilst continuing to give our guests a memorable and fun break and keeping you and our team safe.”

The company added that it will contact customers via email, SMS or letter to discuss their options, and directed people to the booking options section of the Butlin's website for more information.

The announcement came after Jeremy Pardey, the Bognor Regis resort director, told the Bognor Observer earlier this month that the team were “raring to go” for the festive season.

He said: "We’ve gone to town in ensuring Christmas lives up to the guests’ expectation. It’s really exciting for us all."

The Skegness resort announced it would not reopen until 2021 after the government revealed the county would enter tier 3 after lockdown was lifted. Four members of staff had also previously tested positive for coronavirus at the site in October.

Confirming the cases at the time, a spokesperson said that the company had “fully complied with all the necessary NHS Test and protocol procedures and in line with track and trace requirements” and isolated team member the employees may have been in contact with. They added that “strict protocols covering hygiene, social distancing and PPE” were "firmly in place to protect both our guests and team".