Life in Merseyside village one year after Pontins closure

Ainsdale: It’s been a whole year since Pontins closed its doors, and folks are still buzzing about it. The sudden shutdown hit holidaymakers hard, but the village has been adapting.

I chatted with Lorraine Cross, a long-time resident, who shared her thoughts on the park’s impact. She mentioned how it used to draw in visitors, which helped local shops, including her own. But surprisingly, business is still thriving without it.

The village is actually seeing some cool changes. New bars and restaurants are popping up, making it a lively spot for both locals and visitors. Just a short stroll from the village center, the old Pontins site sits empty, but there’s hope for its future.

Recently, a pop-up food stall called The Beach House opened nearby, and there’s talk of a mystery buyer interested in the long-abandoned Sands pub. Exciting times ahead, right?

Ainsdale has become a hotspot for new hospitality ventures. The Golden Monkey and The Mallard are just a couple of places that are keeping the vibe alive. Lorraine, who works at the Golden Monkey, said people are choosing to stay local for their outings now.

She’s noticed that Ainsdale is becoming the place to be, even compared to nearby Formby and Birkdale. It’s great to see the community rallying around local businesses.

Despite the positive changes, the future of the old Pontins site is still up in the air. Britannia Hotels, which owns the land, has a long lease with Sefton Council. Some locals think it should be torn down if it’s not going to be used.

There were even rumors about turning it into a golf course, but that seems to have fizzled out. Alistair Urry, another local, mentioned that the village hasn’t missed the usual influx of visitors from the park.

Local MP Bill Esterson is also on the case, pushing for investment in the area. He’s been hearing from residents who want to see something done about the old site. It sounds like there’s a real desire for change, and he’s working to make it happen.

So, while Ainsdale is moving forward, the question remains: what’s next for Pontins? Only time will tell.