'Heartbroken' Caravan Owners Forced from Happy Valley Holiday Park
Caravan owners at the Happy Valley Caravan Park in Porthcawl are facing displacement and financial losses after being informed of the park's closure at the end of October. The closure leaves them scrambling to sell or remove their static caravans, leading to emotional distress and financial strain.
Closure Announcement and Owner Reactions
Owners at the Happy Valley Caravan Park, located in Bridgend county, say they were notified in September that the site will close at the end of October. They are required to remove their caravans by the end of February 2026, leading to significant disruption for those who have considered the site a second home for decades. Many caravan owners feel they have been treated poorly during this process.
"It's absolutely brilliant and it's devastating to see it all go." - Andrea Jones, Caravan Owner
Personal Stories of Loss and Disruption
Andrea Jones, a 64-year-old from Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taf, has been a regular at the park for 10 years. She expressed her devastation at the park's closure and the loss of the community. Although she managed to sell her caravan, Andrea Jones estimates that she lost around £30,000 in the process. Other owners, like Gwyn Beynon, are experiencing similar frustrations and anger at the handling of the situation.
Gwyn Beynon, 76, also from Treorchy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, is sending his caravan to Poland. He voiced his frustration, stating that he felt the way the closure was handled was "disgusting".
The Impact on the Community
The closure of Happy Valley Caravan Park is not only causing individual heartache but is also dismantling a close-knit community. As caravans are removed, the once-vibrant site is left with barren gaps, and residents are forced to dismantle decking and patio stones. Some owners, including John Mason, are hoping to find space at other sites nearby to maintain some sense of community and routine.
