Bognor Regis Butlin's director makes charitable offer to community after 'very sad' closure of resort

Butlin's Bognor resort will close tomorrow (Friday, December 18) just a week after it reopened to visitors, due to ‘the number of areas moving into tier 3’. Read more hereDirector Jeremy Pardey said the news has left him and his team feeling 'really sad' but acknowledged that it was the 'right thing to do' in line with government guidelines.

Mr Pardey said the feelings of residents in the community were also taken into consideration.

"Most of all, it's about keeping our guests, our team and neighbours safe," he said. "That's really important to us.

"There's people here now and they've had a lovely time. The feedback has been sensational, people have really enjoyed it. We've not pulled back on the offer in relation to our Christmas decorations and making the Butlin's experience what we think it should be.

"We've spent a lot of time getting ready for this opening. It took us two and a half weeks to decorate the resort with a team of 40 people.

"It's just really sad for the team and guests [but], most importantly, our thoughts are about keeping people safe."

Mr Pardey told the Observer earlier this month that the team were ‘raring to go’ for the festive season.The closure of the resort now means there are 6,000 spare Christmas selection boxes, and at least 15 trees, which Mr Pardey wants to put to good use.

"I don't want any money for them," he said. "They were a gift from Santa for all the children due to visit these festive breaks.

"I want to donate them in a positive way to local schools, hospitals, etc. We will do our best but they may run out.

"It's something positive [and will] spread a bit of Christmas joy elsewhere."

If you're based in Bognor Regis, and would like to be delivered a selection box or tree, please contact [email protected].

Have you read?: What tier is Bognor Regis in? Here’s all you need to know after latest review

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