Caravans evacuated after gas leak incident at resort holiday park
FIVE CREWS AND SPECIALIST TEAM RESPOND
EMERGENCY services had to evacuate caravans at a Cleethorpes holiday park following a suspected gas leak.
Humberside Fire and Rescue, including an environmental protection and decontamination unit, were called to Cleethorpes Pearl Holiday Park, formerly the Beachcomber.
Police and ambulance services also attended.
A spokesperson from Humberside Fire and Rescue told the Grimsby Telegraph: “The service was alerted around 10.50am to a report of a gas leak.
“The site was evacuated. All persons were accounted for and there is no risk to the public.
“We are conducting testing and investigations to detect any hotspots.”
She added the service responded with five crews and a specialist team used for detection and monitoring of leaks.
Formerly the Beachcomber, it is now called Cleethorpes Pearl after it was taken over by Away Resorts.
There are several hundred holiday homes on the site. Some of the homes are lived in by owners for most of the year.
One holidaymaker who comes from Skegness said: “The staff went round knocking on all the doors of the caravans and asked everyone to leave. They didn’t say why but just said it was for safety.”
“We always come to Cleethorpes because it is friendly and all the staff, managers to cleaners are brilliant.”
Darren and Carmen Angus had just arrived at the holiday park at the start of their holiday to be greeted by police and firefighters. The family of six had completed the two-hour journey from Nottingham.
In tears, Carmen said: “We are in shock. “
Darren said: “We can’t fault the staff. They have been superb and offered us food and drinks in the pub.
“It was a shock to see police and the fire service. Then 20 more firefighters turned up.
“It wasn’t the pool, it was closed when we came in March. So they said it would be open in May. That’s why we’ve come now. I can’t wait to get in that pool. We were told it won’t be long. They are treating us really well.”
David Wilkinson, from Leeds, said: ”We had only just arrived and parked up in the car park when everyone was asked to leave.
“It might have something to do with the pool. I wouldn’t mind but they phoned me up yesterday to say the pool was open.”
He added: “We normally go to Tattershall Lakes which is the same firm but thought we would give this one a try for a couple of nights as we have a dog and they welcome pets.”
Around 100 holidaymakers and park residents were offered refreshments and carvery meals at The Trawlerman just across the road.
General manager Ashley Phillips told the Grimsby Telegraph: “We are good neighbours so when the head of HR came over to ask if we could provide meals and refreshments we were glad to help.
“We are always here to help. Everyone is fine and just getting on with it. They have all enjoyed the meals, which are going on the tab.”
A spokesperson for Away Resorts said: “We can confirm that an incident has happened at Cleethorpes Pearl Holiday Park which led to a temporary closure and evacuation.
“The park has been risk assessed by emergency services and they have now handed the park back to the team. This was a result of an unfortunate error in the plant room earlier today.
“We have a small number of holidaymakers staying at the park currently and everyone is safe and well.
“Our team have been door knocking and holiday home owners have also been informed.
“We’d like to thank those who helped and assisted this afternoon.”