Rising costs force Devon holiday park to close

AHOLIDAY park in Devon is to close for good, blaming the cost of living crisis. The owners of Devon Valley Holiday Village in Shaldon have made the announcement just eight months after they purchased the site.

The site lies on the banks of the River Teign. But taking to Facebook and their website, they said that after 20 years of a visible lack of investment, the holiday village was neither profitable nor reflective of the standards they want to offer guests. They said that park will not open for the 2023 season, and all bookings will be refunded.

The statement added that with a looming recession and the business facing a 300% increase in electricity costs, along with increasing staff costs, it was no longer viable to stay open. Anyone with bookings is asked to contact them to process the refund.

The full statement said: “It is with much regret that we are announcing the proposed closure of Devon Valley Holiday Park on December 1, 2022.

“Following our eight months of ownership, we have concluded that the park, after 20 years of a visible lack of investment, is neither profitable nor reflective of the standards we want to offer guests.

“It is therefore envisaged that the park will not open for the 2023 season, and all bookings will be refunded.

“In these uncertain and difficult times, with a looming recession and the business facing a 300% increase in electricity costs, along with increasing staff costs, it has been regrettably concluded that to continue running this park in its current format is no longer viable. Devon Valley occupies a unique waterfront location in prime South Devon. It therefore has much potential moving forward. However, its current condition has resulted in high levels of customer complaints, and it fails to provide a holiday experience befitting of its beautiful location.

“We know that for many of you, this will be a shock, and we appreciate the importance Devon Valley has played in your family holidays over the years. We sincerely thank you for your business and support.

“If you have a booking for 2023, please get in touch with us at 0344 557 5100. As you will appreciate, our staff will be busy dealing with many calls, so we request your patience while we process your refund.”