Closing Southport Pleasureland during Coronavirus was right decision

Southport Pleasureland owner Norman Wallis says his decision to close the attraction during the Coronavirus outbreak was the right one to take.

The park, which attracts over half a million visitors to Southport  every year, was due to officially open for the 2020 season last Saturday.

But before waiting for government advice, Mr Wallis acted swiftly and took the decision to keep the gates closed until the Coronavirus outbreak is brought under control.

The Universal Rides owner told The Parliamentary Review: “I believe our park was the first in the UK to take the decision not to open in the current circumstances.

“Corporate press statements often describe moves such as this as a difficult decision. It wasn’t.

“It was the only decision any business could make in all conscience in times such as these. Of course the Government then stepped in with a mandate for high-footfall public entertainment venues to close – and it was the right move.

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“’If we in the industry really do put our staff and customers first – and in this case the health of the nation too – then there was just one choice. Is it difficult to live with the choice? No, the choice was the right one. What is difficult – and thankfully that has been recognised by the Government – is how we protect other areas of people’s lives.

“How affected staff will pay bills, how a seasonal attraction that was last open six months ago and spent the interim on refurbishing, refreshing and maintaining existing rides and investing in new ones, can weather even more commercial down-time.

“Our industry’s hope is that the Government comes through for us. I think with that level of support then the UK can forge ahead into making up for lost time.

“Attractions like mine, Southport Pleasureland, will step up to the plate when the time is right – and do everything possible to deliver the best day out.

Southport Pleasureland owner Norman Wallis

“Managing Covid 19 presents a challenge that shows the metal of a Government. What it’s important to protect and save is so much bigger than the economy. It’s families, it’s the hope of an ordinary life, of kids being kids and grandparents being grandparents; it’s confidence in your home secured and your family well fed and cared for – and everyone being around as we get through this.

“And of course it’s about making sure that those who are ill, and those who care for them are given the best chances and the best equipment and facilities – as well as a nation’s thanks for their skill, bravery and tenacity.”

Mr Wallis is now looking forward to the day when the virus is under control. And he believes that attractions like Southport Pleasureland will be vital in bringing smiles back to people’s faces when it is finally all over.

He said: “Leisure and tourism businesses like ours will need to be there to support a general public that has been on lockdown and facing the most challenging changes to their lives, their freedom and their mental health.

“Wartime experience shows us that, as soon as possible after peace was declared there was a rush for the public to reconnect with relaxing, socialising, living a normal life and breathing freely again. I’m certain history will repeat itself and, as an Industry, we need to be ready and waiting for that day.

“I look forward to giving Southport Pleasureland staff a refreshed ‘season opening’ talk when all this is over. We’re excited at the prospect of starting afresh – and looking forward to thanking each and every one of them for their contribution; I know they’ll be keen to see families back in the park, out in the fresh air and simply having fun.”