Wales parks on Westminster agenda for Clwyd MP

Wales MP Dr James Davies took time out from his Parliamentary duties recently to learn more about the holiday parks industry in his Vale of Clwyd constituency.

Dr Davies was the guest of holiday park owner Chris Locker at the annual conference of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association in London.

Held at the QEII Conference Centre in Westminster, just a short distance from Parliament, the event was attended by representatives from many of Britain’s 3000-plus parks.

Mr Locker, whose family business owns Carmel Caravan Park in Bryniau, Dyserth, and Woodlands Caravan Park in Harlech, met with Dr Davies to discuss the impact on regional economies of the parks industry in Wales.

Parks in Wales, said Mr Locker, generate an annual visitor spend of over £720 million, and sustain an estimated 10,500-plus direct and indirect jobs.

Carmel Caravan Park is run by Chris Locker and his brother Thomas, together with their father Mike who acquired the eight-acre site almost seven years ago.

Since then, the family has invested much time and energy into creating high quality surroundings for holiday caravan home owners with sweeping mountain and coastal views.

In 2011, they went on to buy Woodlands Caravan Park in Harlech.

“We were delighted that Dr Davies was able to join us for part of the conference, and to learn more about our sector and how it helps draw millions of people to Wales each year,” said Mr Locker.

“Dr Davies clearly recognises the importance of tourism to the Clwyd region, and is aware of the challenges many businesses face in areas such as planning and high-speed broadband,” he added.

Speakers at the conference included cabinet minister John Whittingdale whose portfolio as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport includes responsibilities for tourism.