Concerns trespassers may enter an old theme park site and try filming themselves on disused rides have prompted calls for it to be sold quickly. Social media footage has shown people wandering around Oakwood, near Narberth, Pembrokeshire,since it closed last month. Pembrokeshire Tory MS Sam Kurtz wants a "quick sale", saying the longer it stays empty, the chances of "other problems occurring" increase. Owner Aspro Parks, which closed Oakwood citing a drop in visitor numbers, has been asked to comment. Oakwood opened in 1987, and was adored by generations of Welsh children, with rides including the world-renowned rollercoaster Megafobia, which operated from 1996. But Aspro confirmed at the start of March that Oakwood Theme Park would not reopen for the 2025 season, saying "future investment is unsustainable". Mr Kurtz wants a quick plan for a new future, believing the longer the site stays closed, the more issues this will create. "That's a risk to their [trespassers'] health and safety, but also if this is a site that deteriorates, then we potentially lose the opportunity for a quick sale and turnaround to get this site back up and running, whatever that might be in the future," he said. "I really want to see Aspro working with everybody that's available including the Welsh government, myself and other businesses, and potential buyers to see if we can get a quick sale of this asset. "It's such a great asset." Dyfed-Powys Police said it was "aware of reports of persons gaining entry to Oakwood" and had received a number of calls "indicating trespassing and potential crimes". Cardiff University Professor of Economics Calvin Jones said it was "fairly unlikely" a new operator would be interested in taking over the Oakwood site as a theme park. "If an established operator, who's already invested tens of millions in the site over the last decade or so can't make it work, then it's unlikely a new entrant could make it work," he said. "I think we have seen some new theme and activity developments in Wales but they've been much narrower in the last few years. "Things like zipwires and underground trampolines and mountain biking, where we see people using the topography of Wales in interesting and innovative ways." Prof Jones said the future of the site was dependant on what kind of use the local planning authority would allow. "It'll very much depend on planning permission," he said. "I don't think it'll be a theme park. It may be some kind of recreational use, depending on the view of the planning bodies. "It may be something very different." Bluestone National Park Resort, which employs 700 people, is adjacent to Oakwood, but a spokesperson had declined to comment on whether it would be interested in purchasing the site. Prof Jones said the holiday resort had previously expanded in a considered and "careful" way. "I suspect Bluestone would look on this with a fair bit of trepidation unless the land is available cheaply," he added. "I can't imagine we'll see anything quick happening with the land if Bluestone were to take it." Mr Kurtz said "plenty of businesses" had been in touch with him expressing an interest in purchasing the former theme park. He added: "This is a bit of a plea to the parent company - let's work together and try and get going to find a buyer for this site. "I've not yet heard from them. I really wish they get back in touch with me." The Welsh government said it "continues to engage" with the owner of the site. "We recognise the significant value the former Oakwood site holds for locals and visitors, and are hopeful a buyer will come forward to ensure its continued contribution to the local economy and tourism industry," a spokesperson said. Pembrokeshire council confirmed it had not held any discussions with Aspro Parks. Aspro did not respond to enquiries from BBC Wales.
Trespasser fears prompt calls for quick Oakwood sale
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Calls for Quick Sale of Closed Oakwood Theme Park Amid Safety Concerns"
Bbc News
7.1
TruthLens AI Summary
Concerns regarding trespassers entering the now-closed Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire have prompted local officials to advocate for a swift sale of the site. Since the park's closure last month, social media footage has surfaced showing individuals exploring the abandoned grounds and rides, raising alarms about potential accidents and unauthorized filming. Tory MS Sam Kurtz has expressed that the longer the park remains vacant, the greater the risk of safety issues and deterioration of the property, which could hinder any future sale or redevelopment plans. He emphasized the need for collaboration between the park’s owner, Aspro Parks, and various stakeholders, including the Welsh government, to expedite the sale and find a viable future for the site. Oakwood, which opened in 1987 and featured popular attractions like the Megafobia rollercoaster, saw a decline in visitor numbers leading to its closure, with Aspro citing unsustainable future investment as the primary reason for not reopening in 2025.
Local authorities, including Dyfed-Powys Police, are already dealing with reports of trespassing and potential criminal activity at the site. Experts have voiced skepticism about the likelihood of a new operator successfully reviving the theme park, given that established operators have struggled to maintain profitability. Professor Calvin Jones from Cardiff University noted that while new recreational developments have emerged in Wales, they tend to focus on niche activities rather than traditional theme parks. The future of the Oakwood site largely hinges on local planning regulations, which may allow for alternative uses beyond amusement attractions. Although nearby Bluestone National Park Resort has shown interest in the property, a representative declined to comment on a potential acquisition. Meanwhile, Kurtz has received inquiries from several businesses interested in purchasing the site, urging Aspro Parks to engage in discussions for a prompt transaction. The Welsh government remains hopeful that a buyer will emerge to ensure the site continues to benefit the local economy and tourism sector.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights concerns regarding trespassing at the closed Oakwood theme park and the implications of its prolonged vacancy. Local authorities and stakeholders are calling for a rapid sale of the property to mitigate risks associated with potential trespassing and site deterioration.
Community Concerns and Safety Risks
The worries expressed by local officials, particularly Pembrokeshire Tory MS Sam Kurtz, center around the health and safety risks posed by trespassers exploring the derelict site. The mention of social media footage of individuals on the property underscores the urgency to address these issues before they escalate. The owner, Aspro Parks, has cited a decline in visitor numbers as a reason for the park's closure and has not indicated plans to reopen.
Economic Implications and Future Prospects
Economics professor Calvin Jones raises skepticism about the viability of reopening the park as a theme park, suggesting that if an established operator could not sustain operations, a new entrant would face similar challenges. This skepticism may influence public perception, creating doubts about the future economic benefits of the site, which could further complicate efforts for a swift sale.
Political and Social Dynamics
The call for collaboration between Aspro Parks, local government, and potential buyers signals a political maneuvering to stabilize community concerns and preserve local interests. There is an implicit urgency to act decisively to avoid prolonged vacancy and its associated risks, which might resonate with voters and local businesses alike.
Manipulative Elements and Trustworthiness
While the article addresses legitimate concerns regarding trespassing and site management, it may also serve to galvanize public opinion in favor of a quick sale, potentially leading to a biased portrayal of the situation. The language used emphasizes urgency and risk, which could manipulate public sentiment towards a specific outcome. In conclusion, the article reflects a blend of community concerns, economic skepticism, and political maneuvering, urging quick action to prevent further deterioration of the site and mitigate safety risks. The trustworthiness of the article is somewhat compromised by the potential for manipulative framing, focusing heavily on the need for rapid intervention.