HOLIDAY parks in the Bridport area welcomed guests back for the first time since the lockdown began in March.

Holiday and caravan parks were given the greenlight to reopen from July 4, providing correct social distancing and safety measures were in place.

Parks are making sure all caravans and cabins are thoroughly cleaned and sanitised before the next guests enter the premises, there is social distancing signage, a one way system for toilets and one park are even encouraging people not to take too many showers.

Michelle Sage, general manager at Eype House Caravan Park in Bridport, said: “It's been a crazy couple of weeks getting everything clean and ready for reopening.

“We opened Saturday and everything went smoothly with the campers.

“Lots of positive comments from the guests, they've told us they feel safe and they've enjoyed being able to come away and be in the open air.

“We've been able to open to capacity, we have always had more space than we needed so we've been able to fit everyone in at a safe distance.

“We're fully booked until the end of August. We have had a couple of cancellations from people who still a bit cautious about going away but we have been able to give their pitches to other guests.”

Martin Cox, Managing Director at West Dorset Leisure Holidays, said: “It wasn't quite as overwhelming as it was made out it would be. We are currently running at about 60 to 70 percent of our capacity level.

“Everything went smoothly and we've had no major problems.

“Generally speaking, the systems have all worked. We registered for the Visit England ‘we’re good to go’ scheme which proves we have taken the correct risk assessments.

“Like many establishments, it will take three or four prototypes to get it right.

He added: “I think we have the confidence of the public and I've yet to witness any of our visitors not complying with social distancing.

“We're making the best of July and August but it's going to be a much lower level than usual at this time of year.

“Some people are desperate to get out and do something but others still want to stay home.”

CONTACT ME

t: 01305830999

e: bradley.white@newsquest.co.uk

Twitter: @DorsetEchoBrad