Due to a number of unavoidable delays, the Southend-on-Sea Caravan Park and bush camping ground will not re-open in time for the summer holiday period.

Initially, Wattle Range Council was working towards having the bush camping ground open in time for the summer break, whilst the caravan park site was expected to be re-opened early in February.

Council chief executive Ben Gower said it had been a challenging time for all concerned in relation to getting the tourism facilities back operating.

“However, a combination of delays, including COVID-19 restrictions and border closures, has meant the sites will not be ready in time,” Mr Gower said. “Council certainly acknowledges that this delay will be disappointing to many, as we are certainly aware that many visitors to the park have been coming to Southend for many years.

“Council is looking forward to reopening both sites under new management, with new ablutions/showers, landscaping and roadways still to be established once the demolition and clean-up of the aged infrastructure has been completed.

“When the dates for re-opening the sites have been confirmed, all those who have registered an interest in staying at either the caravan park or the bush camping ground will be contacted.”