The Stratford Holiday Park is here to stay, reflecting community response on the Stratford District Council customer satisfaction survey.
Triggered by the expiry of the park's lease's in 2016, Neil Cooper, the council's property officer, presented a range of options for the future of the park at a recent council meeting.
Neil's recommendation was to out-source the operation of the park to a long-term lessee in return for a significant investment in the upgrade of the facility. Neil said, in his opinion, the council should not be taking over the day-to-day business of the facility. With the unanimous agreement of councillors, the council will now begin the search for a new operator for the park.
Neil said that as the park remains a viable business, and with the support from the community to retain it, interested parties will need to present a business plan, as well as plans for an upgrade. Neil added that this might involve the council contributing an initial percentage of the upgrade and maintenance costs.
Doreen Readshaw, the current lessee, is overseas with the park being run by Doreen's cousin. As there is no further right of renewal on the lease, Doreen will have the opportunity to reapply in competition with any other interested parties.
