**Closure of Iconic Porthcawl Amusement Park Sparks Sorrow and Uncertainty in Community**
The seaside town of Porthcawl is reeling from the news that its beloved Coney Beach Amusement Park will be closing its gates for the final time this October, bringing an end to over a century of memories and tradition. The announcement, made earlier this week by the park’s owners, has cast a shadow over residents, local businesses and generations of visitors who have long cherished the renowned attraction.
The decision comes in the wake of the Welsh Government’s acquisition of several land parcels along the Promenade in 2023, which included the amusement park grounds and the adjoining site known locally as “monster park”. These areas are now earmarked for a major regeneration project that could see the creation of new residential properties, retail premises, business facilities, a new primary school, and additional leisure and recreational amenities.
While some see the proposed development as an exciting prospect for the future, the closure of Coney Beach has left many feeling bereft. Traders who have set up shop near the park, along with long-time residents, express deep concern over the uncertainty now hanging over their livelihoods.
Tony Mottram, who has operated a popular beachside stall selling classic seaside wares just steps from the amusement park, voiced the sentiments of many. “This isn’t just my work – it’s a community, it’s my life,” he reflected. With his lease due to end in October, he now faces the prospect of closure, stating: “Once the news broke, it suddenly became real. I’ve started selling my stock at discounted prices, but I doubt I’ll be able to clear it all. The stallholders and shopkeepers here aren’t the only ones affected; the whole town stands to lose from this change.”
Adding to the sense of collective disappointment is Kym Bateman, proprietor of the traditional donkey and pony rides along Porthcawl’s sands for more than four decades. “It’s devastating, absolutely devastating,” she said, noting the potential blow to tourism. For Kym, whose husband’s family has been part of the town’s beach life for a century, the closure signals the end of a longstanding family business and a cherished way of life.
Visitors to the town, too, are grappling with the news. Susan Emment, accompanied by her husband Bill, reminisced about her childhood spent at Coney Beach. “I have so many wonderful memories here with my grandparents. It’s hard to accept it’s coming to an end,” she said, a sentiment echoed by many who have enjoyed the sights and sounds of the park through the decades.
Further along the seafront, stalls serving traditional fish and chips and seafood are also threatened. Parminder Singh, owner of a local chip shop, revealed the strain this uncertainty has placed on him. “This is my only means of income – I’ve been here for 16 years and have never worked elsewhere. The news keeps me up at night. We’ve heard rumours for years, but now it’s really happening,” he explained.
Dave Jones, who sells cockles from his Coney Seafoods stall, admitted there had been so many whispers about the park’s closure in the past that many had become sceptical. “Now, with confirmation, there’s a real sense of a void opening up, and we’re unsure what will happen next.”
Visitors like Dan Morgan, who journeyed from Swansea, hope that the town’s seaside appeal will endure even without the fairground. “Porthcawl and its funfair have gone hand-in-hand for over a hundred years. It really does feel like the end of an era,” he said.
Bridgend County Borough Council issued a statement recognising the cultural importance of Coney Beach Amusement Park, noting its role in shaping Porthcawl’s identity. A spokesperson assured that the site’s purchase by the Welsh Government would allow it to play a key role in upcoming waterfront regeneration plans, which promise a range of new attractions in the future.
The Evans family, who have operated the park for generations, expressed sadness at the impending closure, saying: “For over a hundred years we and other showmen have helped create cherished memories here. While we are deeply saddened to see this time come to an end, we are grateful to have been part of so many families’ lives. Thank you for being part of the legacy of Coney Beach.”
As Porthcawl faces a future without its famous fairground, many are left reflecting on what will be lost—and wondering what new stories and memories will be made as the town begins its next chapter.