Center Parcs has issued a statement in response to an online petition calling for a system limiting the amount of time visitors can spend swimming in the centre’s pools to be scrapped.
The petition, on Change.org, calls on the management of Center Parcs to review a policy of only allowing swimmers two two-hour slots in the pool during a five-day break, which was brought in in light of Covid-19 restrictions.
With close to 1,200 signatories at time of publication, the petition has been set up by a member of the public who says “a lot of people disagree” with the policy and that “many more pool slots are needed”.
In the details of the petition, the user has said: “Center Parcs argues that pool slots is the more desired approach from their customers but I hope that this petition can prove that a lot of people disagree, and that at many more pool slots are needed, or need to be removed all together.
"With this petition, we hope to prove that the pool is the main feature of most breaks, and that more people would want more time in the pool with more slots, or no slot system at all.”
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Among those signing many have left comments criticising Center Parcs, citing other holiday resorts including Butlins which have more relaxed systems in place.
One user has written: “Madness, it's the highlight of most people's stay. Won't be returning if slots stay.”
Another has said: “It does not feel like a relaxing holiday if you have to stick to a tight schedule - especially with small children. Center Parcs main draw for us is the pool (we attended this year without it and noticed a huge difference) but we will have to consider holidaying elsewhere if these strict rules remain in place.”
Center Parcs has issued a statement to the petition, citing the need for a “responsible approach” in light of rising Covid infection rates.
A Center Parcs spokesperson said: “We are aware of this petition and we understand that some of our guests are disappointed by our decision. However, infection rates continue to rise nationally, and the Government has placed the onus on individuals and businesses to make decisions to keep everyone as safe as possible.
“Therefore, as a business, we have decided to step away from restrictions cautiously. We feel this is the responsible approach to keep our guests and staff as safe as possible at this time.
“We are still offering our Book with Confidence guarantee, which allows guests to cancel their booking and receive a full refund if they no longer wish to visit.”
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