The UK's largest holiday park operator has finally agreed to close to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Parkdean Resorts has 67 holiday parks across the country - including eight in Cornwall and four in Devon.
The holiday giants initially closed various facilities on site and insisted that the parks were safe, Devon Live reported.
But they have now acted, releasing a statement in which they 'announced the closure of its parks to holiday makers from Sunday 22 March until 1 May'.
They also said there would be no redundancies 'as a result of coronavirus', would continue to pay 100 per cent of salaries and would give 'a significant amount of perishable food on park' to local food banks.
Chief executive officer Steve Richards said: “Parkdean Resorts has 67 parks across the UK and our company plays a big role in local communities, whether it be through investment, tourism or employment.
"As such, we have been in conversation with community leaders, customers and our people, and have decided to delay the launch of the season.
"We are very sorry to the many holiday makers who were hoping to spend their Easter break with us, but I hope they understand why.
"We will continually and closely review the Government’s guidance and hope to welcome people on park from 1 May.
“As our parks are based in areas that rely on tourism, I would therefore like to reassure anyone working for Parkdean Resorts, and the communities they live in, that no one will be made redundant as a result of coronavirus."
"We will be paying 100 per cent salary.
“As Parkdean Resorts was gearing up for the Easter holidays, we have a significant amount of perishable food on park which will now be donated to local community food banks.”
This news follows the announcement by Parkdean Resorts on 21 March that following Government instruction, all its bars, restaurants, swimming pools, leisure facilities and amenities would be closed immediately and all activities, sports, entertainment would be ceased."
The news comes as local politicians and officials have been pleading with members of the public to avoid travelling to the South West to self-isolate for fear of overwhelming local infrastructure, food supplies and medical resources.
