THE Lamb family aims to have Doe Park good to go when the first caravans pull in this weekend.
To go alongside the many measures put in place at the caravan site, Alison Lamb has signed up to Visit Britain’s new Good to Go covid secure accreditation scheme.
As well as giving visitors full confidence that the park has done everything possible to ensure a safe stay, the Good to Go scheme also includes a track and trace element, which sees the details of everyone on site recorded and kept for three weeks.
March’s lockdown came just two weeks after Doe Park had opened for the season.
Those on site at the time were given the option of leaving their caravans and returning when restrictions were lifted or taking them home.
“Those on site are from people who leave them for the season. We offered to keep an eye on them,” says Ms Lamb.
When they and other caravaners return, it will be to a different regime.
“Cautious” and “careful” are the watchwords, adds Ms Lamb.
Shared areas, such as the toilets, the shower block and laundry will be out of bounds to all visitors.
Communal facilities, such as access to fresh water, will be closely monitored, regularly cleaned and with sanitiser available. Social distancing will be enforced.
A protective screen has been installed at reception, however, check-in can be done over the phone.
“There doesn’t have to be any contact if they don’t want. Guests don’t have to enter the building,” says Ms Lamb.
The park will also be running on reduced occupancy. There are 70 pitches but to begin with a maximum of 50 will be occupied at any one time.
“We are doing this for two reasons.
“Firstly so we can see how things go with all the new regulations and secondly for local community confidence,” she said.
Doe Park is also member of the British Holiday Homes and Parks Association which has provided a wealth of health and safety advice and continues to offer daily updates. Having already opened in March, staff have kept the park well maintained and aimed for a July 4 opening. Confirmation from the Government came just two weeks in advance.
“We were hopeful for July 4, but then in the week before the announcement, there seemed to be some discrepancy as to whether touring sites and campsites may have to wait longer. That last week was a bit anxious,” says Ms Lamb
Since caravan parks were given the green light, the phone has been busy at Doe Park.
“There have been a mixture of bookings,” she adds.
“Our regulars who would come for a weekend are booking for a longer stay. They are deciding that because they can’t go abroad or don’t want to travel too far, they will have their main holiday here.
“Some are new caravaners who have decided this will be their holiday this year and wait until things get back to normal.”
