EPPING: Camp site bookings hit by weather and "credit crunch"

4:08pm Wednesday 13th August 2008

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A CAMPSITE owner has spoken of his fears that the ‘credit crunch’ and poor weather could spell disaster for his business.

Terry Farr, who owns The Elms Camping and Caravan Park, in Lippitts Hill, High Beech, said this was one of the worst years he had seen since purchasing the 50-pitch site seven years ago.

Mr Farr blames poor weather and the current financial climate, which he said is making him consider packing up once and for all.

Although he adds that European visitors are still using the site, it is the British guests - whom the site relies heavily on - that have become rare.

The former district councillor said: "I keep hearing in the news that because of the money problems that camping in the UK is going to get popular again, I'd love to know where these people are going, because I haven't seen any upturn at all."

Normally the season would be in full swing by now but Mr Farr said his bookings sheets are empty for the next two months.

"I’m concerned,” he said. “This is one of the worst season's i've ever experienced, apart from when foot and mouth was an issue."

And the poor weather, and the torrential rain, has also hit campers.

He said: "One of my guests went to the toilet in the middle of the night during a heavy downpour, when he returned his tent was up in a tree somewhere, poor lad."

Mr Farr added: "We sell ice cream and I've noticed that where children would get one every other day they're now getting them once a week as a treat. it's really hitting families hard, where people would book a few days and then go abroad later in the year, they're with us for two weeks as their annual family holiday."

For more on The Elms Camping and Caravan Park, visit www.theelmscampsite.co.uk or ring 020 8502 5652.