Sir Ashley Fox MP has called on Somerset Council to act urgently to support businesses in Brean, warning that continued delays are putting livelihoods and the local economy at risk.
Ashley Fox has backed concerns raised by Discover Brean about the ongoing use of Pontins to accommodate Hinkley Point C workers during the tourist season. He says the situation has now stretched into another year without meaningful mitigation for the tourism sector, despite obligations already being triggered under the existing planning agreement.
Ashley Fox said:
“Brean continues to bear the consequences of prolonged worker occupation at Pontins while discussions drag on, and local businesses are entering yet another summer season under significant economic strain.”
Ashley Fox recently wrote to Somerset Council highlighting estimated annual losses of around £21 million to the local visitor economy, with concerns about jobs, business viability and the long-term reputation of Brean as a tourist destination.
Ashley urged the Council to move quickly and deliver practical support ahead of the 2026 season, including:
- Free beach parking to boost visitor numbers
- Immediate financial support for affected businesses
- A targeted marketing campaign to attract visitors
- Deployment of previously identified funding to support the area
Ashley said:
“These are reasonable steps that can be taken now to support local businesses and protect jobs. Brean is a major contributor to Somerset’s tourism economy and it deserves decisive support, not continued delay.”
