UPDATE: More caravan site facilities close along coast

A statement reads: "Due to the very fast-changing situation as per the government's latest statement today, Blue Anchor Leisure will be closing all of its site facilities and will not be accepting bookings in its own letting fleet from midnight tonight.

"Blue Anchor Leisure senior management will be having a number of meetings over the upcoming days to review the latest government guidelines. We will continue to operate our caravan parks until we are otherwise informed by the government."

Earlier today, staff at Golden Sands in Mablethorpe were busy calling customers after taking the decision to close its site

A statement reads: "Following the latest Government advice, we can confirm that we have taken the decision to temporarily close all Haven holiday parks to holiday makers across the whole of the UK from March 20 to April 16.

"We know how disappointing this will be for those guests who are booked to stay with us during this time but every decision we make, we do so ensuring the safety and security of our guests, owners and teams are our number one priority, in the unprecedented time we are in.

"All guests affected by the closure will be contacted, but we shall prioritise those who are booked to travel within the next seven days. We would like to thank our guests for their patience whilst we work through this as quickly as we can.

"The situation is being closely monitored and we ask guests to follow our social media channels and our website for latest updates.

"We would like to apologise to everyone for this disruption and thank our teams both on our parks and centrally for their continued support. We look forward to welcoming our guests back to enjoy a coastal break that Haven prides itself.

"We do not intend to make any further statements as our priority now is to look after the guests affected by this decision."

There had been concern from readers that as a result of schools closing, families from the Midlands would head to the coast, putting further pressure on the area's shops and services..

"I am very concerned that some caravan parks are remaining open," said Lady Jean Heaps, 76, who moved to Mablethorpe from Scotland with her husband Lord Charles Anthony Heaps a year ago and says she shops in Skegness and has her hair done in Chapel St Leonards..

"Our services and shops are already struggling, even in quieter towns such as Alford, but now the schools are closing if more families come from the Midlands it will put them under more pressure, as well as increase the risk of spreading the virus.

"I think it is irresponsible if the caravan sites do not close and have been in touch with our MP's office today to express my concern, My husband is also trying to get in touch with his contacts in the government to make them aware of what is going on.

"Even if the sites just close for a month while things get sorted that would be something.."

Butlins closed its resort earlier this week and news of the the Haven site in Mablethorpe closing came this morning.

Holly Collins, who is on the front desk at Golden Sands, added: "I'd just like to say how well the staff are being treated here - those who have needed to go home have been allowed - it's been very impressive.

"There are some horror stories about but I just wanted to get that out there."

The announcement by Blue Anchor Leisure followed today's statement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling for all pubs, cafes, nightclubs, bars, theatres, restaurants, leisure centres and gyms to close from tonight. We will bring more on this should any further changes occur.