While the largest theme park of Wales closes its doors after four decades, the locals point their finger on a proposed 'tourist tax' that they fear will take away things.
Oakwood theme park in Pembrokeshire has been a popular entertainment-notje for years.
The company behind the attraction said it invested more than £ 25 million since the park was saved from closure in 2008 – but it has finally reached its end.
The owners blamed the rising costs, because the government increases the minimum wage and contributions of national insurance, as well as the rising of a competitive fuel price.
But the local population tells a different story about a tourist tax proposed by the government of Wales, which could be introduced in 2027.
The new levy would charge visitors to the country £ 1.25 per night if they stay in B&BS, hotels and independent accommodation.
Hostels and campsites would demand a lower percentage of 75 p.
The government is of the opinion that the new law will be of great importance in financing services in hotspots of tourism, but residents fear that it will deter visitors and reduce income.
Spooky photos show the empty theme park, with the pirate ship ride partially dismantled
The Nietje van West Wales has finally reached its end after many ups and downs
Colorful toy planes that used to swing around in a circle with delighted children who were in it were depicted in a row on the ground
Remains of roller coaster tracks are spread over the park
The partially dismantled dizzy disc ride is depicted while the park is being removed
Oakwood had a range of journeys, including toy taxis in a 'mini london' for children to explore
Many believe that the potential impact of the tax on the heads of the owners of Oakwood was when they decided on the closure.
Kevin Hart, the manager of De Snooty Fox, a barracker and a caravan site, said to The Sun: “How can I sell and retire when the Welsh and national governments do their level to destroy what we have built up for 18 years?”
Hart has been running the site for 18 years within walking distance of Oakwood. He said that the closure of the theme park will have a devastating impact on his company and the upcoming threat of a tourist tax will fulfill him with more fear.
And another local, Jenny, 45, said: “As soon as the dreaded tourist tax arrives, I don't think someone will want to get to Wales.”
The proposed levy will be charged per person per night and will also apply to children.
The plans require that new legislation, which will be published on Monday, will be approved by the Welsh Parliament, by April 2027 as the earliest expected date of effect if all obstacles are adopted.
If every council implemented the tax, the estimated fund collected would be £ 33 million a year, although not every local authority is expected.
Stays of more than 31 nights are not taxed, nor will people be forced into homeless accommodation or in hostels.
The park, which was opened in 1987, was originally owned by William McNamara – a Pembrokeshire -Boer. Oakwood is shown on the left as a ghost city after the closure
Speed: No boundaries were the fastest roller coaster in Wales
The pirate ship ride is depicted in the background between the rubble
On the left is one of the pirates near the pirate ship. Depicted on the right is the abandonment speed
Snake River Falls had different water slides for those who hate the air to be thrown
Nostalgic people responded to social media to say that they were 'stripped' and gave out how they 'felt sad that the park was left'.
Just today, spooky photos came forward that showed the empty theme park during the process of demolished, completely dismantled with the soaked and bouncing coasters.
The pirate ship ride is taken apart and part of the track is removed from Tree Tops Ride.
The pedalos are removed from the water when the attraction is closed, as photos shared with hidden Pembrokeshire – Gareth Davies photography illustrate.
Colorful toy planes that used to swing around in a circle with delighted children who were in it were depicted in a row on the floor.
The crestfallen locals put signed signs outside, with reading 'We Love Oakwood' and 'Don't just leave the journeys'. Others read 'Save Oakwood' and 'Open those gates'.
A parent said: “Very sad, many happy days on our vacation with our children.”
The park, which was opened in 1987, was originally owned by William McNamara – a Pembrokeshire -Boer.
The abandoned turns in the park are depicted
The Snake River Falls Ride is one of that still has to be removed
Depicted is the boat part of the pirate ship, which was part of the Neverland area for younger visitors to enjoy
He then opened a staple of the entertainment industry of the Graafschap – Bluestone Water Park – and sold Oakwood to the Spanish leisure in 2008 gigantic Aspro.
Oakwood was the scene of a tragedy in 2004, when 16-year-old Hayley Williams died after 100 ft of the top of the Hydro ride, while a boy of 10 years was injured in the accident.
In 2008, Oakwood Leisure received a fine of £ 250,000 and ordered £ 80,000 to pay when it was revealed that basic safety procedures were ignored on a large scale by the staff who supervised the ride, who was later renamed.
Memories of the theme park were shared by former employee Richard, 48, from the city of Pembroke Dock, who came to Oakwood in 1995 – with his father and two sons who also work at the attraction.
He was there when the world -famous roller coaster Megafobia was installed in 1996 and the BBC told that he remembers that he thought how impressive it was.
When Aspro took over, Richard stayed in, but was released in 2009, after 14 years of working there. He said he thinks Astro has “underestimated the scale of maintaining the park.
The closure made him feel 'emotionally', but he intends to have a reunion of the staff this summer.
He said that his father, who was still working in the park recently, would say: “We only had so many people today,” or they had to “close this ride because they didn't have enough staff.”
Are depicted some of the abandoned journeys at Oakwood
Vertigo hung sensation-seekers from the top through a cord before they swing them back and forth
The crestfallen locals have placed plates outside, with the text 'We Love Oakwood' and 'Don't just leave the journeys'. Others read 'Save Oakwood' and 'Open those gates'
Some journeys have already been dismantled, but others take on more work
One of the most popular journeys were Treetops, where visitors were thrown through the trees and were woven around them at high speeds
Hayley Williams 16, 100 ft fell to her death of the Hydro Ride in Oakwood Theme Park in 2004
The ride was later renamed as 'penetrated'
Aspro Parks, the owner and operator of Oakwood, said that it has made the 'difficult decision' to close the park due to financial challenges caused by rising costs and falling visitor numbers.
A spokesperson for the Aspro Parks Group announced the closure, said: 'We have never closed a park or attraction throughout the history of Aspro.
'We, and our dedicated team of staff, have strived to overcome countless challenges to continue to bring families and visitors to the region and the country.
'Unfortunately we could no longer see a sustainable path and we will try to improve our other parks with the help of the assets and where possible team elsewhere.
'We are aware that Oakwood has been a popular destination for generations and a transitional ritual for many young visitors.
'It is for this reason that we feel such a sense of sorrow.
'We want to make our sincere thanks to the dedication and dedication of our team members past and present, suppliers and contractors who have loyally supported us and of course all those who have visited Oakwood -Themapark over the years. We are genuinely grateful. '
MailOnline has contacted the Welsh government for comment.
