Trespasser fears prompt calls for quick Oakwood sale
Concerns trespassers may enter an old theme park site and try filming themselves on disused rides have prompted calls for it to be sold quickly.
Social media footage has shown people wandering around Oakwood, near Narberth, Pembrokeshire, since it closed last month.
Pembrokeshire Tory MS Sam Kurtz wants a "quick sale", saying the longer it stays empty, the chances of "other problems occurring" increase.
Owner Aspro Parks, which closed Oakwood citing a drop in visitor numbers, has been asked to comment.
Wales' largest theme park shuts down after 40 years
Rollercoaster ups and downs of closed theme park adored by generations
Oakwood opened in 1987, and was adored by generations of Welsh children, with rides including the world-renowned rollercoaster Megafobia, which operated from 1996.
But Aspro confirmed at the start of March that Oakwood Theme Park would not reopen for the 2025 season, saying "future investment is unsustainable".
Mr Kurtz wants a quick plan for a new future, believing the longer the site stays closed, the more issues this will create.
"That's a risk to their [trespassers'] health and safety, but also if this is a site that deteriorates, then we potentially lose the opportunity for a quick sale and turnaround to get this site back up and running, whatever that might be in the future," he said.
"I really want to see Aspro working with everybody that's available including the Welsh government, myself and other businesses, and potential buyers to see if we can get a quick sale of this asset.
"It's such a great asset."
Dyfed-Powys Police said it was "aware of reports of persons gaining entry to Oakwood" and had received a number of calls "indicating trespassing and potential crimes".
Cardiff University Professor of Economics Calvin Jones said it was "fairly unlikely" a new operator would be interested in taking over the Oakwood site as a theme park.
"If an established operator, who's already invested tens of millions in the site over the last decade or so can't make it work, then it's unlikely a new entrant could make it work," he said.
"I think we have seen some new theme and activity developments in Wales but they've been much narrower in the last few years.
"Things like zipwires and underground trampolines and mountain biking, where we see people using the topography of Wales in interesting and innovative ways."
Prof Jones said the future of the site was dependant on what kind of use the local planning authority would allow.
"It'll very much depend on planning permission," he said.
"I don't think it'll be a theme park. It may be some kind of recreational use, depending on the view of the planning bodies.
"It may be something very different."
Bluestone National Park Resort, which employs 700 people, is adjacent to Oakwood, but a spokesperson had declined to comment on whether it would be interested in purchasing the site.
Prof Jones said the holiday resort had previously expanded in a considered and "careful" way.
"I suspect Bluestone would look on this with a fair bit of trepidation unless the land is available cheaply," he added.
"I can't imagine we'll see anything quick happening with the land if Bluestone were to take it."
Mr Kurtz said "plenty of businesses" had been in touch with him expressing an interest in purchasing the former theme park.
He added: "This is a bit of a plea to the parent company - let's work together and try and get going to find a buyer for this site.
"I've not yet heard from them. I really wish they get back in touch with me."
The Welsh government said it "continues to engage" with the owner of the site.
"We recognise the significant value the former Oakwood site holds for locals and visitors, and are hopeful a buyer will come forward to ensure its continued contribution to the local economy and tourism industry," a spokesperson said.
Pembrokeshire council confirmed it had not held any discussions with Aspro Parks.
Aspro did not respond to enquiries from BBC Wales.
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