Last ride for 105-year-old funfair as business owners fear for the future

Coney Beach Amusement Park in Porthcawl, south Wales, will close for good in October after more than 100 years of operation, with the Welsh Government set to redevelop the site. Lewis Smith reports

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RESIDENTS in Porthcawl say they are devastated by the news that their historic seaside funfair will close its doors for the final time this year.

The announcement was made by the owners of Coney Beach Amusement Park earlier this week in a statement that said this season would be its last, with the attraction closing for good in October.

It came after the Welsh Government purchased parcels of land along the seafront area in 2023, which included the amusement park site and the adjoining section of land known locally as the monster park.

These are set to be part of a mixed-use development that could feature a new housing estate, retail, business facilities, and a new primary school, as well as a number of recreational and leisure opportunities.

However, the announcement of the closure was met with an outpouring of sadness from many of those who visited the town this week, as well as from a number of local business owners who said their futures were now in a state of uncertainty.

Tony Mottram runs a "bucket and spades" seafront stall just metres away from the fairground, though he said that with the annual lease on his unit ending in October, the current season could also be his last if it isn't renewed.

He said: "I love it here. For me, it's not just work but a way of life, interacting with people all day, having a laugh and a joke, and there's a lot of memories.