Famous UK theme park to shut its gates for final time after 100 years of ‘bringing fun & laughter' to seaside hotspot
The seaside attraction has brought 'fun' and 'laughter' for holidaymakers for years, but now will be replaced by a major project.
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Coney Beach amusement park in Porthcawl, Wales, first opened up in 1918.
It was reportedly built to entertain American troops in the UK, having been based on the famous Coney Island attraction in New York.
However, after serving customers for over 100 years, its owners - the Evans family - have decided to close the park.
The family took to social media to reveal the closure in a heartbreaking statement.
The statement read: "It is with heavy hearts we would like to share with you personally that this season at Coney Beach will be our last.
"We will be closing our gates for the final time this October.
"It's the end of an era. For over 100 years we and other showmen and their families have lived and worked in Porthcawl helping to make it a busy seaside destination bringing fun, laughter, and fond memories to so many.
"We will miss it greatly and while we are sad to see our time here come to an end we are forever grateful to have had the opportunity to have been part of so many generations of families' lives, young and old.
"Thank you for sharing our love of 'all the fun of the fair' and the legacy that Coney Beach leaves. The Evans family."
The Welsh Government has confirmed that it has successfully purchased sections of the 20-hectare site, which will be a key part of Bridgend Council's plan to regenerate Porthcawl.
The 7 ways you're making your kids fat without knowing it - and why it might be time to bin your buggy-www.jennahopenutrition.com
As part of a mixed-use redevelopment in the area, a new housing estate, new retail business facilities, a new primary school and recreational and leisure facilities will be opened.
The news comes as the Welsh Government plans to ban popular lunchtime items for school children, in a bid to promote healthy eating.
Proposals for what can be served in schools from 2026 could see sugary cereals and white bread banned, as well as processed meats like gammon.
Fried chips could be served only once a week, while portion sizes will be adjusted to better meet the needs of different children.
The bans are being considered as one in four Welsh children are now categorised as overweight or obese.
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