Family-run tourist attraction 'under pressure'

A family-run tourist attraction in Cornwall is grappling with a series of challenges including a fall in visitor numbers, its owners have said.

Paradise Park at Hayle was established in 1973 by the father of current directors Alison Hales and Nick Reynolds, after the family moved from London to set up a bird garden.

However visitor numbers have fallen by 20% since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The looming increase in National Insurance contributions is set to add an additional £25,000 to annual costs and is a major concern for the park's owners.

A wildlife sanctuary involved in conservation work and campaigns, Paradise Park has about 1,330 birds and employs about 50 full time staff, rising to about 65 in peak summer months.

Mr Reynolds said he and his sister had been drawing on savings to keep the park running.

The threat of bird flu has added to the park's woes, forcing them to keep their flamingos undercover.

Other large attractions in Cornwall such as Flambards and Dairyland have closed because of financial difficulties.

"It's really difficult for all the attractions and it should be a difficult year this year," said Mr Reynolds.

Ms Hales added: "The National Insurance increase is just on top of all the employment costs we're already paying.

"We don't want to raise our prices too much and frighten people away, but it's an expensive place to run."

Mr Reynolds said: "We're under pressure, like all businesses but we love what we're doing here.

"What we really need is for people to come and see us. That's the main point for us."

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