One thing however that did sour my week and has planted serious doubts about returning next year is the security issue. It has long been a problem from what I can read on Dave's site that the park suffers the problem of non members entering the complex and it is hard for the security staff to effectively police this with so many other doors/gates open allowing access. That said, we were asked for our passes just once the entire week - on the last day. It was obvious at times that the place was filled with non-members - none more so that the night I was in the gents' toilet and overheard a man talking on his mobile phone to someone, saying: "yeah, if you come down now the back security gate is open and you can just walk in - I did, it's easy".
It's not a snobbery issue, wanting 'outsiders' kept out of the bar, restaurant and pool areas, it's a genuine security threat. On two occasions when we were there in ONE week, the Police were called twice to eject troublemakers. On another we witnessed a blood-stained-shirted security guard emmerge after an altercation with more non-members infiltrating the arcade area and on the final night as I played with my two boys in the arcade they looked on terrified as a young lad fought with a security guard and a full scale brawl spilled out while he was ejected and the police called for a third time. The lad in question merely stood around outside the security checkpoint goading the staff who appeared powerless to do any more.
If this situation deteriorates further Rockley Park will descend into the depths of the likes of many Pontins and Butlins camps, god forbid, and become nothing more than a rough housing estate near the sea! There is a noticeable change in the atmosphere at times during the evenings. Surely this problem MUST be addressed by the park management, security must be tightened up, gates kept shut and the only entrance to the facilities should be through a properly manned security checkpoint where it should be made clear that all passes must be shown. Better still, what about taking a leaf out of many 'All Inclusive' resort hotels abroad by making members wear a plastic wristband (a bit like the ones you get in hospital!) It may sound strange but we've done this before and it's a little weird at first but you soon forget you're wearing it, it doesn't come off (until it's time to go home and you cut it off) and stays on in the pool and sea. More importantly, the brighter coloured ones make it easy to see at a glance that you are indeed a member. Security staff patrolling the area could quickly and easily identify non-members and ask them to leave.
I will be again writing to the park management to raise these points but I find it really disappointing to be actually reconsidering my decision to visit Rockley Park for my family holidays next year - when by now I would have already re-booked.
Cheers,
