Two Kent holiday parks, both of which had slumped into administration, have had their futures secured after being taken over by a new resort operator.

Golden Leas and the neighbouring Hollybush Farm holiday parks in Minster, on Sheppey, are two of five parks to have been acquired by Meadow Bay Villages.

Both had been hit hard by the impact of Covid and the resulting enforced closures during the lockdowns.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, also includes Hayling Island Holiday Park in Hampshire and two in Northampton - Billing Aquadrome and Cogenhoe Mill.

The new owners have pledged a “planned programme of investment” in all the properties.

Meadow Vay Villages’ CEO is Geoffrey Smith who has more than 30 years of management experience at the likes of established holiday operators Bourne Leisure and Cove UK.

He said: “We are already thinking about exciting plans for further investment and development at these already great locations.

“We recognise that there has been some uncertainty at the parks in recent months despite their immense appeal with holidaymakers and owners over many decades. With a renewed vision and dedicated leadership, we are confident that we can herald a fresh start for each resort and build on their existing popularity.

“Meadow Bay Villages is backed by committed investors and is already building a leadership team that has a blend of expertise and knowledge from across the holiday and residential park sector.

“We want to grow in the coming months and years but our first step is to bring great success to the five resorts we have newly acquired.”

The parks acquired have a combined total of more than 2,600 occupied pitches, with significant potential to develop further. The acquisitions, say the firm, represents a first step in its plans for long-term growth across the UK.