A NEWLY-married couple whose wedding plans at Penarth Pier Pavilion were dashed by Covid have said they are now almost £2,000 out of pocket after they’d spent five years saving.

Sian and Peter Phillips, who were married at Newport Registry Office last year after they realised their wedding at the pavilion – planned for May – was unlikely, got in touch with the pier to cancel their wedding in early November, but are yet to receive money they are owed.

Mrs Phillips says she has become concerned she will not get the money back – which she was planning to use for a get together with her family to belatedly celebrate when coronavirus regulations allowed.

More News

Covid-19 cases start to fall in the Vale - despite a spike in Lower Penarth and Sully

Penarth widow overwhelmed by response to husband's death

Devoted father and Llandough Hospital worker dies of Covid, aged 55

She says that despite multiple emails to representatives of the pavilion she’s had a couple of emails back which have not committed to any refund.

The premises is owned by the Vale council, and is under the management of Penarth Arts and Crafts Ltd (PACL) on a 125-year lease.

All operations have been suspended at the pier since November – sparking suggestions the pavilion is in financial trouble. But PACL remains active on Companies House. Accounts for 2019 that were due on December 31 are yet to be published.

“It’s frustrating because we are owed that money,” Mrs Phillips says. “We’ve done everything correctly and according to the company’s policy we are entitled to a full refund if we cancel six months before the wedding date.

“We’ve had a handful of vague emails for three months, and the lack of transparency is the issue.

“Financially it is worrying for us. I was furloughed for a period last year and my husband is a part-time primary school teacher, so we don’t just throw money around. We saved up for that cash over the last few years.

“I feel very sorry for them, but the way it’s been handled has been awful.”

Penarth Times understands a resolution regarding the future of the pier is imminent – and representatives of PACL are confident every effort will be made to safeguard the interests of people who have made bookings.

PACL representatives were contacted but said they would not speak publicly at this time.