Holiday resort Parkdean has vowed to keep its mascots the same in a veiled swipe at its rival Haven – who sparked fury by changing its children’s characters to make them ‘more woke‘.
Haven made the decision to revamp their characters last week in a move which sparked outrage from parents who were distraught that their children would never see their favourite characters in the original line-up again.
The famous Bradley Bear was replaced by Jaz, who was initially reported as non-binary by insiders, but later confirmed to be Bradley’s ‘niece’.
Meanwhile Anxious the Elephant was renamed Annie, and Greedy the Gorilla became George – reportedly in a bid to avoid offending nervous and overweight people.
Furious parents responded to the ‘ridiculous’ announcement, decrying it as ‘woke’, saying that their children ‘don’t need new names or new trendy versions’ of the characters.
Following the outcry, Parkdean Resorts announced that it would not be making any changes to its Starland Krew.
The Starland Krew features boy and girl rabbits, Sparky and Sparkle, as well as Sid the male seagull, Lizzie the female lizard and Naarky the male aardvark.
Parkdean Resorts made the announcement that it will not be making any changes to its Starland Krew (pictured)
The famous Bradley Bear was replaced by Jaz, who was initially reported as non-binary by insiders, but later confirmed to be Bradley’s ‘niece’. Meanwhile Anxious the Elephant was renamed Annie, and Greedy the Gorilla became George – reportedly in a bid to avoid offending nervous and overweight people
A Haven spokesperson, responding to the outcries, had said: ‘We’ve seen our Seaside Squad are making headlines.
‘So we want to introduce you to them directly. Meet Rory, Annie, George and newest recruit Jaz, taking over from her uncle Bradley and joining the squad. Keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks as we reveal more.’
But furious parents responded to the ‘ridiculous’ announcement. One said: ‘Please leave as is the woke community can do one’.
While another said: ‘After seeing this I have just unliked the page. Sorry Haven but this is ridiculous. We have had so many holidays and mini breaks with you over the years as a family, both touring and caravan.’
A grandfather added: ‘Just shown the grandkids and to say they are not impressed is the understatement of the year. Another mistake Haven. Are all these big corporations run by half wits?’
Furious parents and customers branded the move ‘woke’ and threatened to unlike the Facebook page on the back of the move
Meanwhile a fourth said: ‘Well having been an owner for 21 years we will continue calling them the fabulous names they’ve always had. My kids grew up with them and now the grandkids are. We don’t need new names or new trendy versions IMO’.
And another took a swipe at the new ‘reprobates’ in town. They said: ‘You were raking in money with the old ones! Why change them! Utterly upset for children who love the seaside squad, not these reprobate
But a Parkdean Resorts spokesperson revealed that there would be no changed on their part. They said: ‘Our Starland Krew are here to stay. Friends forever.’
Overjoyed parents were delighted that no changes were being made and enjoyed the dig at Haven.
Parkdean Resorts were appearing to be taking a dig at Haven, which customers got involved with
One man said: ‘Just dont change there names Parkdean Resorts like haven have’, to which the admin responded: ‘We would never’.
Another said: ‘Well Haven’s krew may be changing, but the Starland Krew are going nowhere and are here to stay thankfully and hopefully.’
A third added: ‘Love this, well played.’
One woman sensed that this could have been targeted at Parkdean’s rivals. She said: ‘Is this a dig at Haven?’
Another mum added: ‘Phew. What a relief. My son would not have coped if you had done a Haven on him and changed the characters. Sid is his favourite.’
An online petition to keep the Haven characters the same was set up by 23-year-old Lauren Wilson and has received almost 2,500 signatures.
She said: ‘These characters have been part of peoples childhoods for decades and are there is no offence in Anxious the Elephant or Greedy the Gorilla.
‘These have entertained children and families for years without any upset. I believe there is more benefit in being able to take your future children to enjoy the same characters you enjoyed as a child.
‘These characters are iconic and are what make haven the haven we all know and love.’