Dear members — once upon a time, Pontins — along with its arch rival Butlins — was a beloved British institution, offering no frills holidays families would look forward to.

But while the redcoats have enjoyed something of a renaissance in recent years, time has been less kind on the bluecoats. Pontins Southport has been taking something of a kicking online of late (“The WORST RATED Holiday Park?” reads the title of one YouTube video with over 250,000 views) so we sent Jack in search of the truth. It begs the question whether budget holiday camps ought to be offering a better service at a time when money is so tight for many families.

But first, your Wednesday briefing, including an update on the striking bus drivers on Merseyside.