The 'freedom of Butlins' on offer to Bognor and Felpham families

The annual card will cost 129 for a family of four and will be available only to those living in the Bognor and Felpham areas.

It will enable unlimited access to the holiday resort and all its facilities for a year.

Tony Blytheway, 34, of Rosvara Avenue in Westergate, said the pass would benefit his family of his two younger children aged five months and four years. "It's a great idea. It costs about 40-50 for a family of four to go into Butlins for a day so I would soon benefit," he stated.

Mother-of-two Jolene Morris, 20, of Dorset Road, Bognor, said: "I would definitely get the pass. There is nowhere to take the children around the town apart from the parks."

The card's imminent arrival harks back to the opening of Butlins in Bognor in 1960. Sir Billy Butlin honoured a pledge he made when the site was being planned to make it accessible to residents.

His gesture was appreciated by them and they took full advantage of it during the initial winters.

But the privilege was withdrawn to leave those who live around the site able to enjoy its attractions only by paying day-visitor prices.

Resort director Jeremy Pardey said he was determined to get rid of the 'them and us' attitude which surrounded Butlins and Bognor.

The new pass '“ due to be launched soon '“ would help to achieve that. "Lots of local people have asked me for something like this and I think they will enjoy it.

"We want the local community to use us, be part of Butlins, understand what we are here for and be part of it," he said.

"I know some people will say that 129 is a lot of money for some families, especially at this time.

"I understand that but, to put it into context, it costs a family of four 100 to visit Legoland for a day.

"Anyone who uses our pass five or six times a year will get great value from it.

"People will be able to come during the week or every weekend if they want to.

"The only restriction is that the pass will not apply during the 15 adult weekends we have every year."

Gillian Brown, Arun District Council's leader, said: "I am extremely pleased to hear this about Butlins. I couldn't be happier about having this pass.

"This is reviving the winter club we used to have at Butlins many years ago.

"The more things Butlins do for Bognor the better it will be for the town."

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