02/09/2022. The day that Haven Holidays broke the nation's hearts by informing us that our beloved Seaside Squad would be no more. No more Anxious, Bradley, Ned, Polly, or the other one. 

How are we supposed to move past all the childhood memories that we passed down to our children - the fond memories of our holiday friends that raised our generation?  

As if dumping the Seaside Squad wasn't enough, Haven then decided to REPLACE them with a sub-par substitute: The Super Squad. Does Haven seriously think that these new, lifeless characters could at all fill the hole in our hearts that Rory and the gang once filled?

To be fair to Haven, they have provided us with letters from some of our most favourited characters as one final goodbye. However, I cannot find a letter from characters such as Greedy, Polly or Ned - are they really that worthless as members of the squad? Furthermore, Haven are trying to convince us that "Annie" has been Anxious' real name all along??? Really? As a lifelong Anxious fan I cannot believe for one second that living life under a pseudonym would be something viable for a pink elephant. It doesn't make sense. If you knew that this decision would upset the nation, is it really the best move for your brand?

Picture this: you are a young child excitedly playing with your Bradley Bear plushie in the back of the family Ford Fiesta eating Wotsits, trying not to throw up with excitement knowing that you will soon be in the presence of your favourite gang of zoo animals - The Seaside Squad - only to find out they have been AXED for no apparent reason. The once Bradley Bear coloured shelves are now plastered in new, unfamiliar and frankly uncouth faces and you do not understand why. You thought these characters were your friends - your second home. 

I understand that a rebrand can sometimes be refreshing - just look at how far we have come since the Zoo Troop (Rory finally found some clothes!). But I think completely removing our nation's beloved animal friends is a step too far. 

I believe that Haven is making a terrible mistake. Just check the comments from their announcement Instagram post:

"Haven just isn't Haven anymore" writes one. "Childhood ruined" claims another. "My daughter is devastated" Posts a disheartened mum of 2. 

Please sign this petition to help Haven see what impact their actions are causing. Together, we can make a change.