Skegness traders say sunshine is 'saving' summer

Traditional donkey rides on Skegness beach

Business owners in Skegness have said they are "optimistic of a reasonable summer" after seeing sunshine and hot weather in recent weeks.

Takings were hit by a cool start to the summer season and periods of heavy rain, but on Tuesday the UK recorded the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 32C (90F) in some parts.

Traders in the seaside resort told BBC Radio Lincolnshire that improving weather would "help".

Town councillor Danny Brooks said: "It’s not enough to make up for the early losses, but it’s enough to have a reasonable season."

He added: "It’s been a worrying time, we weren’t taking money over Easter because of the weather.

“We’ve only had about a quarter of the dry days we should have had, so it’s a big relief that people are now coming out.

"We’ve got some of the best beaches in the country – golden sands – and when the sun is out it doesn’t get any better".

Guest house owner Joanne Veseli is staying positive, despite a slow start to the holiday season

There was further optimism at the Philmar Guest House, on Sunningdale Drive, despite visitor numbers not being "quite where they should be".

Owner Joanne Veseli said: "We're at about 60% occupancy during the week, but we're full at weekends.

"We should be full all the time, but it hasn't been the same since the pandemic.

"I was concerned about how summer was going to go, but it's picked up. I’m hoping it’s enough. You have to be positive and I hope the sun will continue into September."

Dave Charles, who runs a cafe near the sea front, said bad weather had hit trade

Dave Charles, the owner of the Seafood Cafe, in Tower Gardens, described the start of the season as a "nightmare" for businesses and holidaymakers.

He added: "With torrential rain and high winds it was not a good situation in the early part of the year. We need the weather and when it is good, trading is fantastic.

"The recent sunshine will definitely help, but when we've had sustained bad weather, like we had at the end of last year, you can’t possibly make up what you have lost.

"But we'll go with it and, when the weather is here, we know we'll take the money."

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