Cleethorpes’s Covid secure resort strategy has paid off.
The resort has seen increasing visitor numbers since the easing of a national lockdown in July, Councillor Callum Procter, the Portfolio Holder for Tourism at North East Lincolnshire Council, told tonight’s full council meeting.
But he also acknowledged how difficult trading has been for many of the businesses there and outlined how he is working closely with Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers on what Government support is required over the winter.
Councillor Procter’s comments were made in response to a question by Councillor Oliver Freeston, asking if the Conservative administration’s investment in Cleethorpes has been successful in attracting visitor numbers, in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Since we came into power in May last year, we have done an enormous amount of work to improve the resort’s offer with the aim of attracting new and increased visitors,’ he said.
“We have worked and invested in a more coherent marketing strategy with the aim of putting Cleethorpes on the tourism map. We have made budget provisions and implemented the new role of a resort manager tasked with making the resort a safer and attractive place to visit and deal with problems within the resort raised by businesses, residents, and visitors.
“We’ve also invested in our toilets in Cleethorpes, offering free to use toilets to visitors for the first time in many years. Many thanks must go to Councillor (John) Fenty and officers who I know did a lot of work on this to make it a reality. Free toilets, and toilets in general are an integral part of the resorts offer in terms of the contribution it makes for an enjoyable trip for families and the most vulnerable people.
“Moreover, this administration has worked very hard on regeneration plans for the North Promenade and Sea Road. We are soon to see several significant changes to the lighting and street furniture in the North Promenade. This investment I’m sure will have a positive impact on the resorts appeal to future visitors.
“Ultimately, our Covid secure resort strategy has paid dividends in terms of retaining and increasing visitor numbers when the economy reopened in July, while also having measures in place to mitigate potential infection risks.
“Our more pragmatic approach was different to other resorts such has Bournemouth and Skegness. However, the measures we put in place – which include sanitiser stations, promoting the two-metre social distancing rule and traffic control – have been a huge success as we have not, thankfully, since had a rapid rise in the local infection rate.
“The local economy, as a result of our policies, has been able to bounce back in a significant way and yes, Councillor Freeston, it has been a success notwithstanding the difficult times we face.
“Unfortunately, as result of the lockdown, the seasonal aspects of tourism have probably suffered the most.
“Sadly, there are many concessions such as the amusement rides, arcades, donkeys, the zoo, bowling alleys and cinemas that have taken a significant hit. Many concessions of this kind did not automatically qualify for the Covid support grant.
“Operators have expressed real concerns regarding their ability to survive the winter having lost income during peak times, particularly between March and June. I’ve been working closely with our local MP, Martin Vickers, on what support we need from the Government to prevent this from happening.”
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