Seaside struggles amid 'horrible' improvement work

Disruption by regeneration work at a Lincolnshire coastal resort helped create a "poor" summer, businesses have claimed.

Work on a £7.5m cultural hub in Sutton on Sea caused the closure of a popular paddling pool and other attractions this summer.

One restaurant owner in the town said the season's trading had been "horrible."

Councillor Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for coastal economy at East Lindsey District Council, which is building the hub, said he sympathised with local businesses who have struggled.

Kirk added there was “bound to be” disruption with work on the colonnade.

“It would have been much better if it could have been built over the winter with no impact at all,” he said.

“But with a construction of this size, it just is not possible."

Patricia Paiva De Brito, who runs a fish and chip shop said the building work and the loss of the facilities had an impact on the town

"That paddling pool is packed in the summer months," she said.

"There's nothing to do in Sutton anyway if you haven't got a play area, paddling pool, a tennis court and a football pitch, it's all gone.

"It's just been horrible really."

The new colonnade is set to include a restaurant, cafe, gallery, craft studios, seasonal overnight lodges and a viewing platform.

Work started in autumn 2023 and it has been delayed due to permit arrangements with the Environment Agency connected to sea defences.

It is now set to open in spring 2025.

Sophie Kirk, who runs a shop called Yellowbellies, said "the work had to be done".

"They've taken away everything that people come to the seaside for," she said.

She added: "I think the three things together, the economy, the weather and the building hasn't helped."

Despite this she was "100% sure that the new building and the facilities will bring people to the area".

Julie Brine, who owns the Mill gift shop, said it had been "pretty poor this season".

"I think people come once and they see the mess that they've made, because it's been like that for quite a while now, so they're just not coming back," she said.

"Hopefully once it's done it'll be fine and business will pick up again and just hope they all come back again."

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