Skegness hoping for a busy season as temperatures rise

Hildreds Shopping Centre, which has recently undergone new branding, saw footfall increase by 23 per cent in the past week.

Centre manager Steve Andrews said: “I’ve never seen the centre so busy. Every unit is full and sales across the whole centre are up by 14 per cent. We’ve changed the colour scheme and I think it gives it a nice, sunny feel.”

People were also out in force enjoying the sunshine at Skegness Pier.

Pier spokeswoman Gabriella Wilkinson said: “The weather has certainly brought more people. The outer deck has been really busy and we have been delighted. It’s a promising start to the season. We’ve also found the inner deck is getting busier with people coming inside to escape the heat.”

Paige Harris, marketing and communications coordinator for Fantasy Island, said: “We’ve noticed an increase in visitors and are expecting a very busy season.”

Linda Clay at Country Meadows Holiday Park at Ingoldmells said: “It’s brilliant. Our visitor numbers are up by at least 70 per cent.”

The sunshine has also brought more visitors to Natureland Seal Sanctuary,

Owner Richard Yeadon said: “June was a bit steady but we’ve been busier with the good weather. The beach has been packed. It’s full steam ahead now.”

Staff at the sanctuary are currently nursing back to health three harbour seal pups that were found dehydrated and underweight.

He said: “I don’t want to speak too soon but they seem to be healing nicely and we are going in the right direction.”