SKEGNESS REOPENS: Follow our coverage of landmark day as shops, accommodation and attractions in Skegness area welcome back visitors

Caravans and camper vans were out on the roads early as the Skegness area reopened after months in lockdown.
Spilsby Market is welcoming early visitors to the town.Spilsby Market is welcoming early visitors to the town.
Spilsby Market is welcoming early visitors to the town.

Non essential retail, self-catering accommodation, pubs, gyms and our hairdressers and barbers were back in business on Monday, after months of being closed due to lockdown and Covid-19 restrictions.

In the high street, a balloon arch over the entrance of the new Lumley Plaza shopping centre was a hint something exciting was happening inside - and traders eagerly awaited their first customers.

Overall, after all the hipe about the 'Glorious 12th', it may have seemed quieter in town than probably expected just before 9am.

Darcy O'Connor is opening her new salon in Rutland Road, Skegness.Darcy O'Connor is opening her new salon in Rutland Road, Skegness.
Darcy O'Connor is opening her new salon in Rutland Road, Skegness.

But visitors to caravan parks were only able to return today - and driving down the high street the long queues outside barbers showed the first priority of many people was a hair cut.

The organisation supporting local businesses says it has has been looking forward to the landmark day with 'excitement and anticipation'.

Paul Dixon, Chair Skegness Area Business Chamber, said "It is with some excitement and anticipation that we look forward to April 12 and the opening of non essential retail and our hairdressers and barbers.

"The renovations the repainting, the cleaning and the preparation to make premises Covid safe is complete and Skegness business is ready to open.

One of the new outside party pods at the Welcome Inn in Skegness.One of the new outside party pods at the Welcome Inn in Skegness.
One of the new outside party pods at the Welcome Inn in Skegness.

"We have navigated the winter months and most recently Easter and optimism is high that we are taking the right steps at the right time.

"In my role as Chair of the Skegness Area Business Chamber I have had insight into the difficulties that many of our local business people have faced.

"Not shy of adversity or lacking in resilience these times have tested more than anyone can know.

"So it is with some delight that we hear that the Government's route map is on track.

Lisa Garrad and Lorna Smith of Skegness, accompanied by their dogs Timmy and Teddybear at the Welcome Inn.Lisa Garrad and Lorna Smith of Skegness, accompanied by their dogs Timmy and Teddybear at the Welcome Inn.
Lisa Garrad and Lorna Smith of Skegness, accompanied by their dogs Timmy and Teddybear at the Welcome Inn.

"The next step is tentative, but we do ask that, if you are able, tyou support our local businesses.

"Shop with us, visit us, support the local people that employ your neighbours and friends. Now more than ever they need your support."

The Standard has been out and about to capture the highlights of the day:

NEW LUMLEY PLAZA SHOPPING CENTRE OPENS IN SKEGNESS

The longest queues in the high street when shops in Skegness reopened were for the barbers.The longest queues in the high street when shops in Skegness reopened were for the barbers.
The longest queues in the high street when shops in Skegness reopened were for the barbers.

Finishing touches were still being made in the early hours of the morning so traders at a new shopping centre in Skegness could welcome their first customers.

Shoppers have been eagerly waiting for the doors of the new Lumley Plaza shopping centre to open - and an arch of balloons over the entrance was the welcome sign today was the day.

For months traders have been busily putting their own unique stamp on the 26 boutique style units that line the ground floor, with their stylish wood paneled frontages and Georgian lighting.

When the Standard first visited the team behind the £400,000 project back in November at the start of the third lockdown, Lumley Road, where the Plaza is situated, had just received the blow high street giants Topshop, Burton, and Miss Selfridge were on the brink of collapse.

This was in addition to the news Ponden Home, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Peacocks, M and Co and that Argos were also under threat.

However, the smart new front of the former Beales department store told a different story today - one of hope for better times to come.

Cool dude - Brannon Cassidy after his first hair cut in a year, with his nine-year-old sister, Ruby.Cool dude - Brannon Cassidy after his first hair cut in a year, with his nine-year-old sister, Ruby.
Cool dude - Brannon Cassidy after his first hair cut in a year, with his nine-year-old sister, Ruby.

Asa Cripsey, the man behind the new shopping centre, said he was delighted to finally be able to open.

He said: "I was still at it at 1.30am this morning with some finishing touches so we can open and there is still a lot to do.

"But I think what we have achieved here is amazing and we are looking forward to welcoming all the shoppers in the town in a Covid safe way."

For one trader who has moved into the Lumley Plaza it was a massive move.

Sue Foye is well-known as the owner of Togs, when it was a basement boutique in Rutland Road.

"It is a massive move for me as I had been in Rutland Road for 31 years," she said.

"I think if the Lumley Plaza wasn't opening I would have closed at Christmas due to Covid-19.

"It's been extremely tough for businesses and a lot of people are apprehensive as well as excited.

"I'm delighted to be here - the Plaza looks fabulous so let's rock and roll."

The first day has been a 'soft' opening of the ground floor and second floor, which features a garden centre run by the Cripsey family, a craft market and a large restaurant area, which will open next month.

The first floor is set to open in July and more on this will be released at a later date.

FANTASY ISLAND MAKING 'MAGICAL MEMORIES' IN INGOLDMELLS

'Magical memories' after months in lockdown are being made for visitors returning to Fantasy Island in Ingoldmells.

Adrenaline junkies have been eagerly awaiting a first glimpse of the Spinning Racer - one of three new rides promised for the new season.

Within minutes of opening, screams of joy could be heard across the park and the seaside resort that has been like a ghost town for the past few months was no more.

For the staff and market traders, opening day couldn't have come soon enough.

Claire Draper, Director of Finance for park owners the Mellors Group, said: "We are thrilled about opening.

"The sun is shining and we have lots of attractions outside.

"Families can come and have a great day on the rides and at the outdoor market, which has 300 stalls.

"In spite of Covid-19, last year was good and once we were allowed to open fully in July we managed to stay open until November.

"We worked really hard to make the theme park Covid safe and we have put lots of measures in place again this year, including a track and trace system.

"Everything that can be done has been done to keep families safe."

As well as the theme park, Fantasy Island now offers accommodation.

"Families can now stay in a range of accommodation, with one featuring a hot tub, and wrist bands to the park are also included, making it really good value," said Claire.

The Mellors Group also recently acquired Skegness Pier and have been busy making changes there.

"At the Pier, our Beach Bar is open so families can enjoy a drink outside and on May 17, our new outside bar attraction will open.

"We are doing everything we can so people can make magical memories here."

Market trader Patrick Doherty couldn't wait for the visitors to be allowed in.

"I enjoyed lockdown to begin with but can't wait to get going now."

PARTY IN THE PODS AT THE WELCOME INN, SKEGNESS

The igloos have landed at the Welcome Inn in Skegness to give a warm and somewhat futuristic welcome to pubgoers, whatever the weather.

Customers couldn't wait to see the changes when the first pints in months were served - in spite of the cold sea air.

Under the new Covid-19 guidelines, pubs can only operate if they have outside space - and the new management at the Welcome Inn have really gone to town to tempt punters off their settees and out socialising again.

Covered wooden party pods are also being built around a new outdoor stage, with entertainers already lined up for the first weekend.

There has also been a massive interest in the igloo, which will be opened in the next stage of restrictions being lifted as it is enclosed.

First customers to claim an outside table when the pub doors opened at 11am were Lisa Garrad and Lorna Smith of Skegness, accompanied by their dogs Timmy and Teddybear.

"We are so pleased to be back and able to socialise again," said Lisa. "I think it's great what they have done with the pods - I think they are going to have a busy summer."

The Welcome Inn's new landlord and landlady are Nidge and Lisa Conroy, who are running the business with the help of their two daughters, Tia and Jade.

No newcomers to the hospitality trade, Nidge used to run the Royal Oak pub at Winthorpe, had a lap dance club on the seafront and has the Tipsey Cow on Lumley Road.

They took over the Welcome Inn in Burgh Road a week before the second lockdown and had just three months of trade before pubs were shut down again.

Since then they have been busy preparing to re-open and make the most of their outside space to accommodate up to 500 people.

The total investment in adapting the outside to be Covid-safe but still offer some shelter to customers has been £100,000, including a stage, igloo, which will cater for six to eight people, and other outside tables.

"We've really been looking forward to opening and hope people like what we've done," said Nidge. "We've run businesses abroad before this and are hoping to bring a taste of Spain to Skegness."

Entertainment planned for the following weekend includes:

Saturday, April 17, 7pm - FUSION (outside)

Sunday, April 18 3pm - Lauren Porter (outside)

QUEUES FORM OUTSIDE BARBERS TO GET RID OF LOCKDOWN LOCKS

An 11-year-old boy was up early to get his hair cut in Skegness for the first time in a year.

Brannon Cassidy was one of the first customers at one salon - and he came out feeling pretty cool.

"I haven't had my hair cut for a year," he admitted. "I think it looks pretty good."

Brannon was out in town with his nine-year-old sister, Ruby, and their nan, Katherine.

They had come down from Nottingham to open up their caravan on the Highfield park in Burgh Road.

"It's lovely to be back," said Katherine. "We haven't had a chance to look at the shops yet or the new shopping centre but we are looking forward to being able to get out and about again."

As the high street came to life with shops re-opening, the longest queues were outside barbers.

There has also been a massive interest in a new hair salon opened by a 21-year-old Skegness stylist.

Darcy O’Connor opened 'Hidden' gem in basement premises opposite Tower Gardens - and quickly got busy on a colour and cut for one of her clients.

"It's fantastic to be open at last," she said. "The response to my opening has been fantastic."

A local girl, Darcy has been doing hair dressing since I she was 17.

After completing her initial qualifications, she did a year's apprenticeship in a salon to complete her Level 3.

As her clientele grew, she decided to move onto self-employment but based in a different salon.

"During this time it was always my dream to open my own salon," she said. "But I knew I had to work hard and save as much money as possible.

"So much so I was working three jobs all at the same time in order to achieve my ultimate goal."

Her new premises in Rutland Road was a formally a well-established clothes shop called Toggs, which has now moved around the corner into the new Lumley Plaza shopping centre.

"I knew there was a lot of work to be done but I could see the potential of the dream," she said.

"After the building works and refit, I am proud to now offer all hair, nails, beauty and aesthetics treatments.

"I have also formed a team of unique professionals to join me on my journey."

'BOOM YEAR' FOR CARAVAN PARKS AND SELF-CATERING

2021 is going to be a 'boom year' along the Lincolnshire coast, according to a new caravan company.

Caravan parks and self-catering accommodation have reopened along the coast, which in East Lindsey alone has 200 caravan sites and nearly 25,000 static caravans.

Jamie Anderson has teamed up with Stuart Dean to launch a new business called UK Statics Ltd.

The two met working together as sales advisors at Southview Leisure Park in Skegness and Jamie recently left as the holiday park manager at Fantasy Island in Ingoldmells to work for the business full-time.

"We have already seen a huge surge in purchases and very much believe UK staycations and Skegness in general is going to boom this year," said Jamie.

The local entrepreneurs branched out from working for local holiday parks to set up their own nationwide and European static caravan business.

They say they are already seeing 'great success'.

"UK statics Ltd is a new and thriving business that will be buying and selling static caravans," said Jamie.

"We have secured a showground in Mablethorpe that will be opening in the coming months.

"We have already seen a huge surge in purchases and very much believe UK staycations and Skegness and the coast in general is going to boom this year."

Fantasy Island in Ingoldmells also has a range of accommodation, with either Bronze, Silver or Gold self catering homes to choose from.

New for the 2021 season is Fantasy Islands is Platinum accommodation, complete with hot tub for the chance to relax and unwind after a long day of thrill seeking.

ANIMAL SANCTUARIES WELCOME BACK VISITORS

Skegness Natureland is flippin' excited it has been able to reopen.

The seal sanctuary has relied on the generosity of the public to feed their animals and keep going during the Covid-19 lockdown.

And then just as the Government announced April 12 could be the day, restrictions regarding a national bird flu pandemic looked like delaying the day.

However, the sanctuary on North Parade has now been given the all-clear and staff have been busy preparing for the big day.

In a statement they said: "We are super excited to announce that we are opening this Monday, April 12.

"We are sorry we haven’t let you guys know sooner but we have been waiting for the all-clear for our penguins to move back into their outside enclosure as the bird flu restrictions have now been lifted.

"We do, however, have to keep some strict biosecurity measures, which you may see around Natureland.

"This to ensure we can keep them safe as well as you guys getting to see them when you visit us."

Although visitors will be able to enjoy the seals and animals and birds that are outside, Covid-19 restrictions mean the buildings will remain closed until May 16.

Unfortunately there will be no Seal Talks as these attract crowds but staff will be all around the site to answer any questions.

The Gift Shop will be open and the Cafe Kiosk will be open, serving drinks and snacks with outdoor seating.

Face masks must be worn in all of the indoor areas and hand sanitiser is available all around the site.

MARKETS

Shoppers were up early when the market reopened in Spilsby.

All traders were invited by East Lindsey District Councillor to return to their weekly pitches, including the town's fish stall and several others who had joined before last year's lockdowns.

“Our markets have a number of stalls offering a diverse and attractive range of goods, services and fresh local produce," said a spokesman.

“There is something for everyone – including fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, flowers and plants, clothing, fabrics, crafts and gifts – there’s so much to see.

“You will also have the opportunity to take a seat and let local cafes serve you delicious refreshments at their seating areas on the markets.”

Today's reopening of the market and shops is the start of celebrations in the town, including the birthday of the town's famous explorer Sir John Franklin on April 16 and St George's Day on April 23.

Mayor of Spilsby Coun Terry Taylor said: "I am sure there is a sense of joy and relief that we have reached a day where the first phase of a measured return to the town centres and high streets has arrived.

"Spilsby residents have supported essential businesses throughtout the implementation of measures and I am sure they will extend that support to non-essential businesses and the Monday Market.

"My message to everyone, on behalf of the council is, welcome back, enjoy this extra freedom, but please continue to stick to the recommended measures to stay safe"

Spilsby Market is held in Market Place Car Park and Buttercross Car Park every Monday from 9am to 4pm, excluding Bank Holidays.The auction will be returning later in the year.

*Full story and pictures of the highlights from the coast's reopening will be in Wednesday's Skegness Standard newspaper.

LIBRARIES

Skegness Library is opening its doors for residents to browse books, pick up reserved items and use computers to access essential digital public services.

Community hubs such as in Burgh-le-Marsh have started to reopen, but this may be a limited service.

Some will offer browsing and others click and collect.

In order to maintain social distancing, the study space, reading areas and toilets will remain closed.

Events and activities will remain online for now, including story times, craft sessions, author talks and fitness classes.

To see or take part in these, visit @Lincslibraries Facebook and Twitter channels.

Louise Egan, library services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming residents back into the libraries – we know people have missed coming in!

“To reassure residents – we have many safety measures in place to keep the libraries covid secure, including: hand sanitiser, quarantining books for 72 hours and extra space beside computers.

“Visitors must wear a face covering and also keep to the two metre social distancing rule."

For more information, visit @Lincslibraries on Facebook and Twitter.