Reassurance after Skegness named as one of the most 'at risk' towns

According to Sky News analysis of data for England and Wales, although some high-risk towns also suffer already high levels of social and economic deprivation, there is no clear correlation between deprived towns and towns hard hit by lockdown.

The research, conducted by the Centre For Towns and the University of Southampton, also indicates that Wales is worst affected, while the South East is faring best.

It claims half of the coastal towns are among the top 10% most at risk and the top five most at-risk towns are Mablethorpe, Skegness, Clacton-on-Sea, Bridlington and Kinmel Bay

Coun Steve Kirk, Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy, commented that it came as no surprise the research showed the current lockdown is hitting Mablethorpe and Skegness hard.

However, he said transformation proposals for the coast continue to be developed.

He said: “The visitor economy is vital to our coastal resorts. Quite rightly for the time being people have heeded the message to stay away and stay safe and that has to be the immediate priority.

"Once lockdown restrictions are altered and a level of normality resumes, we will be working hard to ensure our district continues to be a leading visitor destination.

"As a Council, the impact of CV19 is already hitting our own finances hard, which depending on how long the current restrictions last may impact our ambitious regeneration plans for both resorts, which are very much about supporting business and job creation.

"We are continuing to engage with businesses to understand the detail of the challenges impacting them at present and what policy decisions we might be able to take in the short term to support them.

"At the same time, we continue to develop transformation proposals for both Skegness and Mablethorpe for the Government’s Towns’ Fund which presents a huge opportunity for our area.”

Skegness area Business Chamber said the resort may be on the blocks but it was not on the rocks. He said: "Business people in Skegness and the local area are poised to get back to work when restrictions are lifted and it is safe to do so.

"Measures that will ensure that staff and customers can be safe are being designed and can be introduced just as soon as the Government says that this dreadful disease,

"Coronavirus can be managed. Whilst the Government faces these difficult judgments, we believe that this is likely to coincide with the opening up of the Nhs to elective surgeries and outpatient appointments.

"The health of all of our community is absolutely the most important thing.

"It is clear that businesses are hit hard everywhere but especially so for an area that relies so heavily on visitors.

"Recent press reports have highlighted areas including Skegness and Mablethorpe which will face difficulties getting business moving again. But these reports take no account of the

efforts in recent years to extend the season to support the economy as a year-round resort.

"Particularly these reports underestimate the degree of innovation, skill and local knowledge that underpins the Skegness business community and is clearly evident to the Skegness Area Business Chamber.

"The challenge to come when the economy opens up will be focused on reducing the transmission of the virus whilst being able to do as many of the things that make local life as normal as possible.

"New systems will be needed and personal responsibility and kindness will be highly valued. Our businesses will rely on the support of our local community to venture out and spend locally, confident that measures are in place to ensure their safety.

"In this way, we are confident that we will overcome the difficulties that are inevitable and not just survive but thrive for our children and grandchildren to enjoy this place which is most importantly our home."