Traders in Skegness share hopes for future as Easter restrictions mean quiet start to season

With Covid-19 'stay local' restrictions in place and only 'essential' shops and takeaway businesses allowed to open, Good Friday saw a quiet start to the Bank Holiday weekend.

However, that didn't stop a handful of kiosk owners on the seafront braving the cold to give any visitors to the season a warm welcome.

For Carl Wheaton of Seaside Treats, who has taken a kiosk in the newly pedestrianised Tower Esplanade, this will be his first season.

"We opened on Thursday which was very quiet but are using the time to set up," he said.

"It's been a worrying time and here's still a lot going on with the pedestrianisation but we have been told we can stay open now.

"Hopefully when the sun comes out and as more restrictions are lifted it will be a good year."

In town, Steve Matthews, of Discounts Plants in Drummond Road, was up at 4am preparing hanging baskets for any customers planning to do some gardening over the Bank Holiday.

"It's been a tough year," he said. "I haven't had any grants because we are a garden centre and have been allowed to stay open.

"I've lost money and had to dump £7,000 of plants. It has meant cashing in a pension to keep going.

"Everything here I've grown myself - all you can do is carry on and hope customers come back and support you."