Spirits lifted as sun spreads a little happiness
WE’RE having a spell of sunny skies and scorching temperatures – and seaside businesses are booming as families flock to the coastline.
Redcar has seen a host of businesses come and go since 2020, and as Covid restrictions finally eased, those remaining were hit by the cost of living crisis.
One business said suppliers have already near-doubled their prices and, combined with rising energy bills, it is forcing them to consider upping their prices – a step they’d rather not take.
But the sunshine and soaring temperatures have brought a muchneeded boost for the seaside town.
Seabreeze Fish and Chips, in Lobster Road, is one of the town’s most popular takeaways. Owner Nicola Atkinson and her partner Kevin shared their happiness at the summer sun bringing more people to Redcar, not just for their business but for people’s spirits too.
Nicola said: “Over Friday, Saturday and Sunday people have been back out
and that is something that is desperately needed because everyone is so frightened at the moment and they don’t want to spend too much. So it is nice to see everyone enjoying themselves when the sun is out.”
Kevin spoke of how, post Covid, it is hard to judge how busy the business should be. He said: “It is quite difficult to judge and compare how busy we were this time last year, there were certainly quite a few people over the past weekend.
“I think business-wise a lot of us are in the same boat, whether it’s your home or your finances, everything has just escalated and you just don’t know where you’re going to be in the next few months. So it’s nice people are back, you’ve just got to grab it while you can.”
At Playland Amusements, on the seafront, the manager said they have been even busier than usual.
They said: “Our takings go up massively when the weather is nicer but in regard to how busy it is, it honestly depends. If other areas have stuff on then that takes custom away from the beach and we’ll end up being quiet.”