Skegness could hold weekly themed fairs to add to visitor attractions
A COASTAL resort wants to add weekly themed fairs to its list of attractions.
Skegness Town Council is to look into the feasibility of holding fairs to help boost the town’s economy and create some job opportunities.
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Markets and fairs in other parts of the county have proved a popular attraction.
Councillor Carl Macey, who proposed the motion, said: “As community leaders, we need to be supporting our businesses and local residents in these tough economic times.
“The fairs could bring in a different type of visitors depending on the theme. The Victorian markets have been a resounding success and this is a step in the right direction.”
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Ideas include farmers markets and fishing fairs.
Councillor Steve Kirk said: “There are all sorts of opportunities and we need to explore them. We need to offer something different.
“Skegness does not change season in, season out. This will be something for people who would not come to Skegness normally.”
Councillor Dick Edginton said: “This is another good idea. We do need to widen the offer and this is a novel way. I hope it takes off and adds another attraction for Skegness.”
Councillor Phil Kemp wanted to see a weekly market added to benefit the experience of Skegness residents.
He said: “For some, there may be an opportunity for them to have a stall themselves, bringing a little bit more employment and boost their own incomes.”
The council has looked at bringing in an angler’s fair before but Councillor George Saxon said it failed to come to fruition due to ‘horrendous’ rates wanted for the car park to host it.
He called on councillors to visit Sherringham in Norfolk who hold regular fairs and markets and to draw from their expertise.
The Mayor, Councillor Mark Anderson, was supportive of the idea but had a concern that some businesses in the town could be affected.
The council supported the motion, allowing the town clerk to contact prospective partners such as Skegness Partnership and Skegness Carnival Committee to work with them to investigate the feasibility of weekly themed fairs.
Earlier in the meeting, member of the public Brenda Futers praised the idea and suggested a market be held on a Thursday.
She said: “Street markets are a brilliant idea, something our town could benefit from.
“The town could make money from this and it does not have to cost us anything through a successful market operator paying the town to rent the space.”
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