Burnham-On-Sea town centre traders say they have enjoyed a strong start to the new tourist season following a busy Easter holiday fortnight.
Large numbers of visitors headed to the town during the break, with seafront car parks reaching full capacity on several days and beaches in Burnham and Brean attracting hundreds of people on the warmer days.
While there were some quieter spells during periods of wet weather, many businesses say the overall picture has been very positive.
Monika Morris at GW Hurley said the season had begun well. “Trade has been very positive with a good start to the season. The weather was mostly kind to us,” she said.
At Burnham Shopping Centre, Satnam Singh reported an uplift in footfall, saying the Easter period had been “busier than usual” with a strong fortnight of trade.
Sweet Shack owner Kirsty Isom added that it had been a “very good Easter,” saying it was “nice to see the town busy — the weather has helped, a great start to the season.”
On the seafront, Paris Rawlins, co-owner of Little Italy On Sea, said ice cream sales had been encouraging. “It’s been a mostly positive start to the season with good ice cream sales for us. We just hope for good weather.”
At Seafoods, owner Ryan Mount said the fishmonger had experienced its “busiest ever Easter.” He added: “‘Fish Friday’ is always our busiest day of the year, but it was extra busy this year. It’s great to see the footfall in the town centre.”
And Ron Bashford at Truckles farm shop said they had also enjoyed a successful start to the season. “It’s been a good Easter of trade for us too — it’s wonderful to see the High Street busy in the changeable weather,” he said.
Burnham Chamber of Trade added that local businesses are now hoping the early momentum continues through the spring and summer months as the tourist season gets fully underway.
