Bosses
at Clacton Pier are relieved to see confidence returning after lockdown and
crowds flocking back to the attraction.
Three
weekends after being allowed to reopen, business is getting back on track and
real progress has been made at the iconic landmark.
All
but two rides are now in operation; there is a date of August 1 for the bowling
centre with only a Government decision awaited for bringing back Discovery Bay
soft play.
Director
Billy Ball said he is very encouraged with how things have gone so far.
“Confidence
is certainly returning, and it is great to see so many people coming back and
enjoying themselves again,” he said.
“The
Go-Gator ride was back up on Saturday and the Mouse Coaster on Sunday, leaving
only the popular Miami Beach ride and the White Water Log Flume still to come
on-line.
“We
have been waiting for parts and materials – and in the case of the Miami we
need to move it to a more central position due to the knock-on effect of the
storm damage in February.”
Work
to replace a section of timber decking with concrete is now well underway to
achieve the relocation. It is now just a matter of days to wait for the
concrete to cure to complete that task.
“We
have a new layout of rides, as well as a new improved ticket office, both of which
seem to have gone down well and we have received very positive feedback,” added
Mr Ball.
“Everyone
also seems pleased with the measures we have put in place in terms of Coronavirus
with plenty of sanitization stations, signs, making everything as contactless
as possible and taking details for track and trace.”
Mr
Ball said that it is frustrating to have no date yet for the soft play facility,
but Clacton MP Giles Watling has taken the issue up with the relevant
department.
The
MP has submitted a written question and is waiting for a reply.
“We
are grateful that Giles has supported us and other businesses in Clacton over
this very difficult period and made the right noises on our behalf,” added Mr
Ball.
“Overall,
the measures taken by the Government – such as the furlough job retention
scheme and reducing VAT – have helped us to keep going and have made a real
difference to us.”
Ends
