- Normally, Skegness comes alive during the summer with people coming from far and wide as well as people coming from Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Lincoln, and Boston, but this year could see a huge reduction in tourists.
At a time when local business owners are worried about their future with the damage that the flood of migrants have caused the seaside resort there is now a new problem thanks to East Midlands Railway.
East Midlands Railway have made an announcement about catching a train to Skegness during the summer and already it has resulted in people cancelling their Skegness day out as well as their holiday.
EMR has advised those travelling to Skegness by train between July 9 and September 9 to book their tickets in advance to guarantee a seat. The under-fire train company have said those who don’t book a ticket in advance could be forced to wait until the next train arrives.
This announcement has caused panic with some of those wishing to travel by train to Skegness, fearing they will either be packed in the train like sardines. Others fear they will have to continue to wait until a train has available seats or room.
Passengers are also advised to bring only one bag per person “as space is limited on trains”, said EMR. “We are encouraging you to book your tickets in advance to guarantee a space on the return part of your journey too”, added the train operator.
Mark Knells from Nottingham contacted In2Town Today News to say that he is shocked that EMR are not solving the problem of overcrowding trains.
He said: “I come to Skegness each year and stay on one of the many caravan parks, but this year due to the overcrowding problem on trains I am cancelling my holiday. Skegness is not the holiday resort it once was. I am not only worried about the overcrowding problem, but I am also worried about the immigration problem in Skegness.”
Holidaymakers and local business in Skegness are calling on EMR to solve the problem and to add more carriages and more trains.
At a time when Skegness is hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons, local businesses are worried that regular visitors to Skegness will not return this year.
Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “Skegness remains a very popular destination for holidaymakers and this year will be no different.
“We want our customer’s holiday to start as smoothly as possible and that’s where booking a place beforehand comes in. Booking ahead allows them to have peace of mind and guarantees a place on board.”