Cleethorpes firms enjoy bumper New Year's Day as people flock to the seaside

CLEETHORPES businesses were celebrating for two reasons on New Year's Day.

People flocked to the seaside town to enjoy shops, cafes, restaurants and amusement arcades – and takings were likened to those of a summer's day.

Owner of Kingsway Kiosks Andy McCluskey said his seafront amusements had a good start to 2013 by taking more money than last New Year's Day.

He said: "It was a tremendous day for sales and I was really pleased with the turn-out.

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"It's been bad these past couple of weeks with the miserable weather – but as soon as the sun came out it was as popular as a summer's day.

"I think people wanted to get out with being couped up all Christmas and there's nothing better than to get some seaside fresh air.

"It has been a long holiday this year as well, so I think people had more time to go out as a family.

"It's really good for the resort to still be strong at this time of the year."

Another popular attraction was Jonny Donuts & Olivers on the promenade and they were packed out all day with people ordering treats from ice creams to Christmas dinners.

Marisa Sate, assistant manager, said: "We were stacked out from 10am till close.

"I think the weather made a huge difference because people were able to sit outside and enjoy food after a walk along the seafront. Boxing Day was also a busy day for us – but New Year's Day stood out the most.

"Customers were even still eating Christmas dinners and we also sold loads of donuts and ice creams."

The Beach Restaurant on the promenade was another popular eatery.

Owner Mohamed Kayall said: "We had a very good day and it was busier than normal.

"I think with it being New Year's Day people wanted to go out and celebrate – and also the weather helped."

And it's been a busy new year at the Pretty Woman lingerie shop in Sea View Street.

Owner Sharon Pratten said: "I've found customers are keen to spend during this period because they have money which they have received from Christmas. And I tend to delay my winter sale to start the day after New Year's Day, as trade between the Christmas and new year period remains busy and subsequently sales remain strong."