At an audit committee meeting, portfolio holder for finance Coun Colin
Davie revealed seasonal revenue was down by £25,000 on budget in Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea.

Cash from car park fees has always shown the health of the holiday industry, so these figures confirm what many businesses have already been saying - summer 2008 has been a bit of a washout.

"Poor weather and high fuel costs have been the main factors," said Coun Davie. "I fear less well off families have been the first to feel the effects of recession, and they may be the last to come out of it."

"To reverse the trend, towns such as Mablethorpe have to change," he said. "We need to encourage more investment to improve the holiday offering if we are to revitalise the the Lincolnshire Coast."

* But it's good news over in Louth, Alford, Horncastle and Spilsby being £45,000 above budget from April to August this year.
Coun Davie said: "That's encouraging. Higher fuel prices have prompted people to change their shopping habits. If the trend continues, there is an opportunity for our market towns to build on their increasing customer base."

* What can be done to encourage more visitors next year? Text your views to 81800. Start your message with LLNEWS followed by your message - and please include your name and address. Calls cost 25p plus the standard network charge.