Littlehampton’s tourist trade’s relief as temperatures soar

And as the temperatures soared to around 22 deg C, so did trade across the town with a number of coastal businesses welcoming the visitors to our shore.

Many would have struggled to believe that, little more than three weeks ago, attractions at Harbour Park had frozen over – literally, with staff at the leisure grounds being forced to reach for their shovels to crack the ice on the log flume ride.

So it came as a massive contrast to see people in shorts and t-shirts, frolicking on the beach and enjoying everything the park had to offer.

Ash Smart, part of the park’s management team, said: “We have just come off the worst Easter we’ve had for years. The water trough was frozen and the weather was miserable.

“So to see people out and about visiting the lovely town of Littlehampton, was a nice change.

“It was easily our best weekend this year, although that isn’t saying too much.

“I think people really needed it, to be honest. It’s been a very long winter. All in all it’s been about five or six months long.”

However, he pointed out that this was only two days in a whole year, and he remained concerned about the weather for the six week-long summer season.

“This is just a drop in the ocean. For any massive difference, we need a prolonged stretch of sun, not just two days of it,” added Ash.

The increase in visitors was also noticed by staff at the East Beach Café, with customers coming through the doors constantly. General manager Samuel Healey said: “It was booming in here which is great.

“It does come as a welcome relief to finally have a bit of nice weather for once. It certainly helped business. I would describe it as a brisk trade throughout the weekend.”

Nick Carter, manager of the Look & Sea Centre, said the centre had its busiest day all year, with hundreds of people coming through the doors over the bank holiday period.

“Saturday wasn’t that good,” he said. “But Sunday and Monday really went well.

“The weather is a crucial factor for our business. If it’s sunny, people make plans and they come out.

“If it’s going to rain, or if it’s windy or cold, then no one is keen to take a trip out.

“But everyone has been cooped up indoors for such a long time they were just waiting for that bit of sunshine.”

Littlehampton beach’s new team of lifeguards, which launched on Saturday (May 4), had their work cut out for them, with more than 1,000 people estimated to be enjoying a day at the coast at the bank holiday’s peak.

Lifeguard supervisor Olly Cona, said: “We had no major incidents which is great. Everyone was really cheerful.”