Hemsby trade saw 'healthy numbers' over Easter holiday

That is the message from delighted business owners in the village following a healthy start to the season as families headed to the seaside over the Easter weekend.

Lacon Arms owner Lorna Bevan said the weekend was "super busy".

Lorna Bevan said it has been great to see people supporting the village. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)"It was a terrific long weekend," Ms Bevan said. "It was great to see the village so busy. And we are seeing new visitors every day.

"We're keeping our fingers crossed for good weather over the next week or so. It always brings more people down to the beach, and we want people to enjoy it."

Beach Road, Hemsby. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)This comes as the village saw repeated devastation caused by erosion in the Marrams area over the autumn and winter.

Keith Kyriacou said Hemsby saw a good turnout over the long Easter weekend. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)But Bermuda Holiday Park director and parish council chairman Keith Kyriacou said the village and its businesses in Beach Road, Newport and by Kingsway remained "very much open and eager" to welcome guests.

"There's been a lot of negative news about Hemsby over the past year," Mr Kyriacou said. 

"But the ongoing battle with erosion is only one aspect of our village.

"We have long been a great area for families and daytrippers, and we continue to be so. Many businesses have carried on investing to provide the best services to locals and visitors, and this Easter weekend has been nothing but positive.

"And, of course, we'd all like to see more of that."

Mr Kyriacou said the early Easter bank holiday had seen numbers drop off somewhat, but it was reassuring to see people still making their way to the village.

James Bensly by Hemsby Gap. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)Councillor James Bensly, who owns the Beach Cafe, said: "Easter is always a unique occasion.

"Not just for the significance of the event, but it’s also the first family-time holiday since Christmas. And it's been good to see so many families enjoying the time together.

"Overall, we had some very healthy visitor numbers staying on the sites which can only be a good thing for our village and our great borough."