A RALLYING cry has gone out to Hemsby traders fearing for the future in the wake of the closure of the Pontin's site.James Gray, who owns Lost World Adventure Golf in Hemsby, said the village had a bright future and sought to dispel worries expressed in last week's Mercury that the holiday camp's closure would be devastating for Hemsby businesses.

A RALLYING cry has gone out to Hemsby traders fearing for the future in the wake of the closure of the Pontin's site.

James Gray, who owns Lost World Adventure Golf in Hemsby, said the village had a bright future and sought to dispel worries expressed in last week's Mercury that the holiday camp's closure would be devastating for Hemsby businesses.

He said: “I am very optimistic about the future for Hemsby. I havn't got a crystal ball, I can't tell what the future holds but it is certainly not going to do any harm. We are all here together and we have to work together and it has brought us a really good sense of community spirit among the traders.”

The 44-year-old said efforts were being made to re-brand Hemsby as a positive place to visit, which included the appointment of TV brand guru Simon Middleton to help improve the village's image.

Mr Middleton will be showcasing the resort in a TV series he is making for Sky called The Brand Effect when Hemsby will feature alongside Sweden - a country branded by its association with the retailers IKEA and H&M.

The Norwich-based expert plans to advertise Hemsby as a fun and friendly place to spend a holiday while emphasising its traditional roots as a seaside resort.

Last week, some shop owners spoke of their fears they faced a bleak summer season with some already losing up to 80pc of their trade since Pontin's closed.

Pontin's closed in January with the loss of 19 full-time and 36 short-time and seasonal employees.