With tourists out in force this week thanks to the nationwide heatwave it is no wonder Southend traders have had a week like no other. I am pleased to see the beaches, high street and numerous leisure activities which Southend has to offer packed with families, young and old, enjoying what has so far been an excellent start to the tourist season in Southend.
I was delighted to learn that this week train bookings to Southend have risen by 210% compared to the same period in 2016, it is a testament to flourishing tourist economy which Southend as a town has worked so hard to build and champion.
I welcome Southend Borough Council's recent measures to better ensure a pleasant welcome for all visitors, with volunteers from the Make Southend Sparkle campaign regularly working throughout the day to make sure the town and its beaches are at their very best. In addition, the excellent child wristband scheme which Southend Business Improvement District has been running will continue throughout this exceptionally hot weather and the remainder of the summer, meaning that lost children can be reunited with parents or guardians quickly and effectively - making for a safer, more enjoyable summers day for all the family.
I am further pleased to read that business' across the borough are reporting a considerable rise in trade, with hotels reporting footfall at much greater levels than expected and customers booking extra nights to make the most of their time in our beautiful town. Further to this, it was great to read that for the first time ever the number of school children visiting Southend's beaches on school trips surpassed 20,000, with an overall increase of 16% recorded by the council.
Further information about the child wristband scheme, along with where to get one, can be found on the visit southend website.
As ever, if you have any issues that you feel I can assist with or a query that you would like to raise with me, please contact me on 01702 616 135 or email [email protected]. In the meantime, please stay safe in the warm weather.