Beach parking fees lifted to boost visitor numbers

Free beach parking has been introduced this summer in a bid to boost income and footfall following the closure of a major holiday park.

Somerset Council has suspended parking charges on Brean and Berrow beaches as part of efforts to boost local businesses after a decline in visitor numbers.

The scheme is being funded by EDF Energy to mitigate the loss of Pontins holiday park, which is now being used to accommodate workers building Hinkley Point C.

Some business owners have welcomed the "nice gesture", while others say more "could and should have been done" to help the coastal area's economy.

Beachgoers will be able to park for free from 1 July until October after the council, Discover Brean and EDF agreed to temporarily remove the charges.

Previously, motorists paid £8.40 to park at the beach for the day.

Discover Brean said it hoped the scheme would encourage more visitors to the area and benefit local attractions, shops and hospitality businesses.

Councillor Mike Rigby, lead member for economic development, planning and assets, described it as "great news" for the area.

"We have been working hard with our partners to find ways to support the local visitor economy and are delighted to be able to announce this initiative," he said.

"The area has so much to offer visitors: great beaches, a friendly welcome and now free parking."

Sue and Dave Chedzey, who own the Sundowner Beach Bar located just a stone's throw from Berrow Beach, welcomed the initiative.

"We're very excited. The fact they're helping and offering to pay is lovely," Sue said.

But the couple acknowledged businesses closer to the former Pontins site had "suffered quite significantly" with the downturn in visitors.

"I don't think they've done enough [to offset the loss of income]," Dave said.

"There is more they could and should have done within the vicinity to promote businesses and increase footfall."

But Alex Ainsworth, manager of the Seagull Inn, does not believe it is solely EDF's responsibility to offset the impact on local businesses.

"They still put money into the town and they're just looking for somewhere for their workers," he said.

He added that free parking was likely to increase their trade during quieter weekdays, although he did not expect it to transform the area's fortunes.

"The weekends seem to be okay in Brean, it's still quite a popular destination," he said.

"I don't think we'll see ridiculous amounts of change but it's certainly a nice gesture."

The council's beach team will continue to run the beaches and the number of cars allowed on either beach will not change.

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