Half term in Blackpool 'busiest in over a decade', experts say

Tourism experts have told us Blackpool boomed with visitors over half term and there are hopes it'll carry on over the season with 'staycationers'.

It's as Portugal's been moved off the green list leaving travel abroad this summer up in the air.

Shirley Hunt, Director at Stay Blackpool and owner of the Cranstone Hotel, said: "I've been here 20 years and I don't think I've seen it as busy for such a long time, many, many years...it was absolutely a bumper half term and a bumper bank holiday.

"You just couldn't get a parking space, every kiosk and candy floss stand was busy with people. I believe when my guests were coming they said it took them over an hour and a half to get down Yeadon Way...it was really really busy."

The hotelier is also reassuring visitors it's safe to come and enjoy the resort after further measures were announced on Tuesday for the rest of Lancashire.

People living in the county have been advised not to meet up indoors where possible and to minimise travel in and out of Lancashire, but Blackpool's exempt because of its lower infection rates.

Shirley said: "I'm Covid safe, a lot of us have done the Covid-19 safety, people are still coming in wearing a mask, they're still adhering to all my safety regulations using hand sanitiser and distancing at tables."

"I know that some hoteliers have had information and emails from their guests saying 'I live in an area where it's high and I've been told not to travel', but have people been told not to travel or are they just advising not to travel? Again, I think we need clearer guidelines."