A tiny but insatiably popular seaside village has revealed a huge shakeup to one of its most beloved attractions, urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to acknowledge the difficulties it is facing
A tiny seaside village has unveiled a major shakeup directly affecting UK holidaymakers, as it confesses to a ‘crippling’ problem.
Renowned for its 3.2-mile-long golden sandy beach, rows of flashing arcades, and stellar fish and chip shops – Ingoldmells is a vibrant, no-thrills resort that has long attracted droves of tourists. Located in the East Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, and just a stone’s throw from the popular town of Skegness, this tiny village has one huge attraction: Fantasy Island.
The theme park boasts over 30 rides including the stomach-churning Volcano which shoots visitors vertically into the air, as well as the Odyssey and Millennium roller coaster. For younger adrenaline-seekers, the dodgems, Sea Storm, and Rhombus Rocket are great options. Fantasy Island also hosts Europe’s largest seven-day market – which sells everything from clothes to cosmetics, and delicious bakery items.
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“There are so many things to do at Fantasy Island!” the resort states. “Our exhilarating rides and roller coasters will test even the bravest thrill-seekers’ nerves, while those looking for something more family-friendly will have plenty to choose from. We have Discovery and Adventure for the thrill seekers and Little Explorer for the little ones.”
However, in a huge blow for the village – Fantasy Island has confirmed it is reducing its opening hours during the quieter periods, citing industry-wide struggles. According to Lincolnshire Live, the park will now shut its rides on Mondays and Tuesdays outside of the busy summer season, although the market and arcade will remain open daily.
A spokesperson from Fantasy Island told the publication: “Whilst our rides remain open every day during the summer, we have made the decision to restrict our opening outside of this peak period. This reflects the challenges currently facing the tourism and hospitality sector.
“The recent budget has had a crippling effect – particularly due to increased wage costs, soaring electricity prices, and a broader lack of understanding and support for our industry. This, coupled with growing caution in consumer spending, makes it increasingly difficult to operate sustainably outside peak periods.”
The spokesperson called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to acknowledge the difficulties that coastal attractions are enduring, emphasising their importance to local economies and job markets. This move follows the recent shakeup to employer national insurance contributions (NIC) which took effect in April.
MP for Boston and Skegness, Richard Tice, warned the hospitality and leisure industry in the region is ‘dire’. “I’ve just been with one of the biggest employers in Skegness, they are employing 40 less young people than they were this time last year,” he said in a video posted to social media.
“The knock-on effect of that for suppliers and the hoteliers, hearing of many more hotels closed, up for sale, theme parks, shut for two days a week to deal with the horrific national insurance increases. I think Rachel Reeves is in for a massive massive shock. The news on the front line in the coastal resorts in Skegness is dire.”
When approached by the Mirror about Ingoldmell’s blow, a government spokesperson for HM Treasury did not explicitly reference the village – but insisted it was a ‘pro-business government’. “Economic activity is at a record high with 500,000 more people in employment since we entered office,” they said.
“We are protecting the smallest businesses from the employer National Insurance rise, shielding 250,000 retail, hospitality and leisure business properties from paying full business rates and have capped corporation tax at 25 per cent – the lowest rate in the G7. We delivered a once-in-a-Parliament budget last year that took necessary decisions on tax to stabilise the public finances and fund public services, including the NHS. We are now focused on creating opportunities for businesses to compete and access the finance they need to scale, export and break into new markets.”
The Mirror has contacted East Lindsey District Council for comment.
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