A COUNCIL leader has hit back at a national newspaper jibe about a coastal town.
Bognor featured on the front page of The Sun after it was revealed there may have to be a quarantine for holidaymakers returning from abroad this summer.
Under the strapline “travel chiefs’ fear” the newspaper went with the headline: “Looks like its Bognor again, dear.”
The tongue-in-cheek headline implies that Bognor is a bit dreary and disappointing.
If everyone returning from their summer holidays has to quarantine in a hotel to stop the spread of coronavirus, it may mean more of us look closer to home for our travel plans this summer.
The Sun front page about Bognor this week
But Arun District Council leader James Walsh hit back at the headline and says Bognor is a great place to visit for families.
“It’s fit for a king,” he said. “Bognor is the sunniest place in England and it is a great place for a holiday.
Arun District Council Leader Cllr James Marsh
“On the south coast we have great attractions and Chichester, Arundel, Littlehampton and the South Downs are nearby.
“That is quite apart from Bognor’s wonderful seafront and the fabulous Butlin’s holiday complex.”
The Butlin's resort in Bognor Regis
In April 2019 Butlin’s resort unveiled the new £40 million swimming pool complex at the site, while the beach at Butlin’s has been awarded Blue Flag status for its clean environment.
Butlin's resort director Jeremy Pardey said: "As the sunniest place in the UK, Bognor Regis is the ideal place for a getaway - and even more so when holidaymakers may not be able to go abroad for the sun.
"The Sun front page was firmly tongue in cheek but it might just encourage even more holidaymakers to find out what we have to offer which is great news for the local economy.
"We want to provide everyone with a brilliant holiday and despite a difficult 2020 for the sector, we had great feedback from guests who stayed with us last year.
"We have brilliant indoor and outdoor facilities at the resort and this year we're investing in a new stage set-up to ensure more guests - in a socially distanced and safe set-up - can enjoy our live entertainment. We're experiencing great demand for bookings and these facilities will undoubtedly be popular this summer.
"Outside of our resort, there is so much on offer in the local area from seafront walks, the culture of Arundel or visits to Goodwood or the South Downs."
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Councillor Walsh’s thoughts were echoed by many in the town. On the Bognor Regis Matters Facebook group Mark posted an image of The Sun’s front page.
He wrote: “Why not? It's an amazing town with a lovely atmosphere, lovely beaches, loads to discover in the surrounding villages.
“What a golden opportunity to capitalise on this, promote our amazing town and get us back up and running as the best holiday destination in the UK, when restrictions allow.”
Meanwhile Jacqui Kent said: “When this nightmare ends and it is safe for people to visit holiday destinations then it’s vital for our economy for people to start visiting us.
Bognor Regis West Sussex UK Photograph by Simon Dack 30 June 2014
“Our local shops, pubs, cafes, taxi drivers and small businesses will need footfall to help them keep afloat.
“I for one would hate to see our lovely little seaside town become a ghost town of closed shops and businesses.”
Councillor Walsh said the amusing front page by The Sun will hopefully drive up some interest in the coastal resort.
He added: “All publicity is good publicity.”
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