SEAFRONT traders have welcomed calls for an additional bank holiday to boost the tourism economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Business owners say it would go some way to help claw back some of the lost trade suffered as a result of Covid-19.

Tourism leaders are calling for an extra bank holiday near the October half-term so residents can have some time off work after the lockdown finishes.

Head of Visit Britain, Patricia Yates, told MPs it could help reboot the tourism sector by extending the holiday season past August.

Southend seafront traders say they back the idea and want to see the Government support the tourism industry more.

Paul Thompson, 46, owner of Pebbles One Cafe, in Marine Parade, Southend said: “I think any extra bank holiday would be a good thing and having it in October would help to encourage people to come out a bit later in the year.

“When we get to September and October the trade does dip as the weather is not as good, so it would not do any harm.

“I would look forward to another bank holiday being agreed.

“I think it would help traders and businesses after the loss of trade due to the coronavirus outbreak, but I think it’s difficult to say how much it would help.

“I do think the tourism industry could do with more financial support from the Government and think it’s vital to help keep business going.”

Joan Tiney, 69, owner of the Borough Hotel and chairman of the Southend Seafront Traders’ Association also backed the calls for an extra bank holiday.

She said: “I think it would be good idea, we are now coming up to missing three bank holidays worth of trade due to the virus outbreak and lockdown.

“I think it’s a brilliant idea, it’s not going to make up for any lost trade but it will go some way to help.

“I say more the merrier, I would support more than one additional bank holiday and think I speak for other traders too. One would be a start but if they are up for more then it would be good.”

Ms Yates told the Digital Media, Culture and Sport Committee: “The idea that we could possibly have a Bank Holiday in October, because the industry has lost the benefit of the two May bank holidays, I think that’s an idea being considered.”