Brits are getting specific about why their hometown, recently dubbed the worst in Britain, apparently deserves its seedy reputation for reasons stretching from its boozy antics to chaotic street fights.
Locals say Skegness, in Lincolnshire, may be worthy of its title of “the worst beach town” after all, despite visitors recently coming to its defence over the “great value” theme park and quiet sandy beach.
Now those who have lived there for decades, or those just visiting for a holiday, say in reality it’s an ‘asylum seeker dumping ground” and “not what you call an affluent area”. One resident said her older friends have long gone from the area because of the town’s dodgy reputation.
READ MORE: Benidorm dubbed ‘Disney for crazies’ as Brits warned of hotspot’s darker side
For more stories about weird and wonderful towns, click here.
It comes as 3,000 Britons were recently surveyed by Which? experts to deduce which of our nation’s seaside towns were the worst. Coming in at number one was none other than Skegness.
(Image: Getty Images)
Residents say the town, which boasts a massive range of attractions, including everything from the local seal sanctuary to the Fantasy Island theme park and Skegness Raceway, apparently has a dark side too.
Loyal lifetime resident Rachel Barker recently said her older friends had been pushed to move away thanks to the town’s boozy reputation. “I was born and bred here but most of the older people I knew have already left,” she explained to MailOnline.
Last year deputy mayor Adrian Findley said the town was being treated as an “asylum seeker dumping ground” as local hoteliers were cashing in big money to close their doors to tourists and house migrants instead. The housing caused controversy and tensions in the area, but that has calmed down now.
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Now people say there is a growing homelessness problem. Others say you get what you pay for and that it’s not as bad as people make out. Dave Bond, 55, from West Yorkshire, said: “Skegness is not what you would call scenic but for £5.99 the fish and chips was really nice.
“It is not what you call an affluent area. We used to go to Whitby but they have always got some folk festival going on or the Goths are there and prices have escalated so much.”
There are also problems with crime and nasty fights breaking out in the local pubs and clubs at closing time. Just this week a drunken street fight broke out right next to a park on the seafront.
(Image: Getty Images)
Meanwhile, over on Tripadvisor, people say it doesn’t deserve the hate it gets. One keen visitor, from Nottinghamshire, said: “Doesn’t deserve a bad reputation, well worth a visit. Lovely sandy beach, spotless. Lots for the kids to do.
“The communal paddling pools near the lake are fantastic. Lots of amusements, donkey rides, crazy golf options, traditional fun fair, busy pier, park, go-karts, swimming, excellent fish and chips, seal sanctuary (well worth a visit) and a few good restaurants too.
“Good value, Plenty of parking and the kids love it. It’s modernised too with some good investment. I’m not sure why it gets such a bad rep from some people. I think it’s come along way and has something for everyone. It’s a great seaside day out/weekend away.”
Click for more of the latest news from across the world from the Daily Star.