DAWLISH traders were all smiles this week after bumper profits due to the sunny weather bringing tourists to the town during the Easter period.
Mike Hocking, chairman of Dawlish Chamber of Trade, was thrilled that business was booming in the town. 'It's an excellent start to the season,' he said. 'We hope this is a good forecast for the summer and will keep our fingers crossed that trade continues like this through the summer.
'The gift shops have been extremely busy and profits are up significantly. 'It's mainly because of the fantastic weather bringing the tourists to the town. I really believe the increase in trading is good for the town as a whole.' Mr Hockin, of Ruby Mobiles, Dawlish, said that even his business, which isn't aimed towards tourism, saw 'a small increase' of profits during Easter.
'People were mainly buying phone chargers and we had three people in one weekend come in because they had dropped their phones in water,' he said. Chris Stapleton, of Coppermine Amusements and Beachside Amusements, Dawlish Warren, who is also on the chamber of trade, was pleased that his business ventures were busy during Easter. 'It was uplifting to see the amusements so busy,' he said. 'Our biggest competition is usually weather abroad but because we had good weather we had great trading.
'There was a really family atmosphere at our amusements as we encourage parents and their children to come along and enjoy themselves.' Trading and tourism could also be boosted due to the recent formation of the Dawlish Warren Tourism Group. The organisation hopes to improve and increase local community facilities and increase tourist numbers to the Warren. Group chairman Simon Broom commented: 'We want to revitalize the area. It's a fantastic tourist resort featuring great beaches and a convenient locations and the group is committed to improving what we have to offer, both to the local community and visitors alike.
'We really want to involve as many people, business and organisations as possible in order to have a lasting and sustainable benefit on our community.'
The group is now in the advance stages of discussing and planning many new attractions for the Warren this year, including live music events, car rallies and kite flying competitions. The next Dawlish Chamber of Trade meeting takes place at the newly-refurbished Dawlish Football Club on May 2 at 7pm. If you are interested in revitalising Dawlish Warren and want to find out more about the Dawlish Warren Tourism Group, go to its next meeting at the Mount Pleasant Inn, Dawlish Warren, on April 25 at noon or call Simon Broom on 07766706098.