IN A joint statement, councillors Peter Chapman and Andy Blackwood of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council said: “Our Tourism and leisure team work extremely hard with a limited budget and resources to help organise and promote a comprehensive events and festivals programme throughout the year.

“This year we have helped to secure and organise more than 200 events which are widely regarded within the UK resort industry as one of, if not the best, resort events and festivals programmes in the UK.

“We are aware that some accommodation providers are struggling to secure bookings.

“Whilst the borough council is aware of these issues we are also aware that other accommodation providers are experiencing increased bookings for the main summer season.

“Although Weymouth and Portland Borough Council collects business rates on behalf of central government, if businesses are suffering financial hardship they can apply to the council for Rates Hardship Relief.

“This is awarded at the discretion of the council and can only be awarded where it is in the interests of the council taxpayer.”

Tourism low point

THE MAY Bank Holiday was a ‘non-event’ for struggling businesses as the weather and economic downturn meant tourism hit a low point.

Sam Roots, of Edz gift shop on the seafront, said it was the worst season she had ever seen.

She added: “The two recent bank holidays were so quiet I closed early and I’ve never had to do that before. People are not spending – it is our worst season and I just don’t know what to do.”

Marina Broux, who owns a clothing shop of the same name in St Alban Street, said: “It’s not going too well – the weather has been terrible.

“The last two years have been like a building site.”

Wayne Nicholas, of the Spindrift Guest House, said: “It was the worst Easter I’ve ever had. The Bank Holiday just gone was a non-event.”

Jean Harris, owner of Bay Guest House, said: “It is horrendous. Last year was rubbish and this year is even worse.”