WEYMOUTH businesses have been praised for an "amazing" effort during a bumper summer season.
Staycations brought a welcome boost during the most 'normal' summer the resort has seen since 2019, after lockdown restrictions lifted in May.
But the season was not without its challenges - staff shortages and unseasonal weather have presented additional hurdles to overcome, on top of the recovery from Covid.
The town got an end of season boost as the bank holiday weekend saw the area packed with visitors, helped by some fine weather.
Louise Matthews, co-owner of The Gresham guest house, said: "We opened on May 29 - so it was a baptism of fire for us.
"Since opening we've been at full capacity and expect to remain that way until end of September.
"We've definitely benefitted from the staycation boom, but it hasn't come without challenges.
"The main issue for us has been staff shortages and a combination of the furlough scheme with some people deciding not to work."
Ms Matthews' sentiments were echoed by Fulvio Figliolini who owns Rossi's Ices, on Weymouth Esplanade, and whose grandfather Fioravanti started the firm in 1937.
Mr Figliolini said: "Trade has been good during these summer months.
"Before reopening as restrictions eased, it felt strange to shut due to the pandemic. It was my first time off from working at the parlour in 40 years.
"There has been a few challenges including staff shortages, supplies running low, but my biggest gripe has been the attitude of some people. Some of my staff have received abuse from impatient people - with others failing to following simple Government guidelines."
Roy Lacey, who owns Mary's bistro on The Esplanade, said: "It's been a busy summer, but like other venues we're down on staff numbers.
"The Government have made it too easy for people to not work through the furlough scheme."
Like the businesses along the seafront, another area of Weymouth has benefited from the sudden influx of visitors due to the staycation boom.
Milly Francis recently opened her new restaurant Driftwood in Cove Row along the harbourside.
She said: "We opened in early July and we've had a great deal of business from people visiting the area.
"We're in a great spot for visitors.
"I think the pressure on the hospitality industry has been hard. The staff shortage is surprising but what's not surprising is the abuse people within the industry are receiving from customers.
"I've seen grown men being rude to young girls who are working hard. People don't want to work in those sorts of environments."
The efforts of business owners have been praised by president of Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce Craig Oakes.
Commenting on the unprecedented number of visitors, he said: "With the traffic light system putting a lot of people off going abroad this year, we thought we would see a lot of the country visiting the south west - we didn't think we would see all of them.
"Even taking into account the inconsistent weather and the obvious problems with staff shortages and Covid, I think our local businesses and their crews have shown an admirable work ethic throughout.
"Now on the tail end of the last bank holiday, I think they will be looking to stretch this season out as much as possible - although many businesses that are part of the tourism industry will be looking to recharge their batteries soon.
"An amazing performance from our relatively small area. Well done to all."
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