Alan Freemantle, of Jue’s gift shop and ice cream parlour on The Esplanade, said: “Yesterday and today there have been lots more people coming into town and it's been completely different to Monday.

“Business is still not as good as August usually is for us.

“I think there are double or even treble the number of people on the seafront in the last few days. Ice cream sales have been better today, I think the free park and ride has definitely helped with that. If they start charging for it then it will get worse again.”

* Mark Orchard, of Pasty Parlour, said: “The park and ride being free has helped but not enough. None of the normal tourists are here so we are a lot quieter than it should be.

“Hopefully it will pick up but I don't see how it will as the regular people are not coming here.”

* Mike Jones, owner of Sandcastle Cafe, said: “We have been busier since the park and ride has been free. Our customers have been telling us they came down today because of this so I really hope it stays free. There are so many people here today, it is great and business has picked up. I do wish the Olympics hadn’t come here, we would have been busier than this without them at this time of year.”

* Brett Dunster, of Aura Cafe Bar, said: “It has been brilliant for us.

“Thursday was our busiest weekday so far, we are getting all of the people come in as they leave the live site on the beach.

“We are over the moon with how it is going so far. Obviously we have sympathy for those traders who are struggling and it is clear there isn't as many coming here as we all thought but we can’t complain.”