That’s nothing new, Ian.
There are lots me and Fester disagree on.
Even we have often given the pier a miss this summer as it is always so busy when we reach the pier gates.
Perhaps, pedestrians don’t get as far as Fester’s Emporium on the Pier because they turn back if they begin to meet an obstruction or a bottleneck.
Yes, Bri you do... and it does feel that you go out of your way to do so occasions, but no matter.
With reference to what you say though, there have been a number of well documented bottle-necks on the pier this year due to important (if poorly managed) restoration work. You are correct about that.
However, they were at their worst in July during the heatwave, when I quite frankly 'raked it in'
So, now that they are gone, and yet August is a poor month for everyone (except national coffee shops it seems), then that could lend weight to my theory that visitors spent their hard-earned earlier this year. Thats all I'm saying.
The other traders I speak to range from people at the beginning of the pier where no bottlenecks exist, the Pier manager himself, various bar and cafe owners in Mostyn St. All report a disappointing August.