THE Dominic Cummings effect is still being felt in Barnard Castle, say retailers who are preparing for another bumper summer holiday season.
During lockdown in April 2020, the former government advisor drove from Durham to Barnard Castle with his family to”test his eyesight” .
The scandal led to his resignation but brought an influx of visitors to Barnard Castle when restrictions were eased. B&Bs and shops all reported a boost to their businesses as the international media spotlight shone on the town.
Tourism levels are still high, although they have “calmed down from the initial surge” , says Claire Robinson, the manager of McNabs bookshop. Chocolate Fayre owner Kenny Walker says is there is now “tourism 12 months of the year” compared with seven or eight months before Cummings’ ill-advised trip.
However, Michael Coverdale, who works at McNabs cafe, says he has noticed a slight drop-off in visitors this summer as people forget about Barnard Castle.
But, Angela Baitson, the owner of The Curiosity Shop, says they are just as busy as last year.
Meanwhile, shops are still selling ironic eyesight tests and tourists can be seen taking selfies in front of Barnard Castle signs or outside Specsavers.
The town’s popularity is in contrast to Visit England’s latest findings. The tourism agency said that while visits overall to attractions across England last year showed recovery, numbers were still significantly down on pre-Covid levels. Visits to attractions increased by 42 per cent overall last year but this was still down by 35 per cent on 2019.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “While it is good to see that many of England’s attractions made up lost ground last year, and to see the very welcome return of international visitors, these statistics are a timely reminder of the ongoing challenges for the industry with many still rebuilding from the pandemic.”
