A journalist from Liverpool has hit back at a Which? survey that ranked a seaside town in her region among the worst 20 in the country.
The consumer champion’s survey placed New Brighton as one of the least appealing seaside destinations in the nation, based on feedback from over 3,800 people about their experiences of UK coastal towns in the past year.
The survey asked respondents to rate various aspects such as beach quality, scenery, food and drink options, accommodation, tourist attractions, and value for money.
This led to Which? creating a top 20 and bottom 20 list, with New Brighton featuring in the latter, alongside Bognor Regis, Southend-on-Sea and Blackpool.
Emilia Bona, content editor for the Liverpool Echo, decided to visit the Wirral-based town herself before ardently defending New Brighton, which had only managed an overall score of 52%.
Emilia said: “Honestly, my visit to New Brighton this week left me furious that it could ever be scored so poorly – especially in the categories of scenery, food and drink and shopping options. The views are fantastic, it’s a classic coastal town with all the elements you could ever want from a traditional British seaside destination.
“The tide was in when I visited the town, and the views were dramatic, industrial and exactly the sort of seaside vista I enjoy.
“New Brighton’s outlook might not be to everyone’s tastes, but I think the scenery is provided with a real character thanks to the presence of the shipbuilding yards and cargo ships that form part of the view, in addition to the lighthouse and crashing waves.”
The journalist went on to say she had previously visited the location on multiple occasions and dismissed the survey’s conclusions.
Emilia added: “I’ve seen my fair share of faded, struggling and depressing seaside towns – New Brighton is not one of them.
“Every shop, cafe and restaurant I popped into was buzzing with people and had a warm familiarity once you stepped inside.”
She also celebrated the abundance of independent retailers, street art, local boozers and activities available within the New Brighton community.
The journalist’s ultimate verdict on the coastal destination was one of outrage because it had been ranked so unjustly.