VISITORS to Weston have left some scathing reviews of the town's beach on TripAdvisor.

Posting on the website, one person said: "No deckchairs! Took my elderly mother so we could have a few hours relaxing on the beach.

“Not a deckchair in sight. All fastened securely away. Really? Seemed like you didn’t want anyone there.”

Another said: "The once much-loved seaside town has left me so disappointed.

"Missing the buzz and heart it once used to have. Shut or closed down pubs, hotels, shops and restaurants (and not just the odd few).

"You need money before you start your day, with traffic wardens in there droves ready to pounce on you.

"A visit to the few toilet facilities available now charging you to use, and a pier you have to pay just to go on. I feel sorry for families!

"What has happened to the Weston we all once knew and loved?"

One commenter said: "Give this place a miss. I've seen cleaner skips."

Others have compared the beach to other coastal areas in England: "I live on the Yorkshire Coast, which is supposed to be in the dark and depressing North, but have they seen the shameful South?

"WSM seems to be a place that's really trying to attract a tourist trade that isn't there. A Stevenage on the sea.

"It's just locals using the facilities with businesses really trying hard for very little take.

"The sad donkeys on the beach were very depressing, literally makes me want to go home and invest more into local businesses to make them thrive.

"Thankfully it was just a flying visit."

However, it was not all bad news for Weston.

One person praised the beach: "A great beach to go on, clean and tidy. Toilets close by and plenty of food and drink close at hand. Parking near beach so easy to get to but thought it was expensive."

Another added: "How Weston-super-Mare is voted one of the worst seaside resorts, it's not true.

"It's a lovely place, one of the best beaches in the UK.

"You've got The Grand Pier, plenty of eateries, a lovely shopping town, I go every year, it's marvellous."

Someone else said: "Really love coming to this beach and have done since a child."