Pleasureland Foreshore Amusements Removal

Pleasureland Foreshore Amusements Removal

Written by Angela Gooch on April 5th, 2008 in Demolition, Tourist Attractions, Town evolution.

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Thompsons’ Pleasureland Removal from Skegness North Foreshore October 1927

The series of attractions known as “Pleasureland,” which for four years have occupied a considerable section of the North Parade frontage, are being removed from the resort. The decision has arisen out of the agreement made between the Skegness Council and Lord Scarbrough, when the authority purchased the foreshore and parades from his Lordship, coupled with the fact that the Council have decided that they are unable to prepare the site which has been allocated as a permanent “Joy City” in readiness for the coming season.
The picture, taken in February 1927, shows workmen engaged in dismantling the huge Sheltacade in which various popular amusements were located, while at the rear two intrepid gentlemen are seen taking to pieces the Great Flight.

The figure on the right arm of the structure is Mr Tom Burrows, manager for Skegness Enterprises Ltd., who were sub-tenants of a section of “Pleasureland”.
The miniature railway on the beach, which belongs to the same company, is also to disappear. Huge piles of broken concrete, timber, etc., show the gigantic nature of the demolition work and “flitting” operations. The value of the structures involved runs unto several thousands of pounds, and the departure of “Pleasureland” represents a loss in income by the Council of over £5,600 per annum.

As is generally known, the entire frontage of “Pleasureland” is not affected by the agreement in respect of the Park, in so far as the development of the latter has progressed to date, and Messrs. Thompsons’ Patent Gravity Switchback Railway Co., Ltd., the lessees, still retain certain powers which prevent the erection of amusement devices costing over a certain figure within a specified area.
The large section of the beach concerned will certainly present a very unfamiliar sight to the thousands of old visitors and excursionists to the resort during the coming season.

removal of pleasureland amusements Skegness beach 1927