Skegness has been labelled the worst seaside town in the country by a Which? poll - but those who live in the town disagree.
The poll of more than 3,000 people resulted in the Lincolnshire coastal town, very popular with Nottingham holidaymakers, being ranked as the UK's worst seaside town with 'dirty streets' and its 'brown sea' being cited as reasons why, Lincolnshire Live reports.
Despite the poll locals and tourists alike have come together to champion the town, instead of having it talked down.
Billy Brookes, a local councillor from Skegness, said: "Skegness attracts millions of people each year from around the country and even the world. It's easy to see why it has it all, but much like world famous people, it is an easy target for criticism.
"The people who come here love it, as do the people that live here."
Local hotel and nightclub owner Taj Bola added: "Which? readers are not representative of a broad cross section of the British general public and thus the rankings are meaningless.
"I suggest we launch a new survey in which everyone can participate as this would be far more accurate. Skegness has an aquarium, ice experience, Lamborghini bar, Fantasy Island, Sea Life Sanctuary, Gibraltar Point, endless clean beaches, yet we come bottom?
"We make millions - yes millions - of visitors happy year after year. One of the criteria on the list is peace and quiet, really?
"We are proud of the happiness and joy Skegness brings to our loyal visitors."
Responding to the poll some hit back at the Which? report, saying they love visiting the Lincolnshire coast.
Using the username shorty316, one reader said: "I don't agree with the report on Skegness; it's a great place to go to with the family or even by yourself.
"There is always something to do and if you like markets, go to the next village called Ingoldmells. You will get to go to a great market as well as the sea.
"Give it a go before knocking it. Yes, there are some down sides but there is plenty of good."
Under the username JoFr104,another reader said: "What an absolute load of rubbish. The beach is beautiful.
"It's cleaned everyday. [You] don't see rubbish anywhere.
"Seems other destinations trying to tarnish the place and give it a bad name."
