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Holidaymaker petition urges ministers to ‘save Shearings’

A petition has been started urging ministers to save Shearings after owner Specialist Leisure Group confirmed it was seeking financial aid to stay afloat during the coronavirus crisis.

A Hasting-based customer ‘S B’ instigated the change.org petition on Friday and had attracted more than 1,150 signatures within 12 hours, including staff from the company such as a coach driver.

More than one described Shearings as an “institution that deserves protection”.

Specialist Leisure Group confirmed on Thursday that it was “actively in dialogue with its stakeholders, advisors and the government regarding its options, which include the sourcing of the necessary financial support to enable the company to weather the storm of Covid-19”.

Employee Jackie Cunliffe said: “I have worked for this company for 30 years, it is a good, strong, ethical business providing affordable holidays to many and bringing prosperity and employment to seaside and remote areas all year round. It is a long-standing British company and deserves to be helped through this crisis.”

The petition says: “The government need(sic) to help this company and the travel industry.

“Shearings have been operating for 100 years and are now in danger of going under due to Covid-19.

“I always travel with them, the staff are friendly, knowledgeable and courteous.

“And funny. I have met some lovely people and we are like a huge family.

“Please help them and the rest of the travel industry.”

The ‘Get the government to help Shearings’ petition is at: https://www.change.org/p/w-a-shearings-get-the-government-to-help-shearings?

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