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”.
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?