Cromer slur angers business leaders

An advert for a Caribbean holiday has angered Cromer's business leaders and councillors.

The advert on travel operator Hayes & Jarvis website shows two photographs, one of a sunny blue Caribbean and the other of a soaking wet, grey, packed camping ground above which is written 'Camping in Cromer or Half Price Caribbean?'

Bosses at Hayes & Jarvis said the advert was 'light hearted' and 'not intended to be taken seriously'.

But that view has not been shared by people who have worked hard in the town to promote it as a family friendly attraction with plenty on offer.

Bruce Stratton, from Cromer Pavilion Theatre, said: 'What Hayes & Jarvis are using to sell their holidays is an insult to Cromer and indeed north Norfolk.

'The image and suggestion that Cromer is just a dirty, wet and miserable campsite is unbelievable.'

Mike Ashwell, who runs the Seaview Caravan Park in neighbouring East Runton, said the advert was made all the worse because it clearly was not of Cromer: 'It definitely is not Cromer, it looks like a music festival site.

'I certainly wouldn't book a holiday with a company that is not capable of providing an accurate picture of the destination.

'After all you might book a holiday in the Caribbean and end up in Crawley.'

Hilary Nelson, cabinet member for tourism at North Norfolk District Council, said the advert was 'outrageous'.

Lesley Rollo, Hayes & Jarvis programme director, said: 'This is one in a series of light-hearted ads that compare leading UK resorts to destinations overseas and was not intended to be taken seriously.'

The company said it was unable to provide information on where the image was taken.