In this compelling third installment of our exploration into Bridlington's evolving high street, we delve into the town's fascinating mix of tourist hotspots and a thriving lobster industry. The challenges of business rates, rising food costs, energy shortages, and the ever-growing impact of e-commerce have left their mark on Bridlington's local businesses. As we examine the broader societal implications, a potential class divide emerges in this high street struggle. Working-class towns such as Middlesbrough, Scarborough, and to some extent Bridlington find themselves grappling with these issues, while middle-class communities seem to weather the storm more comfortably. This stark contrast raises the question of whether our towns and cities are truly on the agenda in Westminster, and if not, what this could mean for their future.

It is great that you are bringing awareness to what is happening with businesses in Bridlington. The energy shortages, rising food costs and the growing impact of online shopping have had a big effect on Bridlington's local businesses. We see this in lots of our local small towns also.

It's truly disheartening to witness the changes in Bridlington's high street. The boarded-up shops and the challenges these local businesses are facing are a stark reflection of the larger issues in towns across the UK. It's great to see you shedding light on this subject and raising awareness. This isn't just about one town; it's a story repeated in many places. Thanks for sharing this eye-opening journey with us. It's thought-provoking and, unfortunately, a reality check. 🏘🛒😢

We came to Bridlington this year as we were staying at Skipsea on sands, ( first time as I’m Australian) and I found Bridlington to be better than most sea side towns

The whole world has gone in the wrong direction, as if there is no end to bad news! Another such professionally treated topic, the content of the last months on the channel is nothing less than “bravo” 👏👏

We are both loving this series,and the amount work and love you both put into these video's.Were to start,my take on all this starts with the rise of the supermarkets,then amazon,then covid,then putin.I think alot shopping centre's should have free parking.But like were i used to live a tiny village,the buses nobody used it,then moaned when it was gone,the local shop nobody used it then it was gone.i like your message of hope,so there's 2 sides not all doom and gloom,but its always down to the people,support your local community or lose it,sorry waffling.for me in 5 years the high streets be full charity shops,and nothing else i really hope i am wrong.but if you don't use it ,your lose it.mega hugs guys,been busy with hubby and helping daughter with her new channel. debs xx 👯 💎 💎 🤗

We really feel for all the people affected. We wish more people would balance between shopping online and shopping locally. We want places like Bridlington' to thrive, after all. We love your nature videos, AND we're totally digging these street videos too. We win either way 👏

Having also watched the previous videos on this topic and now another real eye opener and warning for others it makes me wonder whether the right people are getting the message. Is there a local tv station or even radio station to air this concern so it reaches even more people. We, those who have watched and commented are the converted. I've read most of the comments and the general feeling is: Don't let towns die- keep the heart beating. It is up to the public to make that happen but we can't do that on our own. The politics ( local and national) need to get on board. Nick you have a great commentary voice, Jill is easy listening too. ever thought of a making a Podcast on the topic. Just a thought. What I like is that you don't dwell on the negative but show the possibilities and the successes which are still around. A all round fair and balanced view. awesome. 🩷👌🇳🇱🙋‍♀🇳🇿

Interesting video. I love Bridlington it’s sad to see nowadays ☹️

Hi guys fantastic hard hitting video and well put together and was glad to hear you say thingd were not that bad at bridlington it looks such a lovely place and always enjoy vlogs from there.keep the great work up and great seein your views so highxx

So tragic to see so many places boarded up! Your right about how lovely the architecture is Nicholas. Sad state of affairs. Great vlog! Hope you are both well. 👍🏼🙏🏼🤠

I am really so sorry for the late visit. Its getting viral. Yay. Congrats. I am so happy to see the views count. Interesting upload dear!

Absolutely brilliant Nick. I can tell that you emotionally involved in it rather than just another video. That’s great because you take us with you on the ups and downs. I really do love this type of video 👌❤️

like many places with the rents and electric prices,still going to stay over this weekend for my birthday and always use local shops while there.

Imagine you wanted to buy a house there, but before you did, you wanted to take a walk down the streets, to see what kind of shop there are. But it turns out to be one closed shop after another. It's sad to see so many closed shops.

Great job exploring the streets of Bridlington. It is a real bummer to see so many store vacant, but nice to know that it isn't quite as bad off as some places. I guess they really love their fish and chips there as well! 😀👍

It's a tough time for retail on the high street ☹️ Businesses are being squeezed by the internet and greedy councils... I speak from personal experience, although we didn't have problems from the internet...the council were a different matter. Over £1k a month and we didn't even get waste collection!🤬🤬

Quite a few of the boarded up shops, are not. The Stone Shop for example (930 on this video) is open, and always has customers. I have spent hundreds in there in the last 3 years! It just doesnt open every day, hence the shutter. Several others with shutters down just have limited days in winter.

I just got home from hiking with Riggs, I’m watching now… 👋🏻

Hello my friend. Good day. 👍👍👍

East street arts sounds great! Yeah, Amazon definitely is the high street killer !

Hi Nick & Jill. I think it’s important what your doing bringing awareness to what is happening with businesses in Bridlington. That hotel I’m sure was very nice at one time. It still looks like a great place to visit …quite charming. Great video! 👍😊🇨🇦

that is a lot of lobster! i say turn the bed warehouse into some housing (like the old hotel), like an apartment complex. there doesn't appear to be much or much density. (i do see the spaces above the empty retail, but they can't hold many) more people living around mean more people to spend money in shops. are there height restrictions that you can't go over? the bakery breaks my heart, but glad that some of those shops on the one street aren't totally closed. 😔 hope you two have a nice weekend! 🛴❤

Hi Nick and Jill. Really enjoyed your visit to Bridlington. Such a big shame the shops are closing and also the hotels near the sea front. It is so sad. Watching on tv yesterday that it’s the shopping centres on retail parks that are thriving as the customer is attracted to the variety of retailers and the car parks are free. It’s certainly a sad situation. Great video and very informative x Julie and Tony x

Great stuff guys, really well presented again Nick 👏

Very nice awareness video ....what happened there is so sad...and you explained everything very well...very nice presentation👍👍

That is interesting about the lobster, I never knew that. The train station looks really pretty. Interestingly I was chatting to an old school friend this week who works in retail in my nearest big town, her boss was closing his shop, but the owner of the retail park has given it to him rent free until he gets someone else to take over the unit, its been 9 months now, but its so much better to have the units occupied. Some councils and owners need to learn from that. Sad about Bridlington, that it has been affected too, although on the whole, it doesn't look too bad. The art room is an excellent idea. We still love Bridlington and will still be visiting when we next head up to Yorkshire!

This is so sad seeing these empty shops

This series is so interesting. It's sad to see places like this declining. Thanks for the great video!

Nick and Jill Truly brilliant video You express your passion to support and save businesses like other vids with anger, confusion, whatever in your mind... We all agree that it is our responsible to build back, but we don't know the best option how... You are the voice for PPL who in silence. Way to go. Nothing political, but simply we would like keep out town local running. Although we can no longer discourage next generation from online shopping. For instance, some electric devices we can find only online. PPL eager to shop BC the return policy. Thank you so much for opening our eyes to it. Epic!!! I am proud of YOU, two. bestie for life love love xx

Hi Nick you are great at presenting these types of videos and it is sad to see what's happening to a lot of places like this, it looks quiet there and I didn't realise there were so many people living in Bridlington. We don't see this in smaller seaside places in North Wales where we live as we don't have big shops but its sad to see so many closed shops and Its probably a plan on purpose by those in authority natuonwide/ worldwide even to cause/ allow these shops to close in order to use the space for housing and/ or something else 🤨 Would make sense I suppose.. Will be interesting to see how things develop in these closed towns in the near future. ... So interesting 👏~ Anna❤

Another excellent instalment, i do believe the cracks are beginning to show especially with those larger retailers, a warning to the high street really that you can be a big brand and still potentially head under. However, i do believe Bridlington might just pull through due to it's popularity in our British summers that will enable a lot of the shops to shut up shop for the winter ( not a great thing for locals mind you ) but it's interesting to hear and see your views and thoughts! As a nation we really do need to get a grip on the policy of increasing rates and rents, it's important that we help the independent shops thrive to give us some variety. I really enjoyed this, fantastic stuff, delivered beautifully! Well done Nick! 💥💥

Hi Nick, brilliant research and presentation. It is clear how invested you are in this topic and how passionate you feel about it. We agree with your view that there is a class divide. This is also evident in areas over here. From our experience, it is more starkly evident in Britain. British town centres used to be the hub and meeting place, which is lacking over here. I hope we don't lose that completely in the UK. It's so very sad. Thanks again for a very interesting and thought-provoking video. Btw, apologies for missing your premiere - we were both at work. Hope you're both having a great weekend ❤❤

Great video! You shared the information in detail ❤😊

So saddening to see so many closed up shops and buildings, and how closures like this seem to just spiral out of control. Hopefully they can revitalize the area.

Thumbs up 3. Unfortunately its mid night 00:30 for me. So I won't be able to come to ur chat but definitely will watch it on my tomorrow morning 🌄😊

This bit of London ... the pandemic and the internet are responsibubble for closing a lot down. I've just been to my favourite Italian Caffe In Saint John Street EC1 and it's now a kebab shop. The shop underneath me that used to be a greasy spoon cafe is now a Chocolate Cocktail Club but I'm glad that I don't get the smell of cooking and the staff are lovely

Thanks guys

Awesome video Nick and Jill, hopefully Brid can survive and thrive 👏🏻🥰

Hi Nick and Jill another thought provoking video. Well we never knew that it was lobster central 🦞. Good detective work with the papers in the window. Hope Bridlington can keep it going seems there is some good some bad. Guess shops that dont open when it rains have had a really tough year. Hope you have a great weekend Best wishes Dave and Dawn ❤

Coming to that coast this summer staying in bempton shall give bridlington a wide berth

Its always a tragedy coming across towns like this! You cant help but feel all sadenned when seeing these small towns slowly die! Such a shame!

Where are the 34 k flats for sale in Brid? Loads of these shops like 'The Stone Shop' close out of season.

So interesting to see another video in this series!

fantastic . . . thumbs up 👍💥💯

An interesting video and I agree showing a declining state of the high street. I know Brid and have a small business in the town. The street with the 'fire damaged hotel' that has had some work done on in this year which can't be seen from the outside. In the same street two large houses have been renovated and on the street next to it there have been works to an old pub and a shop front. 2 of the large retail units in the video were also recently bought by a local business man and is planning to do them up and make them available. Two other of the shops closed simply because the owners reached the point of retirement but didn't have anyone to take over the shops. There are things happening, its on small scale compared to larger towns but still may not be immediately obvious. Brid has its own charms and magic. People are friendly, pace of life is slower but still doing well in its own way with a number of independent shops.

Bridlington had its chance to modernise and make itself a booming town. However, I can’t see that happening, without a Marina…

Love your vids 👍👍👍

Another brilliant video mate. So sad. Seems that Bridlington is surviving but really struggling. Like so many others We just got back from North Norfolk. On the surface a very affluent area - but scratch the surface and a lot of local people are struggling. Sheringham and Wells next the Sea are beautiful little seaside towns. But there are still a lot of closed properties away from the main streets and even on the main streets. So it’s everywhere. Seaside twins just don’t seem to able to sustain local businesses - it’s just tourist stuff and charity shops Loving this series mate - top work 👏👏👏👏

I need to try out those fish & chip shops. 👍

It's sad to see our seaside towns going downhill like this but more people prefer to get that guaranteed sunshine rather than risk being in Blighty. For the same price as a week in Blighty you could probably get a week in Spain. The costs off 1k a month before you start is a dampener to businesses that's for sure. The heyday of the British seaside town looks like it's over for now but if Global warming continues then the better weather may be a blessing in disguise for us. But do you want to go shopping carrying loads of bags on your arms or go to an out of town purpose built shopping centre where you get everything under one roof? I think there will come a time when the old British town centres will become accommodation only as the shops are squeezed too hard by the councils. I don't know if they will survive but I hope so.

Oh my world, this still looks a little depressing isn’t it… at least it is better of course than Scarborough but it pains me to see all that abandonment . Especially that based on what you say, it is an important place! Tourism, fishing, at least the locals are not giving up yet, but it is still shame 😢

Most boarded up shop are now open take another look

im about 20 miles from London and the prices for fish and chips at bridlington are more expensive which is impressive as i dont live near the sea

I’ve never been here, seems like business rates are a contributing factor in killing off the high street. Plus, energy prices. I do like the art room, a good idea but it still looked empty. 🧐 The shopping centre is surviving, that’s a positive 😊 Sorry to see the fire damaged property 😣 Such a waste of potential. It’s very sad.

So so sad Nick what is to become of us 🥲 Nicely layer out documentary guys 🤠👍 Best regards to Jill Simon 🙏🏼

Hey both, been looking forward to this, really enjoying your boarded up videos. More fish and chip shops???…Now you’re talking!! Pretty station, shame about the old Bed Warehouse. So many Boots closing down unfortunately. Corky’s, ah sad, you’re making us hungry now. It’s such a shame about the shops, so many towns are like this now, such a shame. Real shame about the bakery too. Nice re purposing of the shops as an art centre….check it out!!! The shopping centre looks better than many we’ve seen of late. Kerry’s ‘Plaice’…genius!! 🐟🐟 fire damaged hotels look so sad. Ah, Woolworths, that was one of my favourite shops. Banks? Don’t get us started in those! Good to be chatting with the locals, nice one Steve. The Mighty Lancs Game shop looks cool. Interesting to see that it’s still thriving…come on Bridlington!!!! The sea area looks nice in the end clips, beaches, shops, churches. Nice one both, fab vid as always 🍻

Theyre doing alright for lobsters though.i have never heard that Scarborough was crumbling.

Enjoyed hearing about some of the problems experience there in the UK, Nick and Jill. Being from the US some of the things you mention don't really apply here. Business rates for example. Have no real idea what they are, but I assume a form of taxation? We do have something called Tiffs here in many areas. The idea with them is that business owners in blighted areas don't pay some, if not all taxes as long as they open a business in these area's and employ so many people. It also sounds like some of the governments own some of the property and rent them out? That doesn't happen here that I'm aware of. The only property owned by the governments is what has been foreclosed on because of lack of tax payments. Then the property is sold at auction as fast as possible. That certainly doesn't mean we don't face many of the same problems in some of the urban area's or in some of the more rural towns. We do and I don't have the answers. Interesting video!

It is so sad what is happening to our towns, I must admit I do try and head to my little town more often now. 👍🏻

4:21 we looked at taking over that unit. Rent is too high, previous tenants did lots of crap work that needs fixing. Owner won’t move on rent.

Good video sad state of affairs what's happening all over the UK. Thanks for sharing with us Generation Xplorers 👍

Great video and very well explained. The amount of chippies sold it for me. Tho some really bad areas like that street with the fire damaged houses. Unfortunately shuttered shops are a plague to many towns. With business rates and fuel prices coupled with everyone struggling with shrinking real wages from inflation it's not good. I hope things get better soon but I fear otherwise :

I was born in brid, loved it there in the 70s n 80s. Like a lot of seaside towns its the lack of jobs so obv people have not got the money to spend in the shops, online shopping not helped either Its deff looks very different now in a very negative way. Shame.

Plenty of housing. There must 1000s of rooms unoccupied due to derelict properties.

I really like the place in summer but guess out of season its a different story.

What day were you there mate? We were there last Saturday and Sunday just after Storm Babet

A lot different to when I used to go there in the mid 1980's, sadly. Warm wishes from Millionaire Paul :)

Without being funny, what a depressing start, not your video but what is actually happening to our once thriving shopping areas. Could not believe the rent that was being asked and in the current climate who is going to risk stating up a new business with those overheads before you factor in stock, heating and staffing costs. Higginsons Artisan Bakery sure was a sad one, especially as it had been there for 85 years and manged through WW2 but not the current climate, real sad. The shopping centre is indoors, which I always think helps, especially with the bad weather starting to set in now. Those fire damaged properties on the sea front were a disgrace, how could they have stood like that for so long....just saw on the news this morning most of the homes in the small Cornish villages are now second homes, with locals priced out of the market, yet these buildings are just begging to be redeveloped, preferable for local people at a reasonable rate. One thing for sure, it looks a lot better in the sun, cheers Alan

1013 on this video. Shutters are not boarded up streets. Monty's Models is trading as one example.

❤️♥️

We think it is sad when shops are closed. But it isnt really. Barnsley used to have the biggest market in the north. Hundreds of stalls 3 days per week. Most of that is gone now. Few miss it, otherwise they would have used it and it would still be thriving. Things change and at the moment more and more by online. Much of Brid is thriving. I was in a cafe today KOKOs and it was 100% packed! Hopefully the old shops will get converted to flats, or offices, or whatever is in demand. Its a modern world problem, of shops closing and not really a reflection on any particular town. I saw a BBC report on closed shops in Doncaster. It was 90% untrue. They showed you the one street that was strugling. They didnt show you the (then) thriving Frenchgate centre. That centre is super modern, thriving etc. (It was at the time of the BBC report) but they never showed you all the areas doing well. It was fiction on the whole.

i'm looking to get up there for a northern experience

like Dan

good evening nick. how is jill? is jill behind the camera? what are you doing for halloweeb? have a good weekend mates.

119 is sad how people are getting affected is not too easy anymore to enter england and just shop

at least rents are up, so good news for speculators.

Im from bridlington n i now live in leeds,despite its flaws and noticeable decaying surroungs i always love coming back to bri n flamborough to visit every chance i get to visit family etc the reason for many highstreets downfall in many towns around the uk are due to greed and corruption at its highest levels who are responsible such as grubby councillors and mayoers,corrupt govts and theyre rich tax dodging billionaire mates and donors who just promise everything and deliver nothing to bleed these once proud places foor what theyre worth to fill theyre own pockets and not to mention internet shopping giants like amazon adding its fair share of hardship and misery as well.

Like 2 Notification set 👍

Great stuff, well presented Nick (and Jill on camera). Good to see Brid is bucking the trend. It's easy to blame online shopping or the local council but the buck really stops with us consumers. However, It's hard, especially in today's economy as we all want to make our money go further and that often means going online for big purchases. Nationally we need to see a focus away from letting large corporations evade tax and help smaller retailers on the high street - the current Government policy seems to be not to upset big businesses like Starbucks and Amazon and to hell with smaller retailers.

Started years ago , across all towns , councils offered a phenomenal amount of money to build on the outskirts of a town by the big boys with mega billions , it has killed the local community n local business , now the big boys r feeling the pinch from online shopping

This is now the end of the “high street”… for me, it’s online shopping all the way

i did a report on proposals for recovery, and even if they reduced property prices by 90%, there were still not enough young people to manage a recovery. the uk is in a doom loop caused by unproductive debt from a massive property ponzi scheme. there is no way out really. the population is also unskilled.

I live in Brid. There may be 30 shops closed but many are being modernised. Many are re-opened. There are hundreds of shops, not just in the town centre but coming out of the centre along main roads and most are doing okay. There a big new shops too. A huge B & Ms opened as the best example. Brid is doing well.

I bet many shops will be changed to residential use and let out to the growing population

so sad to see so many stores closing. so many people out of work. all through internet shops. I think this is happening all over the world and in the long run it will become a catastrophe worldwide. If I had to govern a country, I would immediately stop internet shopping. but that is of course my own opinion or the internet should never be cheaper than a fictional store. but yes, that is the 21st century as someone has already commented. The future.....will kill a lot. have a great weekend Jill and Nick

I find your report not only depressing but also misleading. Bridlington is a seasonal holiday resort resulting in a bigger summer/winter change than inland towns. I am a Bridlingtonian now living in Gloucester and I can assure you that the ratio of premises closing down/changing hands and charity shops is similar in both places. The town has improved immeasurably over recent years, cleanliness is amazing and parking vastly superior to either Scarborough or Filey. Disabled drivers have unlimited parking even in the 1 hour spaces. Places like Bridlington need a positive spin - not disparaging rubbish like this !

Looking forward to come here in a few months to spend a bit of money.

Good evening Nick & Jill and you’re not going to like what I have to say. First things first, I turn on just after 8.00pm to sit through a multi countdown to watch my favourite channel. This is totally ridiculous, let’s just get on with GENeration Xplorers, no fuss, no messing. Yes the towns shops are closing, they are everywhere, nowhere is exempt. Good to see the homeless man making good in the Boots shopping area. Amazon lockers are the future Nick, I use them all the time, they are the future of shopping in the 21st century. It’s just a shame the post Office never caught up with realisation that people want post 24/7. Nick you must face up to the fact that the old fashioned high street is now a thing of the past. Too many Boots spoil the broth! Yes I’d, like you, would like to go back to the high streets as they once were. It’s sadly not going to happen. I’m in the fortunate position that at my age I’ve seen the best and now accept it’s over. Great film Nick & Jill, sorry I can’t be more positive. ❤️ SORRY!

All doom...all gloom....it's the same everywhere...it's never going to get any better, and we only have ourselves to blame...if you don't use it, you lose it...everyone is too lazy these days, rather stay at home and get stuff delivered....i remember the good old days when the Town centres were buzzin...nothing will ever be the same again...glad i can remember the good days...feel sorry for the young uns...they have nothing...[ except Tik tok ]

Mmmmm did someone say lobster??? 🦞

It is very sad😢 But the whole world is going down. If people are getting arrested for praying..we in BiG trouble.. The Bible is True !

I went to Bridlington i was not welcomed in my motor home so i left and took my spending money were i was welcome no wonder its borded up half your visitors are not welcome ???

Having just watched this all I have to say is really need to get your fact right and edit your video's before posting them.

It’s actually big Business versus small business. The big business is getting everyone into shopping centres where they can charge high rates and control. The small businesses, shops, cafes, etc under the cosh by government and Council lose Business and go to slum conditions That’s it, basically, in a nutshell To be fair, we are in a consumer age which means a lot of things to carry other words. We need a car boot we can carry all the things we buy so obviously we need a car and a car need somewhere to park and very kindly the councils of priced out the car from the shop centres High charges and restrictions to big shopping centres who seems to have a more brains. Give free parking at least for three or four hours time enough to shop and have a meal. It doesn’t take a genius to see combined with a recession. People with less money in their pockets is going to lead to this catastrophe. Shopkeepers are going to cling onto the bitter end, but really, the old Sharon shop centres should be turned into housing. We just places where you need to walk to like cafes restaurants, small items et more a place to meet than a place to buy . Starting to begin first in the big city centres slowly spreading out suburbs so it’s not going to happen overnight, but eventually town centres will find their true place. Just like town centres become people deserts, and now it’s been repopulated in new flats etc so the same thing will happen to retail

We really feel for all the people affected. We wish more people would balance between shopping online and shopping locally. We want places like Bridlington' to thrive, after all. We love your nature videos, AND we're totally digging these street videos too. We win either way 👏