Sunshine makes for a happy Meggie.

WHETHER it is the fact that early summer was turned into one big shower, and the relief that comes with the sun shining now or not I don't know, but Cleethorpes is looking fabulous.
I make a point of driving down the seafront on days like this as I make my way to work. It involves the slightest of detours, and may not be carbon footprint friendly, but it gives me that reminder of what makes me want to stay. Not many people heading into Wapping can enjoy such a sight to their right as they drive in. Simply taking your eyes off the car in front means you'll either crash or get cut up there. But the efforts that have been put into the resort - especially the Central Promenade and Kings Parade - are fantastic, with the small cafes and bars lining Alexandra Road making it a truly pleasant place to be.
A weekend stroll for breakfast while basking in the sun is a joy. Yet on Saturday I was baffled that in a world of 24-hour drinking Cafe Valerie cannot open before 10am. A few years back this wouldn't have caused me a problem, but with weekends off I find myself rising earlier, especially when that sun is there to be enjoyed.
Licensing, I am told, is the problem. Noise and commotion over eggs benedict - I doubt that. Are the croissants crying out? No. Surely the residents of the neighbouring serene Brooklands Avenue are more likely to be the early customers of the first pillar of civilised Cleethorpes culture?
So the likes of Blue Wave Cafe and others get to lap up the early trade. A fine establishment in its own right, but what an unfair advantage they find themselves enjoying.
Another loss for CV is that the early hours give Cleethorpes that calm before the South Yorkshire storm arrives, with white socks and sandals as common as buckets and spades.
Both of these breakfast beauties banned smoking before the Government did last month, and what a decision that was, and not before time. Our bars and cafes are much better places already. Pubs and clubs have invested to create outdoor facilities that are now far better for both the self harmers and the non-smokers.
So having been robbed of June and July, I have my fingers crossed for August and September, and plead with all not to take Cleethorpes for granted.
Thousands would give plenty for what we have on our doorstep. We all need to respect it, support the likes of the Bloom brigade - their sterling efforts bring the resort into such great focus - and think of Clee with Glee.