The travel article, written by Martin Kelner for the newspaper on May 4, describes Mablethorpe as: "Disfigured by the scruffiest collection of down-at-heel cafes and gift shops I have ever laid eyes on."

Mr Kelner, who visited the resort with his young daughter, went on to say: "It would need more than a casino to revive it - a 20-megaton bomb might do the trick."

But it has since been revealed to the Leader that the article was written around a year ago – before many recent developments in the town had taken place.

Helen Matthews from the local Tourism Forum said: "The article is not a true reflection of Mablethorpe today. The Festival of Bathing Beauties, Wild Coast Festival and town Marathon have gone a long way to proving that Mablethorpe's appeal is even wider now attracting the cultural, eco and sporting visitor both nationally and internationally."

Jean Turner from The Shell Shop on the High Street said: "His comments were outrageous and give a really bad impression to visitors. I would like him to come over and have a look in our shop and others around the town."

East Lindsey District Council contacted Mr Kelner and invited him to visit again and see the recent developments. Communications officer James Gilbert said his remarks were unfair: "A lot of good things are happening to revitalise Mablethorpe and these have clearly been overlooked. In the last 12 months the town has turned a corner."

Mr Kelner said he would consider a second visit to the town through another travel article.