DONKEY rides will not be on offer at Clacton this summer.

The traditional seaside attraction returned to the resort last Easter after a 20-year gap.

But the donkey business ended up making a loss.

Owner Jayne Johns says her donkeys were too far away from other tourist attractions to pull in the crowds.

Tendring Council gave the green light for the £2-a-go rides to take place on Martello Beach, a mile from the town centre.

Mrs Johns said: “Unless they can offer me a pitch by the pier, it’s not worth my while.

“It’s disappointing because I was hoping to be in Clacton for a long time but they haven’t come back offering any other pitches.”

Having just a handful of paying customers did not cover her travel costs from Rayleigh.

Mrs Johns said other donkey ride owners enjoyed a record year in 2009.

She said: “They had their best year because of the credit crunch and everyone holidaying at home.

“That’s what I wanted, but it just wasn’t to be.”

Her four donkeys will be giving rides in woodland nearer to home this summer.

Nigel Brown, Tendring Council spokesman, said it is disappointed the donkeys will not be back.

He said: “West Beach is the busiest public beach and was packed with people on many occasions last summer.

“If the donkeys were allowed to operate there, it could lead to a conflict with other users and the beach is also not washed by the tide.”

“We were happy to try to accommodate the donkeys, but it had to be in the most appropriate location. We felt that was Martello Beach.”