Council of the Year shares regeneration tips
Published Monday 2nd July 12 in Council - news and information releases news
Award-winning Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is now demonstrating to other towns how it managed to achieve regeneration success.
The Council recently welcomed the Mayor of Margate and members of Thanet Town Team who have watched Southend's progress with great interest and wanted to visit Southend to learn how to follow suit.
Margate Team Leader, Robin Vaughan-Lyons wrote to congratulate Council Leader Councillor Nigel Holdcroft when Southend-on-Sea Borough Council was named Councl of the Year 2012 in the Local Government Chronicle Awards, and asked for help.
Comparing Southend and Margate, he commented how Southend had flourished, and added: "I've been singing your praises for some time now, and we, as the three Thanet town team leaders, would love any advice you have for us to help to regenerate our towns as you have yours."
During their visit, the Thanet guests were given a presentation from the Council's Head of Enterprise, Tourism and Regeneration, Anita Thornberry on the town's regeneration and economic development achievements, how these were reached, and what challenges and opportunities may lie ahead.
Then they enjoyed an escorted walkabout around Southend Town Centre and seafront to see the evidence of Southend's regeneration.
Afterwards, the visitors took part in a question and answer session with the Council's Chief Executive, Rob Tinlin.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Deputy Leader, Councillor John Lamb said: "We are delighted to know that Southend's continuing improvements are making such an impact and that we are able to share what we have learned from our achievements, to assist others.
"The Thanet Town Team is separate from its local Council, so Team members who visited us were very keen to find ways to engage better with their Local Authority to progress projects, and develop the vital momentum and vision needed.
"They were particularly impressed with City Beach and the Council's 'open for business' approach in embarking on major projects and working with a variety of partners to deliver them.
"They left encouraged about what can be achieved, seeking to identify who their ambassadors are within their Council and which projects they plan to approach them with."