Local people in Leigh-on-Sea have set out radical plans for how they intend to drive growth, jobs and prosperity.
They are part of over 100 coastal communities across the country taking control of their futures.
The Coastal Communities Team has identified six Key Objectives under which it will develop a range of projects with its partners:
Objective 1: Ensure the future sustainability of Old Leigh as an active Fishing Port
Objective 2: Enhance the cultural and heritage offer of Leigh-on-Sea
Objective 3: Local business initiatives and support the local economic resilience of Leigh
Objective 4: Ensure that Leigh has the highest quality open spaces and public realm and community facilities
Objective 5: Produce a Destination Management Plan and promotion of local offer to visitors
Objective 6: Work with partners to achieve a coherent approach to transport to support the local economy
Cllr Mary Betson, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Member for Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development, said: “We are really pleased to see that local partners have collaborated in Leigh to put together an ambitious draft economic plan. The plan highlights the importance of the fishing industry and port to the wider Leigh economy. The Council will now work closely with the new team to address all of the challenges and opportunities.”
Communities Secretary Greg Clark said that Leigh-on-Sea’s work is “proof coastal communities are ready for economic lift off”. He said: “Our Great British Coast has enormous economic potential and we are determined to see it thrive all year round – not just in the summer months.
“The huge number of plans submitted, demonstrate the wave of optimism, and wealth of creative and practical ideas to boost economic lift-off.
“I now want to see their hard work and enthusiasm come to fruition by helping to deliver their ideas through the Coastal Community teams.”
More than 11 million people live in coastal communities, from major cities to seaside villages. The tourism industry alone accounts for the employment of 250,000 people across 150 seaside resorts, and contributes £4 billion to the UK economy.
Now the Government is supporting ‘local coastal community teams’ to help revive towns and deliver their plans for future economic growth.
Local people involved in the teams have been given £10,000 to kick-start work and given expert guidance to help shape their own towns’ future prosperity.
The CCT for Leigh-on-Sea includes representatives of a number of local groups including Southend Borough Council, Leigh-on-Sea Town Council, Leigh Society, local fishermen, Essex Wildlife Trust, Leigh Maritime CIC, Leigh Road Traders and Leigh Port Partnership.