A new initiative has been unveiled to revitalise a coastal town following its placement at the bottom of a national survey of seaside destinations.
The 29 for ’29 project, spearheaded by the local MP, seeks community input on tangible enhancements that can be advocated for ahead of the town’s royal centenary celebrations in 2029.
The push comes after a comprehensive assessment by the consumer group placed the destination at the lowest position among all UK coastal towns evaluated, marking the second consecutive year it has occupied this ranking.
Researchers examined 135 seaside locations based on approximately 12,000 visits conducted by their expert panel, awarding the town a satisfaction rating of just 41 percent.
The MP expressed her affection for the area, noting that recent media coverage fails to reflect the experience of those who live, work in, and regularly visit the town. She acknowledged that while much within the community deserves recognition, there are also specific areas where straightforward enhancements would be beneficial, and the town should be bold enough to acknowledge this. The initiative aims to empower local residents to determine which issues deserve the most attention as the centenary approaches. She invited constituents to highlight absent seating, inadequately illuminated pathways, deteriorating signage, public areas that lack accessibility, or modest proposals that may have been disregarded. In her view, such modifications can substantially transform the appearance and atmosphere of a town.
Those living in the area have been asked to propose modest, feasible schemes that could realistically be completed within the next three years. Suggested initiatives could encompass extra waste receptacles and benches, enhanced illumination, refreshed wayfinding signs, vegetation, accessibility upgrades, safer pedestrian crossings, restored street fixtures, tidier communal areas, recreational facilities, or enhancements to the seafront and central shopping district.
She acknowledged that she cannot ensure every proposal will be fully realised by July 2029, given that numerous determinations and budgets lie with external bodies. However, she committed that the issues identified by residents would shape her efforts for the town leading up to the anniversary, with transparent reporting on advancements made.
The submission period for proposals ends on the final day of August. All recommendations will subsequently be assessed against established guidelines before being presented for community voting during September. The 29 selected objectives will be published on her official website at the beginning of October.