Coastal address
Coastal towns are caught in a downward spiral, according to an MP report last week, which doesn’t bode well for the denizens of the People’s Republic.
Low incomes, a vulnerable and elderly population and lack of good employment opportunites characterise seaside resorts.
And you could agree when there’s nothing but windswept streets and closed up tourist shops.
Get the sun out, dust off the deckchairs and all seems rosy again.
But are the sunglasses shielding you from more than just the sun? Take Teignmouth, for example.
In figures released last year by Devon County Council, there are three areas including parts of East, West and Central Teignmouth, which fall in the 25 per cent most deprived in the county. The take-up of incapacity and severe disablement benefits is above average in three of the town’s five wards. Pensioners occupy more than a third of households in the town and income support claimants aged over 60 are above the average in some wards in the town. Unemployment in areas of Teignmouth east and west is above the district and county averages.
But the percentage of low-income households is lower than average. It is figures like this that have led MPs to recommend that the government increase funding to local authorities for regeneration.
But, people aren’t sitting around waiting for handouts.
There are plans underway by residents, regeneration groups and the authorities to improve Teignmouth’s lot.
Work has started on the £510,000 games pitch and mini-golf course to join the award winning play area, which has done much to attract new visitors to the town.
Private investments including the Riviera Cinema has restored pride and there is hope for a domino effect, with plans to overhaul the town’s museum, all year round use of the Lido and even interest in an upmarket small-scale Marina.
There are policies in Teignbridge Council’s 10-year plan for more investment in niche markets and start-up businesses, and affordable housing.
Teignmouth remains an attractive resort and not just for the retired.
Though perhaps a minority, young professional families are looking to invest in the quality of life by the seaside.
Sustainable living, less pollution and an outdoors culture is pulling ethical thirty-somethings away from the cities.
Let’s hope there’s enough to keep them here.
Posted by Aitch
If you liked this story, you could buy us a coffee --------------------------------------------------------------------March 16th, 2007
