MASCOT conference notes

A total of 59 people attended on the day, which made it one of the largest business meetings ever held in the towns of Mablethorpe and Sutton. Many apologies for absence were received from a number of interested parties including Alex Henshaw of Alco Estates, David Ives from Dave’s restaurant and Pam Mallender from the UNO beach takeaway to name but three.

There is a resume of the discussion groups held in the afternoon which were chaired by Mark Robinson from the Environment Agency, Brenda Turnbull from CAZ and Mike McDonald, the Tourism and Business Development manager.

Amongst others, thanks must go to;

• David Smith and his staff at the Bacchus Hotel for a well organised day with a super buffet lunch
• Chris Drew from Tiny Island software for managing the IT content which went without a hitch
• Debbie and Kevin Sutcliffe for the PA system and microphones

The day was opened by Helen Matthews, acting chair of MASCOT until March 31st 2008. She is also chair of The Tourism Forum and highlighted some of the achievements of that organisation over the last c2 years. It was, she said a demonstration of what was possible by comparatively few dedicated volunteers, and showed the potential of the towns to attract more visitors and extend the season. In addition, 2008 will see our application to be involved in the “In Bloom” national competition, the Wild Coast weekend is due to be expanded as is the recent “Angel Fest”and the Marathon and Festival of Bathing Beauties are to become annual events.
Combined with the recent announcement from ELDC of £38,000 + VAT to be invested in a Skate Park on the promenade and improvements to the environment in Queens Park, 2007 had been a positive development year.

Mike McDonald, Tourism and Business development manager, then outlined the content of the day and spoke about the need for a revival of MASCOT. This, he said would give a voice to the business community to play a part in the towns economy and to represent the many millions of pounds invested in local businesses.
He also highlighted the need of the various local and county authorities to have a single representative point of contact and a dialogue with the local business in order to work in a better co-ordinated way on locally defined business priorities.
Slides were shown of areas of potential improvement, and he defined the aims and objectives of the organisation for the next 12 months or so, highlighting the need for individual involvement, without which little was likely to change for the better.

Mark Robinson, the Development Control manager for the Environment Agency, outlined the thinking behind the agency’s position on new developments in areas prone to flooding and spoke on the reality of global climate change, rising sea levels and more frequent tidal surges.
A show of hands in the room was almost unanimous in the acceptance of these issues as a reality for the future – as was the need for some sort of planning and control to take account of these future threats to local businesses and residents.
Flood risk three areas were identified and a number of solutions were explored which included a continuing commitment to the sea defences and maintenance of the beach itself.

After a break for coffee, Brenda Turnbull the Director of CAZ spoke about the proposed changes for Seaview car park in the closed season, which centred upon better facilities for disabled users, better lighting, better pedestrian access and better landscaping and planting. Delegates were able to see display boards of the proposals. These improvements also offered the advantage of being able to be carried out pretty quickly before the start of the new season.
Feedback was welcomed before these improvements were implemented.
Brenda then talked through some ideas for change on Mablethorpe High Street and Victoria Road, and these were discussed at length – some of the businesses based on Victoria Road were concerned that they would be even further isolated from traffic and pedestrian flow. However these changes are more longer term over the next two or three years and will involve more consultation with MASCOT members.
Mention was also made of the grants available for shop front improvements.

June Jones and Karen Aldread from Job Centre Plus then gave details of the recruitment services which they provide free of charge for employers – viz
• help with identifying job spec and person spec
• writing the recruitment ad
• publishing in the local press
• interviewing office
• final selection, offer letter and references
• work trials

and also laid to rest some of the myths around worklessness, unemployment and job seekers.

Rounding off the morning sessions, Tony Howard, the mayor – and local businessman – talked about the role of the town council – main themes being –
• Partnership working – Thorpe Sands development – High Street & pullover in Mablethorpe – and outline support to business in the area.
• Christmas tree scheme and subsidy
• Illuminations – ELDC partnership – Christmas season extension
• Recent reforms – public involvement at meetings – Quality Council status

and stressed the need for a strong Chamber of Trade to represent local business interests at many levels with local and county partners.

After lunch, two main discussion groups were formed, chaired by Mark Robinson on Environmental issues and Brenda Turnbull and Mike McDonald on developments in Mablethorpe & Sutton.

The following key points/comments were made –
Environmental group

1. We need a better understanding of the issues and a better appreciation of each other’s position
2. Clarification needed of future plans for sea defences and beach works
3. What is meant by “sustainable communities”
4. In the event of severe flooding, what will be the effect on Lincolnshire’s food production
5. If sea levels rise and flooding happens what will happen to the gas terminal at Theddlethorpe
6. We need to stop formulating strategies and actually do something
7. EA announcements are stopping development
8. Don’t shoot the messenger
9. The way forward is to work together, not go into battle – partnership of business, ELDC and EA
10. These are complex issues which will not be resolved in 5 minutes

Comments/key points on developments in Mablethorpe & Sutton
SEAVIEW

1. Are the Seaview car park plans cast in stone
2. It’s a lot of investment for folks who park, eat their own sandwiches and use the free beach without spending a penny in the town
3. What money will be left over for the No1 priority of improvements to the High Street and Victoria Road
4. Why would we want to attract visitors to an attractive out of town car park – wouldn’t it be better to make it as Unattractive as possible so they come into the town
5. Are we going to improve car park signage for incoming traffic
6. What will happen to car park fee structure
7. Will there be a “park & ride” type free facility to get visitors into town
8. Parked car congestion in Mablethorpe can be easily solved with double yellow lines and ACTIVE parking wardens
9. None of the businesses who attended the conference will benefit from Seaview changes
10. We should spend the Seaview money on the Trusthorpe entrance road to attract visitors from Skegness
11. Why aren’t there more retail outlets on Seaview car park
12. If permanent structures are a planning problem why not build temporary ones

HIGH STREET/VICTORIA ROAD
1. The outline proposals do nothing to help Victoria Road traders - the road is deserted now that the surgery, library and council offices have moved
2. Improvement grants not available to Victoria Road
3. What’s going to happen to the boarded up buildings on Victoria Road
4. Most tenants have to pay for exterior renovation – after 2 bad years there’s no money
5. What about the ELDC owned buildings – they’re as bad as the rest
6. Most of the High Street earmarked for change is occupied by arcades
7. A one way – left turn only – system will direct visitors away from the town centre
8. Recent council/planning meeting were only attended by ONE businessman – if you want things to change you’ve got to turn up and DO SOMETHING

The conference then moved to a close with Mike McDonald summarising the day and stressing the need for business to be represented and have a voice –

MASCOT membership is the way forward.

He promised to send out notes and organise the first meeting to elect a committee and set an agenda for the next 12 months.