EAST Lindsey District Council’s work to regenerate the district has been praised by the local government watchdog, the Audit Commission, following a rigorous inspection of the service.
The Regeneration Report rates the service as ‘fair’ with ‘promising prospects for improvement’.
Councillor Neil Cooper, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said: "We have made a tremendous effort to improve opportunities for regeneration in East Lindsey. We are pleased with the report. It provides a clear marker of our way forward and encouragement to further improve our regeneration service. In the coming months we will be taking forward some major regeneration programmes, including the Southern Foreshore redevelopment in Skegness and the casino development. These programmes will make a real difference to the growth potential of our District.
"The report recognised our strengths, including the work we have been doing with businesses to ensure they continue to flourish. Our efforts to improve the local skills base are also praised. Our partnership working with the private sector, based on Development Teams for modern regeneration and procurement practices, are considered to work well alongside our capacity to facilitate major regeneration programmes. This proves that we are heading in the right direction and the improvements we are making are having an impact.
"The report recognises a number of other areas where the Council is performing well, whilst also identifying key areas for improvement. It also notes that we have our priorities in order and that we are tackling the highest priority items first.
"Work to raise the profile of our coastal resorts and the heritage of our market towns are identified as being an important aspect of service improvement. The report also recognises our efforts and commitment to facilitating the delivery of affordable homes and improving sports facilities across East Lindsey," he said.
Inspectors said that more consistent communications is needed to improve engagement with community and stakeholder groups concerned with tourism and business as part of our overall regeneration plans. At the same time, Inspectors have encouraged the Council to publicise and promote our regeneration progress and successes.
The report suggests there is a need for more capacity in the voluntary sector if the service is to move forward. To address this the Council is actively working with our local partners to extend the reach of engagement with the voluntary sector.
Lack of transport provision was highlighted as an area to be addressed. The District Council is working closely with Lincolnshire County Council on a number of transport related initiatives, including the development of the successor to the Dial-a-Ride Scheme, which will be introduced in April. The national Concessionary Fares scheme will also provide a landmark change for many people in their access to nationwide transportation links.
Plans are also in the pipeline to address the need for more Industrial land to be made available across East Lindsey to encourage more businesses to set up in the District. This will in turn help to address issues associated with unemployment and seasonal employment, by creating more sustainable employment opportunities.
Leader of East Lindsey District Council, Councillor Doreen Stephenson, said that regeneration work would continue apace: "The Council has committed itself to facilitating and creating regeneration opportunities in the district. There are some outstanding examples of how local businesses have developed with our help. It is important that we continue to look for opportunities to work with partners to promote East Lindsey and that it is a great place to live and work. Plans to redevelop the Southern Foreshore in Skegness in partnership with the town council and the private sector will make a huge difference to the town that will resonate for years to come. It is important that we encourage investment in our district and attract more employment opportunities," she explained.
