New answer for an old problem by working as a ‘Skegness partnership’
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Skegness’ Town Centre Partnership is working with residents, volunteers, community groups and the Environmental Agency to help tackle the issue of sand on the promenade.
As reported in the local media in the past, the District Council has been fighting a losing battle for many years to keep the promenade clear of sand because of the sea breeze.
The new partnership that has been formed will see Lagoon Walk cleared from sand and made more accessible to everyone. The partnership will also help the District Council to litter pick the local area.
From Monday (March 28, 2010) the Salvation Army will support the District Council’s efforts to keep the sand clear and volunteers will monitor the area to try and keep it accessible at all times.
Chris Hartley from HOPE, Salvation Army, said: ‘We had very few meetings to agree an action plan to address the sand issue and I am pleased that we are starting this project now ahead of the busy season. The Town Centre Partnership and local businesses are supporting us with equipment and sponsorship. We’re appealing for more volunteers and community groups to join us because this is not a ‘one-off project’ and we want to keep it going."
The District Council’s Town Centre Manager for Skegness, Stefan Krause, explained: "This project is best evidence of what a Town Centre Management is about. We’re working in partnership to develop a project and tackle an issue that has created a headache for local people for a long time."
Skegness resident, Paul Marshall, who has been leading a campaign for improved coastal access for all, said: "Having being forced into early retirement due to my health, I purchased a mobility scooter so I could take trips up the coast like I had enjoyed when I was free of the arthritis pain. Because of the quantity of sand that blew onto the promenade it was more or less impossible for me and others in my position to use our extensive coastal routes. Now we’re working all together and with support from more volunteers we can extend the areas which will be accessible again for all."
This new initiative will compliment the sand clearing and litter picking work the District Council already does along the foreshore.
If anyone would like to volunteer to support this project, or any of the Town Centre Partnership’s future projects, please contact Stefan on Stefan.Krause@e-lindsey.gov.uk or call 01754 896977.
