Mablethorpe And Sutton Chamber Of Trade

The Mablethorpe And Sutton Chamber Of Trade (MASCOT) committee, and the majority of it’s members who have expressed an opinion, support this development recognising that the town needs significant economic regeneration. MASCOT has previously submitted a letter of support to the Town Council which was passed on to ELDC, hosted a presentation by Lindum and remained in regular contact with them.

As tourism steadily contributes less to the town an increase in population is essential to avoid the continued closure of businesses, loss of services and jobs. This 50 million pound investment is the only significant development on offer and represents a fork in the road for Mablethorpe’s future. As such it was particularly disappointing that the ELDC planning meeting dismissed the application with so little consideration, the chair being openly more keen to end for lunch than discuss the matter fully.

The introduction of a superstore represents added competition to some businesses but many residents currently drive to Skegness or Grimsby to do their ‘big shop’. If a superstore keeps them in the town, and better still brings in people from the surrounding villages who currently wouldn’t dream of shopping in Mablethorpe, then there are substantial benefits to be considered.

MASCOT continues to support the development as a key component in the (currently stalled) economic regeneration of Mablethorpe, one of Britain’s most deprived areas. We trust this hastily considered and poorly informed planning refusal (made by the council selling the land for which a rival application was approved in the same session) will be overturned on appeal.

To follow is a message from John, if you have any comments please reply to chairman@mascot.org.uk

Its perhaps a little early to begin reflecting on our summer season, but is probably useful whilst impressions are still fresh in mind.
SUMMER TRADE;
Has it been a good year to date? which sectors have fared best? have we had more visitors? has there been more short breaks than week bookings? Can we detect any changing profile of customer? i.e. are we attracting more first time visitors, looking for a less expensive stay-at-home holiday, with more discerning tastes, willing and able to pay more for higher quality products and services? or the opposite, more with less to spend than ever? What difference has our various festival made?

I would be very pleased to hear your personal experiences, its essential to keep us informed so that we accurately represent your views.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS
The choice between the Tesco or Lindum development still drags on, either would give an uplift to the Town, but which would provide the best long term prospects? More housing, with new out of Town development, or Town centre store competing directly for custom, but adding to congestion? Our future prospects will be significantly affected by the choice made, It’s a very important matter, do make sure you voice your view either via your councillor or through ourselves, tell us what you want, ask us to lobby for that.

BIG LOTTERY MONEY £1m;
Earlier results of the public survey £1m indicate the Swimming pool to be first choice; Is everyone happy about that?
Some think it would be better spent on pedestrianisation or putting a roof over some area like the Park Centre car park (new shopping arcade perhaps ?). Or a new Multi-function Building in which to stage events, shows, exhibitions (caravans ?)etc and be somewhere to go in wet weather. Whats your opinion?

NEW GOVERNMENT PLANNING;
Ministers have stated that local opinion will have priority in development decisions and planning boundaries, as long as that community is pursuing the aims of their local plan. This is perhaps the best opportunity we have had to shape our future for a long time. Make sure our plan is completed and truly represents our visions for our future, let us have your views.

POPULATION GROWTH OR STAGNATION.
It has been stated that in order for us to have a dynamic, sustainable, 12month economy, offering the lifestyle amenities of a modern town, with quality retail outlets and career opportunities for our youngsters, we need to increase our population by 3-4000 progressively over the next decade or so. This view is not supported or being pursued by our Local Planning Dept, or our representatives as far as we are aware. What do you think? Let’s have your thoughts.

THE FUTURE;
Pressure on family budgets will continue to force people to seek less expensive holidays and recreation whilst still demanding quality, we have a GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY to attract many new ‘first timers’, a chance to uplift our ‘offer,’ Lets make sure we live rise to the occasion, live up to expectations, give them a memorable experience, send them away looking forward to a return visit… we could be one of the winners of economic downturn.

John H.
chairman@mascot.org.uk