Major drive to boost economy of Yorkshire coast

Tourism chiefs are stepping up a major drive to attract new enterprise to the Yorkshire coast as part of an ambitious 10-year plan aimed at boosting the economy by millions of pounds.
PIC: Richard PonterPIC: Richard Ponter
PIC: Richard Ponter

The Visitor Economy Strategy, which was drawn up for the borough of Scarborough in 2014, sets out ways in which the economy can build on a tourism industry which sustains 17,000 jobs and brings in about £524m annually to the district.

Since the launch of the plan, which aims to market the area as “a world class visitor destination”, the figures have risen from more than 15,000 jobs and a total income of about £470m.

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It is hoped the upwards trend will continue towards a target of 18,625 jobs and an economic boost of £755m by 2024.

A new streamlined version of the blueprint has now been unveiled and will be handed out to prospective business owners who are looking to set-up on the coast as part of a “tool kit” that also includes five new films promoting tourism and regeneration in the area, including Scarborough’s new sports village.

Janet Deacon, the Scarborough-based area director for Welcome to Yorkshire, one of the authors of the strategy, said: “We are developing tool kits to support the promotion of the coast. All the tools will work to drive more investment into the area from tourism and economic development.

“They will be available for new businesses to encourage people to come in and invest and develop new businesses on the Yorkshire Coast.

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“We are currently showing a nice growth and that’s really down to lots of festivals, events at Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre and new facilities, including the water park.”

The announcement comes as resorts, including Whitby and Filey, welcome thousands of visitors each day at the height of the busy summer season.

Mrs Deacon said: “Things are looking really positive. Businesses are doing very well in terms of bookings and there has been positive feedback in terms of how this year is going, which is great.”

Last week, The Yorkshire Post revealed that boosting the economy of the North York Moors has been set as a priority for the coming years as the national park’s authority looks to build on its public profile.

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Setting out the authority’s focus in its annual report, the authority’s chief executive, Andy Wilson, highlighted three key aims – raising awareness of the park, increasing wildlife corridors and involving more young people.

Faced with a 40 per cent loss in central government funding, the authority has in recent times been focused on diversifying sources of income, he said, but added that it had been a successful year despite a “rapidly changing policy framework” and concerns about securing the national park’s protected environment.

The annual report sets out projects which are already under way and details the authority’s priorities, aiding the hundreds of small businesses in the area and the 25,000 people who live there.

One item in the four-year programme is to step-up its successful apprenticeship scheme for countryside workers, developing age-old rural environment crafts and skills. The authority has also been working with partners such as Welcome to Yorkshire to increase visitor numbers.

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Two new rangers have been taken on by Calderdale Council’s countryside service to help keep people safe in tourism destinations during the peak summer season.

Working over weekends and busy periods, Jeff Platts and Helen Mariott will have a wide-reaching remit. They will act as a point of contact for visitors, address anti-social behaviour, illegal camping or littering, and enforce reservoir water safety with Yorkshire Water.

They will carry out day-to-day repairs and keep access routes clear. They will also support the farming community and wildlife by talking to dog owners to ensure their pets are kept under control. Part of their role also includes education on moorland fires.