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Posted by beachdrifter to swanage view
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Improve Swanage
I have been visiting my father in Swanage for over 25 years and been lucky enough to move here just over a year ago.It's truly a great place, excellent beaches, purbeck hills, corfe all on our doorstep. The town is a typical seaside down unspoilt..... but, here is where I may upset some people, I feel there needs to be some changes.Make the town from the station onwards pedestrianised, with flower beds, lighting, try to make it a more of a street cafe culture. Down by the pier area, and I know this has already been mentioned in the press, but lets have some restaurants, bistros, a gallery for local artists.What I'm trying to say is update the town. I personally think that unless some things are put into action now Swanage may lose it's appeal. The important thing is to keep the locals in mind when all this is done. Being a seaside town the revenue created is during the summer months, but culture is changing the way people want to spend their time. We do not want to become another Bournemouth or Poole but in fear of repeating myself I can imagine Swanage becoming even more picturesque and attracting even more tourists, all it needs is a planner with vision.
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Posted by beachdrifter to swanage view at 7/15/2005 09:47:28
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Posted by beachdrifter to swanage view
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9 comments:
Much of this was the subject of the Swanage Community Plan exercise. Draft report was published here (see Archives) and on
http://www.swanagecommunityplan.blogspot.com
I don't know whathas happened since. Has a final report been prepared and conclusions reached, and actions determined? Though it seems one of the ideas has been latched on to, and had money (£40,000) thrown at it - the multi-funcional centre. But what about all of the other ideas - some of which involved little or no cost, just a will to make some changes.
Its the "planner with vision" bit I think is lacking
That plan is to say the least admirable..Only trouble being, it would bar disabled peole from the area. You would also have to make Swanage easier to get to,our roads at present cannot cope.
Dancing Ledge
Its fine having a town that generates its wealth from tourism, but by trying to do that, the town has continued to decline since its victorian hayday.
It needs a vibrant economy all year round and, as in victorian times, export goods and services to the larger conerbations. But we have had this discussion before and still no action.
Until we have a council who can work with the business comunity in the town, any vision will be blinded by a myopic few.
I totally agree with Beachdrifters vision. Pedestrianising the whole of Shore Road, Station Road, Institute Road and the lower High Street as far as the Pier would send out the message we want up market tourists. The rest would follow Keith. Or in reality do Swanage folk not really want tourists all? Is there the will to put in a new road to give people access via Durlston? We could go the whole hog and close the car parks, beef up the park and ride, and make Swanage access only. What a fantastic place that would be to live in or visit!
That idea would in effect close off much of Swanage to a great many people, It would certainly drive out the elderly, now unable to drive into the town for shopping.
Why the constant cry to improve Swanage for visiters? What it seems to me, would be a better idea...Improve Swanage for its residents! We cannot afford to do so much for those that come here fleetingly.
Let us local folk enjoy our home town. Indeed. I still subscribe to the Grockle hunting day...anyone want to join in? membership of the "Swanage Association of Grockle Hunters" is free to those dedicated in the art!
A honoured and ancient association that has been around for hundreds of years.
Dancing Ledge.
The old folk could park at the station as usual, perhaps using a residents' sticker. The disabled would get around much better, and could have more spaces. Electric chariots would get easy access. Children and old people would not need suprvision to cross the roads. We can only kick out the tourists and think of residents if oil is discovered in the Bay!
Thanks Keith, please don't thinh I am saying everyone is the same because they are not just one or two but your comments as appreciated
Planner with vision....and £20m in a back pocket. Maybe we should sell Swanage to Roman Abramovitch.
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