OCTOBER 2008 UPDATE
A vision for Jaywick
Jaywick, as anyone who lives here will know, is a fantastic
place. However, parts of the neighbourhood need new investment and
we are working with local residents to deliver change for the
better. Our aim is simple:
"A deliverable programme developed with the community for the
transformation of Jaywick into an inclusive, safe, sustainable,
economically buoyant community taking advantage of its coastal
location". (JAG, Jaywick Regeneration Framework, 2006)
Jaywick contains the 3rd most deprived neighbourhood in Britain
according to the Government's official figures on poverty. In
recent years some things have got a worse, and action is needed to
reverse the economic decline affecting the coastal area.
A new approach
While some improvements have been made in Jaywick in recent
years they have been limited and piecemeal. A new approach is now
needed that is capable of tackling the increasing levels of
deprivation faced by the local community. To be a success, funding
is needed to tackle BOTH the social and physical problems facing
local residents.
Who is leading the regeneration project?
The local authorities have now come together to see if a
long-term solution can be found working alongside residents and
other organisations involved in Jaywick. Leadership is provided by
Essex County Council with Tendring District Council and supported
by the East of England Development Agency. A new partnership is
being set up to develop ideas with the local community about how
the neighbourhood can be improved and protected in the future. This
group is known as the Jaywick Strategic Leadership Group.
The Chair of the Group; Councillor Stephen Castle (Essex County
Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Regeneration and
the 2012 Games) says of the group: "All the partners of the Jaywick
Strategic Leadership Group are fully committed to working with the
local community to make regeneration in Jaywick happen. We are
currently in the early stages of establishing project teams who,
working in the community, will help deliver both short term and
long term improvements. I am personally committed as Leader of the
new group to making sure that all the partners work together and
commit to action".
The Vice-Chair; Councillor David Lines (Leader of Tendring
District Council) states "Jaywick is a unique, close-knit
neighbourhood and the Jaywick Strategic Leadership Group recognises
the need to support the community there and work with residents. As
we engage with residents and develop plans over the coming months
we will be laying the foundations for a sustainable future for the
community of Jaywick".
A coastal initiative
While the heart of Jaywick, known as Brooklands and Grasslands,
is the focus of our efforts there is need to attract investment
into Jaywick Village and West Clacton.
Working with the community
It is vital that the regeneration of Jaywick is carried out in
consultation with the local people. No firm regeneration proposals
will be drawn up without talking to, and listening to, local
residents, and the community organisations in Jaywick.
What next?
Over the first 3 - 5 years, the Partnership hopes that the
following work will be undertaken.
- Supporting the community to help develop ideas for the
long-term improvement of the area and making a case for funds to
help kick-start the regeneration of the area.
- Working with the local community to identify ways to tackle
poor housing.
- Identifying ways to improve the condition of the local
environment and attract employers and visitors to the area. These
improvements could include road repairs, dealing with derelict
buildings, and improving the green spaces in Jaywick.
- Putting in place a local neighbourhood management plan to
improve the environment and provide a local service for
residents.
Flood Risk
Before an area can be regenerated there is a legal requirement
to carry out a study into the risk of flooding. This is to ensure
that any development will be carried out safely and responsibly and
that developers, landowners and residents are fully aware of the
implications of flooding on development opportunities over a given
timescale.
As part of the Regeneration plans for Jaywick a
Strategic Flood Risk Study has been carried out.
For further advice on the technical information contained within
the study please contact the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 and
ask for Jeremy Bloomfield.
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For further information please
contact:
Karl Randall on 01255 686352 or
regeneration.services@tendringdc.gov.uk |