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Local people in the seaside resort of Herne Bay in Kent set up a town centre management initiative, with a grant from the District Council, and appointed a manager for one of the first independent town centre management initiatives.
After a while disagreements over priorities and the apparent lack of progress, led to commissioning a study from consultants. This recommended focussing on promotion rather than environmental improvements. A festival was run that was a great success in attracting people into town.
While this was too late to overcome the new administration's decision to stop supporting the town centre management initiative (that had been critical of the Council), nonetheless the Town Centre Manager was re-employed to organise events. Herne Bay, with its popular August festival, greatly improved sea front and new community facilities, is showing how well seaside towns can appeal to both residents and visitors. |
