Agenda item

Members are encouraged to use this opportunity to provide input and ideas in respect of potential future topics to be explored by the Performance Monitoring Panel, as part of its role as ‘critical friend’ to South Holland District Council (member-led discussion to be introduced by the Chairman).

The Chairman invited members to use this opportunity to provide input and ideas in respect of future topics to be explored by the Performance Monitoring Panel.

• The Chairman commenced the discussion by suggesting the potential topics of ‘tourism’ and ‘untidy sites’, stating that: 

o   The tourism offer in the South Holland District would benefit from a cohesive approach to promotion;

o   It was noted that signposting to encourage potentially hundreds of visitors/tourists to explore further destination sites in the district was not evident. Visitors drawn to specific locations/events such as Springfields Outlet and the Matthew Flinders event in Donington should be made aware of other attractions in the district such as Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens, the Wash, Crowland Abbey and numerous churches and settlements; 

o   Whilst it was acknowledged that the district came under the umbrella of Lincolnshire Tourism, SHDC needed to focus on promoting its own offer; and

o   It was questioned whether the council was doing enough to promote the future of longstanding untidy sites.

The Chairman opened up the discussion to members:

·       Members discussed the Wash and noted that although the area had an array of wildlife, South Holland did not have the tourism facilities enjoyed by areas further along the Lincolnshire coast at Frampton and the Norfolk coast at Cley. Currently SHDC was not promoting the coastline or wildlife within the district. The King Charles Walk, a coastal walk, was recently opened and promoted on the adjoining Norfolk stretch. For South Holland District to compete, a range of facilities was required to attract visitors to the site/route such as car parking, toilets, and visitors centre with coffee shop. It was stated that SHDC’s participation in opening up the King Charles Walk would unlock future funding opportunities which would also encourage visitors to enjoy the wildlife, seals and the lighthouse as part of the experience. It was therefore suggested that tourism promotion be explored to benefit the district;

·       Members therefore suggested that a Task Group be set up to explore the subject of promoting tourism to/in the district. This was agreed, with particular emphasis being given to the various attractions, settlements and the Wash as discussed;

·       Volunteers were requested to form the membership of the Tourism Task Group and the following membership was confirmed: Councillor M Booth, Councillor L Eldridge, Councillor D Wilkinson and Councillor S Hutchinson. An invitation would be circulated for an additional member to join the task group.

·       Members suggested, as part of the task group investigations, that it be established whether a Tourism Officer post existed within South Holland District Council.

·       In addition: 

o   Members expressed concern regarding reported lack of assistance and support given to applicants from the appointed partner in respect of UKSPF applications. A report was requested to detail performance of the UKSPF and appointed partner; and

o   Members suggested that the Panel did not lose sight of the promotion of markets as an item for future consideration.

AGREED:

a)    That a Tourism Task Group be set up with membership as stated above; and

b)    That a report come forward to the Performance Monitoring Panel in respect of the performance of UKSPF and the appointed partner.