Mark Lloyd.
Derelict buildings have ‘disproportionate impact’ on Wisbech’s reputation, says county council chief
Story by: ROB SETCHELL, Reporter
Friday, February 8, 2013
2:33 PM
DERELICT buildings have a “disproportionate impact” on Wisbech’s damaged reputation, according to the chief executive of Cambridgeshire County Council.
Mark Lloyd at the launch of Wisbech 2020 Vision.In an article written for The Guardian on the regeneration of rural towns, Mark Lloyd admitted that “a small number of derelict buildings” were having “wider social and psychological impacts” on the town.
He said: “What has been clear from speaking to communities across Wisbech is the disproportionate impact that a small number of derelict buildings in prime locations has on damaging perceptions of Wisbech.
“It is clear that local authorities need to work quickly to address this issue, which is on the face of it a physical and aesthetic one, but is proving to have wider social and psychological impacts.”
The Wisbech 2020 Vision, an ambitious plan to regenerate the town’s transport, economy, tourism and reputation, was launched last week.
Constantine House Wisbech.The project included holding public consultation sessions in Wisbech and derelict buildings were a common cause for complaint.
Highest on the list of targets is Constantine House, in Nene Quay, which has sat empty and decaying for more than two years. Frustrated residents launched a campaign calling for Fenland District Council to take action over the “bombsite” in October.
Residents also say The Phoenix Hotel, which was devastated by fire in 2010, has sat derelict for too long.
In the Guardian article, Mr Lloyd said that “unifying public, voluntary and private efforts would be critical in unlocking future success for the town”.
He said: “Wisbech is a unique rural town, which is now developing a clear idea of where it wants to be in the future, and how it needs to get there.
“Perhaps most important to achieving this aim, and the biggest legacy of the 2020 Vision, will be how successfully all those in the wider Wisbech community can work together to focus effort, energy and passion behind a shared set of objectives.”
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2 comments
Ah Great of Cambridgeshire County Council, that distant money sucker. Perhaps it is time FDC pushed for Unitary Authority Status and kept the money locally, like Peterborough did. The only thing that CCC do is mess around with the roads, and bring the town to a deadlock. I really wish we could push ourselves adrift from them. The leader popped up here for a meeting, and then said it looked like Beirut!!. I bet Cambridge doesn't get these comments, probably because the lions share of the money gets spent their. The further north you go the worse it gets. CCC are now building a plush new building to park some people behind some computers, and attend meetings. What good is that. If FDC kept the money local it would be a good start. What does CCC know about anything?
Report this comment
daveb123
Friday, February 8, 2013
Ah Great of Cambridgeshire County Council, that distant money sucker. Perhaps it is time FDC pushed for Unitary Authority Status and kept the money locally, like Peterborough did. The only thing that CCC do is mess around with the roads, and bring the town to a deadlock. I really wish we could push ourselves adrift from them. The leader popped up here for a meeting, and then said it looked like Beirut!!. I bet Cambridge doesn't get these comments, probably because the lions share of the money gets spent their. The further north you go the worse it gets. CCC are now building a plush new building to park some people behind some computers, and attend meetings. What good is that. If FDC kept the money local it would be a good start. What does CCC know about anything?
Report this comment
daveb123
Friday, February 8, 2013