Scarborough residents took part in a public meeting last night to discuss the future of the town.
About 50 people attended the United Scarborough Residents’ Group meeting at the Scarborough YMCA Theatre on Monday evening (February 16) to discuss plans for the Scarborough 400 celebrations, the provision of public toilets, proposals for the West Pier, and revitalising the town’s high streets.
The topics generated lively discussion and debate among the residents, campaigners, and councillors in attendance.
Despite disagreements and differing opinions, most residents who spoke shared the view that “not enough is being done to help Scarborough” on a political level, as well as stating that they were frustrated “about how we can change things, and get answers to our questions”.
Councillors from North Yorkshire Council (NYC) and the town council were in attendance, but the absence of NYC officers was repeatedly raised by residents who had hoped to quiz them, especially about proposals for the harbour.
Many residents said they had hoped to see more “whistles and bells” regarding the Scarborough 400 celebrations of the town’s anniversary as a spa resort.
North Yorkshire Council has said that there is “a varied programme of events that is being planned which will mark this significant milestone in Scarborough’s history” and has launched a website of what is on at https://visitnorthyorkshire.com/places/scarborough/scarborough-400.
These are set to include exhibitions, arts and cultural events, a family-friendly community trail, and a new public sculpture near Scarborough Spa.
However, residents at the meeting said “they are the same events as we usually have” and called for a more extensive schedule that “wholeheartedly” involves local businesses and community groups.
Many residents said they were eager to be involved in Scarborough’s bid to be the inaugural Town of Culture, which comes with a £3.5 million award, as well as proposing ideas on ways to celebrate the Oliver’s Mount 80th Anniversary Gold Cup anniversary.
Concerns about the number of vape and e-cigarette shops in the town centre was raised by several people who also highlighted the high number of currently empty business premises and “costly business rates”.
Despite some scepticism about how things are achieved, attendees also highlighted that “there is a lot to be proud of in Scarborough and many things that we do get right, of which we should sometimes remind ourselves”.
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