Campaign to boost seaside town centre hits major milestone

A campaign to revitalise Dovercourt town centre and secure its future has reached a major milestone. Thousands of pounds have been given to businesses in the town to improve their shopfronts and interiors as part of the government-funded High Street Accelerator Programme.

Close to 30 businesses have so far taken advantage of the Shop Grant Improvements Scheme including nail and hair salons, antique and sweet shops, a gym and estate agencies and coffee houses.

Money has been spent on repairs to shop frontages, repainting, new salon chairs, counters and display cabinets as well as new doors and planters to make the town centre shops more attractive to visitors.

Sammie Lammond, of Market Garden florist and gift shop, used her grant to improve her shop’s exterior and signage as well as adding arched shelving inside.

She said: “The shop improvement grant has definitely helped us as we can take the shop to the next level a lot quicker.

“The grant has helped us to step up our game and stand out on the High Street a lot more.”

Dovercourt is one of ten towns nationwide to receive a share of £7 million of government funding to rejuvenate it and boost footfall.

A total of £737,000 was allocated to improve Dovercourt High Street and a number of initiatives have been launched to make the town centre more vibrant and attractive.

Harwich councillor Ivan Henderson, who is Deputy Leader of Tendring Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “The difference the grants have made to Dovercourt is remarkable.

“It is wonderful to see the town centre come alive, driven by enthusiasm, commitment and belief. It brings real hope for the future.”

In addition to the Shop Grant Improvement Scheme, money has been spent on new CCTV cameras to reduce anti-social behaviour, a new website which also serves as a database for businesses and organisations and new street light banners to give the town a distinctive branding and identity. High Street Accelerator funds will also be used to strengthen transport links between the seafront, the High Street and park spaces, while green spaces will be added to the town’s retail areas and access routes into the town centre.