SOUTH COPELAND

COAST ECONOMIC

PLAN

Author : Eric Barker Supporting the development and delivery of projects that stimulate and Copeland Council underpin economic growth and sustainability in the South Copeland Community Regeneration Coastal Communities and the Western . Officer 01229 719657 [email protected]

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Contents

1. Executive Summary 2

2. Membership of the Team 4

3. The Plan 5 SCCCT Mission: SCCCT Vision: Strategic fit with other Copeland focused plans Strategic Themes 6 SMART Objectives 8 Desired Outcomes 10 Core Projects to Deliver the Plan 11 Action Plan – Short, Medium and Long Term 12 Associated Partner Projects 15 4. SWOT Analysis 18

5. Background and Context 20 The Local Area and Coastal Communities Information Map of South and Mid Copeland Coastal Plain 22 5.1 South and Mid Copeland - A Demographic Snapshot 23 5.2 Context – The South and Mid Copeland Partnership 26 Evidence to Support the Plan 29 The Economic Impact of Leisure and Tourism Cycling 30 The Benefits of Cycling Tourism on Health and Wellbeing 30 Direct Job Creation as a Result of Cycling Tourism 31 Tourism Data What the Community said 6. Potential Barriers 34

7. Resources Required to Deliver the Plan 34

8. Potential Funding Sources 34

9. Communications 35

Communications Future Consultations Communication with community

10. Support, structure and sustainability of SCCCT 35

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Contents

Fig. Index 1: South Copeland Coastal Communities Strategic Themes 2: Objectives 3 Desired Outcomes 4: Core Projects for SCCCT 5: Action Plans to Deliver the Core Projects 6: Medium and Long Term Goals 7: Long Term Goals 8: Project Pipeline 9: SWOT Analysis 10: Related initiatives in the region which will influence the economy of the region 11: The Economic Impact of Leisure and Tourism Cycling Summary. 12: The Economic Impact in Respect of Direct Job Creation.

Table Index 1: Resident Population on Census 2011 in South Copeland Communities 2: Resident Population on Census 2011 3: Socio Economic Grouping 4: Education 5: Benefit 6: General Health

Appendix 1. economic assessment (only part completed) 2. Demographics details 3. Results of online community consultation survey in full 4. Tourism Data/ Survey

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Executive Summary

This plan will describe how the South Copeland Coastal Communities Team (SCCCT) will work with partners and stakeholders to support and facilitate the development and delivery of projects and businesses that stimulate and underpin the sustainable economic growth of the South Copeland Coastal region.

The plan addresses the socio economic needs of the region, in particular

• Poor connectivity and rural isolation • Lack of tourism infrastructure • Over dependence on the nuclear sector for employment • The need for work & skills development and diversification • Health challenges presented by obesity and mental health problems

The plan addresses these needs by articulating the opportunities to

• Create tourism infrastructure attractions and amenities which support the visitor economy. In particular the development of a Sustrans route along the coast connecting the coastal communities between and and growing cycling tourism. • Diversify employment and skills through developing the visitor economy, focusing on the growth and development of cycling tourism and greater use of the rail network. • Develop businesses, work and skills training courses and options along the coast linked to cycling tourism and the visitor economy in line with Copeland Work and Skills Partnership. • Encourage healthy active lifestyles through development of cycling and rights of way access routes which are available to each coastal community as well as the tourist visitor. These routes will include links into Western Lake District valleys of , Eskdale and The Duddon.

The main outputs resulting from the delivery of the plan

 One full time project officer role to develop and deliver the activities outlined in the plan.  70 miles of new fully mapped and signed cycling and rights of way access infrastructure throughout the region between Seascale and Millom and linking the coastal routes into the Western Lake District and providing significant opportunity for growth of cycling tourism  An annual cycling sportive making use of the new cycling infrastructure.  One new start business delivering coastal sports and cycling activities.

The Desired Outcomes resulting from the delivery of the outputs:

• To increase from 8% t0 10% (ie +2%) the number of visitors into the Western Lake District as a proportion of total visitors to the Lake District than at present. This would mean an approximate 328,000 more visitors to the region annually which with an average daily spend of £21.00 per person which equates to over £6.5m additional spend per year. • The creation and support of new full time jobs along the coast in the tourist industry • The development of new attractions and events which support the visitor economy. • Growth in the level of active lifestyles across the community through cycling and walking.

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1. Introduction

The South Copeland Coastal Communities Team (SCCCT) is in part a continuation of the Copeland Coastal Partnership and the Coastal Community Network which have for the past five years worked to stimulate coastal growth, through projects and activities which are enhancing and celebrating the coast.

It also closely reflects the successful “locality working”, launched by Copeland Borough Council in 2011 under the umbrella of The Copeland Partnership which has seen community and economic regeneration projects developed and delivered by local partnerships working collaboratively across the public, private and third sectors.

SCCCT consists of a range of people and business interests from the coastal communities within the south and mid Copeland area who have an understanding of the issues facing their specific communities and the area as a whole. Its purpose is to develop an effective forward strategy for the South Copeland coastal area and to seek input from, as well as support from the local community and a range of local stakeholders.

The Accountable Body in terms of funding for this team is

COPELAND BOROUGH COUNCIL Sarah Mitchell The Copeland Centre Irish Street Cumbria CA28 7SJ

The Community Regeneration Officer employed through Copeland Borough Council is facilitating the team and the development of this economic plan and his contact details are:

Eric Barker: Community Regeneration Officer (Mid & South Copeland) Copeland Borough Council C/O Office Millom Network centre Salthouse Road Millom LA18 5AB 01229 719657

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Membership of the Team

South & Mid Copeland Coastal Communities Team Membership

Keith Hitchen: Cumbria County Councillor, Copeland Borough Councillor, Chair of the South Copeland Parish Partnership, Parish Councillor for and Carleton and Parish Clerk for Wabberthwaite. Eileen Eastwood: Parish Councillor Seascale and chair of Mid Copeland Parish Partnership. Peter Frost Pennington: Business Owner Castle & Pennington Hotels, Parish Councillor and member of Cumbria Tourism. Robert Morris-Eyton; Businessman, farmer and chair of CIC

Gary Creaser: Parish Councillor for Drigg and Carleton & cycling enthusiast : Project Manager for the Wellbank Scheme and Bootle 20/20 projects Rebecca Cathey: Lake District National Park Authority: Western Distinctive Area Ranger Brian Kennish: Parish Councillor for Muncaster, Vice Chair of the Mid Copeland Parish Partnership and Broadband Hub Coordinator Paul Stewart: Centre Manager for Millom Network Centre & Unit 3 Skills Centre Janice Wilson: Tourism Development Officer and Blue Badge Tourist Guide Eric Barker: Community Regeneration Officer (Mid & South Copeland), Copeland Borough Council who are the accountable body.

South & Mid Copeland Communities Partners / Stakeholders Karl Melville: Highways Laurence Hilland: Community Rail Partnership CCC Nikki Wingfield: Sustrans Area Manager Cumbria Jim Partridge: Millom Discovery Centre and Millom Railway Station.

Marion Giles: Millom Recreation Centre Bella Howse: Millom Health and Wellbeing Centre, Market Hall, Millom Trevor Stockton: and Eskdale Railway, Ravenglass Peter Hensman: Ravenglass Railway Museum and Lake District Estates

The Copeland Work and Skills Partnership c/o Copeland Borough Council

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2. The Plan

SCCCT Mission:

To support the development and delivery of projects that stimulate and underpin economic growth and sustainability in the South Copeland Coastal Communities.

SCCCT Vision:

The SCCCT have a vision to create the conditions for a vibrant coastal economy through the development of new and improved cycling and access infrastructure between Seascale and Millom. These new and improved cycling/walking routes will enable the significant development of cycling tourism as well as providing better connectivity between isolated communities and the promotion of healthy active lifestyles. We envisage that the development of the visitor economy as a result of increased cycling tourism and associated activity will encourage business growth in the hospitality sector and prompt the further development of amenities and attractions which support and diversify the visitor economy, expand work and skills opportunities and make the coastal communities more sustainable places to live, work and visit.

Strategic fit with other Copeland focused plans

This plan demonstrates close alignment with the following strategic plans:

 Copeland Borough Council’s Partnership Plan & the Copeland Growth Strategy.  Copland Work and Skills Partnership Plan 2016  The Cumbria LEP Strategic Economic Plan 2015  The Cumbria Tourism Destination Management Plan 2015  Britain’s Energy Coast: A Master Plan for West Cumbria.  The Lake District National Park; Core Strategy.2010-2025

The plans share a common vision and the following strategic aims:

• A strong, diversified and well-connected economy; • A protected & enhanced coastline that attracts a diverse population & visitor profile; • A network of strong, healthy communities, offering a good quality of life and where people can play a full part in their communities;

These wider strategies give priority to the investment needed in transport infrastructure and information & communications technology to improve physical and virtual connectivity within West Cumbria and with the rest of the world.

At the local level the SCCCT can assist by bringing people, businesses and organisations together to address these needs at a more grassroots level, making a positive difference in each community. These local connections will extend to the North Copeland CCT and the other emerging Economic Plans for and the Solway Coast. Many of the challenges will be shared and so the possibility of joint initiatives will be explored as part of the commitment to partnership working. P a g e | 7

South Copeland Coastal Communities Strategic Themes

Problems to be Addressed Aims to Address the Problems Poor Access and Connectivity We aim to improve access and carbon free transport links  Outdated narrow roads which between the coastal communities from Seascale to Millom are a travel to work route for developing and promoting in particular new cycling routes 1000s of employees. and the wider use of the coastal railway services including  Heavy commercial traffic uses the the introduction of Sunday services. road as no other option exists  No Sunday or late evening Rail We aim to work in partnership with the Community Rail Services Partnership and the Copeland Rail Users Group to support  Poor or non-existent bus services the plans for the introduction of Sunday and evening rail  Limited community transport services on the railway from 2017. Once this is in place it initiatives will be possible to encourage the use of rail travel to facilitate the arrival of cyclists looking to complete the new  Rural isolation issues National Cycle Network and associated routes in the  The current National Cycle western lakes creating more overnight stays and higher Network uses sections of the visitor spend in local hospitality businesses and also A595 which falls well below reducing the use of cars on the roads which are already standards for NCN routes in overcrowded. We will also work to influence the new rail terms of health & safety and franchise to ensure suitable rolling stock for the carriage of topography. cycles to support the initiative.

SCCCT will also aim to develop and promote links between the said coastal infrastructure with cycle and multi user routes into the Lake District Valleys of Wasdale, Eskdale Mitredale, Glendale and Duddon being developed by LDNPA. Lack of Tourism Infrastructure Tourism plays a vital role in Cumbria’s economy, bringing in and Amenity over 41m visitors, contributing £2.4 billion annually to the  Lack of costal facilities county’s economy and supporting over 33,900 FTE jobs. However much of this spend is focused on the central Lake  Inconsistent quality of offer District with only 8% of the overall spend benefitting the  No joined up initiatives Western Lake District.  Only 8% of Lake District Visitors Therefore SCCCT aims to create, improve, support and spend comes to the Western Lake encourage the development of projects and business District. ventures which deliver new infrastructure, amenities  The area is overlooked and under attractions and events to both enhance the visitor offer and promoted the quality of life options for local residents in a bid to  Natural resources not being increase from 8% to 10% the proportion of spend attracted maximised. into the Western Lake District.  USP not recognised nationally See FIG 7 table of projects for specific examples of such projects and initiatives envisioned to be supported by the team and a project manager role.

FIG 1: South Copeland Coastal Communities Strategic Themes P a g e | 8

South Copeland Coastal Communities Strategic Themes

Problems to be Addressed Aims to Address the Problems Low incidence of entrepreneurial We aim to support the growth, diversification and activity and enterprise. sustainability of existing businesses along the coastal plain  Low skills base and encourage entrepreneurial activity to stimulate new starts in particular (but not exclusively) those that support  Low aspirations the visitor offer.  Low entrepreneurial activity

Over Reliance on the Nuclear We aim to support the development of appropriate training Sector for Employment. and skills development to individuals which underpin the  Traditional industries have diversification of skills and employment options across the declined to be replaced by the region and raise the aspirations of individuals across the Nuclear sector which employs community. Our vision which is in alignment with the well over 50% of the working Copeland Work and Skills Partnership is the development population in West Cumbria of a workforce development programme to enable the region to stay competitive, to keep existing businesses  Areas of localised deprivation co- strong, to keep young people in the community, and to exist alongside areas of relative raise residents’ standard of living. affluence, essentially creating a

two tier economy By developing and providing new tourism infrastructure  Young people leaving area for and other access routes along the coast the SCCCT hopes to jobs diversification. support and stimulate existing enterprises and new  Low skills set entrepreneurial activity which will sustain employment and  Low aspirations create new jobs in the associated industries such as  Low entrepreneurial activity accommodation, cafes, bike hire and repair, pubs and restaurants etc. Also in partnership with local FE colleges and The Millom Unit 3 Work and Skills Centre the coastal team will work to encourage and enable the delivery of training and apprenticeship schemes which meet this need.

Poor health Issues such as Obesity We aim to encourage and enable Copeland residents to and Mental Health Problems access healthier and more active lifestyles by supporting  “Fattest Borough in ” and developing projects which provide opportunities for Daily Mirror May 2014 physical and recreational activities such as cycling, walking  High incidence of mental health and other forms of exercise and where possible link this to issues especially amongst young projects providing advice and guidance about healthier adults eating and nutrition. We would aim to work with partners  Below average life expectancy in such as Millom Recreation Centre and The Millom Health some communities and Wellbeing Centre to achieve these aims.

FIG 1: South Copeland Coastal Communities Strategic Themes… continued

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SMART Objectives to Achieve the Aims

Timeline Objective By September 2016 Recruit a Project Development Manager to coordinate the projects and liaise with partners and stakeholders to develop and deliver the South Copeland Coastal Communities Team Economic Plan.

By the end of 2021 Deliver 40 miles of new designated Sustrans National Cycle Route between Seascale and Millom including a link to the start of Hadrian’s Wall cycle route at Ravenglass.

By the end of 2021 Deliver 30 miles of improved cycling and walking ROW access routes linking the new coastal route to the Western Lakes valleys of Wasdale, Eskdale and Duddon.

By the end of 2021 Deliver one new amenity/attraction at Beach front providing an iconic building to house a café, toilets and showering facilities for beach users and parking for 75 cars.

By the end of 2021 Develop the feasibility of a new Coastal Activity Centre delivering outdoor pursuits and turn up and go activity such as kayaking, kite surfing, sailing, cycling and the like. To be located somewhere on the South Copeland coast and linked to the proposed Sustrans National Cycle Network Route.

Between 2017 Develop feasibility of and attract partners to deliver an annual sportive event and 2021 based around the new national cycling route and promoting healthy active lifestyles involving cycling, walking and running.

FIG 2: SMART Objectives

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Desired Outcomes from the Achievement of the Objectives are: (Using data from Cumbria Tourism Survey 2015 as a baseline)

Timeline Outcomes By the end of 2021 To increase from 8% t0 10% (ie +2%) the number of visitors into the Western Lake District as a proportion of total visitors to the Lake District than at present. Based on a 16.4M visitors to LDNP this means an approximate 328,000 more visitors to the region annually which with an average daily spend of £22.00 per person equates to over £7.2m additional spend per year. By the end of 2021 Increase overnight stays in the region

By the end of 2021 Increase average day visitor spend from £22 to £26.00

Between Sept 2016 Creation of 20 new FTE jobs as a result of business growth and development and December 2021 along the coastal route and the delivery of associated projects at FIG 7

FIG 3 Desired Outcomes

Artist’s Impression: Proposed café and tourist hub at Silecroft

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Core Projects for SCCCT to Deliver. Delivered by Estimated Total Costs Recruit and Employ a Project Development Manager to drive the SEPT 2016 – Salary £200k co-ordination and develop the other core projects and deliver the SEPT 2021 Mileage £12k plan over the 5 years. This work will include the ongoing support It/Tel £3k and facilitation of partner projects outlined in FIG 7 and which all Office? £15k contribute to its aims and objectives. £250K Revenue costs

Earthlight Mapping Resource Project: The team will develop on By the end of Payment in partnership with Sustrans, LDNPA and Natural England a detailed 2016 kind using Earthlight mapping system which captures current and partners aspirational access routes and projects around The Western Lake resources District. This map will hold numerous levels of relevant data Estimated including costings for the propose routes. The resulting mapping value at system data will be made available to share between relevant £10k partners involved in the socio economic development of the coastal region and will include information on heritage sites.

Route 72 National Cycle Network between Seascale to Millom: By 2021 £2.5m This project will be managed by the SCCCT in partnership with Capital Sustrans and forms the main overarching framework for the investment economic plan providing a physical link between the coastal communities and facilitating the development of tourism related businesses such as cafes, pubs, guest houses, cycle repair and hire shops and the increased use of the rail network as the preferred form of transport to access the region before using the cycling routes being developed as part of this plan.

4. A Coastal Outdoor Activity Centre: To provide facilities and By 2021 £500K opportunities for activities such as mountain biking, hill walking, Capital sea kayaking, kite surfing, fishing, sailing etc. This is a brand new investment idea that has come about as part of the discussions and consultations carried out by the SCCCT. The team will develop the feasibility of this idea and work with partners and outdoor activity providers to deliver this project.

5. Co-ordinated Marketing Project: Developing a co-ordinated First 6 £10k marketing and information dissemination strategy which supports months and Revenue the whole area in terms of highlighting and signposting people to ongoing costs attractions, facilities, services, businesses, events and local heritage along the coastal plain. The CCT will develop this concept with partners in order to deliver mapping which provides a detailed overview of what is available on the coastal plain for the visitor and resident alike. CORE PROJECTS Total Costs £3.27 M

FIG 4: Core Projects for SCCCT

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South Copeland Coastal Communities Action Plan

Timeline - The First 6 Months By When SMART Objective(s) Est £

Recruit a full time Project Development SCCCT June One job created with a 5 250K Manager (PDM) to coordinate the CBC 2016 year contract. over 5 projects and deliver the plan. yrs. Finalise preferred Route 72 option and SUSTRANS SEPT Detailed map of preferred Funded map it on Earthlight software along with SCCCT 2016 route option other related access routes into the PDM Western Lake District. LDNPA Understand the full cost implications of SUSTRANS SEPT Fully costed route suitable Funded the route 72 between Seascale and PDM 2016 for approach to funders Millom Identify and approach landowners and SUSTRANS SEPT Obtain landowners Already negotiate permissions 2016 permission for preferred funded route or produce set of alternatives. Carry out public consultations in the SCCCT SEPT Obtain public feedback Partner various communities along the route. PDM 2016 about the route to inform funded branding and encourage volunteers. Work up a name and branding for the SCCCT SEPT Exclusive branding created N/A cycle route which makes it more PDM 2016 for cycling tourism in The marketable and differentiates it from the Cumbria Western Lake District Hadrian’s Wall route. Tourism reflecting the USP of the coastal region. Consult with Cumbria County Council SUSTRANS SEPT Understand the CCC N/A Highways and negotiate permissions SCCCT 2016 requirements ref on road about signage along the proposed route routes. 72 Complete the GIS Earthlight mapping LDNPA SEPT Create detailed over view PIK system showing all existing proposed SUSTRANS 2016 of access routes along access routes along the coast and make NE coast and into The available to all relevant partners who are CBC Western Lake District for involved in the delivery of the routes and SCCCT use in projects, leaflets and other relevant projects. websites etc Ongoing support and facilitation of PDM Ongoing Projects are developed, CBC associated projects outlined in FIG 7 funding is applied for and Regen projects become more & PDM deliverable. FIG 5: Action Plans to Deliver the Core Projects P a g e | 13

South Copeland Coastal Communities Action Plan - Medium Term

Timeline Sept 2016-Dec 2021 Who By SMART Est. when Objective(s) £ Write an outline project plan for the Coastal PDM April Attract delivery partner PDM Activity Centre concept in order to attract 2017 for activity centre. salary interest from partners and potential delivery will organisations and develop feasibility. cover CORE PROJECT this

Roll out of the full implementation of the Sustrans Sept 40 miles of national cycle £2.5m between Seascale PDM 2018 route fully signed and and Millom. marketed CORE PROJECT Develop feasibility attract partners for PDM March Annual cycling event £10k delivery of an annual Sportive aimed at SCCCT 2019 based on the coastal promoting health and wellbeing using route route 72 and other access routes as a base.

Design and Publish the Western Lake District PDM Sept A comprehensive web £10k Coastal Visitor Guide website and leaflets SCCCT 2018 based PR and marketing promoting cycling tourism and other CT resource complete with attractions along the Western Lake District downloadable maps and Coastline. This would be carried out in info to support and conjunction with Copeland Coast North team stimulate coastal tourism and in partnership with Allerdale Coastal in The Western Lake Teams plan. CORE PROJECT District and cycling tourism in particular. Ongoing support coordination and PDM open Development of project PDM promotion of partner projects listed @ FIG 7 SCCCT ideas, the delivery of salary aiming to create and sustain tourism CBC partner projects and the will infrastructure and stimulate new business generation of new ideas cover opportunities alongside the growth of cycling and feasibility activity this. tourism and associated activity. Deliver the Coastal Activity Centre at a PDM March Activity Centre in place £500k suitable location i.e. either Ravenglass or 2021 delivering coastal sports Silecroft beach…? CORE PROJECT and cycling activities and equipment Fig 6 Medium and Long Term Goals

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Strategic Plans Beyond 5 Years

Link Sustrans Route 72 to the Morecambe Bay Sustrans National Cycle Route around the Duddon estuary and through to Walney in order to create a further 25 miles of national cycle route.

Duddon Estuary Barrage or Bridge between Millom and Peninsula to create energy and improve transport links for the whole Western Lake District coast.

Develop high quality tri-athalon event based around the coast possibly using Black Combe as a focus.

Fig 7: Long Term Goals

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Associated Partner Projects To be supported by the South Copeland Coastal Communities Team through the Project Development Manager, which will contribute to the desired outcomes of this Economic Plan. These are projects with strategic fit which are being currently Lead Cost of developed by partners which will add value to the economic plan for partners project the area by providing links and activities which support the visitor economy in general and or facilitate cycling tourism in particular. The Viking Way: A multi user route designed for cyclists, walkers and CCC £500K equestrians linking Seascale with Gosforth and eventually Wasdale LDNPA Head has already received planning permission and is being project managed by Cumbria County Council. The new Sustrans coastal route SCCCT will naturally link with this route adding value to the cycling tourism offer for the Seascale and Gosforth area and providing carbon free transport option to the Western Lake District valley of Wasdale which contains Britain’s favourite view.

Public Rights of Way (PROW) project at Drigg and Carleton: Cycling Gary £120k and walking routes which will link into the proposed Sustrans NCN Creaser route.  To improve the Public Rights Of Way network by increasing opportunities for access on foot, cycle or horse, and to widen the appeal to visitors and residents;  To improve the existing PROW network for a wider range of people with different needs (e.g. improved accessibility for wheelchair users/pushchairs, benches for elderly);  To promote the improved network to encourage more use and better support for local services (e.g. shops, pubs, hotels, B&Bs, attractions and cycle and equestrian businesses);  To better integrate the project with public transport services, and other links to popular destinations.

Refurbishment of Eskdale Trail linking Ravenglass with Eskdale Valley LDNPA £250k via a cycle route. This is a popular route but required investment to maintain it and bring it back to an appropriate standard. Muncaster Castle refurbishment and upgrading of facilities including Muncaster £2m the Hawk & Owl Centre, the Horticultural Therapy Walled Garden plus Castle high quality accommodation in the Castle and associated (Textile) Study Centre

Fig 8: Project Pipeline

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Associated Partner Projects continued… To be supported by the South Copeland Coastal Communities Team through the Project Development Manager, which will contribute to the desired outcomes of this Economic Plan. These are projects with strategic fit which are being currently Lead Cost of developed by partners which will add value to the economic plan for partners project the area by providing links and activities which support the visitor economy in general and or facilitate cycling tourism in particular. La’al Ratty Museum extension at Ravenglass : LER £150K

Silecroft Beach Front Development: The beach front development at Whicham £1M Silecroft is envisioned to become Cumbria’s premier beach CIC destination, offering a world-class visitor experience for all ages. SCCCT This project will create an iconic building designed to become a tourist LDNPA hub and housing a café, toilets, retail and showering facilities for beach users. The vision is to maximise the natural beauty of the environment CBC without reducing the rugged appeal of the beach and sea views. The project was given planning permission in Jan 2015.

Bootle 20/20 and Wellbank Developments including 50 residential various £22M properties , a 40 bed hotel and leisure centre, the Millstones Pub project aimed at developing a new pub in the village of Bootle and Captains Way footpath/ cycle way which delivers the creation of new access routes. Delivery between 2016 and 2021. Trudy to provide a statement

Kirksanton Village Hub: this project is in the process of being £150K developed by a group from the village and has the input of Copeland Village Hall Borough Council Community Regeneration Officer who is helping to Committee develop the feasibility for the project and will help with funding applications. CCT supports the project which will add value to the visitor offer in the South Copeland region and therefore will be a part of the coordinated marketing of the area as per strategic objective…. The planned Sustrans cycle route will run through the village and the project includes plans to provide interpretive information and signage to the significant Heritage of the area.

Fig 8: Project Pipeline....continued

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Associated Partner Projects continued… to be supported by the South Copeland Coastal Communities Team through the Project Development Manager , which will contribute to the desired outcomes of this Economic Plan. These are projects with strategic fit which are being currently Lead Cost of developed by partners which will add value to the economic plan for Partners Project the area by providing links and activities which support the visitor economy in general and or facilitate cycling tourism in particular. The Rail Room is a heritage based project being rolled out by Millom Millom £168K Discovery Centre celebrating and interpreting the role of the railway in Discovery the development of the socio economic life of south Copeland coastal Centre region. CCT supports the project which will add value to the visitor offer in the south Copeland region. Approx. 50% of the funding required to complete this project gas already been raised.

The Millom Health and Wellbeing Centre: in the early stages of Steve and £750K development this centre will provide a variety of health and wellbeing Bella Howse activities and events which could be linked into the active lifestyle Glow with opportunities suggested by the improved cycling infrastructure of Health! outlined in this plan.

The Millom Network Centre Unit 3 Work and Skills Centre: there is MNC £600K ongoing development at this site but specific expansion is anticipated between 2016 and 2021 to create 3 new jobs and deliver accredited STEM courses and apprenticeships. This project will be a strategic partner in delivering the work and skills diversification elements of the plan within the context of the Copeland Work and Skills Partnership.

The Millom Recreation Centre Gym and Soft Play Extension: MRC £650K Development of detailed drawings and costings and business case during 2016 to the completion of RIBA stages 3 and 4 followed by building phase 2017 -2018. This project will create 4 new jobs and safeguard 3 others.

Total ESTIMATED cost of all projects supported by SCCCT Project £TBC Development Manager

Fig 8: Project Pipeline....continued

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SWOT Analysis

SWOT Analysis

Strengths Weaknesses . Nationally important coastline and . Heavy dependence on a single sector for landscapes. employment. . Rich industrial & maritime heritage. . Narrow economic base lacking diversity. . high quality natural environment and . Geographically remote compounded by poor sustainable, economic assets transport & communications infrastructure . Coastline is a recreational resource & start & connectivity. point for long-distance routes. . Low percent home-workers, entrepreneurs . Major employer and supply chains providing & micro-businesses. local employment. . Under-developed visitor economy & lack of . Supply of development land. tourism infrastructure. . Skilled labour for construction & engineering. . Absence of a common USP or identity. . International awareness of energy & . ageing population with less people of specifically nuclear expertise. working age . diverse, concentrated sources of renewable . dependency on seasonal tourism and the energy and history of successful renewable public sector for employment opportunities innovation . reliance on low skills . agriculture, fishing and aquaculture provide . remoteness and fragile coastal communities key opportunities for employment and . cost of public sector services higher and sustainable food production and delivery options reduced diversification . pockets of deprivation masked with very . abundance of iconic tourist attractions and poor people living alongside comparatively cultural opportunities rich people in both our rural and urban areas . forestry resources which offers employment . limited educational, employment, and opportunities and assist in the delivery of a research facilities low carbon economy . quality marine environment for recreational, leisure and tourism

Fig 9: SWOT Analysis

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SWOT Analysis

Opportunities Threats . Communities working better together. . Continued dependence on single sector. . Using coastal assets to promote area as great place . Missed opportunities with tourism. to live, work and visit. . Insufficient numbers of people trained . Potential for in-migration & population growth. and with appropriate skills. . New superfast broadband breaking down barriers . Cuts to public services and associated of distance. Investment in new transport links. employment. . Renewable energy potential: . Missed opportunities with superfast  wide range of sources of renewable energy that broadband. can create jobs and enterprises and attract . Current national and international investment economic situation is making it difficult  Developing a Renewable Infrastructure Plan to deliver sustainable economic growth  distribution of benefits from renewables and limits investment in businesses and through community ownership schemes and industries community benefit funds . Ageing population with young people . key sectors - tourism, food and drink, forestry and leaving the area and the elderly marine sciences: population growing more quickly than  higher value tourism based around our the national average outstanding natural heritage, marine leisure, . Deteriorating road infrastructure (e.g. ancestry and heritage, cultural events and A5092 and A595), and connectivity festivals . Dependency on one route, road and rail,  strengthen links between local food and drink to destinations within Mid and South produce and the tourism sector Copeland  resort development . limited availability of employment  access to world-class wildlife and landscapes; a opportunities with reasonable wide range of outdoor pursuits for all abilities reward/full time  growth of the cruise ship market across Mid and Low income levels does not allow South Copeland through Barrow in Furness affordability .  quality marine environment for recreational, Poor housing stock/ low prices . leisure, and tourism other areas are prioritised in terms of . Centre of excellence for new technologies national focus on renewables . . Mid and South Copeland and increased customer Not ensuring a balance between demand for food with clear provenance competing needs of our sustainable . Create vibrant dynamic communities that have a economic assets e.g. renewable energy reputation for a high quality of life and that can versus tourism issues relative to skills attract entrepreneurs, investors and the and education . economically active decline in town centre retail core . . Growth of social enterprises throughout the area distance to market . . Business Improvement Districts England (BIDS) lack of local providence . . opportunity to service local economy – challenging economic climate . maximising on benefits of proximity to market, lack of/reduction in public sector finance consumer demand Fig 9: SWOT Analysis

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3. Background and Context

The Local Area: Geographical description of the locality and a brief history.

The plan encompasses two localities within the : Mid Copeland and South Copeland. Map Below which are linked together by the and the coastal railway line which both run between the Furness Peninsula and . Although both routes are in need of modernisation and significant investment at the present time they do provide a well-used and absolutely essential, if at times inadequate, transport infrastructure for this region.

The key current issues for the area in addition to the inadequate infrastructure are economic decline, rural isolation, a poor quality built environment and a lack of inward investment to support new business development. There has been some limited expansion of tourism facilities in recent years but this has been hampered by the isolated geographical location, poor access infrastructure and a lack of good quality amenities to support the tourism offer. Despite this the area does have tremendous potential for further tourism development due to the spectacular natural environment and landscape along the coastal plain with the Western Lake District fells as a backdrop. In fact the LDNPA Core strategy clearly states about the area that

“There is an opportunity to develop sustainable tourism in the West area, which can diversify this area’s economy and that of the wider area. We will maximise the distinctiveness of the coastal location and rich cultural heritage” LDNPA Core Strategy 2010-2025

Sellafield Nuclear reprocessing plant is the main employer in the area with alternative employment largely in farming or farming-related involving both lowland and upland units.

Mid Copeland: The area of Mid Copeland is sandwiched between the mountains and the coast and largely populated with small villages and scattered hamlets. The majority of this locality is part of the Lake District National Park, which therefore has a significant impact upon development and growth. There are a number of very important nature conservation sites in this area which are recognised internationally; these include parts of the Drigg Coast, the Lake District High Fells and Wastwater.

Seascale on the coast provides the largest service centre, with further inland Gosforth, within the National Park, providing the other local centre for services.

Within the Parish of Muncaster lies the historic coastal village of Ravenglass recognised in its designation by the Lake District National Park Authority as a Conservation Area. Having been granted a Market Charter in 1208 by King John the Main Street still bears the shape of a medieval market place with pinch points to prevent the livestock from escaping. A few 100m from the village are the Scheduled monuments of the World Heritage Site of the Roman Fort and Bathhouse. They are part of Hadrian’s Wall WHS and are the North West start of the Frontiers of the which extend 5000 km through Europe, Asia Minor and Africa.

The area also has several well established tourist attractions, including the La’al Ratty (Ravenglass to Eskdale narrow gauge railway) and Muncaster Castle and as a result supports a Hotel alongside a range of good quality B&B businesses, a caravan park & campsite, several cafes and a popular fish restaurant.

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South Copeland: The South Copeland region is the most southerly part of West Cumbria, encompassing coastal areas with a backdrop of high mountains and Lake District fells. The main service town in the locality is Millom, which is separated from the Furness peninsula by the Duddon Estuary and is bounded to the west by the .

The area is sometimes perceived of as disadvantaged by its location off the main Cumbrian west coast (A595) which south of Sellafield is no longer a trunk road. In effect the road acts as a bypass diverting potential visitors away from these coastal communities and in the process affecting the economic development potential of the wider peninsula. The region is also disadvantaged in attracting visitors and inward investment as a result of the poor vehicular access along the A595 at the Duddon river crossing.

Bootle Village designated as a rural service centre by the LDNPA is a vibrant community with ambitious plans for development. These include the Wellbank Scheme which is an eco-housing development including a 40 bed hotel with spa and the Bootle 2020 initiative a neighbourhood Plan which encompasses a range of community regeneration projects focused on creating sustainable community and the elimination of fuel poverty using renewable energy.

Millom is the main town and service centre for the villages of , Silecroft, Bootle, The Green, The Hill, Kirksanton and a scattered rural population, providing employment and services for residents and visitors. Haverigg is the only sizeable village near to Millom and with its proximity to Millom is often treated as an extension of the town.

Millom has two nature reserves and the Duddon Estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), as well as having international designation as a Special Protection Area for nature conservation value. There is a designated Conservation Area in the town of Millom, and a number of Scheduled Ancient Monuments in the locality area, including the ruins of Millom Castle to the north of the town. The area benefits from its fine stretches of beach and sand dunes which have attracted visitors for generations and together with the freshwater lagoon at Hodbarrow hosts two caravan sites.

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The map also shows the area covered by the North Coast Team with whom the SMCCT will work in partnership wherever possible

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a. South and Mid Copeland - A Demographic Snapshot

Population and Communities

Seascale

Newtown

Millom w/o

Holborn Hill

Haverigg

Bootle

Copeland

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Female % Males %

Table 1: Resident Population on Census 2011 in South Copeland Communities

Source: 2011 Census, Office for National Statistics

Demographic Structure

65+ years

16-64 years

0-15 years Persons % per Age Group per Age Persons %

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Copeland Cumbria England &

Table 2: Resident Population on Census 2011 Source: 2011 Census, Office for National Statistics

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Table 3: Socio Economic Grouping

35.00%

30.00%

25.00%

20.00%

15.00%

10.00%

5.00%

0.00% AB C1 C2 DE

Socio Economic Grouping Copeland Socio Economic Grouping Cumbria Socio Economic Grouping England

Source: 2011 Census, Office for National Statistics

The socio economic grouping shows that a smaller proportion of the population in Copeland are

classified as occupationally active in managerial (AB) or supervisory positions (C1) than in both Cumbria and England. Skilled manual workers (C2) are higher than the national average, Cumbria being significantly higher than both. Those employed in semi and unskilled work together with those at the lowest level of subsistence is significantly higher at 31.81%, than Cumbria (28.68%) and England (25.49%).

Table 4: Education

Other

Level 4

Level 3

Apprenticeship

Level 2

Level 1

No Qualifications

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

Education England Education Cumbria Education Copeland

Source: 2011 Census, Office for National Statistics

Copeland has a higher proportion of people with no qualifications, 4.5% higher than the national average.

However those with Level 1 qualifications and Apprenticeships are also higher.

Level 4 qualifications is more than 6% lower than the national average, and 3.6% lower than Cumbria. Other qualifications for Copeland is lower in comparison to national & county percentages. P a g e | 25

Table 5: Benefits

16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% Copeland Cumbria England

Jobseekers Allowance (only) Incapacity Benefits (IB or ESA) Any Benefit (includes in work benefits)

Source: 2011 Census, Office for National Statistics

In Copeland the level of those on benefit is 15.8%, a higher proportion than Cumbria (+2.6%) and

England (+2.3%). Incapacity benefit is also higher than Cumbria and England, however Jobseekers are lower than the England and higher than Cumbria.

Health & Well Being

Copeland has a higher proportion of residents with bad or very bad health (6.8%) when compared to Cumbria: (6%) and England & Wales (5.6%), as seen in Table 6

Table 6: Census 2011: General Health 2011 Census: How is your health in general? General Health No. Persons % Persons Locality All people Very Good Fair Bad Very Bad Good Health Health Health Health England & Wales 56,075,912 47.1 34.1 13.2 4.3 1.3 Cumbria 499,858 45.0 34.6 14.4 4.7 1.3 Copeland 70,603 44.4 33.9 14.9 5.3 1.5 Allerdale 96,422 44.5 34.5 14.7 4.9 1.3 Barrow-in-Furness 69,087 42.8 33.1 15.8 6.6 1.8 Carlisle 107,524 45.2 34.9 14.0 4.6 1.3 Eden 52,564 46.1 35.8 13.7 3.6 0.9 103,658 46.8 35.1 13.6 3.6 1.0 Source: 2011 Census, Office for National Statistics

Sources of Research Information Cumbria Intelligence Observatory: www.cumbriaobservatory.org.uk/Census/2011census.asp. Cumbria Atlas - www.cumbriaobservatory.org.uk/Atlas/CumbriaAtlas.asp ONS Census 2011 homepage: www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/census/2011/index.html

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a. Context – The South and Mid Copeland Economy

Historically, the local economy has been developed around the shipping, coal mining, and iron ore mining, steel and chemical manufacturing and, for the last 60 years, around the nuclear industry. However apart from the nuclear industry, all the other major industrial activities have wound down to very low levels. Whilst employment in the nuclear industry has brought relative prosperity to many it has also introduced some fundamental weaknesses in to the economy.

Dependence on the nuclear industry has resulted in

• Reduced economic diversification: Consequentially, despite relatively low unemployment, in economic productivity terms the area performs significantly behind virtually all other UK sub-regional economies and is further characterised by low entrepreneurial behaviour and private sector financial investment, low business representation in the activities of a “knowledge economy” and in finance sectors, low retention of young people and generally low capacity for economic-renewal.

• Areas of localised deprivation co-exist alongside areas of relative affluence, essentially creating a two tier economy. Efforts by public sector agencies to regenerate these areas and tackle the underlying causes over the last decade have had little lasting effect, and the causes of this are complex and entrenched.

The nuclear industry is currently set to grow in even more influence with the anticipated building of new reactors at Moorside and the creation of over 5000 jobs locally and a 15 billion GPB investment to the region 2016-2026. This development is a once in a life time opportunity to use this investment as a catalyst to create new and improved infrastructure which not only supports the new build but also delivers a lasting legacy which improves the socio economic life of the surrounding community. However it is vital to understand (given past experience of “boom and bust” in the area relating to similar large scale developments in the 1980s) that without proactive economic planning and local authority intervention there is still the possibility that despite the great opportunity, the socio economic benefits for the area may not necessarily be realised.

Therefore whilst acknowledging the real economic benefits of such a huge investment this economic plan will focus on economic diversification.

The SCCCT recognises that whilst the energy and nuclear agenda is being driven by factors which are outside the scope and influence of the team, such a transformation still requires the integrated support of other sectors, in order to underpin the socio economic life of the region and encourage economic diversification. These sectors include construction, retail, Business and Financial services, arts and culture and the visitor economy.

The Opportunity for Diversification: the Visitor Economy.

The SCCCT agrees with the Cumbria Tourism Destination Management Plan and the Strategic Economic Plan of the Cumbria LEP 2014/15 that this economic opportunity, reinforces the need and urgency for significantly improved visitor infrastructure, whilst simultaneously sustaining the spectacular landscape which underpins the visitor economy in the first place. The lack of sufficient infrastructure and amenities are major factors in helping to explain why the Western Lake District’s although long identified as a tourist destination, is nevertheless regularly overlooked and under P a g e | 27

promoted in favour of the central Lake District “Honeypot” areas such as Bowness on Windermere and Keswick.

However it is evident that the proposed growth in the energy sectors will be a catalyst to stimulate growing demand and opportunities for businesses operating in the accommodation, food and drink sectors, linked to both the major investment in new nuclear build and decommissioning activity. With an increasing presence of multi-national firms operating from West Cumbria there will be a growing market for business visitors and associated expenditure. Additionally prevailing trends in terms of leisure expenditure on short breaks, coupled with the environmental quality of the coast and the inclusion of a large proportion of it within Lake District National Park should also contribute to the overall growth of the visitor economy.

For these reasons this plan has focused focus primarily on maximising the growth opportunity within the visitor economy and in particular on the development and delivery of new amenity and access infrastructure that encourages and support cycling tourism in particular.

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Large Projects which are adjacent to or integral to the life of the coastal communities within the plan NUGEN Nuclear Reactor based power station new build at Moorside bring 15 billion pounds of investment between 2020 and 2026 and creating 5000+ jobs.

North West Connections Project: delivering new electricity supply infrastructure with national significance through a route which takes it down the coast from Beckermet to the Duddon Estuary. £350 Million approx. investment and possibly some short term local jobs created. Wind Farms at Haverigg: awaiting development plans but already have planning permission. Decommissioning at Sellafield Limited committed for the foreseeable future with a £3.5 billion annual spend. Natural England’s Coastal Path: part of the national project but due to be open between Seascale and Millom in the coming year 2016. LDNPA World Heritage Site status Bid Dong Energy Walney Windfarm Extension is due to be built in the next few years and there is an economic benefit fund connected to the development of £165,000 per annum for coastal communities between Seascale and the Fylde coast in north west .

BAE Submarines Division ,Barrow In Furness are expanding manufacturing facilities to deliver the Trident submarines replacement = £1.5 billion investment in new facilities and creation of 1500 jobs Glaxo Smith Kline: Expansion of pharmaceuticals manufacturing plant in South lakes area is to bring 350 million of investment and create 300 new jobs. Fig 10: Related initiatives in the region which will influence the economy of the region

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Evidence to Support the Intentions of the Plan.

The need for new and improved tourism infrastructure

The Cumbria Tourism Destination Plan for Cumbria 2015, the Cumbria LEP Strategic Plan and The Copeland Growth Strategy 2016 all identify the need to improve the quality and range of visitor attractions, events and festivals and small scale tourism infrastructure in Copeland region. There is a strong sense within these plans that these any future capital investment must attract more visitors to stay for longer periods of time.

The economic benefit of cycling tourism from Sustrans modelling.

Sustrans has estimated the impact of cycle tourism using this model on a number of different locations. Key findings are:

• Cycle tourism represents a growing and valuable tourist market, particularly in rural areas, and can provide new incentives for people to visit an area and help support local trade and businesses3

• On average, home-based leisure users spend around £9.20 per day and tourists are estimated to spend around £22.90 per head each day. Therefore, despite overnight trips making up less than 1% of the overall volume, their economic contribution is approximately 20% of the total value of cycle tourism.

• The leisure sites that Sustrans have surveyed generate an average total leisure spend of £173,000 each year

• Long distance cycle routes, which are predominantly rural, can generate as much as £30 million per year to the local economy; enough to sustain over 600 full time equivalent jobs.

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The Economic Impact of Leisure and Tourism Cycling

Distance Cycle (of which Total Yearly Jobs Route Year (km) Trips end to end) Expenditure supported

C2C 2006 287 241,051 14,000 £10,700,000 173

Coast and castles 2006 151 68,000 8,100 £3,300,000 53

Hadrian's Cycleway 2006 234 160,242 7,500 £6,500,000 105

Pennine Cycleway 2006 184 39,182 2,100 £1,800,000 27

Celtic Trail 2008 734 940,000 - £32,500,000 601

Taff Trail 2008 97 400,000 - £14,000,000 259

Way of the Roses 2012 274 131,000 7,000 £3,000,000 60

Fig 11: The Economic Impact of Leisure and Tourism Cycling Summary.

Data about the wider benefits of cycling tourism on health and wellbeing.

There are other benefits of cycle tourism including improved cycling provision for local people, thereby encouraging utility cycling. This can help address transport poverty and enhance personal health and fitness.

This element of the plan is particularly important given that Copeland has the highest percentage of obese or overweight population in England according to Public Health England statistics. 68% of the population have a BMI higher than a healthy 25 (compared to a national average of 64.8%). The World Health Organisation’s HEAT tool attributes economic values to key health benefits based on increased levels of physical activity through walking and cycling. In addition to this, a healthier workforce brings economic benefits through increased productivity (through the reduction of absenteeism and presentism). Both utility and leisure cycling can therefore contribute economic benefits as a result through improved health. Moreover, cycling is a socially inclusive activity and appeals to many ages and demographics.

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Direct Job Creation as a Result of Cycling Tourism: In 2012 Sustrans’ Research and Monitoring Unit began an interim study into the level of jobs sustained by the construction of walking and cycling routes. Key findings were that: 12.7 jobs are supported or sustained for every £1 million of investment in sustainable transport infrastructure.

1.6 jobs (direct, indirect and induced) are supported or sustained for every km of route constructed.

The average cost per km of construction was £103,891. The average cost per scheme was £128,199 and there were on average 0.74 FTE jobs per km of path constructed.

Fig12: The Economic Impact in Respect of Direct Job Creation.

General tourism data from Cumbria Tourism 2015 survey

Average visitor spend per day has increased above the rate of inflation (based on year on year CPI figures) since 2012 so visitors are spending more in real terms in Copeland district than they did in 2012. When accommodation spend is taken into account the most ‘valuable’ visitor types are first time visitors, followed by overseas and staying visitors.

Staying visitors in Copeland contribute £32.91 per person per day on average into the local economy compared to £22.00 for day visitors. These figures are considerably less than the Cumbrian averages of £50.30 per day and £26.34 per day respectively.

It is the intention of the SCCCT to work towards a significant increase of the above figures over the first five years of this economic plan.

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What the Community said!

As well as doing consultation amongst the parishes, business and organisation we also carried out an online survey which received 137 written responses summarized below. Most encouraging was the number of people who has taken the time to write suggestions and ideas about the planned route and a sample is found below with a full transcript in Appendix 3.

Indication of community support

unsupportiveuncertain 2%0%

supportive uncertain

supportive unsupportive 98%

Anticipated method of usage

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0% CYCLE WALK/RUN HORSES

Anticipated method of usage

Anticipated frequency of usage

MONTHLY

WEEKLY

DAILY

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Anticipated frequency of usage

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Sample of comments

“It's a fantastic idea. There are campsites, shops and coffee shops locally which would get much more custom from cyclists if there was a safe and flatter route from Seascale southwards. At the moment there are too many places where you have to take your life in your hands on the A595 and it's really hilly. A flat route along the coastal plain would be fabulous - the countryside is gorgeous and lots of tracks are already in place; they just need upgrading and opening up to cyclists, wheelchairs etc not just walkers.”

“I believe it will make traveling between the communities along the route safer and should encourage more visitors from within and outside Cumbria and open up Business opportunities for cycles and horse riders “

"Contribute to development of tourism and encourage exercise and fitness”

"This is long overdue, the stretch of road between Millom and Sellafield is not cycle friendly in any way. This could help with the much needed boost to the local tourism economy. Hotels, pubs, shops, B&B, farms and town centres etc feeling the benefit”

“I think that it will open up the area more to tourism, mainly cycling and walking, and will give the local residents another option when looking to lead a more active lifestyle. My family would make good use of this route as it would provide easy access to grandparents without the need to go on the road, which is very dangerous.”

“Attract people to the Cumbria Coast not the centre of the Lake District….”

“Cycling has become very popular lately and has brought economic growth to many areas. The cycle to work scheme is widely used at Sellafield but commuting to and from is fraught with danger due to the road and the amount of traffic”

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4. Potential Barriers

• Potential lack of officer support (due to lack of funds) to coordinate and project manage the overall plan and facilitate the projects and drive forwards the fund raising activity. • Lack of funding to deliver the cycle route and other elements of the plan • Partners focus too much on being competitive rather than on collaborating • Obtaining land owners permissions for the cycle route may mean too much compromise on the preferred route. • Crossing the 3 river estuaries along the coastal route in order to avoid the A595 main road will be expensive and may make the preferred route untenable.

5. Resources Required to Deliver the Plan

The main resource requirement is the recruitment of a full time Project Development Manager to develop, and coordinate delivery of the various elements of the overall plan, attract and manage volunteers, communicate with partners and drive the funding applications.

5 years of funding =£250,000

6. Potential Funding Sources include the following funders

• Coastal Communities • Copeland Community Fund • Reaching Communities • Dong Community Benefit fund • Fells and Dales leader+ fund • Heritage Lottery Fund • FLAG • County Council Highways/transport funding • Regional Growth Fund via Cumbria LEP

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7. Communications

Future Consultations

The SCCCT plans to hold community based consultations once the preferred cycle route has been proposed and mapped out by Sustrans and landowners have been approached. The team would hope that this can be sorted out within the first 6 months of the project.

Plans to involve and inform partners and other bodies, including accountable body, CCA and DCLG.

Partners will be kept up to date by email on a monthly basis and also be invited to attend SCCCT meetings which will be held bi monthly at various locations up and down the coast.

• Twice a year there will be a joint conference with the Copeland Coast Northern team to ensure joined up working and coordination or resources. • People who signed up for the survey will get regular quarterly updates by email as the cycling project and any associated projects progress.

Communication with community

• We will keep people informed by use of community engagement days, Radio Cumbria, Around the Coombe Magazine, Tethera Magazine and social media Inc. Facebook and Twitter. We will also use the established media such as North West Evening Mail and Whitehaven News. • Also people that signed up to receive updates when they completed the online survey will be kept informed as part of a distribution group.

8. Support, structure and sustainability of SCCCT

The SCCCT is currently an unincorporated association with support from Copeland Borough Council who facilitate the meetings and provide the secretariat and accountable body required to function as a group. Whilst this may have the advantage of providing the group with some level of financial security, it lacks the independence and impartiality required to broker the best deals between partners who can make a difference to the coastal communities.

The resources available to the group are extremely limited. For the SCCCT to develop it must aim to stand on its own feet, and the first steps may require the establishment of a more formal governance arrangement, with its own terms of reference or constitution setting out how the SCCCT membership will be configured to represent the interests of the South and Mid Copeland coast, how often it will meet and, amongst other things, how it will be achieve accountability and transparency.

There are several options available to the SCCCT, including the creation of a company limited by guarantee, perhaps the most common option where a company could be registered with Companies House, have company directors but without shares or shareholders. This arrangement is a popular choice for not-for-profit organisations because any surplus generated will be re-invested back into the organisation. Its format also has the benefit of being familiar to banks, local authorities, grant bodies, accountants and to some extent the public. P a g e | 36

Should the SCCCT seek funding and contract work to deliver any of the projects and activities within this Plan, the company limited by guarantee could also own property and assets and can enter into contracts in its own name.

The purpose and aims of the CCT can be set out in the company’s articles of association which sets out the rules that govern the company. The CCT could also become a charitable company if it wishes, provided it has special charitable articles and is registered with the Charity Commission as well as Companies House.

Appendix

 Sustrans feasibility report for route 72 and full economic assessment (part completed)  Demographics details  Results of online community consultation survey in full  Cumbria Tourism Data/ Survey