WHITBY'S MP Robert Goodwill has welcomed a new action plan to reinvigorate Britain's coastal towns, including Whitby.

The plan called No Longer the End of the Line outlines how the Conservatives want to end the "sidelining" of seaside towns which they say has happened under the current Government.

Mr Goodwill said most coastal towns across Britain have fewer people in jobs, higher levels of benefit claimants, more people in poor health and worse transport links than their inland counterparts.

He said: "Labour ministers in Whitehall have ignored and marginalised our coastal towns like Scarborough and Whitby.

"This must change.

"This action plan shows how Conservatives will reinvigorate our coastal towns so that they are not just places for a great day out but are also successful and attractive places to live and work."

Issues considered to be problematic in coastal towns will be tackled if the new plan comes into action.

The police and local councils will be given the powers to restrict the large number of late licenses and tackle alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour.

Also highlighted is the proposal to introduce tax breaks for local firms, including local business rate discounts, lower corporation tax on small firms and waiving National Insurance on new firms in a bid to create more jobs in coastal areas.

The blueprint also includes allowing privately owned historic seaside attractions such as piers or theatres to apply for Lottery funding.

The Tories say it would also see the cancellation of Labour's council tax revaluation, which would slap higher council tax for having sea views and to create a community right to buy which would allow local groups to take over and save threatened community assets and buildings.

No Longer the End of the Line was published last month.

26 January 2010
Source: Whitby Gazette