Long Term Plan for Towns – Community Engagement Results
Introduction
The purpose of this stakeholder engagement analysis is to provide a comprehensive overview of the engagement activities conducted as part of the Long-Term Plan for Towns programme in Scarborough. This analysis aims to:
1. Outline the methods and activities used to engage with various stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability in the engagement process.
2. Summarise the feedback and input received from stakeholders, highlighting key themes, concerns, and suggestions that emerged during the engagement.
3. Demonstrate how stakeholder feedback has influenced the development of the Long-Term Plan for Towns, ensuring that the plan reflects the needs and priorities of the local community.
4. Ensure ongoing dialogue and collaboration with the community and stakeholders throughout the implementation phase, encouraging a sense of ownership and commitment to the plan's success.
By conducting this analysis, we aim to ensure that the Long-Term Plan for Towns is developed in a way that is inclusive, transparent, and aligned with the community's aspirations and needs.
Engagement Overview
Our objectives for the LTPT engagement are:
- Develop a shared vision for Scarborough that enhances quality of life, economic resilience, and connectivity.
- Facilitate inclusive engagement to capture diverse perspectives from the community.
- Identify and prioritise key projects across the themes of safety and security, high street heritage and regeneration, and transport and connectivity.
Engagement Phases:
The community engagement has been structured around three waves aimed to refine the community’s vision:
- Wave 1 - Visioning: Gathering initial ideas and visions for Scarborough’s future.
- Wave 2 - Prioritisation: Identifying and ranking key projects based on community feedback.
- Wave 3 - Sustained Dialogue: Ongoing engagement to ensure continued community involvement and feedback.
Stakeholder Identification
Key Stakeholder Groups:
- Town Board
- Local Government and Public Sector Bodies
- Business Community
- Educational Institutions and Youth
- Cultural and Heritage Organisations
- Community and Voluntary Sector
- Residents and Community Members
- Special Interest Groups
Community-led Engagement Work:
North Yorkshire Council, as the accountable body of the Long-Term Plan for Towns, organised and led the consultation process in partnership with local community organisations to ensure a comprehensive and community-led approach. To achieve this, some of the engagement work was delegated to the following organisations:
Coast and Vale Community Action (CavCA): Engaged with community and voluntary sectors, facilitating workshops and public forums.
ARCADE: Focused on cultural and heritage organisations, conducting visioning events and open workshops.
North Yorkshire Sport: Led engagement with younger residents through sport-related activities and workshops.
These organisations were chosen due to their established connections and credibility within different community segments, allowing them to effectively engage with diverse groups. This approach also made sure we adhered to the LTPT guidance, which emphasised the importance of community-led consultation.
Branding:
For the consultation, we utilised the established branding of the North Yorkshire Council's "Let's Talk" consultation brand, ensuring a cohesive and recognisable identity across all engagement activities. This was done in partnership with the "This is Scarborough" branding, which helped to reinforce the local connection and relevance of the initiative. By combining these two well-known brands, we aimed to build trust and encourage participation, making it clear that this consultation was a collaborative effort focused on Scarborough's future.
Engagement Activities
Wave 1: Visioning
W1 Objective: To gather a broad range of visions for Scarborough’s future, focusing on inclusivity and diversity of thought.
Activities:
|
Event Name |
Location |
Date |
Type of Event |
Target Audience |
Organiser/Host |
Attendance |
|
North Yorkshire Sport FEAST activities |
Eastfield, Barrowcliff |
Monday, April 1, 2024 |
Visioning Workshop - invite only |
Children receiving free School meals aged 8-16 |
North Yorkshire Sport |
13 |
|
North Yorkshire Sport FEAST activities |
Eastfield, Barrowcliff |
Monday, April 1, 2024 |
Visioning Workshop - invite only |
Children receiving free School meals aged 8-16 |
North Yorkshire Sport |
13 |
|
Professionals Strategy Session |
Scarborough Town Hall Council Chamber |
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 |
Visioning Workshop - invite only |
Public Sector |
NYC |
22 |
|
Transport Strategy Engagement Session |
TEAMS |
Thursday, April 18, 2024 |
Visioning Workshop - invite only |
NYC Transport Team |
NYC |
5 |
|
Scarborough Streets |
Town Centre |
Saturday, May 4, 2024 |
Visioning Event - Open Event |
General Public |
NYC |
120 |
|
Scarborough Streets |
Town Centre |
Monday, May 6, 2024 |
Visioning Event - Open Event |
General Public |
NYC |
83 |
|
Interactive Survey |
Online |
Monday, May 6, 2024 |
Visioning - Open |
General Public |
NYC |
935 |
|
Eastfield Residents, PACT |
Eastfield |
Thursday, May 9, 2024 |
Visioning Workshop - Open Event |
Eastfield Residents |
NYC |
15 |
|
ACC Meeting |
Online |
Friday, May 10, 2024 |
Visioning |
Ward Members |
NYC |
5 |
|
Highstreet, Heritage and Regeneration - Thematic Group N1 |
Cabinet Room, Town Hall |
Friday, May 10, 2024 |
Visioning, Scope out potential projects |
Town Deal Board Members, Internal NYC Lead Officers, selected external partners |
NYC |
5 |
|
Safety and Security - Thematic Group N1 |
Cabinet Room, Town Hall |
Friday, May 10, 2024 |
Visioning, Scope out potential projects |
Town Deal Board Members, Internal NYC Lead Officers, selected external partners |
NYC |
6 |
|
Transport and Connectivity Thematic Group N1 |
Cabinet Room, Town Hall |
Friday, May 10, 2024 |
Visioning, Scope out potential projects |
Town Deal Board Members, Internal NYC Lead Officers, selected external partners |
NYC |
5 |
|
Business Breakfast |
Scarborough Rugby Club |
Monday, May 13, 2024 |
Invite only - Visioning |
Scarborough Businesses |
Scarborough Business Partnership /NYC |
10 |
|
Gallows Close Community Centre - Free Cafe Sessions |
Gallows Close Community Centre |
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 |
Open event Visioning |
Barrowcliff Residents |
NYC |
12 |
|
Open Workshops 'World Café' |
The Street |
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 |
Open Event - Visioning |
Community and Voluntary Sector |
CAVCA |
363 |
|
Open Workshops 'World Café' |
The Street |
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 |
Open Event - Visioning |
Community and Voluntary Sector |
CAVCA |
|
|
Open Workshops 'World Café' |
The Street |
Thursday, May 16, 2024 |
Open Event |
Community and Voluntary Sector |
CAVCA |
|
|
Arts, Cultural and heritage Organisations/Individuals |
Woodend |
Monday, May 20, 2024 |
Open Event - Visioning |
Cultural Organisations in Scarborough |
Arcade |
|
|
Community Conversations |
Town Hall |
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 |
Outreach sessions - Visioning |
Wider Public |
CAVCA |
35 |
|
Scarborough 6th form Criminology Course |
Scarborough 6th Form |
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 |
Visioning Workshop - invite only |
Scarborough 6th Form College |
NYC / Scar 6th |
34 |
|
Professionals Strategy Session N2 |
Online |
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 |
Prioritisation - Invite only |
Internal NYC Officers |
NYC |
15 |
|
Castle Ward Community Event |
The Rainbow Centre |
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 |
Open Event - Visioning |
Castle Ward Residents and Eastern European Community |
NYC |
12 |
|
Community Conversations |
CU Scarborough |
Friday, May 24, 2024 |
Outreach sessions - Visioning |
Wider Public |
CAVCA |
Included in the 363 |
|
Open visioning event |
Market Hall |
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 |
Visioning Event - Open Event |
General Public |
NYC |
33 |
Online Survey:
 |
Overview:
As part of the stakeholder engagement process, an online survey (interactive mapping) was conducted to gather input from a wide range of community members.
The map function on Commonplace consultation website allowed users to interact with a map of Scarborough to provide feedback on specific locations. Users could drop pins, leave comments, and suggest improvements or concerns about particular areas. This feature helped gather localised input from the community, making it easier to visualise and address specific issues within a geographical context.
The survey was designed to be accessible and inclusive, allowing residents to share their thoughts and feedback on various aspects of the Long-Term Plan for Towns.
Objectives:
o Capture a broad spectrum of opinions and ideas from the community.
o Provide a convenient platform for stakeholders who could not attend in-person events.
o Ensure the engagement process reached a diverse demographic.
Methodology:
o The survey was promoted through multiple channels, including social media, email newsletters, and community events.
Responses and Engagement:
o Total responses received: 935
o Agreements (reacting to someone else’s response): 633
o NYC website page views: 879
o Commonplace site visitors: 2,757
Wave 2: Prioritisation
W2 Objective: To identify and prioritise short, medium, and long-term projects that align with the community's vision as set out in Wave 1 and the strategic themes of safety and security, high street heritage and regeneration, and transport and connectivity.
Wave 2 activities:
|
Event Name |
Location |
Date |
Type of Event |
Target Audience |
Organiser/Host |
|
Safety and Security - Thematic Group N2 |
Cabinet Room, Town Hall |
Friday, June 7, 2024 |
Prioritisation - Invite only |
Town Board Members, Internal NYC Lead Officers, selected external partners |
NYC |
|
Highstreet, Heritage and Regeneration - Thematic Group N2 |
CU Scarborough |
Friday, June 7, 2024 |
Prioritisation - Invite only |
Town Board Members, Internal NYC Lead Officers, selected external partners |
NYC |
|
Transport and Connectivity Thematic Group N2 |
TEAMS |
Friday, June 7, 2024 |
Prioritisation - Invite only |
Town Board Members, Internal NYC Lead Officers, selected external partners |
NYC |
|
Scarborough Town Board Meeting |
Scarborough Rugby Club |
Monday, June 17, 2024 |
Prioritisation - Invite only |
STB |
STB/NYC |
Wave 3: Sustained Dialogue
W3 Objective: To ensure ongoing engagement with the community through continuous updates, feedback collection, and community-led initiatives.
Community Appreciation:
The community has expressed strong appreciation for the efforts made to reach out to them where they live and work. They valued the open dialogue on the consultation and felt genuinely involved in the process. This inclusive approach will be continued through the projects that emerge from this consultation. The ability to check the online calendar for upcoming events and engagement opportunities was particularly well-received, and we would recommend maintaining this level of accessibility and transparency going forward.
Ongoing Engagement Methods:
Continuous Updates: Regular updates on the project's progress will be shared via the North Yorkshire Council (NYC) website and social media platforms to keep the community informed.
Feedback Collection: Continued community consultations and workshops will be conducted to gather feedback and ensure transparency throughout the project implementation phase.
Community-led Initiatives: Supporting community-led initiatives to encourage a sense of ownership and involvement in the projects.
Online Calendar: The community appreciated the ability to look online and see an updated calendar of upcoming events. This will be maintained to ensure that residents can easily find and participate in future engagement activities.
Stakeholder Feedback and Engagement analysis
Summary of Key Feedback Themes:
Below is a summary of the main themes and insights from the community stakeholder feedback.
1. Improving the Town Centre:
Residents expressed a strong desire for a cleaner, more attractive town centre. Specific concerns included the pervasive mess caused by seagulls and general grime that detracts from the town centres appeal. Enhancing the appearance of shop fronts was also highlighted as a priority to improve the visual aesthetics of the town.
LTPT alignment: A cleaner town centre can attract more visitors and businesses, boosting local commerce and improving the overall living environment.
2. Public Transportation Needs:
There is a significant demand for more frequent bus services, particularly for teenagers and the elderly in areas like Sandy Bed and Barrowcliff. Residents highlighted that current transportation options are inadequate, making it difficult for these groups to access the town centre for work, leisure, and other activities – often having to rely on taxis, which is not sustainable.
LTPT alignment: This feedback supports the objective to improve connectivity, ensuring that all residents have access to essential services and opportunities, thereby enhancing economic resilience and quality of life.
3. Balancing Resident and Tourist Needs:
Residents raised concerns about the balance between their needs and those of tourists. There is a call for more affordable and free activities for children and families, such as fountains and paddling pools that allow for easy supervision. This feedback highlights the need for amenities that serve both residents and visitors, ensuring that locals feel valued and their needs are met.
LTPT alignment: with supporting inclusive engagement by addressing the needs of both residents and tourists, promoting a sense of community, and making the town attractive for all.
4. Public Space Enhancements:
The community expressed a strong desire for more public spaces, including a town square, fountains, and seating areas that encourage socialising and relaxation. Residents feel that these enhancements would create inviting areas where people can gather and interact.
A significant number of residents requested the addition of more public toilets, particularly in busy areas like the town centre and parks. They feel that accessible and clean public toilets are essential for them to consider town centre visits with the wider family, as well as increasing dwell time individually.
LTPT alignment: By enhancing town centre amenities we can improve the quality of life by providing inviting areas for community interaction, supporting mental well-being, and creating a vibrant, cohesive community.
5. Youth Provision:
There is a strong desire for youth-led provisions and social spaces within the town centre to better cater to the needs of younger residents. Such spaces would assist in addressing youth anti-social behaviour through positive community initiatives.
LTPT alignment: Supports inclusive engagement by addressing the specific needs of younger residents, promoting youth involvement and reducing anti-social behaviour.
6. Addressing Anti-Social Behaviour:
Residents are concerned about anti-social behaviour in the town centre, particularly issues related to alcohol and substance abuse. There is a call for measures to reduce these behaviours and provide supportive services for vulnerable individuals.
LTPT alignment: with improving safety and security, enhancing the overall quality of life, and making the town centre a safer environment for all.
Next Steps
The key messages and feedback identified through the LTPT consultation has been able to inform The Scarborough Town Board when identifying interventions for delivery. We will aim to maintain the same level of continuous engagement to ensure ongoing communication with stakeholders and feedback throughout implementation of the Long-Term Plan for Scarborough as outlined in Wave 3.
Appendices
Final reports from individual organisations will be available in their final format in due course.