Councillor philosophical about loss of funding

A locally-based District Councillor has expressed his disappointment at the news of a setback for plans involving a major component of a regeneration project for Exmouth while maintaining that enthusiasm for the venture remains undiminished.

East Devon District Councillor Ray Franklin: disappointed but still hopeful for Exmouth visitor centre.

Funding to the tune of nearly £3 million had been earmarked by the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) to assist with the capital costs of building in partnership with ASDA a visitor centre on the Exe at Exmouth.

In a letter to East Devon District Council, the area director of SWRDA says the agency has had to “re-evaluate its spending plans due to a progressive reduction in our budget as the Government meets other priorities.”

Responding to news of the removal of this part of the funding, Councillor Ray Franklin, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder Strategic Planning and Regeneration, said: “We understand completely the difficult position our partners at SWRDA face. We are living in an economic downturn and we cannot expect to be immune from pressures on funding that are happening not just in East Devon but frankly all over the world.”

Councillor Franklin, who lives on Dalditch Lane in Knowle continued: “Here in East Devon we have a challenge to deliver something really special for our special place and this setback will not diminish our enthusiasm for continuing with regeneration work in both these towns. We will have to be even more creative with the funding options open to us from the private sector and other cash sources. The visitor centres are part of our strategy for improving the tourism offering for both towns and they must be supported enthusiastically and energetically.”

The message from EDDC Members was: “This is disappointing, but we are still determined to ensure that these projects are delivered and other funding avenues are being pursued”.

View of the estuary side of the development. The viewing gallery of the visitor centre follows the curve of the Exe. Picture credit: http://www.asdadevelopments.co.uk/

The Exmouth visitor centre, along with a similar project at Seaton, was a major component of regeneration projects for the two seaside resorts, and was part of the Jurassic Coast Framework Programme, a joint initiative with Dorset to celebrate the unique attraction of the World Heritage Coast. Lyme Regis is also set to lose £1 million.