francene--blog. Year 2013
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August 5th

8/5/2013

 
A sink-hole of economy swirls vulnerable people together to dance with defeat. Former British seaside towns continue to slide into poverty while people are flying overseas for their yearly break.

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The Centre for Social Justice, set up by the Work and Pensions Secretary, said some towns were suffering severe social breakdown as they become dumping grounds for people at risk such as children in care and ex-offenders. This puts a black mark on the desirability of such areas and so perpetuates the cycle. They studied five coastal towns in England and Wales—Rhyl in north Wales, Margate in Kent, Clacton-on-Sea in Essex, Blackpool in Lancashire and Great Yarmouth in Norfolk. Whilst each town has its own particular problems, a recurring theme had been that of poverty attracting poverty.

On key measures of poverty, some resorts now had problems as severe as deprived inner-city areas. Living standards in these and other coastal towns had declined beyond recognition and locals were now bearing the brunt of social breakdown.


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In the Victorian era, the seaside towns were popular places to take the sea air. Then, the advent of cheaper foreign travel in the 1970s caused a downturn for local retreats. This led in to a depleted economy, a low skills base and high levels of family breakdown.

Now, old faded guest houses have been turned into bedsits, offering an abundance of cheap accommodation. This attracts people living on low incomes and welfare claimants, as well as less economically-active people such as single-parent families, pensioners, pregnant teenagers, single parents, and the out-of-work. Coastal towns are now veritable dumping grounds for people with substance abuse problems, those with mental health issues, and ex-offenders.


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Nowadays, Clacton-on-Sea is the largest town on the Tendring Peninsula. Founded in 1871, the seaside resort still attracts many visitors. The seafront gardens provide a backdrop for miles of golden sandy beaches and the town's pier, offering a sample of its former golden days of fun.  When I visited with my husband in the late 1980's, the fun-rides, kiss-me-quick post cards, rock candy and fairy floss left me wondering what had captivated earlier holiday-makers.

Saddened by the further decline of places like Clacton-on-Sea, I ponder on what will happen in the future. Like draws like, and predators feed on the resulting hopelessness. I can't help thinking that children raised in this ailing environment don't stand a chance of escape.

My divorced mother raised three girls on a meager income. In the 1940's, we had no luxuries or entertainment, yet I never felt poor. My mother had high expectations, and passed them on to my sisters and me.

Everybody has a story. Did you rise above a humble background?


Sophie Bowns link
8/4/2013 09:40:01 pm

Thank you for sharing such an interesting tale Francene. I'd say that I have been fairly lucky.
Is Clacton-on-Sea similar to the likes of 'Blackpool'? Unfortunately, places like that are becoming run down!

Francene Stanley link
8/5/2013 03:19:49 am

The places are similar, although Blackpool is bigger. What a bad state of affairs.

Courtney @ What's up With the Wilhelms link
8/4/2013 10:36:55 pm

Thank you for sharing this story with us :)

Francene Stanley link
8/5/2013 03:25:54 am

My pleasure.

Deanna link
8/4/2013 10:46:39 pm

I loved Clacton as a child. We used to go several times in a summer, and spend the entire day. This post has saddened me, however, I suspect that time marches forward everywhere.

Francene Stanley link
8/5/2013 03:22:10 am

The times--they are a'changing. But are we marching forward?

Amy link
8/4/2013 11:46:32 pm

Aww, this is so sad. I always imagine (being in a land-locked area of the U.S.) the seaside as being a place of vision and delights unending. So sad that it has become such a dumping ground in this area.

Francene Stanley link
8/5/2013 03:23:15 am

I'm sure the sea itself is just as wonderful. It's only the behavior of people that changes.

Cher link
8/4/2013 11:52:46 pm

Aww how sad! I love reading your blog, Francene, I learn so much, Have to say I don't follow the news or watch much TV so you get me catching up on events, it seems even the most beautiful beaches have become dumping grounds, while I was in Greece it was down to yachts etc, who stooped over and left their rubbish - no respect or conscience! :( I still have a fondness for the British coast :)

Francene Stanley link
8/5/2013 03:25:22 am

It seems nobody respects the ocean's wonder. Sad to hear about the Greek yachts. The British coast has such diversity--like the coastline of Cornwall, where all my books are centered.


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    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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