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.
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.
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.
www.oldphotos.com 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.
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.
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?
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?
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