SWOT Feedback 2016-19
SWOT Feedback 2016-19
Here are some of the ideas that have been suggested by members of the Lyn Valley community for the 2016 Economic Plan, and the 2019 Public Survey.
Strengths
Loyal visitors – high repeat business |
Great produce, food & drink etc. |
Free on-street parking offers ‘welcome’ |
Unspoilt |
Quiet peaceful – no mobile service |
Great individual shops in Lynton |
Incredible walking area |
Vast local knowledge |
Tourist Information Centre |
Growth in healthy lifestyle activity-based holidays |
Get away – escape |
Farmers Market |
The asset of the historic Lynmouth Pavilion |
Weaknesses
Attractions closed in winter e.g. National Trust, Cliff Railway |
Lack of information on events for visitors, locally and wider area e.g. TIC board outside – events this week |
Lack of things for families to do in wet weather The quality of the high street offering in Lynmouth |
Perception that nothing is open |
Negative attitude of Met Office |
Cliff Railway closes |
Lack of mobility between Lynton and Lynmouth in the evening |
Facilities for disabled visitors |
Not enough signs directing to Lynton and Lynmouth |
Trade association not active enough |
Shabby buildings |
Weeds in roadways and paths |
Dog mess |
Improving highway priorities at Blackmoor Gate |
Weather and lack of indoor stuff |
Lack of things to do for younger people |
No tourism in the Winter months |
No advertising in the UK or abroad |
Lack of professionalism in local restaurants |
Lack of funding |
Lack of advertising |
Lack of support from North Devon Council NNDC |
Opening times |
Short season |
Seasonal employent |
Poor signage |
Opportunities
National TV advertising |
Create new attractions indoor and outdoor – a ‘cross the gorge’ cable ride, adventure ride – hang on tight! Swimming pool / spa |
Employ a marketing manager for 2/3 years |
Promote the area to coach parties – tell coach drivers there is easy, spacious parking in Lynton |
Create a beautiful children’s playground |
Get more local websites to promote the area |
Build a Bandstand on the Manor |
Encourage film making, make a TV series here |
The school should be involved more in festivals etc. |
Heritage railway on our doorstep |
Park and ride from Blackmoor Gate by steam train |
Increase 2hr on road parking to 4hr and develop field by cemetery |
Bottom Meadow multi-storey car park? 500 spaces |
There are 50+ hotels – opportunity for a wholesaler or supermarket |
More indoor activities for the future – weather… |
Indoor children’s play / entertainment area |
Links to outdoor groups – mountain bikers, Ramblers Association, Horse riders |
Fishing trips |
Use our history |
Sand on the beach |
Locally produced products – craft centre, candles, sheepskin shop, farmers market |
Exmoor food brand |
Turf maze on The Manor |
Change colour of Lynmouth Bridges – first impressions of rust stained white not attractive |
Promote as a cycling venue |
Big wheel ‘Lynton Eye’ |
Stop closing flood museum in winter |
Greater festival event programme |
Create ‘attraction’ at end of esplanade to link to 2000+ step path to Hollerday summit |
Lighthouse type structure, helter-skelter / fun park at esplanade |
Re-open seawater pool |
Take control and promote the Lynton / Lynmouth brand |
Enter National Park at Blackmoor Gate by steam railway |
Proper big signs for National Park |
Active trade association |
Sculptures – overland launch? Renew weir posts as something mad? |
Park & ride – Valley of Rocks to Blue Ball |
Weir at Lynmouth to create still water at low tide for play |
Paddle board franchise? |
Manor Green development |
West Lyn parking and cable car links to Lynton and Lynmouth |
Butcher, Baker, proper Deli |
Railway on our doorstep |
Better mobile phone signal |
Redesign Blackmoor Gate – uncover railway bridge as feature – roundabout – Gateway to Exmoor |
Greater use of the esplanade (car boot, parking etc.) |
Family Activities |
Festivals and Concerts |
Park and Ride |
More events |
Reduce rents on shops |
Indoor swimming pool |
Regain ownership of car parks |
Longer trading hours after 4pm |
More to do in the winter |
Hostel |
Outdoor Activities Centre |
Working together |
Sunday bus to Barnstaple |
More walking tours |
More promotion of local tourist venues |
Improve Manor grounds |
Climbing wall |
Skateboard Area |
Archery |
Improvements to parking |
Encourage outdoor pursuits |
Run the 300 Bus service all year round |
Extention of Railway |
Make Lynton & Lynmouth more up-market |
More TV programs |
National advertising |
More arts and crafts activities |
More seating around harbour, river and beach |
One body to represent all Lynton & Lynmouth interests |
Working more closely with Visit Exmoor |
Get the message out there |
Shuttle bus between Lynton & Lynmouth when the railway is closed |
Working more closely with the National Trust |
More publicity of the scenery |
Threats
Negative attitude of Met Office – 10 years rain?! |
Business Rates |
ENPA attitude to signage |
Road closures and road works in season |
Prolonged economic downturn |
ENPA would rather have affordable houses than investment for job creation |
Weather and lack of indoor stuff |
Inability to respond to changing visitor requirements through Planning constraints e.g. ‘glamping’ |
Too much concentration on attracting first time visitors. Not enough on delighting then to come back! |
Slow Broadband |
Planning restrictions on necessary improvements in guest facilities (e.g. double glazing in listed building) |
double glazing in listed building) |
High parking charges |
Lack of things to do for younger people |
Poor public transport |
No tourism in the Winter months |
Loss of EU grants and funding |
Sporadic opening hours of shops and places to eat & drink |
High business rates |
VAT threshold |
Poor signage |
Brexit uncertainty |
OTA Bookings (Booking.com) |
Too many shops selling low quality items |