Economic Plan

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