Norfolk coast benefits from caravan park fund raising
Chancellor George Osborne‘s autumn statement was made on Wednesday, in which £7 million was pledged for refurbishing the coast of Norfolk.
The town of Lynn in West Norfolk, which was among those hit by tidal surges last year, will receive a boost in funds to reinforce flood barriers. This is one of twelve projects across North West Norfolk which will receive shares in a £2.3 billion programme of flood defence works. However, around £3.5 million needs to be raised locally in order to meet the refurbishment costs.
And that’s where the friendly neighbourhood caravan parks come in. Earlier this year, landowners and caravan park operators kicked off a community interest company to manage fund raising, and these efforts are set to become part of a national model for similar projects.
West Norfolk Council deputy leader, Brian Long, shared his thoughts on the caravan parks’ efforts, telling Lynn News: “I think it is a model that is being looked at nationally to deliver schemes that wouldn’t normally qualify for any funding.” He added that security would be provided in case the group fails to raise the required funds.
Other areas in Norfolk set to receive funding include Tilney-cum-Islington, Stow Fen and South Creake. Some work is already being undertaken with government funding, but we’ll just have to wait and see how big a role caravan parks play in the projects being completed. Could these unassuming parks be the next revolution in crowdfunding? Move over Kickstarter, Caravanstarter’s coming to town!
