Hunstanton advisory board plan branded 'election propaganda' as talks arranged
Talks will take place later this month on plans to set up a new advisory board to help shape the future of Hunstanton.
Borough council chiefs revealed plans to establish the body in January and an initial discussion is now set to take place on March 22.
But a senior opposition figure has accused the ruling Conservative administration of engaging in “election-driven propaganda”.
Officials hope the body, which is based on the Town Deal Board overseeing projects in Lynn, will bring together businesses, community groups and residents plus political leaders.
A borough council statement, released today, said it was envisaged the new Hunstanton group would develop an investment plan for future funding bids.
Deputy leader Graham Middleton said: “We need to create a shared vision for Hunstanton and be clear about how this advisory board will benefit the community.
“We need to consider what responsibilities the advisory board will have and who is best placed to represent the people of Hunstanton on it.
“This advisory board will be for Hunstanton so importantly at this stage, we want Hunstanton to own those decisions.”
But independent councillor Jim Moriarty claimed the administration was raising expectations without any real prospect of new funding.
He said there were “serious concerns” about scrutiny of the Lynn town deal board and questioned the level of debate within the council about the idea.
He added: “How about they invest in the services the public of the area will actually benefit from, rather than election-driven propaganda paid for by our taxes?”
Anyone interested in taking part in the session should email Chief.ExecutiveandLeaderPA@West-Norfolk.gov.uk for more details.