Great Yarmouth Borough Council lays out priorities after approving new Corporate Plan

The plan - which makes cleaner, tidier streets a particular focus - is designed to provide a strategic vision and priorities for the council over the next five years.

Councillor Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: ''A lot of detailed work has been carried out to draw up the plan. It will ensure we remain focused on the issues which are most important to our residents - particularly during a time of ever-increasing financial uncertainty.

''Crucially, we know our residents see clean streets and a quality, welcoming environment as a very important issue and we have made this a key priority in the new plan. We will be working hard to make improvements we all want to see in the borough.''

Key stakeholders provided input and a public consultation formed part of the process to draw up the plan and the feedback has been incorporated into the final version. It also takes into account new Government policies and guidance.

There are four key priorities in the new Corporate Plan:

·       A strong and growing economy in which the council will play an active role in creating the right conditions for local businesses to thrive and take advantage of new technologies. The borough's offshore energy industries will continue to grow and more local people will benefit from a vibrant job market with young people aspiring to access quality jobs. The tourism industry will continue to evolve, creating a year-round visitor economy which generates better-paid jobs in the hospitality sector and contributes to a quality environment. A culture and heritage offer that is strong and unique, with enhancements made to signage, streetscapes and the setting of key buildings and locations.

·       Improved housing and strong communities, where access to a good-quality home to rent or buy plays a fundamental part in people's quality of life. The council will focus on improving the range and standard of housing in the borough and people having access to facilities and services to improve physical and mental wellbeing and be able to lead healthier, more active lifestyles. GYBC wants to support communities to be self-sufficient and to be able to do more to help themselves and fellow residents. The aim is to have a borough with vibrant, sustainable and self-reliant communities.

·       A quality and sustainable environment where communities are clean and attractive. The council recognises the value of its physical and built environment and the particular importance of the coastline, the relationship with the Broads National Park and particular challenges associated with future climate change. Great Yarmouth will be a place where sustainability is at the heart of work but, most importantly, where people take pride in clean and attractive environments. The council will lead by example with other stakeholders and businesses to promote clean streets and drive a campaign that promotes pride in place.

·       An efficient and effective council that has ambition, clear direction, is operationally sound and which provides good value for money for residents. Customers will receive a responsive service, and the council will continue to invest in digital technology to improve the way in which it interacts with residents. And, as a democratic organisation, it will be transparent and accountable in decision making.

Councillor Smith said: ''We have delivered across our priorities for the past five years - particularly with the success in securing inward investment for major property, infrastructure and public realm projects.

''This new Corporate Plan gives us renewed focus on continuing to drive improvements and target the issues which matter most to our residents.''