Over recent years much work has been done in attempts to address the social, environmental and economic problems of living in the rural community of Lynton and
Lynmouth.
A Community Appraisal was undertaken and when completed provided a clear insight of needs and desires of the people of Lynton and Lynmouth. Its conclusions were:-
It is felt that in order for community projects to be sustainable, they should be run by the community for the community. A Development Trust is a not for profit limited company which is run by local people for the good of local projects. The Trust will be able to provide services over and above those currently provided by the statutory authorities. It will be able to access additional funding sources and will provide a real local emphasis to the development of projects in the Lyn area because of the fact that it will be managed locally. The Trust will also inherit management of the following package of projects and will run them to ensure maximum community benefit.
It is anticipated that the Trust will be established in February or March of 1999, when the legal work is completed. At present, nominations from local organisations are being sought to make up the management board of the Trust. For local people this is a real opportunity to influence the future of their community and help to make a change for the better.
Lynton Town Hall is a Grade II* listed building which is in desperate need of renovation. It is also an important focal point for the community, a place where local events are held and that tourists flock to see. The costs for renovation of the Town Hall are so large that it is not possible for the Town and District Councils to foot the bill. The building also runs at a loss each year and therefore needs to find alternative uses in order to make any renovation sustainable. To this end it is proposed that the upstairs of the Hall is converted into a Heritage/Interpretation Centre and downstairs would play host to the Town Council and Tourist Information Centre, but with more space than they presently have so enabling them to maximise their potential.
The Heritage/Interpretation Centre would charge an entrance fee so generating income for the upkeep of the building. It will also increase the number of visitors to Lynton and Lynmouth and provide a much needed all weather tourist facility.
Adjacent to the Town Hall lies Lynton Methodist Church. The building is currently unused and is up for sale. It is also Grade II* listed and in need of some repair, but is generally a structurally sound and attractive building with much potential.
The proposal is to purchase the Church, renovate it and use it as a replacement facility for community events that were previously held in the Town Hall. The Methodist Church could house cinema, theatre, function hall, meeting room, theatre workshop and dressing rooms. The Hall would be easily accessible for the disabled and has a large capacity for holding events. As well as replacing a community facility this proposal will also ensure the future safety of the Church and improve the environment surrounding the Town Hall. It is also considered to be the most sympathetic use for the Church building requiring the minimum of structural work.
The Market Hall in Lynton has become an unsightly inclusion to the town and is in desperate need of quite serious repair work. Many uses for the building have been considered, some of which did not prove viable or were unable to release the funding with which the building will be repaired and fitted out.
The proposal for the Market now consists of combining the Town Library and a Telecentre to create a lifelong learning centre with something for all age ranges within the community. The location of the Hall is such that it is well served by car parks, a short (although quite steep) walk from the shops and opposite the school. Its proximity to the school opens up opportunities for school children to use the facility and the mix of Library and Telecentre will allow the community to acquire skills and knowledge that are relevant throughout their lives. Several funding Agencies have noted the merit of this project and have pledged their support. Final decisions are at present being awaited and when received it will be possible to save the Market Hall and improve the aesthetics of that part of town.
The proposed relocation of the Library has been unpopular with some members of the community on the grounds that it will be more difficult to access than the present site. For others, access to the facility will be improved by a relocation and should the project proceed every effort will be made to ensure that those with mobility problems are not over-looked.
A priority for the area has been the provision of sports facilities. The Old School House is the most likely site for any development and it will be a task for the Lyn Community Development Trust to assess feasibility.
The project comprises the renovation and improvement of the sites of the Lynmouth Pavilion, the adjacent lime kilns and the Lower Station of the Cliff Railway to create an integrated all weather cultural, educational and interpretative facility accessible to all and focused on the Story of Water which has been instrumental in shaping all aspects of the life of the community of Lynmouth. As well as safeguarding the future of these important heritage assets, the project will be instrumental in generating additional revenue for the Development Trust to help further secure the wider economic regeneration of the twin communities of Lynton and Lynmouth.
Once established Lyn Community Development Trust will seek funding to facilitate these projects, if agreed, and will work on behalf of the community to solve local problems and realise priorities. The main aim of the Trust and all of these proposed projects is to make a positive impact on the Lyn Community through the empowerment of local people to meet local needs. The support of the community is the vital ingredient to all of the proposed projects and any positive suggestions or help that can be offered will be welcomed by the Trust.
The attached plans indicate the juxtaposition of the buildings considered with all other listed buildings in Lynton and Lynmouth and the internal spaces suggested as being available for the specific uses.