Whitby Community Network – Campaigning on the problems facing Whitby and District

Whitby Community Network is a residents group concerned about the direction the development of Whitby and its surrounding villages is heading, and to put residents of all of those parishes first. We campaign on various issues, from housing to transport, green space to climate change, and more besides. We welcome views and participation from all Whitby and District residents, and would like to hear your views, be they positive or negative towards the issues we mention here, or on other issues if they affect the quality of life in Whitby and District. We have monthly meetings and all residents are welcome to attend. This group is to represent all views, as well as all parts of the four unitary wards of Whitby West, Streonshalh, Esk Valley and Coast, Danby and Mulgrave.

Conversations

We are starting a conversation with residents on many topical issues. Please get involved

Housing

With 28% of properties as second homes or holiday lets, house prices are very high, meaning housing is out of reach for many local people. This impacts on retention of the population.

Housing Proposal

Our 10-point plan for overcoming the housing issues in the Whitby and District area.

Local Governance

Being part of the borough of Scarborough, Whitby and District has consistently lost out in funding, and been subject to the whims of Scarborough Borough Council executive against the wishes of residents.

Education

Schools across the District are undersubscribed, and adult education services are extremely limited. Facilities should be doubled up to reduce costs and fill the gap.

Eskdale School Threat

Threatened with closure by Sept 2024!

Environment

With Whitby and District being an area of natural beauty, environmental issues can have a massive impact on the lives and work of its residents.

GreenSpace

The amount of green space in Whitby has been eroded continually over the last 30 years, and is way below the local recommended amount for the population.

Green Space Proposal

Our 10-point plan for retaining and redeveloping the green space in the Whitby area.

Health

The health of residents in coastal communities like Whitby suffers due to deprivation.

TownDeal

Whitby was allocated £17.1m under TownDeal. What projects were selected, and how well is the money being spent?

Transport

Road traffic in Whitby and District is bad for many months of the year. The Whitby Park-and-Ride has made little impact, and urgent action is needed to improve the situation. Public transport is inadequate.

Transport Proposal (DRAFT)

Our 9-point plan for improving the transport system around our District

Default 20mph Proposal

Having a default 20mph speed limit within residential areas and village/town centres would make a massive difference to safety.

ActiveTravel

Whitby and District has amongst the lowest uptake of cycling in the whole of North Yorkshire. Safe cycling infrastructure is virtually non-existent, with solely the poorly accessed Cinder Track.

Active Travel Proposal

Our 10-point plan for active travel in the Whitby and District area, including a network map of cycle routes that would make this form of transport viable.