A computer generated "cloud" shows the most used words in the report

Fine words - but we fear

that action won't

be forthcoming

After the events of the past couple of weeks, you might be forgiven for thinking that Boston was stuck in a slough of despond aggravated by an attitude from the powers that be to sweep things under the carpet.
But it appears that Boston Borough Council does have a cunning plan after all – a draft Economic Development Strategy covering the period from now until 2013.
The report – which runs to almost 9,000 words - notes that whilst the area possesses a high number of strengths – unspecified – weaknesses include poor educational attainment, low wage levels, a poor rate of business start ups, reliance on the horticultural/agricultural industries, poor “although improving” road infrastructure and poor access to ICT in some areas.
Four main objectives have been identified to help get Boston back on its feet - or at least back on its knees.
The first is to develop the business environment, which includes ideas such as providing support services for new and existing businesses, engaging with the migrant community to ensure their inclusion in Boston’s economy, and promoting Boston’s potential as a location for inward investment. Ironically, given that supporting new businesses was at the top of the list, we recall that one such opportunity has already been missed. Part of the £53,000 government grant given to Boston Borough Council aimed at brightening up our run-down shopping centre was allocated to help new businesses get started. No grant was made – and readers will remember that the lion’s share on the money was wasted on the useless community “hub” which hardly anyone ever visits.
The second objective aims to improve the built environment and the appearance of the town centre to increase retail and business opportunities within the town centre and act as a catalyst for further regeneration activity. This is nothing new – it has been said time and again for donkey’s years without anything much ever having been done
Next, the scheme talks about developing the skills base –  which includes improving access to further education, providing skills training that meets the needs of local businesses, and matching labour supply with local employment opportunities. Improving access to further education is all very well, but looking at the list of courses available from Boston College, we also think that some of the subjects on offer could be a little more ambitious and less lightweight.
The vexed issue of the transport infrastructure is next on the list, and the report says that Boston Borough Council is working in partnership with the county council and other responsible agencies to develop an infrastructure that supports the local economy and encourages inward investment. It sounds good, but in detail it appears to boil down to better road signs to help motorists find their way around; a parking strategy and policy that encourages use of the town centre; schemes to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion; improved public transport to rural areas; supporting the development of the Port of Boston, and improvements to the rail infrastructure. Sadly much of this is in the hands of outside organisations – particularly the county council, which has already hinted that Boston has had its day in terms of road investment.
The problem with much of this, is that whilst it looks good on paper, we would question whether there is the will or ability to deliver.
The report says that its vision for the Borough is to provide: “An easily accessible, dynamic and successful area where business and the visitor economy flourishes and residents have the opportunity to learn, work and enjoy a high quality of life.”
Hand on heart – can you ever see that happening?
One problem is the way we go about delivering what it required. A telling paragraph in the strategy shows just how convoluted the infrastructure is:
As it’s quite long, we’ve taken a snapshot of it which you can enlarge by clicking on the photo below.

As is so often the case, a lot of people are taking the talk – but few, if any, are walking the walk.
It gets worse as it goes on. Not only do we have enough talking shops to start a shopping centre in its own right, but we then start listing such things as a PESTEL analysis which looks at the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal factors that can affect an organisation.
PESTEL not enough? Then how about a SWOT analysis of the local environment? What’s SWOT? – it’s a list of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
As the strengths listed include the inept and useless Boston BID, the list reminds us of the sound of the bottom of a barrel being scraped.
As far as weakness are concerned, at least the report is big enough to recognise the “poor marketing and image of Boston” – which is something that must be urgently addressed … and not by stressing that we’re as bad as everywhere else, which is the latest big idea from one senior councillor, and already being echoed by others.
We could go on and on. But in a nutshell, the report is too dependent on high hopes and jargon.
It looks great on paper, but the bottom line is that it is unrealistic in its vision of Boston as it is now and as it might be in the future.
We need some down to earth discussion here – not high blown phrases and unachievable objectives.

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