You will have read in the local press that, at the board meeting of Dover Town Centre Management Company Limited held on Friday 7th March, it was reluctantly decided to wind up the company in view of the current financial situation and the fact that no further significant funding from the public or private sectors is forthcoming in order to keep the organisation trading long-term.
Our co-ordinator, David and secretary, Sarah will be leaving this Friday, 14th March 2008, when our Pencester Road office closes. The company will be wound up on 31st March 2008.
The Board thank all the staff, who through their hard work and dedication over our 11 years of existence, have brought so many benefits to Dover including:
o Launch of ShopWatch initiative that has evolved into the award winning Dover Partnership Against Crime
(DPAC) working in partnership with the Police and Council to make the town safe.
o The RiverWatch campaign, a project that was successfully awarded a £10,000 grant from the lottery (Peoples
Places) to make improvements to the river Dour. This initiative has evolved into the River Dour Steering Group with ongoing clear ups being organised by the White Cliffs Countryside Project.
o DoverLife, the free bi-monthly newsletter, distributed to up to 10,000 homes and businesses.
o Development our own website with links to our partners and other organisations. (www.dovertcm.co.uk).
o Welcoming, encouraging, supporting and helping organise high profile launch events for new or refurbished
businesses in the town.
o A free weekly events notification to everyone on our extensive e-mailing list.
o Running promotional and business support meetings to maximise business opportunities.
o Organising many free events for both towns folk and visitors, the largest being the Christmas lights switch on
event as a contractor for the Town Council.
o DTCM has been instrumental in getting the funfairs back in Dover.
o DTCM has assisted many organisations with larger events e.g. Dover Regatta and the Grand National Archery
Competition.
o Providing valuable networking opportunities both business-to-business and business to consumer.
o Marketing and raising the profile of the town through its dealings with the media, both locally and nationally.
o Providing ‘on the ground feedback’ to organisations such as the councils, our MP and other bodies on relevant
town issues and concerns.
o DTCM has supported the Dover Town Investment Zone and the need to bring the high-speed rail link into Dover.
Looking to the future, we welcome the crucial investment coming to Dover with the High Speed Rail Link, the re-development of Dover Priory station, the Dover Water Sports Centre on the sea-front and the St. James’ Development, to name but a few.
In the light of changes in local government and against the background of such planned investments there is afforded the prospect of a real growth in prosperity within the town centre.
As a vibrant community, we all need to give our support to the prize: Dover - a town with a great future.
The Board Members thank you and your business / organisation for your most loyal and valued support over the years as a core sponsor, member, or volunteer.
Alan Elcocks, Chairman
On behalf of the Board
Dover Town Centre Management Company
