Frinton, Does It Try To Be Too Select, Too Snobbish?

1960 , Frinton-on-Sea (Essex)

An Anglia Television report from Frinton about a proposed development of seafront flats and the opposition by local residents.

Frinton-on-Sea is a small seaside town with a reputation for being overtly conservative and supposedly attracting residents who are a “better class of citizen”. Bob Wellings reports for Anglia Television from Frinton about a recent development, a new block of flats that is being built on the seafront, that is causing a stir for some of the residents in the town. Travelling along the main high street, Connaught Avenue, there are no pubs; only quaint tea shops and fashionable boutiques, giving an air of exclusivity. Council Official, Mr Hector Humphrey discusses the new block of flats that is being built, talking about the class of person the new accommodation might attract. Hotelier, Mr Holden opposes the development of the seafront apartments, arguing they are not aesthetically in-keeping with Frinton’s character. Councillor William Narbut speaks on behalf of Frinton and Walton Urban Council referring to town planning policy, and arguing that Frinton residents typically oppose any changes proposed for the town. Councillor Narbut gives a brief overview of the type of resident the town has attracted since the turn of the century. The wife of a councillor objects to the new apartments, again giving the reason that the flats are not in-keeping with Frinton’s character. A young resident complains of having nowhere modern to socialise in the town, and longstanding resident, railwayman Jack Bright, speaks about the changes made to Frinton over the years, specifically referring to Frinton Train Station and the horse bus that existed years before.

Featured Buildings:

Curious Antiques; Fleurette; Frinton Free Church; Margot's - Connaught Road; The Council House for Frinton and Walton Urban Council