An “old-fashioned” seaside town in Essex has remained virtually unchanged over the decades thanks to its strict town council which, working alongside local associations, controls which new businesses can move in.
Frinton-on-Sea neighbours the more famous and touristy Clacton-on-Sea, but the two towns share very few similarities.
While Frinton, much like most other towns and cities in the UK, has a popular high street, many brands with stores across the country don’t have a space there.
The strict control on businesses spans across the town and has been in place for years.
Until 1992, the town didn’t even have a fish and chip shop, and the first pub allowed to open there was the Lock and Barrell in 2000.
To this day, ice cream vendors are still not allowed to sell their goods on the beach.
While shops on Friton’s high street have naturally changed over the decades, locals and tourists alike don’t think the passing of time has changed the town much.
Maxine Collins, 52, owner of Pier One, told Essex Live: “Obviously there are different shops, but the high street hasn’t changed dramatically.
“The green’s the same, the beach is exactly the same, the beach huts are the same.”
Adult tourists who had visited the town as children are surprised to find it almost unchanged, Ms Collins added.
The town was described as “old fashioned” by Jon Howell, 53, who runs the MIND charity shop on the high street.
Frinton’s appeal, he believes, is that it’s much more low-key than neighbouring Clacton.
He added: “The council are very keen not to change it, which is part of the appeal. That’s why most people come here.”
And it’s not just the older generation who appreciate the efforts to preserve the essence of Frinton, as Ms Collins noticed a surge in younger visitors to the town over the past few years, keen to soak up the traditional appearance.
The close-knit local community – which recently came together to support a person who lost a house in a fire – is also fond of the unchanging town, the shopkeepers said.
Mr Howell said: “I think the residents are quite keen to keep it that way too. They’re quite keen to keep things how it was when they grew up.”
The independent shops and peculiar character of Frinton are a plus for many, Mr Howell added, as he noted: “That’s the appeal, to get away from the big chains in the town centres.”
Councillor Paul Clifton explained how decisions are taken when it comes to Frinton.
He said: “The planning authorities, Tendring District Council and Essex County Council, invite the Town Council to ‘comment’ on planning applications submitted to them.
“Frinton & Walton Town Council is a ‘statutory consultee’ for planning applications submitted to the local planning authorities, not the authority making the decision. The Town Council try to ensure that we maintain and keep the characteristics of the town.”
