HOW would you improve the seafront from Monmouth Beach in Lyme Regis to Charmouth, taking in also the gardens, Cobb Gate and Theatre Square, if the money could be found?

What might improve these areas in ways that would enhance their quality for those who live in, and visit? Could local jobs be created by investment in sympathetic, restrained economic developments?

Such questions will be at the heart of a workshop led by the Coastal Community Team at 7.30 on Monday July 3, following LymeForward's annual general meeting, in Woodmead Halls.

As a partner in the Dorset Coast Forum, the local CCT succeeded last year in bringing around £300,000 into the area, primarily for upgrading the 'Lyme Trail' river walk between Uplyme and the Town Mill.

Another round of bidding opens in the autumn, so the CCT wants to collect ideas suitable for packaging together as a comprehensive bid. The workshop is the start of that process.

LymeForward director Chris Boothroyd said: "These major bids for government funds must fit tight government criteria, which is why the focus is on the seafront areas.

"Their chances of success are greatest when different local authorities and organisations work as one, which is why the seafront area in this case runs from Charmouth to Lyme Regis.

"Different parts of a bid may be differently 'owned' – by town council, or by harbour users, for example. The CCT is simply a tool for managing bids and improving the odds in favour of success."

Food prepared by members of LymeForward's cookery class and Altogether Group, guided by chef Chris Onions, will help sustain participants during the evening.

Anyone who has not already received an invitation but would like to contribute ideas, please email Adrian Ragbourne at adrian@lymeforward.co.uk no later than Monday June 26.

The agm at 7pm is an open public event and for this there's no need to book.

The suggestions collected at this workshop will be shared publicly, and more opportunities will be given for everyone to add ideas and to comment on those initially put forward. So anyone who can't be fitted in at the workshop will be able to have their say in other ways.