FELIXSTOWE: Tourism bosses and community leaders today reassured traders that they are determined Felixstowe will remain a seaside resort despite fears over its future attractions.

Business leaders in the town have called on council chiefs to be “a bit more lenient” over planning, leases and regulations to encourage investment in new attractions and smarten up parts of the seafront.

Chamber of trade chairman Andrew Rowdon said: “We need to be moving with the times.

“Felixstowe has become a little bit antiquated and needs to be dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century.”

Responding to the criticism, Suffolk Coastal said it was continuing to work hard to help Felixstowe remain a popular tourist resort.

“We have recently been involved with a number of workshops to discuss how Felixstowe could promote itself and all it has to offer by improving its brand,” said a council spokeswoman.

“A new positioning line has been created – Felixstowe: Great days by the Sea – and the group have now developed a fresh and new logo to support this statement, which will be launched in time for the 2011 Suffolk Show.

“We remain committed to helping long-term improvements take place and will work closely with potential leisure operators to help to facilitate exciting, new developments.”

This summer, the council is supporting attractions such as the return of the the Old Smokey road train, falconry displays and donkey rides, as well as extra events.