Gary Sargeant, ELDC business manager of property and regeneration, reported the initial findings at a public meeting to discuss the southern foreshore on Friday.


Of around 800 questionnaires looked at, early results indicate 46 per cent were from Skegness residents and 44 per cent were from surrounding areas, with visitors accounting for six per cent of the replies.


From these, 60 per cent would like to see a multiplex cinema and 73 per cent would like more retail space in the town.


Just 1,700 questionnaires have been returned to ELDC from the 21,000 sent out, but following guidance from the Audit Commission on sample size and confidence levels, Mr Sargeant explained a 95 per cent confidence level can be taken from the results.


Coun Gary Ellis did not believe 95 per cent confidence could be taken from the survey, and questioned how 1,700 people can talk for the whole town.


He said: "I am pleased with the response but I don't accept the confidence level. It is disjointed and not a true record. I am more encouraged by the people who took their time to come here today to have their say."


Councillors raised concerns people did not receive the survey, but ELDC communications officer Ian Bustin said it was available on the council's website, in local businesses and by contacting the council to request one.


He explained Royal Mail was paid around £4,600 to deliver 21,800 surveys, and the council has received a refund for around 700 surveys which were not delivered.


Mr Bustin said the surveys were not delivered as people can put their name on a list to say they don't want to receive junk mail or promotional leaflets.


Mr Bustin added: "It would have been great if everyone responded to the survey but that didn't happen. We do have a representative sample though."

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