‘Just push us into the sea’: The frustration of a coastal community failed by political promises

The coastal town of Horden, situated in County Durham, is experiencing a profound sense of disillusionment as promises made by Westminster politicians remain unfulfilled, leading to a significant decline in its population. For years, the community has heard aspirational slogans and pledges of support, but these have consistently failed to translate into tangible improvements. The result has been a gradual exodus of residents, leaving a town grappling with the consequences of political neglect. This disconnect between political rhetoric and on-the-ground reality has fostered deep frustration among those who remain, with some expressing a feeling of being so overlooked that they might as well be pushed into the sea. The economic and social fabric of Horden is visibly strained, a stark testament to the enduring impact of broken promises on a community desperate for revitalization and a return to former vitality.