HAILSHAM is suffering a pants-and-knickers crisis because it is hard to find underwear to buy.
A lack of clothes shops in the High Street is to blame, the Express was told.
Shoppers, particularly those with disabilities and the elderly, are often forced to travel outside the town centre to find undies. Malcolm Adams, secretary of Hailsham C
hamber of Commerce, said there was 'definitely a gap in the market'.
He said: 'Other than Tesco and Quality Seconds I can't think of anywhere else selling underwear.
County councillor Bill Bentley, a lead member for social care, said undie-shoppers used mail order or travelled to Eastbourne.
He said: 'When my wife (Jo Bentley) was mayor a few years ago, she made a speech saying even the mayor can't buy a pair of knickers in Hailsham.
'It has been a running joke for some time but it has become a reality.'
Residents on benefits and those with disabilities suffered from the lack of clothes shops, Cllr Bentley said.
He added: 'I have to admit I haven't needed to buy underwear in recent years.
'I used to buy them in Woolworths but they have gone.'
The Mayor, Cllr Ian Haffenden, talked about the recession on TV's BBC South Today last week.
He told the Express: 'We could do with a decent clothes and shoe shop but, when the population increases through new housing, we will get those sorts of shops. It's a case of watch this space.'
Where are you buying your bloomers?
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