Ambitious regeneration plan

GOVERNMENT Minister Lord Falconer has met key leaders of the Hastings and Rother Task Force to find out what is needed to bring forward a comprehensive regeneration package for the Hastings and Bexhill area.

Ideas include a new university, a comprehensive broadband network for business, education and the community, a package of regeneration-linked transport improvements and measures for new housing, jobs and the community.

MP for Bexhill and Battle Gregory Barker said: My priorities are clear. More investment and opportunities in local education and better transport and IT links for business, but without destroying our local countryside.

This ambitious package addresses these priorities head on and offers a real opportunity to reverse years of decline. A powerful case was put to the Minister. Now we need to move quickly and as a team.

Anthony Dunnett, chief executive of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and chairman of the Hastings and Rother Task Force said: The package of proposals tackles a 19th Century problem with 21st Century solutions. These proposals present, for the first time in the UK, a comprehensive solution to deep seated problems of deprivation using the new communications technology as the catalyst.

He added: Hastings has the potential of being the first pilot e-city in the UK. The provision of a new broadband network will give the people and the economy of Hastings an immediate kick start, while the essential rail and road accessibility improvements are being brought forward.

Cllr Graham Gubby, Leader of Rother District Council, said: This is an environmentally sensitive response which sets out significant opportunities to improve access to and from the area and enable many years of social and economic regeneration.

Cllr Peter Jones, Leader of East Sussex County Council, said: This is a great opportunity to turn around the economy in the Hastings and Rother area but we must get Government backing for all the pieces of the jigsaw.

A knowledge-based economy, that includes a high quality education establishment like a university, can only work if we have a decent infrastructure to back it up.

There is a real determination to succeed with this plan and the county council will be doing everything it can, along with its partners, to get a successful result.