Cash plan for deprived families

Parts of the town now qualify for Sure Start status and a Sure Start programme will be set up to help development and improve services for families with young children.

The project will focus on socially-deprived Sidley and Central wards and some of the adjoining St Stephen s and Collington areas.

Initially, up to 135,000 will be available to kick-start the programme. Further significant funding will follow once a total funding package has been agreed.

The funding will be for seven to 10 years and is aimed at improving services for children under four and their families - giving them a better start in life.

Partner organisations including Rother and the county council, Bexhill and Rother Primary Care Trust, Bexhill Community Partnership and Sidley Community Association have worked closely to develop the project.

They are now looking for parents in the area to become involved in what was described this week as an exciting development.

Interested parents are invited to join a steering group to help identify local needs and develop the programme.

Anyone living in Sidley, Central and adjoining parts of Collington and St Stephen s wards who would like to become involved is invited to contact Val Houlton at Bexhill and Rother Primary Care Trust on 735646.