Dawn of a new era for town centre

On show will be details of a 500,000 plan to improve transport and the townscape in central Bexhill with piazza-style pedestrianised areas and an end to traffic misery.

The package has been put together by local councils, English Heritage, the Bexhill Regeneration Partnership and the Town Centre and Tourism Action Group with money from the South East England Development Agency.

Proposals include:

q Widening pavements in Devonshire Road to shorten walking distances at the zebra crossings and side roads. Providing high kerbs at bus stops to make it easier to board buses.as well as anti-trip pavements and new taxi ranks.

q A mostly-pedestrianised piazza in Devonshire Road to enhance the heart of Bexhill and make it more user 'friendly.' It is envisaged that cultural, business and recreational opportunities would flourish in and around the new space.

q Moving car parking from the Square to St Leonards Road and Station Road with a 24-hour loading bay at the top of Devonshire Road for residents and businesses in the Square.

q Better crossing points for pedestrians at the Sea Road end of Station Road. The present two-way section of Station Road would become one-way westbound, to improve traffic flow and safety.

q St Leonards Road would become one-way westbound, providing the opportunity to create crossing points for pedestrians as well as parking and loading bays.

q At the Devonshire Road junction all traffic would turn left to allow the top end to become more pedestrian friendly.

The proposals are at outline design stage and feedback from the public exhibition and questionnaires will help to shape the final design.

Lead county council cabinet member for transport and environment, Tony Reid, said: "Working in partnership with Rother District Council and other local interest groups, together with listening to the residents of Bexhill, we will develop a programme of improvements which everyone will enjoy and benefit from.

"I would encourage as many people as possible to visit the exhibition. We are looking forward to receiving the ideas of many town residents."

The exhibition will be staffed by county council officers on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm. It continues unstaffed until Wednesday December 11.

Rother District Councillor Stuart Earl said: "As Chairman of Rother District Council's Regeneration and Environment Committee I am delighted that this scheme is the first major development for Bexhill Town Centre in the last 30 years.

"It will enhance the area for residents and visitors alike. We need to invest in the future but cherish the past; with this scheme I am sure we will cater for every need and most importantly improve the shopping experience for all.

"By offering a pleasant, safe environment we will be able to retain good services and offer greater choice for the public.

"If we are to attract new business we must encourage quality development and I believe this is a good start."