Lewes to link with Tuscany?

LEWES may set up informal cultural links with a town in Italy.

This follows a four-day, fact-finding mission to Pietrasanta by a civic delegation headed by the Mayor of Lewes, Cllr John Webber.

Lewes is already twinned with Blois in France and Waldshut-Tiengen in Germany.

It is understood the main thrust of any new links in Italy will be based on student cultural exchanges.

The town council has set up a working party to look into the possibilities.

Pietrasanta, with sandy beaches, historic buildings and a rich artistic heritage, is the chief town of Versilia in Western Tuscany.

Said Cllr Webber on his return on Tuesday: For many years students from Pietrasanta came to Lewes, staying here with families, to help their understanding of the English people, as well as to improve their language skills.

One of those students was the present Mayor of Pietrasanta, Massimo Mallegni, and he is anxious to re-establish links with Lewes, of which he has such happy memories, and to encourage Lewesians to visit his town.

At his invitation, therefore, a delegation visited Pietrasanta to see for themselves what a wonderful town it is.

Our group were very impressed with the town and area and hope that many people from Lewes will be able to discover the delights of Versilia for themselves.

Mr Mallegni and another Italian official have already visited Lewes at the invitation of the town.

The cost of the civic trip to Italy was met independently and not from council funds