CAROLINE ANSELL MP: I’m still holding surgeries in Eastbourne’s public places

I promised myself, back in the day when I experienced the death threat made against me, that I wouldn’t let that change the way I lived or how I viewed the world so I held my latest surgery, last Saturday, at The Beacon.

It was so busy, it felt like the world was out shopping until I went up to a packed-out Town Hall for an International Women’s Day celebration which was every bit as lively!

It’s been a week of breakthroughs and setbacks.

A date has now been published for the demolition of the derelict former St Elisabeth’s in Old Town – the programme starts next week.

It will be sad in all sorts of ways but having lobbied church commissioners when I was first MP to finally decide its fate, I can but embrace the future – it’s a valuable brownfield site which will deliver much needed new homes.

Conversely, we are a step closer to seeing the fisherman’s quay go up at the harbour!

I’ve been a supporter of this project and, my new boss, the Secretary of State for the Environment, George Eustice, came down to meet the fishermen behind the project back in 2014.

It was sad to see Moria House announce its closure after such a long history in Eastbourne and I have written to the Head to offer my support whose first thought, as was mine, will be for the girls’ future and his staff team.

The week in Westminster meantime has been dominated by the Budget and by coronavirus and the important provisions made to safeguard against its economic impact.

‘Social distancing’ has entered the language even as it makes us realise just how close and connected our world is; as I pen this column, the breaking news is that the US is suspending all travel from mainland Europe.

I will keep providing general updates and have made specific enquires on self employment and on the impact of delay in language testing and the visa application process.

Our international students are hugely important to our town.

I have meetings with two local charities and business leaders on Friday and the pleasure of opening a new town centre business on Saturday.

There’s the fantastic Lifestyle Show too.

If you’re there, please do come and say hello!