OTPS to fund lamp posts

The annual meeting has been told the county highway authority is receptive to the Conservation Area proposal.

Chairman Michael Kent told Monday's meeting: "I am pleased to report that the society had been able to enthusiastically support many local groups and individuals including community projects and events this year, thus maintaining its tradition of providing real benefits to Bexhill and in particular the Old Town area.

"This year we already have a number of projects underway which include constructive contacts with East Sussex County Council regarding replacing the street lighting with fittings more appropriate to a conservation area than the efficient but simple painted, featureless, modern designs.

"After many years of lobbying it is refreshing to find ESCC receptive to our proposals.

"There has been a recent meeting at our office, chaired by our MP, Gregory Barker and attended by the chief of the local constabulary and other parties, which was arranged to discuss ways of reducing crime and social nuisance particularly in the Old Town area.

"Frank and informative discussions concluded with plans to reconsider CCTV and how the police will organise patrols."

The chairman said the society was fortunate in having a committee formed from members who were not only prepared to give of their time but who also worked actively and conscientiously for the charity.

He made a renewed appeal for younger members of the community to join the society and share in its work.

Society conservation officer Mark Brittle reported that the proposed Victorian-style lamp posts were of a scale and design that would enhance Old Town's period architecture rather than conflict with it.

He said the society was continuing with long-running efforts to guarantee the preservation of Old Town's many flintstone walls through "listed" status.

"This, however, now necessitates a great deal of red tape due to governmental administrative improvement introduced in March."

Restoration plans for the Bell Hotel, which remained one of the most important buildings in Old Town, were being discussed with the present leaseholder.

"Aside from the public house itself, the building offers one of the largest Georgian assembly rooms in the county and several large 19th Century letting rooms which, if redeveloped, could well make an important commercial and cultural historic asset."

The important Quakers Mill building in High Street had received a society grant and had now been restored with great success, to the advantage of trade in the area and its historic architecture. The Belle House had received a grant for roof repairs.