Big Hastings regeneration project holds final celebration

Big Local North East Hastings held extensive consultations with local residents in 2013 to find out what they wanted from a £1m grant programme.

Richard Street, Chair of the RLP, one of three members who have been involved since the beginning, said: "Over the years, we have been able to provide grants, large and small, to help support our community. The Men’s Shed, Ore Community Library and Ore Community Centre have become the thriving local assets they now are. “Children have been able to enjoy free after school clubs and football training as well as high quality performances at Sandown School during the Hastings Story-Telling Festival. “Older residents have learned to use IT to connect with friends and family and access benefits and other vital online services. “Ore Community Land Trust was able to purchase parts of Speckled Wood to ensure it remains a greenspace open to all. We are so proud of all we have been able to achieve.”

Steve Manwaring, CEO of Hastings Voluntary Action the locally trusted organisation which has supported each resident group, said: “This project has always been about putting residents front and centre in making investment decisions. As the Locally Trusted Organisation, HVA have seen first-hand how local people have shaped each and every decision.” A celebration event at Ore Community Centre on October 5 saw stilt-walking ladies, a glamorous butterfly called Dolly Delicious, an interactive snow globe and exhibitions from Ore Community Library and Ore Community Land Trust.

Hastings MP Helena Dollimore popped in and said: “Over the past decade, Big Local North East Hastings has supported vital work in our community, from purchasing equipment to supporting trips, activities, community projects and venues. I want to thank everyone who has given up their time and expertise to support the project. I look forward to continuing to support our local community groups and charities in their important work.”

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