Petition over Pavilion's new programme

The low-key petition, undertaken in Little Common, indicates that past events enjoyed at the Pavilion should be re-instated.

Organisers fear older members of the community may be ignored and have outlined their concerns in a letter to Pavilion Trust director, Alan Haydon.

It reads: "From various talks given by the De La Warr Trust it would seem the emphasis is going to be on education and art in order to qualify for an Arts Council grant and, while no one has any objection to this, it is felt that the older members of the community are not being catered for.

"The Bexhill residents need reassurance that all events they used to enjoy at the Pavilion are going to be organised again."

The letter states there is a worry events such as antique fairs, ideal home exhibitions and dancing on the terrace being lost if they are not given Arts Council approval.

It continues: "So it seems that the running of the pavilion is passing out of the hands of Bexhillians into the hands of the Arts Council. While the Arts Council grant may be substantial, and it would need to be to provide for the upkeep of such a prominent building, other funding will surely be necessary."