Seafront hotel protest group formed

A group of concerned residents say the hotel, planned for the old Metropole site, will overshadow the iconic De La Warr Pavilion and ruin the only green space left on Bexhill seafront.

They also question the hotel's economic viability.

The group of four, led by Greenways resident Joan Everett, think their concerns reflect general public opinion and are hoping to recruit like-minded people to collect thousands of signatures for a petition.

Three architects have submitted plans for the hotel as well as a wider seafront regeneration scheme and a public exhibition attracting almost 2,000 visitors has been held.

The design competition was held by local regeneration body Sea Space and some 850 residents completed questionnaires saying which plan they prefer.

But significantly, says Mrs Everett, residents were not offered a 'none-of-the-above' voting option.

She said yesterday: "I feel a need for a hotel has been generated which does not exist. We're silly to try and compete with Brighton and Eastbourne and Hastings for tourism. We're not that kind of town. We're a quiet, residential town which offers something different for tourists.

"I'm in favour of regeneration but this could be a white elephant, quite apart from the loss of this green space."

Fellow campaigner Colin Sullivan, whose West Parade home overlooks the proposed site, added: "The green is a public amenity enjoyed by thousands.

"The view from here across the sea and over to the Colonnade is stunning and that would all be lost. The De La Warr is Bexhill's most important asset and it will be completely overshadowed.

"The money should be spent in other ways."

Mrs Everett added: "I've not spoken to a single person in favour of this ridiculous plan and I think we can at least double the amount of names collected at the exhibition. It's our heritage and we're determined to protect it."

Anyone interested in helping collect signatures for the petition is asked to contact Mr Sullivan on 01424 217582.