Town bursting with ideas

THE organisers of a meeting to discuss the future of Newhaven were overwhelmed by the response from townsfolk.

THE organisers of a meeting to discuss the future of Newhaven were overwhelmed by the response from townsfolk.

More than 100 people squeezed into the Denton Island Training and Business Centre to hear ideas in a report compiled by the Newhaven Economic Partnership (NEP) and the Newhaven Community Development Association (NCDA). Up to 20 people had to be turned away due to lack of room.

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Speakers outlined ideas to regenerate the town centre, North Quay, Denton Island and The Drove, at the meeting on Wednesday last week. Newhaven s strengths its community spirit and natural assets and its weaknesses traffic congestion, a beleaguered town centre and industrial eyesores were both recognised.

Sarah Ireland, NEP programme manager, said: 'We were overwhelmed with the interest shown and the ideas put forward by local people, but also disappointed for those people who could not get in. This only goes to prove that residents do believe Newhaven has future and that they are keen to be involved in the decision making process.

She added: ' Newhaven people are fed up with getting second best.

Most people welcomed suggestions of a new railway station with car parking, North Quay development and an extension to the training and business centre on Denton Island.

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However, an idea to move North Quay aggregate ship moorings to south of the swing bridge proved contentious. It was suggested this would cut down bridge openings, causing less traffic congestion. However, one speaker said that while this industry bothered few on the North Quay, many people could be affected by noise if it was moved nearer to residential areas on East Side and West Quay.

And the threat of the East Sussex County Council proposal to build an incinerator on North Quay also caused concern. But people were told the regeneration of North Quay with high quality housing, a new school and pleasure boat moorings could be the best defence against waste burner plans.

Pam Perry, NCDA chairman, said: 'In future, Newhaven should insist that developments undertaken are of the highest quality, generate significant employment and add positively to the image of the town.

For those who were unable to get into or attend the meeting last week, two more will be held on November 20 and 27, both at 7pm.

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