Welcome to my third monthly newsletter column.
I appreciate the continued positive feedback from readers and thank everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts.
Nationally, the Labour Government remains in crisis, and Reform’s inability to deliver in Kent and elsewhere is exposing the hollowness of their promises. The imminent budget announcement looks set to worsen the situation.
Unfortunately, this national crisis is mirrored here in Eastbourne by an incompetent Lib Dem administration. Their planning applications for the Bandstand have now been deferred three times with no revised date proposed.
Thanks to Conservative intervention, more detailed investigations are underway to determine the best way forward for this iconic building. Historic England is now engaged and committed “to help deliver a long-term heritage led solution.”
We have seen further failings with the long-awaited housing project at the Bedfordwell site, where the council’s chosen contractor has gone into administration. For a town in real need of new homes, this lack of delivery is deeply disappointing. It raises serious questions about how a £35 million contract could have gone to a company already reporting a deficit.
Last month also saw a fire at the Moira House development, unfortunately caused by children as young as 10. This incident destroyed one of the site’s buildings, led to necessary road closures, and has pushed the developer into administration. However, we have had confirmation that the development of the Brighton University sites is not at risk, which is reassuring news in difficult circumstances.
