Hastings Pier Demonstration & Did You Miss Me?

I'm guessing you didn't miss me, but I did miss the supportive demonstration of Hastings Pier on Saturday, I realise it's too late now, but below is the programme for the event. It seems that about 250 supporters turned up, and our MP, Amber Rudd, and the Leader of the Council, Peter Chowney, were there too, apparently Ms Rudd was there to translate for the owner, Mr  Gulzar: see film on youtube.

There are other photographs of the event on the Where do we go from pier? facebook group, and more film and excellent analysis at the Hastings Independent Press facebook page, I'd also suggest you watch out for the Hastings Independent 2-weekly newspaper which has been exploring the whole saga with some very astute journalism... I shall be writing more once I get sorted out again now I'm back, please look forward to it, many thanks!

Possible Harbour Development at Rock-a-Nore

I'm not sure how quickly the rumours got around, but no, it is not April the 1st, but Hastings Borough Council really has confirmed that it is considering the possibility of developing a harbour, housing and transport improvements in the Old Town. Council leader, Peter Chowney, has stated “We have been approached by Hastings Harbour Quarter Ltd., a company specially formed for the purpose... The scheme is at a very early stage, but it has potentially very significant benefits for the town, including a new marina providing moorings, boat storage facilities and support services; around 1000-1300 new homes; a protected launching and landing site for our fishing fleet; and transport improvements to the area..." 

Work going on today on the current Harbour Arm

"But these are very early days, and we will debate the principle of the work at our cabinet meeting on 11th September. That meeting will not commit the council to anything, other than to develop a strategic outline case for the development. This will cover many areas, including the initial business case; a marine assessment; transport and access planning; an assessment of the implications on public space; the SSSI and sustainability; initial 3D mapping; legal advice; financial modelling; and, of course, engagement with the local community."

The Plan

Indeed, the local community will need to be engaged properly, and listened to. Already, I have seen online comments about whether this is the best place for a new development, car parking issues, some of which still need to be sorted out concerning the old Ice House/Roebuck Surgery, Rock-a-Nore Road traffic issues, shouldn't any future benefits be shared across Hastings, not just placed on old town business plates? 

Anyway, it's interesting, indeed! If you have access to facebook, there is more written on this issue at the HBC page.

After numerous recounts...

Well, after numerous recounts, Amber Rudd gets elected as Member of Parliament for Hastings & Rye, beating second place Peter Chowney by 346 votes... 

Congratulations to Ms Rudd!

Time to Vote!

General Election day 2017, there are other candidates in the Hastings & Rye constituency battle, but, realistically, it will be one of these two candidates who will be your Member of Parliament from tomorrow, ie the incumbent and Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, or the leader of Hastings Borough Council, Peter Chowney...

We live in a democracy, and we can vote for who we want to vote for, or we can vote for no-one at all, should we want to, but what kind of future do you want for yourself, your children, and their children? Today is the day when you can influence that future...

Your vote matters!

Is there an election soon?

First, I noticed this poster around town last week, so, not everyone in Hastings appears to approve of our MP to May 2017, and Home Secretary...

Then this rather more obvious message turned up below Pelham Crescent... 

Quickly painted out, but this level of graffiti isn't correct for Hastings, surely, we should be keeping it clean and tidy for visitors and their photographs, let alone ourselves, whatever any genuine grievances, after all, we pay enough in council tax to pay to keep it clean and tidy, despite gulls, and others, doing their best to fill the town with litter and dog mess! 

But no! Someone from the opposite end of the spectrum has joined in, it appears, so we've vandals of the 'left' and 'right' now, increasing our council tax!?! 

I also saw this image on facebook earlier, someone certainly has it in for the Labour candidate, a "cur" and a "ninny" in his/her/their opinion/s! Now, I went out to take my own photographs of the last 2, but they have either been very professionally cleaned up already, had water-based paint used which was washed away by heavy rain and winds last night, or were originally photoshopped... but who would bother going to such lengths?!? 

Anyway, we've another 3 weeks of this! 😨

Holiday Homes for Premium Rate Council Tax?

If you're trying to figure out where these houses are, don't bother, they're not in Hastings (I didn't want to upset anyone by implying their home is a holiday, or second, home). But, to the point, Hastings Borough Council Leader, Peter Chowney, has suggested to BBC Sunday Politics that greater powers may be sought so that a Council Tax 'Premium' may be imposed on house owners who spend little time in their second/holiday homes in Hastings; hence denying local residents from local accommodation, and also, pushing prices up much higher in specific areas of Hastings.  

Go to the BBC website for more information.