News...

News from Hastings Old Town Residents' Association's Spring 2017 Special Newsletter, and not only concerning the old town...

There's more in the newsletter than this blog contains, but, some news and information I thought are worth sharing include that Hastings Borough Council's Aquila House is now called Muriel Matters House, named after the Australian-born suffragette who lived for 20 years in nearby Pelham Crescent from 1949 to 1969 (though it still said 'Aquila House' on the outside of the building this morning).

Important for people living in the old town is that revised plans have been submitted to the council's planning committee for the 'Rock a Nore Surgery' at the old Ice House; that is, a health centre for 2/3 GPs, treatment rooms for physiotherapy etc, a pharmacy, 'healthy eating' cafe, gym, and possibly a dentist and/or an optician.

There are proposals for a new free play facility at the west end of Pelham car park; it is hoped that a 'water play' area will be open this summer (don't hold your breath!).

Parking Income: This was something I wasn't completely aware of, but, the seafront car parks are owned by the Hastings & St Leonards Foreshore Charitable Trust, Hastings Borough Council own the Bourne and other off-street car parks, and on-street parking is operated by a contractor on behalf of East Sussex County Council... Interesting, indeed!

Good-ish Rail News

Aslef and Southern have agreed to have talks, consequently, industrial action by Aslef train drivers has been suspended, meaning that their planned days striking next week have been called off, so trains should be nearer to normal, except on Monday 23rd, when RMT conductors are still expected to strike; see Southern's website for up to date information.

Break In Last Night at The Anchor, George Street

Link to facebook video, do you know who this is? And another link!

And then there was none!

He's gone! Great timing by me... I had a chat with a lad at the chippy, and no-one saw when and how he left, oh well, trust his new accommodation is decent...

New Housing Policy?

Down by Pelham Beach, opposite the Albion pub, with Hastings & St Leonards Sea Angling Association behind, and just to the east of the Crazy Golf courses, first one new shelter was built, quickly followed by another two, and some nice raised flower beds.

Since, I have seen up to three individuals sleeping rough here at any one time, in a combination of one or two of the shelters, but now...

Someone appears to have set up home in the middle shelter, the belongings are always there, whatever time, and, despite winds coming from the west recently, the hardy occupant sleeps there every night. Is this an example of affordable housing?

I doubt it helps the chippy opposite though...