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As another year closes we can look back on 12 months of further progress in the rebirth of our town. In early 2000 we were all still worrying if the pier had a future. Regent Court remained untouched - a huge eyesore on the seafront; the Marlborough continued to crumble. Many seafront buildings were looking tired and uncared for. The fire-ravaged power station at Broomgrove continued to loom over the town even though it had been decommissioned almost 15 years before. Warrior Square Gardens remained a swamp after the essential storm water tunnel had been put in.
What a difference a year has made, and I am very proud that the Borough Council has been at the heart of virtually all the improvements that have been made.
Now we look forward to more progress in 2002. After decades of decline for the borough it is what you all have the right to expect. Next year will see additional physical improvements but also steps forward for our communities. Another Sure Start scheme to help families of under three year-olds has been promised to the Central St Leonards and Gensing areas; the first neighbourhood management project in the South East will really get going in Greater Hollington. Street wardens should be on patrol in the town centre and seafront areas. The About magazine will of course be giving you updates on all these initiatives.
This current edition covers many of the exciting activities that have taken place recently or are still continuing - all of them helping to liven up Hastings & St Leonards. When we have got the sort of commitment that local residents involved in these activities have shown, and if the townspeople and the council work together, how can we fail to revive Hastings & St Leonards.
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Pictures courtesy of Bob Mazzer, Chris Parker
This page last updated: 15/12/2001