There's still no let up in the campaign to rid Hastings & St Leonards of eyesore buildings and improve the image of the town.
Twenty one months since the start of the zero-tolerance campaign a total of 73 buildings have had a makeover - that's an average of 2 brighter buildings per month! Thirteen of the 73 are listed buildings and 40 are in conservation areas, helping to enhance the town's historic heritage.
The Council is taking the campaign seriously enough to employ another enforcement officer, so that more work can be carried out. Four successful prosecutions have been carried out - proving that a no nonsense approach being taken.
June 2000 saw the campaign begin, targeting seafront properties. Twenty one months later 30 premises have been improved including the Queens Hotel. Work is underway at another 3 properties and promised on a further 6.
The Old Town has not escaped and in January 2001 the zero tolerance campaign began there. Work has been completed on 14 buildings and is promised on 7 more.
February 2001 and Bohemia Road properties came under scrutiny. A massive 26 properties are no longer eyesores.
Queens Road has now been made a priority and around 40 buildings have been identified as eyesores and work is starting to trace the owners and send out warning letters.
Five buildings in the town centre have so far been improved and is expected to start on another 6 buildings shortly.
Councillor David Hancock, Chair of the Planning Board, took part in a recent walk to look at buildings along Queens Road. He said:
"Our no nonsense approach to eyesore buildings in the town is continuing to yield excellent results."
"Where we have needed to take property owners to court, we have a 100% successful prosecution record - four out of four. We will be continuing with this campaign to improve the image of the town - there is no place for tatty or run down buildings in Hastings & St Leonards."
"This campaign has been popular with residents. It has also been so successful that we have been approached by other councils from elsewhere in the country because we are seen as an excellent example of how this kind of campaign can ensure excellent results."
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This page last updated: 14/04/2002