After scoring well in South East England Development Agency's (SEEDA) audit, the Hastings Regeneration Partnership which is responsible for distributing £26 million Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) money, is now officially recognised as one of the most successful and effective in the region.
Halfway through its programme and in just five years, the Partnership has effectively addressed local social, crime, educational, health and economic problems and assigned funds to 80 local projects creating 814 new jobs, 206 new childcare places, 141,000m2 of new or improved commercial floor space and 20 crime initiatives.
Inspector Mike Fagan of Sussex Police said
"We are delighted with the results achieved by the SRB funded projects. The Home Security Scheme has seen a 40% drop in burglary offences in one targeted neighbourhood and the 'Getting into Gear' project has made a valued contribution to reducing car crime which is down over 30% in the last three years."
SEEDA's Chief Executive Anthony Dunnett commented
"Hastings Regeneration Partnership has successfully begun tackling the key issues affecting Hastings and St Leonards. The high levels of additional private sector funding, drawn into the town by the Partnership, have played an instrumental part in the education, repair and rebuilding of lives, businesses and facilities for those living within the town. The SEEDA funded projects have achieved far more for Hastings than we ever hoped and our audit proves that the Partnership's systems are truly second to none. Their contribution and experience form an integral part of the Hastings and Bexhill Task Force work."
As Christine Goldschmidt, Chair of the Hastings Regeneration Partnership commented
"Walk through the town and you are likely to hear people saying how much better things are than they were five years ago. Without the SEEDA funding plus the vision and commitment from local people, Hastings would never have been able to get so far. Five years ago, the funding gave Hastings hope that things could be different. As a town we seized this opportunity. It HAD to work. Hastings is in transition and by working with the Hastings and Bexhill Task Force we are confident of an exciting new future for the area."
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Works on the restoration of the historic boat, the Edward and Mary started at the end of August, the same time as the big clean-up on the Stade's beach.
The restoration and the clean-up are the first of a series of projects partfunded by Hastings Regeneration Partnership's (HRP) winning bid from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). With contributions from other authorities, the total haul to support Europe's largest beach launched fishing fleet over the next two years will be over £1/2 million.
Works scheduled include installing new security equipment and new icemaking equipment, repairing buildings and getting a refrigerated trailer so Hastings fish can be sold at local markets. There are also plans to enhance the existing Fish Market and Fishermen's Museum, to boost the fishermen's co-operative and to improve the winch shed road.
Christine Goldschmidt, Chair of the Hastings Regeneration Partnership enthused
"This money is fantastic news for our fishing industry and it is great to see the first of the carefully planned projects now coming onstream. The improvements will enhance local trade which in turn will enrich the livelihoods and help ensure the futures of all those associated with the Industry. Everyone in the area will benefit from the continuation of our unique 'living' fishing heritage and the valuable contribution it makes to Hastings as a popular seaside resort".
Hastings Fishermen's Protection Society (FPS) has worked tirelessly with officers of Hastings Borough Council and the HRP to tailor this regeneration package. Paul Joy of FPS says
"This money will contribute to the continuity of the fleet and the related businesses. As a result of all this focussed activity, 40 jobs will be safeguarded and the environment will be improved enormously. The Edward and Mary is very important to us. She was built for £300 in 1919 and it's fantastic to see her restoration begin. The craft was one of the few vessels built with sails as well as an engine and she is one of the last surviving Hastings-built auxiliary sailing luggers. The Edward and Mary illustrates the technology leap in maritime history and is one of very few known survivors of her type."
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Since one in 13 people are dependent on alcohol, we are all likely to know someone with a drink problem. Many drink in pubs, some in public spaces, but there is a worrying trend of people drinking, unseen, at home.
This has spurred Community Alcohol Team Projects to offer those with drink problems constructive and practical help to rebuild their lives. Debbie Howlett of the Community Alcohol Team says
"The majority of our clients are ordinary people who you would never expect to have drink problems. It may be your brother, your grandparent, it may even be you!"
Funds channelled through the Hastings Regeneration Partnership, have equipped a day centre and funded staff to give people practical support to change their drinking habits and move towards a healthier life. In just two years the facility has provided 500 ordinary Hastings people the opportunity to develop their skills and learn an alternative way to cope.
Learning the basics of how to cook, the need for healthy eating, as well as relapse prevention and other life skills can be just as useful as one-to-one counselling to help you get that new job (or to keep a job you have). Clients may attend group support sessions, learn everyday skills and even try arts and crafts. Some of the lively banners produced by the clients have been flying proudly at the entrance of Hastings Station.
Debbie says
"Improved self-esteem, participation in voluntary work or employment are just some of the major achievements by clients at the Centre. One client who attended the 'Introduction to Computers' classes soon found himself faced with an IT test during a job interview. With his newfound skills and knowledge, he passed the IT test and won the job he wanted!"
Since 1999 the Partnership has channelled over £150,000 into the facility. This money has attracted contributions from other organisations like the Hastings & Rother NHS Trust, Hastings Borough Council and the Basic Skills Agency. All these agencies are pulling together to promote better health and a better way of life here in Hastings.
Clients are drawn from the whole spectrum of society and the support mechanism is extended to those people who are affected by another's drinking. Community Alcohol Team Projects can be contacted on 01424 460066.
People from the HRP-funded project, Seaview, a drop-in centre for the homeless, took to the stage at St Mary's in the Castle for their Community Arts Festival in mid August. Many from the centre had never set foot in or had their work displayed at an entertainment venue before, but put nerves aside for a stunning array of wit, colour, poetry and music.
Structure for sheltered housing, a doctors surgery and pharmacy now nearing completion in Warrior Square. £400,000 of SRB funds and a further £1.3m from other sources including £300,000 from HBC have already been channelled into the development.
National Helpline: 0870-5995443
Hastings Regeneration Partnership supports Refuge.
Refuge provides emergency accommodation and support for women and children escaping domestic violence. Refuge also provides a 24 hour national helpline, counselling, a playcentre and after-school care for children living in refuge houses. Refuge also organises community outreach and specialist refuges for women from ethnic minorities.
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This page last updated: 17/10/2002