About Magazine Issue 19 - Spring 2003

Support for Renewal Area

Nine out of ten people believe that a new Housing Renewal Area is great news for Central St Leonards.

The purpose of the consultation was to find out whether residents thought it was a good idea, where they thought its boundaries should be and how they would like to be involved in the project.

When an area is declared as a Housing Renewal Area it results in:

A co-ordinated team supported by local people and private and voluntary organisations dedicated to solving the problems that face the neighbourhood
Money to renovate and improve homes
Money to improve and find new community facilities such as play areas, open spaces and community centres
Money to make environmental improvements such as better paving, street lighting, traffic calming and restore architectural features

Residents were asked what they thought about plans for a new Renewal Area. Eight out of ten people thought that the Southwater Renewal Area project had been really successful and a real benefit to the area because of both the physical regeneration projects and creating community spirit.

Comments from people about the Southwater Renewal Area project

residents are now proud of the area
it has been brilliant for both local inhabitants and tourists as it is improving the appearance of a previously run down area and it raises esteem of local residents.

Ideas for making environmental improvements in the proposed new area

more attractive street light in keeping with the existing architecture
bigger fines for people dumping rubbish
create tree lined avenues
forest gardens for people to learn about organic gardening and sustainable development
encourage local schools to become involved in pocket parks - both design and maintaining
put back mouldings and lintels on Victorian properties

Ideas for new community facilities

recycling facilities for Silchester Road and surrounding areas
playgrounds for children
areas for young people - not just children/tots
something similar to the old Clifton Pub for Southwater Renewal Area
concerts, shows, exhibitions, fairs and events in Warrior Square - the heart of St Leonards. This should be the focus of community activities like a town square.
local indoor sports hall
residents’ parking and CCTV camera

Ideas for Future consultation

social events for the whole family to attend to ask opinions and look at plans
Inserts in publications like the Observer or About magazine

Other comments

better lighting and safety on the streets and more CCTV
many of the problems are due to bad housing - too many flats and no sense of community

Offers of help

Help with conservation of the woodland stream and verge, clearing away litter
As a member of the Gensing/Central St Leonards Forum I am only too happy to help as necessary in whatever way possible.
Time, energy, enthusiasm, goodwill and determination to improve St Leonards for all residents and visitors

Council Leader Jeremy Birch, spoke to residents about the plans, during The Future consultation exercise:

"It is clear from the comments we received that residents really want a new housing renewal area in St Leonards. They gave us some really useful and practical suggestions on where the boundaries of this new area should be, what kind of facilities the community wants and there was also lots of enthusiasm for how they could be involved in the project."

"We are about to start analysing the problems in the area and carrying out surveys of buildings so that we can draw up an action plan. Later this year we will again consult with local people and then form a Renewal Area Board - which includes local residents - who will manage the process. The improvements will begin in the middle of next year."

For more information please contact Renewal Area Project Officer, Steve Foreman on 781399 or email sforeman@hastings.gov.uk

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This page last updated: 04/04/2003

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