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"I genuinely believe that in our seaside town the tide is turning, economically and socially.
Just think back five or six years, what did our seafront look like? The derelict hulks of Regent Court, the Marlborough and the Queen's Hotel undermined the whole image of the place - other buildings along the promenade were tatty and uncared for.
Look at the seafront now. The Council got stuck into derelict buildings and is now seen as the national leader in forcing owners to smarten up their properties.
Just think back to what the national press used to say about our town. We were forced to read headlines like; "Hell on sea", "The Lost Resort" and "Suicide Black Spot of the 90s." This was hardly likely to attract the new investors or the visitors our economy needed.
Now the national press talks of "History on Sea", "Hastings Reborn" and "The Toast of the Coast".
We know there is still substantial need in the town. But our unemployment has fallen 18%; our crime is down 50% in those five years. Teenage pregnancy rates are 11% down. House prices are rising more quickly than the county and the percentage of residents satisfied with their neighbourhood is up.
In the year 2000 we were a deprived community unsure of our future. Since then we have started on the largest physical regeneration programme of any town of our size. Just last month in February the government showed its continuing commitment to Hastings awarding us £l3.5 million for enterprise growth and encouragement, one of just 10 bids that succeeded.
The tide is certainly turning for us - we have to make sure that the rising tide of prosperity reaches every part of the town. And where better to read about our progress than through the pages of About.
Councillor Jeremy Birch
Leader of Hastings Borough Council
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Pictures courtesy of Bob Mazzer, Chris Parker and Gemma Saltmer
Large print and audio versions of About are available on request - telephone 01424 451772
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This page last updated: 23/03/2006