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Winter is definitely upon us as we go to print. The nights are drawing in and there's certainly a chill in the air. Naturally our thoughts turn to... rubbish collections!
Perhaps not, but please make a note of the Christmas timetable for collections that you'll find on the back of this winter About magazine.
We've had some very positive feedback about the new size and we welcome any more comments you have.
Christmas is a good time to reflect on the past year and as part of our commitment to being an open council we have published our end of year finances.
It's been a year of firsts and one of our biggest achievements was the Seafood and Wine Festival. Although this was the first time we had run such an event, the two days were absolutely heaving with visitors who came from across the country as well as locally. We are proud of our fishing heritage and I'm looking forward to seeing this event back again next year, celebrating the best of our local wines and fish.
Another successful first was the St Leonards Festival in July. This was a fantastic way for the community to gather and celebrate this unique part of town.
We can't overlook some of the issues that we have faced this year and probably the biggest story has been Hastings Pier.
There is no way we want the pier to remain closed. It's a fantastic asset to the town as a tourist attraction and business centre. But neither do we have the money to restore it; it could cost millions and we would have to find the money by cutting vital services, something we just can't do. We do need a way forward and we need to hear what the pier's owners intend to do next, with our help and our support.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all the very best for Christmas and the New Year. And don't forget that whilst most Council offices will be shut between Christmas and the New Year, Hastings Information Centre will remain open for most of the Christmas break, closing only on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Next year is looking to be just as interesting and I hope you will continue to read the About magazine for the very latest in Council news. Our next edition is due out in May.
Councillor Peter Pragnell
Leader of Hastings Borough Council
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Large print and audio versions of About are available on request - telephone 01424 451772
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This page last updated: 06/02/2007