Hastings was today announced as one of ten schemes nationally to share £126 million over the next three years, in a new Government programme to boost the economies of some of the most deprived areas in England.
The Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) is a joint programme between the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, HM Treasury and the Department for Trade and Industry. LEGI is a neighbourhood renewal programme that aims to increase entrepreneurial activity in the local population; support the growth and reduce the failure rate of locally-owned businesses; and attract appropriate inward investment and franchising - making use of local labour resources.
Local Government Minister Phil Woolas announced that the first round of the programme will award a share of almost £126 million to the following local authorities for the period 2006/07 to 2008/09:
Local authorities were invited to submit proposals setting out how LEGI funding would be used to stimulate enterprise and transform their most deprived areas. A national advisory panel, which included two senior private sector representatives, recommended that funding be awarded to these 10 bids from 15 local authorities.
Phil Woolas said:
"We aim to create prosperous, inclusive and sustainable communities for the 21st century - places where people want to live that promote opportunity and a better quality of life for all. It is crucial to ensure local authorities in the most deprived areas are provided with opportunities to stimulate economic growth through enterprise development.
"The LEGI programme, together with the Local Authority Business Growth Incentive scheme, which we announced earlier this month, confirms our commitment to supporting economic development in deprived areas and ensuring a real joined up approach is adopted across national, regional and local levels to reduce the gap between deprived areas and the rest."
LEGI closely follows the principles of devolution and provides local institutions and communities with the authority and freedom to best determine local needs and develop targeted solutions for deprived areas.
John Healey, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, added:
"Our aim is to encourage a step-change in economic activity in some of the most deprived areas in England.
"LEGI is a new approach and we are backing the best of more than 50 bids with substantial flexible and long-term funding. The action we want to support should boost the enterprise base in areas which need increased entrepreneurial activity, more sustainable growth of local businesses and greater investment in local jobs."
DTI Minister for Industry and the Regions Alun Michael said:
"Enterprise is a key driver for our economy and the importance of this new initiative is demonstrated graphically by two key facts from the latest Global Entrepreneurship Monitor survey. First, the survey shows that the UK has the third highest rate of entrepreneurial activity of the G7 economies, behind the US and Canada. Second, the survey shows that you can teach or train people to be entrepreneurial.
"This new funding will help to create the "can do" attitude needed to ensure that the UK continues to be one of the most enterprising places in the world. If we are to compete effectively in the accelerating global economy we have to develop that "can do" attitude in every section of the community - including women, young people and ethnic minorities. This is particularly crucial in communities with traditionally low entrepreneurial activity."
All eligible local authorities that have been unsuccessful in this round, and those that did not bid, will be asked to bid again in early summer this year. Ministers have asked the five LAs (Bolton, Wigan, Rotherham, Wakefield and Redcar & Cleveland) that were short-listed this time, but were unsuccessful, to submit revised proposals in the second round. In addition, the Government is particularly interested in bids from local authorities that have the lowest rates of enterprise formation and are furthest from meeting their enterprise targets.
Drivers who block bus stops could land themselves a heavy fine.
Parking attendants will be hopping on board local buses ready to issue inconsiderate drivers with a £60 fixed penalty notices if the bus is obstructed during its travels.
The scheme is the idea of the Quality Bus Partnership (QBP), made up of Hastings Borough Council, East Sussex County Council and Stagecoach.
The QBP is steadily increasing the number of bus stop clearways in Hastings & St Leonards. The Clearway is designed to help bus drivers draw in close to the raised kerbs at bus stops, which give level access to the low floor buses.
When other vehicles stop in bus stops, buses are often forced to unload their passengers into the road, blocking other traffic and causing congestion. This is a problem for everyone, especially elderly passengers and those with buggies or heavy shopping.
Councillor Godfrey Daniel, portfolio holder for Transport said:
"One of the priorities for parking attendants is to be visible on the primary bus routes, both on foot and mobile patrol. This acts as a deterrent to drivers from parking on bus stop clearways or indeed on yellow lines, which has a positive impact on both road safety and the free flow of traffic."
The Operations Manager at Stagecoach in Hastings said:
"We are pleased that Hastings Borough Council is taking this initiative so seriously. Our drivers and customers are delighted to see the parking attendants travelling on our buses, getting to grips with inconsiderate motorists. We are hopeful that this will allow more passengers to board easily and safely, while helping to improve bus punctuality."
Hastings Borough Council has extended its White Goods Amnesty to allow residents to have a spring time clear out of unwanted fridges and freezers. The free collection offer for all white goods will now run until the end of May.
Councillor Godfrey Daniel, portfolio holder for the Environment said:
"I am pleased that we have been able to extend the amnesty as it is at this time of year that many residents have a 'spring clean' and decide to get rid of large items like fridges, freezers and washing machines. We will collect and dispose of these unwanted items responsibly, and for free.
"This offer fits in perfectly with our priorities to be clean, green, safe and active and I hope residents will take full advantage of the amnesty in the coming weeks".
Residents who wish to take advantage of the free collection service should call 0845 274 1075.
Lizards and slow-worms are on the move before work starts at a town station. The planned development of the railway sidings at Ore Station means the creatures have to be found new homes before work can begin.
This scheme is part of the Millennium Community project which will see 700 new homes built and an overhaul of the rail and road system alongside new shops and green spaces.
Hastings Borough Council leader Jeremy Birch said:
"Our regeneration partner Sea Space is developing the land, and they have produced plans to explain how they will relocate the reptile population, which includes lizards and slow-worms, safely. The Millennium Community development is an exciting project, and one of only few across the country, but it's important that we make sure that no harm is caused to the living environment in the process".
Drop-in events are being held for residents to find out more.
The drop-in sessions will be held:
Wednesday 29 March
11am to 1pm The Bridge, Priory Road
2pm to 7.30pm at the Broomgrove Community Centre
An ecologist will be present at these two events to answer questions.
Thursday 30 March between 6.30pm and 7.30pm as part of the regular Ore Valley Forum Planning Group meeting, Broomgrove Community Centre.
Friday 31 March - Sunday 2 April
Friday 8.30am -6.15pm. Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 10.30am to 4.30pm
Hastings Information Centre, Queens Square
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This page last updated: 23/03/2006