Observer column 5 January 2024

This week's column has been written by Cllr Maya Evans, deputy leader of the council.

Transport for all

I think most in Hastings can agree that our transport infrastructure is unsatisfactory. From the crater sized potholes and cracked paving slabs, to the infrequent and unreliable bus service and the near non-existent cycling network; everyone from the car user to the walker has a terrible time traversing our town. With transport accounting for 26% of the CO2 emissions within our town, there are many more such pressing arguments to prioritise transport as a key component for town wide regeneration.

At Hastings Borough Council, our levelling-up focus is very much about how we level up the north parts of town such as Hollington, with the southern areas like Old Hastings, ensuring that the wealth gap doesn't increase and those already left behind fall further.

Effective transport should mean that a child on the Tilekiln Estate would think nothing of getting on a bus to visit the central library in town, levelling up transport would mean a teenager living in Robsack could easily and safely bike to the Ore college campus, transformative transport would mean dropped kerbs on every corner and crossing between Broomgrove and Summerfields swimming pool, so that those with mobility issues are not forced to sometimes take to busy roads or worse, unsafe, broken and narrow pavements.

If regeneration is about spreading out the resources, then being able to physically access those resources is as important as placing resources within those communities.

Transport of course currently comes under the statutory duties of East Sussex County Council which, based in Lewes, is removed from our local issues. Many residents feel detached from East Sussex, with more in common with Hartlepool rather than Heathfield.

Thinking about some of the issues I have raised here, please take part in the county council's new Local Transport Plan consultation 2024-50, with the online survey and a drop in day at Hastings Library on Thursday 11 January 10am to 6pm.