Street Drinking

The dispersal zone is back in operation for the Summer under which street drinkers can be moved on. This is happening but of course it can lead to displacement to other parts of the area. We did argue (unfortunately unsuccessfully) that St Leonards Gardens and Norman Road should be included in the dispersal area. We have had individual meetings with senior police officers and with Action for Change – the voluntary sector body that works with those with serious alcohol problems.

Parking

The council’s Traffic Management Committee has turned down a petition of
31 names calling for parking restrictions in Kings Road to be raised from a one hour limit to two hours. Although this was agreed recently for Norman Road it was not clear that for Kings Road that this was the view of the majority of traders or the view of the St Leonards Business Association.

We have asked that signage at the station end of Kings Road indicating the way to Crystal Square car park be reviewed to see if it is adequate.
Since the reduction in prices in Crystal Square there has been a 31% increase in useage.

Congregational Church

This church at the bottom of Pevensey Road has been sold. It clearly needs some substantial refurbishment work and if the sale brings that on then it is to be welcomed. A Nigel Lewis of the has purchased the building and says he will be leasing most of the building to the Ark of Hope religious group who have previously been worshipping in Central St Leonards. They have been using the Congregational Church over the last couple of weeks.

Silchester Road

The refurbishment of Silchester Road included the planting of two trees at the Kenilworth Road end. One of them has been replaced twice as the trees have died. It appears that leaking water mains / sewer in the vicinity are causing the pit in which the tree is planted is filling with water. It has been agreed that this needs to be resolved before another tree is planted.

Highways

St Margaret’s Road is to be closed for three weeks from Falaise Road to Magdalen Road for repaving of the pavement on the south side, working on the kerbing and constructing a new manhole.

Grand Parade will be resurfaced from London Road to Warrior Square starting on 14th September.

Marina will be resurfaced from Sussex Road to Burton Road starting on 17th September.

County Council

The County Council wants to take full control of on-street parking in Hastings which we both oppose. Up to now it has been devolved to Hastings Borough Council with any surplus shared between the two councils but has to be spent in Hastings on highways or transport. Full control being taken by the County Council will mean all decisions about parking costs and times and the consideration of appeals against parking tickets will be taken by people outside of Hastings. It will also mean parking attendants in Hastings would be employed by National Car Parks.
At its meeting on 5th July the County Council cabinet agreed to do more work to on the financial impacts of this and the impacts on Hastings people and then report back later to take a final decision.

St Leonard’s festival

Don’t forget the St Leonards festival on 17th September.  Stewards are required – phone 01424 438291 if you can help.