Rother leader defends council's tourism record

A questioner has attacked the authority, alleging that it no longer welcomes tourism.

The leader has countered by listing the projects the authority is backing.

The questioner said: "I am assuming that the council no longer welcomes tourism in Bexhill.

"Our surrounding towns - Battle, Rye and Hastings - have all retained their visitor centres, town guides, they have developed heritage trails, cycle routes and many visitor attractions.

"Apart from the De La Warr Pavilion what do we have?

"Why do you not capitalise on our wonderful seafront, our history and charm, individual shops accommodation and restaurants?

"Tourism is a much-needed source of income for Bexhill. We need help to keep Bexhill alive for residents and visitors alike."

The leader replied: "Far from not welcoming tourism, the council is investing heavily in the tourism infrastructure in and around Bexhill, as illustrated by the following examples:

*10m investment levered into the De La Warr Pavilion, enabling it to be restored and re-branded as a major cultural attraction and bringing significant new investment and visitors to the town:

*4m improvement programme for Egerton Park, supported by Heritage Lottery Fund:

*Bexhill Museum Extension and refurbishment:

*Development of Pebsham Countryside Park as a major leisure facility:

*600,000 committed by the council to support first phase of improvements to Bexhill Seafront:

*Proposals for redevelopment and enhancement of the Colonnade, shortly to be the subject of a planning application:

*Support for the HERS scheme, in particular the restoration of shop fronts in the town centre:

*The 'Coastal Treasures' project which included investment into new and enhanced lighting to the Museum, the Colonnade and the installation of heritage lamp standards in Sackville Road.

"I agree that we need to make sure that Bexhill is promoted to its best advantage, alongside the promotion already carried out by 1066 country, the De La Warr Pavilion and other businesses and attractions.

"It is for precisely that reason that the council is holding discussions with our partners to look at this issue and to ensure that our collective efforts are directed to best effect."