Bexhill residents want further consultation on Next Wave development

According to a Lib Dem survey conducted over the last two weeks, more than 100 people out of a total of 150 were unhappy with the Next Wave scheme.

The majority wanted an information centre for visitors and residents instead, a seafront cycle track, more public toilets and the re-starting of the shopfront refurbishment scheme.

Others want regeneration of Bexhill town centre and the promenade to extend to Cooden.

Earlier this month hundreds of locals flocked to Bexhill Museum to put forward their opinions on the controversial plans for Bexhill's seafront at the Next Wave exhibition.

The public gave mixed reactions to the scheme at the event and seemed particularly perturbed about the lack of a cycle lane, the removal of the putting green and, "too much concrete" in the town.

The total cost of the Next Wave development is estimated to be 5.1 million.

It has been funded by a combination of external funding, developer contributions, money already committed by Rother District Council for car-park maintenance and the remainder from the council's reserves.

In 2008 the Government launched its 'Sea Change' programme, a 45 million fund aimed at supporting culturally-led regeneration in coastal resorts.

Rother successfully bid for the sum of 1 million from the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) for its regeneration proposals for the seafront at Bexhill.

Mary Varrall, Lib Dem parliamentary spokesman for Bexhill and Battle, said: "There is an overwhelming feeling in Bexhill that too much money is being spent on a project which is not in keeping with the traditional atmosphere of the town.

"Visitors tell us they come to Bexhill for the unspoilt peace and quiet.

"Some of the novel suggestions we have received show people are thinking seriously about this, not just being negative.

"It is a pity that the Conservatives on Rother District Council are determined to override these strong feelings and refuse residents a proper voice in the future of their town."

The council wished not to comment on the Lib Dem findings.