DWLP for all says RDC leader

Questions and criticisms about DLWP came repeatedly from members of the public at Bexhill Town Forum, ranging from lack of tourist information and a permanent cinema, to accusations of insufficient entertainment for children, and no live music.

"Everybody doesn't love this artist stuff," said one resident, thinking perhaps of Gormley's aforementioned cast iron figures positioned a couple of floors above.

"Everybody is different."

Another asked why, given the 550,000 spent on the building every year, Bexhill ratepayers needed to be sponsored by Hastings Local to cover the cost of hiring the venue for this public meeting on Tuesday evening.

Referring to the recent scrutiny committee examination of DLWP activity for the last year, when director Alan Hayden gave an up-to-present day progress report, Cllr Forster said that members were "keen" that the DLWP be something "everyone can share in".

Cllr Maynard assured the Forum that councillors continued to be "very challenging" and that members of all parties agreed it should be an asset and not a liability.

He told the Forum however it was "very important" to consider and acknowledge considerable external funding from the Arts Council over the years, given on the condition of certain criteria being fulfilled.

He agreed the DLWP had become "an arts venue" but insisted it was still "useable to all of the local residents."

"If RDC took it back in hand, it would cost you millions of pounds," he commented.

"That's a fact. We should be thankful for the millions of pounds that were brought in of lottery money.

"This is a fantastic iconic building.

"It is one of the things I think is an absolute cornerstone of Bexhill.

"When the Jerwood comes to Hastings, we will then have two iconic venues for arts in the South East, and I think that is something to be commended."

Bexhill Alliance chairman John Lee asked during Question Time if next Spring RDC would use the opportunity of a half-way review interlude in its six year funding agreement to rethink the "recreational and leisure potential" of the DLWP in consultation with residents, and considering the original aims of Earl De La Warr in creating it for the community.

Cllr Maynard replied that the council was "but one partner" in the operation and that the DLWP Trust was not under RDC control.

He added: "This is one of the prior arts venues in the whole of the South East and I think it is important to recognise that.

"I think its important that this also is something local residents can identify with.

"I know this is not always something everybody wants...but the Arts Council gives half a million pounds a year '“ surely that's good news for Bexhill?

"Surely Bexhill residents don't want this council to take on the lion share of funding for this building? I think that is where we are."