Keep the Welcome signs shining in 2003

The New Year message from leaders and planners is that the business and social life of the town has much to gain.

The area has already been given a major lift by the success of the Observer-backed Making Bexhill Brighter campaign.

The Welcome to Bexhill signs among the Christmas street lights are set to remain a symbol of the town's aspirations.

A discussion document released this week says: "The vision for Bexhill is one of a thriving coastal town in which people want to live, in which businesses are confident in investing and growing and is characterised by a strong sense of community and pride in its distinct identity."

Rother is expected to accommodate 3,000 new homes across the district over the next decade.

The key to that project plus the creation of a North Bexhill Business Park is likely to hinge on an economy-boosting Link Road.

Leaders want an early Government decision on the Link Road.