Residents flock to Next Wave exhibition

Initially crowds of people lined the street, forming a long queue, taking organisers by surprise, and it quickly became obvious that the education room, designated to hold the exhibition, detailing the proposals for the scheme, would not be adequate. Museum Curator Cllr Julian Porter therefore made the decision to open up the museum in it's entirety to accommodate the swell.

The public gave mixed reactions to the scheme but some topics under discussion, which many seemed particularly perturbed about, was the lack of a cycle lane, the removal of the putting green and, "too much concrete" in the town.

Robin Barnett, a resident of Bexhill for the past twenty eight years, believes the lack of a cycle lane is short-sighted, particularly in view of Bexhill's history.

Robin said: "Originally Bexhill was known for it's cycling and was a British motor cycling centre, it had a major cycle track that ran from Galley Hill along the seafront. There's a cycle track in Hastings and St Leonard's and it's a pity it can't be extended along the seafront in Bexhill. We don't cycle ourselves, but cyclists need somewhere to ride their bikes safely."

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said the exhibition and images displayed were misleading:

" It's not very specific and there's not really enough detail for us to comment as it doesn't tell us much, however, it's clear that, even though cycling will not be allowed, the pictures on display show cyclists!"

He added: "We've spoken to the architect and he said a cycle lane is not in his brief, so clearly the council have not accommodated for it. Therein lies the question '“ who has set the brief? It hasn't been the people of the town."

Bexhillians, Derek & Pam Anderson, said they preferred the 1934 plan on display at the museum to the new proposals. The 1934 plan included a swimming pool situated directly outside the De La Warr Pavilion leading down to the beach.

Pam said: "There's a lot of high feeling in the town regarding the Next Wave plans. It would appear that the council are in charge and they don't seem to be listening to all the objections '“ or so it would appear. It's a shame they plan to do away with the putting green, our grandchildren use that a lot. It now looks like it will soon be a skateboarders paradise."

She added: "We like the original 1934 plan '“ we'd vote for that!"

Derek commented: "It's a shame to destroy the Edwardian heritage '“ they're just trying to make it more modern I suppose."

David Tomasetti and wife Hazel were concerned about the amount of concrete used in the project and the lack of a cycle lane.

Hazel said: "Looking at the exhibition it's hard to tell what it will be like but it strikes me as it will be all concrete and I don't think that's a good thing for this type of town.

"Concrete deteriorates and soon looks tatty. I'm not sure why it's being done or what it's going to bring to the town '“ it's not about tourism '“ I'm finding it difficult to see what it's function is."

David, a local resident who enjoys cycling said:

"There's a lot of controversy about these plans. There's no cycle lane and the architect says there's no room and it would have to go somewhere else. It's against the law for cyclists to ride on the promenade and it seems that the planners are not using the initiatives that are available.

"Cycling is therapeutic, healthy and good fun!"

Janice Windle, Rother District Council Project Manager for the Next Wave Project, apologised for the long queues when the exhibition opened and felt that, overall, the day had gone well.

Janice said: I'm really pleased with how the day has gone and we're very sorry for the queues first thing.

"The feedback we've been getting has raised a number of concerns that have been addressed and a lot of people have said the exhibition has been an improvement on what they were expecting.

"I'd estimate that overall it's been fifty percent for and fifty percent against the proposals."

Regarding the issue of the putting green and cycle lane Janice said:

"A lot of people say they are glad to see the putting green go. People can cycle on the road and we are putting metal cycle racks on West Parade so bikes can be locked up.

"Unfortunately, because of by-laws, cycling is prohibited on the sea front. This is currently being reviewed, and could change, but the Next Wave Scheme is going forward before any changes in by-laws."