So says Martin Griffiths, the Liberal Democrat candidate for both Ashdown ward and the Ashdown & Conquest division in the forthcoming elections, as he presents his take on the cluster of four developments at the top of Harrow Lane which has caught local attention.
While we in the UK have regular general and local elections, (even allowing for a year’s Covid disruption), Palestinians are now gearing up for their first elections in 15 years. Hastings & Rye Palestine Solidarity Campaign have arranged an online event with three Palestinian speakers for Wednesday 21st to put this rare happening in context, as the group explains.
Hastings Community of Sanctuary, along with other refugee support groups and parties, has reacted angrily to the Home Office’s decision to move asylum-seekers back into Napier Barracks, despite the many criticisms made by an independent inquiry and a legal action which would outlaw the move due to be heard this week. Nick Terdre reports.
Despite the recommendation by planning officers to approve the retrospective application (HS/FA/20/00884) for a large house in the Martineau Lane area, Councillors voted to refuse it (8-1, with one abstention). What now for the building known as ‘Son of Bunker’? What next for local planning? Bernard McGinley reports. (References are to the video timings).
In a surprise move in the run-up to the local elections Cllr Andy Patmore has been chosen to lead the Conservative group on Hastings Borough Council. He promises to challenge the ruling Labour group’s handling of council affairs. Nick Terdre reports.
Secondary elections rarely excite great interest, and this year, as many of us contemplate picking up the pieces after this most extraordinary period, they are as ever at risk of passing unnoticed. But there are reasons to show an interest, Chris Connelley of the Coastal Action polling survey group says.
Four housing developments at the top of Harrow Lane, which are in various stages of application or approval, will drastically change the character of the area if all go ahead. While acknowledging the need to boost the town’s housing stock, Conservative Cllr Mike Edwards, who represents Ashdown ward, finds the prospect daunting, as he explains.
Infection rates in Hastings are among the lowest in the country, but so are vaccination rates. Meanwhile the government has decided to introduce testing for all. Text by Nick Terdre, research and graphics by Russell Hall.
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