Cross party group to handle town centre

Leader of Rother District Council Carl Maynard announced the move at a Cabinet meeting on Monday which saw councillors give an enthusiastic reception to the regeneration plans, published in last week's Observer.

The steering group will now feature five Rother District councillors, rather than the three recommended in the officers report.

Cllr Maynard, project sponsor for the town centre regeneration plan, said: "This is genuinely in the spirit of inclusivity. If we have different views we will hear that aired in public, but I have made it clear that I expect all councillors to be involved, not just those on the group.

"There must be a discussion amongst members but also amongst the people of Bexhill.

"We want to take this town forward. We want to make regeneration a reality."

Pebsham councillor Charlie Clark is likely to be the independent member, and Cllr Sue Prochak, leader of the Lib Dems, confirmed Cllr Stuart Wood, of Bexhill Old Town ward, was being put forward for her party's seat.

Speaking for the Lib Dems on Monday, Cllr Martyn Forster welcomed the plans, but said his party would be scrutinising the project closely, adding: "We are encouraging new business development, but urban rennaissance, transport improvements, excellence in education and broadband connectivity remain distant dreams."

The three Tory councillors were named as Cllrs Christopher Starnes, Brian Kentfield and Paul Lendon.

Cllr Maynard said private investment would be Bexhill's lifeline, warning there would be little Central Government funding for the proposals, which include development of Devonshire Square, an 80-bed hotel in the town centre and a social road between Sackville roundabout and Devonshire Road.