Sovereign Harbour Innovation Park construction starts in Eastbourne

Construction of the Sovereign Harbour Innovation Park has started in Eastbourne, East Sussex, with site clearance and piling works.

The 5.5 acre business park is being created by economic development company Sea Change Sussex, with support from Eastbourne Borough Council and East Sussex County Council.

The construction work is being carried out by Buckingham Group Contracting, a £300 million turnover, family/owner-managed building company.

The project will bring new economic life to a disused site in prestigious Sovereign Harbour, 2.5 miles east of Eastbourne town centre, by attracting expanding businesses and providing local jobs.

The first development on the Park will be Pacific House (shown below) – a 2,300m² contemporary business centre.

Pacific House will be able to accommodate up to 70 firms as amix of small or medium sized businesses or, alternatively, one or two large companies.

These could be start-ups, established local firms, companies from outside the area or a combination of these.

The units available range from 58m² to the entire building, which will be able to accommodate up to 300 employees.

Pacific House is scheduled to be completed next summer, 2015. Sea Change and its agents are taking letting enquiries now, with several firms already expressing interest.

The rest of the Innovation Park offers a range of potentialsites for further commercial properties to be developed which could bring total development up to 10,000m² including Pacific House.

Anyone interested in either offices within Pacific House orother developments on the Sovereign Harbour Innovation Park should contact one of Sea Change’s agents:

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Richard Harding, Bray Fox Smith:richardharding@brayfoxsmith.com; 020 7629 5456

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Chris Broome, Cluttons:christopher.broome@cluttons.com; 01273 738383

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Alex Hobbis, Hobbis & Dyer:ahobbis@dyerandhobbis.com; 01424 423626

 

Further details:  For more about Sovereign Harbour Innovation Park and Sea Change’s broader development programme for East Sussex, visitwww.seachangesussex.co.uk.

For Buckingham Group, see www.buckinghamgroup.co.uk.

For further media information & images, contact Tariq Khwaja from PR agency
TK Associates on tariq.khwaja@tk-associates.com or 01932 224 212

The great cycling debate rumbles on... But why can't we all work together for the decent majority?

Every day as I return home from work or often later in the evening after returning from the Town Hall after representing my fellow constituents at a variety of civic engagements, I remain thankful that I live in Sovereign Harbour with its fresh sea air, close proximity to our wonderful seafront and coastline, stunning marina views, bustling waterfront life and miles and miles of wide pathways that we can walk around with our faithful hound, allow the children the freedom to scooter or rover boot or cycle around as a family - great for our health and never ending opportunities to get out and enjoy our wonderful surroundings!

Like many of my constituents, I get out and enjoy our Harbour and Seafront on a daily basis on foot and on cycle and for the record, you can cycle on the inner Harbour walkways, the promenade from the lock gates to the Martello Tower and for part of the North Harbour promenade in addition to the designated cycle paths along Harbour Quay, Pacific Drive and Atlantic Drive - you must not however cycle over locks and bridges or in front of the busy waterfront restaurants. When I walk I look out for others and often exchange a polite greeting and I apply the same courtesy and care when I cycle without any incident around the Harbour throughout over ten years of living here. Cycling on the designated seafront cycle lane between the Water Treatment Works and Fishermans Green is a somewhat different experience where both walkers and cyclists tend to become very territorial, some cyclists often firing along at higher speeds and pedestrians of all ages often wandering around seemingly oblivious to the fact that they have strayed into the cycle lane, in fact it's not uncommon to find people throwing balls for their dogs right across the path of an oncoming cyclist - why does something intended to provide safe distinction for both user groups so often lead to defensive behaviour and a lack of courtesy and awareness that exists on the shared areas around the Harbour?

I have talked to residents as I have survey canvassed during the last year throughout Sovereign Ward and I have listened to Council officials, members of our local Police force and Neighbourhood Panels, I have read letters from those concerned and those in favour but I am proud to have been one of the Councillors who voted for the relaxation of the bye law which currently prevents cyclists from using much of the seafront promenade because I believe in our town being accessible for the enjoyment of all residents of all ages at all times and I know that the vast majority of people who do actually use the promenade on a regular basis are decent people who are quite capable of respecting others and getting along without incident. 

That said, I do believe that whilst the matter is being considered by the Secretary of State there is more we can be doing as a council to address some valid concerns about seafront cycling. The previous Conservative administration planned to widen the promenade at its most narrow section between Splash Point and the Pier by installing a board walk and I believe that these plans or something similar should be revived and I also believe that the CCTV that made it possible to identify those who knocked the little four year old girl down near the Pier a few months ago should be expanded to help provide evidence if a minority do choose to disrespect the majority of law abiding citizens. Furthermore recently revised powers to tackle anti-social behaviour introduced by the Government should make it possible for the council to send a strong message that mis-use of our local environment will not be tolerated and that action can be triggered by both the council and the police to deal with offenders. Personally I would like to see a policy of a hefty fine and confiscation of the culprits cycle publicised as a deterrent and the Council's Neighbourhood First team used more widely and equipped with body mounted cameras to help monitor the promenade for the benefit of all, perhaps supported by community cycling speed enforcement in a similar way that has been successfully trialled in some rural villages with speed cameras enabling Police resources to be used in a more targeted way on the rare occasion that there is an incident.

However in recent days two petitions have been started and circulated by the Sovereign Harbour Residents Association and circulated amongst Neighbourhood Panel committees, inviting people to vote against cycling on the both the seafront and around Sovereign Harbour. I share disappointment being expressed by some residents who don't feel that the SHRA have a mandate as an association to do this without consulting all residents more widely, indeed cycling has not been raised as a concern at either the last SHRA annual meeting in May this year or any I can remember before that. Indeed looking at the twitter feeds of those behind these petitions, it appears that this is more the personal view of a small number of people and I think it would have been more appropriate that if they felt so strongly about the subject, they launched the petitions as individuals rather than under the guises of the SHRA and through the Neighbourhood Panel.

As a Sovereign Ward Councillor I have worked very closely with the SHRA committee on a vast number of issues and I think that together we have achieved a great deal which has helped make Sovereign Harbour the wonderful place it is today with such a largely bright future. On this matter though I think it could have been handled better and I would urge them to reconsider withdrawing using their SHRA and Neighbourhood Panel positions to promote it until residents views can be more widely understood. I would far rather work with them to see that the decent majority of residents are not prevented from enjoying our beautiful surroundings and that a tiny mindless minority who may seek to spoil life for all are sent a strong message and dealt with firmly.

Cllr Warner calls for crackdown on violent crime following spate of cycling related incidents

Following the relatively recent vote to begin the process of relaxing inadequate bye laws which prevent cycling on Eastbourne's seafront promenade, taken by a majority of Councillors on both sides of the chamber of Eastbourne Borough Council there has been a spate of violent crimes involving cyclists.

First the little girl who was knocked down near The Pier, after which the two cyclists involved sped away and only came forward to answer for their actions after being identified on seafront CCTV footage. Then last week an elderly gentlemen was badly beaten up following an autication with a thug on two wheels. Additionally there have been incidents where cyclists have come off worst against motorists.

Now I know that opinion is deeply divided on whether cyclists should be able to join pedestrians on our promenades but the fact remains, the bye law is still currently in place but it has done nothing to prevent innocent people becoming victims of violent crime. 

That is why during the full council meeting held earlier this evening, I called on fellow Councillors who serve on the JAG Committee (the Joint Action Group which brings representatives of the emergency services together with various agency partners) to work with the Community Safety Partnership to urgently draw up plans to crack down on this type of violent crime.

Regardless of whether the bye law is relaxed next year or not, I believe it is vital that the sense of community which the decent majority demonstrated is so alive and well in Eastbourne following the tragic Pier fire, is not threatened by a mindless minority of individuals who think it perfectly acceptable to treat others with such disrespect. I will be keeping up pressure for this minority to receive a very clear message, you are not welcome in Eastbourne!

East Sussex roads to benefit from a major increase in investment to tackle pot hole menace and increase the number of full resurfacing projects

Following the recent approval of it's annual budget, East Sussex County Council has recently approved additional* expenditure totalling £57.25m for improvements to the county’s highways. This is made up of the following amounts:

 

·        £15m per annum of capital expenditure for resurfacing over the three years 2015/16 to 2017/18

·        £5m per annum expenditure targeted at the improvement of our unclassified roads over the two years 2014/15 & 2015/16

·        £750k per annum additional revenue budget for pothole repairs over the three years 2014/15 to 2016/17

 

* These sums are in addition to the £15m per annum that the County Council is investing in the current financial year and in 2014/15.

 

County Councillors and Town and Parish Councils were last week sent a draft list of over 400 roads that ESCC are proposing to resurface over the next two years. This totals over £40m including the additional investment for unclassified roads. 

 

As well as additional investment for resurfacing, the County Council approved an additional £2.25m of revenue budget (£750k in each of the next three years) to help improve response times for pothole repairs. This additional revenue budget will enable pothole repairs to be carried out quicker, and from April ESCC will endeavour to repair all potholes within 28 days.

 

In response to concerns raised by myself and others about the quality of pothole repairs, the expectation is that from April, the vast majority of repairs will be properly cut out and permanent repairs carried out. There will be occasions when temporary repairs are appropriate; where safety dictates a road closure or a repair at night, or where ESCC have plans for more substantial repairs or resurfacing in the near future. 

 

On the subject of temporary pothole repairs, the Council's contractor has been instructed that from now all ‘temporary’ pothole repairs should be spray-marked with the letter “T” so those temporary repairs going forward should be obvious to all and will be logged in our Control Hub as temporary with plans identified for a permanent solution. 

In the case of local roads, I will be updating readers of this blog with planned resurfacing works as and when I hear about them. On the subject of Hammonds Drive and Birch Road which I reported last weekend, these have have received temporary repairs but have now been scheduled to be resurfaced so I hope that this will draw a line under the historic problems in this area.

Residents and motorists can report highway concerns via the ESCC Website at http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/contactus/reportaproblem/default.htm or you can also report it viaTwitter which not only increases awareness of probem areas to other motorists, thereby hopefully reducing the risk of potential unnecessary damage to their cars but you also receive real time confirmation of what they intend to do about it, you can report issues via a Twitter at @esccroads

 

Raising resident's concerns over Halfway House near Primary School

Parents of children at Pevensey & Westham Church of England Primary School have been expressing concern about plans to open a halfway house for homeless people and recovering drug addicts and alcoholics in an end of terrace house in Westham High Street.

The plans by Kingdomway Trust are to provide a project called 'The Bridge' in which six men, who are part way through their rehabilitation process will be given the opportunity to prepare for a fully independent life and you can read more about their aims and ambitions by clicking this link to their website: http://kingdomwaytrust.org/projects/house/

On Monday evening, the 10th March, local resident, Kevin Balsdon arranged a public meeting for local residents and concerned individuals to come along and hear about Kingdomway Trust's plans and to have the opportunity to ask questions about the proposals. The meeting was well run and it was clear that the organisers have very sincere intentions, intentions which I think most people would wish them well with in the hope that the individuals who might use the project, are able to complete their rehabilitation and change the course of their lives for the better.

I attended in my capacity of a father to my ten year old daughter and as a local Councillor representing Sovereign Harbour and Langney Point. Whilst Pevensey & Westham Primary School is located in the neighbouring Pevensey & Westham area, I and many of the people I represent in Sovereign Harbour and the surrounding area have the privilege of contributing to village life through the education and afterschool activities that our children participate in at this traditional village Church school.

A number of concerning points came to light during the public questions. Whilst the organisers have participated in the successful night shelter scheme in Eastbourne, where churches take it turns to provide a rotational single night's shelter for homeless people from the coldest of the winter weather, this ambitious project will be the first it has undertaken on a continuous basis and it is intended that residents will remain in the house for up to two years until rehabilitation is complete. Furthermore whilst they have a preferred selection criteria, the organisers were unable to guarantee residents that those who apply to be part of the project would A) not have a criminal record or B) not be on the register of sex offenders and despite these potential and serious risks, 24 hour supervision is only likely to be provided for the first six months with a team of volunteers providing on call support thereafter.

I addressed the meeting on behalf of parents of pupils to say that whilst I didn't doubt the sincerity of the organisers' intentions, with so many young, vulnerable and impressionable young people within close proximity of the intended location of the house, this was the wrong location to be trialling such an ambitious project. Furthermore I have written to Wealden District Council who will be considering if the application is legal by the 8th April and I have also written to the Associate Head Teacher of Pevensey & Westham Primary School to encourage him to do the same.

At this stage, due to the size of the plan, Wealden District Council only have to consider if the plan is a legal application and if they do that, no formal public consultation need take place and the project will become a reality with the very real risks that entails. If the council can be convinced of the danger, they could ensure that the plan has to go before a full planning committee and face the level of scrutiny it warrants. If you would like to make your views known, you should write to:

The Head of Planning & Building Control

Wealden District Council

Council Offices

Vicarage Lane

Hailsham

East Sussex

BN27 2AX

E-mail: planning@wealden.gov.uk

Fairness for Sovereign Harbour Residents proposed in Council Motion

Residents of Sovereign Harbour have long been concerned about how money raised from the Harbour Charge is spent. Currently the two largest proportions of the money raised are divided between the Environment Agency and Premier Marinas with the smaller remaining portion being spent on administering the charge to residents via Sovereign Harbour Sea Defences CIC (formerly Sovereign Harbour Trust).

I was invited to join the board in 2011 and took up this offer (which is not related formally to my role as one of your local Councillors), in order to give residents a voice on the board and gain a better understanding of how it works. I have consistently used this platform to call for more transparency and have also supported calls for Sovereign Harbour Residents Association to be offered the chance to nominate a further Director, effectively doubling resident representation on the board. I would furthermore like to confirm that whilst Directors are permitted to claim a small allowance to cover their time and travel costs to meetings, I have chosen not to claim this preferring to see this as a further opportunity to put something back into the community in which I live.

One of the things that frustrates me most is the way the agreement was drafted and I believe that whilst Eastbourne Borough Council fulfilled its statutory obligations as the local Planning Authority in permitting the development of the Harbour, in common with the loose conditions which have permitted huge volumes of residential properties without community facilities, it should have accepted a moral duty to ensure that any agreement formed to collect a charge to maintain sea defences, was drafted in such a way that this charge was applied fairly amongst residents who benefit from the work and that revisions to future charges was able to be scrutinised properly. 

Since I and my fellow colleagues Cllr Philip Ede and Cllr Gordon Jenkins were elected in 2011, we have worked hard with the current Council Officer team, County Councillor David Elkin, landowners and developers to rectify the situation with regard to community facilities. The Master Plan process, whilst not yet delivered, demonstrates this commitment and will deliver only minimal further residential development along with a Community Centre, further Restaurants, Bars, Shops, public open spaces, a bus link which will lead to an improved bus service and the creation of a Business Park to boost jobs and the creation of businesses on the area.

However, the recent further increase in the Harbour Charge, dictated by Premier Marinas demonstrates that there is still much more to do. We must reach a point where residents can see fairness applied to the charge made for maintaining our sea defences. We must be confident that any further money being used by the Marina Company is of benefit to residents and not as is perceived by some, being used to subsidise a commercial business. Whether this agreement continues to run until it ends, or is renegotiated early for any reason, I believe that any future changes must be seen to embody fairness so I have tabled a motion that will if supported by all members of the council, lead to officers working up proposals and advice on how this can best be achieved.

The motion reads:

'This Council accepts that residents have every right to feel that they were failed from the outset and for them to consider that fairness was not at the heart of the agreement which sees a charge put on Harbour residents alone to maintain sea defences. Furthermore, members will instruct officers to look into how best this council can contribute to righting the historic wrongs and ensure that fairness is at the heart of any new agreement in future'.

See my You Tube introduction to the motion here: http://youtu.be/W_lI-zwQYUY

Fellow Ward Councillor and Harbour resident, Cllr Philip Ede will be seconding the motion and Sovereign Harbour Residents Association will have a Committee representative speaking in favour of the motion at the meeting. Residents and members of the public are welcome to attend and have the opportunity to address members as well. If you would like to speak you need to make your request known to the Democracy Team by emailing them at localdemocracy@eastbourne.gov.uk no later than midday on Monday 17th February.

Following the recent extreme weather it is clear from the pictures below that our coastline requires constant maintenance to ensure that our homes remain safe and it is my belief that most reasonable people don't mind contributing to that maintenance provided the charges we pay are seen to be fair. I hope very much that this motion if passed will lead to greater fairness for residents.

Cllr Patrick Warner

Conservative Member for Sovereign Ward

& Chairman of Scrutiny

Eastbourne Borough Council

Awful A27 claims another local life

Following on from the positive meeting at Westminster last week when Chamber Chief, Christina Ewbank, Eastbourne's Prospective MP, Cllr Caroline Ansell and I met new Roads Minister, Robert Goodwill MP to discuss long overdue improvements to the A27 between Polegate and Lewes, it was sad to hear that yet another motorist lost their life on the road during rush hour traffic on Monday evening.

Earlier today it was revealed that the motorist in question was 57 year old Peter Sinden of Old Town. Peter was a former customer of mine that I had known for a number of years. A keen motoring enthusiast and fan of MG sports cars, Peter was a gentle man with a great sense of humour who will be missed by his family and the local MG enthusiast community.

My thoughts and best wishes go out to Peter's family and friends at this difficult time and his passing will strengthen my resolve to continue doing all I can to ensure that this road is upgraded in the future.

Questions asked over Towner Art Gallery Trust proposals

Eastbourne's Lib-Dem run Council have been quizzed over plans to transfer the New Towner Art Gallery into a trust. At the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening, Chairman of Scrutiny, Cllr Patrick Warner questioned Cllr Carolyn Heaps the Cabinet Portfolio holder for Tourism about the plans.

Cllr Warner said "given this Council's poor record at managing it's property portfolio along with concerns over the original build of the new Towner Gallery and the deteriorated state of the adjacent Congress Theatre which remains covered in expensive scaffolding, can Cllr Heaps advise us what steps have been taken to ensure that the building will continue to be maintained properly and regular inspections carried out once the transfer to trust takes place". Cllr Warner also added "given the exciting plans to redevelop the Devonshire Complex and restore the Winter Gardens, can Cllr Heaps assure us that rushing ahead with moving the Towner to trust early will not make the wider complex less attractive given that it was first muted that the entire site could be managed by one trust?".

A red faced Cllr Heaps seemed unusually lost for words as first the Leader of the Council sprang to her defence, followed by the Senior Officer responsible for Tourism who admitted that further work needed to be done in this area but that it was possible the Council would retain responsibility for the buildings and that the Towner trust might be able to be rolled into a larger trust or operated as a separate entity within a larger organisation at some stage. 

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Cllr Warner said "I was not convinced that the Cabinet Member had strong grasp of her brief in this area and whilst I accept that trust status could open up opportunities for the flagship art gallery, I will be maintaining a close interest in developments both as Chairman of Scrutiny and in my role on the cross party Strategic Property Board which was tasked with restoring confidence in the management of the property portfolio following the Asset Management Fiasco that surfaced shortly after the 2011 local elections".

Britain finally deports Abu Qatada to Jordan after decade long saga

Britain deported radical Islamist cleric Abu Qatada to Jordan on Sunday to face terror charges, ending a nearly decade-long legal battle to expel the man once dubbed Osama bin Laden's deputy in Europe.

The Palestinian-born preacher, 53, was taken from prison in an armoured police van to a military airfield on the outskirts of London, where he boarded a privately chartered jet that lifted off into the night sky.

Britain was finally able to expel the father-of-five after the two governments last month formally approved a treaty guaranteeing that evidence obtained by torture would not be used against him in any retrial.

Home Secretary Theresa May said his departure proved that the government's efforts to deport him had been worth the £1.7 million ($2.7 million, two million euros) legal bill and would be "welcomed by the British public."

"This dangerous man has now been removed from our shores to face the courts in his own country," she said in a statement released seconds after Abu Qatada's plane took off.

_{Handout photo issued by the Ministry of Defence of Abu Qatada (left) at RAF Northolt. Photo: PA}

Jordanian officials said they expected him to arrive in Amman later Sunday morning, with the flight taking around five hours, although they have not said what they will do with him when he does arrive.

British newspapers said he would be taken straight to jail near Amman.

Television pictures showed Abu Qatada dressed in a white robe as he boarded the aircraft at the RAF Northolt base in west London. He had earlier left high security Belmarsh jail in southeast London in a blue armoured police van flanked by three police cars.

Abu Qatada was condemned to death in 1999 for conspiracy to carry out terror attacks including on the American school in Amman but the sentence was immediately reduced to life imprisonment with hard labour.

In 2000, he was sentenced to 15 years for plotting to carry out terror attacks on tourists during the millennium celebrations in Jordan.

Under Jordanian law, Abu Qatada faces retrial for the offences on his return, because the original convictions were made in absentia.

The radical cleric has been in and out of British prisons since 2002, although he has never been convicted of any crime, and London has been trying to deport him since 2005.

British and European courts blocked his expulsion on the grounds that evidence might be used against him that had been obtained by torture.

But after years of legal battles his lawyers unexpectedly said in May that he would return there once the fair trial treaty was ratified by the Jordanian parliament.

"I am glad that this government's determination to see him on a plane has been vindicated and that we have at last achieved what previous governments, parliament and the British public have long called for," May said.

British Prime Minister David Cameron had previously said he would be "one of the happiest people in Britain" when Abu Qatada was finally deported.

Abu Qatada's wife and five children are expected to remain in Britain, where he first came in 1993 seeking asylum.

Born Omar Mahmud Mohammed Otman in Bethlehem in the now Israeli-occupied West Bank, Abu Qatada is a Jordanian national because the town was part of Jordan when he was born.

Videotapes of his sermons were allegedly found in the Hamburg flat of 9/11 ringleader Mohammed Atta while top Spanish judge Baltasar Garzon once branded Abu Qatada Osama bin Laden's deputy in Europe, although Abu Qatada denies ever having met the slain al-Qaeda leader.

Jordanian Salafist leader Mohammad Shalabi, who is better known as Abu Sayyaf, told AFP this week that his followers were hopeful Abu Qatada would be allowed to go home instead of returning to jail.

"God willing, he will be declared innocent after a fair and quick trial," Shalabi said.

Theresa May, the fifth successive home secretary to try to expel Abu Qatada, announced the so-called "Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters" with Jordan in April after months of negotiations.

The treaty was then ratified by the British and Jordanian parliaments. It does not specifically mention Abu Qatada, but gives guarantees for cases like his.

Edited by Steve Wilson for telegraph.co.uk

Ministers to seize back 100 powers from Brussels

Around 100 powers are to be permanently seized from Europe in a dramatic move this week.

In the first part of efforts to renegotiate Britain’s relationship with the European Union, ministers will announce plans to claw back the powers.

Theresa May, the Home Secretary, will give MPs details of proposals to opt out of 133 EU measures covering justice, home affairs and the police — including the controversial European Arrest Warrant — by next spring.

Some of the measures that are seen to be in the national interest will then be opted back into, in a complex process, but “more than two thirds” will disappear permanently from British law, The Sunday Telegraph has learnt.

The move follows last week’s unanimous Commons vote in favour of moves to hold an “in-out” referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU by 2017.

David Cameron has promised to hold a referendum after a major diplomatic drive to redefine the terms of Britain’s relationship with the 27 other countries in the union.

Senior government sources said the announcement on the mass justice and home affairs opt-out, which is expected on Tuesday, should be seen in this context, while Tory Eurosceptics, who originally wanted all 133 measures to be dumped permanently, said that the move was an “acid test” of the Prime Minister’s renegotiation strategy.

It could also open up a new rift with the Liberal Democrats, who oppose Mr Cameron’s referendum plan.

Tuesday’s announcement will be made after months of intense internal wrangling between Tories and Lib Dems over which justice and home affairs powers should be kept and which should be permanently dropped.

Conservative ministers want to exploit Labour’s confusion over whether it will make its own referendum pledge, as well as the party’s wider difficulties surrounding the row over attempts by the Unite union, its biggest paymaster, to influence the selection of parliamentary candidates.

Other flagship coalition measures likely to appeal to Conservative supporters will be spelt out in detail this week — including the new curriculum for five- to 14-year-olds that will see Winston Churchill restored to history lessons and plans for the privatisation of Royal Mail.

Mrs May is expected to tell MPs that the process of opting out of the EU’s justice and home affairs measures by the end of May 2014 — as Britain is entitled to do under the terms of the 2009 Lisbon Treaty — will be followed by a process of opting back into some laws that it is in the national interest to retain.

The most controversial is the European Arrest Warrant, which senior Conservative sources say gives rise to “concerns” — including the fact that Britain currently hands over many more suspects to other countries than it receives to face justice here.

Other concerns include the length of time suspects can be held without trial in some other EU countries and the apparently trivial offences for which British police are asked to arrest people so that they can be sent abroad.

Ministers have been pressing for the warrant to be “reformed”, amid signs that it could be one of the measures that is eventually retained. The Lib Dems are key supporters of the warrant.

Other measures among the scores from which Britain is expected to opt out include DNA profiling and fingerprint checking, some co-operation on cross-border crimes and plans for an EU-wide driving ban.

One plan Britain is particularly keen not to be part of is that of a European-wide public prosecutor with sweeping powers of investigation and arrest across member states.

Although some laws will remain after the “opt back in” process, Conservative sources welcomed the symbolism of the announcement of a major opt-out of EU powers just days after plans for an in/out referendum got a 304-vote unanimous backing in the Commons.

Dominic Raab, a Conservative MP, said: “This is a crucial opportunity to put British law enforcement ahead of Brussels’ thirst for political control and an acid test for the wider Conservative strategy of renegotiating terms with the EU.”

Via www.telegraph.co.uk

Grant Shapps MP makes joint appearance with Caroline Ansell inEastbourne Town Centre

Grant Shapps MP makes joint appearance with Caroline Ansell in Eastbourne Town Centre

The Right Honourable Grant Shapps MP,Conservative Party Chairman, today joined Caroline Ansell,  Prospective MP for Eastbourne & Willingdon at Bankers Corner in Terminus Road where they conducted a canvass of public opinion ahead of the vote on James Wharton's Private Members Bill, committing an EU Referendum to law. Voting takes place in Parliament on 5th July.

Caroline said:

“The referendum could be one step closer. The sitting MP has the opportunity on Friday in Westminster to play his part in securing a vote for the 70,000 voters in Eastbourne and Willingdon. If he were to vote in favour that would seem like a good day’s work to me. Our membership of The EU is arguably the biggest political question of our time and we really need to have a national conversation, in a responsible and balanced manner, that for once people can have a direct say in …why deny us that chance?”

Later in the afternoon Caroline Ansell presented the result of at the canvass to the office of sitting MP Stephen Lloyd, urging him to vote in favour of an EU referendum when the bill comes before  parliament tomorrow.

 ‘Independent’s Day’ for Traders

Following the street canvas, Caroline and Grant visited the Enterprise Shopping Centre to tour this example of success story of independent traders in the converted railway building.

“What a pleasure to show Grant around The Enterprise Centre on what is now known Independent’s Day’. The great character and nature of the place was so evident and everywhere we stopped there was a hugely warm welcome. Shopping here is so much more than a transaction, it's an experience”

They then visited The Old Print Works, Wharf Road nearing the completion of its renovation to see a ‘Back to Work’ Seminar in progress and to see how this new premises is providing an opportunity for business start-ups and a new home to Cohub.

After the visit Caroline said: “I was so impressed with the transformation going on at The Old Printworks where they are creating a really exciting workspace and great opportunities for local entrepreneurs”

Classic Eastbourne Buses pressed back into service to celebrate 110years of motor bus operation in the Borough of Eastbourne

Most who know me, know that I'm a bit of a petrol head and whilst this tends to revolve mainly around classic and modern British brands of cars, I also enjoy an occasional ride through our green and pleasant countryside on a steam train and the views you only tend to find from the top deck of a bus.

Recently when meeting with the Commercial Director of Stagecoach South East to discuss bus services in Sovereign Harbour on behalf of my constituents I was very pleased to be shown around the Birch Road workshops at the end of our meeting to discover two freshly restored classic Eastbourne Buses. The 1950 single deck AEC Regal had had to have a small number of mechanical components reproduced in order to breathe new life into it and my personal favourite and a rear platform entranced 1967 Leyland Titan PD2A double decker has had extensive bodywork restoration and interior refurbishment.

The Regal rejoined the old Eastbourne Buses fleet in the 1990's during the late David Howard's era as Managing Director and was lovingly restored and preserved for use on special occasions. An interesting family connection with this bus is that my Stepmother used to catch this bus to school from Black Robin Farm on Beachy Head where she grew up.

The Titan served Eastbourne residents continuously from manufacture by East Lancashire coach works in 1967 until the bodywork and structural underpinnings became so weakened by the sea air that major restoration work became essential in the mid-noughties. I was Chairman of the bus company between 2004 and 2007 as part of my council responsibilities and during this time, former Managing Director, Steve Barnett was successful in negotiating with East Lancs to take the bus back to the factory as a project which saw their apprentices carry out extensive restoration to the chassis, structure and bodywork in return for regular promotional use of the finished bus. This prevented the bus from being scrapped or facing an uncertain future in private preservation whilst enabling it to remain in ownership and use on special occasions by Eastbourne Buses without it becoming an unaffordable financial drain on the company.

By 2008, my successor as Chairman went on to sell Eastbourne Buses to Stagecoach and East Lancs was merged with rival bus builder, Optare. In the intervening period the Titan was returned to Stagecoach with most of the bodywork restoration completed. Stagecoach then arranged for a full repaint in the historic Navy Blue, Primrose Yellow and Cream Eastbourne Corporation livery along with replacement interior panelling and re trimming of the 68 seats - and what a splendid job they have done too!

Both of these classic buses have been returned to the road in time to celebrate the 110th anniversary of motor bus operation in Eastbourne and this milestone was reached in April. Stagecoach Eastbourne and the former Eastbourne Buses are successors to the oldest municipal motor omnibus operation in the world and to celebrate this fantastic achievement and to provide a unique visitor attraction in our wonderful town, Stagecoach are operating classic bus service 110 from the Sovereign Centre at the eastern end of the seafront along the front past The Pier into the Town Centre and around the cultural quarter which boasts the Devonshire Park complex, theatres, Winter Gardens and Towner Art Gallery between the 30th June and the 5th September. 

Residents can also expect brief appearances with crew operation on regular services if there are no spare modern buses available as my constituents in Sovereign Harbour were treated to on May 13th when buses operating service 51 between Eastbourne and Tunbridge Wells were held up following a multi-vehicle accident on the A267. 

You can get more information about the classic bus service 110 by clicking on the following link:

http://www.stagecoachbus.com/route110.aspx

Jaguar Land Rover announce Coronation Festival partnership

As the only automotive manufacturer to hold all three Royal Warrants, it’s fitting that Jaguar Land Rover is will be the official motor partner for the Royal Preview of the Coronation Festival on 11 July.

The Coronation Festival, which takes place in the gardens of Buckingham Palace on 11-14 July, is a celebration of innovation, excellence and industry through trade and craft. Uniquely, it will be the first time that more than 200 companies who hold Royal Warrants of Appointment are brought together on this scale,to showcase their goods, services and skills.

With a prestigious Queen’s Award for Innovation for the patented Terrain Response System and a further Queen’s Award for Enterprise, Jaguar Land Rover has affirmed its position as an automotive visionary.

Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover’s Chief Executive Officer said: ‘Jaguar and Land Rover were each granted their first Royal Warrants in 1951, a year before The Queen ascended the Throne. We are honoured and delighted to be celebrating this long and unbroken relationship by supporting the Coronation Festival.’

For more information about the Coronation Festival, visitwww.coronationfestival.com.

Via www.aronline.com

Get involved and help shape the future of youth services in East Sussex

Young people are being invited to get involved and have their voices heard by joining the Eastbourne Youth Forum.

In a bid to encourage more teenagers to join the group an open evening will be held on Monday 24 June, 2013.

The forum aims to work with organisations to ensure the views of young people living in Eastbourne, aged 12 to 19, are represented in the decision making process, that any gaps in services for young people are addressed and the achievements of young people are celebrated.

Members of the Eastbourne Youth Forum also make decisions about which local groups and schemes share funding from the Eastbourne YouthBank.

Cllr Sylvia Tidy, Lead Member for Children and Families, said: “Young people know what they like or don't like, joining Eastbourne Youth Forum is an excellent way to get your views across to those who make decisions on your behalf.

“Whether you join up and attend every meeting or sign up to the Facebook page, Eastbourne Youth Forum will help you get involved in what's happening in your town.”

Forum meetings are held every two weeks and members are invited to attend these. Those who want to be involved but are not confident about attending these meetings can join the Facebook page and join in discussions and get notifications of events and consultations.

Those interested in joining can drop in to an open evening on Monday 24 June, 2013, at Charlie's (YMCA) at 56 Seaside, Eastbourne between 6 and 7.30pm when members of the youth forum will be on hand to discuss their experiences. If you can't make the open evening contact Jacy Kilvert on 01323 411718 or email jacy.kilvert@eastsussex.gov.uk to arrange another time!

To find out more about what is happening on the Eastbourne Youth Forum join the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EastbourneYouthForum

Father’s day discounts in Eastbourne!

This Fathers Day, Eastbourne has many attractions and events for dads to attend with some discounted entry fee.

Dads can visit the Redoubt for FREE, head down to Legends day at the AEGON Tennis or watch a show at the Bandstand for FREE, as well as many other activities.

The Redoubt Fortress had a makeover over the winter months and has recently opened a brand new exciting exhibition called; Tinker Tailor Solider Button Maker. On Sunday 16 June, the fortress and museum is celebrating Fathers Day by offering FREE entry to dads visiting with their children. Tickets can also be used for a FREE return entry before 17 November!

Entry price is £4.50 for adults, £2.50 for children, £3.25 for seniors and students and flexible family ticket is £12.

The Redoubt opens 10am – 5pm on Sunday 16 June.

The Bandstand is in full swing this season with shows ranging from traditional afternoon concerts to tribute nights! To celebrate Fathers day, the Bandstand is welcoming fathers for FREE to any concert from Sunday 16 June – Friday 21 June. Dads attending with their children can watch:

• Traditional Afternoon Concert with Mayfield Band 16 June 3pm.
• Sunday Night at the proms with Wealden Brass 16 June 8pm.
• 1812 Firework Concert with Eastbourne Silver Band 19 June 8pm.
• Queen tribute show with Mercury 21 June 8pm.

To purchase tickets go to www.eastbournebandstand.co.uk

As Fathers day approaches, so does the AEGON International Tennis Tournament. 12 of the world’s top 20 look set to the return to Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park from 15 – 22 June, whilst BBC broadcast the tournament.

The tournament is also celebrating Fathers day with Legends day at the Tennis! Legends day makes a welcome return on Sunday 16 June with Greg Rusedski and Mark Phillippoussis facing off in a Fathers Day tussle, before they team up with former world number 1 Lindsay Davenport and two time Wimbledon doubles champion Rennae Stubbs in mixed doubles. For tickets go to www.aegoninternational.co.uk

Award winning contemporary art museum, Towner is currently exhibiting some great pieces and exhibitions. Including Fiona Rae; Maybe you can live on the moon in the next century the People and Portraits collection. This Fathers Day, Dads get a FREE drink in the Towner café located upstairs offering a balcony with beautiful views of the Devonshire Park area of Eastbourne.

Dads can also get in FREE at Drusillas Park on Fathers day! Drusillas are inviting Dads to get in FREE by signing up to discounts@drusillas.co.uk with their name, postal address and email address by 4pm on Monday 10 June.

Why not take your dad to Lloyds Lanes for bowling or laser quest? Dads go free! Book now on 01323 509999.

For an alternative Fathers day treat what about Tea at Batemans?

Afternoon tea at Batemans is not just dainty cakes and pastries, its hot mini Yorkshire pudding with gravy, posh fish finger roll, home made mini pastry served with rustic sandwich and the ever popular Bateman’s classic cream tea, washed down with a good strong cup of tea. All for just £12.50 per person. Call 01435 882302 to find out more.

All offers are for Fathers visiting with their children.

For more information go to www.visiteastbourne.com

F-16 Selects Eastbourne Airshow For Only Mainland UK Seaside Display

The Belgian Air Component F-16 is set to join a thrilling line up of the Red Arrows, Eurofighter Typhoon and Chinook at Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow on 15 – 18 August.

The rip-roaring fast jet has signalled a return to the UK’s Best FREE Airshow (as voted by Airscene), with Eastbourne’s seafront display being the only free airshow in the mainland UK set to welcome the team this year.

The heavy metal jet joins an international line up with the Royal Netherlands Air Force AB412 and a new display from a pair of Dassault Flamants from France, who make their UK debut in Eastbourne. The Red Arrows will also fly on all four days of the show, the only UK airshow to receive an incredible four displays.

The four day airshow last year enjoyed the busiest day ever in its 20 year history, and this year looks even more promising with a strong line up of RAF displays from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Tutor, Tucano, Eurofighter Typhoon, Red Arrows and a brand new routine for 2013, for fans of the Chinook.

Parachute teams from The Tigers and Royal Navy Raiders will be dropping in on all the action, plus displays from the Lynx and Sea King will entertain at close range. World record holders, The Blades, will be zooming across the skies, along with more close formation aerobatics from the SWIP Silence Twister team, Rv8tors and the Breitling Wingwalkers, providing daring feats.

For historic and classic jet fans, the iconic Spitfire will be joined by the Jet Provost, Kittyhawk and the unique ‘Miss Demeanour’ Hunter jet.

On the ground, budding aviators can climb aboard a replica Chinook or Hawk in the military exhibition, featuring the best of the RAF, Army and Navy. Arena events and children’s entertainment beaches keep all of the family entertained, including a special free concert in the arena on Thursday and Friday by the Central Band of the RAF.

For top flight hospitality, the Aviator Club and Cirrus Rooms offer fabulous views and great food in the heart of all the action with a buffet lunch or 3 course meal option. Or reserve your place with exclusive seating at the Bandstand for uninterrupted views of all the action.

Fans can also get a birds eye view of the flying from iconic beauty spot Beachy Head or take to the skies with a helicopter pleasure flight over the scenic South Downs National Park.

In the evening Bandstand concerts entertain each night, along with an outdoor film screening at the arena and a seafront firework spectacular over the weekend.

The Red Arrows are due to perform on Thursday 4pm, Friday 4pm, Saturday 5pm and Sunday 3pm (times are subject to change).

Airbourne takes place on Eastbourne seafront with arena and ground displays on the Western Lawns over all four days, and entry is free. For more information visit www.eastbourneairshow.com or telephone 0871 663 0031.