Residents across Bexhill-on-Sea have told the new town council what improvements they want to see for the town.
More than 2,000 people replied to the town council’s first-ever consultation ‘the Big Survey 2021’, and the results have been published.
‘The Big Survey 2021’ ran for two months last year and was designed to hear views on a range of issues that affect the town, including transport, the environment, health and wellbeing, and tourism.
It also sought ideas on how to improve life for people in the town, as well as which “special expenses” services – for example, parks and open spaces, Christmas lights, or bus shelters – residents would like to see the town council take over from Rother District Council.
Residents said their top priorities for improving the environment were to smarten up the town (31% asked for this) and to address fly tipping (30%).
Tackling potholes (61%) and reducing vehicle speed (15%) were the two main concerns with the town’s roads and transport.
The council was asked to prioritise improving access to live music (28%) and increasing local heritage and history trails (22%).
Replacing the water fountain feature (35%) was the most popular ask around young people, followed by expanding local activities for teenagers (23%).
Addressing loneliness was the prime concern for the town’s health and well-being (33% of residents wanted this), followed by improving access to mental health support (22%).
Improving public toilets was the primary concern amongst residents (36%). Next up was improving disability access around the town (16%).
The survey revealed a clear mandate for Bexhill to have its own Neighbourhood Plan. The plan gives communities power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area (94% of residents wanted this). There was also a strong directive for the town council to take on “special expenses” local services from Rother (91%).
Photo: JTP53 Photography
