A NEW regeneration programme for Bexhill was kick-started this week with the official launch of a board that will decide how £20 million will be invested.
Bexhill is one of 75 towns to benefit from the Government’s Long-Term Plan for Towns grant funding, designed to boost economic growth, improve infrastructure, enhance social wellbeing and reduce inequalities over the next decade.
The Bexhill Town Board, made up of representatives from businesses and community groups, the Local MP and Police and Crime Commissioner, and county, district and town councillors, held its first meeting today (Friday, May 10).
The Board will work with the local community to put together a vision statement and investment plan, carefully developed to maximise investment and benefit Bexhill for generations to come.
The Town Board is chaired by Mrs Abi Newbury FCA, Managing Director of Honey Barrett, a Bexhill-based Chartered Accountants.
The other members of the newly-selected board are Dr Binodh Chathanath of Little Common Surgery, Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, Dr Mandy Curtis of One Eight Hours Limited, Eleanore Gordon of Bexhill Academy, Councillor Ian Hollidge the council member for Bexhill South, Ollie Jeffs the chief executive of the Pelham, Bexhill Chamber of Commerce President Howard Martin, Bexhill and Battle Conservative MP Huw Merriman, Leader of Rother District Council Doug Oliver, Kim Richards of Rother Voluntary Action and Councillor Paul Wilson, chairman of Bexhill Town Council and Mayor of the town.
Mrs Newbury said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to improve the prosperity of our town and empower the community to share ownership and take pride in Bexhill.
“With investment taking place over the next 10 years, people may not see visible changes straight away, but we will be working with residents and business every step of the way to make sure this funding benefits as many people as possible.”
The Board is keen to hear from the public who may have information about issues faced in Bexhill or ideas for improvements. Any information or ideas can be sent by email to bexhilltownboard@rother.gov.uk
Information about the Town Board, the funding and Board members can be found at www.bexhilltownboard.co.uk, where decisions made by the Board will be posted.
The Long-Term Plan for Towns is just one benefit of the Government’s Levelling Up programme. Rother is also benefitting from the Levelling Up Fund, which supports cultural regeneration and the Levelling Up Partnership, which has resulted in £20 million for projects across the district.
More information on how Rother is benefitting from the Levelling Up Programme is available at www.rother.gov.uk/regeneration/levelling-up-fund/
