Update from Eastbourne Borough Council Leader David Tutt on 28-Feb-23
At East Sussex County Council next week, their Cabinet will be discussing Transport for the South East’s (TfSE) strategy plan for the next 30 years. TfSE is a sub-national body which brings together 16 local transport authorities and wider stakeholders from across the south east of England. This paper is important as it will be placing before Government what it considers to be the transport needs and priorities for our part of the UK.
This is a high level paper, but it contains many of what I consider to be key issues, such as:
- Environment Priorities – protecting our natural environment and reducing carbon emissions.
- Social Priorities – providing a safer, affordable, accessible transport network and improving air quality.
- Economic Priorities – improving connectivity between major economic hubs.
What it does not detail and couldn’t practically in a high-level paper covering such a wide area is what it will mean for us in Eastbourne. Amongst the things that residents tell me that they want to see are: improvements to both the rail and road networks in order to make it easier to get to town; clean, reliable, and cheaper public transport; integrated cycle paths away from roads (not white lines drawn at the edge of them); improved road and pavement maintenance and safer routes for pedestrians. I hope that when it comes to the detail these issues will be addressed. If you would like to read the strategy, you can find it at https://transportforthesoutheast.org.uk/app/uploads/2020/09/TfSE-transport-strategy-Summary-Document.pdf
Turning to some of the things happening in town, this Sunday 5 March sees the return of the Eastbourne Half Marathon. Starting at Princes Park, it will take place along the promenade to Beachy Head, before looping back to Sovereign Harbour. If, however, you are looking for indoor entertainment, you might fancy a visit to the theatre. Devonshire Park hosts award winning comedy “Home, I’m Darling” from 7 March, whilst The Congress stages “The Circus of Horrors – Haunted Fairground“ on Wednesday 8 March.
Stay safe!
David Tutt