21 October 2011
Residents of Eastbourne are having their say on the long-term economic and social planning of the town.
Eastbourne Borough Council is holding a public consultation exercise into its Corporate Plan, a blueprint document designed to deliver a strong and growing economy, a quality environment and thriving communities.
The consultation enables the council to update residents on current projects within the Corporate Plan and to raise awareness of future projects and activities for 2012/13.
During the consultation period which has been running since mid August and will end in mid November, the public and key stakeholder groups are being asked what they feel is important to the town and what they feel should be the key priorities for future development.
The public are be able to take part in the consultation online via Facebook, Twitter and the council website. Face to face consultation sessions are also being held for key target groups and the public. Two sessions have been arranged for the general public to attend, both at the Town Hall on Thursday 27 October 2011, one session at 11.00am and the other at 6.00pm. Alternatively, full details of how to participate online can be seen on the Council’s website.
Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Cllr David Tutt, said: “The Corporate Plan is an incredibly important document that guides how we as the local authority identify the key priorities to ensure the town is prosperous, sustainable and community focused.
“It is therefore essential that we hear and understand the views of local people on what they feel is important to them. I would encourage as many residents as possible to take part in the consultation either online, via social media or at one of our face to face sessions.”
The consultation promotes ongoing council work to improve the town’s economy, such as the partnership with Legal & General to redevelop and extend the Arndale Shopping Centre, the creation of a Science Park, the launch of Activating Eastbourne, a partnership project to tackle unemployment, and a new Loyalty Card scheme to encourage local trade.
And work to enhance the local environment is also being highlighted including cycling and parking strategies, greatly improved recycling and waste management, improvements to the town’s parks and the use of solar panels on council buildings.
Results from the Corporate Plan consultation will be placed on the council website and will help inform decision making in the coming years.
