The suggestion that the Council should try and clear part of its outstanding dues to the 1893 Foreshore Trust by giving away 'prime front-line assets' and valuable leases such as the Seafront Amusements and Putting Greens was described as 'desperate and perilously risky', by the Liberal Democrats Council Leader and Old Town Councillor Richard Stevens. When Labour was in control of the Council, it was found guilty of failing to keep accounts for the Trust which should have been receiving income from the Council for the past 100 years plus. The Charity Commissioners secured a breach of Trust decision and the Council must handover £1.35million in cash or by way of land assets. Emarked for transfer to the Trust would be part of the Pelham Place and Rock a Nore Car Parks together with valuable leases on the angling clubs, Putting Greens and Miniature Railway and even the Life Boat Station.

Councillor Stevens warned that even if the Council decided to go ahead with the transaction, they would be 'trampling all over Fishermen's rights, laid down in the 1947, Deed Of Compromise'. I met with Fishermen's representatives on Saturday', said Cllr Stevens and they are 'hopping mad about this'. There has been no consultation with them and yet they have legal rights over some of the land it is being suggested should be transferred. They have asked me to act as their spokesperson when the matter is discussed by the Council's Cabinet on Monday [31st]

'What the Council should do is to hold its hands up for past misdemeanours and pay over the money. the money is in the budget and there is no need to part with the family silver and undermine the Fishermen', said Richard Stevens.

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Further info R.Stevens 781026
                    Paul Joy Fishermen's Protection Society. 426852

Nick Perry, Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner for Hastings & Rye is backing Stephen Lloyd, the Eastbourne Lib Dem PPC, in his bid to persuade East Sussex County Council to save local post offices.

It was announced last week that in Essex, the County Council is negotiating a buy-out price from Post Office Ltd of upwards of 15 Post Offices in the County earmarked for closure. It was further reported that the Minister responsible Pat McFadden MP, has given his approval.

The Leader of Essex County Council, Lord Hanningfield, was quoted this week as saying that "up to 50 councils have contacted us around the country” and that “the stated aim is for any investment to be used over three years to help each branch to move towards becoming financially self-sufficient and "cost-neutral.”

In a letter to Leader of the Council Peter Jones, Stephen Lloyd asked the County Council to step in and help local people.

Nick says, "Stephen is campaigning for local people in Eastbourne just as we have been campaigning in Hastings and Rye.  I think it is right to look at all the possibilities for keeping post office services functioning and local.  And that is why I have written to Peter Jones myself, asking to be kept abreast of County's discussions with Essex."

LIBERAL Democrats in Hastings and Rye are calling for government action to tackle the growing shortage of affordable homes. The call was made after Nick Perry, Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner, met leading affordable housing campaigner Julia Goldsworthy MP at the party's recent Spring Conference in Liverpool

The Conference voted to back measures to build 1.3 million new affordable homes over the next ten years in England . The plans aim to greatly reduce the waiting list for social housing which currently stands at over 1.6 million, up nearly 60% since 1997.

“I know that many people in Hastings and Rye have difficulty finding an affordable home,” said Nick.

“Many young people are stuck in the parental home unable to move out. Many young families cannot afford to move to the larger home they need.

“The plans agreed by the Liberal Democrats would help those on council and housing association waiting lists to get the home they need at the price they can afford.”

Julia Goldsworthy MP said,

“I was pleased to be able to discuss housing with Nick. Across the country, the Government has failed to ensure there is enough social and affordable housing available. The Liberal Democrats have now agreed plans that will ensure we have enough homes for all.”