WELCOME TO CASTLE WARD

Councillor Paul Smith Lib Dem defending his seat for Castle ward, 1st May 2008. I can be contacted at (01424 715176) and would be pleased to hear your views.

STRENGTHEN OUR SEA DEFENCES? 'Not this time' say Labour........

Councillor Paul Smith was able to discover at the Councils Budget meeting, that central Governments 10 million pounds cash support for the Borough's Sea defence bid has been unsuccessful

Paul Smith says it appears that inland areas that have suffered flooding have taken precedence at our expense.

When Lib Dem M.P., Norman Lamb the member for North Norfolk (Chair of the all Party Parliamentary Coastal Defence Committee), visited us recently, he expressed concern for our town's predicament.

Michael Foster M.P. when challenged on the above, claimed that Hastings has failed because other areas had been able to persuade DEFRA that 'their needs are of a higher order'. The local Tory leader commented ' We can only afford minor works, and nowhere near the multi millions needed for a full scheme' Says Cllr Smith, 'Obviously the failure of the Tory led Council to secure these vital funds and, Labours cutbacks in sea defence spending is bad news for our town. We must do all we to change minds.'

Whilst we all fervently hope that the Pier survives the next storm, the question is who has the best plan for its future? The Lib Dems want more Council commitment towards forming a local Pier Trust. The next step should be to decide what role the Pier is capable of playing in our resorts future. There are substantial National Pier Trust funds available which can be applied for. Local Libs Dems say 'Let's seize the chance.'

Hastings Pier at Sunset