SEAFORD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION MEETING (27TH FEBRUARY 2008)

On February 27th, Sink One 4 Seaford were invited to speak at the Seaford Residents Association meeting, so Tony, Jacky, Andy and I (plus 3 manikins in dive suits!) arrived for another presentation to help spread the word and answer any un answered questions. The guys were great, with a very informative, well thought out speech and power point presentation. There were lots of step by step slides showing what is proposed and we have had several emails of support from Seaford residents thanking us, as they now have a much better understanding of the project.

A big thank you to everyone that showed up to support the project :-)

We also received an email from Mr and Mrs Andrews of Seaford, we have decided to post this email below and invite Seaford and Newhaven Residents to leave their comments.

Hi Tony - firstly I would like to say that the idea of sinking a safe ship for novice divers is an excellent one. Also the 'sinkone4seaford' is a very eyecatching slogan.

However, I felt I must write the following. Brian and I knew Newhaven in the days before the by-pass and would certainly like to see the area receive much needed revenue so it could be a more attractive entrance to the Sussex countryside. It is already a harbour with facilities for divers, although these do need improving and may this happen in the fairly near future. As a speaker mentioned last night, your plans will be of great benefit to Newhaven.

For families 'left on shore' Paradise Park, Children's Section and the museum are easily available with adequate parking. Also Sainsburys is nearby, again with adequate parking and the sports centre.

Seaford is simply different - it is a town by the sea not a seaside town! As you know, all ages are represented and when the Xmas lights go on the town is heaving with youngsters - great. The productions put on at Seaford Head are excellent and when visiting other schools for meetings we have been most impressed with the standard. That said, young people anywhere always go to the nearest BIG Town to shop and meet friends (a much more 'in' thing to do) so local shops purely serve the residents.

All towns countrywide, whether large or small, suffer from a wave of closures. We owned our own business and know first hand about business rates and water rates based on these, and other shop owners face rents that are too high. Many simply retire. As mentioned yesterday, the internet accounts for a great deal of buying, it being easy and often cheaper. Vic in Sweet Moments in Broad Street says he does more trade on the internet than in the shop, and his and Karen's shop is beautiful. Perhaps you have noticed that C & E Sports is being replaced by another similar retailer.

A speaker said last night that more family facilities are needed - we already have a sailing club where youngsters reach high standards, football, rugger, cricket, tennis, activity area, public golf course, swimming and the Downs Leisure Centre (also films occasionally). The indoor bowling was closed so toddlers could have a bouncey play area. I believe the Council is working towards (may have succeeded) in opening a meeting place for young people at the Salts. During the summer many major events take place along the front, (including the Fair) and, of course, the Museum is a constant source of wonder when the inside is seen for the first time. There are also many recreational opportunities offered by the sea and miles of Downland open to the public. Our bus and train services are good.
What is no longer available in the town is expansion space and large public meetings have been held re parking and the possible introduction of meters. Meters on the front push cars into side roads - no fun for the residents. Those of us fortunate enough to live further out of town do not have to face this problem. Seaford really is a special place, a very welcome oasis that has two big towns close by for the 'bright lights' so there is choice for everyone, it really is not a tourist place. Long may it stay this way.

NEWHAVEN COUNCIL MEETING (5TH FEBRUARY 2008) - UPDATE

After a town Council meeting in Newhaven on February 5th, we now have the unanimous support of both Seaford and Newhaven Town Councils for this proposal, along with many others.

The Initial Scoping Study has been completed by Mike Leece OBE and we are now looking to various bodies for the funding for the Feasibility Study. A decision on this is likely in the very near future. In the meantime we are continuing to raise the profile of the project on our website and on banners and posters around towns (If you wish to show support please do email in for a poster for your window.)

HOW YOU CAN HELP US?
The three ships available that we are looking at are

HMS Newcastle
HMS Glasgow
HMS Cardiff

All of the above are Type 42 Destroyers that have been decommissioned and are awaiting their fate in Portsmouth.

If any locals have any connections with any of these vessels, we would be very keen to hear from you via our website www.sinkone4seaford.co.uk and please leave a comment here too. Maybe you or someone you know has served on one of these ships, or maybe you just know some history about them. We would love to hear from you.

We are also keen to hear from marine conservationists/biologists, university students in marine studies and anyone with an interest in the marine environment, i.e. divers, archaeologists, fisherman, anglers, sailors and water sports enthusiasts.

If you feel you can help us in any way, have any information you feel could be useful or just want to offer your support for the project, please contact through www.sinkone4seaford.co.uk