New Year Message (Eastbourne and Willingdon Liberal Democrats)

Eastbourne and Willingdon Liberal Democrats <office@eastbournelibdems.org.uk>

New Year Message

January 1, 2012 1:02 PM
Originally published by Stephen Lloyd MP

Since living in Eastbourne I have come to appreciate that one of our greatest strengths is our deep sense of community. As I go about the constituency, visiting and working with individuals and organisations I see this again and again. There are people involved at every level - in churches and voluntary groups; within cadet forces and residents associations; businesses, the hospital and in our schools - all caring passionately about the town.

We have so much going for us: excellent education, strong business networks, a growing, skilled workforce and in the new South Downs National Park a fantastic tourist opportunity. All these are good reasons why, despite the very real economic challenges the whole country is facing in the coming year, Eastbourne is seen as a great place to invest. Many big companies recognise this and are taking active steps, be it the regeneration of the Arndale Centre and the Sovereign Crumbles Retail Park or the soon to be built Morrisons supermarket in Hampden Park.

The next 12 months will also bring us some new reasons to celebrate. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the return of the Eastbourne Carnival after almost 20 years, and the arrival of the Olympic Torch relay. All on top of Airbourne, the Tennis and many other established events which bring so many visitors to Eastbourne. A vibrant, diverse town centre is also crucial to any town's confidence, which is why I am so delighted that our efforts to bring a quality street market to Terminus Road will finally bear fruition in 2012.

This is why I am certain Eastbourne will continue to buck the trend in the coming year.

Happy New Year to you all.