Hastings needs a lift

Hastings' attractiveness as a Tourist Town has suffered a 'double whammy', according to Liberal Democrat Old Town Councillor Richard Stevens.

"I was shocked to learn that the East Hill Lift will now not be open until next year at the earliest and by how far the repair and refurbishment scheme has run over budget", he said.

It was originally hoped that the popular East Hill Lift would re-open in time for Easter this year. The timing then slipped to October and now the council's Cabinet have been told that completion should not be expected before spring 2010.

"To make matters worse, money which could have been used to replace and/or repair our seafront decorative lighting will now have to be diverted into the East Hill Lift project because of rising costs."

Cllr Stevens said "We spent £135,000 on the multi-coloured seafront lights in 2003 and now only 25 per cent of them are working. It's a disgrace and creates such a bad impression. These lights were supposed to be long lasting but they have corroded and failed miserably. They obviously were 'not fit for purpose' and someone must be accountable for such a waste of public money", he said.