EDITOR’S WELCOME FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS WILL BE SITED IN BEXHILL

BY KIM MAYO AND MIKE LEGG

T has been confirmed that a site in Bexhill is among those chosen to house asylum seekers who have crossed the English Channel in small boats.

WELCOME to another news-packed edition of Bexhill News as our brand continues to expand by covering local events which really matter to the community.

That is what we are all about; making sure your voices are heard loud and clear.

This month we are focusing primarily on our seafront and the consequences of pollution, although it is fair to say opinions are sharply divided on the subject.

What is patently clear, however, is that we all have to take responsibility for the state of our town and beach. Litter and inappropriate items being disposed of via toilets merely makes the problem considerably worse.

In addition, a walk through the centre of Bexhill proves conclusively that many are not getting the message regarding disposing of litter responsibly.

If you are eating a sandwich, sausage roll or drinking a can of pop then, once finished, put it in the bin. There are more than enough of them around the town centre.

Also this month we have marked the passing of Tommy Lake, who died recently.

Tommy was a well-known figure in Bexhill where he was invariably seen on a daily basis, often sitting on his favourite bench.

The fact that he had issues with his mental health and sometimes alarmed people with his behaviour should not be ignored but as members of his family have pointed out, at heart he was a kind soul.

The tributes left on his favourite bench spoke volumes, so may he finally rest in peace.

Kim Mayo, Editor

Bexhill News is a publication by Regional Media Group Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales number: 13746177. We have taken care to ensure that the information in this newspaper is correct. Neither the publisher, nor contributors can take responsibility for loss or damage resulting from errors or omissions. Bexhill News does not endorse the accuracy of the advertisements or the quality of the products/services being advertised.

Information provided by businesses and community organisations are provided directly by their own representatives; please direct any queries or comments regarding content directly to the organisation. Any opinion or views expressed within this publication are solely those of the author. © 2023: No part of this newspaper may be reproduced in part or whole without express permission of the editor.

Bexhill Conservative MP, Huw Merriman, has responded to the announcement by the Immigration Minister, Robert Jenrick, that the site has been chosen to house asylum seekers. It will be located on the site of a former training centre and prison, known as Northeye, in Bexhill, and is expected to house more than a thousand asylum seekers.

This is part of the Government’s policy to house asylum seekers in suitable, safe accommodation where they can access appropriate support whilst their asylum cases are considered. The use of hotels, hostels and other temporary accommodation is not suitable, sustainable, or cost-effective for British taxpayers or local authorities, according to Mr Merriman.

He said: “I know that this decision will have an impact on local authorities and public services. It will also be of great concern to local residents. “It is important that the community is fully