In a letter published in the Hastings Observer on 19th March 2010, the MP says “As far as the Government is concerned I have spoken to John Denham, the Secretary of State for Communities, who is keen to offer support for regeneration of seaside towns (for example the money towards the Jerwood Project). I believe he is shortly visiting Hastings and I hope that it will be possible therefore to convince him that cash towards the regeneration of the pier has a wider regeneration value.
Of course, you will also know that to do anything we need to Compulsorily Purchase the pier and only the council can do that. Thanks to pressure from colleagues such as Cllr Jeremy Birch the Council have now, albeit belatedly, agreed to CPO the structure if a viable business plan can be provided.
Because of the fantastic work doggedly pursued by the Trust and this Government support we are now in a stronger position to see a solution than for some time past. Please therefore continue to support the Trust in their endeavours over the coming weeks and months. This is one I think we can win.”
19th March 2010 Michael Foster MP Shows Support to the Pier Trust
In a letter published in the Hastings Observer on 19th March 2010, the MP says “As far as the Government is concerned I have spoken to John Denham, the Secretary of State for Communities, who is keen to offer support for regeneration of seaside towns (for example the money towards the Jerwood Project). I believe he is shortly visiting Hastings and I hope that it will be possible therefore to convince him that cash towards the regeneration of the pier has a wider regeneration value.
Of course, you will also know that to do anything we need to Compulsorily Purchase the pier and only the council can do that. Thanks to pressure from colleagues such as Cllr Jeremy Birch the Council have now, albeit belatedly, agreed to CPO the structure if a viable business plan can be provided.
Because of the fantastic work doggedly pursued by the Trust and this Government support we are now in a stronger position to see a solution than for some time past. Please therefore continue to support the Trust in their endeavours over the coming weeks and months. This is one I think we can win.”
The full letter can be viewed on the Hastings Observer site.