Challenges yes - but some events were music to our ears

This is politician-speak for "not a lot of progress."

We lost '“ at long, long last '“ the appalling eyesore that was the ruins of the Grand Hotel.

But there is no indication yet of when this key town centre site might be re-developed.

We gained, amid long-lasting controversy, a kerbside recycling system which, if it ever rids itself of the bugs which have be-devilled it, should ensure that the district begins to improve its green credentials. But it has been at inordinate cost in terms of aggravation and inconvenience to a public demonstrably supportive of recycling.

We have dangling tantalisingly before us a number of progressive projects, among them the upgrading of West Parade and the creation of a vitally-needed new boat-house and headquarters for the town's impressively successful Rowing Club.

But while the former comes with costings which beggar belief, the latter has yet to secure the commercial partners needed to make tunnelling into the bluff behind the Colonnade financially viable.

Additionally, both would be heavily dependent on major external funding such as the Lottery or Interreg; avenues which are becoming increasingly difficult as the financial situation worsens.

There were doubters who as the museum extension project dragged on and on feared that work would never start in Egerton Road. Thankfully, it has. We look forward with eager anticipation to seeing this exciting and much-needed project progress through 2008.

A lot of preparatory work has to be completed within a tight deadline for the new Bexhill High School to become a reality by 2010.

This is another project which we shall follow with the greatest interest. Government funding will not only provide a significant inward investment for the good of the town's rising generation but promises to do so in as "green" a manner as possible, thanks to the team planning the project.

One of the best bits of news of 2007 came late in the year. There are many people who would happily attempt the daily commute between Bexhill and Hastings in a carbon-neutral manner by cycle if only this did not entail taking their life in the hands on the appallingly over-crowded A259.

A cycle track from Bulverhythe to Glyne Gap would solve this at a stroke. Surely in engineering terms this is not so complex a scheme that it need be further delayed now that the public's vote has directed Lottery cash in its direction.

Socially, the saddest note of 2007 was sounded by the winding-up of the Association of Bexhill Citizens.

If anyone in the days when the ABC boasted a membership of more than 2,000 and was a powerful civic voice in the town had predicted this pathetic demise they would have heaped scorn on themselves.

But it has happened. Worryingly, it is likely to be a portent for other organisations.

By necessity, last week's Observer leading article was written before Rother cabinet met.

If anything, debate on the budget issue painted an even gloomier picture than the officers' report. The Council Chamber does not often ring to accusations of "lies" and "stitch-up" but feelings were running high and if the outlook for Rother '“ and therefore its taxpayers '“ is bleak for 2008-2009 its is even worse for subsequent years.

There are happier matters to contemplate as we approach New Year. One of the undoubted success stories of 2007 was the Festival of Music. Commendably, the brainchild of former West End singer and Chamber of Commerce president Tony Mansi was taken up with enthusiasm by the De La Warr Pavilion Trust.

The concerts which were so much enjoyed in 2007 laid a firm financial foundation for what is hoped to become an annual event.

We wish the festival and the other projects for the good of our town every success in 2008.

To our faithful readers, we say thank you for the stories that have made up 2007 and for your letters which have made our pages the astringent voice of Bexhill.

May 2008 be a peaceful '“ and progressive '“ one for our town.