We should talk Silverhill up, not down

As Conservative activists in Silverhill we are frankly astonished by the attitude towards Silverhill displayed by Labour Councillors O’Callaghan, Sinden and Daniels.

One would reasonably expect elected councillors for Hastings Borough Council to talk up the ward where their residents have previously given them their vote of confidence. However, in claiming that “no cyclist will stop at this point” they are basically saying that no-one would want to come to the St Leonards premier out of town centre namely Silverhill.

Silverhill centre, exactly where the cycle rack has been generously provided with Government funding, is rich with variety with many local businesses providing excellent products and services from hair styling, a good mix of take away food outlets, local stores, cafes and pub dining, charity shops, superb hardware stores, a games and toy shop and furniture stores all within yards of the new cycling rack.

Many local residents, like ourselves, have Silverhill as their shopping destination rather than going on to Hastings or St Leonards. Councillor O’Callaghan says she believes “it is important to promote cycling and walking” but her objections to this cycling rack display her true feelings on green issues.

In addition, instead of talking Silverhill down, Cllrs Sinden and O’Callaghan would be better using their influence at Hastings Borough Council to resolve the pressing problem of the Battle Road wall close to Silverhill centre that is near collapse.

The cycling rack is ideally placed on the arterial route joining the route from Hastings to the East -West Cycling route planned as part of the strategy by the County Council to regenerate Cycling within Hastings and St Leonards.