What a shame

Where has the community spirit gone I ask? Not a mince pie in sight nor was there any mulled wine to wash it down with let alone a spot the stranger competition and a Santa’s grotto.

Has the recession and high business rates really brought on a “humbug attitude and I don’t care”, because if it is, just an extra two-and-half hours once a year to stay open, what a crying shame and is it those businesses’ who continue to abuse the parking restrictions as they are not policed anymore.

Despite the efforts of the Bexhill Alliance and the Chamber of Commerce, who incidentally have tried for years for businesses to join them and make an impact in our town as now the membership has dropped so much that why should they fund all the extra’s for such a night.

Maybe it’s our local councillors who should be lobbying the finance department of the council to find a few pounds to stage something better than worrying just about the new shelters on the seafront.

On the other hand, may I record my sincere thanks to those businesses that did open, my thanks to the many customers who paid us a visit; my thanks to the carol singers, the Bexhill Wheelers and especially the Bexhill 100 Club members who paraded around the town in a variety of brilliantly dressed up vehicles and made such an impact during the evening, without them making an effort, the event would have been even more disheartening.

I understand that on the Sunday before Christmas, some businesses in Western Road are opening during the day from possibly 10am til 3pm, a bit after the horse has bolted - why couldn’t they open on the Friday night and make a bigger splash of things?

At H & H, we will continue to support the local community and as a previous winner of the business of the year, will continue

with a positive attitude to offer customers the chance every day of coming into us, a pity more businesses don’t have the same commitment.

Lets hope next year sees a change in attitude by every one as Bexhill has so much to offer, or will we let Hastings and Eastbourne town centres who feature very good late night shopping events, mop up what business there has to be done and which will leave the Bexhill businesses not only kicking their heels, but really saying its not worth hanging on keeping the people of Bexhill shopping locally.

Robin M Powell

Owner of H & H Confectionery

Sackville Road

Bexhill-on-Sea