Sadness as UAE project is to close

The project has been based on the site of the former Northeye Prison at the end of Wartling Drive since 1993.

A member of staff confirmed to the Observer this week that the project was closing but would not give further details.

Communications officer Stephen Finney commented he was “aware of interest” in what was happening there but was unable to comment.

It was here that thousands of UAE students were based over the years having arrived in Britain to take a wide range of subjects at different colleges from electrical engineering to sports science.

Its departure will no doubt impact on the economy of Bexhill when the doors close for good on December 24.

This year alone the centre donated £50,000 to local groups and charities including Bexhill Hospital League of Friends and St Michael’s Hospice.

Councillor Brian Gadd, in whose ward the campus is, said he was sorry about the closure but “not surprised” because he believed numbers of students were dwindling.

He commented: “They have been very good to us, we have been good to them. We wish them the best of luck – I think that is all we can say.”

Bexhill Caring Community is one of the local charities which benefited from the generosity of the training project and at this year’s graduation ceremony received £4,000 – one of 14 different groups to get a share of the £50,000 handed out.

Manager Martin Turner said: It came as a shock to hear that the UAE operation in Bexhill is due to close.

“UAE has been a major contributor to Bexhill Caring Community and we are sorry to hear that they are leaving the town.

“UAE’s departure from the town will inevitably have a negative economic impact on Bexhill and the loss of any patronage with ourselves will clearly have a negative impact on us too.

“I should like to publicly thank them for the help that they have given to us, including earlier this year when our chair of trustees, Myrtle Bagnall, attended a presentation receiving a donation from their Military Attache’s Technical Training Project/UK.”

Peterhouse retirement complex in Old Town was another recipient and this summer was given £3,500.

Manager Lesley Crisford said: “We have benefited twice from their donations, like many other small charities around Bexhill. We benefit and our residents benefit – as have schools and organisations in Bexhill such as the caring community and Little Common library.

“It was a benefit and boost to our local community.”