Seafront revival a stroll closer

In the main members of Rother council's regeneration and tourism committee liked the computer-created images that landscape architect Tim Gale projected on to council chamber screen - though there were reservations about some aspects.

Now the committee will ask the council's cabinet to appoint Tim Gale Landscape Architects to prepare detailed plans for the regeneration of the seafront so the council can seek funding.

Highlights of the 5.4m plan to rejuvenate Bexhill's 1.5-mile seafront include:

l Creating a "Marina Square" in front of Marina Arcade as an exhibition space and to encourage cafe society

l Improving access to the sea opposite Sackville Road and on the site of the Rowing Club

l Putting statues on Sackville Road roundabout, opposite The Sackville and on Galley Hill

l Providing a smooth resin surface to the parades

l Sculpting parade lawns to give a Seven Sisters effect

l Floodlighting significant buildings and shelters

l Replacing brick wind-breaks with glass or plastic

l Timber decking and planters for the Colonnade

What provision had been made for a cycle track, asked Cllr Martin Horscroft (Conservative, St Stephen's). It was not part of the brief, community services director Tony Leonard told the meeting.

Cabinet member Cllr Brian Kentfield (Conservative, Central) said the council had already voted against the principle of a cycle track on the promenades. The county highways department was now preparing a cycle plan for Bexhill.

Committee chairman Cllr Stuart Earl (Conservative, St Mark's) welcomed the idea of promoting an "evening economy" but warned: "One of the main factors in today's society is fear of crime. Good lighting is is important because people don't then feel vulnerable."