SIDLEY GETS £75,000 CENTRE

A NEW community-based computer training centre is to be set up at Sidley Community Centre thanks to £75,000 Government aid.

Wednesday s announcement complements Government approval for the regeneration package for Bexhill and Hastings.

The online centre will enable members of the community access to a fully-equipped computer suite.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There they will be able to learn the basic skills needed to use a computer, send and receive e-mails and use the Internet.

For those who want it, expert advice will be on hand. Others will be able to just drop in and use the facilities.

The centre is seen as a break-through for the whole community, including students, busy mums, retired people, job-seekers and families with limited access to computers.

It it is planned to keep the centre open until 8pm most evening to allow people with full-time jobs opportunity to use its facilities.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There are also plans to link the centre with a creche to enable mothers with very young children chance to learn new skills or simply access the Internet.

The centre is a joint venture between Sidley Community Association and Hastings College of Art and Technology.

The Department for Education and Skills and the New Opportunities Fund will be providing up to 75,000 for equipment and running costs as part of an initiative to set up UK Online Centres across the country.

Further funding comes from Bexhill High School s Technology College initiative and from the European Social Funds and the Community Fund.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Margaret Lea, chief executive of Sidley Community Association, which will host the Oneline Centre on its premises, said: This is a wonderful opportunity, with lots of new money coming in to support the regeneration of Bexhill and the development of an e-based local economy.

The centre will be opening some time in the new year and will make a real difference to the opportunities available to local people.

Hastings College principal Julie Walker said: This is an excellent opportunity for use to work with our partners in Bexhill on an important initiative for the area.