Local MP chuffed to be on board Seaford Line railway 150 years celebrations

 

Norman Baker Seaford 150th

Local Lib Dem MP Norman Baker attended the celebrations of 150 years of the Seaford Line railway on Saturday 7 June.

An exciting programme of events was laid on by Sussex Community Rail Partnership, with local volunteers. These included a family cycle ride from Newhaven Town, a film screening at Bishopstone, vintage vehicle display at Lewes and a community picnic at London Road.

Norman says: “This was a fantastic day of events celebrating Seaford Line railway, with the local community out in force.

“The next challenge is to open the Lewes-Uckfield line, which would allow the return of hourly direct services from Seaford and Newhaven to London via Uckfield.

“Full steam ahead for the next 150 years!”

Seaford MP welcomes progress for Splash Point

Seaford Lib Dem MP, Norman Baker has welcomed the news that Lewes District Council and Seaford Town Council have agreed funding to start work at Splash Point in Seaford.

The area was damaged in storms earlier this year, which led to Lewes District Council erecting fencing and gates to keep the public out, due to safety concerns.

Both Seaford Town Council and Lewes District Council have agreed £10,000 each to put towards these repair costs and once again open the area to local residents and visitors to the area.

Norman met with Greg Barker MP, Energy Minister and the Prime Minister’s Flood Envoy, this week at Seaford seafront where he raised the on-going issues of maintenance and repair at Splash Point, alongside the Leader of Lewes District Council, Rob Blackman and representatives of the Environment Agency.

Norman says: “I am pleased to hear that there is progress being made towards getting repair work underway at Splash Point and applaud Seaford Town Council and Lewes District Council for putting forward the money towards this.

“Having raised the on-going issues of Splash Point with Greg Barker MP today, I hope to find a long term solution to the continued maintenance and repair for the area.

“I hope these works progress quickly to ensure that this area is open to the public as soon as possible.”

Seaford MP visits Horder Centre

Seaford MP Norman Baker has visited The Horder Centre which is run by Horder Healthcare, the charity that has bought Seaford Day Hospital.

Image courtesy of The Horder Centre, Seaford

Image courtesy of The Horder Centre, Seaford

He was given a tour of the orthopaedic hospital in Crowborough by Chief Executive Diane Thomas and Centre Operations Manager Jane Vince.

Horder Healthcare bought Seaford Day Hospital in November and plans to open the fully refurbished building, which will be known as Horder Healthcare Seaford, in July.
Mr Baker said: “I was very impressed by the facilities at The Horder Centre and it is very encouraging for Seaford people that Horder Healthcare will be providing new facilities in the town from this summer.”

Diane Thomas said: “We were delighted that Mr Baker could come along and see The Horder Centre and we are looking forward to opening our new facility in Seaford that we hope will play a vital role in the local community.”

Earlier this year, a public meeting was held in Seaford to hear the views of local people about the future role of the new facility.

Horder Healthcare, which this year celebrates 60 years as a registered charity, also runs clinics and classes in Eastbourne, Heathfield, Tunbridge Wells, Horley and Pulborough.

Local MP calls for Lewes District Council to mend Splash Point

Seaford MP Norman Baker is calling upon Lewes District Council to make urgent repairs to Splash Point, Seaford following damage caused by recent storms. The area is now gated off from the public preventing access, due to safety concerns.

This popular spot, where both visitors and locals can enjoy the coast, and during warmer months view the rare colony of kittiwakes, is now out of bounds after Lewes District Council erected substantial gates and fencing to warn people off.

The damage caused by the storms include the falling away of the path and the wall underneath has been undermined. Local residents are calling for these repairs to be made a priority.

Norman saysUnless action is taken to make these repairs, the problem is only going to get worse. We are fast approaching fine weather and holidays, when visitors to the area will want to be enjoying walks, views and the beach and instead will be greeted by a large gate and a lack of action. Lewes District Council must progress with this work to help save Splash Point and ensure the local economy is not affected by a lack of visitors to the area