They have decided not to support the Save the DGH campaign by not underwriting the costs of the judicial review. Er, but they have given some money to the campaign.

To recap, the PCT are wanting to downgrade maternity unit at the DGH, in favour of Hastings. This has led to marching on the streets, massive petitions, and a huge amount of upset to the people of Eastbourne.

There is lots of concern over the way the consultation for all this took place, and there's talk of a judicial review – but this is risky – if the case is lost, it will potentially cost £100,000+.

The other important point is that if the downgrading goes ahead, it may well lead to further cuts in the future (although, predictably the PCT and the Government deny this is the case). This is all happening after massive increases in NHS spending, which is a national scandal.

Anyway, the only way that the money can be raised is directly from the good people of Eastbourne, or the council (which is, let's face it, the same thing).

But the council have taken up their customary position on the fence.

They're saying they're not sure whether the 'district auditor' will allow them to support the commitment – but they will give something. So which is it? Yes or no? They can't have it both ways!

I reckon the potential exposure is what's putting them off from committing fully. And it is a lot of money - but that's not really the point. The DGH is priceless to Eastbourne.

This time last year I had the privilege of being Leader of the Council, and as such I was involved in the DGH campaign. I always thought it was likely the council would have to underwrite this.

What really bugs me is that the council are spending a fortune on other stuff that they don't need to. For eg £90,000 – Yes £90,000 – is being given to individual councillors to spend on their pet projects in their own wards. Well, let's face it, the DGH affects every ward in the town – so in my view they should commit it to that – It would be a perfectly legitimate use of that money.

It also affects the wider district, so other councils should be approached as well.

And bear in mind this is to underwrite a possible judicial review – should they win the case, it won't have to be spent, and they'd only go ahead with a review if there was a likelihood of winning in the first place – so it's not a massive risk.

So far the DGH campaign has been a solid cross party cause – no-one has stepped outside this line (apart from some of the political activists in Hastings) – but to my knowledge everyone in Eastbourne has done what they said they'd do – and work on a cross party/community basis. It would be tragic for the town when, now it really matters, things fell apart. I hope the council won't allow that to happen.

So what happens now? The only way forward is for someone to put the money up. Is the council, or a collection from the public, or an individual prepared to take the risk? – it would take a brave person, but if it doesn't happen the consequences are unthinkable.

Musical interlude

On a lighter note, this week is one of those beautiful weeks that happen every year or two – the launch of a new Van Morrison album. I'll be first in the queue – much more satisfying and longer lasting than an Easter Egg.

Also, don't miss the BBC's The Passion, on last night and over the next few days – the first episode was superb. Mel Gibson's film of the same name is also compulsive Easter viewing.

Have a fantastic Easter.


Ian writes his own blog at www.iloveeastbourne.co.uk