Sponsored by
Happy New Year Gordon – we're forever in your debt.
There are 500 more people unemployed in Eastbourne than there were this time last year.
The recession is really hitting home.
Walking through town you can see the effects of this major economic downturn.
The Slug and Lettuce – closed.
Powerplay – relocating out of the town centre
Adams - closed
Whittards – closing
West One – closed
Scholl – closing
There are also jobs going at Cavendish Buses. All this adds up to a big headache for the council, who have been working hard on developing the economic viability of the town – and they now need to start delivering.
This isn't all because of the recession. That great local company Powerplay is coming out of the town centre to focus on its other site in town in Moy Avenue, and the Slug and Lettuce is saying that landlord problems forced them out, not their trading situation. If that's the case presumably they can show some good books and a new business will be in there soon.
But it's not looking good. The spending boom manufactured for Christmas had success in parts, but now there's the reality of payback time. Nationally there's more money going into the banks this week, and the VAT reduction in November is widely seen as an expensive failure. Let's hope the next fiscal stimulus - at least the third in recent weeks will help.
The mis-underestimated Bush
With all the talk of the new US President on Tuesday and the huge and unrealistic expectation attached to Mr Obama, there is plenty of coverage over George W Bush, and the apparent disaster his administration has been.
There's certainly good reason to be critical in some areas, but lets be fair as well. George Bush has done more for AIDS in Africa than the previous president, Bill Clinton, ever did. He massively increased the funds sent to Africa for aid and development, and the continent has benefitted from the largest financial input ever by any nation for a single disease global health commitment.
If Obama commits to keep this level up then he will be worthy of support.
Bills
It's mentioned in the Herald that 'Bills' is thinking of coming to town. If you don't know it, it's the wonderful store in Lewes opposite Harveys Brewery - it is one of my favourite shops in the world. It's a treat to go, but it's not an everyday thing as it's not cheap.
It has wonderful fresh fruit and veg, and real quality provisions you can't get elsewhere. It also has the most superb caf, and would be an excellent addition to Eastbourne. If it's true that the Slug and Lettuce didn't leave for trading reasons, then perhaps Bills could go in there?
Have a great week friends!
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Eastbourne
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -6 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North west
