CAROLINE ANSELL MP: I will continue to champion Eastbourne tourism

There is certainly no doubting its value to Eastbourne’s local economy.

Many local jobs and businesses are both directly and indirectly reliant on our visitors.

Staycation is the first recovery market and innovation the order of the day.

The recently trailed idea, of a drive-in movie event for our July Beach Life festival, is a brilliant example of how the show can go on even under social distancing.

Another excellent proposal is pedestrianising the top end of Terminus Road to allow eateries to spill out and serve their socially distant customers.

There are now new dates to work to in June and July for further lockdown easings – all predicated on a stable and falling R rate, of course – but it does offer some light at the end of the tunnel.

I will continue to champion this sector in government, last week raising with the Prime Minister the concept of a Covid secure Kitemark and the work of the Eastbourne hospitality sector - an initiative which is now gaining new national traction.

This week I worked with the tourism minister on wider recovery plans.

My job is to make sure Eastbourne is firmly on the map.

I have remotely met with Chamber of Commerce business owners, directors of Eastbourne Eco Action Network, health leaders and the police with discussions all very much focused on the future and how we will emerge from this present crisis.

And there is much by way of challenge and opportunity ahead.

One such important challenge is rough sleeping.

I welcome the government’s ambitious announcement this week of pipeline plans for 6,000 new homes so vulnerable rough sleepers can move into long term stable accommodation after this crisis is over.

I still can’t hold my regular drop-in public advice surgeries but I remain very much available to anyone who needs me.

I was to move into offices in the Town Hall in the first week of lockdown and now looking provisionally to do so at the beginning of July, but you can still call my ‘office’ on 01323 409000 to get an appointment.