On Wednesday 9th December 2009, A panel came together to give Conservative parliamentary candidate, Jason Sugarman the opportunity to hear Lewes residents views on a range of issues. On the panel were Martin Leeburn as chairman and local representatives from the community representing
Lewes Little Gardens, The Lewes Conservation Area Advisory Committee, Transition Town Lewes and Lewes Arts Network.
Each had their own agenda, a 10% reduction in carbon emissions in 2010, funding from the National Park to allow cobblestones to be maintained rather than removed, a venue for high quality Arts events and encouraging local communities to take a pride in their area by planting flowers and shrubs on suitable verges and junctions.
Questions from the 40 strong audience included:
- The use of satellite dishes in a conservation area (OK if out of sight),
- Solar panels, (As above although not cost effective if added to an existing building, however – good for the conscience!)
- What effect the National Park would have on the lives of Lewes residents – Most people did not yet realise how intrusive the regulations may be, no other town of anything like the size of Lewes has been included in a Park boundary in the UK.
- Could the Tourist Office be more pro-active in selling tickets for arts events?
- Could a “park and ride” be made to work for Lewes? – Many other well-intentioned schemes had come to grief because for one reason or another they were not well used.
- Tourism was replacing many of Lewes’s traditional areas of employment, and town planning needed to recognise that change of direction.
- Had the change in policing practices at this year’s bonfire parade worked? – the panel believed that the removal of barriers had greatly improved the feel of the event.
- Were people aware of the vandalism being created around Lewes Castle by English Heritage’s use of modern railings, path surfaces and a modern cabin? All the Lewes conservation groups represented in the hall expressed their condemnation.
Jason Sugarman, on behalf of Lewes Conservatives who organised the event at the All Saints Centre, thanked the panel and audience for their time and expertise in highlighting a range of issues which should be addressed if Lewes is to thrive. He looked forward to discussing their projects with them in the future.
