In this month's issue:
(Click on a headline to go directly to the article)

• SHRA Launches Fighting Fund (B&Q Appeal and 'Five Sites')
• Columbus Point Water Feature (by Barbara Martin)
• Energy Unions
• Marina mums
• Harbour Friends
• Members' Discounts
• Sovereign Racing Club
• Fly the Eye
• Walkway Weeds Update (by Alison Attwood)
• Why not become an SHRA Sponsor

• 'Members' Surgeriesl
• 'Reliable Tradesmen'
• 'Vets' Football
• Look after your bike!
• Haven School Summer Fair
• Beach Access Road
• This Month's Sponsors

To contact waterlines, write to:

Waterlines
PO Box 124
Eastbourne
BN24 9AW

Or, e-mail Waterlines

The gloves are off!

For too long, the corporate bully boys at Carillion have ridden roughshod over the residents of Sovereign Harbour. The time has come to fight back.

The SHRA committee have engaged the elected members, and the officers, of the Eastbourne Borough Council, and our MP, Nigel Waterson, in an attempt to obtain the greatest possible leverage in the fight against Carillion's plans for the harbour.

We are encouraged by the co-operation we are receiving, but we keep hearing comments like, "its Carillion's land, and they can do what they want with it" and "if we could go back twenty years, we wouldn't have done it this way".

What this tells us is that serious mistakes were made, and that successive administrations, knowing that, have failed to take any corrective action, even when the opportunities came up; a case in point being the planning consent for the development of the North Harbour. At that time, considerable opportunities were available to apply conditions that would have provided the necessary social infrastructure. We have to ask, why wasn't that done?
In 1976, Carillion entered into a legally binding agreement to build no more than 2,500 homes. That agreement was allowed to lapse, with absolutely no 'planning gain'. Again, we have to ask, why?

Then there's the Sovereign Harbour Trust, how on earth was that allowed to crawl into existence? How much input did council members and officers have in its creation, and again, why did they let it happen?

And then of course we have the B&Q fiasco, why on earth did the officers recommend approval? The whole sorry story grinds on and on, and all the time the clock is ticking away the opportunity to finally redress the balance. Unfortunately, the balance can never now be completely redressed, but we must fight to get as much as possible from what remains.

That incompetence, and mal-administration have occurred, in spades, cannot be doubted. That evidence of this exists also cannot be doubted, but where is this evidence hidden? The current administration must set-up an enquiry to uncover the truth, irrespective of the potential damage it might do to their colleagues, past and present; it is their duty to the people of Eastbourne, they must not be allowed to shirk their responsibility. If they do, then we must explore other avenues, they do exist.

It will be difficult, the process is weighted against natural justice, and it will be expensive. However, the process exists, with the final outcome being Judicial Review. We have asked Nigel Waterson to initiate a Judicial Review through the Parliamentary system, but he says this is not possible. If that is the case, we must find other means of achieving that end, which will require the services of a barrister, and that will be very expensive, unless we can find one with a social conscience.

We have, therefore decided that the time is right to launch a 'Fighting Fund' and we will be staging events to help swell the coffers. Your contributions are, of course, very welcome, cheques can be sent to

SHRA
PO Box 124
Eastbourne BN24 9AW

Watch this space, and be prepared to be generous.

B&Q appeal

As reported in the last issue of Waterlines, the appeal by Sovereign Harbour to build a B&Q warehouse in Sovereign Harbour has been accepted by the Planning Inspectorate.
You will also have received a 'No B&Q' poster with the address of the Planning Inspectorate, the appeal reference number and some hints about reasons to object on the back.

The deadline for your letters of objections is 11th July, you still have time. Don't rely on others.

Five Sites

You will also have received a 'No More Flats' poster with the reference numbers of the Five Sites applications, and the address of the Development Control department. This also has hints for reasons to object on the back. Please write now.

The deadline for your letters of objection is 21st July. Please take the time to object to all of these applications, not just the one closest to you. It is very important that they are all refused.
The planning committee will meet to discuss these applications on 8th August. Please make every effort to be there. As with the B&Q meeting, the SHRA will provide transport to and from the town. We will publish details on the website and in the August issue of Waterlines, which should be distributed on the weekend prior to the meeting. Please be there.

Please put both posters in your window, or in your car, to demonstrate your support.

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A lively discussion regarding the Columbus Point Water Feature on the South Harbour was had at the SHRA AGM on 9th May.

The Council, having approved planning permission for the feature on the basis that provision had been made for the maintenance, had, at no time, questioned the ongoing costs. However, having been informed that the ongoing costs could amount to £120,000 per year, Councillor Elkin informed the attendees of the SHRA meeting that they would not consider taking responsibility for the feature, even though they insist on public right of access, and indeed have advertised the feature in their tourism literature, as the costs were prohibitive and would increase the rates by approximately 2% per household. This is an unacceptable situation. In addition, the Chief Planning Office has not, to date, issued a certificate of completion for the feature.

The question of insurance liability is critical. As the public have right of way it is vital that any insurance is fit for purpose. We are unable, at this present time, to secure insurance on the feature.

The Residents Committee has continued its dialogue with Persimmon through G&W Projects, their appointed Project Management company. Chris Gosling, from G&W Projects, is currently collating all information in order to prepare a report and recommendations to Persimmon on the way forward. The report is expected before the end of June.

This will then be presented to the Residents for consideration. At this point we will contact all 369 residents on Columbus Point to canvass opinion and decision on the proposal.

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Being such a well defined, and densely populated, geographical area, Sovereign Harbour is well placed to take advantage of our collective purchasing power.

The possibility has been suggested that, if significant numbers of residents were to club together, we could all make considerable savings on our energy and/or telephone bills.

If anybody has experience of such a scheme, or is willing to take on the task of making contact with the suppliers, or even starting up the negotiation process, Waterlines would be very keen to hear from you.

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''Marina Mums' is a group, set-up by harbour resident, Sam Skull, to provide a social network for mums and 'mums to be' and their babies, toddlers and children. Meetings are held on a monthly basis, to create a social network, and provide an opportunity to get together, to chat, provide mutual support and to discuss local issues and concerns.

At the time of going to print, we had not been supplied with details of the July meeting.

If you would like to go along, or would be interested in future events, please contact Sam.

Phone or text: 07949-687996
or, e-mail Sam

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Thanks to everyone who came to the Harbour Friends social evening at our new venue at the Yacht Club. Over 40 prospective new members plus a number of old faces turned out - not bad for a World Cup football night!

Thanks also to everyone who paid their subs. We need to charge a very modest membership fee of £6 to end December for use of the Yacht Club, which we've had to pay up front. That's just £1 per month for membership of a great new social club!

Our next social evening is Sunday 30 July and we welcome all members, new and old. If you would like to know more about Harbour Friends

We look forward to meeting Harbour Friends -new and old - on Sunday 30th. If you have any queries, call Bev on 01323-479797, or e-mail Bev

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The following harbour businesses have agreed to give discounts to residents, we are hoping to add to this list as time permits.

Bright Ideas on the Waterfront

Bright Ideas will give residents a 10% discount on purchases. In order to obtain the discount, you will need to visit the shop and complete a 'Privilege Card application.

Simply Italian on the Waterfront

Simply Italian in Sovereign Harbour are offering a 10% discount on orders from the Main Menu and the 'Daily Specials' board. Special menus and already discounted set menus are excluded
This offer is not valid on Bank Holidays or at special themed events. Members, and up to three guests, may take advantage of this offer.

Frankie and Bennie in the Sovereign Harbour Retail Park

Frankie and Bennie are offering members a 10% discount on food only.

To take advantage of these offers, you will need to produce a current Sovereign Harbour Residents Association membership card.

So, if you are not currently a member, why not apply now, using the application form in your personal copy of Waterlines or, go to the 'Join' page on this website, and start making some worthwhile discounts?



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By the time you read this, the inaugural meeting of the Sovereign Racing Club, a trip to Brighton Races on 9th July, might have already taken place.

But, if you couldn't go, or didn't book in time, don't worry, the second outing has already been planned.
On Saturday, 26th August, again travelling by Flagship Coaches, the club off to Goodwood racecourse for the Celebration Mile and some other high-class races.

The cost of this event, including transport and admission to the Gordon Enclosure, is just £26 per person.

With all that's going on around the harbour, why not take a break and have a day out? To book your seat on the Goodwood outing get in touch with Linus Gunning at 61 Daytona Quay, South Harbour, phone 470757.

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The day out in London, with a 'flight on the London Eye', organised by Bert and Margaret Leggett in conjunction with Lynns Travel was a great success. Those who went had a glorious day to view the sights of London, from the ground and from the air.

Our thanks to Bert and Margaret for all their hard work on behalf of harbour residents.

This trip was oversubscribed, and several harbour residents who applied late were disappointed.

Please look out for future outings and apply early!

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Thanks to everyone who contacted me following the last issue of Waterlines. The weeds along the walkways is quite literally a nasty and growing problem that upsets us all.

I have had a useful conversation with Cllr. Patrick Warner who has explained the following:

We should be hopeful that the walkways, along with most of the roads, will be adopted by the council later this year. Carillion has committed to a schedule of works over the next two months that should enable the adoption process to get underway by September. Watch this space!

Meanwhile the walkways remain the responsibility of the developers, and the worst affected areas, i.e. around the Hobart Quay area of North Harbour and the South and West harbour bridges, are the responsibility of Persimmon Homes (formerly Sunley and Westbury).

With Patrick's prompting, the Council's Parks & Gardens Manager has contacted Persimmon to get the walkways cleaned up. Hopefully EBC will be able to apply pressure and get positive action. But we should not stop there!
Residents should write to Persimmon explaining the problem and requesting their urgent action. You may wish to write individually, or via your local resident group, if you have one. Photographic evidence of the weeds would be helpful where possible.

The address is Persimmon Homes (South Coast) Ltd, 100 Wickham Road, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 7HT, tel: 01329 514300. The contact names we have are Rob Allen, Sales Director (rob.allen@persimmonhomes.com) and Ian Noscoe, Customer Services Manager (ian.noscoe@persimmonhomes.com). You could also write to your management company as they may have a contractual arrangement with Persimmon for this work.
Whilst Persimmon is responsible for the worst affected areas, weeds are also appearing along other sections of the walkways, e.g. by the Silver Homes development, so please contact these too. Details are on the 'Contacts' page of the SHRA website www.shra.co.uk

Once the walkways are adopted, the council will install dog bins and litter bins, and the walkways should be covered by EBC's contract cleaning arrangements as per the rest of the promenade. EBC has already set aside money in this year's budget, with more funding to follow next year. But Patrick says the council cannot do anything until adoption is underway, so we need to keep the pressure on the developers and managing agents. Meanwhile would dog owners please note that a number of dog bins have been installed along Atlantic and Pacific Drives.

I hope all residents who are fed up with this dreadful mess will now write to Persimmon and press for action. Please keep your letters firm but fair - getting into a 'slanging match' at this stage won't help our cause - but do explain the problems and demand prompt action. If you encounter any difficulties (or progress) on the way, please let me know via email at alison.attwood@shra.co.uk

Developers and Managing Agents

A list of developments, developers and managing agents is now available on the 'Contacts' page of the website. We hope to build this into a comprehensive database, but need your help to fill in the gaps. Please send details via e-mail to Alison or write to Waterlines.


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• 5th August, 2006
• 2bd September, 2006

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