April 11 2012.


Lewes District Council been working with a range of local and national partners to develop and submit bids for both Seaford and Newhaven as part of the government's Portas Pilot Competition.

The prize will be the share of £1 million to improve trading in the town centre and a chance to lead the way and show others how town centres can be revitalised. The competition was set up following a review of Britian's failing high streets by the 'Queen of Shops', Mary Portas. The results will be known in May 2012.

Newhaven is focusing on the idea of promoting the town's niche market in seafood. Seaford is developing an "Impact Seaford" team that will drive projects to capture trade of the A259 and improve gateways and linkages across the town centre and between the town centre and the seafront.

Partnership has been the key ingredient for pulling together these bids and effective joint working will be vital for securing delivery. Many local people, retailers, schools and groups have been involved including the Seaford Youth Forum who played a crucial role in directing and producing the supporting video for the Seaford bid.

In support of the bids Councillor Leader James Page said: "I strongly believe that we need to support our traditional high streets in the face of changing consumer habits and a range of external pressures.

"The focus provided by the Portas Pilot Programme has already led to closer working relationships between national and local organisations in developing ambitious work programmes to drive improvements across Newhaven and Seaford."

The bids include videos which can be viewed on YouTube:

Seaford Portas Pilot Bid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMlUNb7fUx4
Newhaven Portas Pilot Bid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za_by_6Gp4E