Simon Kirby writes to the Argus

I spent last Sunday morning at a packed meeting of over 250 Brighton Marina residents at the Seattle Hotel, attended by Rottingdean Coastal Conservative Councillors Mary Mears and David Smith.

Under discussion were council officers' efforts to push through a new Brighton Marina Masterplan. I was very supprised to learn that the consultation period expired the following day: Monday 7th January and that many residents hadn't had the opportunity to comment on this important document. A document that will define the future development of the Brighton MArina for years to come.

Surely it is crucial that the Masterplan is right? Surely what happens to the Marina in the years ahead deserves the proper and considered input of all those affected? Surely the Council must extend the consultation period, or even better, upgrade the process into a Supplementary Planning Document exercise which would allow full, open and transparent consultation?

The Brighton Marina is a great place to livein and visit, let's make sure everyone has a proper chance to shape its future.

Homes for dementia sufferers

A HOUSING scheme for people suffering with Dementia is on course to open next year.

The £6.4 million Downlands Court extra-care housing scheme in Peacehaven is on schedule, with builders due to start work on site by March.

Planning permission for the scheme was granted in October last year.

East Sussex County Council and its partners have 40 per cent of the grant from the department of Health in place. the other 60 per cent will be released once the building is begun.

Downlands Court is due to open in late spring 2009.

Extra-care housing is similiar to sheltered housing but also offeres people with care needs the chance to live an independent life within a small community,, with 24-hour care team based on the site.

A community engagement group has been set up to keep local people informed of developments relating to the site.

East Sussex County Councillor Simon Kirby, who is also the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Brighton Kemptown, which includes Peacehaven, said "This is a fantastic facility for Peacehaven and I am very pleased the county council has found the money to make it possible."

the argus 09-01-08

Can I assure Mark Maguire (Letters, December 21) that I am the same Simon Kirby who was first elected to represent the people of Brighton in 1992.

I am also the same Simon Kirby who ran the Brightonbased leisure company C-Side which employed hundreds of local people.

Perhaps most importantly, I am the same Simon Kirby who is likely to be the next Conservative MP for Brighton Kemptown.
advertisement

This Simon Kirby is looking forward to meeting, listening to and representing all the many people who live in our Woodingdean, Whitehawk, Bevendean and Moulsecoomb estates.

And you needn't worry about me being too posh, Mark.

This Simon Kirby has lived in a number of council houses himself and is confident he is able to relate to ordinary people and understand their problems.

Simon Kirby, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, Brighton Kemptown

Argus Letters Monday 8th January 2007