Leader of the Council James Baldwin

I promised last month to update you on the Core Strategy and on the Bluebell Conference. Before I do, I want to acknowledge the magnificent tributes to my late colleague Alan Lord from so may people. He was truly an example to us all. I am personally committed to ensuring we finish the Parish Halls project to provide Age Concern with a new home as a lasting memorial to Alan.

We have had a couple of excellent meetings on the Core Strategy with Mid Sussex District Council. It is indeed clear that the District Council does now want a 'bottom/up' approach with the Town Council providing key input to an improved Core Strategy. We are now engaged in planning this and will be issuing a progress report very shortly.

Our Bluebell Conference was the landmark event I hoped for. A range of people came together and produced a range of ideas that are now being worked upon on transport, parking and environment for the Town to make the best of the Bluebell. Our new Town Mayor is linking the Bluebell extension with her year in office as symbolic of the opportunities for the Town - her theme of 'Steaming Ahead' is a powerful image and one the Council intends to reflect in its work.

As an example of this, we've also had an excellent Retail Conference with local traders through our Business Group which marked a new high in our level of engagement with stores in working together on approaches to improve the retail climate.

Working hard, working creatively and engaging with all interested parties - the key to Steaming Ahead for East Grinstead!

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James Baldwin
May 2008