It has been widely reported that Seaford’s population is ageing rapidly, with nearly a third of its residents now over the age of 65.

This statistic makes it close to the highest in the country and of course is very concerning.

One problem to overcome will be to ensure sufficient numbers of younger people resident and employed in the town to support, both financially and physically, the needs of this increasing number of elderly residents.

Solving this problem is paramount to Seaford’s future. What is required is inward investment.

Directly related to this issue, it is also well reported that Seaford Beach is similarly ageing fast.

The situation demonstrates how Seaford continues to miss out compared to other seaside towns.

The first beach meeting held on October 24 proved so popular that a follow up meeting was scheduled for November 28.

The Environment Agency (EA) plays the same tune despite its concerns regarding sea level rise, more extreme storms etc.

The present (and 27 year old) shingle shifting scheme remains its ‘most cost effective’ (cheapest in other words) preference, and its only offering to Seaford – this despite being warned many times that this beach is now so degraded it has become hazardous and dangerous to the unwary.

The EA was warned again that this beach is inevitably going to be the cause of a major drowning event at some point. All received in return were blank stares.

The fact that a 3,000 plus signature petition exists calling for change also failed to generate any response.

It was also pointed out that an EA manager is now on record as saying that the days of making the beach steeper and higher must now be ending. Still no reaction.

Our MP Norman Baker to his credit did acknowledge that the beach has a vital role in attracting visitors to the town (as any seaside town must). Again the EA remains deaf to this point.

Unless a new, even modest, safe bathing beach is provided, Seaford’s economy will continue its slow decline which will do nothing to attract young people to the town who are so sorely needed for the future.

The EA continues to hold Seaford’s future to ransom.

Jim Skinner,
The Drove,
Denton Newhaven