From the Eastbourne Herald, 11th February 2007

Eastbourne MP Nigel Waterson has met with the project co-ordinator of a local charity to look at a potential site for a residential centre for people with learning disabilities.

Jill Parker from The JPK Project was joined by Mr Waterson at Ocklynge Chalk Pit to discuss the aims and objectives of the charity.

It has been Jill’s dream to provide a residential centre for people with learning disabilities for some time and a number of events have taken place over the years to raise funds.

Following an independent survey the trustees will be submitting an outline planning application.

Mr Waterson said, “This is a wonderful project. Jill has kept me up to date from the start and I look forward to seeing it come to fruition.

“This has been an ambition of Jill’s for some years now and as hurdles are cleared and the end slowly gets closer, I wish her every success.”

It is hoped the centre will provide 24 en-suite bedsitting rooms, a communal lounge, dining room and kitchen.

A tea room, kitchen and bakery is also hoped to be built if the application gets the go-ahead, so that those residents who do not have full time care will be provided with activities which will give them practical training and work experience and also allow for interaction with the public.

Because the site is a sensitive one, the trustees will also include a Conservation Area and low level Nature Trail for viewing the flora and fauna, and will also undertake to preserve the habitat for the badgers in the area and to ensure that the perimeters of the land are well tended.

Jill said, “I am fully aware that concerns are always raised by neighbours when new developments are proposed that they feel may have an impact on their lives. Therefore I will be writing personally to all close neighbours and associations, so that should they have any concerns I would be willing to speak to them personally or organise a public presentation to be able show the plans and explain the proposals in greater detail.

“I am extremely grateful for all the help and support I am receiving from the local community at large.

“It is this support which gives me the strength to battle on with my endeavours to provide what will be a flagship – a centre for excellence – a shining example in Eastbourne for what can be achieved by a few for so many, who through no fault of their own cannot help themselves.”

The massive challenge of fundraising for the residential centre came about after research showed that there are no suitable vacancies in the area for young adults with learning disabilities to live when their parents/carers become too old to care for them or die.

In addition the trustees believe that parents require the time to help their vulnerable children with the enormous transition into independent living before a crisis occurs.

It is also their belief that parents should have some modicum of retirement having cared all their lives.

Last year The JPK Project had shown an interest in building a centre at the Wine Centre site in Alfriston and put forward two outline planning applications.

One was for the change of use and the other one for the building. The change of use was approved but the latter application was refused.

The JPK Project has initiated an independent land valuation which will take place on the latest site in the near future.