While researching the story our reporter and photographer were horrified to see a whole box of dead cod caught by one fisherman simply discarded because it would be illegal to sell it. Apparently that was just the tip of the iceberg as tonnes of dead cod are thrown back into the sea during local fishing expeditions, even with special "cod avoidance" nets being used. The Observer is not a specialist fishing publication and so cannot go into the full arguments and explanations behind this issue, but it certainly appears to be a perverse practice.

The squabbling goes on between the two main political parties over funding to Hastings from the government - and frankly I'm more confused than ever over this issue. Our MP Michael Foster has been on the phone again saying, 'Peter, let's make it clear, it is good news and good news only.' Then I pick up the council papers for next Monday's Cabinet and read that because of government funding 39 jobs are being cut at the Town Hall and the regeneration of our town is at risk. The council report makes very gloomy reading, let's make no mistake. Well, who is telling the truth and who isn't? The ambiguous answer is that they both probably are. These are the facts as I see it - some funding has come to an end, other funding is coming to our town. The net result? well, there's the grey area. Anyway, from 2pm today log onto www.hastingsobserver.co.uk and you can see an audio interview with me putting the questions to our MP and council leader. So it will still be as clear as mud after then...

It seems that the council has taken offence at any people living outside the borough who rent beach huts. They've increased the hire by 57.5 percent - now that is just ridiculous.

It is nice to be able to publish a positive letter on this page about St Leonards C of E School, the school that was placed in special measures last year. At the time I was very critical of the state of the school - and indeed it is a matter of grave concern when this happens. But the letter at the top of this page from parents praising their school's production is very heartwarming.

Reading through council papers for next Tuesday's licensing sub-committee, Cathie Wolfe, the licensing officer, is scathing of the way the Crown Inn is being run in the Old Town. She says the the landlady isn't running the premises in accodrance with the conditions of her licence. Well, if it's as bad as her report suggests, I imagine the council licensing team will be in the place asap to sort it out.

SO if we were making New Year's resolutions for our town in 2008, what would we be asking for? First, that the regeneration of Hastings can continue and that it can spread to affect as many people as possible in the borough. We are still a very poor town and that doesn't look like changing. Second, that Hastings can be a safer place. The authorities will tell us that great strides have been made, but the fact remains there is still a high degree of violent crime. Third, that the Observer can report more good news. We will, of course, do that as long as you the public tell us about it. Yes, we will report the negative as well.
Happy New Year to everyone.