Rally by seafront hotel protesters

Angry protesters braved the wet and windy conditions, to wave placards and chant in unison against the plans for a hotel, office and retail complex next to the De La Warr Pavilion - the second such peaceful protest in the last two months.

The meeting was organised by the Save Our Seafront (SOS) campaign group. Protesters feel the hotel would rob Bexhill of the only green space left on the seafront and would overshadow the De La Warr, situated next door.

And despite suggestions from regeneration body Sea Space, that they will consider other sites, the group have vowed to keep fighting until the future of the putting green is assured.

Already the SOS have gained 10,000 signatures in a petition against the proposal and were keen to point out the number of young people who have signed up.

They even held a competition, with children submitting posters to voice their opposition to building on the area of open space.

SOS chairman, John Lee, said: "The first rally was very successful, but we were accused of being a lot of old fogies complaining and young people weren't interested.

"We have had the second rally to give the young people a chance and we have got young mums here, with children we have invited to come down with their posters.

"Also, the last time was on a Tuesday, so we have given it a second try to give other people a chance."

John was keen to point out the protest group are not anti-regeneration, but just feel the Metropole site is the wrong choice for a hotel.

He added: "We are concerned at the moment, as some people are talking about the garage site as a possible option. That's fine, but it's not all over and until we are told that it's not going to be here, we will keep going."

His views were echoed by Sue Saunders, a young mother who recently came to Bexhill with her family.

She told the crowd: "They need to remember why tourists come to Bexhill in the first place.

"It's different from Hastings and Eastbourne because it's smaller and simplistic.

"If it's not broken don't mend it."