Walter Murray Producer Politics Show South

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Tony Blair promised rundown areas like Whitehawk in Brighton that things were going to get better under his Government. Tens of millions of pounds will be pumped into the estate over the next ten years.

But will the New Deal initiative really turn out to a good deal for local residents? The Politics Show reports.

Estates like Whitehawk endure serious social ills

Brighton is one of England's summer playgrounds. Sandy beaches, the expansive Downs, and the Royal Pavilion are just three of the attractions that draw huge numbers of tourists each year.

But it has an underbelly of problems. Few people realise it ranks 94th on the Government's official index of deprivation (last published in 2000).

The city's eastside estates like Whitehawk and Moulscombe have endured serious social ills.

Crime, drug abuse, high unemployment, poor school attendance and performance, soaring teenage pregnancy rates, they have all grabbed the headlines down the years.

Any answers?

The answer? Neighbourhood Renewal, according to the Labour Government.

Neighbourhood Renewal is the answer!

Less than 18 months after he was elected Prime Minister, Tony Blair unveiled his New Deal for Communities programme.

Whitehawk was chosen as one of 17 "pathfinder" areas, and allocated almost �50m over ten years.

Originally the site of Neolithic man, Whitehawk was really established as a settlement in the 1930s, with a host of 'high rises' added in the 1960s.

By 1986, 840 homes had been demolished, and replaced by more than 1,400 new council and housing authority low-rise flats and houses.

The latest grand plan for the estate and Brighton's eastside generally is being implemented by the EB4U (East Brighton For You) organisation.

Its basic aims are to:

• make local people feel proud of where they live
• give them real choices and opportunities to improve their lives
• make the area "a place of confidence, tolerance and fun"

The local city council, police, health, social services and education sectors are among those helping to ensure the aims are delivered. But most importantly, local people have been allowed their say. Several hold a place on the EB4U board.

The areas targeted were:

• to cut unemployment (which in 2000 was 1.5 times the national average)
• reduce households receiving income support (twice the national average)
• reduce dependence on benefits (3.5 times the national average)
• reduce overcrowding (twice the national average)
• reduce the high mortality, teenage pregnancy and crime rates?

Tony Blair promised the residents of Whitehawk he would be back. So far he has failed to return.

Max 'The Count' Vaughen is appalled at the lack of training for youngsters

In the education sector, there is talk of closing the estate's only secondary school as parents choose to send their children elsewhere.

Max Vaughen known as 'The Count' after leading a mock bid for independence is appalled at the lack of training for youngsters.

"Unless someone comes up with some form of help for these kids, you could spend millions upon millions and it won't do a pennyworth of good", he says.

Disappointed by lack of progress

Miriam Binder came to live on Whitehawk from Lancing in West Sussex three years ago, inspired by plans for regeneration. But she has been disappointed.

Concentrated on economic development not people Miriam Binder

Ms Binder said, "It is concentrated on economic development and not on the most important thing - people.

"It has been about what looks good, not about getting residents to take ownership of the regeneration.

"In terms of addressing the area's social problems, it's simply been a tokenistic attempt."

Damning words indeed. But not all hold the same view.

Critics challenged

John Roberts is a resident director on EB4U and has lived all but two of his 40 years on Whitehawk.

Moaners should 'put up or shut up' John Roberts

Mr Roberts said, "I certainly believe people have been getting involved. Those that are moaning are those that aren't getting involved. They should 'put up or shut up', quite frankly."

"There has been an 18% drop in the crime rate during the last three years, so things are progressing. And over the next two or three years, you will definitely see things happening as many of the bigger projects take off or begin to take effect."

So, the argument rages over whether New Deal has been a good deal, a fair deal or simply cosmetic surgery.

One thing is for sure, it's costing big money at Whitehawk and elsewhere!

Have your say

What do you think? Is money the answer to our social ills?

Are we as taxpayers simply throwing good money after bad, or actually doing the right thing: investing in people who need help?

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