The mixed news about local social projects

It was so good to see John Izzard receiving the praise he deserves for the tireless work he has done over many, many years to improve the lives of disadvantaged local people through the Sidley Community Association (SC) and its Learning Link project. I have become so used to seeing him mentioned in such positive context so regularly, that in fact between John Izzard and his more famous son Eddie, there have been enough good stories for the area to justify an entire series of columns on this website.

So I was dismayed to hear shortly after John's award that the Learning Link in Sidley will soon be losing out on funding for its adult education projects. Already one person has been made redundant, and the centre's future is unclear - it will need to prepare bids for funding from the County Council to ensure simply that it can continue to offer the same or similar services over the next couple of years.

It is services like this which are absolutely crucial to areas like Sidley. Though far less well-known than more visually striking landmarks like the De La Warr Pavilion or Battle Abbey, organisations like the SCA play as important a role in the town, if not more so, than either. Thanks to the hard work of John Izzard and the staff at the Learning Link and similar projects, and the input ofso many volunteers in the area, many adults who would otherwise struggle to find work are now finding employment and doing better than ever before.

The Tory Council in Bexhill has done frustratingly little to ensure the continued existence of centres like Izzard's. I just hope they see sense and save it before it's too late.

Please have a look at my website, www.jamesroyston.com, and do get in touch to let me know your views '“ [email protected].