Same goals says Seaton Development Trust’s new chief

It’s business as usual promises Hugh Barlow after taking on Trust leadership

THE new chairman of Seaton Development Trust says it is “business as usual” despite the unexpected leadership change.

Hugh Barlow took the helm after James Semple quit, claiming he had become a ”liability”.

He said his name had become synonymous with “unthinking opposition” to Tesco in the minds of some council officials, with whom the Trust has had to deal.

This week Mr Barlow assured The Herald his new role was not a job he had gone looking for.

And he stressed the aims of the Trust remain the same, although, possibly, with a change of style.

Outlining his vision for the group’s future he said: “We hope to bring to a conclusion to a couple of small projects which have been long delayed and we shall offer our support to the new town manager, especially for the enhancement of Fore Street. as a visual asset attractive to visitors.”

Mr Barlow said they would continue to support sustainable development – including a redesigned visitor centre.

And they would continue to oppose unsustainable and damaging developments – including misuse of the flood plain.

He added: “I now coordinate TescoWatch, and James still takes a lead in addressing concerns about the implementation, and enlisting local expertise in assessing the detailed plans.

“The final plans for the pipeline bridge over the road were very late, and we , along with Trevelyan Road residents, wait to see who is right about the noise from the pipeline itself.

“We shall continue to monitor these and other developments, but we hope to be visible for other reasons as well.”