Eastbourne has been ranked as the third saddest place in the UK, which has prompted a demand for action.
A new study by Paranimo into local well-being reports found a significant decline in satisfaction, worthwhileness, and happiness in Eastbourne over the last decade.
3 potholes on a street leading to Princes Park
Local author Tony Flood is calling for Eastbourne Council and Sussex County Council to react.
He says: “There have been a lot of mixed reactions to this claim about Eastbourne being a sad place, but it is a wake-up call to Eastbourne Council and the County Council to improve facilities and make the town more attractive to both tourists and residents!
The closed and boarded up Fort Fun.
“They should start by getting rid of potholes and boarded-up shops that have closed because they could not afford to pay the high rates or because parking restrictions drove their customers away.”
Mr Flood, the writer of popular crime thrillers, added: “It would also help to make Eastbourne a happier place if there was a greater police presence.”
Sovereign Harbour North
Former Fleet Street journalist Mr Flood added; “Despite the need for improvements, Eastbourne is a lovely seaside town with so many attractions. My wife Heather and I love living here.”
Author Tony Flood, who lives in Eastbourne, has spent most of his working life as a journalist, initially on local and regional papers and then on nationals. He was also editor of 'Football Monthly', Controller of Information at Sky Television and enjoyed a spell with 'The People.'
In his celebrity book My Life With The Stars - Sizzling Secrets Spilled', Tony recalls: “My work as a showbiz and leisure writer, critic and editor saw me take on a variety of challenges - learning to dance with Strictly Come Dancing star Erin Boag, becoming a stand-up comedian and playing football with the late George Best and Bobby Moore in charity matches.”
My Life With The Stars provides revelations and amusing anecdotes about showbiz and sports personalities including Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Muhammad Ali, George Best, Kylie Minogue, Eric Morecambe and Des O'Connor.
Tony also writes in other genres and his crime thrillers have been endorsed by best-selling author Peter James. They are Triple Tease, Stitch Up - Killer or Victim? and Fall Guy - who really killed his wife?, and all feature compassionate copper DCI Harvey Livermore. In addition, there's a fantasy adventure for youngsters called Secret Potion and a book Tony has co-written with wife Heather, aptly titled Laughs and Tears Galore - short stories and poems with twists!
Recently, Tony joined The Collective of seven local writers all contributing one character to family saga Driven by Desire, which is full of conflict, fierce ambition and passion as well as a dramatic kidnap.
Tony also writes theatre reviews for the Eastbourne Herald, Brighton Argus and BourneFree Live, as well as playing veterans football for Sovereign Harbour Veterans. He is the oldest - and slowest - player in the team.
