Slum by the Sea?

[Peggy]

I have recently moved to St. Leonards, and was horrified to read that some people had named it "The slum by the Sea" Is it really as bad as they say? I haven't been out and about much here yet, but I want to get out and meet people, but am I missing something? I like it where I live. I have a lovely view, and its fairly quiet. Hastings is interesting, and there's always something going on, so at the moment it seems ok. You get good and bad everywhere, and hear people say both good and bad about most places, so is Hastings not just like everywhere else?

[st_leonards_duffer]

Some slum!
I just had a great weekend - Jack in the Green, great food, lazy days on the beach, walks in our great parks and catching up with all of the interesting and creative people I've met in St Lens and Hastings over the last few years - don't be put off Peggy - enjoy youself!

[Insomniac]

Go spend some time in East London or Moss Side in Manchester, come back, then decide if you think Hastings is a bad place_ _ _
Hastings, like all towns, has it's good and bad aspects, however the people who name the place stuff like 'Slum by the Sea' are the sort who choose to concentrate on the negative aspects.
The only way you seriously judge for yourself, is to get out there!

[danielle_m]

I have lived here for over 10 years and St Leoanrds is well known for the huge drug problem. The problem is many sea side towns now have this problem so its really a case of doing your homework. I must admit I do not like to venture down to st leonards (worst area is down by the sea front-london rd area). It is so easy to spot all the addicts and it gives it such a glum feel. Now if you do not mix in those cicrles and keep yourself to yourself then it will help it a little. Its funny as Bexhill is so much different. Not nowhere near as much addicts in the same place. Unfortuneatly this area does not have much going for it at all. There are hardly any oppertunitys. Its ok it you want to retire or you are ok with a run of the mill job (thats if you can find one as many people are unemployed due to lack of work).

So the answer to your question is yes people are right but if you keep yourself to yourself and find decent friends then you will be ok.

[Marina]

I have lived in the area most of my life and often pass through central st leonards on foot. Can't say I have ever noticed a drug problem. There are a few alcoholics that frequent the seafront by warrior square but they have never caused me a problem. At worst the old "can you spare 20p for a cup of tea" line. How do you know if they are druggies? Maybe I can't tell?

[SarahB]

As with anywhere, there are good and bad things about St Leonards but on the whole I find the people friendly, the shops interesting and it perfectly safe to walk around. If people want to only see the negatives then they will but they will do that wherever they are.

[bigchris]

anyone got 20p they can spare?

[Dysphemism]

Slum by the sea is about right! It's also the dog poo capital of the world (there's crap everywhere).

[kd]

Aren't you being a little dysphemistic?

[Lily]

I relocated to Hastings from Seattle, USA - population 602,000. Like any big city anywhere in the world, there is good and bad. And, like any small town anywhere in the world, there is good and bad in Hastings and St. Leonards.

I've lived in this area five years now (2.5 in St. Leonards, the rest in Hastings), and I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather spend the rest of my life.

The area is gorgeous, the people are friendly, warm, and very creative. I've heard about the occasional drunken fight on George Street - but I have yet to see one myself. And I spend quite a bit of time on George Street, including during those times when drunken fights would be likely to happen.

I have never been approached by a drug addict, nor have I seen one. I've been asked to give away cigarettes on occasion, but certainly no more than anywhere else I've ever been. Yes, people sometimes ask me for money - again no more than anywhere else.

I think if people stop talking about the negatives and instead concentrate on the positives of this beautiful area, our reputation for "slum by the sea" will cease to exist. It's not the area, it's the nasty rumours that are causing the harm.