Moving to West Ridge

[bargain_bucket]

Hi folks. I've known Hastings for years (went to college there and regularly went drinking in the Town Cryer, Rockwells, Saturdays etc). But that was all a long time ago. We (wife and kids) are thinking of moving to an area just off the West Ridge between Queensway and Battle Road - you get a lot of house for the money. But I do have some concerns. Schools, especially secondary school as my daughter is due to move up next September. I hear mixed things. Claverham sounds good but we'd be late applicants and unlikely to get it. I also have concerns about traffic levels along the ridge (I work in Eastbourne) as well as the general reputation of Hastings (my car insurance nearly doubles which gives me a clue about the area). Can anyone share their thoughts on my conerns. Are they valid or are things a bit better than I am envisaging?

Many thanks.
BB