Time to look forward

YOU may feel that it whizzed by in the blink of an eye, but Christmas is over and New Year has passed, so it's time to look forward.

We are now seven days into 2010, and although it threatens to be a year of turmoil for Weston in some areas, there is also much to look forward to.

So leaving aside the grim spectre of 750 jobs being pulled out of town, and the ongoing Tropicana fiasco, let's cast our eyes forward over the next 12 months and see what lies in store.

Of course, top of the list - and the anticipated highlight for most Weston people, according to the results of our poll this week - is the rebuilding of the Grand Pier.

It's difficult to believe it's been 18 months since the landmark pavilion was destroyed by fire, but progress has been steady and spectators can now see the 'best pier in the world' taking shape.

The pavilion remains on track to reopen this summer, and excitement is already building - hopes are high that the new pier could provide the shot in the arm the town has cried out for since the Tropicana closed.

It's also encouraging to see the progress being made on the seafront.

Seawall and promenade reshaping has been a work in progress for some time, but at last it is taking shape - and the signs are that it will be an attractive, modern area.

With work due to begin on revamping Pier Square too, it seems the rebuilt multi-million pound pier will prove a centrepiece to a rebuilt, multi-million pound seafront.

Substantial developments are promised for the Weston Gateaway, Weston Airfield and Dolphin Square areas, and good news for traders will follow as the country rises from recession.

With fresh optimism over Birnbck, and renewed promises of 'urgent' action on the Tropicana, Weston has plenty of reasons to be cheerful.

And while we may all hold different opinions on some of these developments, we can all look forward to 2010, and what could prove to be a pivotal, watershed year for Weston.