“To many across the world Dame Vera Lynn was a symbol of our greatest generation who put their lives on hold to rid the world of fascism and tyranny. But to myself and local people in her home village of Ditchling she was so much more. She was an active […]
Council gives Eastbourne good causes a £60,000 boost
Eastbourne Borough Council has awarded £60,000 to local good causes through its Small Grants Scheme this financial year. Among the charities and groups supported with grants of up to £5,000 are Culture Shift, People Matter, Holding Space, Age UK and Bourne Out. Councillor Alan Shuttleworth, Cabinet member for Direct Assistance […]
Maria Caulfield MP urges places of worship in Lewes constituency to apply for protective security fund
Lewes MP Maria Caulfield has written to places of worship in the local community, setting out details of the Government’s £3.2 million Places of Worship Protective Security Fund. The fund, which was established in 2016, is now open for the latest round of applications. It helps place of worship such […]
PUTTING SAFETY FIRST: HOW YOUR EYES AND EARS CAN BE TREATED IN THE NEW NORMAL
With High Street stores beginning to open their doors UK retailers have hastily put the final safety measures in place to allow social distancing and offer customers confidence as stores reopen. They are sure to look very different, but just how will our shopping experience change in the new normal? […]
Face covering guidance
With facecovering now mandatory on all public transport our local Bus Company Brighton and Hove Buses have sent us some guidelines to help. “In line with Government guidance, you will now need to wear a face covering when travelling with us. This can be a mask, scarf, snood, bandana or […]
Maria Caulfield MP meets with Minister to discuss A27 cleaning responsibilities
Maria Caulfield MP has met with Transport Minister Baroness Vere to discuss returning responsibility for litter picking along the A27 from local councils back to Highways England. Highways England traditionally had this responsibility up until a few years ago but since it was transferred to the district councils in Lewes […]
Phase one of walking and cycling fund announced for Lewes District
Further to the published story on June 12th here is an update for the future plans for walkers and cyclists. A plan for the rapid implementation of infrastructure improvements for walkers and cyclists has been given a guarded welcome by Lewes District Council. The government emergency active travel fund was […]
Grand news as Parade opens on Eastbourne seafront
Grand Parade on Eastbourne seafront will reopen on Monday 22 June. The road has been closed since the devastating fire that destroyed the Claremont Hotel and left much of the surrounding area, including neighbouring properties, severely damaged. Contractors have been working to demolish remaining elements of the fire-ravaged building that […]
Maria Caulfield MP welcomes local funding from National Lottery
Over £45,408 of National Lottery funding to tackle loneliness in Seaford has been welcomed by Maria Caulfield MP. The award of £45,408 to Seafriends for their Covid19 Support work will see them use the funding to ensure older and isolated members of the community are supported through welfare checks and […]
Café culture takes hold at Seaside Recreation Ground
Another step has been taken to enhance the community appeal of Seaside Recreation Ground, with the opening of the Paws Awhile café. Refreshments are available, seven days a week, from midday until 6pm. All PPE and social distancing measures are in place to ensure public safety. Devonshire ward councillor, and […]
Coronavirus-Related Scams – How To Protect Yourself
Criminals are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to try and get their hands on your money and personal information. To date, Action Fraud has received reports from 2,378 victims of Coronavirus-related scams, with the total losses reaching over £7 million. How you can protect yourself from Coronavirus-related scams: There are some simple […]
Maria Caulfield MP opposes fire service cuts
Maria Caulfield MP is opposing planned cuts that would see a loss of fire engines and fire fighters across the Lewes constituency, that are being supported by local Lib Dems. The MP recently joined forces with neighbouring MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle to write to Fire Authority Members urging them to delay […]
This is what to sing on Sussex Day 16th June
SUSSEX BY THE SEA is the county’s unofficial anthem. It was written in 1907 by William Ward-Higgs, the full lyrics are shown below. The county’s motto, “We wun’t be druv”, reflects the strong-willed nature of its people in past centuries. Sussex’s device shows six martlets. Sussex’s county flower is the round-headed […]
Government guidance to help Newhaven Town Deal
The Newhaven Town Deal, that will see the town access the £3.6 billion Towns Fund, is now able to be drawn up as the government has published guidance to help in the process. The government has published further Towns Fund guidance which sets out the key information local leaders need […]
Affordable homes get go-ahead in Lewes town
Cabinet councillors at Lewes District Council have today (June 11) agreed a series of measures to bring forward new affordable homes in the district. The wide-ranging plan includes 12 new properties at Saxonbury House, the first affordable housing developed in Lewes town for five years. The Saxonbury House scheme will […]
Lewes Constituency benefits from unprecedented measures announced by Chancellor
The Lewes constituency has received unprecedented economic support to protect jobs and businesses during the Coronavirus outbreak. 9,500 jobs have been protected through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, with Government grants covering 80 per cent of people’s wages, up to £2,500 a month. 4,300 self-employed people in the Lewes constituency […]
Crowdfunding Campaign Hits £5000 Target
The Havens coastal community (Saltdean to Seaford) has pulled together to help raise over £5000 for a local non-profit organisation to continue its work as lockdown continues to be eased in stages. The Silver Linings Project by the Havens Community Hub was picked as one of the winning entrants of […]
Customers are reminded to wear face coverings from Monday
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) is reminding customers that face coverings are mandatory from Monday 15 June, and that leisure travellers should avoid the morning and evening peaks to help keep the railway clear for key workers and others who need it most. Those who must travel by train should follow […]
St Thomas à Becket at Cliffe with All Saints Cliffe High Street, Lewes, East Sussex
Churches are opening their doors again, albeit for private worship only with some social distancing restrictions. One of the first religious buildings in the county to re-open after lockdown was forced to close moments later after a minor electrical problem. However, quick work at the ancient church in Lewes saw […]
Healthier Takeaways
Heart Research always have our best interests at heart literally so here are some ideas to think about before just ordering that favourite takeaway. The number of takeaway food outlets has risen in recent years and this may have contributed to the rise in rates of obesity in the UK. […]
This week’s scam and fraud warnings from Action Fraud:
With more stores reopening, and online shopping slots becoming available, please take the time to refresh your online security, only trust known websites, and remember offers that sound too good to be true generally are. More support and advice here. NHS Track and Trace scams, if you’re contacted by the NHS […]
Updated guide to historic Meads
An updated booklet on the history of Meads has been printed, with support from the three ward councillors from Eastbourne Borough Council. Author and Meads resident – Kim Adams teamed up with well-known local historian Nicholas Howell to write and illustrate the booklet. The £500 grant from the Devolved Budget […]
Update on Significant Planned Road Works on the M23
The following works are scheduled on the M23, subject to weather conditions. Monday to Friday 07:00 to 19:00 daily for 11 weeks Full closure of J10 exit slip Northbound. Diversion to J9 and back southbound to Junction 10. Saturday 13 & Sunday 14th June (inclusive) 20:00 to 06:00 Full closure […]
Robsack Wood Primary Academy, St Leonards-on-sea
Although not in the immediate area this is quite an important notice just in case as it contains detailed information received from the school. Emergency Partial Closure of Robsack Wood Primary Academy on Monday 15th June 2020. “I am writing to inform you that the academy will be closed on […]
Help the homeless using council’s specialist support service
Anyone who sees a person sleeping rough and is unsure of the best way to help is encouraged to report their concerns to the council so that specialist support services can assist. Eastbourne Borough Council is advising people to use the StreetLink app (streetlink.org.uk) or its own website (lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/contact-us) as […]
COUNCIL REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE MILLIONS RECEIVED AS COVID SUPPORT
A council has been blasted for failing to acknowledge millions of pounds received from Government to support local businesses, self-employed workers, the unemployed, charities, other organisations and those in need during the Covid pandemic. Lewes District Council’s ruling Cabinet learned on 11 June that, while still significant, the financial impact […]
COUNCIL DISMISSES ALL OTHER OPTIONS OVER AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The views of backbench councillors have been completely ignored by the Cabinet which refused to look at any other suggestions for more efficient provision of affordable housing in Lewes district at its meeting on 11th June. The ruling coalition Cabinet at Lewes District Council voted down every idea proposed by […]
Tell Us Once – and simplify death registration
A Service which simplifies the paperwork families have to deal with after someone dies has launched in East Sussex. Tell Us Once allows people to notify local and central government departments and public sector pension providers of a death in one simple step. Until now, staff at East Sussex register […]
Music teacher launches Songwriting4kids for budding young lockdown musicians
With many children still spending more time at home and the summer holidays looming, an entrepreneurial music teacher has launched a new online song writing programme to inspire budding young musicians. Aimed at children aged 8 to 13, Songwriting4kids is a fun way to learn about music, instruments, rhythm, lyrics and composition to […]
Phase one of walking and cycling fund announced for Lewes District
A plan for the rapid implementation of infrastructure improvements for walkers and cyclists has been given a guarded welcome by Lewes District Council. The government emergency active travel fund was announced in May in response to the increase in people walking and cycling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. […]
COVID-19: COUNCILS PLEA TO SECRETARY OF STATE TO STOP ‘SPECULATIVE’ DEVELOPMENT
With work on many local development sites at a standstill, East and West Sussex local authorities and Brighton & Hove City Council have written to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government asking for urgent steps to curb ‘speculative and unplanned development’ as a result of the […]
Installation of New Seafront Signage and Rescue Equipment
Starting this week, the old seafront information signage from Splash Point to the East Arm at Newhaven will be removed and replaced by new and improved signage. The new signs are larger, clearer to read and include important and useful information such as safety advice with detailed map, also:- Points […]
Coronavirus cons are the focus of awareness fortnight
RESIDENTS are being warned about scammers using the Covid-19 crisis to con them out of their hard-earned cash. East Sussex Trading Standards team is using Scams Awareness Fortnight, which runs from June 15 to June 28, to remind the public to be on their guard. Reports of attempted scams have […]
Seaford’s Sussex Day Celebrations 2020
Just as a reminder, there wll be no Sussex Day Celebrations this year but the Martello Museum have pulled out all the stops to see that we don’t forget. Do go down there and appreciate the effort that has been made by the volunteers to commenorate our County day. But […]
Newhaven First Avenue Appeal and Update
Some disturbing news from the local Police – please help with any information regarding the described incident:- Criminal damage and attempt arson in Newhaven, STREET SURGERY TOMORROW FOR RESIDENTS Following the below incident, agencies from Saxon House we will be holding a Street Surgery in First Avenue tomorrow Friday 12th June […]
CHARITIES LEFT FEARING FOR THEIR FUTURE FOLLOWING DROP IN FUNDING
For many of us the last few months in lockdown have been incredibly difficult. While some have been running daily errands or doing food shops for poorly relatives or vulnerable people living close by, others have volunteered at food banks or checked in on elderly neighbours. For many, giving back […]
Fran McGillivray & Mike Burke Live Stream for Green Note- playing Thursday at 7.00pm
Our friends Fran and Mike have sent us this stop press note so yet another opportunity to listen to their music and support a good cause. “As you’ll be aware, a lot of independent music venues are in danger of going out of business due to uncertainties regarding putting on […]
Update from Govia- Thameslink
Here is a notification from our local train providers concerning cleanliness and hygiene on our trains. The entire fleet of Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express trains, plus stations and staff areas have been treated with a powerful new viruscide which sticks to surfaces, killing the viruses for up […]
Playgrounds stay shut in Lewes district
Childrens’ play areas in Lewes district remain closed to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in line with government guidance. Lewes District Council is reminding families that play areas will stay shut until the government announces a re-opening date, which has not yet been set. Councillor Julie Carr,(pictured),Cabinet member for Recycling, […]
LEWES DISTRICT COUNCIL: AFFORDABLE HOMES GET GO-AHEAD IN LEWES TOWN
Cabinet councillors at Lewes District Council have today (Thursday 11 June) agreed a series of measures to bring forward new affordable homes in the district. The wide-ranging plan includes 12 new properties at Saxonbury House, the first affordable housing developed in Lewes Town for five years. The Saxonbury House scheme […]
COUNCIL PENSIONS: CABINET COUNCILLOR CALLS FOR END TO FOSSIL FUEL INVESTMENT
A Cabinet councillor at Lewes District Council has called on the East Sussex Local Government Pension Scheme to stop investing in fossil fuel companies. The scheme is administered by East Sussex County Council (ESCC) and provides retirement income for council employees in East Sussex and Brighton & Hove. The move […]
Mayor’s boost for 3D-print farm making PPE
Eastbourne’s Mayor is supporting a local 3D-printing project that produces protective face shields for keyworkers with a £640 grant from his Kick-Out Covid Fund. TechResort – a local community interest company that focuses on digital, tech and creativity – founded its six-strong 3D print farm in April following urgent calls […]
Council counts Covid-19 cost: budget deficit forecast up to £10.2million
Cabinet councillors today (June 11) heard that Covid-19 is likely to leave Lewes District Council facing a budget deficit of between £3.2m and £10.2m, according to the latest estimates of Covid-19’s fiscal impact. The projected figures for this financial year have been produced by modelling a number of best and worst-case scenarios based on potential announcements from the government. Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District […]
Latest business grant fund up and running in Lewes district
Lewes District Council is processing applications from small and micro businesses for grants of up to £10K from the government’s latest Covid-19 business support scheme. The council has a £1.3m funding allocation and is accepting applications from qualifying businesses until June 19. In exceptional circumstances £25K grants will be considered. […]
Seaford Town Council urges tourists to pause before visiting
Owing to many essential facilities being unable to open until further notice, the Town Council urges visitors to plan before they visit as part of its ‘Pause Before Visiting’ emergency campaign to reduce littering and disruption to residents. The Town Council has become increasingly concerned by the volume of visitors […]
Get cycling this Summer
Some more tips to stay healthy from the Heart Research people:- Regular physical activity will help you to maintain a healthy weight and keep your heart healthy. Cycling is a fun way to improve your overall health and wellbeing as well as enabling you to get out and explore your […]