School: Grove Park School, CrowboroughUnique school code: 7021Closed: Monday 4 January 2021Reason: COVID-19 local arrangementsMore information: As per Government advice, school will be closed to pupils to enable staff to consider whether Grove Park can facilitate mass testing for pupils and staff. The school will also be updating specific arrangements […]
Newhaven town centre regeneration
Councillor James MacCleary (pictured), Leader of Lewes District Council and ward councillor for Newhaven South, said: “I’m obviously pleased that the town where I live is set to receive this funding, it will allow us to kickstart some really important change in the town and create yet more momentum behind the longer-term […]
Urgent Action for Bishopstone
Another terrible accident happened at the busy and dangerous Bishopstone junction in the last few weeks and along with local Conservatives, Cllr Liz Boorman and Luke Proudfoot Maria Caulfield is pushing East Sussex County Council to fast track the improvements for the road. You can follow the campaign here
Vaccine Roll Out Update
We are all now in Tier 4 so please look at Government advice, take heed and be sensible because the virus is escalating at the moment. But all is looking better with a vaccine now being rolled out. Here is some information regarding how this will happen provided by local […]
£5 Million secured for Newhaven Town Centre
Our local MP Maria Caulfield brings us some good news to be optimistic about 2021:- Newhaven is one of only 72 towns in the country, chosen by the Government, to receive some of the £830 Million funding boost for High Streets. We all know that for decades the town centre […]
Seaford Town Council’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Position Statement
The Town Council has been regularly monitoring the situation regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) bothlocally and nationally. Following the most recent announcement by the national Government to placeSeaford and the Lewes District (as well as many surrounding areas) into Tier Four with effect from00.01am Saturday 26th December 2020, the following arrangements are […]
Truckers driving home for Christmas thanks to urgent Sussex operation
Dozens of lorry-drivers were arriving safely back in mainland Europe today after an urgent and successful Christmas operation at Newhaven port in Sussex. Teams of volunteers from the NHS worked late into the night and early in the morning to help the drivers get Covid tests to allow them to […]
Scam warning: Fake DPD emails and texts.
Action Fraud has seen a surge in reports relating to fake emails and texts purporting to be from DPD. The messages claim that DPD was “unable to deliver your parcel today” and provide instructions on how the recipient can arrange another delivery. The links in the emails and texts lead […]
Wishing You A Safe and Happy Festive Season from Chief Constable Jo Shiner
As Chief Constable of Sussex Police, I wanted to take this opportunity to send you my Season’s Greetings and best wishes for the festive period, while acknowledging that 2020 has been a testing year for us all. This year, everyone has had to adapt to hugely challenging situations, and make […]
East Sussex Youth Cabinet member sets national Youth Parliament campaign agenda for 2021
A motion to stop plastic pollution has been chosen as one of the UK Youth Parliament’s (UKYP) 2021 campaigns following a successful proposal by Youth Cabinet member James Jenkins. James has been a member of the East Sussex Youth Cabinet since November last year, and was elected the member of […]
On a brighter note….
There is so much going on this Christmas, but our worthy Prime Minister wishes that we enjoy it in the best way that we can, given the dire circumstances this year. To this end, I am escaping the newsdesk and once again joining up with the wonderful Roy Stannard to […]
LEWES TIER 4 – LEADER OF COUNCIL RESPONSE
Councillor James MacCleary, Leader of Lewes District Council, said: “The rapid rise is infections in the district is extremely worrying and while I am also deeply concerned about the impact tier four restrictions will have on businesses and the well-being of our residents, I don’t think there is any other […]
Stay at home – new Covid restrictions extended across East Sussex
New Tier 4 Covid restrictions are to be extended across the whole of East Sussex from Boxing Day (Saturday), the Government has announced. After months of low infection rates across our county, Covid-19 cases in every district and borough have more than doubled, and in some cases trebled, over a seven […]
NHS in Sussex calls on community to help them meet winter challenges
The NHS in Sussex is calling on residents to remember simple steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 as demand for services rises in the region. The demand for all NHS services across Sussex has risen significantly due to the higher infection rates of COVID-19 in the community in recent […]
Joint statement from Newhaven Ferry Port, DFDS and the Sussex Resilience Forum
Issued on behalf of Newhaven Ferry Port, DFDS and the Sussex Resilience ForumLorry drivers are asked to avoid travelling to Newhaven Port as any ferries leaving the port before Christmas are fully booked. The port, ferry company and local partners are working with the government to try and arrange Covid […]
Council puts forward lifesaving charity for £10,000 boost
Eastbourne Borough Council has nominated the region’s air ambulance to receive £10,000 raised through a metal recycling scheme. Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex is a 24-hour emergency service that last year alone was called out to help more than 2,500 people in life-threatening conditions. It is an independent charity that […]
Sheep killed in ‘horrific dog attack’ at Lewes beauty spot
Dog owners are being called upon to keep their pets on leads near sheep after one was brutally killed and two others were left injured at Landport Bottom Nature Reserve in Lewes. Witnesses to the attack, which happened on December 3 or early the following morning, are urged to contact police. The dead sheep had its throat ripped out, with bite marks confirming it […]
Parliament must be recalled to question the government’s handling of crises at UK ports
With 10 days to go to the end of the transition period and supply chains from Europe to the UK now suspended for the next two days, James MacCleary, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, calls for a recall of Parliament. “Boris Johnson’s announcement of the new Coronavirus strain and putting London […]
Official school closure notification: Monday 4 January 2021 – Priory School, Lewes
School: Priory School, LewesUnique school code: 4047Closed: Monday 4 January 2021Reason: COVID-19 local arrangementsMore information: Monday 4 January is an INSET Day and the school is closed to all students. Thank you Priory School For any queries regarding this notification, please contact CS Customer Relations: Email – cs.customerrelations@eastsussex.gov.uk Telephone – 0345 […]
New monthly exhibitions by local artists at Lewes House
Visit Lewes, the team behind the Artwave Festival, is collaborating with local painter John Worth to create a new opportunity for artists across Lewes district. Artists, like so many others, have faced huge challenges and a loss of income during the pandemic, with galleries and art markets being unable to operate for […]
Statement from the Sussex Resilience Forum
THE Sussex Resilience Forum is working as always with local transport operators and businesses to help keep the county moving and supplied. Sailings from Newhaven Port for accompanied freight and tourist traffic have been suspended for 48 hours to comply with the temporary French ban on people travelling from the […]
Be Aware of Advanced Fee Scams
We know that clicking links in E-mails may be unsafe. We are quoting some links below, but if you are reluctant to click on these then please feel free to search the web for Scamnesty, which should lead you to National Trading Standards website Friends Against Scams. This week, Friends Against […]
New Covid restrictions
New Covid restrictions which affect all of us in East Sussex have been announced by the Government. In Hastings and Rother Hastings and Rother have been placed in a new tier (tier 4 – stay at home) because of the very rapid spread of the virus. The new restrictions mean: […]
Live Q&A: Waste and Recycling – Wednesday 23 December at 10am
For the final live Leader’s Q&A of the year, Cllr James MacCleary will be joined by Cllr Julie Carr, Lead Member for Recycling, Waste and Open Spaces and Sean Towey, Head of Environment First, who will be giving a few key updates and answering any questions you have about these services. Please join […]
Winter timetable started on Sunday 13 December
Several Southern routes, including East Grinstead to London Victoria, Seaford to Brighton and Brighton to Portsmouth Harbour have seen an earlier start to weekday services. Southern have also responded to greater demand for Saturday services by increasing services on the Brighton to Lewes, Brighton to West Worthing, Sutton to London […]
Council Chair’s festive card competition inspires ‘fantastic pictures’
Children at Western Road Community Primary School in Lewes have been getting creative to design a Christmas card for the Chair of Lewes District Council. The competition launched by Councillor Adrian Ross had the subject ‘Nature in Winter’ to reflect his theme of office which is ‘A Green Recovery, Environmental Action and a Fair Society’. All pupils were given the opportunity to participate during the […]
Bin collections over the coming days and Christmas holidays
Please remember that refuse and food waste collections will happen a day early next week but if your collection usually on Monday please put your bins out by 6am on Saturday 19 December. For more information about bin collections over the Christmas period and festive recycling tips visit www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/bins-waste-and-recycling/christmas-bin-collections-and-tree-recycling
Trading Standards team’s efforts protect residents and businesses
MORE than 700 Covid-related calls have been made to the county’s trading standards team since March, the latest figures show. On top of their usual work, and in a bid to keep people safe, the team from East Sussex have issued advice and guidance to a large number of businesses […]
SHOEBOXES SAVE SCOUTS AS CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY FOR HOVE TEENAGERS
Hove based Louis Seaman, 14, Joe Sales, 13, and Billy James, 13, have today been able to complete their Chief Scouts Gold Award by packing up Christmas shoeboxes at Tonbridge charity warehouse. The three scouts from the Third Hove (St Leonard’s) Scout group needed to complete their award before moving […]
Thousands of children in East Sussex left unprotected against flu
Thousands of children in East Sussex are still being left unprotected against flu this year, exposing them to the risk of them becoming seriously ill from catching the virus and infecting their wider family. With flu season set to start this month, over 4,400 (more than 44%) of 2-3 year […]
Green light for Seven Sisters site transfer
THE OWNERSHIP of an East Sussex beauty spot can be transferred to protect and enhance its future, the Government has said. East Sussex County Council has been given the go ahead by the Department of Food Agriculture and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government […]
THE SECRET INGREDIENT IN YOUR BRITISH CUPPA
New research review highlights the health benefits of thearubigins – a polyphenol found only in black tea Whether it’s clean eating, superfood diets or rapid ways to lose weight, green tea is lauded for its health credentials; with regular black tea – enjoyed by millions of Brits every day – […]
Official school closure notification: Friday 18 December 2020 – Peacehaven Community School
School: Peacehaven Community SchoolUnique school code: 4000Partly closed: Friday 18 December 2020Reason: COVID-19 local arrangementsMore information: School remains open for years 7,8 and 11. Years 9 and 10 should not attend school but complete their learning online. For any queries regarding this notification, please contact CS Customer Relations: Email – cs.customerrelations@eastsussex.gov.uk […]
James MacCleary urges Maria Caulfield MP to join calls for Chancellor to roll out more financial support
Liberal Democrats parliamentary spokesperson, James MacCleary (pictured), has condemned the Chancellor for failing to introduce a comprehensive plan to save jobs after it was revealed that over 2,500 people in Lewes District are currently on Universal Credit. Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson Christine Jardine criticised Rishi Sunak’s “constant chop-and-change approach”, urging him to put in […]
Maria Caulfield MP welcomes National Lottery funding for projects in Lewes
Maria Caulfield MP has welcomed National Lottery funding of almost half a million pounds to 16 projects across her Lewes constituency. Since 1st January, The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded over £650m raised by players of the National Lottery, supporting over 13,000 projects all over the country including £446,768 of […]
Iconic rock frontman Robert Smith becomes Patron of Heart Research UK
Robert Smith, of alternative rock band The Cure, has become a Patron for national charity Heart Research UK. Robert, who is the only continuous member of the legendary band that he co-founded in 1976, has announced his patronage after supporting the charity’s anonymous heART project for the last two years. […]
26% increase in nursing students welcomed by MP and nurse Maria Caulfield
Maria Caulfield MP has welcomed the final figures from this year’s admission cycle showing there were 29,740 acceptances to nursing and midwifery courses in England, 6,110 more than last year and an increase of over a quarter (26%). This year, 23% (6,770) of acceptances were from students aged 35 years […]
Newhaven Port to receive over £6.2 million in Government funding
Newhaven Port has been successful in its bid to the Port Infrastructure Fund and is to receive £6,215,839 in government funding. New infrastructure at ports will be needed whether or not the UK secures a negotiated agreement with the EU as we are leaving the Customs Union and Single Market […]
Official school closure notification: Friday 18 December 2020 – The Hastings Academy
School: The Hastings AcademyUnique school code: 4612Closed: Friday 18 December 2020Reason: COVID-19 local arrangementsMore information: Inset day For any queries regarding this notification, please contact CS Customer Relations: Email – cs.customerrelations@eastsussex.gov.uk Telephone – 0345 60 80 192.
Change to official school closure: Friday 18 December 2020 – The Eastbourne Academy
There have been changes to the following school closure: School: The Eastbourne AcademyPartly closed: Friday 18 December 2020Reason: COVID-19 local arrangementsMore information: Early ClosureUpdate 16 December, 3.15pm: Closed to Y10 only For any queries regarding this notification, please contact CS Customer Relations: Email – cs.customerrelations@eastsussex.gov.uk Telephone – 0345 60 80 192.
Official school closure notification: Friday 18 December 2020 – St Thomas A Becket Catholic Primary School, Eastbourne
School: St Thomas A Becket Catholic Primary School, EastbourneClosed: Friday 18 December 2020Reason: COVID-19 local arrangementsMore information: INSET Day following government guidance For any queries regarding this notification, please contact CS Customer Relations: Email – cs.customerrelations@eastsussex.gov.uk Telephone – 0345 60 80 192.
Keep warm and well this winter with a Warm Home Check
RESIDENTS who struggle to keep their homes warm can get support and advice through the council’s warm home check service. The free service provides telephone advice on keeping homes warm and reducing energy costs, and gives information on the financial support available for heating.Residents on low incomes may also qualify […]
Havens Community Hub commits to supporting residents with the 2021 Census
The census is a ten yearly compulsory survey that gives the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales, helping inform local authorities and government about demands for public services such as schools, hospitals, GP services, and social care. In March 2021, the census will […]
New website launches to support local manufacturers
Lewes District Council and Eastbourne Borough Council have launched a new website to promote local manufacturers. The new website – www.makelocal.info – showcases manufacturers across different sectors including food and beverage, plastics, chemical and pharmaceutical. Manufacturing is well represented across Lewes District and Eastbourne with a higher percentage of commercial space dedicated […]
South Heighton Parish Council praises community spirit
Following an incident of vandalism to the roof of the children’s play house in The Hollowplay area in July, South Heighton Parish Council are pleased to announce that the playhouse roof has been completely replaced thanks to help from the local community. The Parish Council posted about the vandalism on […]
Councillors prove trees aren’t just for Christmas
More than a dozen trees have recently been planted across Eastbourne thanks to local councillors. Meads councillors Robert Smart, Barry Taylor and Jame Lamb agreed £1,500 from the borough council’s devolved budget scheme to pay for six new trees in Chiswick Place In a joint statement, they said: “Trees have […]
Planning Application refused for project in Seaford
An application to build a new block of flats on the vacant land junction of Stene Road and St John’s Road in Seaford has been refused at a meeting held by Seaford Town Council. An excerpt from the minutes state:- LW/19/0656 – 6 Steyne Road – Redevelopment of the site […]
Six months free parking in Newhaven Town Centre
Newhaven Enterprise Zone and Lewes District Council have announced that two car parks in Newhaven will remove charges to help support local businesses by encouraging shoppers to explore the town’s shops and restaurants. Dacre Road multi-storey car park and Lower Place car park will be free for a six-month period thanks […]
Change to official school closure: Friday 18 December 2020 – The Lindfield School, Eastbourne
School: The Lindfield School, EastbourneClosed: Friday 18 December 2020Reason: COVID-19 local arrangementsMore information:Update 15 December, 4.15pm: The planned Inset day on the 4th January is now cancelled and the 18th December will replace the 4th January as the Inset day. The School will now be open on the 4th January […]