SPOTLIGHT: Why does Eastbourne have £194 million of debt?
A controversial plan to close most public toilets and the heritage service is part of the council’s attempts to balance the books: if a local authority’s spending exceeds its income, it must effectively declare itself bankrupt and only run essential services. We look at Eastbourne’s financial position to find out how the council reached this […]
SPOTLIGHT: ‘When the town swells with numbers of visitors, it will not be able to cope’
By Rebecca Maer “I’ve never lost my temper in public like that before!” Sarah Farrow said as she walked down the steps of the Town Hall. Senior Liberal Democrat members of Eastbourne Borough Council had just agreed spending cuts of £2.7 million for this year, including the possible closure of most of the town’s public […]
SPOTLIGHT: The value of arts and culture to Eastbourne
By Rebecca Maer Amid a raft of proposed council spending cuts, we examine the figures being quoted for running arts and heritage in Eastbourne High above Eastbourne, surrounded by sky and downland, is the flint-faced barn housing the Beachy Head Story. Through a wide window at the back, there are far-reaching views across the swooping […]
SPOTLIGHT: Controversial spending cuts agreed
Rebecca Maer, Eastbourne Reporter Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter Eastbourne council leaders agreed spending cuts of £2.7 million for this year at a meeting last night of the cabinet amid jeers and heckling from residents in the public gallery. The borough council’s ruling Liberal Democrats agreed to move ahead with immediate cuts, including the […]
SPOTLIGHT: Sovereign Harbour retirement flats approved at third attempt
Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democrary Reporter Rebecca Maer, Eastbourne Reporter Controversial proposals to build a six-storey retirement living complex in Eastbourne on the waterfront have been approved by councillors. Eastbourne Borough Council’s planning committee last night granted permission to build 126 “apartments for older people” on land to the east of Martinique Way in Sovereign […]
SPOTLIGHT: Planned spending cuts target leisure, parks and public toilets
By Rebecca Maer More details have emerged of drastic spending cuts planned in Eastbourne to save £2.2 million to cover the costs of homelessness. The cuts will affect many aspects of life ranging from finding an outside operator for the town’s theatres and rationalising swimming pools to increasing parking charges and not weeding pavements. Savings […]
SPOTLIGHT: The revival of the Royal Hippodrome in Eastbourne
Gary Murray’s piece chronicles the Royal Hippodrome in Eastbourne, highlighting its survival through historic threats and restoration efforts. From its grand opening in 1883 to recent refurbishments, the theatre has hosted notable acts and faced scandals. Today, it thrives with diverse performances and community involvement, reliant on volunteer support and donations.
SPOTLIGHT: Extensive cuts to culture and leisure likely in bid to save £2.7 million
By Rebecca Maer Drastic cuts are set to be made to cultural life and leisure in Eastbourne. Eastbourne Borough Council is considering cutting funding for the Towner gallery (above), closing the Beachy Head heritage centre, changing how the theatres operate and selling assets. A second round of cuts later this year may also see changes […]
REVIEW: Murdered to Death
By Gary Murray Spoof crime thrillers are all the rage at the moment. Murdered to Death, one of a trilogy, came to Eastbourne last night: it’s a parody of the Agatha Christie country house genre. A variety of characters assemble in the drawing room. It’s 1936 and the hostess Mildred, along with her prim niece […]
SPOTLIGHT: The Channel swimmer who battled to reach the French coast
Craig Kircher, a 49-year-old electrician, successfully swam across the English Channel to France in 14 hours, overcoming a migraine and challenging currents. His intense training and mental resilience enabled him to achieve what fewer than 2,000 people worldwide have done, raising £4,500 for charity.