Spotlight

Interviews and in-depth features on what matters in Eastbourne. Depth and originality from a not-for-profit set-up. Please become a member through the KoFi link so I can create a sustainable news model. Many thanks!

‘Separate buses from cars, so the bus is the choice’ 

Public transport in Eastbourne is nowhere near as widely used as in other areas of Sussex, such as Brighton and Hove.  Largely empty double-decker buses can be seen at peak times in Eastbourne, stuck in traffic queues of private cars. In the town, 25,000 miles of scheduled bus mileage a year are lost as journeys […]

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King highlights the importance of local news reporting

By Rebecca Maer Dozens of independent local news journalists, including the Eastbourne Reporter, were among those attending a regional media reception at Buckingham Palace this week.  The King issued a statement to mark the occasion, saying that he had long believed that regional media had a unique and vital role to play in society.  I […]

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New Eastbourne parking restrictions agreed

By Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter New parking restrictions are to come into force in Eastbourne despite objections from residents. Among the measures are new double yellow lines, more blue badge parking and more spaces to allow motorbike delivery riders to park safely. The updates are part of East Sussex County Council’s annual review […]

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Families win further scrutiny of controversial plan to close day centre

Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter Service Rebecca Maer, Eastbourne Reporter Major adult social care cuts are to be debated further after councillors agreed to call in decisions taken by county council leaders last month. On Monday (March 17), East Sussex County Council’s People Scrutiny Committee considered two call-in requests. One was for the proposed […]

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Tea and crumpets with Eastbourne’s hereditary peer

By Paul Bromley Lord Lucas originally thought he would be a member of the Lords for only a short period because of impending reform – but that was more than 30 years ago. Now the clock is ticking on the parliamentary careers of all remaining hereditary peers as fundamental changes draw nearer. The House of […]

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SPOTLIGHT: Councillors delay decision on Exceat Bridge scheme

By Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter Plans to replace Exceat Bridge remain uncertain, after county council leaders deferred a decision on whether to scale back the scheme in the face of rising costs. East Sussex County Council’s cabinet had been due to decide today (March 4) whether to discontinue plans to replace the single-lane […]

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SPOTLIGHT: Luxury apartments planned for Claremont Hotel site 

By Rebecca Maer [Edited 4.3.2025 to include comments from the Eastbourne Society] A property developer is planning to build 55 luxury apartments on the site of the burnt-down Claremont Hotel opposite Eastbourne pier in a £20 million project.  No planning application has yet been submitted but an outline of the scheme is on Oasis Developers’ […]

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SPOTLIGHT: Controversial closure of vital day centre confirmed

Rebecca Maer, Eastbourne Reporter Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter A centre for people with learning disabilities in Eastbourne is to be closed to save money to the dismay of families. East Sussex County Council’s ruling Conservative cabinet has today controversially decided to close Linden Court on the Birch Road Industrial Estate, near Lottbridge Drove.  […]

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SPOTLIGHT: Booking system for tip approved despite huge opposition

By Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter Proposals to introduce a booking system at East Sussex rubbish tips have been approved by a senior county councillor. The proposals were agreed by Cllr Claire Dowling, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for transport and environment, on Monday (February 24). The decision is despite huge resistance from […]

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SPOTLIGHT: What does devolution mean for Eastbourne?

Residents of Eastbourne are being asked for their views on the Government’s plans to reorganise local government. People can agree or disagree with the proposal to set up a Sussex-wide Mayor and a single authority. The consultation runs until 13 April. Paul Bromley takes an in-depth look at the issue. What is devolution? A House […]

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