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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SPOTLIGHT: Questions keep coming over Sovereign Centre
By Rebecca Maer The council leader was in the hot seat last night as he faced a heartfelt plea from a mother spearheading a campaign to keep the Sovereign Centre swimming pools open all year. Cllr Stephen Holt, leader of the Liberal Democrat-controlled borough council, was called to answer questions at the scrutiny committee under the […]
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SPOTLIGHT: Sovereign Centre protest draws large crowd
By Rebecca Maer More than 200 people turned out on a grey, cold Saturday morning at the Sovereign Centre to voice their concerns about the long-term future of the seafront swimming pool complex. Families waved placards, children chanted into megaphones and a large motorbike cavalcade swept up, all making their feelings clear about what the centre […]
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SPOTLIGHT: Former hospital could be used to house asylum seekers
By Rebecca Maer Eastbourne Borough Council has objected to a Home Office proposal to house up to 125 asylum seekers in the former Esperance Hospital in the town centre, currently being converted into one-bedroom flats, it emerged tonight. A council spokesman said: “I can confirm the council has written to the Home Office and objected.” […]
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SPOTLIGHT: East Sussex to discuss local government overhaul
CORRECTION NOTE FROM THE BBC-FUNDED LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTING SERVICE: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the government’s Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) was intended to see “combined authorties” set up in time for “the next round of local elections in May”. This is inaccurate. The DPP is linked to the new “strategic” authorities, which […]
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SPOTLIGHT: Motcombe Pool clinches £520,000 in funding
By Rebecca Maer Community campaigners are celebrating the news they have been awarded more than £520,000 funding towards refurbishing Motcombe Pool. The vital injection of money will help realise the vision of creating a wellbeing centre at the 120-year-old buildings in Motcombe Lane in Old Town. The Government grant is for £475,000 capital funding and […]
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SPOTLIGHT: Pressure mounts over Sovereign Centre contract
By Rebecca Maer [Updated 18.12.2024 with council statement at end] Pressure is mounting on Eastbourne Borough Council to talk to more than one leisure operator about running the Sovereign Centre as it emerged that others are interested. Another company has confirmed to the Eastbourne Reporter that it approached the council about the centre, where two […]
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SPOTLIGHT: New operator announced for Eastbourne’s theatres
A theatre operator with sites in London and Sydney has signed a deal to run entertainment venues in Eastbourne. The partnership deal with Eastbourne Borough Council will involve the Congress Theatre, pictured above (1,689 seats), Devonshire Park Theatre (873 seats), Winter Garden (1000+ Seats) as well as conferencing and exhibition facilities. Trafalgar Theatres – the venues […]
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SPOTLIGHT: Protesters urge reprieve for swimming pools
By Rebecca Maer Dozens of protesters braved the cold and rain last night as councillors met to scrutinise the controversial decision to close two Eastbourne swimming pools. Furious residents chanted ‘Save Our Pool’ and waved placards on the steps of the town hall in Grove Road (above). The fun pool and the smaller training […]
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SPOTLIGHT: Decision due on shared housing in Meads conservation area
By Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter Proposals for shared housing in Meads are to go before councillors next week. Eastbourne Borough Council’s planning committee is due to consider plans (Tuesday, December 10) to officially create an eight-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Meads Street. The scheme has been recommended for approval by planning […]
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