Eastbourne Borough – News – August 2026

Seafront shines brighter with lamp refurbishment

Residents and visitors enjoying a stroll along Eastbourne’s eastern promenade will now benefit from a brighter, more welcoming seafront walk following the successful completion of a major lighting enhancement project.

A total of 27 lamp columns, stretching from Fishermen’s Green to the Sovereign Water Treatment Plant, have been fully refurbished with brand‑new modern lamp heads and freshly painted blue columns.

The upgrade blends improved visibility with Eastbourne’s traditional seaside character, ensuring the promenade remains accessible, attractive and enjoyable throughout the year.

The restored lamps also enhance the look and feel of the popular walkway, particularly for pedestrians in the evening and cyclists.

Councillor Jenny Williams, Cabinet Member for Tourism, said:

“Eastbourne’s seafront is one of our greatest assets, and this upgrade makes a real difference to how people experience it.

“These improvements not only brighten the promenade but also strengthen its charm, safety and year‑round appeal.

“It’s another example of our continued investment in making Eastbourne a welcoming and vibrant place for everyone.”

Share your views on the planting styles at the Carpet Gardens before 31 August.

The independent survey on the Carpet Gardens ends on 31 August.

The traditional bedding scheme has been in place for many years. While this approach provides an attractive display in spring and summer, it means the plants must be changed twice a year. This is a costly approach by modern standards and does not provide the biodiversity necessary to support wildlife.

The new plants are better suited to the seafront conditions and will support wildlife by being pollinator-friendly providing nectar for insects and seeds for birds.

We would like to know what you think about the traditional style and new, sustainable style of planting at the Carpet Gardens.

The views we receive through this survey will determine the future planting style at the Carpet Gardens.

For the latest view on how the Carpet Gardens are looking, watch our new Facebook Reel.

Please take a few moments to complete the short, independent survey:

www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/carpet-gardens

Council urges Airbourne visitors to stay vigilant as hot weather increases fire risk

_{Photo by Mark Jarvis}

With temperatures set to soar once again during Airbourne, Eastbourne Borough Council is urging residents and visitors to take extra care to help prevent fires and keep everyone safe.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected in Eastbourne this week to enjoy the UK’s biggest free seafront airshow, with many also visiting the South Downs and surrounding countryside.

Following multiple fires on the downland recently, the council is reminding people that the landscape remains extremely dry and vulnerable, with even a small spark capable of causing significant damage. The warning also comes as firefighters continue to tackle a major wildfire in the New Forest.

Councillor Jim Murray, Cabinet Member for Carbon Neutral 2030 and Water Champion, said: “Airbourne is one of the highlights of the year and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors from across the country to Eastbourne.

“The forecast hot weather is great for enjoying the airshow, but it also brings an increased risk of fires. Recent blazes on the Downs have been a stark reminder of how quickly fires can start and spread when conditions are dry.

“Whether you’re watching the displays on the seafront, enjoying a picnic or exploring the South Downs, we’re asking everyone to take extra care and remain vigilant.

“Simple actions can make a real difference. Please dispose of cigarettes responsibly, take your litter home and avoid anything that could accidentally start a fire. By working together, we can help ensure everyone enjoys a safe and memorable Airbourne weekend.”

The council is advising people to:

• Dispose of cigarettes carefully and ensure they are fully extinguished.
• Never leave glass bottles or broken glass, which can magnify sunlight and ignite dry vegetation.
• Observe signs prohibiting barbecues and campfires.
• Use bins provided or take litter home.
• Be alert to any signs of smoke or fire and call 999 immediately if a fire is spotted.

Eastbourne Borough Council is continuing to work closely with East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and local partners throughout Airbourne.

The council is also reminding visitors to drink plenty of water, wear a hat, use sunscreen and seek shade where possible during the hottest parts of the day.

Council Tax single person discount (SPD) reviews underway

Grow It, Power It – A Langney Community Day

Grow It, Power It – A Langney Community Day is a free event celebrating clean energy and the launch of a new community garden.

Taking place at Langney Community Centre on Sunday 6 September from 1pm to 5pm, the event is a chance to find out more about the Langney Community Solar Programme, including how local homes could receive fully funded solar panels and battery storage to help reduce energy bills.

The afternoon will also include the launch of the new community garden, garden stalls, a seed swap, apple pressing, children’s activities, recycling advice and free food for everyone.

Free entry – everyone is welcome. Please register your interest in advance so refreshments and activities can be planned: Grow It, Power It – A Langney Community Day registration form.

Eastbourne Crematorium opens its doors: Behind-the-scenes tours and help planning for the future

Eastbourne Crematorium and Cemetery will be holding an Open Day on Wednesday 9 September from 11am to 3pm, offering visitors the opportunity to learn more about the services available, meet the team, and gain a behind-the-scenes insight into the crematorium.

The event follows Eastbourne Crematorium’s recent achievement of being awarded an Outstanding rating following a comprehensive inspection by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA), placing it among the highest-performing crematoria in the country.

Throughout the Open Day, our friendly and knowledgeable team will be available to discuss the options available to you and your loved ones and to answer questions in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Complimentary tea, coffee and cake will also be available.

Talks throughout the day include:

• Funeral costs and planning – An open discussion on balancing individual wishes with available budgets, exploring which elements of a funeral are optional and how unnecessary costs can be avoided without compromising a meaningful farewell.
• What exactly is a direct cremation? A straightforward explanation of what a direct cremation is, helping to demystify the process and explore both the advantages and considerations of this increasingly popular option.
• Planning ahead – Planning ahead can be one of the kindest things we do for those we leave behind. This session will look at recording personal wishes, reducing uncertainty for loved ones, and providing peace of mind for the future.

Drop in at any time between 11am and 3pm. If you would like further information you can contact the crematorium team online or by telephone 01323 761093 (Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm)

Meet the expert behind Step Up: Ltd

Meet the person who will be leading Step Up: Ltd – Eastbourne’s new fully funded programme for sole traders who want to better understand their business structure options and plan for the future.

Chris Barnard from Collective Concepts Accounting is an award-winning accountant, tax specialist and business adviser who has spent years helping sole traders, start-ups and growing businesses navigate important decisions about their future.

Chris has the ability to explain what can sometimes feel like complicated financial and tax topics in a way that’s straightforward, practical and easy to understand.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering:

• Is becoming a Limited Company right for my business?
• What are the tax implications?
• Am I at the right stage to make the move?
• Should I stay as a sole trader for now?

Chris will help you understand the pros, cons and considerations, without telling you what decision you should make.

Because that’s what Step Up: Ltd is really about.

It’s not a programme designed to persuade people to become a Limited Company. It’s designed to help business owners understand their options and make informed decisions about what’s right for them.

The programme includes:

• A choice of a morning workshop or early evening webinar
• Up to 90 minutes of personalised 1-1 mentoring
• Practical, jargon-free guidance tailored to your own business
• Completely free access for businesses whose trading address is in Eastbourne Borough

Places are limited, so to secure your place, you can register here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/build-thrive-104704217681

Residents meet new housing repairs contractors at Town Hall

Residents, councillors and council staff met the contractors delivering new housing repairs and maintenance services at a drop-in event at the Town Hall in Eastbourne.

The event was organised in response to feedback from tenants who said they would welcome an opportunity to meet the new contractors and learn more about the services being delivered in their communities.

The event provided an opportunity for residents to speak directly with contractors, learn more about the services now in place, meet those delivering work in their neighbourhoods and ask questions about the support available.

The new arrangements were introduced in April after Eastbourne Borough Council reviewed and retendered their repairs and maintenance contracts. Tenants and councillor representatives helped shape the approach at workshops, which informed the decision to appoint a main contractor for repairs, voids and emergency works alongside specialist contractors for areas such as roofs, windows, drainage, fencing, aids and adaptations, and damp and mould.

The new contract model is supported by an enhanced in-house caretaking and handyperson service.

Councillor Peter Diplock, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “It was great to see so many tenants come along to meet the contractors and find out more about the new repairs and maintenance service.

“These contracts were developed with tenant input, so it is important that residents have opportunities to engage directly with the companies delivering the work. The feedback we have received since the new arrangements were introduced has been very encouraging, and events like this help us strengthen partnerships and continue improving services for our tenants.”

MD Group was appointed as the main contractor to deliver repairs, voids and emergency services. Specialist contractors include Booker & Best Limited for aids and adaptations, windows and doors, Milestone West Limited for roofing, UK Facilities Solutions Limited for fencing, Five Environmental Limited for drainage, and Bell Group Limited for damp and mould.

Mark Field, Operations Manager for Lewes & Eastbourne at the MD Group, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract with Lewes and Eastbourne Councils and look forward to building a strong, collaborative partnership in the years ahead.

“We are committed to working closely with officers, residents and partners to deliver a service that consistently exceeds expectations.

“The positive feedback already received provides an excellent foundation, and we will continue to invest, innovate and listen to ensure outstanding outcomes for tenants from day one.”

Pictured (l to r): Trevor Lockwood, of Listening to Eastbourne Tenants (LET); Andy Evans, Chair of LET;  Jacqui Astridge, of LET; and Cllr Diplock at the event.

Commercial properties available to let in Eastbourne

Motcombe Creative Health & Wellbeing Centre

Motcombe Community Pool CIC is inviting expressions of interest from experienced operators to lease, manage and develop the new Motcombe Creative Health & Wellbeing Centre in Eastbourne Old Town.

This is an opportunity to provide health, wellbeing and creative health activities for the local community from this new centre.

Deadline for applications: 24 August 2026.

To find out more and apply, visit www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/property-to-let

The Kiosk at 18 The Avenue, Eastbourne

A detached 102 sq. ft unit beside Upperton Gardens, with serving hatches to both The Avenue and the park side.

The space includes worktops, washing-up area, electric supply, lighting and extractor ceiling fan, with permitted use for refreshments, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks. A great opportunity for someone looking to bring a new café, takeaway drinks or snack offer to a well-positioned town centre spot.

Find out more here: www.sussexcommercial.co.uk/commercial-property/the-kiosk—18-the-avenue-eastbourne-bn21-3ya