Lewes District Council – News – August 2026

New community-designed benches unveiled at Fort Road Recreation Ground

Two unique new benches celebrating Newhaven’s heritage and landscape have been installed at Fort Road Recreation Ground where a £3.4 million transformation is nearing completion.

The benches were created following a competition run by Lewes District Council, in partnership with Hospitable Environment, a community-focused arts organisation.

They provide a place for people to relax in the new community garden, with the winning designs reflecting Newhaven’s rich maritime history, wildlife and coastal setting. Alfie Sinclair, a Year 9 student at Seahaven Academy, and the collaborative duo of Newhaven artists Diets Verschuren and Caroline Marsland, saw their designs chosen from almost 100 entries.

Councillor Johnny Denis, Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Leisure, said: “I love these benches! With wonderful designs by Alfie, Diets and Caroline, they are another visible sign of the transformation taking place at Fort Road Recreation Ground. What makes them particularly special is that they were shaped by local people, creating features that reflect Newhaven’s identity and will be enjoyed by residents and visitors for many years to come.”

The regeneration of Fort Road Recreation Ground is being funded by the UK Government and Lewes District Council. Significant improvements completed so far include the refurbishment of Shakespeare Hall, upgrades to the cricket pavilion, a new artificial cricket wicket, modernised public toilets and extensive landscaping across the site.

Work is progressing on additional amenities that will further enhance the park including a new outdoor gym and children’s play area.

Visitors can also make use of a new community noticeboard, which will provide information about local events as well as updates on plans for a new café and community space.

The recreation ground has also seen new landscaping designed to support wildlife with bird boxes and bat boxes installed. The community garden is being established, and further planting will take place this autumn.

Councillor Emily O’Brien, Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature and Food Systems, added:  “I would like to thank the wonderful volunteers who have worked so hard on the community gardens, particularly during the recent hot weather. They generously give up their time to help create and care for these spaces, and their commitment is making a really positive difference to the park.”

Crematorium to host open day

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, the 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.

The open day will take place at Eastbourne Crematorium, Hide Hollow, Langney, Eastbourne, BN23 8AE. 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)

Council Tax single person discount (SPD) reviews underway

Join the Riverlution this September!

Riverlution: Thriving Ouse Festival takes place from 19 to 27 September in Lewes and beyond, bringing communities and organisations together to celebrate, learn and take action for the River Ouse and its tributaries.

Across nine days, local events will explore our relationship with nature, celebrate the River Rights Charter and support a growing culture of care for the Ouse valley.

Highlights include talks at All Saints, a Council of All Beings workshop at Lewes Town Hall, a screening of Britain’s Hidden Fishes at Depot, community water-testing updates from Glynde Reach, and a weekend of activities including the Head of the Ouse boat race, Lewes Rowing Club Open Day and a community fun day.

There is something for everyone! Find out more and check booking details at loveourouse.org/riverlution-thriving-ouse-festival 

National Emergency Briefing on Climate Emergency Crisis

A film, presented by Chris Packham, is screening in communities across the UK to raise awareness of the implications of climate and nature breakdown for health, food systems, national security and the economy. Communities and organisations are using a free-to-screen 50-minute film, based on the Westminster event, to brief the UK public about the climate and nature crisis.

For further information visit nebriefing.org.

You can find screenings taking place in Lewes district using the interactive National Emergency Briefing Screening Map.

Curious about heat pumps?

Have you ever seen a heat pump in real life? View homes like yours with heat pumps, message heat pump owners with your burning questions, and even visit a heat pump near you.

Learn more about the heating solution from people who know best through Visit a Heat Pump – the free service which connects you with heat pump owners in minutes.

There are over 1,000 hosts across the country. Thousands of people have already visited a heat pump, thousands more have messaged a heat pump owner to get the answers they need.

Learn more about heat pumps from someone who lives with one.

Message a heat pump owner and book your visit today at www.visitaheatpump.com

Don’t lose your vote – Lewes residents urged to check voter registration details

People living across Lewes district are being urged to check their electoral registration details or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.

With elections to the new East Sussex unitary authority expected in May 2027, this is an opportunity for residents to make sure they can take part.

Lewes District Council, East Sussex County Council and the county’s other district and borough councils are set to be replaced by a single new council for East Sussex from April 2028.

Ian Fitzpatrick, Electoral Registration Officer at Lewes District Council, said: “Keep an eye out for important updates from Lewes District Council. The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate and up to date. To make sure you don’t lose your say at upcoming elections, simply follow the instructions sent to you.”

Commission research has found that recent home movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. In Great Britain, 92% of those who have lived in their home for 16 years will be registered, compared with 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.

Jackie Killeen, Director of Electoral Administration and Regulation, said: “It’s really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. We urge people to check for updates from their local council on this year’s canvass. The council may contact residents by post or email.

“If you are not registered to vote, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local council when asked and register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”

Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website.

Residents with questions about their registration status can contact the council’s electoral services team via email electoral@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk or telephone 01273 471600.