Eastbourne Borough – News – September 2026

Carpet Gardens survey result – majority support new sustainable planting

A majority of respondents to the consultation on the future of the Carpet Gardens have backed the new sustainable planting style becoming a permanent feature on Eastbourne’s much-loved seafront. Of the 16,014 people who took part, 69.56% supported the sustainable approach, while 30.44% favoured a return to the traditional Victorian bedding‑plant design.

The survey, which closed at 5pm on Sunday 31 August, was carried out by an independent organisation; an appointment that followed consultation with community representatives.

Councillor Jim Murray, Cabinet Member for Carbon Neutral 2030 and Water Champion, said: “I want to thank every single person who took the time to share their views.

“The Carpet Gardens is an iconic seafront landmark, and this consultation reflects that. We will continue developing a display that is beautiful, resilient, and better for the environment. I’m excited to see how the gardens flourish next year and beyond.”

“This has been a positive and constructive conversation with our community. Whether people preferred the new planting or the traditional Victorian style, I’m grateful for everyone’s feedback in helping to shape the future of one of Eastbourne’s most loved spaces.”

The council will now move forward with the sustainable scheme, continuing to refine and enhance the planting.

Updates on the Carpet Gardens will be shared on the council website, social media channels and news media.

The consultation report is available to download at www.blueberry-pr.co.uk/projects

Response to Government decision to pause Local Government Reorganisation

“After years of discussion and significant work by councils to prepare for local government reorganisation, people quite reasonably want to know what is happening and when decisions will finally be made.”

Councillor Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said:

“After years of discussion and significant work by councils to prepare for local government reorganisation, people quite reasonably want to know what is happening and when decisions will finally be made. But instead, yesterday’s announcement has brought further uncertainty and raises a new set of questions that the Government must answer.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners across East Sussex to understand the implications of this announcement on the future of local services and to ensure local communities have a strong voice in whatever comes next.

“In the meantime, our priority remains the same: delivering for Eastbourne residents and making sure their voice is heard in any future discussions about local government reform.

Find out more here: Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution – Lewes and Eastbourne Councils

Heritage Open Days return to Eastbourne

Discover England’s largest festival of heritage and culture. Heritage Open Days return from 11th to 20th September offering insightful walks, guided tours and open days for buildings not routinely accessible to the public.

It’s a great opportunity to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are free to explore, with some requiring pre-booked tickets.

To find out more visit: heritageopendays.org.uk

Essential tree safety works to begin at Hampden Park

Eastbourne Borough Council is due to begin essential tree safety works at Hampden Park on Monday 28 September. Around 100 to 120 ash trees in the poorest condition will be removed after being affected by ash dieback disease.

Ash dieback is a serious fungal disease that causes ash trees to lose leaves and branches, weaken and sometimes die.

As ash dieback progresses, infected trees can weaken and become more prone to branch or structural failure. Removing the identified dead and dying trees is therefore essential to reduce risks to residents, visitors and contractors. The work will help keep paths and public spaces safer and give affected areas the opportunity to recover with healthier, more resilient growth over time.

The contractor is expected to be on site for approximately four to six weeks, working Monday to Friday. For everyone’s safety, some paths and areas of the park will be temporarily closed while work is under way. Park users should follow signs and instructions and use alternative routes where directed.

Although the aim is to complete the programme on consecutive working days, weather, unsuitable ground conditions or other operational commitments may lead to pauses or delays.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation while this essential work is carried out.

Time to invest in your business

Step Up: Ltd is a brand-new programme, commissioned by Eastbourne Borough Council as part of its Build & Thrive business support series. It’s been designed specifically for sole traders who want to better understand whether their current business structure is still the right fit for where they want their business to go.

If you’ve ever asked yourself:

• Is staying as a sole trader still the best option?
• Should I be thinking about becoming a Limited Company?
• What are the financial and practical implications of each?

…then this programme is for you.

Importantly, it’s not about convincing you to become a Limited Company. It’s about giving you clear, impartial guidance so you can understand your options and make the right decision for your business.

The programme includes:

• A choice of a morning workshop or early evening webinar – attend whichever works best around your business.
• Expert guidance from Chris Barnard – an award-winning accountant and tax specialist who’ll explain the differences between Sole Trader and Limited Company status in a practical, jargon-free way.
• Up to 90 minutes of personalised 1-1 mentoring – with one of our experienced business mentors, giving you the chance to discuss your own business and explore your next steps.

Upcoming dates:

📍 Morning Workshop: Tuesday 6 October – Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club, Eastbourne

💻 Live Webinar: Thursday 22 October – Early Evening

Both sessions cover the same content, so you only need to attend one.

This is a unique opportunity that’s only available to businesses whose principal trading address is within the Eastbourne Borough, and I’d love to see local businesses make the most of it.

If it sounds like something that could benefit you, you can book your free place here: www.eventbrite.com/o/build-thrive-104704217681