Lewes District Council – News – September 2026

Government pauses Local Government Reorganisation

Following the government’s announcement on Local Government Reorganisation on Monday 7 September, Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said:

“Today’s announcement is another twist in a process that has already caused a great deal of uncertainty for residents. People deserve clear answers about what comes next and how any review will affect our communities.

“Last year saw local elections for East Sussex County Council cancelled and then reinstated, and now the entire Local Government Reorganisation programme is being reviewed.

“In Lewes district, we’ve been asking the Minister to explain the decision to separate East Saltdean, Peacehaven and Telscombe from the rest of our district and transfer them into Brighton & Hove, despite overwhelming opposition from local people. We have not yet received those answers. Today’s announcement only provides us with more uncertainty which is frustrating and unsettling for residents who simply want to know what the future holds for their communities.

“We will continue to work with our partners across East Sussex to understand the implications of this announcement and make sure local voices are heard throughout the review. Above all, our focus remains on serving residents and delivering the services people rely on every day.”

South East’s largest visual arts festival sets sail for French shores

One of the largest visual arts festivals in the South East is setting sail for French shores, showcasing a brand new travelling exhibition on the waves.

Artwave, now in its 33^rd year, has expanded its list of more than 170 artist venues to include its first ever sea-going exhibition, aboard the Newhaven to Dieppe cross-Channel ferry.

The only cross-Channel passenger route in Sussex will be exhibiting a selection of artwork across all of its DFDS ferry crossings throughout the festival, which returns from 5 – 20 September.

Connecting hundreds of artists and makers with more than 60,000 visitors each year, the festival features a multitude of free-to-visit exhibitions across the Lewes district, with venues ranging from artist studios, potteries and private homes, to farms, churches and even disused windmills.

Organised by Lewes District Council and Visit Lewes, the festival also features a series of artistic trails around Lewes, Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven, and surrounding villages.

Lewes District Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture, Tourism & Leisure, Cllr Johnny Denis said “Artwave is a wonderful expression of visual arts across the Lewes District and is our way of championing the incredible local talent within the towns and villages that make up this creative corner of Sussex.

“As we approach the Year of the Normans in 2027, we are delighted to be working with our colleagues at DFDS to bring a flavour of Lewes District’s unbridled originality, connecting Sussex landscapes with French shores, in what we hope will be an inspirational exhibition for travellers and building a creative connection for years to come.”

Festival-goers can pick up or download the Artwave brochure now to view the many venues and trails available to visit across the 16-day festival.

Free Artwave brochures are available to download online or pick up from both Gorringe’s and Charleston in Lewes and from Tourist Information Centres in Lewes, Newhaven and Seaford.

For more information visit www.artwavefestival.org.

Riverlution: Thriving Ouse Festival

Celebrate, learn about, and take action for the River Ouse and its tributaries at Riverlution, taking place from 19 to 27 September. This community festival brings people together to explore how we can create a culture of care and positive change for the benefit of the river, local communities, and wildlife.

Check out the full programme: loveourouse.org/riverlution

Recycle hidden batteries safely with a free doorstep collection

Did you know many everyday electrical items contain hidden batteries? When these items are placed in household waste bins, they can cause fires if crushed inside collection vehicles.

Loose batteries are easy to spot, but batteries are also found in power tools, tablets, children’s toys, tech accessories and kitchen appliances – making them easy to overlook.

Help keep collection crews and vehicles safe by keeping unwanted electrical items out of your bins. Instead, recycle them through Anglo’s free charity collection service.

It is simple: bag up your unwanted electrical items, book a collection and leave them outside for Anglo’s team to pick up.

By taking part, you will help good causes, reduce waste and recycle responsibly, all from your doorstep!

Ready to recycle? Book your free Anglo doorstep collection today.