Latest News from Lewes District Council

Art project for schoolchildren to spread messages of kindness

Every school across Newhaven, Seaford, Peacehaven, East Saltdean and Telscombe Cliffs has been invited to take part in an inspiring new public art project, using creativity to celebrate positivity and togetherness.

A Community of Kindness is designed to strengthen local pride and connection across the coastal towns by encouraging young people to explore ideas of kindness, community, and belonging through colour, pattern, and positive messaging.

It is a collaboration between Lewes District Council and Look Again, a socially engaged creative project based in Newhaven.

Councillor Johnny Denis, Cabinet Member for Community and Culture, said: “This project is a brilliant way to empower our youngest residents and instill a strong sense of pride and connection within our coastal communities. Seeing their messages of kindness displayed prominently across the district will be a powerful reminder of our shared values. We are thrilled to support an initiative that uses art as such a positive force for unity and belonging.”

Every participating school will receive a free creative classroom pack – a collaborative design between local arts educator Dawn East and acclaimed visual artist Supermundane. These packs include activity sheets and typography worksheets, all intended to inspire children to design their own posters with uplifting messages. Dawn East will also be visiting all the schools to guide teachers on incorporating the materials into their lessons.

The project will culminate in a public exhibition of young people’s work at the start of 2026 when selected artwork will be displayed alongside Supermundane’s bold designs on billboards, posters, and lamppost banners across along the coast road, transforming the streets into a colourful gallery of collective spirit and unity.

Anthony Peters, who established Look Again with Charlotte Parsons, said: “This is our largest project with local residents to date, as initially Look Again was focused on Newhaven. We have always wanted to work on projects that create more cohesion and collaboration across all the coastal towns.”

If you live outside of the area but want to get creative, you can download the activity pack and poster to colour in, by visiting: https://www.lookagainnewhaven.co.uk/community-of-kindness

Local government reorganisation in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove, and West Sussex

Central Government is asking for your views on the future of local government in Sussex.

We are encouraging as many residents, businesses and organisations as possible to give their feedback on the following two options:

• A proposal for one unitary council for East Sussex, entitled ‘One East Sussex’, based on the current East Sussex County footprint, submitted by Eastbourne Borough Council, Lewes District Council, Hastings Borough Council, Rother District Council and East Sussex County Council.

• Brighton & Hove City Council’s proposal for five separate unitary councils across East and West Sussex.

This is your chance to influence what councils look like locally and how they deliver services in the future.

Read the proposals and have your say by Sunday 11 January 2026 by visiting the consultation page – www.gov.uk/government/consultations/local-government-reorganisation-in-east-sussex-and-brighton-and-hove-and-west-sussex

Instead of another pair of socks, why not give an unforgettable experience with a local maker?

Urgent dental care is available near you through NHS Sussex

NHS Sussex ICB has worked with local dental practices to boost the number of appointments available for patients in need of urgent dental care.

If you have an urgent dental care need but don’t have a regular dentist, or your own dentist can’t see you, the Sussex Dental Helpline can help put you in touch with NHS dentists in Sussex that have available appointments to support your urgent care.

The service does not cover routine treatment such as check-ups, but is available for conditions including:

• Toothache: persistent pain that cannot be managed with over-the-counter painkillers
• Dental abscess: infection causing swelling and pain
• Knocked-out tooth: trauma resulting in a fractured or completely dislodged tooth
• Broken teeth
• Lost fillings
• Loose or lost crowns

Find out more about dental care and the practices offering urgent appointments in Sussex.

You can also contact the dentists who offer urgent dental care appointments directly, during usual opening hours. See where urgent dental care is available in your area.

Take the survey: Violence against women and girls in Sussex: understanding your experiences.

We’re supporting Sussex Police’s efforts to better understand the experiences of women and girls across our county.

Their survey is now open, seeking honest feedback from women and girls on their perceptions of safety in public spaces.

If you’ve experienced a situation in Sussex that made you feel unsafe, you can share it anonymously at the link below.

Your input can help make Sussex safer.

Click here to fill in the survey: sussexpolice.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/vawg25

How to keep warm on a budget this winter

Citizens Advice East Sussex has produced a leaflet containing vital information on how to stay ‘warm and well’ this winter. As well as information on how to make best use of your heating and avoid damp/mould problems, it provides links to trusted sources of information and phone numbers to access support.

Download the leaflet here.

There are further links for our Winter Readiness work on the CAES website here https://www.citizensadviceeastsussex.org.uk/get-advice

Christmas opening hours

Our office hours will change over the Christmas period.

Our reception at 6 High Street, Lewes, will close at 5pm on Wednesday 24 December, and will re-open on Friday 2 January 2026.

Our reception at Saxon House, Newhaven, will be open from 10am to 2pm Tuesday 23 December, and will be closed until Tuesday 6 January 2026.

Our phonelines will operate from 10am – 2pm from Monday 29 December – Wednesday 31 December.

Normal operating hours will resume from Friday 2 January 2026, following the New Year’s Day Bank Holiday.

Many queries can be answered at www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk which will remain available throughout the festive period.