Christmas Cheer
Hastings Borough Council resolved earlier this year that in its current financial predicament it could not afford to fund the provision of any Christmas trees in the town. However, the bus company Stagecoach then came forward to sponsor trees in Hastings Town Centre and in Kings Road, St Leonards, while the Old Town Traders association provided the tree at Butlers Gap, George Street.
Dan Mayhew, Stagecoach Operations Manager at Hastings, said:
“As a family living locally, we’ve always looked forward to seeing the town’s Christmas trees. When I heard the council would be unable to fund them this year, I thought that’s something Stagecoach could help with.
“It’s been a tough time lately with the impact of bus driver shortages on our services, so as a team we feel like this is something we can do to help the community and keep a wonderful tradition going at Christmas.”
The council will, however, be offering free parking in all council-owned car parks between 4pm and 9pm each evening from next Monday 18 December until Saturday 23 December, coinciding with late-night shopping at Priory Meadow.
Parking will also be free at all council car parks on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Cllr Ali Roark, lead for Environment at Hastings Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to be helping support local businesses by providing free parking in our car parks over the festive period. And if you don’t fancy bringing the car, remember that the government’s bus fare cap means you can travel on most bus routes for just £2.”
Further afield, users of the Flexibus service in rural parts of East Sussex have been made a special Christmas season offer: to ride for just £1 per trip on Saturdays throughout this month and also every day next week (Monday to Friday).
Cllr Claire Dowling, the county council’s lead member for Transport and Environment, said: “Our special offer will make it easier and cheaper for residents to enjoy festive events and get prepared for Christmas, while supporting their local high street.”
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