Turning the Lights Back on at the IB Centre
The closure of the much-loved Isabel Blackman day centre in Winding Street reduced many of its older users to tears 17 months ago. Now it could soon reopen its doors if a community bid to buy it is successful. Volunteers…
Best Beach in East Sussex?
As a newsletter from East Sussex County Council proclaims: “When the sun is out there is nowhere quite like the beach, and in East Sussex we have some of the most beautiful coastline around.” Referencing Hastings, it mentions “… the…
Rural Rides
Tips to stay safe and avoid traffic when cycling in Sussex Perhaps, like many during lockdown, you’ve got a new bike, or have refurbished an old one that’s been lurking unused. Determined to get fit, cut car use and go…
Deal Us In!
West St Leonards community groups seek share in Town Deal to fund development alternatives Since October last year, Hastings Borough Council (HBC) has been insisting that it is on the point of signing a lease agreement with developers for the…
Why Pick On Us?
Removal of parking bays a further setback for small businesses Traders in the Old Town struggling to recoup losses of more than three months of closure have reacted angrily to plans to remove parking for around 25 cars along the…
“No Dates, No Details, No Consultation”
Protest causes a rethink over location of ‘pop-up’ Covid-19 test centre Alternative sites for the ‘occasional’ mobile testing unit, which appeared in the heart of Hastings Old Town, are now being investigated after it caused a nearby café to close…
Weeds, Wildflowers, Glyphosate – And A Petition
Glyphosate is a systemic herbicide: it kills plants, especially annual broad-leaf weeds and grasses, by inhibiting enzymes. It was developed by global corporate Monsanto and traded from the mid-1970s under the brand name Roundup. Over the next four decades it…
Class Divide
The majority of schools in East Sussex have stayed open throughout the coronavirus pandemic for the benefit of some vulnerable children and the families of key workers. Over 2,000 have attended physically on some days, according to Cllr Keith Glazier,…
Post Pandemic Planning for Hastings
How to benefit the whole community In Issue 150 of HIP, HEART Looks Beyond Lockdown, we talked to Alastair Fairley, co-founder of HEART, about the organisation’s post lockdown plans and how to use the energy generated by the large pool…
My Part In Developing Climate Strategy
By Cllr Maya Evans Being part of the team developing the HBC climate strategy has sometimes been frustrating. Many ambitious ideas could not be included through lack of funding and limited power to effect behavioural change in both big business…