Gunshots Lead to Crash Injuries

Four people were injured when their car crashed in Hastings during a police pursuit. The incident began after gunshots were reported in Sidley Green, Bexhill.

A black Nissan was chased by police before it was involved in a crash nearly eight miles away in Ivyhouse Lane, North Hastings.

The four people in the car sustained injuries, with one airlifted to hospital, where they were in a serious condition. Sussex Police said the driver of the vehicle, a 26-year-old man of no fixed address, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The three passengers, a 21-year-old man from Bexhill, a 23-year-old man from Bexhill, and a 36-year-old man from St Leonards, were arrested on suspicion of affray. Later three other people were arrested, two on firearms offences and one on suspicion of assisting an offender.

People and Dog Rescued

Coastguards and lifeboats were called out after a group of four people and their dog were cut off and trapped by the tide beneath cliffs on the stretch of shore between Fairlight and Rock‑A‑Nore in Hastings.

The group, which was successfully helped to safety, was “wet, cold and tired,” according to their rescuers.

HM Coastguard said that teams from Hastings, Bexhill and Rye Bay, along with Hastings RNLI Lifeboat and Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat, were involved in the rescue operation.

Coastguard Cuts Condemned

Thousands of volunteer coastguards will no longer be paid for emergency call-outs according to the GMB Union. It follows what they describe as a ‘reprehensible’ move by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

The 3,500 volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) who carry out rescues around the British coast including Sussex, have always been given hourly remuneration for attending incidents and training exercises.  But a Court of Appeal case recently upheld a judgement classifying even volunteers as ‘workers’ when carrying out paid duties. As a result, the MCA removed the payments. A GMB official, Lynsay Mackay, said: “When someone is lost, injured or in danger on our coastline, nobody asks whether the person coming to help is a volunteer or a worker. If we want a strong, resilient Coastguard for the future, we must make sure that those who step forward are supported, not penalised.”

Arrests in Drugs Bust

A National Crime Agency (NCA) drugs investigation has led to the arrest of five people near Eastbourne Marina.

Witnesses reported a large number of officers boarding a boat at Sovereign Harbour. An NCA spokesperson said: “Five suspects are in custody, the arrests having been made on 8 June near Eastbourne Marina. The investigation is ongoing, and more details will be released in due course.”

Combating Modern Slavery

The charity Crimestoppers is launching a new campaign across Sussex urging people to spot signs of modern slavery and organised immigration crime, and to report concerns anonymously.

The campaign, with the message ‘Spot the signs. Stop the exploitation,’ shows how crime gangs operate in coastal areas, transport routes and local communities, putting vulnerable people at risk.

Annabelle Goodenough, South Central East Regional Manager of Crimestoppers, said: “Organised immigration crime and modern slavery are happening in communities across Sussex, often hidden in plain sight. The reality is that people are being exploited, moved and controlled by criminals who prioritise profit over human life.”

People are asked to report suspicious activities including small boats or equipment moved in secrecy, groups who appear frightened, lost or disoriented, passengers quickly moved into vehicles with few belongings, lorries parked in isolated or unusual locations, and drivers acting nervously or blocking access.

Lifeboat Crew Raise Crazy Money

Members of Hastings RNLI lifeboat crew have raised £190 for FSN, a Hastings-based charity that provides services and projects for children and young people affected by poverty, disadvantage, neglect and abuse.

Earlier in the month, boat and shore crew members, shop volunteers, guides and fundraisers paid to play crazy golf on Hastings’ famous seafront courses, with the proceeds all going to FSN. The competition was won by volunteer boat crew member Sam Glassett, with a score of 39.

Hastings lifeboat management group chair Paul Freathy, who also competed, said: “The annual crazy golf competition has become quite an event. It brings all the different areas of the lifeboat family in Hastings together, so it is a great team-building exercise. And we always choose a local charity to benefit. We are all members of the local community, and of course a charity ourselves, so we know how important the work of FSN is, and the value of public support.”

Crazy Golf King De-throned

A new champion has been crowned at the recent World Crazy Golf Championships in Hastings. It means that previous title holder Mark ‘The Force’ Chapman failed in his bid to be the first person ever to win the title six times in a row.

The new supremo, Rocky Bullin, beat Chapman by just one shot after getting a hole in one in the final round. Simon Tompkins, the tournament organiser from Hastings Adventure Golf, said it was nice to have a different champion. “I think Marc will definitely be back next year because I think he’s definitely got the sixth in him, but this year it’s Rocky’s year,” he told the BBC. More than 250 people competed in what has become one of Hastings’ most iconic sporting events.

Big Brother Watch

The Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has welcomed the ‘positive impact’ of new AI road safety cameras being trialled in Sussex, ‘helping us tackle some of the most dangerous behaviours on our roads’.

In a period of just four weeks, the cameras are reported to have detected more than 2,200 offences at a single location – including 459 drivers using a mobile phone and 1,823 not wearing a seatbelt.

These are not minor issues, says Ms Bourne. “Failing to wear a seatbelt or using a mobile phone while driving are among the leading causes of serious injury and fatal collisions, and they put lives at risk every single day. This technology supports officers by identifying potential offences quickly and accurately, allowing police to focus their time where it matters most. Importantly, every image is reviewed by a person before any action is taken. While I welcome the use of innovative tools to strengthen enforcement, what really matters is changing behaviour,” she says. “Encouragingly, offences reduced week by week during the trial as awareness grew – showing that education and visibility do make a difference.”

With the festive party season in full swing, the force is stepping up patrols warning drivers that many of them may still be over the limit for alcohol the morning after Christmas parties or a night out with friends.

They also warn that those who consume drugs may not realise that the chemicals stay in their bodies for a long time – often days or weeks – which means they can be over the drug-drive limit for a considerable period after taking them.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “This Christmas, do not take the risk. If you drink or take drugs and then drive, you are gambling with lives – your own and everyone else’s on the road.”

Her advice is clear: “Arrange a taxi home or agree on a designated driver who will not drink or take drugs before you go out for an evening. Alcohol and drugs destroy your ability to make safe decisions and the consequences can be catastrophic.”

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously or call 0800 555 111.

Rock Fall in Country Park

HM Coastguard Bexhill were called to an emergency incident in Hastings Country Park on Monday (29 September) to deal with a significant rock fall along the cliffs. Some of the footpaths in Ecclesbourne Glen were sealed off and closed because of the landslips; people were warned to stay away as the cliffs were very unstable and prone to collapsing at any time.

Halifax set to Close Hastings Branch

The Halifax branch at 1 Queens Road, Hastings, is to close permanently on 22 January 2026.

The Halifax is part of the Lloyds Banking Group, and the closure is part of Group’s ongoing strategy “to consolidate” (or close) its branch network in favour of switching users to its much more profitable online services.

Halifax customers will be encouraged to use other branches of the banking group, such as the Lloyds Bank at 17 Wellington Place, for in-person banking. They can also use Hastings Post Office on Queens Road to perform essential transactions such as withdrawing and depositing cash and checking their balance free of charge.

Acknowledging that the move will impact some customers more than others, the bank has pledged comprehensive support. Branch counter staff will be on hand in the coming months to assist customers, particularly the elderly or those with vulnerabilities, in transitioning to new banking methods.

All regular customers of the branch will shortly receive a letter in the post detailing these options

Safer in Sussex Survey

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has launched the Safer in Sussex Survey to gather residents’ views on crime and to identify measures that would make them feel safer in their communities.

Commissioner Bourne said the responses to the survey would help understanding of where resources within Sussex Police may be better placed, where increased partnership working could help drive down local issues, and to scrutinise the force on areas requiring improvement.

The survey will close on 30 October. Go to tinyurl.com/5fenjter.

The extension of a detached Victorian house in Milward Road on the side of West Hill has been announced as one of six buildings nominated for the 2025 RIBA (the Royal Institute of British Architects) Stirling Prize.

The redesign of Hastings House was undertaken by Hugh Strange Architects, a practice based in Southwark. It involves a series of timber-framed rooms within; the exterior includes a concrete yard and galvanised steel staircase. The RIBA judges described the result as transformational, “a lesson in restrained, inventive use”.

Four of the other five nominated buildings are in London, the sixth, the prestigious AstroZeneca Discovery Centre in Cambridge. But Hastings has form: the 2017 prize was awarded for the restoration of the pier.

Former Council Leader Dies

Cllr Peter Pragnell, a former Conservative leader of Hastings Borough Council (HBC), has died aged 65. He was first elected as borough councillor in 2000 and served as leader for four years between 2006 and 2010.

Cllr Pragnell represented Conquest and later St Helens wards but was ousted from the borough council at the last election in 2024. He remained the councillor for Ashdown & Conquest ward on East Sussex County Council.

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, current leader, said that everyone at the council was sad to hear the news. “Peter will be remembered as a dedicated former leader and long-serving councillor who cared deeply for the town and our residents and always worked to achieve the best for them.”

Police Response Times

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has issued a newsletter claiming that Sussex Police are currently the top-rated force in the country for handling 999 calls. Over the past three months, more than 95% of calls to them have been picked up within the target time of ten seconds.

It’s also claimed that, over the same time period, fewer than 5% of non-emergency 101 calls have been abandoned. This was “a vast improvement from a few years ago”, according to Ms Bourne, “when rates were high and public frustration with the service was understandably reflected by increased complaints”.

Adele Bates (Central St Leonards, Green) was galvanised by local service cuts that she sees having a terrible effect upon the most vulnerable. She works in education, supporting schools and local authorities with disadvantaged young people. 

Mark Etherington (Braybrooke, Green) spent six years in the British Army, and a further 30 years working for the British government on conflict issues. His last posting was in Kyiv, Ukraine. He aims to tackle the challenges of flooding, sewage, fly-tipping, litter-dumping and anti-social behaviour. 

Natalie Gaimster (Tressell, Green) took almost 65% of the vote in what was previously a solid Labour ward. She is a former police officer with extensive experience in working with vulnerable people and has highlighted issues of anti-social behaviour and street cleaning.

Becca Horn(Castle, Green) – pictured at the election count on page 1 – was her party’s campaign coordinator. She is also their parliamentary candidate for the next general election in the Hastings & Rye constituency. As a founding member of the Clean Water Action Group, she says she will continue to campaign against Southern Water and to raise awareness of the persistent dumping of raw sewage into the sea. It’s ironic that, on the day of her election, water supplies were again cut off for thousands of people across the town.

Helen Kay (Wishing Tree, Labour) replaces the veteran Alan Roberts, achieving her party’s best result in taking over 50% of the ward vote. Her working background is in children’s services and formerly in the housing and mental health sector at Shelter, with first hand experience of the impact of cuts to local services on the most vulnerable. For her, core issues are housing needs and helping to deliver wider improvements to public services. 

Danuta Kean (Hollington, Labour) defeated Independent incumbent Maya Evans in a tight contest. She used to be a journalist on national newspapers including The Guardian, but now works at Robertsbridge Community College as a local history teacher.

Darren MacKenzie (Maze Hill, Green) is a finance director at St Michael’s Hospice. As a chartered accountant he says he will offer an objective and astute audit of the town’s financial health.

Yunis Smith (Baird, Green) won his seat with just 29% of the vote with Labour, Conservative and Independent contestants all close behind: he seemed amazed that he had emerged victorious. He will be representing the area where he grew up, and cites anti-social behaviour and lack of youth provision as key challenges.

Jo Walker (Ore, Green) defeated Labour leader Heather Bishop by a large margin. She lives and works locally. She is a trustee of the Ore Community Land Trust and says she is determined to champion the hopes and concerns of local people. 

Paula Warne (Gensing, Green) worked for East Sussex Highways as an inspector for eight years. She says she is passionate about improving local transport and will campaign as councillor for a vastly improved and robust bus service throughout the town. She is also keen to promote tourism, support business and help the local economy.

David Whitehill (St Helens, Labour) ousted Conservative incumbent Peter Pragnell in a close contest. He has extensive business experience in international marketing, but says he is determined to improve local services.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner

Katy Bourne, standing as a Conservative, has been re-elected as the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner for a fourth successive term, having held the post since it was first created in 2012. She received 122,495 votes. Labour’s Paul Richards polled 99,502, with Jonathan Kent of the Greens securing 43,105 votes. The turn-out across the county was less than 25%, reflecting the fact that in many areas (including Rother) there were no council elections alongside.

Immigration minister Robert Jenrick had made it clear that he is looking for larger sites that might cost less to administer. However, both Rother and ESCC raised concerns about the remoteness of the location and the pressure on local services, and it was confirmed last week that the government would not pursue the plan.

Rother’s leader, Doug Oliver, was quoted by the BBC as welcoming a “sensible” decision. “Camber is not a large community… this would not have been the right arrangement either for migrants or for residents,” he added.

In the meantime an open letter put together on behalf of the Refugee Buddy Project (RBP), Hastings Community of Sanctuary and Hastings Supports Refugees has been sent to Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, asking her to “reassure local people by sharing with us what is being done to ensure” that popular protests against the use of local hotels for refugee accommodation are “managed effectively”.  The letter, which was countersigned by several local Green party councillors including leader Cllr Julia Hilton, by local trade unionists and by other activists, referred to recent “horrific scenes in Merseyside” when a hotel housing refugees in Knowsley came under sustained hostilities. 

Alex Kempton, RBP’s Director of Operations and Campaigns, referred to “a community-based response group who are organising to be ready to respond and defend our neighbours should the need arise. We sincerely hope this won’t be necessary but we will not stand by and let our neighbours be harassed.”

Ms Bourne – who is responsible for holding the Chief Constable of Sussex Police to account for police performance – said it was “a tremendous endorsement of the role of Police and Crime Commissioners and testament to the hard work of the team in my office who support me.”

PICTURE: Sussex PCC

The PCC was re-elected in 2016 and is paid an annual salary of £86,700.

She is also responsible for setting the police budget – £287.5 million – and the amount residents pay for policing in their council tax. Her duties also include commissioning support services for victims of crime and delivering community safety initiatives.

Claudia Ortiz, Director of stalking support service Veritas Justice said:

“Her tireless work raising awareness of this devastating crime has inspired us locally and many others nationally to come together and create the changes that are so desperately needed by some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”

Chief Constable Giles York said: “Katy Bourne has been a consistent force for good since first being elected as the PCC for Sussex; she has always been a voice of challenge and support for the Force and championing the needs of the public and those who struggle to have their voice heard. On behalf of all of us at Sussex police we offer our congratulations on such well earned recognition in being awarded an OBE.”