Community Governance Review
The following is a message from Cllr Holt of Eastbourne Borough Council:
I wanted to email and encourage your respective members to complete our community governance review (CGR).
We launched the CGR because, once Eastbourne Borough Council ceases to exist, we risk losing a strong, dedicated democratic voice within a much larger unitary authority. Most major towns - including Lewes, Bexhill and Newhaven - already have town councils that protect local assets and take on responsibilities such as parks, toilets, events and car parks. Eastbourne has no such body, meaning our unique assets - could be more vulnerable without dedicated local oversight.
The CGR asks whether Eastbourne should create a Town Council, establish Community Boards or Neighbourhood Panels, or wait until the new unitary is formed. Each option would give residents different levels of influence, accountability and protection for local services. Other towns that are undergoing Local Government Reorganisation - such as Crawley - are consulting for the same reason.
At this stage, we are keen to know whether or not the town supports the establishment of parish (town) council(s), waiting until the setting up of the unitary authority or another form of local Government.
Whatever your view, please complete our survey by Monday 8th December.
https://lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/CGR
The link also has some FAQs - but please do not hesitate to contact me if you, or your members have any questions.
Regards
Stephen
Stephen Holt
Leader, Eastbourne Borough Council.
Structure under the pier
We have been campaigning for this structure to be removed. It was put there on the pebbles under the Pier in 2014 after the fire on the Pier, as storage . It has become unsightly, despite the best efforts of local artists to decorate it, and that has made a difference. However the structure is unsafe, frequently broken in to, a fire risk, and used for anti social behaviour. It makes the Promenade under the Pier dark and unsafe at night. It has also become rat infested.We are pleased that EBC planning enforcement have now commenced discussions for its removal. This will open up the area making it lighter and safer and deterring the anti social behaviour that is happening around it.We would like the decorated boards saved and moved to another site.
Council applies for planning permission to demolish Bandstand colonnades
Eastbourne Borough Council have applied for planning permission to demolish the covered areas on the ground and middle tier of the Bandstand.
This has come as a shock to many as the Friends of Eastbourne Bandstand have campaigned long and hard for restoration of the Bandstand. When we were told five months ago that the colonnades supporting the covered areas were beyond repair, dangerous and had to be boarded up, but we continued to argue that they should be saved. At this point demolition was not a given as restoration was being explored. It then became apparent to us that restoration was not going to be possible due to the dereliction of the supporting columns and roof beams.
We had a number of meetings including a site visit with the Council appointed Architect and when our Welcome and Gardening Teams were taken on a tour of the Bandstand with the seafront Manager we all saw the terrible state, following many years of neglect the colonnades, (hidden behind blue hoarding), are in.
​We have now been told by the experts in their field, that the colonnades are beyond economic repair and cannot be saved.
Initially we were disappointed by this decision, but should we be thinking of the removal of the covered areas as the end, or the start of restoration of these areas? Is this the opportunity to give the whole area a new lease of life, and opportunity for much improved and new covered areas and food and drink outlets? Phase one of the Bandstand restoration was the stage, phase two must now be the restoration of the covered areas.
​The new build does not have to be a replica of what was there before, it must of course compliment and respect the art deco style but it can be something new and exciting which sets the scene for a positive and successful future and which meets the needs and expectations of the present day.
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The submission of the Officers report to the Planning committee has raised significant concern that there has been no consideration for the replacement of the covered areas.
We are therefore urging the Council to put in place a conservation strategy with costed development options for the Bandstand, and to be put in place immediately.
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We are urging the Council to commission, as a matter of urgency design work, to consult with stakeholders and the public about what we want. We have always had a vision for the Bandstand, and an essential part of the plan must be to bring back into use the semi circular two-level colonnade that sweeps around the performance area.
This design and planning work must start immediately because there is no chance of major grants being awarded for Bandstand restoration until we can demonstrate that we have a clear vision and a plan of action, that has the support of local residents. We do not want the Bandstand to continue to be boarded up and out of action for another season.
In conclusion, we want our Bandstand to be fully restored and see this as an opportunity to start the next phase of restoration.
Eastbourne Redoubt to reopen
The Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council has announced the launch of a new series of free guided talks at the iconic Redoubt Fortress.The initiative is part of the council’s wider seafront strategy, which aims to revitalise and celebrate Eastbourne’s unique coastal assets.The sessions will offer residents and visitors the chance to explore the rich heritage of the Redoubt, from its Napoleonic origins to its role in shaping Eastbourne’s coastal identity.
Councillor Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said:
“The Redoubt Fortress is a cornerstone of Eastbourne’s history, and I've been determined this year to ensure that we can provide some guided talks to allow residents and visitors the opportunity to see the Redoubt for themselves.
"This is exactly the kind of project our seafront strategy is designed to support, bringing heritage to life while enhancing the visitor experience along our beautiful coastline."
During the guided talks, visitors will learn what life was like for those who manned the battlements, armed the guns and protected the coastline. The experienced guide and speaker will weave the stories of those who called the Napoleonic Fort home, walking in their footsteps along the gun platform, and discussing how we can continue to preserve this historic building.
The guided talks will take place on August 16, 17, 20 and 26, and on September 2 and 16, with the final talk coinciding with World Heritage Day.
Councillor Jenny Williams, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Place, added:
“Whether you’re a history buff, a curious resident, or a first-time visitor, the Redoubt’s guided talks promise to be a captivating journey into a bygone age. We want to see the Redoubt fully reopened, through the seafront strategy and by working with other partners. This is your opportunity to see the site as it currently is, and work with us to create a vision for its future"