Councillors

Seven Acre Close. “Councillor Marlow-Eastwood asked whether the Leader of the Council had received a briefing from Sussex Police following the events at Seven Acre Close and noted that ward councillors had received limited information about the incident.”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Haffenden confirmed that a briefing had been received from Sussex Police when officers were first called to the scene. It was acknowledged that a further update had not yet been shared with ward councillors, and Councillor Haffenden undertook to seek a further briefing and circulate the relevant information.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 23 Sep 2026 ↗

Graffiti. “Councillor Marlow-Eastwood said she welcomed the Council’s efforts on graffiti and the introduction of a mobile camera unit, and asked how many prosecutions have resulted from the use of the camera?”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Haffenden stated that he believed no prosecutions have yet resulted from the current camera placement, as fly-tipping often shifts out of view. Hotspot data is being analysed to find a more strategic location, such as bin stores, to FULL COUNCIL 24 SEPTEMBER 2025 CAB. 4 improve effectiveness.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 26 Nov 2025 ↗

Anti-social Behaviour. “Councillor Smith noted major crime in Ore was down by 88%, however a dangerous alleyway has recently become a problem again. With over 50 residents signing a petition he asked the Leader if he can attend a residents’ meeting to help push for a solution.”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Haffenden replied that he is holding Orbit to account and has already spoken to them about the alleyway. Orbit only recently became aware they FULL COUNCIL 18 MARCH 2026 CAB. 5 own the land. Councillor Haffenden noted that he meets the Orbit Chief Executive regularly and is happy to support the residents’ meeting and help push for a solution.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 15 Jul 2026 ↗

Visit 1066 Country Membership. “Councillor Fawbert asked for an update on the Council's proposal to rejoin Visit 1066 Country.”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Hilton advised that a proposal was due to be considered by the Visit 1066 Country Board. It was explained that discussions had been taking place for several weeks and that rejoining the organisation would support efforts to promote Hastings, particularly to overseas visitors.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 23 Sep 2026 ↗

Royal Visit to Hastings. “Councillor Drew asked whether the recent visit by a member of the Royal Family had been intended as a low-key event and why there had been little publicity, involvement of schools or advance notice to councillors.”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Haffenden advised that the visit had been deliberately kept low key at the request of the visitor, who wished to meet residents informally rather than attend a political or publicised event.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 23 Sep 2026 ↗

Town of Culture 2028. “Councillor Warne raised the opportunity for Hastings and St Leonards to bid for the Town of Culture 2028 and asked the cabinet to outline the potential cultural, economic and community benefits of a bid, and how local cultural organisations, community groups and young people would be involved.”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Hilton advised that guidance for the Town of Culture 2028 bidding process has been released and that officers are already progressing work on a bid. Early discussions have begun to assess capacity and develop an inclusive approach, with engagement underway with cultural organisations and community groups across the town.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 11 Feb 2026 ↗

Norman Week. “Councillor Warne asked about plans for Norman Week, highlighting the importance of building on Hastings’ heritage, especially with the Bayeux Tapestry coming to the UK in 2026–2027.”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Hilton outlined exciting plans for Hastings to celebrate the 960th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings in 2026 and William the Conqueror’s 1000th birthday in 2027. These include partnerships with Normandy, outreach linked to the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition at the British Museum, local festivals, public art projects, museum displays, and performance events.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 26 Nov 2025 ↗

FULL COUNCIL 15 JULY 2026 Hollington Hawks Football Club. “Councillor Kean asked what support could be provided to Hollington Hawks Football Club in finding a permanent base. Reference was made to the club's inclusive approach, particularly its support for young people, including neurodiverse participants, and the difficulties caused by having to train at different locations.”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Haffenden welcomed the work being undertaken by Hollington Hawks and acknowledged the efforts made to raise awareness of the club. It was noted that a few community sports clubs in the area were seeking permanent facilities and that access to sports pitches remained a wider issue.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 23 Sep 2026 ↗

Play Provision in Hollington. “Councillor Kean highlighted long-standing problems with Southern Housing’s poor upkeep of estates in Hollington, despite residents paying service charges. She asked what support the Council can secure from Southern Housing to improve local play areas.”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Haffenden thanked Councillor Kean and said the Hollington Grows Together project had directly inspired recent discussions with Southern Housing about play provision. He made clear that Southern Housing must contribute financially to bring the play areas up to standard.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 15 Jul 2026 ↗

Boutique Modern. “Councillor Kean asked what measures the council is taking to mitigate risks following the administration of Boutique Modern, which was delivering a 16 home development on Bexhill Road, and how the council is protecting its investment to avoid becoming an unsecured creditor.”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Haffenden confirmed that the council remains committed to ensuring the Bexhill Road homes are built, although there may be a short delay. He stated that discussions with the administrators are ongoing, and an update will be provided publicly in the coming weeks.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 14 Jan 2026 ↗

Food Waste Collections. “Councillor Barnes asked for an update on the rollout of food waste collections, noting some residents had received two caddies while others received none. She asked what residents should do with food waste they’ve been storing and stressed the importance of keeping people engaged in the scheme.”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Walker explained that food-waste collections have not been delayed, they were always scheduled to begin on 1st April. Caddies are still being delivered and should reach households by the end of the month.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 15 Jul 2026 ↗

Memorial for Billie-Jo Jenkins. “Councillor Batsford asked whether the Council would work with the relevant contractor to waive any costs associated with providing a permanent memorial to Billie-Jo Jenkins in Alexander Park, in recognition of the impact of her murder on the town and as a way of remembering her nearly 30 years on.”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Walker advised that discussions were ongoing following approaches from members of the public. However, there had also been suggestions FULL COUNCIL 15 JULY 2026 that family members may not wish to see a new bench installed. The Council wanted to engage with the family and friends before determining the most appropriate form of commemoration.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 23 Sep 2026 ↗

Road Maintenance. “Councillor Batsford raised serious concerns about the worsening condition of Hastings’ roads, noting that even Stagecoach bus drivers are taking sick leave due to back problems caused by the poor road surfaces. He highlighted Park Avenue and Park View in particular where there are long-term issues.”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Haffenden agreed to fully support Councillor Batsford’s request and said he would be happy to help bring Southern Water and East Sussex County Council officers to a stakeholder meeting. He acknowledged that road conditions are affecting everyone, with Stagecoach already having to reroute services due to unsafe roads.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 15 Jul 2026 ↗

Summerfields Leisure Centre. “Councillor Batsford noted that significant time has passed since discussions on design, costings and funding of a new leisure centre and expressed concern that costings may now be out of date and that opportunities for securing national funding may have been missed.”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Haffenden replied that improving leisure and sports facilities remains a key priority. The cross-party forum remains in place, although expressions of interest have not yet been received. An officer is reviewing regeneration options for the wider White Rock site using available funding.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 11 Feb 2026 ↗

Local Government Reorganisation. “Councillor Batsford asked, following Wealden Council’s rejection of all proposed reorganisation models, including the One East Sussex model, could the Leader of the Council name three ways Hastings would benefit if that model were adopted?”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Haffenden defended the One East Sussex model, highlighting six key benefits including reduced costs, clearer service responsibilities, and stronger existing partnerships. He criticised Wealden Council for withdrawing late from the model they helped develop and praised Hastings for exploring multiple options and consulting residents.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 26 Nov 2025 ↗

Local Government Reorganisation and Cinque Ports Status. “Councillor Webb asked about the implications of Local Government Reorganisation for Hastings' Cinque Ports status. It was also asked whether the Council was undertaking an audit of its assets, including matters relating to the museum and the Foreshore Trust.”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Haffenden advised that discussions had recently taken place with representatives of the Cinque Ports.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 23 Sep 2026 ↗

Food Waste Collection. “Councillor Webb asked whether, given difficulties in meeting recycling targets due to contaminated waste following service changes, the council has sufficient capacity and confidence to meet the forthcoming statutory food waste collection duties.”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Walker advised that work is ongoing to improve communication with residents ahead of the introduction of food waste collections, with the aim of encouraging proper waste separation and good participation. Further measures are also being explored to reduce contamination in recycling. It was confirmed that this remains an active area of focus for the council.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 11 Feb 2026 ↗

Community Cohesion. “Councillor Webb asked, in light of recent tensions within the community, could the Leader of the Council share their plan for promoting community cohesion over the following three months?”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Haffenden emphasised ongoing efforts to improve community cohesion and said he had asked the Community Safety Partnership to convene a meeting with local groups.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 26 Nov 2025 ↗

Heritage Assets and the Former Convent Site. “Councillor Ross asked how the Council was using its powers to address the early deterioration and risk of heritage assets across Hastings, and what changes would be made to procedures and oversight to reduce the likelihood of further heritage buildings being lost.”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Haffenden advised that there were limitations on what could be said publicly due to ongoing legal proceedings. He stated that officers had been working with partner agencies since 2025 to secure the site and that extensive work had been undertaken.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 23 Sep 2026 ↗

Former Convent Fire and Independent Review. “Councillor Kay asked whether an independent review could be undertaken into the events leading up to the fire at the former convent site, its management and the lessons learned. She also asked whether, if the matter could not be debated at the meeting, it could be brought to a future meeting of the Council.”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Haffenden explained that Council Procedure Rules did not provide for an emergency motion or independent inquiry. He advised that a multi-agency debrief was already planned to consider lessons learned, identify any improvements that could be made and ensure that findings were shared with councillors and other relevant parties.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 23 Sep 2026 ↗

Beach debris. “Councillor Kay asked regarding the recent incidents of shipping containers washing ashore, what measures are being taken by Hastings Borough Council in response to plastic insulation foam that has washed up along the local coastline?”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Walker advised that additional cleaning crews were deployed to the beach to clear debris from the plastic insulation foam washed ashore. Waste is being collected in sacks to help identify its origin and assess whether compensation may be pursued. A further crew was deployed the following day.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 11 Feb 2026 ↗

Biobeads. “Councillor Kay asked why dead seals that washed up around the same time as the biobeads incident in late October and early November were not preserved for investigation by the Environment Agency?”

The answer, as minuted: “Councillor Walker explained that the seals had already been collected from the beach and sent for incineration before the request for an autopsy was received. She confirmed that arrangements are now in place to ensure that, if any further cases occur, the council can preserve the animals for investigation before disposal.”

Full Council minutes, Wed 14 Jan 2026 ↗