On Friday leaders of Hastings Borough Council trumpeted its success in distributing £1m of discretionary cash to local businesses hit by the Covid-19 crisis. In her weekly video address to local people the council’s leader Kim Forward said: “I am glad that we’ve distributed this fund quickly to those eligible who need support.” HBC says […]
Are new charging points for electric cars being installed on the seafront actually up to the job? Owners of electric vehicles have been in touch to say the points that have been installed by Hastings Borough Council, combined with the restrictions on how long you can park beside one, make them virtually useless. Paul Cockerton […]
Just a year ago Hastings Mayor Councillor Nigel Sinden welcomed participants to the annual Hastings Against War ceremony in Alexandra Park to mark the dropping on the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. This year on the 75th anniversary of the first atomic bomb being dropped, and giving organisers just two days notice, Hastings Borough Council […]
‘I am not sure that when residents pay their council tax they understand they are shareholders in a commercial property investment company.’ One of the most read stories on Hastings In Focus this week has been the threat of closure that is once again hanging over Debenhams. It’s a sign of the times and a […]
Lifeguards are patrolling St Leonards beach again as the summer season – belatedly – gets underway. “Having the lifeguards in position on this popular section of beach is essential, to ensure the safety of residents and visitors while they enjoy the warmer weather,” said a spokesman for Hastings Borough Council. Last weekend on their first […]
Just before 7pm last night Hastings Borough Council (HBC) released a further statement on its position regarding the pop-up Covid-19 testing unit that appeared on The Stade open space at the weekend. *Council fails to say what other sites were considered *Council told ‘all publicity’ was to be undertaken by the organisers *Local community WERE […]
Criticism is mounting over what is being described as a lack of transparency and willingness to communicate at Hastings Borough Council (HBC). The criticism is not just coming from politicians but from campaigners, former councillors and members of the public too. Liberal Democrat Nick Perry says: “I am increasingly aware from various different local sources […]
‘What have you heard about unitary authorities?’ that’s been a recurring question in recent weeks from people of various political persuasions writes Stuart Baillie. On the face of it that sounds a nerdy kind of question but think about it for a moment and you’ll appreciate the wider impact. Take parking for example. Our story […]
The fragile nature of the commercial property market was laid bare yesterday when a number of high-profile, high street names called in administrators. Among those was the Harveys furniture group. While there is no Harveys store in Hastings its subsidiary Bensons for Beds is a tenant of Hastings Borough Council in Bexhill Road. The chain, […]
