Press Releases week beginning 05 August 2019

West Cliff railway closed for repairs

The West Hill Cliff Railway is currently closed due to a mechanical fault. Repairs are already underway, but unfortunately some of the equipment needs to be sent away to specialist contractors.

The work is likely to take 2-3 months to complete, and during this time the lift will remain closed to the public.
A council spokesperson said, "We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused and will complete the works earlier if we possibly can."

Hastings lecturers thanked by Hastings Borough Council

Brighton University (Hastings Campus)  lecturers were thanked for their service to the town by councillors at a recent Hastings Borough Council meeting. They were presented with a plaque by the leader, Councillor Peter Chowney  to formally record the thanks of a grateful town.

Councillor Andy Batsford said,
 "We felt it was so important that the council showed their thanks and gratitude to the dedicated members of staff and Lectures of the Hastings Campus of the Brighton University.

"Their contribution in raising the educational aspiration of the people of Hastings has been huge. Hundreds of Hastings families have had the positive impact of their mum or dad or even grandparents studying at and achieving degree level qualifications. Just imagine how inspiring that is to their young children and their hopes of study when they leave school.

"After working as a manager for a young people's centre for 15 years, I felt there was an opportunity for me, with the university being there to put my knowledge and passion for learning back into something academic. The support I had from the team has been incredible for me, a real nurturing thing.

"During that time when I was studying, three member of my family graduated as well, and my son saw me studying, which brought a whole new language into the family. It was no longer about getting a basic job; it was about further education and putting that onto the dining tables of people in Hastings. It was about giving local people a real opportunity. The staff took me by the hand and led me through a process that must have been really daunting for a lot of people in Hastings. The contribution you have made has been incredible.

"It is a great tragedy that Brighton University decided to close our community university but we could not let its legacy go uncelebrated. Thank you to all that have contributed to making the Hastings campus a vibrant and welcoming place to study, you will be missed."

Hastings carnival fireworks display tonight CANCELLED

Hastings Borough Council has reluctantly cancelled tonight's fireworks display because of the very high winds forecast, after consulting with the pyrotechnic provider.

A council spokesperson explained,
"We know that the evening fireworks provide a great finale to carnival day, but with winds forecast to be in excess of 40 mph, well above the safe maximum limit, at 9 o'clock, it is simply too dangerous. We thank local residents and visitors for their understanding."