Press Releases week beginning 6 April 2020

Council thanks lifesaving lifeguards

Hastings Borough Council has formally written to its Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeguards to thank them for their lifesaving work in 2019.
 
At its March meeting, one of the last before COVID-19 stopped regular council meetings, the charity committee received a report on the 2019 lifeguard season. Chair of the committee Cllr Sue Beaney explained,
"We were very impressed at what our RNLI lifeguards achieved in 2019. They rescued four people, assisted sixteen, performed major first aid on five casualties and minor first aid on 22. And some 14 230 members of the public were engaged with on 'preventative actions'.
 
"In addition, and most notably, our lifeguards saved four lives in Hastings. so without their intervention, four people would have drowned here. This is something we are incredibly proud of, and so the leader of the council and I have written to the area lifesaving manager at the RNLI thanking him for all his lifeguard team achieved in 2019."
 
Council leader Cllr Kim Forward added,
"Only a few weeks ago we invited our local Hastings Lifeboat crew into our council chamber to thank them for their heroic efforts to locate a surfer during Storm Ciara. The video of their attempted landing in storm force 12 winds made the national news. And now we are recognising their lifeguard colleagues for saving four lives, amongst many other rescues, during 2019.
 
"We are incredibly lucky to be served by such dedicated teams of lifeboat crew and lifeguards here in Hastings, and I would like to add my sincere thanks for all that they do."

Hastings Borough Council Climate change and action plan

Hastings Borough Council agreed a report on climate change with a strategy and action plan at a special council meeting in March.

The climate emergency strategy and action plan was developed to support the Climate Emergency motion Hastings Borough Council declared during 2019.

The vision is to make Hastings carbon neutral by 2030.

The strategy and action plan covers the borough of Hastings. To meet the target of carbon neutrality by 2030, the impact needs to ripple across the wider region.

The plan aligns with regional policy and responds to analysis and evidence developed by consultants commissioned to aid us in delivering a robust action plan which will impact the town's carbon emissions.

The research demonstrates that the town has reduced carbon emissions by 39% since 2005, much of this due to the decarbonisation of the national grid and increasing energy efficiency in buildings.

Maya Evans lead councillor for climate change said,
"Even with the challenge of COVID-19, climate change is one of the biggest threats we face. Quite simply, we cannot continue as we are.

"Hastings has a significant journey to travel if we hope to meet our 2030 target, largely because of our poor housing stock and reliance on gas.

"One of our key actions over the next two years is to identify funding and investment partners, so we can reduce our energy demand and emissions with retrofit and renewable energy skills development.

"If the town works in partnership, delivering funded initiatives and changing behaviour, we can make significant progress towards this 2030 target."

"We are working to an ambitious deadline two decades ahead of national policy, we will have to use all means available, plus more if we are to meet the 2030 target.

"HBC is serious about climate change; this strategy reflects that commitment while acknowledging the responsibility we have, not only our community but to the world. All local authorities must do their part to think globally and act locally."

The strategy has six priority themes and associated projects with more detail in the evidence pack and initial 2-year action plan appended to the strategy, available on the website. The action plan from 2022-2030 will be developed in parallel to the delivery of this initial 2-year plan.

Hastings Community hub- Easter opening hours

The community hub will still be open over Easter for those who need help and support during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. The opening times are different for the holiday period.

The opening times are:

• Friday 10th April - 10am - 4pm
• Saturday 11th April - 10am - 4pm
• Sunday 12th April - Closed
• Monday 13th April- 10am to 4pm.

From Tuesday, usual opening hours will continue.

A council spokesperson said,

"The community hub is run by local voluntary groups, the NHS, Hastings Borough Council and East Sussex County Council. These groups are working together to help support those in the community who need support during the COVID-19 outbreak.

"If you are in immediate need of a food package or prescription collection/delivery within the next 48 hours you can call the helpline on 01424 451019. Make sure to only call the helpline if the support you need is urgent as we need to make sure those most in need are helped as soon as possible.

"If the request is non-urgent, then it's best to fill out our simple online form which can be found on our website.

For more information about the community hub, go to our webpages.