Latest News from Eastbourne Borough Council

Council leader applauds ‘superb response’ to major incident

The Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council has praised emergency services and council staff for their handling of today’s major incident in the town.

Roads were closed and residents evacuated after an unidentified liquid was discovered at a property in the town centre. People were only allowed to return to their homes after the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team carried out a controlled explosion.

The council quickly set up a rest centre at the Town Hall, supporting 55 people and 11 pets, while Sussex Police and the EOD ensured the safe disposal of the item.

Councillor Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said:

“The emergency services, council officers and other partner agencies are to be congratulated for their superb response to the major incident in Eastbourne today.

“160 properties were evacuated, roads closed and a rest centre set up to keep people safe and secure.

“This was all done quickly, efficiently and with the utmost professionalism — my sincere thanks go to everyone involved.”

All those evacuated, including nine dogs, a cat and a rabbit, were able to return home early in the afternoon.

Ocklynge School Tree Care Event | Saturday 28 June

The students planted over 800 trees, and they’re growing well – but still need a little care. The team will be weeding to help them stay on track, as well as checking on the wildflower meadow and willow tunnels.

📅 Saturday 28 June

🕐 9am – 12pm

📍 Ocklynge Junior School – Google maps link

Whether you’re a gardening pro or just looking to enjoy some fresh air and time outdoors, they would love to have you along.

Get help to buy food and milk with the NHS Healthy Start scheme

The NHS Healthy Start scheme helps young families on low incomes to buy healthy food and milk.

If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have children under four and receive certain benefits, you could be eligible for NHS Healthy Start.

Once on the scheme, you’ll receive a prepaid card, which you can use to buy fruit, vegetables, pulses, milk and infant formula.

The card will be topped up with payments every four weeks and you can use it in most places that sell healthy food and accept Mastercard® payments.

You can also get free Healthy Start vitamins.

Find out if you’re eligible for NHS Healthy Start and apply online now at www.healthystart.nhs.uk

Your child gets free school meals if they’re in Reception, Year 1, or Year 2. You do not need to apply for them.

Children in Year 3 and above can get free school meals if their parents or carers get certain benefits.

To find out if your child may be eligible, use our Free School Meals Benefits Calculator.