Latest News from Lewes District Council

Ringmer Swimming Pool returns with a splash this weekend

Ringmer Pool is officially re-opening this Saturday (June 14), welcoming back swimmers of all ages.

This much-anticipated return is thanks to a collaborative effort that has paved the way for the pool to be brought back into use for the benefit of the community.

Following a public consultation by East Sussex County Council, Lewes District Council came forward with a proposal for the pool, and both council’s put plans in place to work together to bring the facility back into use. Lewes District Council is now responsible for the operation of the pool with Wave Active running the pool on their behalf.

Lewes District Council has invested £100,000 in Ringmer Pool as part of a £3 million council investment programme in local leisure services and East Sussex County Council has worked with LDC in undertaking the infrastructure works in support of getting the facility re-opened.

Councillor Johnny Denis, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure, said: “Ringmer Pool was initially built thanks to the hard work and fundraising of local people and it’s really exciting to be bringing it back for the whole community.

“I am delighted we stepped in to get the pool up and running again and ensure it stays in operation for the future health, wellbeing and enjoyment of young and old.”

Councillor Nick Bennett, deputy leader at East Sussex County Council, said: “East Sussex County Council has worked in partnership with Lewes District Council in securing the funding to ensure the future of Ringmer Pool for the benefit of the wider community.

“It is great to see the pool back in use and we are very pleased to support the reopening of the facility.”

Duncan Kerr, CEO of Wave Active, said: “This pool is a wonderful asset for people in Ringmer and the surrounding area and I am delighted that very soon we will be welcoming people through its doors again.

“Along with partners, we have been working hard to get the pool ready and really hope many local residents visit regularly to support the pool, their health and enjoy swimming.”

For more information visit waveactive.org.

Reminder: Newhaven town centre revitalisation exhibition

Designs for Newhaven town centre will be on display next week at Marine Workshops.

This is the latest step in Newhaven’s Wayfinding and Public Realm Improvement Scheme, as it continues to revitalise the town by creating a more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant environment for everyone.

The town centre project will help deliver Neighbourhood Plan and Town Investment Plan objectives and has been shaped through engagement with high street traders and members of the community.

Key elements include making the town centre more pedestrian friendly, introducing green spaces with places to rest, lighting upgrades, more planting, sustainable drainage solutions, decluttering public spaces, enhancing key entry points to the town centre.

The exhibition

The exhibition will take place in the Atrium at The Marine Workshops from 10am to 4pm on:

• Thursday 19 June
• Friday 20 June
• Saturday 21 June

The plans will then be on display at Newhaven Library for the remaining part of June.

Newhaven’s Wayfinding and Public Realm Improvement Scheme, funded by UK Government with investment secured by Lewes District Council, is one of twelve projects funded through the Re-imagining Newhaven Investment Programme being completed in 2026.

To find out more, visit: lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/article/3257/Council-unveils-town-centre-revitalisation-plans

The Garden Show Brings Nature-Inspired Art to The Crypt Gallery

This summer, Arts Charity SCIP presents The Garden Show, a three-week botanical arts festival at The Crypt Gallery. The exhibition features a range of floral-themed artworks from artists including Hello Marine, Frances Doherty, Kit Boyd, Lisa Stubbs, and Graham Carter.

Visitors can also take part in free art workshops for all ages, from cyanotype printing to making floral headwear. A highlight of the show is a paper rainforest installation created by SCIP’s youth group with artist Lauren Hayes, filled with handmade tropical plants and animals.

Community-made fungi sculptures will be displayed in the gallery’s medieval undercroft, adding a creative twist to the historic space. The event also includes short films, live art demonstrations, and a kids’ creative corner.

The Garden Show offers a mix of art, hands-on activities, and local engagement, making it a great outing for families and art lovers alike.

For more information, visit www.wearescip.co.uk.

Citizens Advice launches Autism Advice Service with drop-in event

Citizens Advice Lewes District is launching a new Autism Advice Service aimed at supporting autistic adults in ways that suit their needs. To introduce the service, a drop-in session will be held at the Newhaven office on Thursday, 26 June 2025, from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

The event will take place at 15–19 Chapel Street, Newhaven, BN9 9PN, and is open to anyone aged 19 or over who would like to learn more or register for advice. Bookable 30-minute slots are availible to speak with the service’s autism adviser.

To book a slot or request more information, contact [email protected] or leave a message at 01273 120387.

There’s still time to have your say – Devolution and the reorganisation of local government

There’s still time to share your views on a major proposal that could change how services are delivered across East Sussex.

The government wants to reorganise local government so that everyone in East Sussex gets their services from just one council.

This could mean the county council and district and borough councils would be replaced by a single authority. The survey is live until June 23. Find out more at eastsussexcouncils.org