Eastbourne News
The latest Eastbourne news: planning decisions, council and crime updates, business and community stories, each linked back to its official source.
Top story
Eastbourne Train Cuts to Last Until at Least Mid-October
Southern's weekday off-peak cuts between Eastbourne and London will now run until at least mid-October. What the MP was told, and how to claim money back.
More stories
House prices
Eastbourne House Prices Up £3,999, Biggest Rise Since 2023
The average Eastbourne home reached £254,636 in July, a £3,999 jump and the sharpest monthly rise in three years. Prices are still 13% below their 2022 peak.
Community
Eastbourne Harvest Festival: What to Bring on 4 October
The Mayor's Civic Harvest Festival is at Emmanuel Church at 10.30am on Sunday 4 October. Bring tinned or dried food, or drop it at the Town Hall by 2 October.
Crime
Man Charged After Boy, 13, Stabbed on Eastbourne Seafront
A man of 20 is charged with wounding with intent after a boy of 13 was stabbed on Grand Parade. Four others are bailed and the victim is recovering at home.
Planning
Eastbourne Local Plan: 4,400 homes, 7,330 short of target
The plan builds 4,400 homes by 2042 against a government need of 11,730. All 24 sites named, three added, three dropped. Consultation opens 2 October.
Council
Devonshire Park tennis courts set for long lease to LTA
The council agreed a long-term lease handing six Devonshire Park assets to the LTA. Five groundstaff transfer, and the terms were taken in private.
Council
Eastbourne Carpet Gardens: 69.56% back the new planting
16,014 people answered and 69.56% backed the sustainable planting over Victorian bedding. The council says the new scheme now stays, and the report shows why.
Jobs
Eastbourne claimant count 2,970: the year's rise is men
August's count is 2,970, or 4.9%. Men are up 90 on the year, women just 5, and July has been revised down to 2,955. Devonshire ward is still on 8.6%.
Trains
Eastbourne to London trains cut 9am to 4pm from Monday
No direct Eastbourne to London trains 9am to 4pm on weekdays from Monday 14 September, for about four weeks. Change at Haywards Heath; weekends run as normal.
Business
Auntie Anne's opens at The Beacon today with free pretzels
The pretzel chain opens in The Beacon on Saturday 12 September: a giant pretzel pulling ceremony at 10.45am, then a free pretzel each from 11am to midday.
Council
Eastbourne Borough Council abolition paused by government
The April 2028 merger of Eastbourne into a new East Sussex Council is on hold while ministers review it. May 2027 elections now run on existing boundaries.
Events
Waverley at Eastbourne Pier: sailings 21 and 22 September
The world's last seagoing paddle steamer calls at Eastbourne Pier on 21 and 22 September: an evening Beachy Head cruise, then a full day to the Solent.
Business
Eastbourne's 67 New Companies in August, Down From 107
Companies House recorded 67 new Eastbourne companies in August, down from July's 107. A wine bar, a chicken shop and a barbers are among the plans on paper.
Housing
Eastbourne rough sleeping: £1.5m award to expand support
Eastbourne Borough Council has won more than £1.5m over three years for work on rough sleeping. Last autumn's official count found 29 people on the streets.
Community
Eastbourne Crematorium open day: 9 September, no booking
Eastbourne Crematorium opens its doors on Wednesday 9 September, 11am to 3pm: behind-the-scenes tours, talks on funeral costs and direct cremation, free entry.
Council
Carpet Gardens survey ends 31 Aug: bedding costs £803k more
Carpet Gardens vote ends Sunday 31 August at 5pm. Council figures put traditional bedding at £1.06m over ten years against £257,000 for the new planting.
Housing
Old Orchard Road court site: 30 council flats by autumn 2028
Trinity Homes has started work on the former magistrates court site in Eastbourne town centre: 30 flats for social rent, car free, finished by autumn 2028.
Jobs
Eastbourne claimant count hits 2,985, highest since March
July's count rose for a second month to 2,985, 4.9% of working-age residents. Devonshire ward is on 8.8%, yet Eastbourne's annual rise is East Sussex's mildest.
Business
Eastbourne Business Awards 2026: 88 firms on the shortlist
Sussex Footcare and Experience It Now Travel are shortlisted in five categories each. The full finalist list by category, and the 30 September ticket deadline.
House prices
Eastbourne house prices down £9,629 as Lewes and Rother rise
The average Eastbourne home sold for £251,811 in June, down 3.7% on the year. Only Hastings fell faster in East Sussex, and the neighbours are ranked below.
Towner
Towner Eastbourne names Martin Clark as new director
Martin Clark leaves Camden Art Centre to run Towner from January 2027, arriving as work begins at Black Robin Farm. What the appointment means for Eastbourne.
Schools
Eastbourne A-level results 2026: what each college published
East Sussex College reports 110 students at A or A*, Eastbourne College one in five on straight A*s. Plus the 20 August deadline to challenge a grade.
Schools
Eastbourne Ofsted report cards 2026: how 4 schools rated
Ratton, Parkland Infant, The Haven and Shinewater met or beat the expected standard in every area, with safeguarding met at all four. What the new grades mean.
Airbourne
Airbourne 2026 line-up and timetable: who flies when
Eastbourne Airshow 2027 dates are not announced yet; the 2026 dates came on 2 October 2025. Plus the full 2026 line-up, Sunday times and why fireworks were cut.
Jobs
Eastbourne claimant count: 2,985 in June, Devonshire 8.7%
2,985 people in Eastbourne claimed unemployment-related benefits in June, 4.9% of working-age residents; Devonshire ward's 8.7% is the borough's highest rate.