Andy Batsford

Apr 10, 2024 | hastingsindependentpress.co.uk | Andy Batsford |Hugh Sullivan

HUGH SULLIVANOn the Hastings Town Deal website, the project entitled Hastings Castle World Heritage Destination is still described as “our flagship signature project for the whole Hastings Town Investment Plan”. The stated aim remains to transform the castle from “a neglected, inaccessible ruin” into “a modern interpretative attraction” targeting 250,000 visitors a year compared to a pre-Covid average of 30,000.

Nov 29, 2023 | hastingsindependentpress.co.uk | Andy Batsford

The immediate future of the swimming pool at Summerfields Leisure Centre has been resolved by the securing of a cash grant of just under £100,000 from Sport England. A total of £20 million has been made available from their Swimming Pool Support Fund to compensate over 100 local authorities for the rise in energy prices and other inflationary costs. The share allocated for expenditure at Summerfields, managed by Freedom Leisure for Hastings Borough Council, is £98,475.

Nov 1, 2023 | hastingsindependentpress.co.uk | Andy Batsford

The East Hill Lift, claimed to be the steepest funicular railway in the country, has reopened following the completion of refurbishment work. The lift closed in October 2022 following an examination of the track. More extensive repairs were needed than originally expected, but it finally returned to full operation last week to catch the October half term break, and from now until next March will continue to open at weekends, 11am to 4pm.

Jul 26, 2023 | hastingsindependentpress.co.uk | Alexandra Park |Andy Batsford |Joe Adams

Six hard courts in Alexandra Park have been renovated by Hastings Borough Council  (HBC) with funds from the Lawn Tennis Association, and will be officially reopened tomorrow (Saturday). In celebration, Break Point tennis, an enterprise led by local coach Joe Adams, will be offering free tutorial sessions throughout the day, with games, competitions, and social events. Rackets and tennis balls will be provided, so anyone can come along and play.