Yet More Filming in Hastings!

Yes, even more filming in Hastings! You may have noticed that there has been filming going on from St Leonards to the Old Town this week? Well, it's for a second series of the television series The Gold (BBC), which is about the infamous 1983 Brinks-Mat gold robbery. Be ready to see even more of Hastings depicted on television...

Rock Fall at White Rock Yesterday

Whilst we were in Rye yesterday (blog) there was a rock fall at White Rock in Hastings! Thankfully no one was hurt, but one resident's home was seriously damaged, and many others have had to/been advised to move out until their homes are ensured safe to return to (Hastings Borough Council website).

Our thoughts are with those involved, trusting you'll all have safe roofs over your head again before the holidays, best wishes!

Many thanks to the BBC for photograph.

Coastal Communities worst off?

A BBC report, by the Social Market Foundation, has found that coastal communities in Britain are "among the country's worst off for earnings, employment, health and education..." Indeed, they found that 85% of coastal local authorities have pay levels below the national average, and Hastings is named among the 10 local authorities in the country to have the highest unemployment rate; see website.

Not really surprising information, particularly noting how Government since 2010 has reduced investment in Hastings annually. Will we get anything helpful out of the Government's latest 'sticking plaster' - the Coastal Communities Fund, or is the Government going to continue reducing funds paid to Hastings? Don't hold your breath!

Holiday Homes for Premium Rate Council Tax?

If you're trying to figure out where these houses are, don't bother, they're not in Hastings (I didn't want to upset anyone by implying their home is a holiday, or second, home). But, to the point, Hastings Borough Council Leader, Peter Chowney, has suggested to BBC Sunday Politics that greater powers may be sought so that a Council Tax 'Premium' may be imposed on house owners who spend little time in their second/holiday homes in Hastings; hence denying local residents from local accommodation, and also, pushing prices up much higher in specific areas of Hastings.  

Go to the BBC website for more information.

Southern: There may be trouble ahead...

Southern Rail workers, members of RMT, have voted to begin a 5-day strike to begin at 17.00 hours on Sunday 12th July, so be careful regarding travel plans, also noting that they have voted to ban overtime that weekend (10th to 12th). 

For more information, see the BBC.   

Pier opening put back to 2016, however...

You may have already seen this on the BBC today, as they were filming here this morning, but the planned official opening of the pier has been put back to the 21st March 2016, mainly due to storm damage last year, although there are going to be events later on this year that will enable access to the pier: see the website for further information.