Unsafe pavement still failing wheelchair users
Dear Editor,
Thanks to Bexhill News for printing the struggle of residents and councillors to get the pavement on Hastings Road made safe for mobility scooters and wheelchair users, and able-bodied pedestrians.
Yes, a few bits of soil have been cleared, but this is still nowhere near good enough. Why do half a job? It has been pointed out a number of times, both to Bexhill council and East Sussex Highways, that as well as the soil moving across the pavement, there is also a lot of debris such as broken fence panels, wire fencing hanging low, bricks, a bit of concrete and general rubbish.
Even the soil areas that have been widened are still only just widened enough for mobility devices to pass.
To my knowledge, the area has been inspected five times. Hastings Road was closed overnight a few weeks ago, at that point, the wrong side of the road was cleared and not the area that we have been asking to get done.
It seems impossible to get anyone to look at this area the way mobility scooter and wheelchair users see it, even people pushing baby buggies.
I am on the committee of the Bexhill Rollin Crew, one of our members who is in his 90s, helped clear some of the area a year ago, along with some other residents and councillors, but why should it be left to residents?
Both the council and the highways department have a responsibility for the safety of residents on this matter they are failing miserably.
I would ask to meet the council leader, the highways department and someone from the paper on Hastings Road, and I will explain it all to them, if they are having difficulty understanding the problem.
David Jarvis
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Town of Culture — Or town of concern?
Dear Editor,
I was surprised and shocked that Bexhill is putting in for the Town of Culture award for 2028, due to the fact that even the residents have many complaints regarding the town, let alone visitors.
If we gain that award, what will draw the thousands of visitors in? The extensive potholes on our roads, the graffiti all over the town, the lack of free parking on the sea front, the vacant shop fronts, the lack of hotel accommodation, the state of the public toilets (well, at least the ones that are open now).
The dismal exhibitions in The De La Warr Pavilion will not bring in the visitors, but now, at last, it is being brought up to a reasonable standard, even though the bandstand outside has not been replaced.
Maybe the throng of expected visitors will come to visit the tattoo parlours, the footbridge gallery, or our multitude of charity shops – the choice is endless.
I, for one, hope Bexhill does not achieve the award, which would embarrass our quaint little Town.
Spencer F. Cole
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Cycling for charities
Dear Editor,
It’s time to get those bikes ready to help raise money for St Michael’s Hospice, Hastings Winkle Club and other local good causes.
There are three marshalled routes of 25 miles, 40 miles and 75 miles to choose from and are suitable for family rides. The Castle Cycle Challenge, known as On-Yer-Bike is a fundraising event that takes place on 26th April 2026. Organised by the Rotary Club of Senlac St Leonards with support from The Hastings Winkle Club this year, it has raised nearly £350,000 in the event’s 30+ year history.
The minimum donation is £15 for 25 and 40 mile routes (under 16s may enter the 25 mile route for £5) and £20 for 75 mile route. Personal sponsorship is not necessary to take part but any additional money would be welcome. Registration is either online or in person on the day at The Stade Hall, Hastings from where the ride starts. Full details and application form at www.senlacstleonardsrotary.org.
