Charles Pring

Rupert Taylor, a self-employed carpenter from Hassocks, said he became suicidal and suffered serious stress after the Child Maintenance Service pursued him for arrears he believed he had already paid. Following a temporary loss of income, he reduced his direct debit to 10 pence, missed three instalments while trying to contact the CMS, and then paid the missed amounts directly to his former partner. The CMS nevertheless requested extensive bank records and continued sending arrears notices, which Taylor said contained contradictory information and missed deadlines. His case was resolved after MP Alison Bennett intervened; the CMS confirmed on July 29 that he owed nothing and issued a revised payment plan. Campaigners and media investigations have raised broader concerns about the emotional and financial impact of CMS errors, while the Department for Work and Pensions defended the agency's procedures and said it handles 810,000 cases.

The British Heart Foundation will close its Furniture and Electrical Store at 95–97 London Road in Brighton on September 19, after operating there since 2016. The charity attributed the decision to the premises becoming available for lease, thanked local customers, donors and volunteers, and said it will continue running other shops in Brighton. The store sold donated furniture, household goods and electrical items while raising money for heart and circulatory disease research.

Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue has applied to Brighton and Hove City Council to replace and install CCTV cameras at its Palmeira Avenue premises in Hove, saying its existing security arrangements are inadequate. The application cites Community Security Trust advice and a rise in antisemitic incidents since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. The application was validated on August 14 and remains open for public consultation until September 11.

Gina Harvey, a 66-year-old Romany Gypsy woman living alone in a council bungalow in Barcombe, East Sussex, says racist abuse and harassment culminated in the words “Pikey Scum” being painted on her home. She reports years of verbal abuse and a previous physical assault, leaving her fearful, distressed and seeking rehousing. Sussex Police are investigating. Lewes District Council says it is liaising with police, supporting Harvey and assessing her housing application, while stating that previous inspections found no evidence of subsidence; further inspections have been delayed because access was not provided. Harvey also remains concerned about cracks, possible asbestos and the safety of the property.

Hastings has been identified by property intelligence platform Crystal Roof as having the highest overall crime rate among the South East’s 64 local authority districts, with 12,544 offences recorded over the 12 months to June 2026, equivalent to 127 per 1,000 people in the study’s at-risk population. Violence and sexual offences were the most common category, followed by anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. Castle ward had the highest rate within the Hastings and St Leonards district, while St Helens was the safest. Despite ranking first in the region, Hastings’ rate was below its 2011 peak of 161 offences per 1,000 people.

Brighton's Booth Museum of Natural History, closed since April 2025 for refurbishment, is scheduled to reopen in February 2027. Additional funding from the Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund has extended the closure but will support redesigned central galleries focused on climate, habitats and biodiversity, as well as the permanent display of more collection items. The reopening coincides with the 150th anniversary of Edward Thomas Booth's first public bird-diorama display. Behind-the-scenes tours are planned for October, with tickets priced at £15.

An independent Ibex Gale review of the general surgery department at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust found serious concerns about bullying, harassment, racism, sexism, staff wellbeing, leadership, and the safety of speaking up. Staff reported chronic exhaustion, fear of retaliation, disproportionate influence by a small group of senior consultants, and long-standing failures to address complaints, with particularly severe disparities reported by Asian and Black staff. Former employees linked their departures to an unsustainable workplace culture. The Trust’s chief medical officer, Simon Merritt, rejected discrimination as acceptable, said investigations and support measures were underway, and promised public updates on actions and progress within six months.

Students at Patcham High School in Brighton celebrated their 2026 GCSE results, with many expressing joy and relief after opening their envelopes in person. Habib Alaqad achieved eight grade 9s, while other pupils described their results and plans for further study, including medicine, criminology, psychology, photography and mathematics. Headteacher John McKee and assistant headteacher Ruth Astley praised the students' resilience, the school's relationships with pupils and the role of staff and families in supporting their achievements. Clay Mowicki was disappointed with some grades but planned to retake two subjects.

An 87-year-old resident, Sandra Staples, says the rear churchyard beside her Buxted home has been overgrown for about five years, with brambles spreading into her garden and the condition showing insufficient respect for those buried there. The parish says volunteers recently cleared the more frequently used southern section and path, while the rear area remains difficult to maintain because St Mary's has a small ageing congregation and precarious finances. Church warden J. Martin Thorndike Shaw says the rear churchyard may be cleared next year and suggests that Staples could fund professional work if she wants it tackled sooner. The parish also argues that controlled vegetation benefits local wildlife.

Three members of the same family—a man, a woman and a teenage girl—died after four people entered the water near Shoreham Fort and got into difficulty. A younger girl remains in critical condition in hospital. Sussex Police, the Coastguard, the RNLI and ambulance services mounted a major rescue response, and authorities confirmed that no one else was missing. The investigation, code-named Operation North, is continuing.

Emergency services responded to reports of four people in difficulty in the water near Shoreham Fort at Shoreham Harbour shortly before 3pm on August 18. HM Coastguard deployed a helicopter and rescue teams, Shoreham RNLI sent a lifeboat, and Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service attended. A section of the A259 was closed while the operation continued, but the condition of the four people had not been confirmed.

A Billingshurst mother said she was horrified to learn that convicted sex offender Reginald Chan had worked at the local Lidl between 2022 and 2024 and had interacted with her young daughter. Chan was later jailed for five and a half years for sexual offences against a child, possession of indecent and prohibited images, voyeurism, exposure and breaches of a Sexual Risk Order. Sussex Police said his bail conditions prohibited unsupervised contact with children but that his employment did not breach those conditions, while Lidl said it had not been notified of the charges or order and removed him from employment immediately after learning of the offences.

The Kingdom of Loxwood Joust in West Sussex is reviewed as an immersive open-world festival combining jousting, theatrical characters, quests, music, markets, food and camping rather than strict historical recreation. Highlights included the jousting, Meat Grinder battle, birds of prey display, archery, questing, woodland performances by Trobar de Morte and an energetic evening concert by The Captain’s Beard. The festival’s friendly communal atmosphere and playful escapism are identified as its greatest strengths, making it an appealing experience for both families during the day and campers seeking livelier entertainment at night.

Two 68-year-old pedestrians were seriously injured in a collision involving a van and three pedestrians in Rye, East Sussex. A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and causing injury by dangerous driving and remained in custody. Police, ambulance and fire crews attended, the road was temporarily closed, and investigators appealed for witnesses and CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage.

Sompting Abbotts School near Worthing, West Sussex, has entered administration after closing suddenly earlier in the year. Moorfields Advisory appointed Andy Pear and Richard Keley as joint administrators on 13 August and is assessing options for creditors and other stakeholders. Hilco Global has been hired to market the historic private school for sale. The administrators cited rising employment, pension, estate and other operating costs, inflation, demographic changes, competition and the added pressure of VAT on private school fees, while cautioning that individual insolvencies cannot be attributed to one factor alone.

Recovery crews and railway engineers continued working near Lewes after a Southern train derailed, overturning three carriages and injuring passengers. Twenty people were taken to hospital, including two with serious injuries, while all passengers were evacuated safely. British Transport Police, Network Rail and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch are investigating, but no cause has been established. The line between Lewes and Haywards Heath remained closed, with major disruption and replacement bus services expected while repairs and examinations continued.

Brighton and Hove City Council has warned that only one ice cream van is licensed to trade on the seafront, at Black Rock near Volk’s Railway station. Other vans operating along Brighton and Hove’s promenades and seafront roads may face enforcement action. Councillor Joy Robinson said limited staffing was making enforcement difficult and urged residents to report suspected unlicensed traders to Trading Standards with vehicle details and photographs.

David Morten, 42, of no fixed address, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison at Lewes Crown Court after pleading guilty to 11 non-domestic burglaries, two attempted burglaries and two shop thefts in Hastings. The offences occurred between April 8 and April 15 and were investigated by Sussex Police teams following reports from local businesses. Detective Sergeant Jake O'Reilly said the sentence reflected the seriousness of the crimes and their impact on businesses and the wider community.

Hastings Borough Council has temporarily switched off the Breed's Place and Millstone public fountains after East Sussex was declared to be in drought. The council said extreme heat causes rapid evaporation, while strong winds can carry water away, increasing consumption. The duration of the shutdown has not been specified, but the measure is intended to support wider water-conservation efforts.

The review finds Christopher Nolan's Odyssey visually impressive and largely faithful to Homer, with exciting depictions of iconic episodes and an intriguing connection between the Trojan War, the Sea Peoples and the Late Bronze Age Collapse. However, it argues that the film sacrifices character development, emotional depth and poetic dialogue in order to fit the epic into a single movie. Penelope, Telemachus, Calypso and Agamemnon are criticized as shallow, while important Homeric characters and episodes are omitted. Despite these shortcomings, the film is credited with stimulating renewed interest in classical literature and cinema.

Brighton and Hove City Council has approved plans to renovate the vacant former Argos at 157–163 Western Road, which has been empty since 2020. Moretons Investments will replace the existing frontage with double-glazed shopfront windows and a slimmer fascia, removing the oversized Argos signage and restoring proportions closer to the building’s 1920s appearance. The locally listed building, originally constructed for Boots in 1927–28, will remain in commercial use, with the improvements intended to attract a new tenant and enhance the historic shopping quarter.

The Telegraph praises Brighton and Hove’s seafront regeneration, arguing that new parks, cafés, restaurants, leisure facilities and restored historic spaces are helping the city recover from years of decline. West Hove is likened to Venice Beach in Los Angeles, while projects around Madeira Terrace, Sea Lanes and Black Rock are described as bringing renewed energy to the eastern seafront. Funding for Madeira Terrace restoration and the opening of additional facilities are cited as evidence that Brighton is on course to regain its former glory.

Eighty-two-year-old Ian Scott has been unable to leave his first-floor flat at Sandringham Lodge in Hove since the building's lift broke down in March. Living with Parkinson's, he says the isolation has worsened his health and forced him to cancel hospital appointments. His 94-year-old partner, Ron Williams, can use the stairs only with assistance. The couple blame managing agent Austin Rees for delays in repairing the lift and installing a promised handrail. Austin Rees apologises, says contractors reached conflicting conclusions about the fault, and reports that an independent specialist has now assessed the lift while work to restore it is being arranged.

The Yellow Book bar in Brighton has banned customers from wearing Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, citing privacy and safety concerns over discreet filming and recording. The venue said anyone wearing the devices would be asked to remove them before entry. Meta says the glasses include privacy safeguards such as a recording indicator light and has taken action against harassment involving the devices. The ban has drawn widespread support online and comes amid broader debate about wearable technology in public spaces.

KFC is preparing to open a new restaurant in the former Pizza Hut unit at Brighton Marina. Brighton and Hove City Council has received an application for illuminated and non-illuminated KFC signage at Unit 49, while KFC has created an online restaurant listing and begun recruiting staff for a planned summer 2026 opening. The proposal would substantially rebrand the building and add another major fast-food operator to the marina’s leisure and dining offer.

Sixteen objections have been submitted against revised plans for a three-storey office block at 106–112 Davigdor Road in Hove. Residents say the development would block light and views, restrict access, overdevelop a cramped site and worsen pedestrian safety. They argue that nearby housing was occupied only after the original planning permission was granted in 2022 and that buyers should have been told more about the proposal. Applicant Nicolaudie UK Limited plans to use the offices as its UK headquarters, while Oakley Property says it disclosed all information available during sales. The consultation on application BH2026/01622 is open until August 13.

Sarah Willingham, owner of Brighton i360 through hospitality group Nightcap, said Brighton should be proud of the 162-metre observation tower as it marked its tenth anniversary. She praised the city for backing the controversial project, opposed dismantling it, and said recent events including football screenings and Pride gatherings have helped reactivate the seafront site. Willingham thanked staff, residents and tourists for supporting the attraction’s new chapter.

A man in his 20s from Thakeham died after sustaining serious injuries in a single-vehicle collision on the B2139 Storrington Road, south of Thakeham, West Sussex. The crash occurred at about 4pm on Sunday, August 2, and the road was closed for several hours while emergency services and investigators attended. Sussex Police are seeking witnesses and relevant CCTV, dashcam or mobile-phone footage under Operation Kale.

Francis Carter, a 71-year-old double murderer who served 25 years in Australia, is due to be released from a UK prison within weeks after serving less than half of an 18-month sentence for assaulting his former partner. Lewes Crown Court heard that he punched, choked and seriously frightened the woman, leaving blood throughout his home. The judge said Carter’s history of murder and explosive violence meant he remained a risk to the public, although that risk had been reduced. Australian authorities will not accept his return. Carter will be subject to a seven-year restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim and imposing exclusion zones.

A group of travellers arrived with caravans at fields beside Downs Leisure Centre in Seaford on August 4. Sussex Police, East Sussex County Council and Wave Leisure Trust were contacted, but it was not yet known whether the encampment would affect leisure-centre activities.

Sussex Police are appealing for Mohammed Rasauli, 22, to come forward with information about a fatal collision at the junction of Poling Street and the A27 Arundel Road. Amber Street, a 20-year-old hairdresser from Pagham, died in the crash on July 15. Her family described her as hardworking, talented and generous, while Detective Inspector Kani Barawi urged Rasauli and anyone who knows his whereabouts to contact police, quoting Operation Stanbridge.

Brighton's British Airways i360, conceived as a vertical replacement for the fire-damaged West Pier, was built with substantial public borrowing after visitor projections proved badly overstated. The attraction defaulted in 2022, entered administration in 2024 and left Brighton and Hove taxpayers facing a large residual government loan after the council wrote off its debt to facilitate a sale. Sarah Willingham and Michael Toxvaerd bought the business for £150,000 in February 2025, reopened it with discounted local tickets and new hospitality offerings, and committed further investment. Its future depends on Nightcap's stewardship, community support and whether the attraction can become financially self-sustaining while remaining a distinctive part of Brighton's seafront.

Residents living around St Ann’s Well Gardens in Hove oppose plans for 15 eight-metre floodlight columns at St Ann’s Tennis, warning that year-round lighting could disturb bedrooms, wildlife and the park’s dark-sky character. Goldsmid ward councillors also object, citing light pollution and inadequate consultation. The tennis club argues that floodlights would support growing participation, winter activity, safety and community wellbeing, and says amended designs would minimize light spill. Planning officer Steven Dover recommends approval, subject to lights operating only between 4pm and 9pm, although residents say this would allow use every day of the year rather than only during winter evenings. The application has attracted 63 objections and 54 supporting comments and is due before Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee.

Hove resident Sean Isabel missed renewing his Zone N parking permit by a few days after a reminder email was filtered as spam. Because a waiting list of more than 400 applicants is now operating, he cannot immediately renew and must either pay for short-term parking or leave his car about 20 minutes from home, creating difficulties for commuting, childcare and emergencies. Brighton and Hove City Council says residents receive email and text reminders, offers a seven-day grace period against penalty notices, and is reviewing capacity in Zone N, but says demand exceeds available parking and permits cannot be reinstated while the waiting list is active.

Clare Cheetham said Sainsbury's failed to deliver a bespoke Occasions catering order for her 70th birthday party, despite confirming the delivery slot. After repeated unsuccessful calls, the order was reportedly cancelled, but her husband later found some of it stored in a Worthing branch fridge, with several items damaged. Sainsbury's apologised after The Argus made an enquiry, issued a full refund and offered compensation.

Plans by Brighton-based Toasty CIC for a temporary beachfront sauna complex west of Lex’s Café on Hove beach have received 16 public letters of support. The proposal includes two saunas, changing rooms, showers, cold plunges and communal facilities for up to 18 users, alongside wellness sessions and accessible community events. The lightweight structure would have no permanent foundations and would be removable, preserving the beach’s open character and sea views. Brighton and Hove City Council is accepting feedback on the application until August 12.

Eastbourne has been ranked the second-worst UK area for noisy-neighbour disputes, recording 184 average monthly Google searches per 100,000 people, behind Worcester’s 204. The Decibel study analysed noise-related search terms across 78 areas, finding that Eastbourne residents were particularly interested in the law concerning noise after 11pm and how to make complaints. Councils can investigate excessive night-time disturbances between 11pm and 7am, with persistent offenders potentially facing fines or seizure of noise-making equipment. Decibel founder Tsvetan Nedkov suggested that coastal towns may experience more disputes because of holiday accommodation and transient visitors. Separate research found East Sussex had the highest county-level rate of noise complaints in the UK.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds played their only UK show of the year to 50,000 people at Brighton's Preston Park, presenting a four-decade set shaped by Cave's long connection to the city. Cave displayed notable physical energy and connected directly with the audience, while songs including “Red Right Hand,” “Hollywood” and “Into My Arms” stood out. Kylie Minogue's appearance for “Where the Wild Roses Grow” drew the loudest response, suggesting some attendees were attracted more by the homecoming occasion than Cave's music. The review praises Cave as a lyricist and performer but questions the strength of his melodies, grooves and harmonies, concluding that the event was historically significant for Brighton even if it may not have been his finest performance.

The Argus has launched a fully digitised, searchable archive containing more than 1.14 million newspaper pages. Paid digital subscribers receive access to the archive, which includes historical news, family announcements and tools for saving clippings. The partnership with Newspapers.com is promoted by editor Arron Hendy as a way to preserve and share local history, while examples from 1986, 1996 and 2006 demonstrate the archive’s historical content.

The Bluebell Railway has suspended all steam locomotive services until further notice because prolonged dry weather has created an elevated risk of lineside fires. Services, including dining and supper trains, will continue with heritage diesel locomotives while the railway reviews conditions daily with relevant authorities. The decision follows major wildfires in Sussex and warnings from fire services and Natural England, with steam operations to resume once conditions are considered safe.

Sea-view property asking prices in Littlehampton and Worthing have risen sharply since 2019, according to Rightmove research. Littlehampton prices increased 32% to £501,813, placing it fourth nationally, while Worthing prices rose 27% to £469,283, ranking seventh. The increases outpaced the broader South East market, despite the region remaining the UK's most expensive for sea-view homes. Rightmove attributes the growth to rising demand for coastal lifestyles and the premium buyers place on sea views.

Nick Cave performed a surprise four-song set from the balcony of Brighton record shop Resident on the morning of July 31, drawing a large crowd that filled the narrow Kensington Gardens lane. He played “Long Train Suffering,” “Cosmic Dancer,” “Henry Lee” and “Papa Won't Leave You, Henry.” The performance preceded a sold-out Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds concert at Preston Park, the band's only UK date of 2026.

The Loxwood Joust will take place at Loxwood Meadow in Billingshurst, West Sussex, across three weekends from August 1 to August 16, 2026. The medieval-themed festival will feature jousting, live music, dancing, traditional games, birds of prey displays, quests, a masquerade celebrating Queen Helena and Prince Peatre’s first wedding anniversary, and hands-on activities including archery, sword training and blacksmithing. New offerings include luxury bell-tent camping, evening entertainment on all three nights and shuttle routes from Horsham and Guildford. Day tickets start at £7, weekend passes at £50, and camping and pitches range from £50 to £420.

A fire broke out in the roof space of a top-floor flat on Hollingdean Terrace in Brighton during the early hours of July 30. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service deployed up to six appliances, evacuated nearby properties and isolated the building’s electricity supply. All occupants were accounted for, though one man was treated in hospital for smoke inhalation. The fire was extinguished by about 4:30am, with crews remaining to damp down hot spots; its cause had not been established.

Brighton resident Mariano Bovenzi said he bit into a metal screw while eating focaccia bought from Infinity Foods in North Laine, causing pain for about a week and ongoing anxiety about eating prepared food. He reported the incident to the council’s Environmental Health department, but said officials could not proceed without both the focaccia and the screw. Infinity Foods apologised, refunded him and conducted an investigation covering its machinery, preparation and storage areas, production processes, and suppliers’ sieving and metal-detection procedures. The business called the incident isolated and said the screw’s origin remained undetermined; communication ended after Bovenzi said he would consider legal action.

Planning permission has been sought to convert Seadragon Backpackers on Waterloo Street in Hove from a short-stay hostel into a small house in multiple occupation for six university students. Applicant Karen Ashton’s proposal would replace tourist accommodation with longer-term student housing amid high demand for shared accommodation. The application is subject to Brighton and Hove’s Article 4 restrictions, HMO clustering thresholds and licensing requirements, and is currently open for public consultation under reference BH2026/01349.

Plans have been submitted to demolish a 1930s house on Roedean Crescent in Brighton and replace it with a three-storey, five-bedroom modern home featuring a swimming pool, two-car garage, car turntable and extensive landscaping. The proposal includes excavation for a lower-ground floor and has been designed to address privacy, views and the potential impact on archaeological remains in an area with prehistoric, Iron Age and Roman evidence. Public consultation on application BH2026/01625 is open until August 17.

Brighton resident Beth Hemsley says EE repeatedly renewed a mobile phone contract opened in her name in 2014, despite her alleged instructions in 2023 to stop it. The dispute resulted in eight missed payments on her credit report, debt-collection activity and thousands of pounds in legal costs, threatening her ability to rent or buy a home. EE, through DWF Law LLP, denies receiving instructions not to renew the contract and relies on electronic account records rather than a signed renewed agreement. Moorcroft later stopped pursuing the debt after the dispute reached an impasse, while EE’s solicitors said that this did not constitute an admission that the debt was wrongly pursued.

The Garden Bar on Portland Road in Hove has become a free house after Abiru Ltd managing director Peter Wilson secured the freehold, ending almost a century of brewery or major pub company restrictions. Financing arranged by Christie Finance enabled the purchase, giving the pub greater control over its drinks suppliers, pricing and stock. The venue, which has operated at the site for more than 20 years, has also undergone refurbishment and hosts quiz nights, live sports, music, weddings and other events. Its owners credited staff and loyal customers with helping it withstand the pandemic, recession and inflation, and said independence would allow the pub to focus on its local community.

A man died after getting into difficulty in the sea at West Wittering beach on July 26. Two men were pulled from the water and treated by emergency services; one was pronounced dead at the scene and the other was taken to hospital as a precaution. Sussex Police said the men were not believed to know each other, next of kin had been informed, and the circumstances had been referred to the coroner.

A 46-year-old man was found dead in a car park on Haywards Heath Road near North Chailey on the night of July 25. Emergency services attended, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Sussex Police are investigating, have informed his next of kin, and said the death is not currently being treated as suspicious; a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.

Worthing’s Lions Summer Festival brought large crowds to the seafront and Steyne Gardens for a weekend of classic cars, vintage vehicles, markets, entertainment, fairground rides and fireworks. Organized by Worthing Lions with support from Worthing Town Centre BID, the event also raised funds for local charities, youth groups and community projects. Volunteers said the festival remains one of the town’s best-attended free events, with Worthing Lions having donated more than £720,000 to local causes over the past 33 years.

A group of Travellers formed an unauthorised caravan encampment at Burndell Recreation Ground in Yapton. Parish council chair Amanda Worne visited with police and issued a verbal eviction notice; the group reportedly said it intended to leave by July 28, when the car park is scheduled to close for drainage work. West Sussex County Council can issue a written notice and seek a court eviction order if welfare, tidiness, access or disruption assessments support enforcement. Worne said the encounter was civilised and asked the group to keep the site clean and avoid lighting fires on the grass.

The 36-metre Sky Club Wheel on Eastbourne seafront has closed permanently weeks earlier than scheduled. It was expected to operate until September 6, but organisers apologised to visitors and said they had been forced to close early without explaining why. The attraction, located beside the Redoubt, had been promoted as a popular feature supporting businesses and tourism east of the pier.

Peter Phillips, 61, of Brighton, was sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to raping and sexually assaulting a vulnerable 34-year-old woman. Police said he groomed her with money and drugs, encouraged her to consume alcohol and drugs at a festival, and then subjected her to a violent sexual assault in a hotel. He must serve at least nine years and six months before becoming eligible for parole. The judge described Phillips as a predatory and manipulative offender, while Sussex Police urged anyone else affected by his behaviour to come forward.

Temporary lane closures on Brighton’s Grand Junction Road A259 are being introduced as Britannia Hotels prepares to demolish Clive House, part of the fire-damaged Royal Albion Hotel complex. The demolition follows structural assessments identifying continued deterioration and is intended to improve site stability and create a fire escape route, supporting the eventual reopening of the main hotel building. The Royal Albion was severely damaged by a July 2023 fire, which investigators attributed most likely to a discarded cigarette. Britannia is also proposing to restore the Grade II* listed eastern wing, bringing 101 rooms back into use and adding a public bar and terrace, while developing plans for a new western hotel building in consultation with Brighton and Hove City Council, Historic England and design-review officials.

A woman covered in bright orange spray paint was involved in a confrontation outside Ten Tonne Tattoos on Bond Street in Brighton. She was reportedly seen holding a spray-paint can and tattoo stencil after orange paint was sprayed onto the parlour's mural. Two women argued as crowds gathered, while Brilliant Brighton city-centre ambassadors tried to calm the situation. Tattoo artist Michael Iaciofano said the mural, which he had paid an artist to create, was being vandalised. The distressed woman later left the area toward North Street.

Sussex Police are investigating the sexual assault of a teenage girl in a field near Edinburgh Road in St Leonards-on-Sea on July 20. The suspect allegedly grabbed and touched the victim before fleeing towards Filsham Road. Police released an e-fit and appealed for witnesses, CCTV and doorbell footage, asking anyone with information to contact them under Operation Radstone.

A 41-year-old woman from Hastings suffered facial injuries after being assaulted by a group of three people on Havelock Road at around 4am on July 5. She was treated at hospital. Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone near the taxi rank who saw the incident or captured relevant footage, and provided crime reference 47260159775.

A legal challenge was brought by Crowborough Shield arguing the Home Office acted unlawfully in approving the use of a former military camp in East Sussex to house asylum seekers, citing a lack of transparency and misuse of emergency planning powers. The Home Office rejected claims of secrecy and defended the decision as a necessary policy response to severe pressures on the asylum accommodation system. The case, heard by Mr Justice Mould, follows a previous dismissed challenge but concerns the Government’s formal January approval of the site’s use.

Sussex has been classified as experiencing prolonged dry weather after months of low rainfall and high temperatures, bringing it close to full drought status. The Environment Agency warns that large areas of England are affected and urges reduced water use as pressure rises on rivers and reservoirs, including impacts on the Cuckmere River and Arlington Reservoir. South East Water will introduce temporary use bans across several counties, while officials monitor conditions and enforce drought plans. A regional water‑saving campaign encourages households to reduce consumption to ease environmental strain.

Lewes MP James MacCleary and Newhaven Port & Properties urge the public not to break into Newhaven’s long‑closed West Beach, citing safety risks related to its location within an operational harbour. Recent unlawful entries, including forced gates and gatherings on the sand, prompted renewed warnings. MacCleary supports residents’ frustration but stresses breaking in cannot be condoned and continues pushing legislation to establish a legal right of public access, though the bill stalled after Parliament was prorogued. The port maintains it remains open to discussions about safe and sustainable access options.

A large wildfire broke out at Abbots Wood in Arlington, prompting East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to deploy multiple crews and vehicles, including 4x4 units, a water carrier and later a high-volume pump. Authorities asked the public to avoid the area as firefighters worked through the evening to contain flames across a stretch of gorse and woodland, supported by police, forestry officials and local farmers.

Brighton and Hove City Council has approved plans to convert a vacant former vape shop on Western Road into a fried chicken takeaway operated by Savour Station Ltd. The proposal includes measures to mitigate noise and odour, including a new extraction system and anti-vibration fittings, due to residential flats above the site. Opening hours were set to close at 11pm following recommendations from Sussex Police and environmental officers.

A Hove man suffering from a strangulated hernia reported being left in his own waste and ignored while seeking care in the Royal Sussex County Hospital’s A&E department. After repeated unanswered pleas for assistance, he attempted to reach the toilet unaided despite severe pain. He later received appropriate treatment in the Acute Medical Unit and underwent surgery, but the earlier experience left him distressed and fearful of returning. The hospital trust issued an apology, acknowledged shortcomings, and committed to reviewing procedures and improving care standards.

A Subway branch in Crawley received a one-out-of-five food hygiene rating following an inspection by West Sussex food safety officers. While food handling was rated very good, the outlet scored poorly for cleanliness, facility condition, and food safety management. The Food Standards Agency’s rating places the shop in the major improvement necessary category, well below typical standards for national chains. Subway has been contacted for comment.

Emergency services carried out a major search and rescue operation near Brighton Palace Pier late in the evening, involving police, coastguard crews, a search boat and a helicopter. Numerous vehicles were stationed along Kings Road, and officers were seen coordinating the response. Authorities have been contacted for further information.

Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare will close its aviaries and restructure operations after consecutive annual deficits exceeding £1 million, driven by rising costs and increased demand for animal intake. Despite public opposition and a petition supported by Dame Judi Dench, the charity will move forward with a phased, welfare‑led transition without a fixed closure date. The changes include rehoming aviary birds and fowl, creating a new Animal Welfare Support Team, and implementing staff role changes, including some job losses. The charity continues to face financial pressure as it operates at capacity and maintains its 43‑acre visitor site.

A 38-year-old Hastings man, Bradley Bailey, received a two-year eight-month prison sentence at Lewes Crown Court after admitting seven business burglaries and two shop thefts committed in Bexhill town centre between March 7 and June 6. Identified through neighbourhood and burglary team enquiries, he was arrested on June 8 and later admitted all charges at Brighton Magistrates’ Court. Sussex Police highlighted the impact of business burglaries on traders and stressed continued efforts to identify offenders and support affected businesses.

A lorry overturned at the A23 and A27 roundabout in Brighton, spilling construction waste and causing temporary road closures. Emergency services responded shortly after 3pm, with a driver treated for minor injuries. Two cranes later attempted to lift the vehicle. Police confirmed no arrests and are continuing investigations, urging anyone with relevant footage to come forward.

Two Brighton-area men, Daniel Askari and Christo Ntonta, were charged after Sussex Police executed warrants at three properties, seizing false identification documents, electronics, paperwork and cash. Askari faces multiple charges including involvement in an organised crime group, drug production and supply offences, and handling criminal property. Ntonta is charged with participating in an organised crime group, conspiring to produce cannabis, and possessing an offensive weapon. A third man arrested at another premises was released on bail. Askari and Ntonta were initially remanded but later released on bail pending a hearing on August 6.

Emergency services responded to a medical incident involving a two-year-old child at a property on Ash Walk in Newhaven. Police and ambulance crews temporarily blocked access to the road while attending the scene. The child was taken to hospital and remains there, according to Sussex Police.

Orlando Weeks reflects on The Maccabees’ early years in Brighton, describing formative gigs, the city’s music scene, and their connection to local venues as the band prepares to headline the On The Beach festival. He recounts student memories, early press support, and career milestones while highlighting the upcoming lineup and the significance of returning to Brighton for a major show.

Two paddleboarders were rescued off Brighton after drifting out to sea on June 22, prompting the RNLI to renew safety warnings. Jake Patten used his mobile phone to call for help before a volunteer lifeboat crew located and returned the pair to shore. RNLI helm Phil Jones emphasised risks from offshore winds and changing conditions and urged paddleboarders to check weather and tides, wear flotation devices, and carry a way to call for help. The organisation issued additional safety advice for the summer season.

A Horsham couple won £1 million in the EuroMillions UK Millionaire Maker draw after months of caring for their infant son following cleft lip and palate surgery. The win enables the family to plan a long‑hoped‑for trip to Disneyland Paris and purchase a new home and car. Their daughter is praised for her resilience during a difficult period, and the family expresses disbelief and gratitude over the fortunate break.

West Hove Golf Club denied planning a mass pigeon cull after a social media post prompted strong public reaction from animal lovers and activists. The club acknowledged it had consulted a pest control company, which suggested lethal methods, but said it ultimately chose non-lethal options following public feedback. Local residents expressed concern and argued for compassionate treatment of pigeons, while the club stated it was addressing health and maintenance issues caused by the birds and would continue seeking a responsible and sustainable solution.

Brighton and Hove ranks first in the UK for the number of spas and yoga or Pilates studios per capita, according to research by Hot Spring Spas Australasia using Tripadvisor data. The city places third overall in a broader wellness index behind York and Oxford, which score highly for parks and landmarks. The study evaluates amenities such as spas, parks, libraries, studios and landmarks per 100,000 residents. Aaron Sampson of Hot Spring Spas highlights the mental‑health benefits of access to outdoor spaces. Stoke‑on‑Trent ranks lowest in the wellness index.

A Brighton and Hove 3X bus crashed into the Fossick Wares shopfront on Trafalgar Street after colliding with a taxi and another vehicle, causing damage but no injuries. Emergency services briefly closed the road while passengers were evacuated and the bus was removed. Local witnesses described frequent near misses at the narrow junction, noting a similar crash had occurred previously. Sussex Police confirmed the incident as damage-only, and the bus company said it would review the route and caution drivers to take extra care on the corner.

Brighton and Hove City Council charges £102 annually for garden waste collection, ranking fifth most expensive in the UK according to research by Divert. The South East is the costliest region for these services, with several Sussex councils appearing in the top ten. Comparative fees show wide regional variation, with Northern Ireland the least expensive. An expert from Divert notes significant disparities faced by residents and highlights alternatives such as composting or using recycling centres for small amounts of waste.