Savannah Nicholson

Roebuck Estates vineyard near Tillington is praised for its scenic South Downs views, blanc de noirs and rosé de noir wines, and its weekend wine bar and vineyard tours. The review then recommends the nearby Horse Guards Inn for seasonal, locally sourced food and welcoming service, while noting that a hake dish was served lukewarm. Together, the vineyard and pub are presented as an excellent Sussex food-and-drink day out.

Food-allergy awareness and dining safety in Sussex have improved since Natasha’s Law took effect in 2021, requiring clearer allergen information for pre-packaged food and better access to allergen details in hospitality businesses. The piece explains the distinctions between coeliac disease, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy, while stressing the risks of cross-contamination and the importance of medical testing before eliminating foods. Brighton and surrounding Sussex are portrayed as particularly accommodating to gluten-free diners, with restaurants such as Tutto and Sabai Thai Elephant providing suitable options. Diners and restaurants are urged to treat allergies and intolerances seriously and avoid dismissive advice.

A Southern train travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne derailed near Lewes station on August 13, prompting a major incident declaration. All passengers were evacuated after three carriages overturned. Two people sustained serious injuries and nine others suffered less serious injuries; some were taken to hospital, while other passengers were supported at a local community centre. British Transport Police, Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and ambulance teams continued a complex multi-agency response, with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch working to establish the cause.

Residents and local police community support officers say conditions in Brighton’s Regency Square have improved this summer, with no new tents reported, although drug dealing and fly-tipping remain concerns. Following the death of Tio Day at a nearby hostel, residents have become more coordinated and are working to improve the square’s gardens and appearance. Ward councillor Alison Thomson supports additional railings, relocated bins, selective licensing for private landlords and expanded CCTV, while encouraging continued reporting of problems.

The Valley Gardens redevelopment in Brighton is nearing completion of its third and final phase. Resurfacing, pavements, cycle lanes and landscaping are close to finished, while the aquarium roundabout has been replaced with a junction. The project has also created new public spaces, pedestrian crossings and improved connections around the Royal Pavilion, with the council expecting better access, public transport links, landscaping and event infrastructure.

More than nine motorhomes and other vehicles have parked at Newhaven’s West Beach car park, beside a beach closed to the public since 2008 because of sea-wall, cliff, harbour and navigational safety concerns. Lewes District Council said the vehicles belonged to members of the public fishing or waiting for the ferry, not the traveller community. Tensions increased after padlocks were broken and around 100 people reportedly entered the beach. Lewes MP James MacCleary and Newhaven Port & Properties Ltd have urged the public not to break in, while the port owner says it remains open to exploring safe and sustainable future access.

The Red Arrows have withdrawn from Eastbourne International Airshow, as well as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week, because challenging weather in northeastern Canada has delayed their return from a North American tour. The RAF expects the team to resume its journey to the UK later than planned, with safety determining the timing. Other RAF aircraft, including the Typhoon Display Team and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, are still scheduled to appear at Eastbourne Airbourne from August 13 to 16.

Armed police attended a property on Preston Road in Brighton after reports that a man was being threatened with a knife. Officers located and removed the alleged victim, while a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and remained in custody. Police said the two men were known to each other and appealed for information as enquiries continued.

A water leak on South Street in Portslade left water gushing down the road for weeks, causing frustration among residents and requiring roadworks and temporary traffic lights. Brighton and Hove City Council said the pipe was Southern Water’s responsibility, while Southern Water said the leak was not from one of its pipes. The council ultimately said it would cap the pipe to stop the flow while awaiting Southern Water’s next steps.

Police are investigating a report that a teenage girl was sexually assaulted in a field near Edinburgh Road in St Leonards. The suspect fled toward Filsham Road after the victim escaped. Officers released a detailed description of the man and appealed for witnesses, CCTV, or doorbell footage. Detective Inspector Barry Chandler said the investigation is progressing quickly and patrols have been increased to reassure the community.

Swan Walk Shopping Centre in Horsham will remain closed through the weekend after a ceiling glass pane fell earlier in the week. Centre management is working with contractors to investigate and fix the issue, prioritizing public safety. Horsham District Council is offering free market stalls to affected businesses, with several relocating temporarily to Carfax and West Street. The Swan Walk car park remains open, and further updates are expected Monday.

Several areas of West Sussex, including Arundel, Selsey, Bognor and Chichester, have been classified as at exceptional wildfire risk according to Natural England’s Fire Severity Index. Fire crews responded to multiple incidents over the weekend across Sussex, including fires in Nutbourne, Eastbourne and Devil’s Dyke. Authorities warned that hot, dry and sunny conditions are driving the heightened danger. The Met Office reported record-breaking temperatures for 2026 and expects the heatwave to continue, with brief localized variations in temperature and possible light rain.

A new signature spa stay package has been introduced at No.124 Brighton, offering an overnight stay, couples spa treatments, and breakfast, with prices starting at £450. The package includes a 90‑minute copper bath ritual, massage options, access to the hotel’s guest pantry, and is available Sunday to Thursday through December 23, 2026, as part of GuestHouse Hotels’ portfolio.

A heat-health alert was issued for Sussex and much of the South East as temperatures are forecast to reach the high 20s and potentially climb to 34C later in the week. The UK Health Security Agency warned of increased health risks for vulnerable people and potential pressure on care services, while the Met Office predicted warm overnight temperatures and a prolonged period of hot weather. Hosepipe bans were introduced by Southern Water and South East Water in parts of southern England as the region faces another spell of extreme heat following last week’s record-breaking temperatures.

Multiple caravans and motorhomes arrived on Goring Gap in Worthing after a previous unauthorised encampment at Highdown Recreation Ground had been ordered to vacate by West Sussex County Council. The earlier site had grown significantly from nine to about twenty‑five caravans. Authorities, including the county council and Sussex Police, have been approached for comment.

Police are seeking a man reported to have harassed a woman and acted suspiciously in Worthing and Brighton, releasing an image and urging anyone who recognises him to contact officers quoting the provided incident number.

Two people received suspended prison sentences after repeatedly selling illegal tobacco and oversized e‑cigarettes from a Worthing shop despite prior warnings from Trading Standards. Inspections uncovered concealed tobacco, counterfeit items and sales to a minor, with unpaid excise duty estimated at £1,500. West Sussex County Council praised the enforcement action and urged residents to report illicit tobacco sales while highlighting health risks and available smoking‑cessation support.

Hastings Borough Council and developer Oasis Developments Hastings have agreed on a programme of works to improve the derelict former Saturdays nightclub site on George Street, which has remained in poor condition since a 2023 fire. Planned improvements include repairing coverings, removing graffiti, strengthening fencing, installing new gates, fixing drainage and tidying stored materials. The council will monitor progress weekly and is prepared to take formal enforcement action if deadlines are missed. A redevelopment proposal for flats, holiday lets and commercial units has been approved in principle pending final legal and technical steps.

A colourful March of the Mermaids parade returned to Brighton and Hove to raise awareness of beach conservation and water pollution. Led by figurehead Honour Mission, participants showcased creative marine-themed costumes while stressing concerns over litter and microplastics. Regular attendees such as Ali Dolloso and Andy Ray praised the event’s community spirit and environmental focus. The march also raised funds for charities including the Wave Project before concluding at the Fortune of War pub.

Police responded to welfare concerns for a woman near Adelaide Crescent in Hove, where she was later pronounced dead despite paramedic efforts. Authorities say the death is unexplained but not suspicious and will be handled by the coroner. Residents reported a significant emergency services presence and a police cordon.

Worthing’s seafront hosted a Pride parade featuring more than 800 participants marching to Beach House Grounds, with a two‑minute silence held at the pier to honor LGBTQ+ lives lost and ongoing struggles for equality. Worthing Pride’s director highlighted the event’s strong community support. The festival continues at Steyne Gardens with music, performances, food, and family activities.

A prison officer, Rosie Smith, received a suspended two-year sentence for misconduct in public office after maintaining a romantic relationship with inmate Marli Casaletto at HMP Rochester. The pair exchanged hundreds of calls, messages and letters, and Casaletto used illicit phones inside the prison. Both defendants received suspended sentences, with the judge citing Smith’s personal circumstances and Casaletto’s efforts to rebuild his life. The court emphasised the seriousness of the breach of discipline and trust within the prison service.

Worthing Pier will undergo permanent repairs starting in August following storm damage that forced its closure in 2024. Engineers will replace damaged piles and install new supports, allowing the pier to remain open during work. The project is expected to cost up to £550,000, lower than earlier estimates due to a revised approach that avoids removing the timber deck. Council leader Caroline Baxter highlighted the pier’s cultural importance and the need to safeguard it for the future. Additional maintenance on the landing stage has already been completed, with remaining work scheduled around suitable tide conditions.

Britannia Hotels reports progress on pre-application proposals to redevelop the dormant Pontins site in Camber, stating that surveys and assessments are underway and submissions have been made to local planning authorities. The site, owned by Rother District Council and closed since November 2023, remains inactive while stakeholders await feedback from planning officers to advance redevelopment plans.

A paddling beach at Southwater Country Park in Horsham remains closed after multiple swimmers became ill, prompting Horsham District Council and the UK Health Security Agency to investigate potential bacterial contamination. The closure follows hot, dry weather that officials say likely created conditions for bacteria growth in the rain‑fed lake. The council advises anyone who became sick after entering the water to contact a GP and is reviewing long‑term access options while warning of the risks posed by untreated open water.

The paddling beach at Southwater Country Park was temporarily closed after multiple reports of visitors becoming unwell following water exposure. Horsham District Council ordered the closure as a precaution while investigating the cause. Councillor Alex Jeffery emphasized public health concerns, and visitors reported being unaware of any warnings before the closure decision. The council urged the public to stay out of the water pending further updates.