Welcome to this week's newsletter!
I’ve been busy over the past couple of weeks meeting with stakeholders and local organisations, so it’s quite a full newsletter!
Shoplifting is a crime against communities and local businesses, so I was pleased to hear from Sussex Police Chief Inspector Simon Yates on his commitment to tackling shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in Bexhill whilst I joined him on a walk around the town.
On 15 August, we remembered the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, marking the end of the Second World War in 1945, when Japan surrendered, and the conflict finally came to an end. I was grateful to attend the Bexhill War Memorial to pay my respects to all those who fought and lost their lives. I also focused my column for the Bexhill & Battle Observer on VJ Day – see the link in the article to read it in full.
It is great to hear that the Council has now committed to a road safety scheme in Catsfield which will see speed limits reduced from Horns Corner along the B2204 through the village. This is a vital step forward in addressing the dangers residents have long highlighted.
It was also a pleasure to speak with so many Pevensey residents at my drop-in advice surgery last week, where we discussed a wide range of local and national issues.
Last week, I visited the Golden Marigold Club in Springfield Road, Bexhill. This social club for older residents meets every Monday and is entirely run by a wonderful volunteer team. I was pleased to chat with everyone and to see such a strong community spirit in the group.
We are celebrating two pubs in this week’s newsletter – The Swan Inn and The Bull Inn. Both received many nominations through Facebook comments. They are shining examples of the role that pubs can play in strengthening our communities. A huge thank you to everyone who submitted nominations and helped us put a spotlight on these true local treasures. Do keep the nominations coming in!
I was pleased to celebrate Bexhill Day last weekend. With so many different local organisations in attendance, and a flypast by a Lancaster Bomber, it was brilliant to see so many residents out enjoying our amazing town. My video of the flyover has been viewed more than 25,000 times so do check it out below if you missed it!
I had the opportunity to visit F.J. Reeves Farm in our constituency, which grows blackcurrants for Ribena. I really appreciated the tour of Peter and Michael’s farm as they explained some of the challenges facing family farms.
And lastly, please make sure to check the bottom of the newsletter for details of the closure of Chowns Hill Road for 10 weeks starting from 1 September, as well as information on general local road closures.
Have a great weekend.
This week's newsletter:
- Tackling Shoplifting & Anti-Social Behaviour
- Victory Over Japan Day
- Catsfield Road Safety Scheme
- Pevensey Bay Drop-In Surgery
- Meeting with the Golden Marigold Club
- Celebrating Our Local Pubs - The Swan Inn & The Bull Inn
- Bexhill Day
- Visit to F.J. Reeves Blackcurrant Farm
- Chowns Hill Road Closure
- Local Road Closures
Tackling Shoplifting & Anti-Social Behaviour
Shoplifting is a crime against a community and local businesses. It was therefore good to meet Sussex Police Chief Inspector Simon Yates, the Hastings and Rother District Commander, to hear of his commitment to tackling shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in Bexhill. During a walkabout with him in Bexhill we discussed how two new PCs for the town alongside a PCSO will help tackle this issue.
However, to get more police resources, it's important that all shoplifting is reported to the police. I know people can feel frustrated about doing this and feel like it doesn’t result in action. But we have to keep reporting to be able to keep pushing for action. I am committed to pushing for action for our local shopkeepers when they do report and we visited a business targeted recently to press for the police to pursue every avenue to prosecute the offenders.
Sadly, the reforms the Labour Government are making to sentencing mean too many of these people won’t see the inside of a prison despite offending again and again. I know this can be frustrating for the police as well.
Victory Over Japan Day
On 15 August we remembered the 80th Anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, marking the end of the Second World War in 1945, when Japan surrendered, and the conflict finally came to an end. I was grateful to attend the Bexhill War Memorial to pay my respects to all of those who fought and lost their lives.
For Britain and the Commonwealth, this was the day peace returned after six long years of global war. It brought relief and celebration, but also reflection - for many, the war left deep scars and lasting loss.
We honour the bravery and sacrifice of all who served in the Far East, from the jungles of Burma to the seas of the Pacific, their courage was vital in bringing the war to a close.
I know the VJ celebrations will be important to many local families including Councillor Ian Hollidge whose father Sydney fought across India and Burma with 14th Army.
Having joined up in 1940 he was one of the brave men who was part of the Burma campaign, which was one of the largest forces assembled during WW2 with over 1 million land and air forces. After the war he was part of the effort to help repatriate prisoners of war from Japan and help them adjust to civilian life.
Cllr Hollidge told me his father never spoke about the war and what he experienced. I know there are many local families who have stories like this and who understand deeply and profoundly the sacrifices made by their own loves one.
It is so important that we continue to remember the tragedy of WWII for future generations to come.
In respect of this day, I focused my fortnightly column in the Bexhill & Battle Observer on VJ Day and the memorial. You can read it here.
Catsfield Road Safety Scheme
Last year, I met with the Chair of Catsfield Parish Council, Cllr Keith Robertson, to push for much-needed road safety improvements in the village.
After some initial reluctance from East Sussex County Council, I have worked closely with Cllr Robertson and the Parish Council to keep up the pressure, and I am very pleased to confirm that the Council has now committed to a road safety scheme which will see speed limits reduced from Horns Corner and along the B2204 through the village.
This is a vital step forward in addressing the dangers residents have long highlighted, particularly at Horns Corner, where the most recent crash happened just the day before my visit. I will continue working to ensure the scheme delivers the improvements the community needs to feel safe in their village.
Pevensey Bay Drop-In Surgery
It was a pleasure to meet so many Pevensey residents during a drop-in advice surgery at the Ethel Wood Community Centre last week.
It was invaluable to hear directly from residents about the challenges and opportunities facing Pevensey Bay. From protecting the coast to improving roads and housing, as well as discussing national issues, engaging with the community helps me understand the concerns that matter most.
Thanks to Peter Lowton, Chair of Pevensey Bay Parish Council, and Sarah Mosedale, Clerk to the Parish Council, for their support in organising the drop-in.
If other communities would like me to hold a surgery in their area, please do drop me a line [email protected]
Meeting with the Golden Marigold Club
It was a great pleasure to visit the Golden Marigold Club in Springfield Road, Bexhill. This social club for older residents meets every Monday and is entirely run by a wonderful volunteer team lead by Fiona and Frances. This successful club started several years ago with just 8 people and now has over 40 regular members.
The club meets for social activities and has regular guests and entertainment as well as a delicious home-cooked lunch.
I really enjoyed chatting to the club volunteers and members. We discussed local issues, national politics and everything in between.
Clubs like Golden Marigold provide an important place for older residents to meet up and helps alleviate the social isolation which is often associated with older age as a result of bereavement, illness and mobility issues. The club also runs its own minibus to collect and drop off its members.
Cllr Ian Hollidge who was at the club when I visited told me how much he enjoys being the club’s bus driver and how he sees the difference the club makes to people’s lives.
Celebrating Our Local Pubs - The Swan Inn & The Bull Inn
I’m delighted to announce that both The Swan Inn, Dallington & The Bull Inn, Battle have received a nomination in our showcase of local pubs, an accolade thanks to an overwhelming community nomination!
Originally a 1600’s coach house built using stones from Battle Abbey, The Bull Inn has retained its charm and character over the centuries. Under landlord Dom’s care, it has been brought back to life, with nominations praising the friendly staff, inviting atmosphere, and excellent food that make it such a cherished gathering place.
The Swan Inn, run by Ricci & Mark since 2007, also received an outstanding number of nominations. Known for its freshly made food, warm service, and welcoming atmosphere, The Swan has become a “home away from home” for many. Residents spoke of the friendships, memories, and sense of belonging it has fostered. Congratulations to Ricci, Mark, Ellie, and the whole team for creating such a treasured community pub.
Both pubs are shining examples of the role pubs can play in strengthening our communities. A huge thank you to everyone who submitted nominations and helped us put a spotlight on these true local treasures.
Please do continue making your nominations through my post on Facebook or alternatively to email me at kieran.mullan.mp@parliament.
You can find a link to my Facebook post here.
Bexhill Day
I was pleased to get down to Bexhill seafront last Saturday to celebrate Bexhill Day!
There were lots of groups down there who are so important to the community - a really great opportunity to bring the whole town together. We were even treated to a flyover of a Lancaster Bomber!
Thank you to the Bexhill Town Council and everyone else who helped to make this day happen.
Visit to F.J. Reeves Blackcurrant Farm
It was a real pleasure to visit F.J. Reeves Farm in our constituency and meet with Peter and Michael Reeves, two of our fantastic local blackcurrant growers for Ribena. They gave me a warm welcome and a fascinating insight into the work that goes into producing the delicious blackcurrants that end up in one of my personal favourites, a chilled glass of Ribena.
We spoke about the challenges facing family farms, particularly in light of recent changes that risk holding back growth and job creation. Farmers like Peter and Michael are the backbone of our rural economy, producing over 90% of the UK’s blackcurrant crop for Ribena and keeping this much-loved British drink flowing at parties, gatherings and, in my case, in the office!
I’ll continue standing up for local farmers so that blackcurrants grown here in Bexhill and Battle can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Chowns Hill Road Closure
From Monday 1 September, for a duration of 10 weeks, SGN will begin essential gas network upgrades along Chowns Hill to keep supplies safe and reliable for local homes and businesses.
Though Chowns Hill is not in my constituency, its closure will have an impact on people who are.
This project is part of SGN’s long-term programme to replace ageing metal pipes with modern plastic ones that can last up to 80 years, helping reduce future disruptions.
Key details:
- Work will take place from The Ridge to Ivy House Lane.
- Chowns Hill will be closed in sections for safety.
- Signed diversions will be in place for through traffic.
- Residents and businesses within the works area will still have access (sometimes via the diversion).
- Pedestrian access will remain open.
- Cyclists will need to dismount through the closure points.
While roadworks can be inconvenient, these upgrades will ensure local residents benefit from a safe and reliable gas supply for decades to come.
For more information or to contact SGN:
Visit: www.sgn.co.uk/Contact-SGN
Call: 0800 912 170
Local Road Closures (please note this information is provided by third parties):
Bexhill
- Cooden Drive: 3 February 2025 – 1 February 2026
- Chestnut Walk: 24 August, 10:00 – 18:00 BST
- A259 through Bexhill: closed intermittently overnight 9pm – 7am, 22 August – 5 September
- Freezeland Lane: 4 September, 09:30 – 15:30 BST
Netherfield
- Netherfield Road: 26 August, 08:00 – 2 September, 18:00 BST
Broad Oak
- Old Heathfield Road: 23 July – 2 September
- Ellenwhorne Lane: 28 August, 00:00 – 29 August, 01:00 BST
Westfield
- Parsonage Lane: 18 August, 09:00 – 29 August, 16:00 BST
- Wheel Lane: 18 August, 09:00 – 29 August, 16:00 BST
Northiam
- Beales Lane: 18 August, 08:00 – 22 August, 17:00 BST
- Clayhill: 28 August, 00:00 – 29 August, 01:00 BST
Brede
- Brede Hill: 1 July, 19:00 – 19 October, 07:00 BST
Crowborough
- Church Road: 30 July – 29 August
Brightling
- Observatory Road: 26 August, 08:00 – 29 August, 17:00 BST
Hurst Green
- Merriments Lane: 1 September, 20:00 – 2 September, 04:00 BST
Crowhurst
- Roundabout at the junction of Queensway and The Ridge: 26 August, 20:00 – 31 August, 06:00 BST
Etchingham
- Church Lane: 28 July – 22 August
North Road
- North Road: 19 August, 08:00 – 27 August, 17:00 BST
Stonegate
- Scrag Oak Lane: 4 September, 22:00 – 5 September, 06:00 BST
Dallington
- Battle Road: 23 July – 2 September
Peasmarsh
- Mackerel Hill: 26 August, 08:00 – 27 August, 17:00 BST
*Cover photo taken at the Victory over Japan Day celebrations, courtesy of Katherine Turner, KT Photography - Email: [email protected]; www.katherineturnerphotography.com.
