Welcome to this week's newsletter!
As you might have read, over the summer I visited local local pubs nominated by their communities. Whilst it was of course a nice thing to be able to do, I did it for a serious reason. The hospitality sector has made it clear that they are facing mounting pressures as a result of this government’s disastrous policies. I was therefore pleased to have the opportunity to raise this with the Prime Minister during PMQs this week.
Whilst on the topic of pubs, I’m delighted to be recognising two more much-loved venues as part of our showcase – Sidley Men’s Working Club and the Castle Inn. It was great to stop by both and meet the teams there. It is very clear that these establishments are an important part of the local community.
Last week, I visited Freightliner Group, which plays a vital role in supporting British Gypsum’s Robertsbridge plant – a key local employer since 1876. By keeping gypsum moving by rail, Freightliner helps sustain local jobs, eases road congestion, and cuts emissions. A big thank you to the team for the warm welcome and insights.
I was glad to meet with the Bexhill Working Age Parkinson’s Support Group to discuss the huge local backing for the national campaign calling for a parliamentary debate on Parkinson’s – with 550 signatories from our constituency! As well as supporting this petition, I shall be applying for a separate debate in Parliament on the issue.
I also met with the team at Space for Yew to hear about their new venture that will make use of an otherwise underused space. They are working with local organisations and professionals to develop an inclusive hub offering a variety of education, health, and community support facilities.
I had an insightful meeting at Charters Ancaster Nursery & Forest School to learn more about their nursery provision and to hear about the challenges they’re facing. Unfortunately, Labour’s reforms to National Insurance and the minimum wage are proving disastrous for nurseries like Charters Ancaster. I share their concerns and praise their devotion to keeping the nursery running for the benefit of local families.
I visited Demelza Children’s Hospice, which supports families and children with serious and life-limiting illnesses. I was given a tour of the centre and spoke with the team about the vital work they do. I agreed there needs to be greater certainty and funding for the statutory services they provide, and I shall be supporting them in making this case.
Whilst out on a constituency day, I stopped by Battle Memorial Hall to find out more about this excellent community hub, which is supported by a diligent team of volunteers. See the article below if you’re looking to hire a space for an event.
I also discovered a hidden gem in Pevensey village when I visited the Pevensey Courthouse Museum and Gaol ahead of the Pevensey History Festival. There is much to learn about its history, and free entry - I encourage you to check it out!
Last month I visited the team at HARC, who support residents by providing free and confidential welfare benefits advice, information, and representation across Hastings and Rother. Do get in touch with them if you are in need of financial help.
National Highways has announced a full closure of the A259 (King Offa Way, Bexhill) in both directions between its junctions with the A269. The closure will take place from 8:00 pm on Friday 12 September until 6:00 am on Monday 15 September. In addition, at 3:00 pm on Sunday 7 September, the Government will carry out a UK-wide test of the Emergency Alert system. Please see the two relevant articles at the end of the newsletter for details.
And lastly, please make sure to check the local road closures at the bottom of this week’s newsletter, as provided by third parties. You might have seen that the opening of the Queensway Gateway Road, which will connect the A21 Sedlescombe Road North and Queensway in Hastings, was was delayed again. I know how frustrating this must be for everyone and made my disappointment clear. I wanted to reassure you that I am raising this with East Sussex County Council (ESCC) at the highest levels to find out exactly why this has happened and had an initial meeting to that effect this week. They explained it was because Southern Water pulled their team that was working on the project. I have now asked to find out why and whether there was a reasonable excuse for doing this given the ongoing disruption this is all causing.
Have a great weekend.
This week's newsletter:
- PMQs - Holding Government to Account Over Struggles Facing Local Pubs
- Celebrating Our Local Pubs - Castle Inn & Sidley Working Mens Club
- Meeting with Freightliner Group
- Bexhill Working Age Parkinson's Support Group
- Space for Yew
- Charters Ancaster Nursery & Forest School
- Visit to Demelza Children's Hospice
- Battle Memorial Hall
- Pevensey Court House and Gaol
- Hastings Advice and Representation Centre
- King Offa Way Weekend Closure
- Emergency Alert System Test
- Local Road Closures
PMQs - Holding Government to Account Over Struggles Facing Local Pubs
I had the opportunity to hold the Prime Minister to account over their disastrous policy towards the hospitality industry at PMQs.
Over the summer, I had the pleasure of visiting some great pubs across Bexhill and Battle. Whilst of course it was not exactly a difficult chore, I did it for a serious reason. Every landlord I spoke to was proud of the role their pub plays in our community, but many also raised serious concerns about the pressures they are facing.
Rising energy bills, inflation and staff shortages are hitting our pubs hard. According to statistics released over the summer by the British Beer and Pub Association, Britain is now on course to lose a pub every single day this year. At a time when costs are already spiralling the Government is piling on even more pressure with their jobs tax, which has already resulted in the loss of over 80,000 jobs.
Here in Bexhill and Battle, our 69 pubs not only bring people together but support over 1,300 local jobs and contribute £45 million to the economy. That is why it is so important to back them, because when a pub closes, we lose more than just a business — it costs jobs, diminishes community spirit, and weakens the local economy.
Pubs also provide vital job opportunities, especially for young people looking for flexible or part time work over the summer, often their first job. Yet these opportunities have drastically reduced this year as pubs struggle to cope.
I will continue to stand with our pubs and the people who make them great. They are the lifeblood of our towns, and they deserve support, stability, and the chance to flourish.
Celebrating Our Local Pubs - Castle Inn & Sidley Working Men's Club
A further two much-loved local landmarks have been recognised in our pub showcase, thanks to the overwhelming support of the community.
In Pevensey Bay, The Castle Inn has earned a nomination after being put forward by many appreciative locals. Since taking the reins in 2017, landlords Daina and Paul Martin have poured their passion into this beautiful Grade II-listed inn – serving freshly made food from locally sourced ingredients, keeping the real ales in top form, and offering the warmest of welcomes. The outpouring of praise highlighted not just the delicious menu and great beers, but also the relaxed, friendly atmosphere and the way The Castle Inn has become a true gathering place for all.
Meanwhile in Sidley, The Working Men’s Club is a social hub at the heart of the community. For decades it has been a place where friends gather, families celebrate, and neighbours come together. From live entertainment and sports screenings to charity events and social evenings, the club offers something for everyone. Members and visitors alike praised the affordable drinks, the welcoming atmosphere, and the dedication of staff like Ryan, whose warmth and good humour help make every visit memorable.
Both venues have shown that these awards celebrate far more than food, drink, or entertainment - they honour the friendships, memories, and sense of belonging that these places foster. A huge thank you to everyone who voted.
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.
And if you're interested in reading more about our local pubs, and standing up for our hospitality heros, I have focused by fortnightly column for the Bexhill & Battle Observer on the topic. You can read it in full here.
Meeting with Freightliner Group
Last week I visited Freightliner Group in Battle, where they play a vital role supporting British Gypsum’s Robertsbridge plant – a site that’s been part of the local community since 1876 and is a key local employer.
Freightliner ensures a steady flow of gypsum reaches the plant by rail. This not only keeps production running smoothly but also takes lorries off our roads. Each freight train can remove up to 76 lorries from the roads which eases congestion and cuts emissions.
It was great to see first-hand how rail freight ensures local jobs, industry, and sustainability.
A big thank you to the Freightliner team for the warm welcome and insights.
Bexhill Working Age Parkinson's Support Group
It was a pleasure to meet with Viv, Helen and Linda of the Bexhill Working Age Parkinson’s Support Group to discuss the huge local backing for the national campaign calling for a parliamentary debate on Parkinson’s. In an amazing achievement, Bexhill and Battle have the highest number of signatories of all Parliamentary constituencies with over 550 signatures - having surpassed 100,000, it will now be put forward for debate in Parliament.
The petition focuses on increased funding and a ‘Parky Charter’ which calls on the government to help people with Parkinson’s in five keyways – referral within 18 weeks to a neurologist or geriatrician; essential information on living with the condition at time of diagnosis; automatic right to certain benefits; comprehensive care; and funding for a cure.
As well as supporting the petition, I shall be applying for a separate debate in Parliament on the issue. I have committed to working closely with the local support group and Parkinson's UK to keep raising the profile of this condition to improve the help and support which is provided both nationally and locally.
Space for Yew
I was pleased to meet Katie and Olivia, Directors at Space for Yew, to discuss their new venture that will make use of an otherwise under used space - we met at the old bowls club site in Egerton Park, where they will be establishing Rother's Neurodivergent Hub.
They are working with local organisations and professionals to develop an inclusive space with a variety of education, health and community support facilities. I know peer support amongst parents is incredibly important and groups like Space for Yew can be a good resource for providing that, so I look forward to supporting them and their new site.
Follow their Facebook page here.
Charters Ancaster Nursery & Forest School
Private nurseries like Charters Ancaster Nursery & Forest School provide essential childcare for working parents across the area. They are also important local employers. It was therefore insightful to meet Nursery manager, Susannah Crump and volunteer directors, including Mike and Nicky Crump to find out more about their nursery provision and to hear the challenges they’re facing.
During my tour of the site, I got to see the excellent facilities on offer including the Forest School and understand the nursery’s unique approach to childcare, inspired by the Danish ‘Hygge’ approach. It was wonderful to see how the children are cared for, with their wellbeing and development always remaining central.
Unfortunately, Labour’s reforms to National Insurance and minimum wage are proving disastrous for nurseries like Charters Ancaster, who have faced a £76k increase in staff costs at least. As a not-for-profit nursery, they can’t absorb the extra costs and have had to increase fees by 10% - losing pupils to surrounding nurseries in the process. I share their concerns and praise their devotion to keeping the nursery up and running for the benefit of local families.
Visit to Demelza Children's Hospice
It was really good to meet the team at Demelza Children’s Hospice which supports families and children with serious and life-limiting illness from my constituency and across East Sussex as well as in Kent and South East London.
CEO, Lavinia Jarrett, Melissa Mungovan, Lead Nurse for East Sussex, and Donna Mole, Children’s Palliative Care Nurse, showed me around their beautifully designed centre and explained the vital work they do. We also discussed the funding model for hospice care. Whilst the hospice values the independence of being a charity, there needs to be greater certainty and funding for the statutory services they provide so I shall be supporting them in making this case.
Battle Memorial Hall
I visited Battle Memorial Hall to meet new Chair, Helen Baker, and members of the Committee to discuss funding to give the Hall a new lease of life.
Battle Memorial Hall is an excellent community hub and is supported by a diligent team of volunteers who facilitate the continued use of this venue. I found the theatre particularly impressive and look forward to attending a production in the future.
This community space reveals a maze of impressive rooms that can be hired to host a broad range of events. Visit the website here for more information on bookings.
Pevensey Court House and Gaol
I discovered a hidden gem in Pevensey village when I visited the Pevensey Courthouse Museum and Gaol, ahead of the Pevensey History Festival.
This historical landmark has been used as a courthouse and gaol since Tudor times and is an outstandingly well-maintained glimpse of the past upkept by committed volunteers, whose passion for sharing Pevensey’s historical significance is admirable.
If you're interested in visiting, the museum is open Wednesday to Sunday inclusive 11:00 - 16:00 until November. From November on till 31 December the museum is open weekends 13:00 - 15:00. Entry is free!
For more information check out their website linked above.
Hastings Advice and Representation Centre
It was good to meet the team at Hastings Advice and Representation Centre who support residents by providing free and confidential welfare benefits advice, information and representation across Hastings and Rother. Whilst their main office is St Leonards, their advisers hold sessions at the Pelham in Bexhill, which must be pre-booked.
HARC carry out invaluable work in supporting local residents and my office works collaboratively with them to ensure that constituents get the financial help and advice they need during difficult times.
King Offa Way Weekend Closure
National Highways has announced a full closure of the A259 (King Offa Way, Bexhill) in both directions between its junctions with the A269. The closure will take place from 8:00pm on Friday 12 September until 6:00am on Monday 15 September.
This temporary closure is required to facilitate the replacement of two footbridges in the area:
- Lychgates Close to Church Street
- Hastings Road across the A259 King Offa Way
During this period, pedestrian diversion routes will be clearly signposted to maintain safe access across the area.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance and allow additional travel time while these essential improvement works are carried out.
Emergency Alert System Test
At 3:00pm on Sunday 7 September, the Government will carry out a UK-wide test of the Emergency Alert system.
During the test, most mobile phones and tablets will emit a loud siren-like sound, vibrate, and display a message on the screen - even if the device is set to silent. This is a test only, and no action is required from the public.
The Emergency Alert system has been developed to provide timely warnings about life-threatening situations, including severe flooding, extreme weather events, and other emergencies.
Further information about what to expect and how to prepare for the test can be found at gov.uk/alerts.
Accessible resources, including British Sign Language (BSL) videos and Easy Read guides, are also available at: prepare.campaign.gov.uk/emergency-alerts.
Local Road Closures (please note this information is provided by third parties):
Bexhill
- Cooden Drive: 3 Feb 2025 – 1 Feb 2026
- Ninfield Road: 11 Sep
- A259 in both directions between the junctions with the A269: 12 Sep 20:00 - 15 Sep 06:00 BST
Battle
- The Green: 7 Sep, 09:00 – 14:00 BST
- Netherfield Hill: 3 Sep, 08:09 – 8 Sep, 17:00 BST
Westfield
- Parsonage Lane: 18 Aug, 09:00 – 5 Sep, 16:00 BST
- Wheel Lane: 18 Aug, 09:00 – 5 Sep, 16:00 BST
Brede
- Brede Hill: 1 Jul, 19:00 – 19 Oct, 07:00 BST
Crowborough
- Luxford Road: 15 Sep – 19 Sep
- New Road: 1 Sep, 08:00 – 12 Sep, 17:00 BST
- Church Road: 13 Sep, 14:00 – 23:30 BST
Catsfield
- Potmans Lane: 1 Sep, 08:00 – 8 Sep, 17:00 BST
- A2100 High Street: 7 Sep, 09:00 – 14:00 BST
Herstmonceux
- West End: 8 Sep – 26 Sep
- Joes Lane: 26 Sep
- Church Road: 3 Sep, 06:16 – 5 Sep, 17:00 BST
