Sussex News

Shane ‘Blue’ Gibbs, who drugged and raped multiple women and girls across Sussex, has been given a life sentence.

Students from East Sussex College Group have been getting hands-on work experience while delivering improvements for the local community, thanks to a collaboration with Eastbourne Borough Council and Mears, the council's maintenance contractor.

David Whines, 61, is sleeping outside for the entire month of March to raise awareness for homeless veterans and to raise funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

A burglar has been jailed after committing multiple offences in Brighton.

Plans to convert a former police station into 33 flats have been approved by Mid Sussex District Council.

The council’s cabinet is being asked to back spending £2.4 million of developers’ cash on seafront projects including Black Rock, the Madeira Terraces and Hove Beach Park.

A government planning inspector has backed a decision to delay people moving into a new housing development in Horam until essential wastewater infrastructure upgrades are completed.

Patients across Sussex can now access a new, cutting-edge transplant procedure to help restore sight loss for patients with a damaged cornea, which is the outer layer at the front of the eye that helps your eye to focus light and see clearly.  

Starling numbers appear to have halved in Brighton and Hove since the council started using glyphosate weedkiller again although it is not possible to say whether the two changes are linked.

Active Hastings were delighted to attend the Hastings and Bexhill RFC Girls’ Take Over Day earlier this month, where the girls’ Under 16 team coached the mini rugby section (for boys and girls aged 4 to 11), to showcase female coaches and their girls’ rugby teams.

A Sussex-wide operation to tackle prolific shoplifters has led to a significant increase in successful outcomes, including lengthy prison sentences.

West Sussex County Council is proud to support Food Waste Action Week, a national initiative which is part of the Waste and Resources Action Programme ‘s (WRAP) Love Food Hate Waste campaign, running from 17 to 23 March 2025.

LGBTQIA+ people in Brighton can now access specialist psychotherapy thanks to the city’s new Queer Therapy Hub.

Horsham District Council is one of the first councils to adopt a new environmental health rating scheme for local businesses associated with the care and sale of animals.

Police investigating a report of a sexual assault in Hastings have issued a renewed appeal for information.

Car parking charges are being explored for large villages in Mid Sussex.

More than 12 million Nationwide customers will each receive a £50 payment following the acquisition of Virgin Money.

A disqualified motorcycle rider has been sentenced for causing a fatal collision.

In an exciting new collaboration with Chichester Fringe festival, final-year students from the University of Chichester’s Theatre Department will be putting on two amazing showcases this summer.

A Brighton school has been accused of trying to manipulate the planning system by an anonymous accuser who appears to be a teacher there.

A range of high-profile artists have been announced for this year's Brighton Festival.

A family-run Sussex garden centre welcomed horticulture students from Plumpton College to outline vibrant retail career options as well as behind the scenes in the mammoth nursery.

A world-renowned garden designer is bringing her expertise to Sussex to share with budding enthusiasts.

A new range of local, fresh and wholesome food introduced at a Dial Post garden centre is already receiving praise from customers.

University of Brighton students are leading community workshops across Sussex offering people affected by cancer a meaningful way to share their experiences and find connection.

A company director has been prosecuted after pleading guilty to significantly breaching the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (2005) during a sentencing at Crawley Magistrates Court.

A former Sussex Police officer has been charged with three offences involving indecent images of a child.

Today (Friday 7 March, 2025) marks seven years since Georgina Gharsallah was last seen in Clifton Road, Worthing.

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is set to turn back the clock to one of the most stylish and revolutionary eras in British culture with its new exhibition, The In Crowd: Mod Fashion & Style 1958-66

The Cross Market & More artisan market will be returning to Chichester city centre on Sunday 16 March, taking place between 10am and 4pm in North Street and East Street.

Prolific burglar Adam Persad has been jailed for six years.

A new free food event aimed at showing people how to eat healthy and cook satisfying meals on a budget will be taking place later this month in Chichester city centre.

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) has set out its priorities for the next five years in delivering mental health, learning disability and neurodevelopmental services.

Lewes councillors have called on the government to “reconsider” its decision not to pay compensation to women who saw changes to their state pension age.

TWO EAST Sussex beaches have been designated voluntary smoke free spaces as smokers are urged to quit the habit on No Smoking Day.

Hastings lifeboat station is to have new ‘service boards’ following a generous donation from the family of a former honorary secretary and chairman of the RNLI Hastings Branch Committee.

Dozens of children receiving free school meals have secured places at out of catchment secondary schools after new rules came into play.

Beach sports company Yellowave can turn a toilet block into a café and offices on Hove seafront after councillors gave the scheme planning permission.

Zookeepers in Sussex have dug out their favourite books this week, to carry out a fun photoshoot with animal residents - as part of the lead up to National Book Day today (Thursday).

Hiba Giha fled war in Sudan leaving everything behind – arriving in the UK with nothing. She came to Chichester, and through the support of Sanctuary in Chichester, started the bridging course From Adversity to University with three other women seeking asylum or refugee status.

A company’s bid to install smart hubs on two Brighton streets has failed on appeal.

A yoga teacher is making a second attempt to keep a yurt in her back garden in the face of opposition from her neighbours.

Five new on-call firefighters have joined West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service after successfully completing their initial two-week training course.

A 73-year-old man sadly died after his car was in collision with a bus and car on Brighton Road, Woodmancote, on Tuesday morning (4 March).

Brighton and Hove’s largest secondary school is delaying plans to introduce free school meals priority in its admissions.

An investigation into the large-scale supply of illegal drugs led to a further 11 arrests across East Sussex last week.

With only 10% of FTSE 100 companies led by female chief executives, the University of Brighton is bringing together industry leaders for a powerful discussion on accelerating progress towards equity in leadership and business.

Police are appealing for information after a serious assault on a man near Balcombe.

A community centre could be removed from a St Leonards housing development, as a result of proposals set out in a new planning application.

West Sussex County Council has again worked with schools to ensure that every child in the county who applied for a secondary school place this year has been offered one. 

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a stabbing in central Brighton.

Police investigating a report of a sexual assault in Hastings have released an image of a man they wish to speak with.

A former till supervisor and assistant manager at the family-run business ESK in Hastings, has been sentenced to a total of 40 months in prison for stealing up to £1.6 million from his employer.

As summer comes, so do the weeds and now Brighton and Hove City Council is trying to find a way to keep weedkiller off the pavements.

A House of Lords committee has raised concerns connected with the postponement of county council elections in East Sussex.

A Ukrainian writer is visiting the University of Chichester to launch the English translation of his book and help raise money for war-traumatised children.

Police are appealing for information after a hit and run in Eastbourne.

Final-year business students at the University of Brighton are stepping up to help local companies shrink their carbon footprints – providing free sustainability advice while gaining invaluable real-world experience.

A paedophile who tried to arrange the rape of a young girl known to him has been sentenced.

A serial thief has been jailed for relentless thefts in Worthing, as well as for assaulting a staff member.

A family has secured permission to erect a “recycled” bungalow in Punnetts Town.

Fire and rescue services in East and West Sussex have appointed a new supplier to replace and standardise breathing apparatus equipment across the region.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a robbery in Bexhill town centre.

Three men have been sentenced following a brawl in a busy high street.

Hastings Borough Council has officially transferred Ore Village Green to Ore Community Land Trust.

A Hove interior designer who has worked in the industry for almost three decades is launching this April a first-of-its-kind exclusive networking group for the finest Sussex architects, designers, craftspeople, and other skilled artisans to join.

Sussex Police has charged two people in connection with offences involving a young girl in Brighton.

Two teenage boys have been charged with wounding with intent after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed in Bersted, near Bognor, on Monday evening (24 February).

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a serious collision in Eastbourne.

Do you recognise these people?

A bowls club has been granted a new club premises certificate, permitting the sale of alcohol, despite strong objections from some neighbours.

A woman disgusted by the state of Brighton’s coach station has started a petition calling on the council to improve the facilities.

To involve the local community in work to enhance the approach to Worthing railway station, West Sussex County Council included a community art project in its infrastructure improvement plans.

Construction work on a new Scouts Community Centre in Bentswood, Haywards Heath is due to begin in March - but help is needed in the project’s completion

Police are appealing for information following a serious collision in Brighton.

A prolific shoplifter has been convicted in court following her latest crime spree.

To involve the local community in work to enhance the approach to Worthing railway station, West Sussex County Council included a community art project in its infrastructure improvement plans.

This Cancer Prevention Action Week (17–23 February 2025), NHS Sussex is emphasising the importance of screening and early detection in saving lives.

Nuffield Health Brighton and Haywards Heath Hospitals are set to benefit from major investment in innovative, AI-enabled diagnostic imaging technology.

New parking restrictions are set to come into force in Hastings and St Leonards after proposals gained the go ahead from county councillors.

A campaign group set up in response to Brighton and Hove City Council’s proposals to change admissions criteria for secondary schools has expressed its disappointment at the recommendations.

A primary school is bucking the trend in Brighton and Hove by persuading the council to propose an increase in its admissions from September next year.

A takeaway has been granted a late-night licence to open until 4am, despite objections from Sussex Police and Brighton and Hove City Council’s licensing team.

The University of Brighton has partnered with Sussex Wildlife Trust to restore and protect the chalk grassland at its Falmer campus, an essential local habitat for biodiversity.

Two drug-dealers linked to the “UK’s biggest ever law enforcement operation” have been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison.

Police investigating a burglary in Kingston, near Lewes, have issued an image of a man they wish to speak with.

Further sentences have been delivered following three deliberate fires in Brighton in 2023.

The council is trying to persuade MPs and the government to amend a parliamentary bill – a draft law – after a number of schools successfully appealed against proposed cuts to their intakes.

The Crown Prosecution Service has this morning (18 February) authorised a charge of murder against a 48-year-old man from Bexhill.

Brighton Marina has announced that Mediterranean lounge and grill, Tavus, has opened alongside premier pool hall, LA Pool Club.

A man has been jailed for 21 months after wielding a metal motorcycle chain to smash numerous car windows in Bognor.

Two men have been charged in a series of alcohol thefts from supermarkets in Sussex.

McDonald’s has applied to build a diner and drive-through in Old Shoreham Road, Hove, but dozens of people have objected, with one saying that it would be too near schools.

Councillors will decide whether a “sex entertainment venue” can renew its licence after 18 people sent objections to Brighton and Hove City Council.

An Eastbourne man who controlled and violently assaulted a woman over a number of years has been jailed.

Officers have released further CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to in connection with an assault that took at the Dolphin and Anchor Wetherspoons on West Street, Chichester, on the evening of January 18.

Southern Water is shining the light on four ambitious Sussex based apprentices as part of this year’s National Apprentice Week.

Officers are investigating incidents where repeated damage was caused to a property in Irving Walk, Crawley.

Former Scout leader Ian Silvester has been jailed for committing dozens of child sex offences.

Two men accused of the rape of a woman on Eastbourne beach have been found not guilty after a trial.

Council tax in Crawley is set to rise by 2.99% from April.

Police are investigating a report of theft from a vehicle in Kensington Street, Brighton, at about 1.30pm on January 17.

Police investigating a burglary near Eastbourne have issued an image of a woman they wish to speak with.

Crawley Homes tenants will see their rent rise by 2.7% in April. And those who live in flats will see an increase in the service charge levied for cleaning.

An 18th century seafront building could once again have a stone balustrade and a higher roof after a planning application was approved.

Pickleball’s growing popularity prompted worried neighbours of a sports complex to object to plans for a new multi-use games area (MUGA).

A barber has been convicted after attacking a man with scissors in Brighton.

An NHS trust can keep using a three-storey temporary building as construction site offices for the next five years while building work continues at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

In uplifting news for Brighton, hospitality operator Nightcap has acquired the Brighton i360 Tower.

A burglar who targeted businesses in Rustington and Littlehampton has been jailed.

A revolver, bullets and cocaine were found in a police search when an Eastbourne man was arrested for importing cannabis through Dover.

People can explore the vibrant colours of the Chichester District with a free exhibition of open-air paintings at Chichester Cathedral, from 12 February 2025.

A man has been a sentenced for assaulting an ambulance worker in Bexhill.

Rother council leaders have cancelled plans to introduce new fees to free-to-use car parks.

More schools and other buildings across West Sussex will soon be able to generate and use their own renewable energy thanks to the expansion of a county-council solar project.

A developer has put forward alternative plans for an Eastbourne housing scheme.

Police and licensing officials said that they had no confidence in a restaurant owner after his drinks licence lapsed for a second time.

A man who kidnapped a woman after asking her for directions in Hove has pleaded guilty at court.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a man was robbed in a park in Newick.

A man has pleaded guilty to breaking into a theatre in Eastbourne after appearing in court. 

Thousands of tonnes of rubbish collected for recycling ends up being incinerated instead, a campaigner said in a petition to Brighton and Hove City Council.

Brighton and Hove Albion have confirmed the signing of Stefanos Tzimas from Bundesliga 2 side FC Nuremburg, for undisclosed terms and subject to international clearance.

Police investigating a report of an assault on a woman in Shoreham have made an arrest following an appeal to identify a man they wanted to speak with in connection with the incident.

Can you help us identify this man following an altercation on Saturday, January 25 in Brighton?

With almost half of UK university students now commuting to campus, the University of Brighton has introduced a new package of financial support to help with the challenges commuter students face.

Horsham District Council hopes to add eight homes for social rent to its stock by handing £720,000 to a housing association.

Parents concerned about proposals to change secondary school admissions in Brighton and Hove have made their case as part of a public consultation.

A pilot project to provide gender services in Sussex, rather than having people travel to London, is now halfway through its three-year programme.

A pensioner has recalled the moment he was mauled by two out-of-control dogs, whose owners have today (30 January) been sentenced in court.

Police are continuing to urge owners of Ford Fiestas in East Sussex to be vigilant after reports of thefts.

Three men have been jailed for a combined total of more than 12 years after they scammed people out of cash and jewellery worth a minimum of £416,000.

A disqualified driver who was stopped by officers at a petrol station has been sentenced.

Police investigating a report of an assault on a woman in Shoreham are appealing for witnesses and information.

Police investigating a collision in Hove have appealed for witnesses and further information.

A man who was found to be plaguing the Regency area with Class A drug dealing has been jailed.

A councillor who was taken to hospital by ambulance is urging NHS bosses to ensure other patients have a better experience than she did.

Plans to build a four-storey office block next to the Prince Albert pub in Brighton have been approved on appeal.

Parents living in east Brighton who want a “real choice” for their children’s secondary schools are encouraging people in their area to make their voices heard in a consultation ending this week.

Police seized drugs, cash, and a Rolex watch after a vehicle stop in Worthing.

A Sussex police officer has been charged with rape and three other sexual offences.

Following three deliberate fires at locations across Brighton, a man and a woman have been sentenced.

Police are appealing for the identity of a man following an assault that took place at the Dolphin and Anchor Wetherspoons on West Street, Chichester, on the evening of January 18.

An extra £800,000 will go towards the £87 million budget for building more than 200 council homes and a community hub on a Brighton estate.

A London man who raped a vulnerable woman on Brighton beach has been jailed.

A Hailsham man who drove a car at a group of people, killing a man, has been convicted of murder.

The Green Party of Hastings and Rye has seen the trustees of the University of Brighton Academy Trust announce in a letter to staff and parents that they do not have faith in the leadership of the Trust.

Hastings councillors have agreed to support a campaign which aims to reduce plastic pollution.

Plans to build another battery energy storage system in Twineham have been approved by Mid Sussex District Council.

Plans to demolish and rebuild a garden centre have been submitted to Chichester District Council.

Anyone who needs an appointment with their doctor should get one within two weeks, according to an NHS Sussex report.

The remaining debt owed by the beleaguered i360 tourist attraction has been written off so that administrators can sell it.

More grit is needed in Brighton and Hove to cope when the weather turns cold, say councillors pushing for action on behalf of people living on the edges of Brighton and Hove.

A Hastings-based homelessness charity has put forward plans to create a new shared housing unit within the town.

Three Sainsbury's stores in Sussex are to close their in-store cafés shortly, with the supermarket giant announcing plans to cut more than 3,000 jobs.

Crimestoppers is reminding local people in Sussex there are signs to spot that domestic abuse could be happening to someone close to them, in a new campaign launched this week.

More than 550 new electric vehicles charging points will have been installed across West Sussex by March.

More drivers convicted of drink driving during Sussex Police’s winter campaign have been named following their appearance in court.

Brighton and Hove City Council looks like being millions of pounds worse off because of the increase in employer national insurance contributions from April.

A man has been jailed after being found guilty of blackmail following an investigation into county lines drug dealing.

A suspect has been charged in connection with a serious assault that took place in Cootham on Thursday (16 January).

Officers are investigating two reports of fraud by police impersonators in Littlehampton.

East Sussex County Council plans to cut spending on drugs and alcohol services as it looks to secure a new contract.

Sainsbury’s looks likely to be granted a drinks licence for its new branch in Brighton after talks with Sussex Police.

A council scrutiny committee has yet to appoint two parent governors eight months after it was agreed that they should have a seat at the table.

Polish international Jakub Moder has joined Feyenoord from Brighton and Hove Albion, on undisclosed terms.

The University of Brighton has climbed 16 places to reach the top 30 in the latest People & Planet university league table.

Two of our treatment works near Chichester have had more than major work carried out to improve water quality and reduce storm overflows.

Police are continuing to investigate the death of a man at a property in Brighton on Thursday (16 January).

A 19-year-old man who was a member of an extreme Satanic group has been sentenced to a nine-year extended sentence for possessing a terrorist document and encouraging someone online to take her own life.

It is now 11 days since Brigid was reported missing from the Meads area of Eastbourne.

A teenage neo-Nazi satanist who was caught with terrorism material and encouraged suicide online has been jailed for six years.

Worthing Borough Council has agreed to a land sale agreement for Union Place due to financial pressures.

Parents have put the case both for and against a series of proposals to change secondary school admissions in Brighton and Hove.

A 15-year-old was the youngest driver arrested during Sussex Police’s winter drink/drug-drive campaign, while the oldest was 80.

A lorry driver who was nearly five times the legal alcohol limit on the M23 has been sentenced.

Police are investigating after a man was found dead at a property in Brighton.

Did you witness a collision outside the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath?

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a collision near Bognor.

Police are advising owners of Ford Fiestas to review their vehicle security, storage, and parking locations in East Sussex.

Officers investigating a collision in Haywards Heath are appealing for further witnesses and information.

Officers are appealing for information and witnesses following a report of indecent exposure in Polegate.

The owner of a former gym premises in Hove has applied for permission to demolish the building for fear that it may be unsafe.

Plans to demolish 14 garages and replace them with three homes are to be considered by Horsham District Council.

A primary school has been rated good with “outstanding” elements after a recent inspection.

A charity has called for greater clarity on annual housing targets in Brighton & Hove and a bolder approach to climate issues.

Three men were arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking from an address in Eastbourne.

A man has been charged with committing multiple offences in Brighton.

Police are investigating and appealing for witnesses after cannabis plants were discovered at the scene of a fire in Brighton.

Police and neighbours have objected to a Brighton supermarket’s application for a drinks licence, partly because of fears about increasing levels of anti-social behaviour.

An arts charity in Newhaven which provides free drama workshops for children and young people has received nearly £5,000 from Newhaven Enterprise Zone’s Community Fund to employ an early years artist.

Sussex community groups were celebrating this week as London Gatwick announced the recipients of £30,000 from the third round of the London Gatwick Foundation Fund, across Crawley, Horsham, Mid Sussex and Wealden.

Police are investigating a two-vehicle collision in Portslade on Monday afternoon (13 January).

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with two counts of attempted murder.

The new year is a time for many people to think about making changes to their life – but have you considered a voluntary role that would see you make a real difference to your community, teach you new skills, boost your confidence and help your career?

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a fire at a derelict house in Eastbourne.

The University of Brighton has received the highest accreditation for its delivery of pioneering sports and physical exercise degrees.

After a busy 2024, Shoreham Harbour RNLI is opening recruitment for new boat crew volunteers.

A man who stalked a 24-year-old woman by leaving a series of presents outside her home has pleaded guilty at court.

Police investigating a report of stolen luggage have released images of a man they wish to speak with.

On December 15 at 4.25pm, officers responded to a collision between a car and a motorcycle on the A27, near Middle Farm in Firle.