Eastbourne church lights will be kept on in response to worries over anti-social behaviour

St Mary’s churchyard lights were being turned off to save energy and money but this made residents worried about walking in the dark and potential anti-social behaviour.

This triggered a meeting between the church’s Canon Tom Mendel and councillors from Upperton and Old Town wards. The result was that the energy costs would be covered by the council’s Devolved Budget scheme. Each ward has been given £3,000 to spend on quick fix one-off works or initiatives to improve the lives of residents within each of the nine council wards. Now the lighting will remain on until the end of March 2023.

Councillor Robin Maxted said: “It is essential people feel safe when out and about in our town, whatever the time of day or night, and Upperton and Old Town councillors are committed to providing safe routes for all.”

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