Sent on behalf of the Bexhill Neighbourhood Board Bexhill Neighbourhood Board, Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board, and Hastings Neighbourhood Board came together on Friday, March 13, for a joint Pride in Place board meeting.
The event focused on reinforcing the joint commitment to shared learning, regional collaboration, and delivering stronger outcomes for their communities across the three coastal towns.
Hosted in Bexhill, the two‑hour meeting brought together Board members from all three towns into one room for a packed agenda.
Representatives from Eastbourne, Hastings and Bexhill each delivered short presentations sharing their recent successes, current challenges and upcoming priorities, enabling Board members to compare approaches and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Mixed‑group discussions provided time to work across geographical boundaries and identify common themes as well as consider ideas and strategies that may have not previously considered.
Abi Newbury, Chair, Bexhill Neighbourhood Board said: “This 3-way meeting reinforces why coming together matters. Each of our towns has its own identity and priorities, but we are connected in so many ways – through our residents, our businesses, our coastline and our mutual desire to create places that people are proud to live, work and grow up in. The conversations that took place have shown the potential we can unlock when we are willing to share learning and aspirations together.”
Richard Garland, Chair, Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board said: “This was a really positive, game-changing meeting. Our shared history, culture, infrastructure, and world-famous coastline connect our communities, and by working together we can make the most of the Pride in Place funding programme. This will bring real benefits to everyone who lives, works, and visits our unique towns.”
Kevin Boorman, Independent Chair, Hastings Neighbourhood Board said: “It was really great to meet and work with our colleagues from Bexhill and Eastbourne. We are all keen to do the very best for the communities we serve, and by working together we can learn and share best practice.”
The Boards have committed to continued joint working, including future shared meetings and follow‑up actions to advance the ideas generated during the meeting.
For more information about each of the Neighbourhood Boards, their membership, vision, and plans, visit the below websites:
www.bexhillneighbourhoodboard.co.uk
www.hastings.gov.uk/regeneration/pride-in-place
Bexhill, Eastbourne, and Hastings were one of 75 phase 1 towns to be selected by the UK Government to receive up to £20 million of funding over the next 10 years to deliver the Pride in Place programme.
More details about the Pride in Place programme can be found here; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pride-in-place-programme-prospectus/pride-in-place-programme-prospectus#neighbourhood-boards
Ends.
Published: 19th March 2026
