Having recently been declared one of the friendliest towns to retire in England by World Atlas, it was fitting that Bexhill was the destination for the recent Live Well, Age Well Fair.
The free event gave people of all ages, particularly those over 55, the chance to discover new activities, connect with local groups, access expert advice and find out more about the services available in the area.
As well as being one of the sponsors of the event, we were able to share advice and information through our Rother District Council and Active Rother stalls.
Although I had planned to attend the event, I was sadly unable to do so but was pleased to receive feedback from colleagues that the event at the De La Warr Pavilion was a great success.
The fair is a community-led not for profit event organised by Kieran Mullan MP, Rother District Council, Rother Voluntary Action and the De La Warr Pavilion, and does a wonderful job in promoting the services and activities available in our district.
I recently signed a letter to Government on behalf of the council calling on Government to rethink planning changes that significantly reduce the role of locally elected councillors in deciding planning applications.
The new one-size fits all national planning system, which comes into force at the end of the month, will see a standardised framework determining which planning applications are decided by planning officers and which go to committee.
For a district with such unique characteristics and protected areas, local oversight is so important, and these new rules would prevent many planning applications, including those for up to nine new homes, from ever being considered by our planning committee.
We absolutely agree that there needs to be improved efficiency in the planning system, it cannot come at the expense of local decision-making.
We have become aware of residents receiving fraudulent emails or text messages asking residents to make a payment via a link.
Despite messages carrying the district council’s logo, the link will take residents to a fake website designed to take money or steal personal and banking information.
Receiving messages purporting to be from the council and demanding money can be a real worry for residents and some may be tempted to take action. Please do not.
You can check your council tax account or contact the council directly using the details on your bill or our website.
If you do receive a message, do not click on any links or open attachments, do not provide personal, council tax, payment, or banking details, and never make a payment using the link or contact details in the message.
Anyone who has received a scam message and already clicked a link, made a payment, or shared personal or banking information, should contact their bank immediately, change any password you disclosed and report the incident to the relevant authorities.
Just because a message bears a council logo or branding does not prove that it’s genuine. If you are unsure, double check before taking any action.
Ends.
Published: 16th October 2026
