South East Environmental Services Limited (SEESL) took over from Kier on June 29 after Eastbourne withdrew from a waste partnership with neighbouring authorities.

The new service, named Environment First, boasts 100 staff and increased numbers of waste and recycling vehicles, such as additional mechanical sweepers and HGVs with significantly greater capacity.  A decision to change the council’s recycling collection point to Hailsham from Uckfield will save over 37,000 road miles, supporting the council’s commitment to a cleaner environment.

Councillor Jonathan Dow, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Chair of SEESL, said: “To bring such an important and complex contract back under our control demanded military style precision and planning.

“I’m incredibly proud of the council project team that worked so hard and diligently to achieve such a seamless transfer of service.

“In anyone’s language the launch of the new waste and recycling service has been a resounding triumph and I’m delighted that our residents will be the ones who benefit most.”

The latest software being used provides managers with up-to-the-second analysis of every collection round, ensuring the most timely and informed service delivery.

There is also a much greater focus on customer support and ensuring any issues arising are acted upon quickly and efficiently. Teams will take rapid action on enforcement issues such as graffiti and fly-tipping and increase the understanding of residents and businesses in what their waste and recycling responsibilities are.

‘Breathtaking’ seafront restaurant progresses

The founder of Bistrot Pierre met the Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council to see the progress being made to complete the stunning new seafront restaurant.

Robert Beacham joined Councillor David Tutt and Christina Ewbank, Chief Executive of Eastbourne & District Chamber of Commerce (pictured above), at the landmark Wish Tower location.

Widely regarded as one of the most stunning coastal vantage points in the UK, guests at the new Bistrot Pierre will enjoy panoramic views across the English Channel and the length and breadth of the town’s promenade.

Robert said: “It’s incredibly exciting to see the exterior of the restaurant nearing completion and ready for the internal fit-out to begin.  On a beautiful sunny day the outlook is simply breathtaking.”

The Bistrot Pierre ‘raison d’être’ for great value provincial French cooking served in relaxing and friendly bistrots has been wowing customers since 1994.

Councillor Tutt said:“There is no doubt that this restaurant will become a seafront favourite for people from far and wide.

“The design is so eye catching and in harmony with its wonderful position overlooking the sea, downland and east to the pier and beyond.”

New conference centre complete

A multi-million pound conference and exhibition venue offering first class facilities for national and international events at Eastbourne’s Devonshire Quarter is complete.

The impressive new Welcome Building has been created to reinforce the town’s reputation as a premier conference destination, and forms a key part of the Eastbourne Borough Council development alongside its top flight sporting and cultural offer.

The Welcome Building has conference halls, break out and hospitality areas, the site’s central box office and a public café with views across the tennis lawns is soon to open.

The building was designed to maximise natural lighting and the roof is fitted with photovoltaic solar panels to help the council meet its commitment to drive down CO2 emissions.

A ramped entrance provides an attractive gateway to the Welcome Building through the new plaza and once inside, there is access to the Congress Theatre and Winter Garden which stand on either side.

Cinema opens at The Beacon

A new eight-screen cinema has opened on the top floor of The Beacon shopping centre.

Cineworld has closed its Sovereign Harbour cinema to open this new venture in the heart of the town.

Bill Plumridge, Manager of The Beacon (pictured above right), said the new cinema was ‘fantastic news’ for Eastbourne and would provide ‘a huge boost to the town’s night-time economy’.

John Glover, Cineworld Eastbourne General Manager (pictured above left), added: “With an exciting line-up of films this summer, we look forward to continuing to share our love of film with the local community.”