Families 'let down' by council-owned attractions in Eastbourne over Easter holidays

Councillor Robert Smart says that those looking to enjoy Eastbourne’s seaside attractions this bank holiday found many to be closed and the promenade looking “shabby” with missing and broken lighting.

Despite the weekend’s sunny weather, and thousands of families on the seafront, many of the town’s tourist areas are shut, casting the wrong impression to visitors, said Cllr Smart. 

Cllr Smart, the leader of the Conservative group on Eastbourne Borough Council, said: “The bandstand and Motcombe Pool’s closures have been well publicised, but residents and visitors alike are deprived of so much else as the peak tourist season begins, the latest casualty being the popular Dotto train.

Dotto Train on Eastbourne promenade 9 years ago. Photo: geograph/ Paul Farmer

“This is such a shame for local children as well as all the visitors, and does little to entice them back to our town which relies so heavily on tourists. 

“My grandsons were not impressed that their favourite train wasn’t running along the prom.

“This has been another Easter ‘no show’, apparently because of maintenance. 

“The council and its operator have had all lockdowns and this winter to sort this out and it should have been ready for the bank holiday. 

“Other towns have their seafront trains up-and-running, so why not Eastbourne?”

Cllr Smart claims others feel the same way and is calling on the Lib-Dem run council to have the train running again and all the attractions open as soon as possible. 

He said: “It’s just not good enough. This is a tourist town and we need to welcome visitors, not send them the message that things are closed due to the council’s neglect and mismanagement. 

“The rundown appearance of the town is further enhanced by the un-refurbished exterior of the Winter Garden.

“Looking at the queues at all the seafront concessions this Easter, a golden opportunity to turn things around has quite obviously been missed, and it’s down to complete mismanagement by this inept council administration.

 “This is doing Eastbourne’s reputation no good at all.”

A spokesman for Eastbourne council said: “We are immensely proud of Eastbourne’s beautiful and highly-regarded seafront that brings visitors to the town from far and wide. 

“We work hard to maintain this reputation and among the seafront’s assets are the renowned Carpet Gardens which have drawn particular admiration from both visitors and residents this spring. 

“Eastbourne's much-loved Bandstand is undergoing a £750,000 repairs and maintenance programme funded by the council. 

“This is essential work to ensure it can open again in 2023. 

“Stagecoach is hoping to resume the Eastbourne Dotto Train along the length of the seafront promenade from the end of May ahead of the busy summer season.

“Regarding Motcombe Pool, restoration costs are estimated to be more than £1 million.

“Accordingly, the council is establishing a community interest company (CIC) to spearhead the fundraising needed to bring these ageing Victorian baths back into use. 

“It is hoped this will emulate the community inspired regeneration of the Saltdean Lido, where nearly £4 million has been raised so far.”

Cllr Smart is urging the council to “get its act together”, and is working with council officers and the town's MP, Caroline Ansell, on a new funding possibility to “restore the seafront to its former glory”.