Last day of Beachy Head Story in Eastbourne confirmed

The Beachy Head Story in Eastbourne is a free visitor exhibition at the popular tourist and walking spot, which contains artefacts, artwork and information on the landscape and its history.

However, in the latest round of cuts due to an almost £6 million forecast budget deficit, the centre is being closed by Eastbourne Borough Council.

It will shut its doors for the last time on Monday, September 30.

Visitors to the site have expressed their sadness and anger at the news, describing the decision as “shocking”.

Helen McCauley, a former director of Friends of Beachy Head, said: “Fabulous volunteers ran it self-funded for 15 years.

“Not only was it a nice visitor centre, over the years we helped when dogs went over the cliff, supported the chaplains and the coastguards.

Beachy Head is a popular spot for tourists and walkers (Image: Alice Batt/Wikimedia Commons) “Took in injured people blown over by wind or unwell, the lost or despondent. One volunteer drove a lady back to a hotel for an epi-pen following a bee sting.

“Countless tourists were driven to the station, having missed the last bus.”

One parent said: “So so sad. My five-year-old is devastated.”

Another parent responded: “My six-year-old will be too, we love it there.”

A petition was started in a bid to block the closure by resident Donald Selmes, which received over 1,000 signatures.

READ MORE: Petition against closure of Eastbourne's public toilets

He said: “I have lived in Eastbourne, a town steeped in rich history and heritage, for over 40 years.

“My children and grandchildren have been born and brought up here. Our unique heritage department and its outlet, the Beachy Heady Story, have been enlightening residents and visitors for years, through research, archaeology, exhibitions and education.

“Today, these valuable services are under threat of closure, an action that could rob us of our town's unique narrative.

“Visitors and locals alike depend on the information and services it renders from going into our schools and educating our children to running the Beachy Head Story with over 40,000 visitors last year, creating an enriching sense of community and pride.

“The closure of these essential outlets will significantly impact those interested in learning and understanding Eastbourne's historical intricacies.

“The services provided have always been a source of enjoyment, education and pride for our local community and their absence will be sorely felt.”

The decision was made at a cabinet meeting on September 18, led by council leader Councillor Stephen Holt, where £2.7 million of cuts to make savings were approved.

At the meeting, Cllr Holt said the council is seeking a new operator for the site, which they hope to instate in spring of next year.

Also under discussion was the proposed community toilet scheme, which could see businesses in Eastbourne asked to allow public access to their facilities.

Cllr Holt confirmed that any public toilets vandalised during the consultation period for the scheme could be shut, as the council “are not going to pay for something which a consultation may close”.