SUSSEX councils have received mixed news over their bids to help revitalise the county’s coast.

Arun District Council experienced the same lows as Brighton and Hove City Council with both missing out on a slice of £40 million from the coastal community fund.

But Hastings Borough Council had better fortunes after learning it had been successful with a £812,770 bid to redevelop Rock House into a mix of commercial, residential and community uses while a redundant water feature and White Rock promenade will be refurbished.

Arun leader Gillian Brown spoke of her disappointment after £4.5 million plans to transform Littlehampton town centre were denied funding.

It joined Brighton and Hove, which revealed its disappointment at being rejected for £4 million towards the restoration of Madeira Terraces.

Government officials said there was strong competition for grants with 53 applications bidding for £81 million of funding, twice the amount of money available, with only the strongest succeeding. A spokesman said: “We understand those unsuccessful in this round will be disappointed but we’d encourage them to reapply later.”