A fresh investment aims to transform public spaces with cleaner streets and improved maintenance.
Hastings is set to receive up to £500,000 from the government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund, following a public meeting hosted by Helena Dollimore, MP for Hastings, Rye and villages.
The funds will be used for new street-cleaning vehicles and equipment, as well as expanded “grotbusting” services to tackle litter, graffiti, grime and fly-tipping.
Helena Dollimore, MP for Hastings, Rye and villages, said: "As a coastal community, Hastings’ seafront should be the jewel in our town crown.
"Hundreds of residents came to my public meeting yesterday to show how strongly they felt about the need to clean up our seafront.
"Secretary of State Steve Reed was in attendance – and he has listened to everyone’s concerns.
"This £500k of funding from the government for ‘grotbusting’ will go a long way towards cleaning up our town and making Hastings an even better place to live, and promote tourism."
Almost 200 residents attended the meeting to share their views on improving the seafront.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local government Steve Reed MP was present to hear their concerns and ideas firsthand.
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The funding will support the introduction of new electric waste-collection carts, specialist chewing gum removal equipment and a proactive jet-washing programme.
A dedicated “hit squad” will regularly clean high-footfall areas, remove litter and respond rapidly to fly-tipping.
Hastings Borough Council has also contributed additional funding to expand street-cleaning teams, ensuring the new equipment is fully staffed and operational.
More community litter-picking equipment will be made available to support the town’s growing volunteer network.
The improvements will be rolled out across key areas, including the town centre, seafront, Old Town, Central St Leonards, Ore Village and Silverhill.
The investment is a direct response to priorities identified during last summer’s Pride in Place consultation.
It will also support volunteer efforts and help promote Hastings as a cleaner, more attractive destination for both residents and tourists.
Procurement of the new equipment is already underway, with full deployment expected by the end of the year.
