Hastings Old Town Residents Association
East Hill House
13 Tackleway
Hastings
East Sussex
TN34 3DE
CHAIR: Vacancy
01424-437069 — dick@hotra.org.uk
For everyone living and working in the Old Town
Report Street Problems
Click here to go to East Sussex Highways, where you can report problems such as potholes, broken paving slabs and blinking street lights.
HOTRA needs a new Chair
Dick Edwards stepped down a year ago. lt is now urgent that a replacement is found othenrvise the future of HOTRA is in doubt. A typical week involves 2-3 hours of work. The key tasks are keeping members informed, chiefly through newsletters, linking with other organisations around the Old Town; developing the work of the Association and agreeing an Annual Work plan promoting the best possible outcomes for residents and those who work here. For more details contact dick@hotra.org.uk or philip.white32@btinternet.com
MAYOR James Bacon
Congratulations to James who is starting the year as Mayor of Hastings, taking over from Cllr Nigel Sinden. This is the first time an Old Town Ward councillor has been honoured by his colleagues in this way for over 25 years. As our First Citizen James will have many duties to perform within Hastings and beyond. He will be one of the youngest members of the Cinque Ports representatives. HOTRA wishes James every Success in his tasks and hopes he has a great year.
Reducing plastic waste
Many of our local shops and businesses are doing their bit by using paper bags – we thank you for your efforts and encourage everyone to do more. The value of these shops and businesses in our local community has really been highlighted during this ongoing pandemic: shops selling food, a Post Office counter, hairdressers, locally-caught fresh fish, pubs providing a take-away food service, launderette, click- and-collect businesses, etc. A sincere thank you to all of you! For more details on buying local go to www.amazinghastings.com
New Green councillor
In an historic first, Hastings Green Party's candidate Julia Hilton has won a seat on both Hastings Borough Council (Old Hastings ward) and East Sussex County Council (Old Hastings and Tressell ward).
Julia won by a landslide in the Borough election, with a total of 1032 votes. This was 52% of the vote, and more than all the other candidates combined. The seat had previously been held by an Independent candidate, who had defected from Labour after the 2018 elections. Julia becomes the first Green ever to sit on Hastings Borough Council.
Swan Gardens
Hastings Council have had to keep the gates locked for safety reasons. The brown tailed moth has become too well established here. lt can cause a rash and skin initation. Hastings Councilare trying to avoid cutting down the shrubbery and HOTRA are helping to find ways to resolve the challenge.