Contractors begin removal of Hastings town centre benches

Hastings Borough Council made the decision to remove the benches, located in front of Jempson’s, earlier this week after a number of business owners told the Hastings Observer they had had enough of the drink and drug related anti-social behaviour outside their shops. Some staff members also reported feeling intimidated by the group when serving customers outdoors and when turning up to work. The problems in Wellington Place have affected businesses for the past few years but, with the added stress of the Covid-19 pandemic, the owners told Hastings Borough Council and Sussex Police that ‘enough is enough’ as they demanded action was taken. The work to remove the benches started at 7.30am on Friday (September 11). For more information, click here.