‘Year long’ problem with Eastbourne seafront lights is rectified

Walkers and runners all complained for months about a lack of lighting early in the morning on Eastern Parade, the stretch of promenade between the Sovereign Centre and the Southern Water Treatment Works at Langney Point.

Contractors working on the new skatepark near the Sovereign Centre had to use torches and joggers and dog walkers said they had to use head torches int he darkness of a morning and evening. Former MP Stephen Lloyd and his predecessor Conservative Caroline Ansell both tried to get the matter resolved as it was unclear if it was an issue for Eastbourne council or East Sussex County Council.

It appeared there were two issues: one was an operational fault with a timer where all the lights were affected and the second was the failure of individual lanterns which was due to corrosion to the aluminium bodies.

This week it appeared the matter had been resolved and the mechanical timeswitch was replaced with a part-night photo electric cell. The switch off period is between midnight and 5am and an Eastbourne council spokesperson said the lights are now working.