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| Hastings Fat Tuesday is in full swing! Hastings BID is very pleased to be able to support such a fantastic event. We’d love to hear how the town centre events have impacted your business this weekend. Get in touch! |
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Discovery team protects women from exploitation with closure order
The Discovery team based at Hastings Police Station has taken steps to protect women from exploitation in the town by securing a closure order against a local brothel.
Discovery brings together 16 statutory and voluntary organisations from across Hastings & Rother with the shared aim of seeing victims of modern slavery rescued and supported, and perpetrators brought to justice. The Discovery office at Hastings Police Station is the base for local police officers, fire officers, the recently appointed Stop the Traffik Hastings coordinator, and staff from Hastings and Rother councils, the DWP, HMRC, immigration and local charities including King’s Church.
Sergeant Simon Barden, who heads up the Discovery team, explained: “We’ve been aware of this property in Russell Street for some time and knew that women were being exploited. Working together, we secured a closure order from Hastings Magistrates’ Court to shut down the building, which was being used as a brothel. This means we are protecting potential future victims by removing the platform for exploitation.
“By working together with our partners in the Discovery team, particularly Hastings Borough Council on this occasion, and in conjunction with the landlord we secured this closure order.”
Natalie Williams, who chairs the Hastings Anti-Trafficking Hub on behalf of King’s Church, added: “The great thing about Discovery is that it brings together statutory organisations and charities such as ours to eradicate the horrendous crime of trafficking and modern slavery from the streets of Hastings & Rother. We’re committed to helping victims, which means not only working with those who are rescued but also preventing more people from being exploited.”
Members of the public who are concerned about modern slavery can call the Discovery team via Sussex Police on 101.
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Hastings Library reopens!
Hastings Library is due to reopen on Friday 2nd March. This is incredibly exciting news for the town centre and will help to boost footfall in the Trinity Triangle area.
The BID team have met with library staff to explore ways to work together to boost the area, encourage the use of the library and promote attendance at events.
We’ve been told how it’s been completely transformed inside, and will be well worth a visit once the doors reopen to the public.
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Advertising opportunity
The Hastings BID team have negotiated some discounted rates for levy payers to advertise on a visitor map that will be distributed across the town over the next two years. As a levy payer you will automatically be eligible for a 10% reduction, however if enough businesses express an interest we may be able to increase this discount to as much as 25%. Please let us know if you might wish to be included so we can co-ordinate artwork. The media pack, including prices before discount, is available to download here. There is a short window of opportunity, so don’t delay.
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New businesses in the town centre
‘No. Eight’ restaurant is the latest addition to the strong list of cuisines and brilliant dining options in Hastings Town Centre. Situated on Cambridge Road, it’s a great spot to grab a delicious burger.
Warren James Jewellers has opened up in Priory Meadow Shopping Centre, offering beautiful, quality jewellery at fantastic prices.
The DWP has also announced it will be moving in to Priory Quarter on Havelock Road. This is fantastic news for local lunch time and evening economy businesses.
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BCRP (Business Crime Reduction Partnership)
Future dates for Shopwatch meetings
Wednesday 14th March 2018
Wednesday 13th June 2018
Wednesday 12th September 2018
Wednesday 14th November 2018
If you are interested in becoming a member of Shopwatch or Barwatch, please emailbcrp@lovehastings.com. Remember, there are some valuable benefits to membership, including having access to the radio network and to a database of intelligence about known shoplifters.
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Priory Square gets gated
Over the last 15 months members of the BCRP and Community Safety Manager John Whittington from Hastings Borough Council, have been lobbying and working with the University to sort out the gating of a notorious corner of Priory Square.
Problems had included all manner of anti-social behaviour, including drug dealing, drug use, fly-tipping and public urination in the alcove.
We are now pleased to share that the University has paid for and installed this new gate with kind permission from the landlord of the Brass Monkey.
We hope this will reduce the level of anti-social behaviour in the area.
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Events taking place in February and March
A small selection of events taking place in Hastings Town Centre this January and February. A full list is available on our website. If your event is not listed, please contact us.
Crowleys Grand Opening – Saturday 24th February, 6pm, Crowleys (previously Flairz)
Piano Concerto Final – Friday 2nd – Saturday 3rd March, White Rock Theatre
Matilda’s Scoundrels – Saturday 17th March, 8pm, The Palace
Trail of the Golden Goose – Thursday 29th March – Sunday 15th April, 10am – 5pm, True Crime Museum
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BID Projects in progress
Town Centre Ambassadors
DISC security software – training has begun
Business money saving initiatives
Completion of the Love Hastings website
Heritage Action Zone
Business development of the White Rock area.
Further information will be available soon.
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