News

A267 safety push: Heathfield voices mark tragic anniversary with action

Heathfield voices mark tragic anniversary with action Heathfield, Cross in Hand and surrounding villages are keeping up pressure for safer roads a year on from the Mayfield Flat fatal crash. On 1 October 2025, residents marked the anniversary of the collision at Mayfield Flat, Cross in Hand, where a northbound waste tanker and a southbound... Read more

1st October

Herstmonceux Castle’s Water Lilies Win National Recognition

Herstmonceux Castle’s Water Lilies Win National Recognition Herstmonceux Castle Estate has long drawn visitors with its brick battlements and sweeping grounds. Now, there’s another reason to make the trip: its much-loved collection of water lilies has been officially named a National Plant Collection in the “Historical” category by Plant Heritage, the UK’s leading garden plant... Read more

25th September

Wealden Council Rejects “One East Sussex” Proposal, Citing Risks for Local Communities

Wealden Council Rejects “One East Sussex” Over Fears of Lost Local Connection Wealden District Council’s Cabinet has confirmed it cannot support the proposal for a single “One East Sussex” authority, warning it would be too large, too remote, and financially unsound to serve local residents effectively. The plan, which suggested replacing the county’s existing structure... Read more

25th September

Heathfield Youth Hub Opens New £5m Building with State-of-the-Art Facilities

Heathfield’s young people now have a brand-new £5 million youth centre, complete with sports, arts and learning spaces, following the official opening of the new Heathfield Youth Hub. The modern two-storey building replaces the original 1950s site and was made possible thanks to a Government Youth Investment Fund grant. Designed with input from local young... Read more

25th September

Hospice in the Weald Open Morning

What’s On: Hospice in the Weald Open Morning, Five Ashes Hospice in the Weald will be opening its doors on Thursday 9th October, inviting people to drop in between 10am and noon for a warm welcome, a hot drink, and the chance to learn more about its vital role in the community. The Five Ashes... Read more

17th September

Heathfield Cinema Project Aims to Light Up the High Street

Heathfield Cinema Project Aims to Light Up the High Street Initially there was a mystery about who was behind the project, and there is still no idea where it will be located. Now the picture is a little clearer. A familiar face around Heathfield has stepped forward and revealed plans that could change the heart... Read more

10th September

Matt, Heathfield’s sleddog champion gets a visit from MP

MP Nusrat Ghani Meets Five-Time World Champion in Heathfield As part of her Summer Surgery Tour, Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, met with Heathfield resident and five-time World Champion, Matt Hodgson, to celebrate his outstanding achievements in sleddog racing. Matt has been involved in the sport for over 20 years, running Sleddogs and representing... Read more

4th September

Dorothy Waterhouse celebrates the centenary of C.Waterhouse Funeral Directors

Dorothy Waterhouse celebrates the centenary of C.Waterhouse Funeral Directors  The legacy of Dorothy Waterhouse In a field often dominated by tradition, Dorothy Waterhouse is someone who brought both compassion and quiet strength to her work as a funeral director. With a steady presence and a deep respect for the stories each life leaves behind, she... Read more

3rd September

Community petition over Stagecoach 51 Service heads to County Hall

Community Petition Over Stagecoach 51 Service Heads to County Hall Heathfield, East Sussex – A petition calling for improvements to the Stagecoach 51 bus service will be considered by East Sussex County Council (ESCC) on Monday 8th September at 9am, when the Lead Member for Transport, Cllr Claire Dowling, addresses the matter at County Hall,... Read more

2nd September

Changing face of Heathfield High Street

A new development to arrive on Heathfield High Street A long established antiques shop is now being replaced with a new development by the Vivian Brown Discretional Settlement Trust. The Greenhouse is currently sited as a single story retail unit and will be replaced by a three story, four appartment, residential building with a ground... Read more

28th August

From canvas to cab! Lightning Fibre has re-wrapped its Heathfield primary node cab. 

From canvas to cab! Lightning Fibre has re-wrapped its Heathfield primary node cab.  Young people who attend Heathfield Youth Hub created some fantastic artworks especially for the Heathfield Agricultural Show this year, and their works have now been featured on the Lightning Fibre Heathfield full fibre broadband primary node cabinet in Station Road. Thanks to Councillor... Read more

25th August

Community Impact Statement for proposed Heathfield Cinema

Community Impact Statement Social media has been buzzing with news that Heathfield may be going to get a cinema. We don’t have any details of who is behind the plan nor where the potential location would be, but The Vault Cinema & Cafe have released this impact statement. The Vault, Heathfield – Cinema and Cafe... Read more

21st August

Future of the Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre confirmed

Bader College and Science Projects sign landmark 10-Year deal securing future of The Observatory Science Centre Bader College and Science Projects are pleased to share that they have reached a 10-year agreement to keep the Observatory Science Centre at Herstmonceux Castle Estate in East Sussex. This secures the future of one of the UK’s most... Read more

18th August

Heathfield College Sixth Form delivers outstanding results

Heathfield Sixth Form celebrates ‘A’ Level results Through phenomenal hard work, commitment, and exceptional partnership with their teachers, Year 13 have secured fantastic outcomes this year matching some of the best ever results from the College, consolidating the outstanding legacy of outcomes at Heathfield 6th Form. Students are now able to take up places on some... Read more

14th August

Let our local MP Nus Ghani know your thoughts on whether a banking hub is a good idea

The impact of local bank closures and local sentiment Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, is inviting local residents to share their views on access to banking services across the constituency. In Heathfield alone, we have seen the evaporation of banking services with all of the major banks leaving the town over the past ten years.... Read more

7th August

Sussex Six local produce initiative is launched

Sussex Six Campaign is launched in Wealden More than 60 local taste makers in the Wealden food and drink industry came together at Gun Brewery and Taproom in Gun Hill this week to launch the Sussex Six Campaign in Wealden, urging people in the district to eat and buy local produce.   Local hospitality encouraged... Read more

23rd July

Enjoy a unique visit to Foxhunt Manor gardens in aid of St Wilfrid’s Hospice – this Saturday

Open Garden at Foxhunt Manor, In aid of St Wilfrids Hospice. 26th of July 11am ~ 4pm A truly magnificent Edwardian garden set in 50 acres. Sunken Italian garden, wildflower walk, walled kitchen garden and orchard, with extensive lawns and flower beds. This Grade II listed house dates from 1898-99 and is part of an... Read more

23rd July

South East Water have announced that they are restricting the use of hosepipes for customers in Kent and Sussex and it is enforceable from 18 July.

South East Water have announced that they are restricting the use of hosepipes for customers in Kent and Sussex. The announcement read:“Demand for water is the highest we have ever seen for this time of year, reaching 680 million litres on 30 June 2025. This is 105 million litres of water a day more than the... Read more

17th July

Heathfield Youth Hub nearing completion

Local MP visits construction site for new Heathfield Youth Hub Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, has recently visited the construction site of the Heathfield Youth Hub, which is nearing completion ahead of its opening in September. The project is being built by Morgan Sindall Construction . This welcome new resource for the young people... Read more

3rd July

Heathfield man to cycle 1,000km to Spain in aid of Sarcoma UK.

East Sussex man to cycle 1,000km to Spain for brother with rare bone cancer A 59-year-old business consultant from Heathfield is embarking on an epic 1,000-kilometre cycling challenge to Spain to raise funds for his brother, who is living with a rare form of bone cancer. Harry Crane will tackle the ten-day journey starting on... Read more

26th June

Hospice in the Weald Moonlight Walk – thanks to everyone who made it such a great success!  

Moonlight walkers raise funds for Hospice in the Weald The 460 ‘Moonlight Walkers’ who navigated routes through Sevenoaks and Knole Park on 14th June raised an amazing £130,000, including match funding from the Freddie Green and Family Foundation.  Whilst the walkers are the stars of the show, Hospice in the Weald wanted to thank a number... Read more

26th June

Opening the Heathfield Cuckoo Line railway tunnel is a huge success

Last weekend saw the Cuckoo Line Gala come to Heathfield Last weekend the Spa valley Railway celebrated 200 years of Train Travel with ‘The Cuckoo Line Gala’ including Rare Access to the Heathfield Tunnel Visitors and volunteers enjoyed the opportunity to step back in time to the 1960s when steam still ruled supreme when they... Read more

19th June

Herstmonceux restoration is well under way

Herstmonceux Castle restauration is well under way Queen’s University – with Bader College and Herstmonceux Castle Estate – has reported that the restoration of Herstmonceux Castle is progressing well and the essential components of the repairs are on track to be completed as planned by Autumn 2025. “Our priority is, as ever, the people who... Read more

19th June

Local MP meets with Ukranian refugees

Local MP meets with Ukranian refugees Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, convened a forum for Ukrainian families living in the constituency to discuss concerns regarding changes to visa provision. There are over 267,000 people living in the UK under the Government’s Ukrainian schemes. Wealden district has been hosting the most arrivals to East Sussex and is amongst... Read more

19th June

Station Approach temporary closure for upgrade to water supply by South East Water

Station Approach on diversion From 19 June there will be a diversion around Station Approach to allow for an upgrade to the water supply. There will be a diversion indicated with signage on Station Road, Hailsham Road, Throbalds Green, Ghyll Road and Waldron Thorns. There will still be access for residents but passing traffic will... Read more

19th June

Heathfield Runners’ raise over £500 at recent Cake Bake – raffle tickets are still on sale

Heathfield Runners were thrilled to raise over £500 at the recent Cake Bake Sale Heathfield Runners are delighted to confirm they raised over £500 at their recent Cake Bake Sale and would like to thank everyone who took part for their generosity. Tickets are still on sale for the raffle ahead of the anniversary 10k... Read more

12th June

Heathfield celebrates another successful agricultural show day

Heathfield Agricultural Show took place on Saturday 24 May The weather wasn’t as kind as in previous years but that didn’t dim the crowds or the enjoyment of what is a unique event in the rural calendar. Local MP, Nus Ghani, was among the guests The local MP Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, was... Read more

29th May

Local MP hosts Sussex Weald Farmer’s Forum

Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, hosted the Sussex Weald Farmers’ Forum 2025 on Friday 16th May in Five Ashes near Mayfield, bringing together farmers from across the constituency as well as a range of local stakeholders. Nusrat has been inundated with requests for support from local farmers regarding matters including rural crime, animal welfare, access... Read more

22nd May

Young at Heart and Frogheath Landscapes are celebrating their contribution to a Chelsea Silver-Gilt Medal garden

Generations Unite In Planting For Chelsea Flower Show At Young At Heart Young At Heart, an intergenerational community interest company in Heathfield, is celebrating success at Chelsea Flower Show. Frogheath Landscapes, who built Zoe Claymore’s The Wildlife Trusts British Rainforest Garden supports Young At Heart’s Green Fingers Project and director Steve Moody, had just the... Read more

22nd May

Radio Teleswitch meter change leaves residents confused with the next steps to take

Energy meter change leaves residents confused with the next steps to take Local residents may want to draw their attention to the incoming news on their energy meter switches. Due to recent changes, it is crucial that everyone checks their energy meters since it could lead to losing heating or facing higher energy bills in... Read more

18th May

Local MP hosts virtual Q&A session on ‘Tackling Rural Crime’

A meeting to discuss ‘Tackling Rural Crime’ Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, hosted a virtual Q&A session titled “Tackling Rural Crime: Keeping Sussex Safe”. This meeting on May 13 provided an opportunity for local residents to raise their concerns and hear updates on the matter following Nusrat’s meetings and drop-in surgery with Sussex Police and Crime... Read more

15th May

East Sussex’s ‘best day out’ the Heathfield Agricultural Show is back

East Sussex’s ‘best day out’ the Heathfield Agricultural Show is back Tomorrow, on the 24th of May 2025, The Heathfield Agricultural Show returns to celebrate another year of countryside craftsmanship, displays, stands and award winning livestock and equine events. On Saturday, there is an incredible lineup of events awaiting visitors, young and old, including The... Read more

14th May

VE Day commemoration at Rushlake Green a huge success

Several hundred people joined in the VE day event at Rushlake Green on 8th May enjoying church bell ringing, live music, parades, artwork, dance displays, beacon lighting and fireworks. There was also a BBQ at The Horse and Groom pub and cakes made by volunteer bakers. Victory in Europe Day marks the end of the Second... Read more

12th May

Another milestone is reached in the progress of the construction of the new Wealden Sports Hub

Major milestone reached with topping out ceremony The milestone was marked by a topping out ceremony at the site earlier this week with Wealden district councillors, Councillor Rachel Millward and Councillor Kelvin Williams fitting the final roof tile. The ceremony was also attended by the main contractor Sunninghill Construction, and the contract administrators Pick Everard,... Read more

8th May

Visit to Heathfield College from Mims Davies MP, Shadow Minister for Women

Visit to College from Mims Davies MP (East Grinsted and Uckfield ) L.Caroline Barlow, Headteacher R.Mims Davies Shadow Cabinet Minister for Women with shared oversight for Equalities and Co-Chair of the APPG for Men and Boys. Students from Heathfield were pleased last week to host a discussion with Mims Davies, visiting college further to meeting... Read more

8th May

Herstmonceux Castle showcases its plans for the future

Recovery after the sudden unplanned closure Since the snap closure in 2023 it has been a challenging time for the 600 acre Herstmonceux Estate and Bader College which is housed within the castle. However, as the light at the end of the tunnel comes into view, the hope is that the completion of the three... Read more

1st May

Stacey Solomon’s ‘Sort Your Life Out’ is looking for locals to take part

Do you need help transforming your home? I hope you don’t mind us reaching out – we are currently casting the next series of the popular BAFTA-nominated BBC show Sort Your Life Out with Stacey Solomon, and we are looking for families and shared households in the local area to take part. Would you be... Read more

29th April

The Heathfield News announces a partnership with Wealden Talking News

The Heathfield News is delighted to announce a partnership with Wealden Talking News, who are based in Heathfield. THN is pleased to be able to make all of the news and features published available to the WTN free of charge The Wealden Talking News operates out of a studio in Heathfield Talking news started in... Read more

28th April

Local MP confirms investment in water management in Hellingly. But, warns more needs to be done.

Meeting to bring key stakeholders together in Hellingly Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, joined Hellingly Parish Council at a recent stakeholder forum in Hellingly to discuss progress made on works to prevent flooding and sewage overspills that have been causing issues to local residents for several years. Since the severe incidents in January 2023, Nusrat has... Read more

24th April

Hospice in the Weald supporters are both inspired by and running in the London Marathon

Memories of loved ones will keep Hospice runners moving as they take on London Marathon 2025 Cherished memories of loved ones will inspire many runners as they take on the London Marathon on Sunday, we have already featured James from Melina Joy Opticians and Leon from Heathfield who are all running this weekend for different... Read more

24th April

New local businesses get a boost at the Heathfield Agricultural Show

Heathfield Show Promotes New Businesses The New Enterprise Zone is back at the Heathfield Agricultural Show The HAS is keen to support new, local businesses and over the last 10 years, the New Enterprise Zone has enabled more than 100 new startups to promote their businesses at the Show by way of a FREE trade... Read more

10th April

Great British Spring Clean kicks off!

Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, is supporting this year’s ‘Great British Spring Clean’ campaign and is encouraging local residents to take part and help clean our shared spaces. The Great British Spring Clean is an annual event organised by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and it is the UK’s largest mass-action environmental campaign. The Great British Spring... Read more

3rd April

Hospice in the Weald – Open Gardens Season 2025

Hospice in the Weald – Open Gardens Season 2025 Explore some of the best-kept secret gardens in West Kent and East Sussex, which are opening their gates this spring and summer to raise funds for Hospice in the Weald. During the season over thirty gardens across the community are available for you to visit. Take... Read more

3rd April

Tara Goldsmith raises over £500 in memory of her grandad

The granddaughter of a Heathfield businessman who dedicated much of his time to helping others has completed a dog walking challenge in his memory. Tara Goldsmith completed the 62k March Dog Walking Challenge for Dementia UK in memory of her grandfather Trevor Goldsmith who passed away recently. Trevor died aged 77 after suffering from dementia... Read more

3rd April

Local optometrist, James Miller, takes on the London Marathon for charity

James from Melina Joy Opticians takes on the London Marathon Melina Joy optometrist, James Miller, is taking on the challenge of running the London marathon on Sunday 27th April to raise funds for a local charity called Wealden Talking Newspapers, who are based justdown the High Street from the practice in Heathfield. It is a... Read more

1st April

Don’t miss your opportunity for a free health check

Free health checks in Wealden One You East Sussex provides a free holistic lifestyle service for residents of East Sussex, helping people make simple changes that can lead to a longer, healthier, and happier life.  The service helps residents to lose weight, be smoke free, move more, eat well and drink less. The service also... Read more

31st March

We campaigned they listened!

Stagecoach announces some concessions Last week we featured Erin’s campaign, we spoke to a local councillor Anne Cross and the Press Office at Stagecoach to get their comments. Lots of you signed her petition. Now it is encouraging to hear this comment from Stagecoach this week. It doesn’t fully address her concerns but it signals... Read more

27th March

Student from Heathfield campaigns against cuts in Stagecoach bus service

Erin’s petition to halt changes in 51 bus frequency gains momentum Erin Wigham was very concerned when she saw the proposed change to the 51 bus timetable. The change to hourly from half-hourly was the source of her concern. Anyone who has used Stagecoach bus services will have experienced frequent cancellations and delays to their... Read more

20th March

Planning begins for the major changes coming with Local Government Reorganisation

Plans for local government changes are moving quickly Plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in East Sussex will take a step forward next week, as six local councils will come together at their Cabinet and Full Council meetings to discuss progress.  In February, the government wrote to local authorities – including those in East Sussex... Read more

18th March

Heathfield Community College scores highly for pupil happiness

Ofsted recognises the importance of ‘wellbeing’ as a factor for the choice of secondary schools Ofsted the education watchdog has recognised parents’ shifting focus towards a school’s ethos when choosing where their child should go for secondary. It plans to add a “wellbeing” category to its new inspection reports, which it is currently consulting on,... Read more

12th March