Beachy Head heritage centre could re-open in 2025

Council leader Stephen Holt said the closure is part of a package of measures to combat the town’s £4.5m annual homeless accommodation bill

An East Sussex heritage centre which will close on Monday could re-open in 2025, a council has said.

Eastbourne's Beachy Head Story heritage centre will close as Eastbourne Borough Council looks to make a saving of £2.7m.

Council leader Stephen Holt said the closure is part of a package of measures to combat the town’s £4.5m annual homeless accommodation bill.

But Mr Holt said: "In due course the council will be inviting expressions of interest in the running of the site, with a view to it reopening under a new operator in spring 2025."

The centre has been telling the history of Eastbourne through archaeological digs, local history days and star-gazing events.

Volunteer Donald Selmes said it was a "terribly sad day".

"Each year we get more and more people coming. Last year we had more than 40,000. Everyone of all ages loved the place.

"It’s a beautifully put-together exhibition and it’s been a privilege to volunteer there."

Local resident Alan Shiel says it is "one of those inevitable cuts"

Eastbourne resident Alan Shiel had sympathy with the council.

"They have got to make cuts somewhere and wherever they cut people are going to be hurt and angry.

"Probably this is one of those inevitable cuts given the circumstances that all local authorities are in."

The council has already cut £3m from its 2024/2025 budget.

Mr Holt is calling on the government to cover the costs of Eastbourne’s temporary accommodation.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government previously told the BBC it would “get councils back on their feet by getting the basics right - providing more stability through multi-year funding settlements, ending competitive bidding for pots of money and reforming the local audit system”.