Campaign Launched To Save Historic Streetlights In Eastbourne Town Centre

A campaign has been launched to save 13 historic lampposts in Eastbourne from being replaced with modern street lighting as part of ongoing town centre improvement works.

The distinctive barley sugar-style cast iron columns, modelled on Victorian designs, are currently located along Terminus Road between Bankers Corner and Bolton Road.

East Sussex County Council says the replacement scheme would help improve public safety, ensure compliance with modern standards and support accessibility in the area.

However, the proposals have sparked opposition from local business leaders, heritage campaigners and councillors, who argue the lampposts are an important part of Eastbourne’s character and could be upgraded rather than removed.

The Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce and Eastbourne Society are backing calls to retain the historic columns, suggesting brighter or upgraded lighting units could be fitted instead. Campaigners have also placed “Save Our Lamp-Posts” posters on each column to rally public support.

Conservative councillor David Small said there was “cross-party support” for keeping the lampposts in place.

He added:

“It feels incredibly wasteful to throw away well-made ironwork for generic replacements that are unlikely to last as well.

"At the very least, proper alternatives should be costed before these lights are lost.”

Retired electrical engineer and Eastbourne Society adviser Bob Cookson said there was “no technical reason” why the existing iron columns could not be brought up to modern standards.

“Iron of this quality lasts for centuries,” he said.

East Sussex County Council says the current plan remains to replace the structures with new street lighting as part of the town centre works.

The campaign continues as discussions around the future of the lampposts go on.