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Top East Sussex Villages for Property, Green Space, and Train Links to London

Top East Sussex Villages for Property, Green Space, and Train Links to London

Discover the Best Locations for Value, Lifestyle, and Commuting from East Sussex

East Sussex offers much more than the bustling Brighton beaches and vibrant nightlife, with a variety of picturesque villages, market towns, and charming coastal resorts that have attracted many Londoners looking to relocate post-pandemic. While prices across the county have dropped by 2.6% in the past year, the market remains relatively affordable, with a selection of desirable areas that combine beautiful surroundings with good transport links to London. Here are some of the best places to buy in East Sussex, based on property value, green space, and proximity to the capital.

Best Value for Money: Eastbourne
Eastbourne, once known for its traditional Victorian seaside charm, is undergoing a transformation, particularly in the Little Chelsea area, which now features galleries, cafes, and boutiques. It’s also home to the Towner Gallery, offering free contemporary art exhibitions. With an average property price of £313,000, Eastbourne offers great value for money compared to the county’s average. Though the town has seen a slight price decrease of 5% over the past year, it has enjoyed a significant 53% price increase over the past decade. Train links to London are a bit longer, taking around 1.5 hours, and while parts of the town center can feel run-down, areas like The Meads offer lovely Edwardian homes close to the station.

Most Like London: St Leonards
St Leonards, previously a neglected seaside resort, has undergone a revival, with ex-Londoners infusing the area with creativity. It now boasts galleries, restaurants, and coffee shops, offering a more relaxed vibe than Brighton and a more authentic alternative to Margate. The average property price is £307,000, with a typical house costing £379,000, making it an affordable option compared to other parts of East Sussex. However, train journeys to London take around 1.5 hours, and the steep, stony beach may not be ideal for everyone. Despite these drawbacks, its friendly community and proximity to the High Weald make it an attractive option for those looking for a unique and affordable coastal village.

Least Like London: Lewes
Lewes offers a quintessential market town experience with its cobbled streets, boutiques, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a cultural hub, home to the Glyndebourne Opera House and a vibrant arts scene, and is set within the stunning South Downs National Park. At an average property price of £553,000, Lewes is one of the more expensive locations in the county but offers a calm escape from city life with good connections to London (around 1 hour 10 minutes by train). Its proximity to Brighton adds a bit of urban excitement when needed, while the town itself is perfect for those who appreciate a slower pace of life and plenty of outdoor activities.

Best Connected: Wadhurst
Wadhurst is a small town with a rural feel, set in the High Weald, but its excellent train links make it an attractive option for commuters. It takes just over an hour to reach London, and nearby Tunbridge Wells offers a wide range of shops and restaurants. Wadhurst is also close to Bewl Water, offering plenty of outdoor activities such as sailing, windsurfing, and hiking. The average property price in Wadhurst is £595,000, reflecting its popularity and accessibility to London. Though prices have dropped by 5% in the past year, they have risen by 34% since before the pandemic, highlighting the area’s continued appeal.

Family-Friendly: Rye
Rye, a beautiful medieval town with cobbled streets and historic buildings, is ideal for families. Its proximity to Camber Sands offers miles of golden beach, while the town itself boasts independent cafes and pubs. The average property price is £450,000, with houses typically costing around £481,000. Prices have risen by 49% since 2023, making it an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a picturesque and family-oriented lifestyle. Though the Citadel area is stunning, with timber-framed houses, it is not particularly family-friendly due to small gardens and limited parking. For those seeking more space, 1930s homes within a short walk of the town center are a better option.

These East Sussex locations offer a range of options for those seeking value for money, good transport links, and green space while maintaining a proximity to London. Whether you’re drawn to the seaside or the countryside, East Sussex has something to offer.

Two Men Arrested in UK Over Alleged Chinese Spy Activity Within Parliament

Two Men Arrested in UK Over Alleged Chinese Spy Activity Within Parliament

Homes in Scotland, Oxfordshire, and East London Searched in Counter-Espionage Operation

A researcher working in the House of Commons has been arrested under the Official Secrets Act on suspicion of spying for China. The man, aged in his 20s, was taken into custody in Edinburgh by officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command. Reports from The Sunday Times suggest the researcher, who holds a parliamentary pass and is British, has connections with several high-profile Conservative MPs, including security minister Tom Tugendhat and foreign affairs committee chairwoman Alicia Kearns. It is also reported that he previously lived and worked in China.

Kearns acknowledged being aware of the situation but declined to comment. A source close to her suggested the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) targets UK parliamentary figures who stand in opposition to its influence. The source further warned that the allegations, if true, represented a serious escalation in Chinese efforts to undermine key political figures.

The second man, in his 30s, was arrested in Oxfordshire, with searches conducted at properties in both Oxfordshire and East London. Both men were released on bail pending further investigation, with inquiries continuing under the oversight of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, which handles espionage and Official Secrets Act violations.

The arrests come just after the UK’s Intelligence and Security Committee issued a warning in July about Beijing’s aggressive targeting of the UK. Last year, MI5 issued a rare public alert about a suspected Chinese agent, Christine Lee, who had engaged in “political interference” activities, which also involved Labour MP Barry Gardiner. This new development comes amid ongoing tensions between China and the UK, particularly with regard to foreign policy, as highlighted by recent visits and criticisms involving Foreign Secretary James Cleverly’s trip to Beijing.

Prominent figures, including former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, have called for a more stringent stance against China’s growing influence, pointing to the latest spy arrest as a stark reminder of the CCP’s deepening threat under President Xi Jinping.

Both Downing Street and the House of Commons have declined to comment on the matter due to security protocols.

How to Watch the US Open 2023 Final: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka

How to Watch the US Open 2023 Final: Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka

TV Channel and Live Stream Information for Today’s Showdown at Arthur Ashe Stadium

Coco Gauff will have a fervent home crowd behind her as she takes on Aryna Sabalenka in the 2023 US Open final today. The 19-year-old American is vying for her first Grand Slam title after reaching the French Open final last year, and she faces the world number one-in-waiting, Sabalenka, at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Sabalenka, who has already secured the Australian Open title this year and reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon and Roland Garros, hopes that at least some of the crowd will be cheering for her. “I’m still hoping that probably some of them will be supporting me… just sometimes, please!” Sabalenka said with a laugh.

How to Watch the US Open Final:
TV Channel: In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Coverage begins at 8:30 pm BST ahead of a 9 pm start.
Live Stream: You can stream the match live via the Sky Sports app and website. NOW customers can also access Sky Sports content through a subscription.

Kyle Walker Finally Scores for England in 77th Cap During Ukraine Draw

Kyle Walker Finally Scores for England in 77th Cap During Ukraine Draw

Defender Reflects on Long-Awaited Goal After Equaliser Secures Point in Euro 2024 Qualifier

Kyle Walker expressed relief after netting his first international goal for England, ending a long wait in his 77th appearance for his country. The 33-year-old defender equalised against Ukraine in a 1-1 draw, finding the back of the net from a brilliant Harry Kane assist in the first half of their Euro 2024 qualifier in Wroclaw, Poland.

Walker had long carried the weight of not having scored for England since his senior debut in 2011. Following the match, he told Channel 4: “It’s a relief. Representing your country is an honour, and I’ve had a lot of opportunities, so it was always on my mind. Finally, I’ve got that goal after 77 caps.”

The goal came as England struggled for much of the match, with possession dominance failing to produce a decisive lead. Walker admitted that England lacked their usual cutting edge in attack: “We know we can perform better. Ukraine are a strong side, and we respected them, but we came here looking for more.” The point leaves England unbeaten and top of Group C, but Walker believes the team can improve moving forward.

Boris Johnson Steps Down, Blaming ‘Biased’ Parliamentary Probe

Boris Johnson Steps Down, Blaming ‘Biased’ Parliamentary Probe

Former Prime Minister resigns, criticising the Privileges Committee over partygate investigation

Boris Johnson, the figurehead of Britain’s Brexit movement and former prime minister, has officially resigned as an MP, claiming that a “kangaroo court” of MPs unfairly targeted him. His resignation from representing Uxbridge and South Ruislip follows a damning letter from the Privileges Committee, which was investigating allegations that he misled Parliament regarding lockdown parties at Downing Street during the pandemic. Johnson accused the committee of attempting to force him out with a biased approach, declaring: “I did not lie, and I believe the committee knows it.”

Johnson’s departure aligns with the release of his contentious resignation honours list, which sparked further debate. His rise to prominence was marked by leading the Conservatives to a decisive 2019 victory on a promise to “Get Brexit done.” However, his premiership faced relentless scandals, notably the partygate controversy, which saw him fined for breaching COVID-19 restrictions.

Beyond the controversy, Johnson’s political career was characterised by significant successes, including serving as London’s mayor, where he broke Labour dominance, and playing a pivotal role in Brexit negotiations. Yet his time as prime minister saw a series of political crises, from handling the pandemic and facing rebellion over policy U-turns to being embroiled in scandals like the Owen Paterson affair and the Chris Pincher allegations. Despite resigning in 2022, Johnson hinted at potential comebacks but faced hurdles due to ongoing investigations.

His resignation closes a turbulent chapter in British politics, leaving a complex legacy of both major achievements and controversies that continue to polarise public and political opinion.

George Fensom Becomes First Love Island Contestant to Exit the Villa

George Fensom Becomes First Love Island Contestant to Exit the Villa

24-year-old business executive leaves following first recoupling of the season
Entertainment

George Fensom has become the first contestant to be eliminated from this season’s Love Island following the initial recoupling during Friday’s episode. The 24-year-old business development executive was the unlucky participant not chosen to remain in a couple, leading to his departure from the villa.

After hearing the verdict, George shared heartfelt moments with the remaining Islanders, saying, “On a serious note, I’ll never forget any of you. A tough decision had to be made, and it just happened to be me.” Reflecting on his departure, he admitted, “Leaving alone wasn’t how I imagined my experience to end, but I’m sure there’s someone out there for me outside the villa.”

Despite the abrupt end, George described his time on Love Island as “the best thing I’ve ever done,” highlighting the connections and friendships formed as invaluable.

The power to decide George’s fate rested with the female Islanders, who selected their partners during the recoupling. The decisive moment was prompted by a text received by Mitchel Taylor, which read: “Islanders, tonight there will be a recoupling. The girls will each choose which boy they want to recouple with. The boy not picked will be dumped from the island immediately. #LeaveItToTheLadies #BroBye”

With George now out of the picture, the remaining couples are: Catherine Agbaje and Zachariah Noble, Ella Thomas and Tyrique Hyde, Jess Harding and Sammy Root, Molly Marsh and Mitchel, Ruchee Gurung and Andre Fertado, and Whitney Adebayo and Mehdi Edno.

Elsewhere in the episode, Mitchel made the decision to step back from his connection with Molly after Sammy expressed interest in getting to know her. Sammy, who had gone on dates with multiple Islanders, confessed to Mitchel that Molly was his preferred match. Respecting the situation, Mitchel told Molly, “I don’t want to give you the energy I think you deserve when you’re not giving me any in return. I’d rather step back and let you explore.”

Meanwhile, Molly and Sammy shared a playful exchange about feeling a sense of familiarity with one another. Molly speculated she might recognise him from somewhere, prompting Sammy to joke, “Maybe we met in a past life, when you were a seagull and I was a chip.”

The first recoupling has set the stage for more drama and shifting dynamics within the villa, ensuring viewers stay hooked on the unfolding romances and rivalries.

‘Have I Got News For You’ Jokes About Recording on Friday After Johnson Resigns

‘Have I Got News For You’ Jokes About Recording on Friday After Johnson Resigns

Comedians joke about the timing of Boris Johnson’s resignation after Thursday recording of the show

The topical news comedy show Have I Got News For You has joked that it may need to start recording episodes on Fridays, following Boris Johnson’s surprise resignation as an MP. The former Prime Minister made his announcement on Friday evening, just hours after the show was recorded on Thursday, causing a swift reaction on social media.

Johnson’s resignation came after he accused a Parliamentary investigation into his involvement in the Partygate scandal of attempting to “drive me out.” The news broke shortly after 8 pm, with Have I Got News For You scheduled to air at 9 pm. In response, the show’s Twitter account cheekily suggested, “Perhaps we need to start recording the show on a Friday…”

Comedian Richard Osman, a former guest host, expressed sympathy for those involved in Thursday’s recording, saying, “My thoughts and prayers with everyone who had to record ‘Have I Got News For You’ last night.”

Johnson has appeared on the show several times, both as a guest panellist and as a host. His political antics, posh accent, and controversial moments were frequently the subject of mockery by team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton.

The episode, which aired on Friday, featured Harry Hill as the guest host, marking his first time hosting the show. Hill was joined by comedian Jack Dee, Vice UK editor Zing Tsjeng, and the regular team captains, Hislop and Merton. The show covered a week of significant news, including the fallout from Phillip Schofield’s secret, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s trip to the US, and the Duke of Sussex’s ongoing legal battles.

This isn’t the first time a major political event has impacted a topical news programme. Last year, Mock The Week aired its final episode amid political chaos in the UK, and despite Liz Truss’s resignation as Prime Minister, the episode was not re-recorded. The show’s Twitter account even tweeted, “I know there are bigger ramifications to the Prime Minister resigning, but that has really messed up Mock The Week this week.” Comedian Angela Barnes joked, “Liz Truss has done some terrible things, but resigning the day after we record the last ever episode of Mock The Week is up there.”

Meanwhile, on Friday, members of the studio audience of the BBC’s Any Questions programme cheered when the news of Johnson’s resignation was read aloud during the live recording in Pembrokeshire.

Horizon Europe: Europe’s Premier Research and Innovation Funding Programme

Horizon Europe: Europe’s Premier Research and Innovation Funding Programme

UK Set to Rejoin Horizon Europe Research Programme, Opening Doors for Global Collaboration and Innovation

Horizon Europe is the European Union’s flagship funding programme aimed at boosting research and innovation across Europe. With an estimated £85 billion (€95.5 billion) budget, it was launched in 2021 to support a wide range of projects that address both global challenges and the competitiveness of European industries. The programme is a collaboration between Europe’s leading research institutes and technology companies.

The programme is structured around three main pillars: Excellent Science, Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, and Innovative Europe. These pillars aim to fund projects ranging from basic scientific research to solutions for societal and industrial challenges such as health, climate change, and digital technologies.

UK-based researchers were initially excluded from participating in Horizon Europe after Brexit due to disagreements over the Northern Ireland Protocol. However, recent reports suggest that the UK is set to rejoin the programme, allowing British researchers and innovators to apply for funding on the same terms as their EU counterparts.

Horizon Europe is open to organisations from around the world and requires collaboration between institutions across multiple countries, with many funding opportunities requiring a consortium of at least three different organisations. By the end of 2023, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) had issued over 2,000 grants, amounting to more than £1 billion.

The programme runs until 2027, providing vital support for a diverse range of research projects, from climate and energy to cultural and societal challenges, fostering innovation across Europe and beyond.

The Rolling Stones Announce New Album ‘Hackney Diamonds’ with Hilarious Launch Event

The Rolling Stones Announce New Album ‘Hackney Diamonds’ with Hilarious Launch Event

The legendary rock band reveals their first album in 18 years, with Jimmy Fallon hosting a lively press conference.

The Rolling Stones have confirmed the release date of their much-anticipated new album, Hackney Diamonds, at a wildly entertaining press conference in Hackney, London. The band, now in their sixth decade of rock dominance, once again proved they know how to break the rules, with this unconventional event to announce their 26th album.

Hosted by comedian Jimmy Fallon, the launch was more about the banter and charm of the iconic rock trio—Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood—than any deep dives into the album’s specifics. Despite the buzz surrounding the release, details about the record remained scarce, with Ronnie Wood casually revealing that Lady Gaga will feature, while Paul McCartney and Elton John’s involvement went unmentioned.

The event was a masterclass in entertainment. From Fallon’s warm introduction (which included a cheeky reference to him and Mick Jagger sharing a pint the night before) to the playful interactions between the band members, it was clear that The Rolling Stones are still as captivating offstage as they are on. At one point, Fallon asked Jagger about the song Angry, to which the frontman quipped, “It’s about being angry, innit?”

As for the much-anticipated Hackney Diamonds, the band shared a premiere of the video for lead single Angry, featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. The video, which portrays her seductively draped over the hood of a red Mercedes, further stoked excitement for the album, due for release later this year.

Will the album be a hit? Judging by the Stones’ recent output, there’s little doubt. From their 2012 single Doom And Gloom to the 2020 release Living in a Ghost Town, the band has continued to prove that they still “have it.” Fans will no doubt be thrilled to see what Hackney Diamonds has in store, but one thing is for sure—the Rolling Stones remain at the top of their game, delivering classic rock swagger with a side of humour and irreverence.

UK Experiences Record-Breaking September Heatwave

UK Experiences Record-Breaking September Heatwave

Temperatures soar to 32°C in London, prompting health warnings and highlighting climate change concerns.

The UK has just witnessed the hottest September day in nearly seven years, with temperatures reaching an impressive 32°C in Kew Gardens, London, as reported by the Met Office. This marks the highest temperature recorded this month and is only slightly below the hottest day of the year, which occurred in June.

Although it’s not typical for September to see temperatures above 30°C, such heatwaves are becoming more frequent due to the ongoing effects of climate change. Experts predict that by 2070, hot weather like this will be far more common, with southern regions of the UK experiencing temperatures of 30°C or higher as many as 16 times a year.

This recent heatwave, however, has not been without its consequences. The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber warning for the heatwave, stressing the potential health risks, particularly for those over 65 or with pre-existing health conditions like heart and respiratory issues. The public has been advised to stay hydrated, avoid exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, and take precautions like using sunscreen.

The heatwave is also exacerbated by high-pressure systems pushed over the UK from tropical storms, which have resulted in severe flooding and wildfires across southern Europe. The impact of these extreme weather events is becoming increasingly visible, with predictions showing that heatwaves will likely become even more intense in the coming decades.

As a result of the intense heat, councils across the UK have been taking steps to protect vulnerable people, including altering waste collection schedules and preparing roads to prevent damage from the heat. Local authorities are also concerned about tropical nights, which could see overnight temperatures not falling below 20°C in southern areas of the UK.