Suspended sentence for illegal tobacco and underage alcohol sales

illegal vapes hidden in a drawerA HASTINGS shop owner has been given a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to nine offences relating to illegal tobacco and underage vape and alcohol sales.

Following an investigation by East Sussex Trading Standards, Lhon Karimi, 29, of Devonshire Road in Hastings, was sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, a £230 fine and £500 costs at Hastings Magistrates Court on Thursday, April 24.

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Consultation on future of local government launches

RESIDENTS are being invited to take part in a consultation that will help reshape local government and how services are run in the future.

Government wants to reorganise local government so that everyone in East Sussex gets their services from just one council. This could mean the county council and district and borough councils would be replaced by a single authority. Continue reading

Mockingbird boosts foster carer support

FOSTERING families across East Sussex are now able to join Mockingbird, a scheme offering an additional layer of practical and emotional support.

East Sussex County Council has launched The Mockingbird Family Model, a programme that creates a familiar network around an experienced fostering household, known as a Hub Home.

Known as a Constellation, the six to ten families come together like an extended family. Mockingbird families will share experience and understanding, celebrate successes, and support each other through challenging times. Continue reading