Future of a popular library in Conservative-led East Sussex now more secure thanks to intervention of county officers and lead councillor

Peacehaven looks let to retain its much-loved library in the town's Meridian Centre as the building moved into new ownership.

Morrisons has now bought the shopping centre while it had been feared that development plans by the Co-op would have forced the county library to move out.

Contingency plans were made the Joff Centre a temporary home for the library but now it is safe to remain where it is until at least until 2024.

Conservative councillor Claire Dowling, the county council’s lead member, said: “We acted quickly to ensure the continuation of high-quality library provision in Peacehaven. Officers worked extremely hard to find a suitable alternative temporary home for the library and obtained the necessary planning permission.

"We are looking forward to continuing to work with the new owner of the site as they develop their plans, and seek planning permission for redevelopment of the Meridian Centre, and we will be seeking to ensure that these include a library."

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Claire Dowling

Claire Dowling

ESCC Conservative councillor for Uckfield North (see map)
ESCC Lead Member for Transport and Environment
Claire has lived in Uckfield for over 30 years.  She has two daughters and two grandsons, and works in her husband’s business which is based in Uckfield.  Claire works hard for Uckfield:  “for me the role of a councillor is about being active in my community and helpin