Colourful memorial to late council leader Jeremy Birch

The community, together with Hastings Youth Council under the guidance of Graffiti Plus, has completed the artwork in Jeremy’s memory on the promenade steps at Warrior Square.

The inscription reads: ‘People let your voice be heard, every culture, every language, every word, fore this land this life this earth belongs to you. One Hastings Many Voices’

“Jeremy played a huge role in Hastings over the twenty years he was involved in local politics. He was not only active in Hastings but across East Sussex, and, in fact, across much of the south east where he was involved in many different groups and partnerships over this time,” said Cllr Peter Chowney, leader of Hastings Borough Council.

He added: “The cultural diversity of St Leonards was very important to him and he coined the phrase ‘One Hastings Many Voices’. This new community art project in his memory is wholly fitting; he would have loved it. Our thanks must go to everyone that was involved in its creation.

“Jeremy was a very strong figure within the council who always supported our projects and campaigns. He constantly inspired us to do our best and believe that everyone deserve to have their voice heard,” said Huda Caglayan, chair of Hastings Youth Council.

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