Volunteers needed to paint bollards in Hastings Old Town

And volunteers are needed for another painting session on Sunday August 30.

John said: “I’d originally thought this would be a nice community project when I started painting railings in the main town centre during lockdown because things were a bit quiet for me.

“But it wasn’t until our team of dedicated volunteers started sanding down the first few bollards and a few locals came for a chat that we realised it’s been over 15 years since George street was last painted.

“One of the things the County Council insist on for initiatives like this one is a £10m public liability insurance. Luckily, when I recently took on the chair of Hastings Neighbourhood Watch, I discovered we can use their policy to cover events like this one.

“I was blown away by the positive comments we got from locals and visitors alike.

“Tourists in particular were saying how nothing like this happens in their towns!

“Once we finish in George Street we will look at a date to paint the parts of the town centre I missed after lockdown!”

Deputy Mayor Cllr James Bacon, was amongo volunteere and said: “A big thank-you to John Bownas as well as all the local traders and volunteers who took part. I had a really good time taking part in this community action.”

If you can help out on Sunday the painting starts in the middle section of George Street from 8am.