Discover more about Hailsham with the town council's public information service

Whether you are a long-standing Hailsham resident, new to the area or simply visiting the town, Hailsham Town Council is reminding people that a wealth of useful local information is available from its offices in Market Street.

The Council's reception area provides a welcoming first point of contact for anyone looking for information about Hailsham and the wider East Sussex area, offering a range of free resources, publications and assistance to help people make the most of what the town and its surroundings have to offer.

Visitors are welcome to browse the selection of leaflets, guides and brochures available, which cover everything from local attractions, heritage and tourism to community facilities, services and activities. Council staff are also available to answer questions and provide helpful guidance on subjects such as places to visit, guided walks, local festivals, accommodation, forthcoming events and transport links.

The service is not just aimed at tourists. Residents can also make use of the information available, with advice and signposting covering local authority services, community safety, consumer matters and public transport. Up-to-date local bus timetables are also available from reception.

Karen Giddings, Corporate Services Manager at Hailsham Town Council, said: "We want our reception area to be much more than simply a place where people come to make an enquiry. It is an accessible and welcoming resource where residents and visitors can find out more about Hailsham, discover what is happening locally and get pointed in the right direction when they need information or assistance."

"Whether someone is looking for details of an upcoming community event, wants to explore the town's history, needs information about local services or is visiting the area for the first time, we want to make it as easy as possible for them to find what they are looking for."

"Hailsham has a great deal to offer, from its heritage and historic buildings to its open spaces, leisure opportunities, community organisations and busy programme of local events. We are keen to ensure that people are aware of the facilities, attractions and services available to them, and our information point provides a straightforward way of bringing many of these resources together in one place.

"Our staff are always happy to help, and we would encourage anyone who has not visited the reception area before to pop in, have a look at the information on offer and make use of the free publications and guidance available."

Among the resources available are local maps, information about Hailsham's public open spaces and displays highlighting various aspects of the town. Visitors can also collect a copy of the Official Hailsham Town Guide, produced by the Town Council, free of charge.

The publication provides a useful overview of Hailsham, combining information about its background and heritage with practical details for everyday life. It includes information on education, healthcare, housing, local services and council responsibilities, as well as sports and leisure facilities, community groups, annual events and other local activities.

There is also a directory of useful local services and contact details, together with a road map of Hailsham and a parish ward boundary map. The guide is intended to be a helpful reference for established residents, those moving into the area and anyone wanting to become better acquainted with the town. Although copies are free, voluntary contributions towards the cost of printing are welcomed.

For those particularly interested in Hailsham's past, the Council also has copies of its Hailsham Heritage Trail Guide available to purchase from reception for just £1.

Recently updated and reprinted, the guide offers an enjoyable way to explore the town on foot. Featuring historical photographs and background information about a selection of significant buildings and landmarks, it takes readers along a self-guided route through Hailsham town centre and nearby areas, revealing some of the stories and features that have helped shape the town over the years.

Karen added: "Our Official Town Guide and Heritage Trail publication are two particularly useful resources, and we hope people will take advantage of the opportunity to pick up a copy when visiting our offices.

"The Town Guide brings together a broad range of practical information, helping people understand more about the town, its facilities and the organisations that contribute to local life. Meanwhile, the Heritage Trail offers something a little different, encouraging people to slow down, explore Hailsham on foot and appreciate the history that can be found in its streets and buildings.

"We are proud of Hailsham and its community, and it is important that information about the town is readily available and easy to access. By providing these publications alongside our wider reception information service, we hope to encourage greater awareness of local facilities, support community involvement and inspire more people to discover the town for themselves."

Hailsham Town Council's reception is open to the public Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays, between 10am and 2pm. Telephone enquiries are dealt with Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.

For further information, visit Hailsham Town Council's offices in Market Street.