Try to keep cool this weekend
 The hot weather that we have had all week is set to continue this weekend, the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office amber (high) heat health alert until 10am on Sunday 10 September.
There are some simple things you can do to keep safe when the temperatures rise. These include:
- knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them;
- keeping out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm;
- if you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening;
- keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun;
- if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as a hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly.
The Dogs Trust have advice on how to walk your dog safely when the temperatures rise.
Seafood and Wine Festival next weekend
 The Seafood and Wine Festival is next weekend - Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September. Weekend wristbands are still available at Hastings Museum & Art Gallery for £5, and available on the gate for £6.
There are also still tickets available for the Jazz Breakfast with Liane Carroll and Friends on Sunday 17 September. These tickets are available from Judges Bakery, High Street, Old Town. Tickets cost £22.50 for adults and £12.50 for under-18s. This includes the two-hour concert, breakfast, and a weekend wristband for the main Seafood and Wine Festival. Doors open at 9am on Sunday 17 September, with music starting at 10am.
Blue green algae in Alexandra Park water
 A naturally occurring Blue Green Algae has been reported in Alexandra Park in Shornden and Harmers reservoirs.
Some Blue Green Algae can form a bloom (scum) that can be harmful. The Environment Agency are aware, but the presence of the potentially harmful type is yet to be confirmed.
We are advising that people and animals should stay out of the water as this Algae can produce a scum that is toxic. Signage will be going up around the affected areas to warn members of public.
The fishing club has also been made aware and the council is monitoring the situation.
Fortunately, this will go away when temperatures drop, but this is likely to only be in the winter.
Please forward any other reports of suspected blue green algae to the Environment Agency on their incident hotline (24hrs service) 0800 80 70 60.
For more information check the Environment Agency website.
Annual canvass continues
 The annual canvass is still underway. Everybody should have already been contacted by us and asked to update their details.
Text messages were sent to some households who have not responded to the canvass this week. Please complete your canvass form and return it as soon as possible.
September is preparedness month
 Tomorrow is World First Aid Day. Learning some basic first aid could help you or others in an emergency. A good place to start is downloading the British Red Cross first aid app. This will help equip you with simple first aid skills to use during emergencies.
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The main utilities - water, power and gas - keep a priority service register for anyone who may be vulnerable during an outage. If you know someone who has long- or short-term health, access or needs or is of pensionable age, let them know about the Priority Services Register and how to register. You can find out more on the Warm East Sussex website.
You can find out more on the 30 Days 30 Ways website, including taking part in daily quizzes and watching weekly discussions over the month.
COVID winter booster announced - new photo
 The government has announced that the annual flu and COVID vaccine programme will begin from Monday 11 September.
The NHS has said that residents of older adult care homes and those most at risk will receive their COVID vaccine first.
Carers, pregnant women, and health and social care staff will all be among the groups to be offered a COVID jab this winter, as well as adults aged 65 and over.
Anyone eligible for the COVID vaccine will be contacted by their healthcare providers.
You can find out more on the government website.
Cabinet gives go ahead for Cornwallis Street hotel project
Hastings Borough Council’s Cabinet has agreed to recommend an increased budget to enable the Cornwallis Street hotel to go ahead immediately, for approval at Full Council. The hotel has been a long-standing regeneration ambition of the council to bring more much needed additional hotel beds to our town.
Since the scheme was committed to in early 2021, the costs of construction have increased significantly, and the tenders received back for building the hotel reflect this. The new proposed £13.601m budget also includes an additional amount for contingency. One of the reasons this contingency is needed is that new building regulations will apply to the hotel, meaning it will produce less carbon emissions and include more low energy measures.
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