Hastings Man Refuses To Admit Eastbourne Beach Is Cleaner

SUSSEX — A man from Hastings has flatly refused to acknowledge that Eastbourne's beach appears cleaner, despite standing on it at the time.

Simon Reed, 44, made the comments during a family day out after describing Eastbourne as "alright, if you like things being tidy."

When asked whether the promenade looked well maintained, Mr Reed reportedly paused for several seconds before replying, "That's just because they hide the interesting bits."

Friends say the rivalry between the two towns has existed for as long as anyone can remember, despite nobody being entirely sure why.

"I've got nothing against Eastbourne," Mr Reed explained.

"I just wouldn't want people thinking it's... nice."

Eastbourne resident Julie Harris overheard the conversation.

"He spent twenty minutes saying Hastings had more character."

"Then he asked where he'd bought such a good coffee."

Visit Sussex officials declined to comment, saying "people are allowed to have preferences, even objectively strange ones."

At the time of publication, Mr Reed had admitted Eastbourne's flower displays were "quite impressive", before immediately clarifying that he "didn't mean it."