Professor Julian Crampton, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, said: “I am sure the entire university community, especially our colleagues and students in Hastings, will join me in expressing sincere condolences to Councillor Birch’s family and friends.
“Councillor Birch was a great friend of the university and particularly our campus in Hastings. Indeed, only a few weeks ago he and I signed a Memorandum of Co-operation to collaborate closer on economic and social regeneration within Hastings and St Leonards.
“Councillor Birch was very enthusiastic in working with the university to create opportunities for young people in Hastings.
“Hastings Borough Council and the university have worked closely on projects of mutual interest for many years and it was a great pleasure to work with Councillor Birch.
“He will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”