While we work hard to cut storm overflows across our region, as set out in our £1.5bn Clean Rivers and Seas Plan, it is key that communities can view information on all our storm overflow activity.

From 13 November 2024, our new https://www.southernwater.co.uk/our-region/clean-rivers-and-seas-task-force/rivers-and-seas-watch/ replaced the Beachbuoy online monitoring tool.

Rivers and Seas Watch now includes all of our storm overflows including those inland, not just our coastal overflows.

Rivers and Seas Watch has been running in beta mode on our website since June. During this time, we collected feedback from users, including Beachbuoy subscribers, campaign groups and local stakeholders, to ensure Rivers and Seas Watch provides relevant information in an easy to read format. Technology experts also fed into our Beachbuoy Independent Review.

Key features of Rivers and Seas Watch include:

· Enhanced user experience across different devices (mobile, laptop, desktop), making it easier to find a location, and access and understand information

· Comprehensive and accessible information on how the service works

· An industry-leading mapping platform, presenting information in a clean and timely way

· Improved email notifications, including start times, impact times and the release status

· Integration with our overall plans to cut storm overflows, to help users understand what improvements are planned in each area

Improving how we communicate this important information to the public in a transparent, accurate and timely way is crucial. Rivers and Seas Watch has been created following a customer-first approach, engaging extensively with our community to understand their needs, wants and feedback from Beachbuoy.

Users can sign up for alerts https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/e9a1db8d193d4cd582d550285a3aeb44/page/Map/ for their local beaches on Rivers and Seas Watch, as data protection rules mean we cannot carry previous Beachbuoy users over.

Buxted Parish Council has received a consultation on a proposed development for 80 dwellings on land north of Buxted Road, Coopers Green.

This application will be considered by the Buxted Parish Planning Committee on Tuesday 26th November at 7.00pm in Five Ash Down Village Hall.

The application details and plans can be viewed on the Wealden website: https://planning.wealden.gov.uk/plandisp.aspx?recno=167356

If you have any comment on this application and cannot attend the planning committee please refer them to clerk@buxted-pc.gov.uk.

Community Speedwatch - would you be interested in reforming the Speedwatch team for Buxted? 

The Parish Council has received some interest, so is asking if there are any willing volunteers out there that would like to form a new group. It would need a number of people to be able to do this, but we have the equipment, we just need the manpower and enthusiasm. 

If you are interested, please email clerk@buxted-pc.gov.uk to register. Further information can be found at: https://www.communityspeedwatch.org/FRONT-v2-Home.php

GTR is glad to announce the 3^rd round of Your Station Your Community improvement fund (YSYC) grant funding. – which opens for applications from 1^st November 2024

We close for applications on 18^th December 2024.

The fund will support local groups, charities, our customers, and the communities on our line of route.

The causes we support are those that are of key importance to local communities on our network and to us.

Building lasting social value; under the following themes: mental health; education and employability skills amongst marginalised groups; diversity and inclusion; Railway 200 and environmental sustainability.

Please make sure you read the guidance notes for the updated information for the bidding for 2025/26.

The grant fund offers accepts bids of:

• Up to £10,000 – open applications

• £10,000 - £50,000 – please contact us to discuss your proposal before applying

Also new for 2025/26 there are two Station Partner Support Grants open for applications.

• Arts/Creative projects - £25,000

• Horticulture/Environment projects - £25,000

There are separate application forms and guidance information for the main YSYC grants fund (up to £10,000 and £10,000-£50,000) and the Station Partner Support Grants (please see Word docs attached)

Previous applicants and grant recipients may also apply to the fund.

The Station Partner Support Grants will support Community Rail and Station Partners volunteering at stations on the GTR network and also develop at least three new projects in partnership with new groups or as an individual practitioner, with a focus on the additional activity during 2025 for Railway 200

We welcome applications from registered charities, individuals (for the Station Partner Support Grants), Community of Interest Companies (CICs), Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs); community groups and other not-for-profit organisations such as community rail partnerships, schools & colleges, Business Improvement Districts, town councils and parish councils.

Community Forum and Survey

Thank you to those of you who attended the Community Forum last week. I spoke about the latest changes to planning being proposed by the government and we also discussed some of the needs of the local community. I also launched the Buxted Community Survey to provide a way for residents to identify what is needed locally. I already have about fifty responses with some interesting ideas.

Please join in by completing the survey – if you haven’t already – a copy is attached, save a copy then you can fill it in and email back to me.

Wealden towns and parishes to receive CIL money

Wealden parish and town councils will receive their share of just over £1.2 million from Wealden District Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) fund covering the period from 31 March 2024 to 30 September 2024.

The money given to the parishes and towns in Wealden comes from CIL, a charge that local authorities impose on new developments to support infrastructure. It includes play areas, parks, roads, public transport, health facilities, schools and flood defences.

The parish and town councils in the Wealden district receive 15% of the CIL monies generated from relevant development where a development takes place in their parish if there is no neighbourhood plan adopted, or 25% where a neighbourhood plan is adopted. CIL monies passed to parishes can be used to support the development of the parish council’s area by funding the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure; or anything else that is concerned with addressing the demands that development places on the area.

Wealden Citizens Advice support for Buxted residents

I’ve mentioned before about the important support that Citizens Advice provide to Wealden residents. They have now given me the information about help provided to people in Buxted.

During 2023/24 this was:

Residents Assisted: 72

• Total Issues Addressed: 332, covering topics like:
• Benefits and Tax Credits: 25 clients, 82 issues
• Debt: 9 clients, 45 issues
• Employment: 12 clients, 30 issues
• Universal Credit: 9 clients, 29 issues
• Relationship & Family: 13 clients, 22 issues
• Housing: 11 clients, 21 issues

CA helped Buxted residents achieve a total income increase of £24,081, achieved a total of £13,071 in debts written off and £978 in reimbursements.

CA is supported by Wealden District Council and Buxted Parish Council

Long Covid

In my role on the East Sussex Health Scrutiny Committee, I have come across the latest NHS GP-Patient Survey which shows that 4.6% of respondents are suffering from Long Covid – this is a large number of people across the country – with life changing impacts on individuals and preventing them from working, with knock-on effects on our economy. Know of several people in Buxted suffering from Long Covid. So Covid itself is still very much with us – the risk of getting long covid doesn’t lessen if you have had Covid before. I’ve had notification of my eligibility for the next round of winter vaccinations (Covid and flu) and took up the offer – if you’re eligible I hope you have too.

Planning rules fail to end reliance on cars

A study carried out by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has found that between 2012 and 2021, explicit measures in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPFF) calling for new housing developments to be located to prioritise public transport, walking and cycling have had no impact. The RTPI looked at more than 1.6m homes that were given planning permission over the decade, finding that it was, on average, twice as fast to reach the nearest hospital by car as by public transport, and 1.5 times as fast to reach other amenities such as schools, GPs, employment centres and town centres. The RTPI has urged the Government to consider changes as part of the consultation process for the revised NPFF. I and many of my colleagues would welcome stronger powers to consider transport infrastructure when making planning decisions.

Please don‘t hesitate to contact me to discuss these or any other issues important to you.

Graham Shaw, Alliance for Wealden

Green Party Councillor for Buxted,

The effects of the Budget on East Sussex

At County level, we are still assessing the impact of the Rachel Reeves Budget on communities in East Sussex.

There is still some uncertainty, but a picture is emerging.

The Budget includes an extra £600 million for Social Care and an unallocated £700 million for local government which will be distributed as part of the Local Government settlement in December. There is some extra money for potholes but no more than we received recently from the previous government.

The anticipation is that this will mean an extra £13million whilst the gap in East Sussex given rising demand for social care and Children’s services is about £57million.

Whatever increase there is, we have to factor in the impact of national insurance increases and the rise in the minimum wage up 6.7% for adults 16% for 18- to 24-year-olds. National insurance costs for the County will apparently be funded by the government but this will not apply to our contractors and service providers. Unless there is a change of heart these increases will have a big impact on Care Homes, not only those for the elderly but those used to house young adults and children with multiple needs.

There are further pots of money available for specific projects such as Active travel, buses and improved recycling.

However, the key problem in East Sussex is the rising demand for social care across all age ranges.

Other impacts in East Sussex will include the threat to our farms from the removal of Inheritance tax reliefs. We have many family agricultural businesses and our local economy could be badly effected in the long term.

We also have many excellent independent schools where parents will now face 20 %Vat on their fees. Whether they will all survive and whether state schools will have the capacity to take additional children remains to be seen.

Interestingly the Green Party favours not only the VAT charge but the removal of charitable status which would be another blow if they ever came near to power.

Maresfield

As I write work has begun at last on resurfacing High St and School Hill in Maresfield. I have been campaigning for this in the last 3 years and I’m delighted it is at last being done.

Roy Galley. cllr.roy.galley@eastsussex.gov.uk

01825 713018

A new Housing board is being set up to give Wealden tenants a greater voice.

The Wealden and Tenants Together Housing Board will see tenants, council officers, councillors and independent members come together in a bid to involve tenants in the decision-making process, monitor the performance of the housing service and strengthen local democracy by actively engaging customers in shaping and taking decisions on housing services.

Through the board, tenants will be able to influence and shape the services delivered as well as co-design policies and strategies.

The new group will consist of two recruited tenant representatives, two recruited independent board members, Wealden councillors and senior Housing staff. It will be chaired by the lead councillor for Housing and Benefits, which is currently Wealden’s council leader, Councillor Rachel Millward.

The council will be running a recruitment process in the coming weeks and inviting tenants and professionals with relevant experience to apply for the opportunities to participate on the board.

Councillor Rachel Millward, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party), lead councillor for Housing & Benefits and leader of the council, said, “The introduction of the social housing tenants board will empower our tenants and help us to be more transparent as we deliver more housing for our communities.

“The focus of the board is co-production, which means working with the community as we make changes. The recruitment process will be an open application process for tenants and independent members and training, and a modest allowance will be provided throughout the term that they hold the post. Board meetings will be held quarterly and will be face to face or online.”

Buxted Symphony Orchestra Winter Charity Concert

Saturday 30th November @ 3.00 pm - Holy Cross Church, Uckfield, TN22 1BP

Tickets: £14 on the door (card/cash) or £13 in advance (cash only) from Gale & Woolgar, High Street, Uckfield

Come and join us for an afternoon of entertaining classical music, featuring works by Mozart, Fauré, Dvorak and Haydn.

All profits from the concert will go to the Bevern Trust, a charity based in Barcombe which provides life-long residential care for young adults with profound disabilities.

As the nights draw in, motorists in East Sussex are being urged to be #DeerAware and avoid collisions with animals on rural roads.

There are estimated to be more than 74,000 deer-related traffic collisions across the UK every year, and that risk increases during mating season in October and November.

As part of its #DeerAware campaign, East Sussex County Council is encouraging people to take care in heavily wooded areas or where there are deer warning signs as these are places where deer are most likely to venture out, particularly around dawn and dusk.

Cllr Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and environment, said: “Collisions with deer can result in injury or death for animals and drivers, and significant damage to vehicles.

“With plenty of rural roads across the county, I would urge drivers to take extra care this time of year as deer can appear on the road unexpectedly.

“By following some simple tips, we hope that drivers can keep themselves safe and ensure our deer population can roam freely and thrive in our countryside.”

Advice to motorists includes;

· Drivers are advised to use full-beam headlights at night if no other cars are around, as they will reflect the deer’s eyes, but dip their headlights when they see a deer to avoid startling it.

· Deer often cross the roads in the same locations. Where there are deer warning signs motorists should slow down, stay alert and be prepared to stop.

· Deer often travel in groups so if drivers see one crossing the road they should slow down and drive with caution as others may follow.

If motorists hit deer they should to park in a safe place with hazard lights on and call 101 if the deer is on the side of the road and not causing a danger to others, or 999 if someone is injured of the deer is in the road and a danger to other road users.

More information and advice available athttps://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/roads-transport/roads/road-safety/deer

A request for help from your WDC Cllr Graham Shaw:

At the Community Forum last Thursday, we launched the Buxted Community Survey.

The information from the survey will help identify what kind of things would help and improve our local community, hopefully forming the basis for action. The survey will run from now until the Christmas period.

It’s important that as many people as possible take part.

The survey is attached – it’s very simple and won’t take too long to complete.

So, I am looking for your help.

It would be great if you could:

• Complete the attached Word document personally and send it back to me.

• Give a copy to others in your household, including teenage children, so they can complete and return their own copy.

• Forward this email to any family and friends that live around Buxted and ask them to complete their own survey.

• Print the survey and take copies to any meetings or groups you attend and ask them to complete it and give it back to you – then let me know and I will arrange to collect them. If you can’t print the survey let me know your name and address and how many you need, and I will drop some off for you.

• Or do the same for other people on your street.

If just one quarter of people of my mailing list completed the survey and persuaded 5 other people to do the same, there would be at least 600 sets of ideas!

Please help us get there!

I’m looking forward to seeing your ideas.

Best wishes,

Graham Shaw

Tim Cornish will give a talk, using recent research, about this dispersed woodland settlement, a remote place in the Archbishop of Canterbury's huge South Malling estate which stretched from Lewes Bridge to Lamberhurst Bridge. If the Archbishop used a postal address, it might have been Yardhurst, “Within the Wood”, Mayfield parish, South Malling.

The name “Five Ashes” first appeared in 1498. Before this, the central area was tenanted by the Yardhurst family, headed in 1285 by Bellafilia, a widow with two sons. Did she live up to her parents' expectations of her name? They held 200 acres of serf land; since the Norman conquest the land all belonged to the Archbishop who leased land to his serfs and a growing number of freemen.

The area has always been dominated by its main road, which at this time was a major route from Tonbridge to Cross-in-Hand and beyond, particularly to Lewes. The route probably used Pages Farm bridleway from Argos Hill, down Fir Toll Road to Butcher's Cross, then Criers Lane,and Brick Kiln Lane and on to Uckfield where it picked up the Roman road to Lewes.

“Yardhurst” described a clearing for animals in the forest that covered the area (“hurst” means “wood”). The other distinctive local reference to the clearings is the suffix “... reed” as in Broadreed, Woodreed and Stilereed. Dudsland used to have Pikereed and Istedreed. (Middle English: “ridde”, to grub up trees.) The forest had to be cleared before arable crops were possible on their smallholdings. The firewood produced was transported to Lewes by ox cart to keep the Archbishop warm. Peasants returned with barley for bread and small beer (or ale), to supplement the diet of oat gruel, eggs, fruit and vegetables and foraged nuts, berries and fungi. Meat was a luxury. Honey had to be handed over to their Lord, as did sparrow-hawk chicks. One of the first local amenities was the baker's oven, not a usual domestic feature. “Bakehouse ward “ was the name of the area around Newick Lane.

Hard labour in a subsistence economy was the order of the day. If the wind was in the right direction, residents could hear the bells of Mayfield St Dunstan's calling them to the relief of worship or the entertainment of festivals and feast days. They trudged through the deep clay in all weathers, hoping to arrive on time. A walk down the modern footpath east of Allen's Farm gives some idea of the difficulty of travel. Indeed there was a road there going to Piccadilly Lane. Some romantic names survive: Sunset Farm, Hanging Birch Cottages near New Pin Farm in the centre, whilst Harlots Farm, Frog's Hole Lane and Jackass Wood sound less appealing. The Five Ashes landscape of small fields, deep ghylls and clogging clay made for a hard life. Salvation was an attractive prospect.

The event is on Saturday 9^th November at 7.00pm in Five Ashes Village Hall. Free entry. Donations invited in aid of the Hall itself. Doors open: 6.30 pm. Tim's book “Medieval Mayfield: Archbishops and Peasants” will be on sale. See www.mayfieldtimshistory.org 

Wealdlink, a Registered Charity, operates a reasonably priced weekly door-to-door shopping service to Crowborough every Wednesday from Buxted. There is also a monthly service to Tunbridge Wells on the first Monday of the month and to Eastbourne on the third Monday (summer months only). The services are for anyone who has difficulty accessing normal service buses (not just the elderly) and are driven by friendly, fully-trained volunteers.

Passengers need to register in order to use our services. Registration is free, just phone 01892 771332 and we will register your name and address and discuss your travel requirements.

The next stage is to book your journey. Bookings may be made up to 24 hours before you travel and you will get a phone call on the morning of travel to confirm an estimated pick-up time. You will be picked up from your front door, dropped off in the town centre, collected at a pre-arranged time, returned to your home and if needed a passenger assistant will carry your shopping into your house.

As Wealdlink is a door-to-door service, pick-up and return times vary, according to the number of passengers and their location. The first pick-up is usually between 09:30 and 10:00 and you will normally be home by around 13:00. (later from Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne). This allows you at least 90 minutes to do your shopping and also give you ample time for a coffee in one of the many cafes in Crowborough. Socialising with fellow passengers is very much one of the benefits of using Wealdlink!

Services are part-funded by Parish Councils, including Buxted and by a grant from Wealden District Council.

We are always on the lookout for more volunteer drivers!

For more information, to register and to book, call 01892 771332, or visit our website: www.wealdlink.co.uk

A further October Update

I just wanted to remind you about the Community Forum next Thursday, 24^th October, 6.030-8.00pm, at St. Marys Church Hall, Church Road, Buxted. I look forward to seeing you there.

Letter to Angela Rayner

In response to the various planning and housing consultations issued recently by government (see my previous updates) Rachel Millward, Leader of Wealden District Council, and James Partridge, Deputy Leader, have written to Angela Rayner

(Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government).

I thought I would share that with you, and it is attached. It expresses our frustration about the constraints that are placed on councils like Wealden to properly respond to increasing the supply of the kind of homes the evidence suggests we need in Wealden, balanced with ensuring environmental concerns are taken seriously.

Rachel was also interviewed yesterday on Ashdown Radio. You can hear that here:

https://www.ashdownradio.com/player/on-demand/items/rachel-millward2/

As ever if you have any comments or questions, please email me, or come and raise that next Thursday!

Could you be eligible for pension credit?

Have a look at the links below to find out more and how to apply

Following some emotive comments on social media this week about signs and fly-posters on verges, the Parish Council has asked ESCC Highways for the definitive rules which are as follows:

EAST SUSSEX HIGHWAYS GUIDELINES AND ACCEPTANCE OF PLACEMENT OF ADVERTISING POSTERS UPON THE HIGHWAY WITHIN A RURAL ENVIRONMENT

We will tolerate these provided they are charitable or community events, or seasonal produce (e.g. cherries, strawberries)

(Community = amateur dramatics/carnival/bonfire/parish events/seasonal produce)

Maximum of two signs on each approach road to the event.

1. Signs to be placed at the back of the verge
2. Signs are not permitted on street furniture
3. Signs not to be placed within 60m of a junction
4. Signs not to be erected more than 7 days before the event
5. Signs to be removed within 24 hours of the event
6. Signs not to exceed 0.6 square metre in area. (Approx 2 feet by 2 feet.)

Enquirers placing signs do so at their own risk and should be advised that they may wish to take out public liability insurance recommended five million pounds.

NO COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING

NO METAL POSTS

SIGNS PLACED OUT NOT COMPLYING WITH THESE GUIDELINES MAY BE SUBJECT TO REMOVAL WITHOUT NOTICE.

The poster policy was always aimed at rural locations, within towns there are shop windows and other locations that can be used, in rural areas the availability of locations and opportunity to draw the event to the attention of people is restricted

Balfour Beatty is working in partnership with East Sussex County Council to manage the highways service across East Sussex. As part of this, we will be carrying out hedge cutting works and carriageway patching respectively on the A26 Uckfield Road, Herons Ghyll.

The carriageway patching works will be carried out alongside other associated works includingironwork adjustments, kerbing works, verge marker post installation, gully cleansing, high friction surfacing, road marking refreshments and stud installations.

When do they start?

Work will be carried out in two phases:

Monday 28 October to Wednesday 30 October 2024 between 9:30am and 4pm and

Monday 11 November 2024to Saturday 23 November 2024 between 8pm and 6am.

We will inform you of any changes to the dates or times via advanced warning signs on site.

How will this impact highway users?

Monday 28 Octoberto Wednesday 30 October 2024 – The road will remain open with temporary traffic signals in place whilst we carry out hedge cutting works. The team will be working between Perrymans Lane and New Road.

Monday 11 November 2024to Saturday 23 November 2024- Access will be restricted for residents whilst we carry out patching works.Traffic will be diverted via A26 Uckfield bypass, A22 Maresfield Bypass, B2026, New Road, A26 and vice versa.

The team will be working between Perrymans Lane and property “Barnsgate Manor”.

If you need vehicle access to your property, please discuss this with the team on site. Please bear in mind there will be delays whilst the area is made safe and your vehicle is escorted by site marshalls.

Information for residents and businesses

Parking: If required, we will put out ‘no parking’ signs and cones on the site to advise where parking is restricted. Please avoid parking in these locations as it will delay our works.

Weather: All of these works are subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress of the works.

Properties close to the carriageway may experience a temporary disturbance as this can be a noisy process and those properties may experience flashing lights and reversing sirens.

We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience or disruption this work may cause, however this forms part of our continuing improvement for the East Sussex highway network. Should you have any concerns regarding these works, you can contact us at eshcomms@balfourbeatty.com.

For information on roadworks and journey planning, visitOne.Network. Please follow us on X (formerly Twitter)@esccroads or Facebook@EastSussexHighways for updates. If you would like to know more about East Sussex Highways and what we do, please visit our website www.eastsussexhighways.com.

UPDATE - Graham Shaw, Wealden District Councillor for Buxted

Changes to national planning policy

My last update focused solely on the governments consultation on the National Policy Planning Framework, so I won’t repeat my observations here. Wealden Council submitted a response (it was a very tight deadline) which you can see at:

https://www.wealden.gov.uk/UploadedFiles/Response-to-the-NPPF-Consultation-2024-V5.pdf

In addition, I made a short report to the Buxted Parish Council which is recorded in the minutes of the last meeting available at:

https://www.buxtedparishcouncil.gov.uk/media/Meetings/Minutes/Parish%20Council/2024/Minutes%208%20October%202024.pdf

We now await governments decisions about what national policy will look like.

Climate Change Strategy

Wealden adopted a Climate Emergency Action Plan in 2019. Since our election in 2023 we have developed an updated strategy and action plan, part of which has included wider consultation with residents, local organisations, parish council networks, local environmental groups, Wealden Strategic Partnership and across all the departments of the Council itself. A residents survey showed that over 70% believed that climate change is already affecting the district. This pretty much reflects national figures.

We asked what sort of projects or activities people wished to see in their local area and most popular were:

• Improving green infrastructure; walking, cycling, buses and electric vehicles,
• Solar or wind energy; increasing solar panel grants, use on new builds, grants and costs to access and permission for wind turbines,
• Tree Planting; increased planting and stronger restrictions or penalties for tree felling.

We are undertaking further research especially on the risks of not acting to address climate change in the district, how we can encourage the use of clean energy and move faster towards net-zero emissions. In terms of emissions Transport (47%) is the main source of emissions within the district with residential buildings (36%) and agriculture (21%) being the other key sources. On the positive side the land within the district plays a significant role in carbon sequestration – reducing the districts overall net emissions.

Next steps will be to work on the areas where we have direct control (e.g. our housing, offices and vehicles) and those we have influence over (e.g. transport, waste, planning, jobs and training). There will be further community engagement opportunities, and I hope we can contribute to that here in Buxted. During COP29 (November) we will host a ‘Climate Assembly’. Please let me know if you want to engage with these developments.

Wealden Community Grants Programme 2025-2028

Wealden District Council are opening the Community Grants Programme 2025-2028, which will support partners to deliver projects and services to support Wealden residents and its communities. We are asking registered charities, not for profit organisations and Community Interest Companies to apply. Commercial organisations, Town and Parish Councils, schools or similar statutory organisations cannot apply to this programme. The funding programme opens on Wednesday 9th October 2024 and the deadline to apply is Wednesday 4^th December 2024.

Applications will be considered from organisations who wish to apply for funding of £5,000 or above per annum for a period of three years but organisations must contribute the same level or more match funding (cash and/or in-kind) against the funds they are asking the Council. If you have any queries, please contact communitygrants@wealden.gov.uk

I am more than happy to support any groups in Buxted that wish to apply. Please let me know.

South East Water

I received this from SEW. Given the problems Buxted residents have had in the past you may be interested:

"We'd like to invite you, and your community, to find out more about your drinking water company and learn more about our ambitious five-year £1.9 billion investment plan, which is currently being reviewed by our regulator, Ofwat. It's an opportunity to meet our team, ask any questions about the plan or about drinking water supplies in the region.
The 'Behind the tap: Your drinking water questions answered' virtual meeting is scheduled to take place from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday 12 November 2024 and will be independently chaired.
At the session you will have the opportunity to ask myself and other senior colleagues questions and let us know what really matters to you.
Your questions could cover:

• the service we provide
• our relationship with the environment
• population and housing growth
• working in partnership
• making bills affordable
• whatever other topic is important to you

The event will cover our drinking water supply plans across our whole supply area of Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire”.

You can register to attend here: https://yourquestions.eventbrite.co.uk/

Wealden Citizens Advice – debt and energy support

Wealden supports Citizens Advice to provide free, impartial advice on money, debt, benefits, housing or employment problems helping to support residents across the district.

The organisation gives free, impartial advice on money, debt, benefits, housing or employment problems helping to support residents across the district. The advice service is funded through the Wealden Community Grants programme receiving £165,000 per annum.

Between April and June 2024, they supported 1,375 clients, gained a total income of £672,961 for clients and had a total of £335,603 debt written off. This included several residents of Buxted. If you, or someone you know, needs help please help them contact Citizens Advice.

Please don‘t hesitate to contact me to discuss these or any other issues important to you.

Contact me oncllr.graham.shaw@wealden.gov.uk

Wealden’s website is www.wealden.gov.uk

Dear Resident,

Balfour Beatty is working in partnership with East Sussex County Council to manage the highways service across East Sussex. As part of this, we will be carrying out drainage works at Howbourne Lane, Buxted.

When do they start?

Work will be carried out from Monday 28 October 2024 to Wednesday 30 October 2024 between 9am to 4pm.

We will inform you of any changes to the dates or times via advanced warning signs on site.

What are we doing?

These works involve replacing damaged pipework, clearing and reforming the ditches to alleviate flooding in the area.

How will this impact highway users?

The team will be working between properties ‘Two Ways’ and ‘Treetops’.

Access will be restricted for residents for the duration of these works.

If you need vehicle access to your property, please discuss this with the team onsite. Please bear in mind there will be delays whilst the area is made safe and your vehicle is escorted by site marshalls. Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.

Information for residents and businesses

Parking: If required, we will put out ‘no parking’ signs and cones on the site to advise where parking is restricted. Please avoid parking in these locations as it will delay our works.

Weather: All of these works are subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress of the works.

Waste collection: Access will be granted for waste collection.

Properties close to the carriageway may experience a temporary disturbance as this can be a noisy process and those properties may experience flashing lights and reversing sirens.

We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience or disruption this work may cause, however this forms part of our continuing improvement for the East Sussex highway network. Should you have any concerns regarding these works, you can contact us at eshcomms@balfourbeatty.com.

For information on roadworks and journey planning, visit www.One.Network.com. Please follow us on X (formerly Twitter)@esccroads or Facebook@EastSussexHighways for updates. If you would like to know more about East Sussex Highways and what we do, please visit our website www.eastsussexhighways.com.

Thank you,

East Sussex Highways

We are continuing our drive to promote this new and innovative way of informing residents who live near the railway about our work and projects.

As part of our ‘Digital Notification’ programme, neighbour notification letters will where possible be replaced by emails.

Thousands have already signed up in the southern region, and we would really appreciate your support in helping us stay in touch with our neighbours and communities.

If you haven't already done so, we’d be grateful if you could share this link. This will help our ambitions to keep everyone informed of our work in their local area.

Wealden Community Grants Programme has launched to fund services and activities supporting residents living in the district.

Organisations and community groups across the Wealden district are being invited to apply for grants, which have been made available through Wealden District Council’s budget and supports the priorities within the new Wealden District Council Strategy.

The council is asking not-for-profit organisations, such as charities, community and voluntary groups, community interest companies and more to apply.

Organisations will need 50% match funding, which can include in-kind and/or cash match funding.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health, Wellbeing and Asset Management, said “Our communities are an important part of Wealden, and we must ensure that the vital services within them are nurtured.

“This grants programme will give charities, voluntary groups and not-for-profit organisations the funding required to continue to provide the necessary services and develop them. I would urge not-for-profit organisations to look further into this and apply.”

The programme launched today, Wednesday 9 October and the deadline for applications is Wednesday 4 December.

For information on how to apply, please go to Community Grants Programme - Wealden District Council - Wealden District Council

For information on current grants given out through this programme, please go to https://www.wealden.gov.uk/community-and-safety/information-on-grant-funding/community-grants-awarded-in-this-financial-year/

Residents are being reminded by Wealden District Council to utilise debt and energy support through Wealden Citizens Advice.

The organisation gives free, impartial advice on money, debt, benefits, housing or employment problems helping to support residents across the district.

The advice service is funded through the Wealden Community Grants programme receiving £165,000 per annum, between April 2022 - March 2025.

Between the months of April to June 2024, Wealden Citizen’s Advice has supported 1,375 clients, gained a total income of £672,961 for clients and had a total of £335,603 debt written off.

The Wealden based charity has recently helped a client make a fresh start financially after accumulating £49,000 in debts due to a relationship breakdown and the pandemic.

To alleviate immediate financial pressure, Wealden Citizens Advice placed the client under a 'Breathing Space' arrangement for two months. This provided temporary relief from creditor communications and bailiff visits while the Money Advice team explored debt resolution options. Due to the debt amount, making any reasonable repayment plan became unlikely.

Because of an increase in the debt relief order from £30,000 to £50,000 in June, the client was eligible to apply for a relief order which cleared her debt. The client now has a sustainable plan for managing her remaining obligations, helping her regain control over her finances.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health, Wellbeing and Asset Management said, “Wealden Citizens Advice is a vital voluntary service giving support and expert advice to residents in need during this cost-of-living crisis effecting the most vulnerable people in our community. They help residents with difficulties from debt and financial problems to personal and legal issues. The service provided is confidential and an invaluable resource in our district.”

Residents can contact the charity on 0808 278 7811 or 0800 144 88 48 anytime between 9am to 3pm Monday-Friday, contact them online through www.wealdencitizensadvice.org.uk or visit one of their offices in Crowborough, Hailsham and Uckfield. Please be advised it is recommended to call ahead to avoid being turned away.

Citizens Advice are always seeking volunteers to keep this service running. To find out more about volunteer opportunities, go to https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/support-us/volunteering/.

We are please to announce that Wild About Dark Skies festival 2024 is running from 28 October to 10 November – all events to be found at Wild About Dark Skies Festival - High Weald National Landscape

Also if any of you are interested in holding your own event next year which is grant funded please contact me Samantha.nicholas@highweald.org.

High Weald National Landscape Partnership

Conserving and enhancing an area of outstanding natural beauty

For climate| For nature | For people | For place

Tel: 01424 723011

Woodland Enterprise Centre, Hastings Road, Flimwell, East Sussex, TN5 7PR

People in East Sussex are being encouraged to consider representing their community by becoming a councillor. East Sussex County Council has launched the Be A Councillor campaign to offer insight into the role of elected members, ahead of the county council elections in May 2025.

The campaign includes a website with details on how to stand for local elections, the responsibilities of the role, and the support and training available. Additionally, information events will provide opportunities to hear from current councillors and speak to officers who support them.

Not sure if it’s for you? Find out more: https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/your-council/about/council-officers/councillors/finances/roles-responsibilities?utm_source=facebook-post&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_content=district&borough&utm_campaign=be-a-councillor

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has launched a survey asking Sussex residents for their feedback on the policing service they receive.

Now in her fourth term as Sussex PCC, Mrs Bourne is eager to understand residents’ concerns and ideas in order to inform the priorities in her new Police & Crime Plan.

Speaking about the survey, PCC Katy Bourne said: “As your Police & Crime Commissioner since 2012, I've been asking you, as local residents, to tell me what makes you feel safe or unsafe.

“I am elected to be your voice within policing so it is my responsibility to ensure that the Chief Constable is delivering efficient and effective policing across our county.

“As I develop our new Police & Crime Plan, I'd like to know if issues that mattered to you before have changed? Please complete my short survey - I look forward to hearing your thoughts and value your feedback”

The survey can be accessed online and only takes a few minutes to complete. Please follow the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/9f9hYFVAFA

The survey will run until 31^st October.

Finding love and friendship online is increasingly popular. It can be highly enjoyable however, meeting new people this way does come with its own set of risks. One of the most concerning is romance fraud, which not only creates great emotional pain but can also lead to significant financial losses.

In the past year, nearly a quarter of all fraud cases reported to the Fraud Support Service at Victim Support Sussex were linked to romance scams, showing how common this type of crime has become.

What is Romance Fraud?

A romance scam is an insidious confidence trick. Fraudsters create fake profiles on dating sites or social media to establish a relationship with someone, with the aim of taking their money.

Being targeted by a romance fraudster does not mean a victim is gullible or naïve. Such scams are prolific and increasingly run by criminal organisations, practiced experts at psychological manipulation. Fraudsters typically spend weeks or months establishing what appears to be a genuine, caring relationship. Eventually, they begin to ask for money or personal information under various pretexts, such as medical emergencies or financial troubles.

By the time the victim realises they have been scammed, they may have lost significant amounts of money. British victims of romance fraud lost over £92 million in 2023, with an average loss of £11,500 each. Some victims in Sussex that have lost many times more.

Common Signs of Romance Scams

Here at Victim Support Sussex, we have seen first-hand the devastating impact that fraud can have on people's lives. As we acknowledge World Romance Scam Prevention Day on October 3rd, we feel it’s crucial to stay informed and learn how to protect ourselves when meeting new people online. Here are a few tips:

1. Be sceptical of online relationships: If you haven’t met the person in real life, be cautious. Watch out for elaborate backstories, early professions of love and excuses for never meeting up in person.

2. Never send money: Fraudsters may ask for money for an "emergency" or a supposed opportunity in bitcoin or other investment. No matter how convincing the story, never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.

3. Keep personal information private: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information like your address or financial details. Romance scammers use this information to commit identity fraud or sell on to other criminals.

4. Stay connected with friends and family: Plenty of us date online these days and a trusted friend or family member can offer another perspective on your online relationship. Scammers know this and deliberately isolate their victims from their support networks, so staying connected is crucial.

Romance fraudsters target anybody seeking love and companionship online. However, by staying informed and vigilant, we can protect ourselves and others from falling victim whilst still meeting new people and having fun online.

This World Romance Scam Prevention Day, please take the time to educate yourself and your loved ones about the dangers of romance fraud and the steps you can take to protect yourself. Lastly, if something feels too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts, and always seek support if you need it.

Drop-in sessions are available to residents in the Wealden district needing help and guidance on employment.

Wealden District Council has been working in partnership with the Job Centre Plus Eastbourne to bring the sessions to residents.

Job Centre Plus staff are available in the public access area of the council offices in Vicarage Field, Hailsham, every Monday and Thursday between 9am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 3pm. Residents can book an appointment with their employment advisor or walk in for general career advice.

This initiative helps many Wealden residents who would have had to travel far distances, often by public transport, to attend employment meetings and receive career advice from their appointed Job Centre Plus employment advisor. For example, claimants living in Hailsham and surrounding areas, would have needed to travel to Eastbourne.

Wealden District Council has also worked closely with other neighbouring Job Centre Plus venues to deliver employment events and is continuing to work together to explore the expansion of the outreach service to other areas of the district.

Councillor Rachel Millward, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party) and lead councillor for Housing & Benefits and leader of the council said, “As Hailsham is an area of relatively high deprivation, health inequalities and has the largest density of claimants of Universal Credit within the district, the outreach service began in this area. It enables the Job Centre Plus to provide services to our residents which otherwise may not have been available.

“The outreach service began in July 2023 and has seen good interaction, especially with younger claimants. Since October, almost 400 people have attended the weekly sessions. Discussions are ongoing to increase the outreach programme to other areas of the district.”

Piers Harrison, customer service leader for Job Centre Plus said, “It has been fantastic to provide DWP outreach to Hailsham, providing support, job opportunities and training to customers living in a high deprivation area. The Work Coaches who helped setup the project absolutely love working there and daily improve the lives of customers who attend. We have seen many fantastic outcomes and certainly examples where this would not been the case had customers not been seen in the council office. We have already extended the service by one day and are currently considering if we could offer even more because of demand and the success of the project”

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has launched a survey asking Sussex residents for their feedback on the policing service they receive.

Now in her fourth term as Sussex PCC, Mrs Bourne is eager to understand residents’ concerns and ideas in order to inform the priorities in her new Police & Crime Plan.

Speaking about the survey, PCC Katy Bourne said: “As your Police & Crime Commissioner since 2012, I've been asking you, as local residents, to tell me what makes you feel safe or unsafe.

“I am elected to be your voice within policing so it is my responsibility to ensure that the Chief Constable is delivering efficient and effective policing across our county.
“As I develop our new Police & Crime Plan, I'd like to know if issues that mattered to you before have changed? Please do complete my short survey - I look forward to hearing your thoughts and value your feedback”
The survey can be accessed online and only takes a few minutes to complete. Please click on the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/9f9hYFVAFA

This September Journeys Festival of Dance will be returning to visit towns in Sussex.

Uckfield, Newhaven and Bexhill will be visited by the Journeys Festival of dance, a free outdoor festival which will move across Sussex giving performances and workshops for all ages over a three-day festival.

The festival kickstarts in Newhaven on Friday 27^thSeptember from 6pm with Folk Dance Remixed at the Sidings.

On Saturday 28^th September, Folk Dance Remixed will reappear with performances at 12.30pm & 2.30pm on Luxford Field in Uckfield, sharing afresh, quirky, colourful and magical collision of traditional and Hip-Hop dance and music. A high-energy, unique remix of Maypole, Clogging, Street, House and Breakdance with a hint of African & Bollywood to a live soundtrack of fiddle & beat boxing - this is Folk and Street Dance like you’ve never seen before.

Attendees are also welcome to get involved in a free dance workshop delivered by Folk Dance Remixed in between the day’s performances.

The festival ends on Sunday 29September with the Black Victorians in Bexhill on the De La War Pavilion Terrace. Exploring a complex, but often forgotten Black presence in pre-Windrush Britain, this performance calls attention to previously hidden figures and challenges historical and contemporary perceptions.

Councillor Paul Coleshill, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat), and lead councillor for Climate Change and Economy, said, “This festival will bring communities together again to enjoy performances, live music, and dance workshops. This was very popular with other towns in Sussex and so we have decided to host again and spread the fun. I hope that families and friends come together to attend the free event.”

For more information on the event visit our website: www.explorewealden.co.uk/experience-our-culture/journeys-festival-of-dance-2024-by-18-hours-p2218051

Journeys Festival of Dance produced by 18 Hours, is completely free with no need to book. The festival is supported by Arts Council England, Wealden District Council, Newhaven Enterprise Zone, Rother District Council, and East Sussex Arts Partnership.

The new Community Sports Hub to be located on the outskirts of Hailsham has received a grant of £3.5million from the Premier League, The FA and government’s Football Foundation.

Construction on the new Hub is expected to start this autumn and be completed by 2026.The construction of the build has been appointed to Sunninghill Construction.

Wealden District Council has been working with the Football Foundation, a charity which delivers outstanding grassroots facilities, on the plans and construction of the new Community Sports Hub.

The Hub will provide new facilities in the district and offer high-quality sports and community facilities which can be used all year-round.

The funding has been awarded to the council through the Football Foundation’s Hubs Programme, which has already seen over 20 multi-pitch Hubs delivered across the country.

As part of the funding agreement, the site will be operated on a not-for-profit basis by the charity, Leisure United and managed by The National Football Trust. Leisure United currently operates 18 sites across the country. It will be a new partnership arrangement involving the council and any surplus income generated from the facility will be reinvested into local grassroots sports.

The state-of-the art Hub will consist of two floodlit full size 3G pitches, four dual use floodlit netball/tennis courts and two padel tennis courts plus other community facilities such as a café and meeting space, skate park, a children’s play area and a perimeter pathway around the site - that will provide opportunities for all residents to participate in sports, health and wellbeing, and leisure activities.

Throughout the process, the council has engaged with a range of partners including sport’s governing bodies, local sports clubs and a public consultation event was held to help shape and inform the facilities at the site.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health, Wellbeing and Asset Management, said “I am delighted to hear that the Football Foundation has awarded the council £3.5 million in grant funding. This award follows many months of working with the Football Foundation, local clubs and our communities and strengthens our relationship and highlights the importance of having this type of facility within Wealden. The funding will be used to provide residents throughout the district with high-quality sports amenities and allow them to become more active by participating in a variety of different activities and sports.”

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country.

“Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.

“This grant award to Wealden council towards developing a new Hub is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.”

For further information and to follow updates or for further info on the project please click here

About the Football Foundation

The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and Government’s charity that delivers outstanding grassroots facilities, more and better places to play, transforming lives and communities where it is needed most.

The Foundation’s goal is to unlock the power of pitches ensuring every community has a great place to play regardless of gender, race, disability or place.

Since its creation in 2000, the Foundation has invested more than £1.1 billion to improve grassroots facilities across the country – including 1,200 3G pitches, 13,000 grass pitches and 1,500 changing rooms. This has attracted an additional £1.4 billion of partnership funding – totalling over £2.5 billion investment in grassroots football so far.

In partnership with local authorities, County FAs and other community stakeholders, the Foundation has created Local Football Facility Plans for every local authority in England. These Plans act as a blueprint for providing the grassroots football facility improvements that each community needs and deserves across the country.

Visit footballfoundation.org.uk for more information on the Foundation and view the Plan for your local area.

Wealden District Council’s Tackling Inequalities through Physical Activity 2024/2025

Applications must be submitted by Tuesday 3 September 2024 and can be made for amounts between £1,000 and £15,000.

The council is inviting organisations such as Not for Profit organisations to apply. Funds must be spent by 31^st August 2025.

The third round of funding as part of the Tackling Inequalities Through Physical Activity programme is now open.

East Sussex Public Health has released funds to Wealden District Council to deliver a third round of grant funding to support organisations who specifically work towards reducing inequalities and aim to deliver better health outcomes within the district. The funding can support existing projects or new ideas, which provide direct support to the local community. Anything from gardening clubs to seated exercise sessions and more.

Previous rounds of funding over the past two years has provided funding to eleven organisations within the district. These include The Good Company People which increases fitness levels through exercise for over 65s, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) which provides residents with practical conservation activities to increase mental wellbeing through a Green Gym project, and Rotherfield St Martin which has used the funding to support hydrotherapy sessions helping those with arthritis, stiffness of joints and those recovering from hip or knee surgery.

If you would like more information, please email wellbeing@wealden.gov.uk

Five Ash Down, Uckfield

Dear Resident,

Balfour Beatty is working in partnership with East Sussex County Council to manage the highways service across East Sussex. As part of this, we will be carrying out drainage works at Five Ash Down, Uckfield.

When do they start?

Work will be carried out from Monday 9 September 2024to Friday 13 September 2024between 9am and 4pm.

We will inform you of any changes to the dates or times via advanced warning signs on site.

What are we doing?

These works involve replacing broken pipe work to alleviate flooding in the area.

How will this impact highway users?

The team will be working at two sites:

From outside ‘Mayfield Cottage’ to ‘Little Hasley’,

From the junction of Cobdown Lane and will continue approximately 120m North East along the A26.

The road will remain open with temporary traffic signals in place.

Information for residents and businesses

Parking: If required, we will put out ‘no parking’ signs and cones on the site to advise where parking is restricted. Please avoid parking in these locations as it will delay our works.

Weather: All of these works are subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress of the works.

Properties close to the carriageway may experience a temporary disturbance as this can be a noisy process and those properties may experience flashing lights and reversing sirens.

We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience or disruption this work may cause, however this forms part of our continuing improvement for the East Sussex highway network. Should you have any concerns regarding these works, you can contact us at eshcomms@balfourbeatty.com.

For information on roadworks and journey planning, visit www.One.Network.com. Please follow us on X (formerly Twitter)@esccroads or Facebook@EastSussexHighways for updates. If you would like to know more about East Sussex Highways and what we do, please visit our website www.eastsussexhighways.com.

Thank you,

East Sussex Highways

Free NHS Health Checks are returning to towns across Wealden after high demand.

The health checks are provided by One You East Sussex, a free holistic lifestyle service for residents of East Sussex, helping people make simple changes that can lead to a longer, healthier and happier life. The service helps residents to lose weight, be smoke free, move more, eat well, drink less and delivers the NHS health checks.

COLIN, the service’s mobile health check van and practitioner team, will be offering NHS health checks to residents who qualify. The dates, locations and eligibility criteria are below.

Please book your NHS health check in advance by contacting hello@oneyoueastsussex.org.uk or calling 01323 404600. Appointments take between 30-40 minutes and your results will be discussed with on the day. Cancellations should be made 24 hours in advance to allow for appointments to be re-allocated.

Dates and locations

· Thursday 19th September - Uckfield, Luxford Field car park

· Thursday 26th September - Heathfield, Station Road East car park

· Thursday 3rd October - Crowborough, Croft Road car park

· Thursday 17th October - Hailsham, Vicarage Lane car park

· Thursday 31st October - Heathfield, Station Road East car park

Residents wanting to book an NHS health check must meet the following criteria.

· Be aged between 40-74.

· Are not currently prescribed blood pressure or cholesterol medications.

· Do not suffer from Diabetes OR Heart/Circulatory/Kidney conditions or previously suffered from any cardiovascular events.

· Be an East Sussex resident.

· Have not previously had an NHS health check in the last 5 years.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health, Wellbeing and Asset Management, said “The health checks have proven popular over the last couple of years and we are bringing them back to the communities to give more people a chance to access them. Our health is important and with these checks available to eligible residents I would urge anyone who meets the criteria to take up this offer. They are free to attend and are spread across the district. Residents need to book an appointment to save disappointment.”

If you’d like more information on the free healthy lifestyle services available through One You East Sussex, or to complete a self-referral, then please visit www.oneyoueastsussex.org.uk.

Please see attached a list of applications currently being considered for a response by Buxted Parish Planning Committee.

Any responses - please send back to clerk@buxted-pc.gov.uk

Your community needs you. Become a JCR support worker today and make a difference in just four weeks.

Are you a kind-hearted and caring individual looking for a fulfilling job? The Joint Community Rehabilitation (JCR) team at East Sussex County Council team is looking for support workers. This is your chance to make a real difference to people's lives, helping them regain their independence after hospital stays, injury or illness.

What is a JCR support worker?

As a JCR Support Worker, you’ll visit clients in their homes, supporting them as they recover and build their confidence. You don't need formal qualifications, just a caring attitude and a desire to help others. JCR provide all the necessary training to ensure you’re fully equipped for the role.

Why join JCR?

• Impact lives: help people feel confident at home, get them back in the garden, or see them cooking again - all in just four weeks.
• Variety in your day: every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a difference.
• Flexible and Rewarding: enjoy a flexible job that provides immense satisfaction and pride.
• Community Focus: support your local community and give back in your own way.

What JCR offer

• Comprehensive training
• Flexible working hours
• A supportive team environment
• The opportunity to truly impact lives
• Paid travel

Requirements

• A caring nature and willingness to help
• Ability to drive (and ideally access to a car)

Hear from the JCR team

"The best thing about being a support worker is that I get to see lots of different people in lots of different situations. It's very rewarding and fills me with a lot of pride." – Dan, JCR Support Worker

Get Involved

JCR have multiple vacancies available across East Sussex and would love to hear from you! Take the first step towards a rewarding new career by joining the JCR team. No previous experience needed.

For more information, visit the JCR support worker page and watch their video to see how you can transform lives with JCR.

Shepherds Hill, Buxted

Dear Resident / Business owner,

Balfour Beatty is working in partnership with East Sussex County Council to manage the highways service across East Sussex. As part of this, we will be carrying out targeted patch repairs on Shepherds Hill, Buxted.

When do they start?

Work will be carried out on Thursday 22 August 2024and Friday 23 August 2024between 9am and 4pm.

We will inform you of any changes to the dates or times via advanced warning signs on site.

What do the works involve?

These works involve essential patching repair works to improve the carriageway condition.

How will this impact highway users?

The team will be working near the junction with Nans Tuck Lane.

Access for residents will be restricted for residents between the junction of Nan Tucks Lane and the junction of Pound Lane the duration of works.

Traffic will be diverted via Shepherds Hill, Nans Tuck Lane, Etchingwood Lane, Streele Lane, Barn Lane, Pound Lane and vice versa.

If you need vehicle access, please discuss this with the team on site. Please bear in mind there will be delays whilst the area is made safe and your vehicle is escorted by site marshalls. Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.

Information for residents and businesses

Parking: If required, we will put out ‘no parking’ signs and cones on the site to advise where parking is restricted. Please avoid parking in these locations as it will delay our works.

Waste collection:Access will be granted for waste collection.

Weather: All of these works are subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress of the works.

Properties close to the carriageway may experience a temporary disturbance as this can be a noisy process and those properties may experience flashing lights and reversing sirens.

We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience or disruption this work may cause, however this forms part of our continuing improvement for the East Sussex highway network. Should you have any concerns regarding these works, you can contact us at eshcomms@balfourbeatty.com.

For information on roadworks and journey planning, visitOne.Network. Please follow us on X (formerly Twitter)@esccroads or Facebook@EastSussexHighways for updates. If you would like to know more about East Sussex Highways and what we do, please visit our website www.eastsussexhighways.com.

A big change is on the way. People asked, we have listened.

From 29 July we are replacing the current zone boundary system with just one big zone.

Passengers will now be able to travel within a 14-mile radius of their pickup point – meaning access to new destinations. We have also ‘closed the gaps’ so a few parishes in the middle of zones but outside them are now covered. (See attached pic). Limitations mean we’ve not been able to expand to cover those areas which were outside the zones.

Before, if you lived at the edge of a zone there was no Flexibus option to travel into another, which we know for some meant their main services were in the ‘wrong’ zone.

As before, the aim of Flexibus is to complement and support the standard bus networks, and you will not be able to book a ride if there is a bus route going that way. Using any of our buses supports our efforts to increase passenger numbers and show that there is demand for public transport in East Sussex.

Checkout our new travel-checker map to see where Flexibus can take you: https://flexibus.sussex.podaris.com/

How to book remains by calling 01273 078203 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holiday) or through the RidePingo app. The app can be used anytime (other than the occasional downtime for maintenance and updates).

Bus Service Improvement - ESCC

The Parish Council has received notification of a new planning application for:

OUTLINE APPLICATION WITH ALL MATTERS RESERVED EXCEPT ACCESS, LAYOUT AND SCALE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE FOR 14 NO. RESIDENTIAL UNITS, WITH ASSOCIATED ACCESS, CAR AND CYCLE PARKING.

This is the same location as the applications for a care home (refused - currently awaiting an appeal).

For full details please see the WDC website: https://planning.wealden.gov.uk/plandisp.aspx?recno=166073

Comments should be in by 23rd August. 

IMPORTANT ROADWORKS INFORMATION 15 July 2024

Five Ash Down, Uckfield

Dear Resident,

Balfour Beatty is working in partnership with East Sussex County Council to manage the highways service across East Sussex. As part of this, we will be carrying out drainage works in Five Ash Down, Uckfield.

When do they start?

Work will be carried out on Monday 5 August 2024and Tuesday 6 August 2024 between 9am and 4pm.

We will inform you of any changes to the dates or times via advanced warning signs on site.

What are we doing?

These works involve replacing broken pipes on drainage assets to alleviate flooding in the area.

How will this impact highway users?

The team will be working at two locations:

Location 1: Outside properties ‘Mayfield Cottage’ & ‘Little Haseley’

Location 2: From the junction with Cobdown Lane and continuing approximately 120m North East.

The road will remain open with minimal disrupstion to road users.

Information for residents and businesses

Parking: If required, we will put out ‘no parking’ signs and cones on the site to advise where parking is restricted. Please avoid parking in these locations as it will delay our works.

Weather: All of these works are subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress of the works.

Properties close to the carriageway may experience a temporary disturbance as this can be a noisy process and those properties may experience flashing lights and reversing sirens.

We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience or disruption this work may cause, however this forms part of our continuing improvement for the East Sussex highway network. Should you have any concerns regarding these works, you can contact us at eshcomms@balfourbeatty.com.

For information on roadworks and journey planning, visit www.One.Network.com. Please follow us on X (formerly Twitter)@esccroads or Facebook@EastSussexHighways for updates. If you would like to know more about East Sussex Highways and what we do, please visit our website www.eastsussexhighways.com.

Thank you,

East Sussex Highways

Organisations within the Wealden district are being encouraged to apply for funding as part of the Tackling Inequalities Through Physical Activity programme.

East Sussex Public Health has released funds to Wealden District Council to deliver a third round of grant funding to support organisations which specifically work towards reducing inequalities and aim to deliver better health outcomes within the district. The funding can support existing projects or new ideas, which provide direct support to the local community. It includes anything from gardening clubs to seated exercise sessions and more.

Previous rounds of funding over the past two years have provided funding to 11 organisations within the district. These include The Good Company People, which increases fitness levels through exercise for over 65s; The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), which provides residents with practical conservation activities to increase mental wellbeing through a Green Gym project, and Rotherfield St Martin which has used the funding to support hydrotherapy sessions helping those with arthritis, stiffness of joints and those recovering from hip or knee surgery.

Vicky Cheeseman, charity manager at Rotherfield St. Martin, said “We were one of the organisations which received funding from Wealden District Council as part of the phase two Tackling Inequalities Through Physical Activity programme. The funding awarded to us has been used to support the physical health of over 50s in fun and inclusive ways. I would encourage any organisations in the Wealden district to apply for the phase three funding.”

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health, Wellbeing and Asset Management said, “This funding is important to tackle the inequalities that we see in physical activity. Research has been undertaken by Active Sussex which found that there are four priority groups at risk of health inequalities.

“We want to give funding to organisations that will reduce health inequalities in the district whilst increasing the opportunity for people to lead healthy and happy lives, create better and stronger communities and social interaction.”

To apply for funding, email wellbeing@wealden.gov.uk.

Allocations will be prioritised in order of the ability to deliver activities and interventions to Wealden. Applications open from 8 July 2024 and must be submitted by 3 September 2024 and can be made for amounts between £1,000 and £15,000.

IMPORTANT ROADWORKS INFORMATION 9 July 2024

High Street & Station Road, Buxted

Dear Resident / Business owner,

Balfour Beatty is working in partnership with East Sussex County Council to manage the highways service across East Sussex. As part of this, we will be carrying out footway works on High Street and Station Road, Buxted.

Once completed, these works will help restore the footway to its original width.

When do they start?

Work will be carried out from Monday 29 July 2024to Thursday 8 August 2024 between 8am and 5pm.

We will inform you of any changes to the dates or times via advanced warning signs on site.

What are we doing?

These works involve siding the overgrown grass verge to improve access to the footway.

How will this impact highway users?

The team will be working at the following locations:

· 29 July - High Street - Between the entrantce to the station and the Water Treatment Works.

· 30 July – 8 August - Station Road – Between ‘Yew Tree Cottage’ and Buxted Primary School.

The road will remain open with temporary traffic lights in place whilst the work is undertaken.

Information for residents and businesses

Parking: If required, we will put out ‘no parking’ signs and cones on the site to advise where parking is restricted. Please avoid parking in these locations as it will delay our works.

Weather: All of these works are subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress of the works.

Properties close to the carriageway may experience a temporary disturbance as this can be a noisy process and those properties may experience flashing lights and reversing sirens.

We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience or disruption this work may cause, however this forms part of our continuing improvement for the East Sussex highway network. Should you have any concerns regarding these works, you can contact us at eshcomms@balfourbeatty.com.

For information on roadworks and journey planning, visit One.Network. Please follow us on X (formerly Twitter)@esccroads or Facebook@EastSussexHighways for updates. If you would like to know more about East Sussex Highways and what we do, please visit our website www.eastsussexhighways.com.

Thank you,

East Sussex Highways

Please be aware that the following works will be carried out:-

Diversion via: -Via -C402 Hurstwood Road – U7503 Burnt Oak Road – U7861 Tibbs Mill Lane and vice versa.

Advance warning signs will be placed on site advising of actual date of works.

If you need to discuss this further, please contact:

I & A Communications Ltd on 0845 200 4035

Wealden Crematorium will be hosting an open day event in July welcoming people from all over Sussex.

The crematorium opened in 2019 and is marking its fifth anniversary this year. This year’s open day will be held on the 31 July between 11am-3pm with friendly crematorium staff offering guided tours to show visitors the cremation process and answering questions the public might have.

Since its doors opened the crematorium has held more than 5,000 cremations, received the Highly Commended Award from the Sussex Heritage Trust for its grounds and has donated more than £70,000 to local charities through the ICCM Metals Recycling Scheme, which, with consent, allows bereaved families to donate metals after a cremation.

The state-of-the-art building has the largest ceremony hall in the local area which can seat more than 120 people and car parking spaces to fit 160 vehicles.

A council spokesperson said: “The open days are held to encourage residents from all over Sussex to visit, ask questions and enjoy the beautiful grounds. There are no questions we haven’t been asked before so don’t be shy in coming along and getting the answers you want or need to know.

“Wealden Crematorium is a crematorium for all, no matter what culture, background or geographical location, you do not have to live in Wealden to use our services. We are welcoming to everyone.”

Refreshments will be served throughout the day, for more information visit https://www.wealdencrematorium.co.uk/

A career event will be taking place in July to help Armed Forces members find job opportunities outside of the military.

The event aims to highlight the value of hiring veterans and active-duty members, promote the value of military experience in the workforce and to bridge the gap between military service and civilian employment.

Wealden District Council will be hosting the event at the Hailsham Civic Community Hall, between 10am - 2pm in partnership with People Matter, a local charity which supports jobseekers.

Attendees will have the chance to meet with top employers and connect with local companies and organisations that are eager to hire veterans and civilians. Employers from various industries will be present to discuss potential career paths and opportunities.

Many skills that military members already have can be transitioned into the civilian world of work. Advice and guidance will be given on completing applications and CV building, interview techniques, career transition strategies, and leveraging military experience in the civilian job market.

Networking Opportunities will also be available for job seekers, recruiters, and industry professionals to build valuable connections that could lead to exciting career opportunities and learn about options for further training and development that can enhance civilian job prospects.

A council spokesperson said, "The Armed Forces Career Event is a testament to our commitment to supporting our veterans and active-duty members in their transition to civilian life.

"We recognise the immense value they bring to the workforce, and we are dedicated to providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed."

Event Details:

• Date: 12July 2024
• Time: 10am – 2pm
• Location: Civic Community Hall, Vicarage Lane, Hailsham, BN27 2AX

For more information about the Armed Forces Career Event, please contact 01323 443322

Kent Police have released an appeal to reunite tools worth one million pounds with owners.

Officers are keen to identity the rightful owners of the tools, and can confirm that the goods have been stolen from locations nationwide including Sussex.

Members of the public who have been victims of power tool thefts are encouraged to look at the list of items and manufacturers and get in contact if they believe their property may have been recovered as part of this operation.

For more information, please see details of the appeal here https://www.kent.police.uk/news/kent/latest/appeals/appeal-to-reunite-tools-worth-one-million-pounds-with-owners/

Buxted Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year with a concert on Sunday 7th July (7.00 pm) at St. Margaret’s Church in Buxted Park. The programme features Sussex-linked composers, both past and present, and one of the highlights of the evening will be a performance of Elgar’s Cello Concerto, with guest soloist James Conway.

Tickets priced at £13 are available in advance from Gale & Woolgar, High Street, Uckfield (cash only), or at the door for £14 (cash or card). Students and under 18s are free. Interval refreshments will be served, with donations welcomed.

Energise Sussex Coast are looking for volunteers to become local Energy Champions. There is still time to sign up to their FREE Energy Champion Training on Wednesday 12^th June, Hailsham Civic Community Hall, 10am-4pm.

Find out more details and how to book your place on the Eventbrite Link-Energy Champion Training for Wealden Tickets, Wed 12 Jun 2024 at 10:00 | Eventbrite

I would like to invite you to join the re-scheduled FREE Energy Champion Training on Wednesday 12^th June, Hailsham Civic Community Hall, 10am-4pm. Booking is now open, find out more details and how to secure your space on the Eventbrite Link-Energy Champion Training for Wealden Tickets, Wed 12 Jun 2024 at 10:00 | Eventbrite

This free training to open to anyone who lives in Wealden and would like to make a positive impact on their community.As Energy Champions, volunteers will receive free training and ongoing in person support to give energy advice to local people and help them to bring down their energy bills, stay warm, and save energy.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Please share with your networks and anyone you think might be interested in attending.

Best Wishes

Climate Change Team

Chantal, Alex and Kate

Follow our facebook page@ClimateChangeWealden

In the last twelve months almost £1.5 million has been committed by Wealden District Council to improve outdoor sports provision and secure community use at educational facilities.

At a recent Wealden District Full Council meeting, councillors agreed to provide £600,000 via an annual grant funding programme to improve playing pitches and outdoor sports facilities throughout the district. This equates to £200,000 per year, over a three-year period.

The first round of the annual grant funding programme will be opened later this year and be available to local sports partners and organisations.

It will provide much needed financial support to deliver the priority projects listed within the Wealden Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy & Action Plan, agreed by sport’s governing bodies and Sport England, and adopted by the Council in December 2023.

Sports that could benefit from the funding programme include football, rugby union, tennis, cricket, lawn bowls, hockey, netball and stoolball.

This is in addition to a contribution of £216,406 towards the resurfacing and improvements to the lighting of the hockey pitch at Hailsham Community College and

Investment of£311,000 to improve the hockey pitch at Beacon Academy, Crowborough. A further £300,000 has been allocated towards supporting the installation of a new 3G football pitch, at the Academy should this project be progressed at the site.

Funding is being made available from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies and will help improve the quality, accessibility, and protection of community-use sports facilities for years to come.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat), and lead councillor for Public Health, Wellbeing and Asset Management, said, “The health and wellbeing of our residents is pivotal to them living happier, more fulfilled, and heathier lives.

“The provision of high quality, local sports provision and open spaces enables residents to access opportunities to adopt healthier lifestyles through physical activity, and actively being involved in their community.

“By working with and supporting local partners and communities we are able to strengthen local relationships and build healthy, resilient communities. This funding will help to improve accessibility and the quality of many local sports facilities located throughout the district.”

Notes for editors

For details on the Wealden Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy and Action Plan go to: www.wealden.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/planning-policy-evidence-base/open-space/

Visitors to the Cuckoo Trail are being advised that sections of the popular trail will be closed in June and July.

The Cuckoo Trail is a leisure 11-mile route running from Polegate to Heathfield used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders and parts of it will be closed so essential work can be carried out before the start of the summer holidays.

Resurfacing work in June will see a stretch of the Cuckoo Trail south of Ghyll Road in Heathfield closed to all types of users to allow the work to go ahead safely. The work, being carried out by contractors C J Thorne, is expected to start on Wednesday 5 June and take between 10 days and two weeks.

A signposted diversion via Ghyll Road, Hailsham Road (B2203) and public footpath Heathfield and Waldron 50b - opposite the Runt-in-Tun public house - will be provided to bypass the works and maintain the though route of the Trail. The public footpath section is unsurfaced.

Wealden District Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by these necessary works.

In addition, from Monday 10 June, contractors acting for Bovis/Vistry Housing will be installing a new pumped sewer along the route of the Cuckoo Trail between Sycamore Drive and Ersham Road in south Hailsham. The work is expected to last until Friday 19 July and during this time the Trail will be closed to all types of users to allow the work to proceed.

Unfortunately, there is no safe route available to bypass this location so, although other parts of the Trail will be available as usual, the Cuckoo Trail will effectively be closed as a through route during this period. The council apologies for any inconvenience caused by these works, which are being carried out under a Sewer Requisition Notice over which the council has no control.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat), and lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management, said, “It is regrettable parts of the Trail have to close but these works are necessary and being done ahead of the summer holidays.

“While the resurfacing work in Heathfield will have a diversion in place, it is not possible for a diversion to be set up for the works in south Hailsham and that is out of the council’s control.”

Station Road, Buxted

Dear Resident / Business owner,

Balfour Beatty is working in partnership with East Sussex County Council to manage the highways service across East Sussex. As part of this, we will be carrying out drainage works on Station Road, Uckfield.

Once completed, these works help alleviate flooding to the carriageway and private properties.

When do they start?

Work will be carried out between Monday 17 June and Monday 24 June.

We will inform you of any changes to the dates or times via advanced warning signs on site.

How will this impact highway users?

The road will remain open with temporary traffic signals in place between 9am – 3pm.

The team will be working from the junction with High Street to outside ‘Buxted Church of England Primary School’.

Information for residents and businesses

Parking: We will put out ‘no parking’ signs and cones on the site to advise where parking is restricted. Please avoid parking in these locations as it will delay our works.

Weather: All of these works are subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress of the works.

Properties close to the carriageway may experience a temporary disturbance as this can be a noisy process and those properties may experience flashing lights and reversing sirens.

We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience or disruption this work may cause, however this forms part of our continuing improvement for the East Sussex highway network.

For information on roadworks and journey planning, visit www.One.Network.com. Please follow us on X (formerly Twitter)@esccroads or Facebook@EastSussexHighways for updates. If you would like to know more about East Sussex Highways and what we do, please visit our website www.eastsussexhighways.com.

Thank you,

East Sussex Highways

One You East Sussex is offering free NHS Health Checks to residents living in Wealden after the popularity of a similar programme delivered last year.

One You provides a free holistic lifestyle service for residents of East Sussex, helping people make simple changes that can lead to a longer, healthier, and happier life. The service delivers NHS health checks to residents, helps residents to lose weight, be smoke free, move more, eat well and drink less.

COLIN, the service’s mobile health check van and practitioner team, will be offering NHS health checks to residents who qualify. The dates, locations and eligibility criteria are below.

Please book your NHS health check in advance as spaces may not be available on the day, by contacting sam.bentley@oneyoueastsussex.org.uk. Appointments take between 30-40 minutes and your results will be discussed with on the day.

Dates and locations

· Thursday 16 May - Crowborough, Croft Road car park

· Thursday 23 May - Uckfield, Luxford Field car park

· Thursday 30 May - Hailsham, Vicarage Lane car park

· Thursday 13 June - Heathfield, Station Road East car park

· Thursday 20 June - Crowborough, Croft Road car park

· Thursday 27 June - Uckfield, Luxford Field car park

Residents wanting to book an NHS health check must meet the following criteria:

· Be aged between 40-74.

· Are not currently prescribed blood pressure or cholesterol medications.

· Do not suffer from Diabetes OR Heart/Circulatory/Kidney conditions or previously suffered from any cardiovascular events.

· Be an East Sussex resident.

· Have not previously had an NHS health check in the last five years.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health, Wellbeing and Asset Management, said, “These health checks are popular with residents in Wealden and it is great to see them return. I would urge residents who meet the criteria to take up this offer. They are free to attend and are spread across the district. Residents need to book an appointment to save disappointment.”

If you’re unable to attend any of these dates, One You East Sussex will be returning in September and October, further information including dates and how to book will be provided in the summer.

A new cycle and pedestrian route which would run alongside the old railway line between Uckfield and Lewes is currently being explored.

Wealden District Council and other partners – including Lewes District Council – are joining forces for the project, which could provide an off-road surfaced route, similar to the existing Cuckoo Trail and Forest Way for walking, cycling and wheeling.

The nine-mile route will potentially link the two towns of Uckfield and Lewes and create an alternative cycling route to the A26 between the two towns, joining Isfield and Barcombe directly. The Greenway would form an important “green link” between the towns and villages along the route and support leisure journeys as well as commuter journeys, linking tourism hotspots such as the Lavender Line, The Laughing Fish, Barcombe Mills and the Anchor Inn on the River Ouse.

At a meeting of Wealden council’s Cabinet Committee this week, councillors agreed to move forward with the scoping exercise, which will be undertaken by Greenways and Cycleroutes, a charitable organisation.

The former Uckfield to Lewes train line opened in 1858 to goods and passenger traffic, with stations at Isfield and Barcombe Mills but was closed in 1969 south of Uckfield. The route is safeguarded by protective policies within the current Local Plan that prevent

any development which would significantly prejudice the reinstatement of the former railway line to Lewes in the future.

Councillor Ian Tysh, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party) and lead councillor for Planning and Environment, said, “We are in the very early stages of this exciting project.If the proposed scheme becomes viable, it will make a contribution towards achieving climate change goals for the council’s net-zero strategy and the wider Wealden environment. We are always looking to improve residents’ lives and improve overall wellbeing and mental health.”

Councillor Emily O’Brien, Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature & Food Systems at Lewes District Council said, “There are many potential benefits for local people from cycleways, so I’m delighted that this is being fully assessed.

“However, it is just one first step to see how a new cycleway can be designed without hindering any future opening of the rail link.”

East Sussex County Council May 2024

Budget

In 2023/4, the council balanced its budget. There were overspends particularly in Children’s Services but these were offset by more interest from investments and from income generated.

The Council’s budget and Council Plan for 2024/25 were approved at the meeting of Full Council on 6 February 2024. Councillors approved a £538m net revenue budget for 2024/25 with no new cuts to services. The decision not to reduce services was taken despite the rising cost of providing them and funding not keeping pace.

Revenue Budget 2024/25

In meeting service pressures and impact of inflation, the Council made additional investments into services of £51.5m, when the 2024/25 budget was set in February this year. Whilst Council Tax (including Adult Social Precept) was increased by 4.99%, the level of additional income required to support the increased investment and set a balanced budget was not sufficient. A £14.3m draw from reserves was required for 2024/25 to set a balanced budget.

The Council’s gross revenue budget for 2024/25 totals over £1bn, as set out below; with 74.3% of all planned expenditure providing Adult Social Care, Public Health and Children’s Services.

The gross budget includes schools but county just pass on to them money from the government. Income from a range of services explains the remaining difference between gross and net budgets.

2024/25 Capital Programme

The Council is planning to make capital investments of £837.7m over the next 10 years; with a focus on highways, transport, school places and property maintenance. In contrast to the revenue budget, which is driven mainly by costs in Adult Social Care and Children’s Services, over half of the Capital Programme (56%) is planned to be invested in highways and integrated transport services. 

Children’s Services

An inspection of the Council’s Children’s Services by the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) took place in December 2023. The inspection report published on 6 February 2024, found that the lives of the most vulnerable children in East Sussex are improved by ‘consistently strong and effective’ support. The help, protection and care children and young people are receiving from the Council earned an overall ‘good’ rating, while inspectors found the experiences and progress of children in care to be ‘outstanding'. This report is set against the context of rising demand for Children’s Social Care services and increased complexity of needs. Increases in costs have been particularly acute in looked after children’s care costs, in particular external residential costs (with average costs increasing by 13% between quarters 1 and 2) and support for children with the most complex needs.

Roads

The new contractor, Balfour Beatty, was appointed last May and has since filled 23,000 potholes. The number keeps growing, of course, and it is a battle to keep up with the continuing wet weather. April 2024 was apparently the wettest since 1836.

County has also put £15m more into highways maintenance to do a lot of patching and major repairs. It still isn’t enough ad there are many problem roads locally despite a lot of pressure to try to get some improvements. Some local roads are due for work soon but no point in counting chickens.

Other services

The services highlighted are perhaps the highest profile although the biggest spend is on Adult Social Care.

Nevertheless County does a lot more such as Trading Standards, Registration services, Libraries, Public Health, economic support to name a few.

Roy Galley

May 2024

WDC Community Orchard Funding Programme – closes 10^th May 2024

Wealden District Council is excited to share that our community orchards grant funding programme is now open for applications.This new funding programme has been made available through the Coronation Living Heritage Fund (CLHF) to support the development of community orchards in the district. The funding programme closes on Friday 10^th May at 5pm.

For more information and how to apply visit our Climate Change Hub on Let’s Talk Wealden

Climate Change Survey – survey closes on 10^th May at 12pm

Wealden District Council is creating a new Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. As part of this process we are asking our residents and local organisations to complete a survey to gather opinions on climate change action in the district. This information and local insight will help inform our new strategy.

To complete the surveys, go to our climate change hub Climate Change | Let's Talk Wealden .

Wealden Community Infrastructure and Spaces Fund – open!

We are pleased to announce that Wealden District Council is delivering the Community Infrastructure and Spaces capital grants programme.

This new funding programme has been made available through the Government Rural England Prosperity Fund. The England-wide fund is a new £110million, two-year capital fund from DEFRA complementary to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund run by the Department of Levelling Up Housing and Communities.

The programme is a capital only fund, which means applicants must spend the grants on assets such as equipment and features which help to create or improve green spaces/ community facilities or infrastructure where the benefits last more than 12 months.

Wealden District Council has allocated £121,259.90 towards the Community Infrastructure and Spaces Grants Programme and are asking Town and Parish Councils and not for profit organisations to apply for between £1,000 and £20,000 for projects that benefit the residents of the Wealden District.

This will be a rolling programme and applications will be processed on a first come first served basis. The fund closes in Autumn 2024, or sooner if all funds are allocated.

Successful applications will be given a set period to spend their grant on a case-by-case basis. Final payments will be defrayed once the project has been completed and evidence of spend submitted. All projects must be completed and money spent by end of January 2025.

For more information and to apply, please go to: https://www.wealden.gov.uk/information-for-businesses/economic-development-and-growth/rural-england-prosperity-fund/wealden-community-infrastructure-and-spaces-fund/

Transport for the South East (TfSE), the Sub-national Transport Body for the south east of England, is asking people to take part in their ‘Your Voices’ survey and submit views on the future transport needs of the region. 

People are being asked to take part in the online survey where there are questions about transport-related issues such as accessibility and affordability. 

Participants can also share their experiences regarding congestion, noise pollution, air quality, road safety, public transport, personal safety, and walking and cycling routes. 

The ‘Your Voices’ survey can be found online at tfse.org.uk until Sunday, 2 June 2024. 

A special podcast has been produced that explains in further detail why TfSE needs the views of people across the south east and how those views will help shape the future work of TfSE. The podcast can be listened to online at tfse.org.uk and is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching for ‘The TfSE Podcast.’ 

Councillor Keith Glazier, Chair of TfSE, said: “We want to hear the views and experiences of those in the region when it comes to all things transport related. One of our roles is to speak to government about the priorities they should consider when improving transport connectivity locally. To do this effectively, we need to hear from as many people as possible across the south east.” 

The south east is defined as Bracknell Forest, Reading, Windsor & Maidenhead, Slough, West Berkshire, Wokingham, Kent, Medway, Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton, Isle of Wight, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton & Hove.

I am writing with details on changes to Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services from next Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May 2024 inclusive, because of industrial action by ASLEF.

The most affected day will be Tuesday 7 May when a strike is expected to take place. This will mean no trains on much of the network. It is however important that customers expect changes and check their journeys carefully on all dates leading up to and during the industrial action period.

Journey planners such as www.nationalrail.co.uk are now showing journeys for Monday 6 through to Wednesday 8 May. Journeys on Thursday 9, Friday 10 and Saturday 11 May will appear in journey planners from this Friday, 3 May.

A day-by-day, route-by-route summary and FAQs for customers is now available on the industrial action pages of our websites:

• Great Northern
• Southern
• Thameslink
• Gatwick Express

An overview is available below for reference.

As always, we would welcome your support in sharing this information on your own channels and encouraging all customers to check their journey plans for the period. This includes the days leading up the start of the industrial action given there are some changes because of planned engineering works over the three-day bank holiday weekend.

We’re very sorry for the disruption this will cause.

OVERVIEW

Monday 6 May (Early May Bank Holiday) – Overtime ban

A bank holiday timetable will be in place, with changes for planned engineering works that are happening over the three-day weekend. Customers should check before they travel for any short notice alterations and cancellations.


Tuesday 7 May - Strike

Regrettably, because of strike action there will be no trains on the vast majority of the GTR network. The only services that will be running are:

• A limited, non-stop, shuttle service between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport.
• A limited shuttle service calling at Luton, Luton Airport Parkway and St Pancras International only.
• A limited, non-stop, shuttle service between London King’s Cross and Cambridge.

It is important to note that these trains will not stop at any other stations.

We are advising any customers who have no alternative but to travel by train that day to leave plenty of time for their journey, as these limited shuttle services are expected to be very busy and there are likely to be queues to board.


Wednesday 8 May 2024 to Friday 10 May 2024 inclusive – Overtime ban

During this time there will be an amended timetable in place with fewer services overall.

These amended timetables have been designed to help passengers plan for their day, providing greater certainty of train times with fewer short-notice on-the-day alterations. Trains will be busier than usual, especially at peak times and customers may have to queue.

Gatwick Express will not be running, but Gatwick Airport will continue to be served by Southern and Thameslink trains.


Saturday 11 May – Overtime ban

On Southern and Gatwick Express our usual Saturday timetable is planned to run. However, engineering works will still be taking place across the network, so customers must check before travelling, as journeys may still be affected.

On Thameslink and Great Northern an amended timetable with fewer services will be running. Engineering works will also be taking place.


Other operators’ services during this entire period

It is also really important that customers check their entire journey when travelling during this period as other train operators across the country are also impacted by the overtime ban and strikes on different days, which could also make our stations and trains even busier.

If a journey involves using another train company, customers must check for any changes to their services and ensure that onward connections are available on the day they are travelling.

East Sussex County Council are having to increase the cost of some bus tickets from Monday 29^th April.

The £2 single fare cap remains in place.

They have stated.......I am sorry not to have given more notice but this was only confirmed today.

We have had to push these through far quicker than we would have liked as to coincide with fare increases coming into effect from Monday 29^th April for Brighton & Hove bus services. B&H Buses are of course one of our key partners on the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). Fares remain much lower than they were pre-BSIP and these will help operators who rely on fares income to deliver the service improvements we currently have

The changes are to multi-operator day tickets and the accompanied Under 19s

If your website, village hall, etc has on display posters such as the attached BSIP Fare reduction 01 and 03 (pink and orange) – please take these down, thank you.

Posters relating to 2024 01 – pop into town for £2 or fair fares posters (green-blue) can remain. There has been no change regarding concessionary fares.

The Wealden Local Plan has been published and the consultation has started. This runs from 5pm on Friday 15th March 2024 to 5pm on Friday 10th May 2024 and sets out the vision for development and associated environment and infrastructure up until 2040.

Development has been allocated in Buxted and Ringles Cross/Five Ash Down and we would need your views so the Parish Council can provide feedback to Wealden and our local WDC Councillor.

Please come along to the Annual Assembly to look at the allocated sites and tell us what you think.

Wealden Community Infrastructure and Spaces Fund – is now open for applications!

Wealden District Council are pleased to announce that the Community Infrastructure and Spaces capital grants programme in now open to apply

This new funding programme has been made available through the Government Rural England Prosperity Fund. The England-wide fund is a new £110million, two-year capital fund from DEFRA complementary to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund run by the Department of Levelling Up Housing and Communities. It is a top up for eligible authorities, such as Wealden District Council, which have already submitted an investment plan for UKSPF, to address the extra needs of rural areas.

The programme is a capital only fund, which means applicants must spend the grants on assets such as equipment and features which help to create or improve spaces/ facilities or infrastructure where the benefits last more than 12 months.

Wealden District Council has allocated £121,259.90 towards the Community Infrastructure and Spaces Grants Programme and are asking Town and Parish Councils and not for profit organisations to apply for between £1,000 and £20,000 for projects that benefit the residents of the Wealden District.

This will be a rolling programme and applications will be processed on a first come first served basis. The fund closes in Autumn 2024, or sooner if all funds are allocated.

See below table which details the level of match funding needed for each funding programme:

Successful applications will be given a set period to spend their grant on a case-by-case basis. Final payments will be defrayed once the project has been completed and evidence of spend submitted. All projects must be completed and money spent by end of January 2025.

What the capital grant can be used on:

For small grants programme only:

For small and large grants programme only:

If you interested in applying for this programme, please email a brief summary including the points below:

• A summary on what your project is,

• How much you want to apply for,

• Confirmation that match-funding is in place,

Please send through your expression of interest to communitygrants@wealden.gov.uk and WDC’s Economic Development and Wellbeing team will be in touch to confirm whether a full application can be submitted.

For the full guidance notes, application form and scoring sheet, please go to: https://www.wealden.gov.uk/information-for-businesses/economic-development-and-growth/rural-england-prosperity-fund/wealden-community-infrastructure-and-spaces-fund/

If you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor or finding out more, please contact the clerks on clerk@buxted-pc.gov.uk

Residents and organisations across Wealden are being asked to take part in a climate change survey.

Wealden District Council is creating a new Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan and is asking residents across Wealden to take part in a survey to gather opinions on climate change action in the district.

The survey takes on average 15 minutes to answer and the views and opinions expressed from feedback will help to form the new strategy and plan, and ensure it meets the needs of local communities, captures climate action taking place already and reflects future priorities.

A council spokesperson said, “We are committed to promoting sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for residents and businesses across the district. Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, we strive to address pressing environmental challenges and build a vibrant, resilient future for Wealden.”

To complete the surveys, visit Climate Change | Let's Talk Wealden. The survey will be open for eight weeks and closes Friday 10 May 2024 at 12pm. For more information residents can contact the Climate Change team at sustainability@wealden.gov.uk

Changes to some waste collection rounds in Wealden will be made to further improve the performance and efficiency of the service.

The current collection schedule for rubbish and recycling will be changing for some properties from Monday 15 April. This will not affect the garden waste collection service which will continue as normal.

Not all collections will be changing, but residents within Wealden whose collection will be altered will receive a letter and an updated collection calendar. Updates on the changes and further information is available on the council’s website www.wealden.gov.uk/collection-schedule-changes.

Residents are being encouraged to continue to put bins out by 7am on collection days as the collection time is likely to change even if the collection day stays the same.

Councillor Gareth Owen-Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Waste and Customer Services, said, “Following a review, a decision has been made to change the way that some waste collections are made. This is to make the service more streamlined and efficient for residents and the collectors. We appreciate the patience of our residents during this time.”

Businesses across Wealden can look forward to a free one-day sustainability workshop, helping them cut their carbon footprint and save money on energy and waste bills.

The session – on Thursday 20 June at the Horsted Place Hotel, Little Horsted, Uckfield -is one of several Net Zero 360 workshops, developed by the University of Brighton’s Clean Growth UK, to help businesses unlock the benefits of sustainability action.

Those benefits include cutting costs, winning new customers, attracting and retaining employees, meeting larger businesses’ supply chain requirements, and boosting investment prospects.

The workshops are run in partnership with Wealden District Council and exclusively for businesses in the area. They are part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

A previous Net Zero 360 attendee said: "A must for all businesses. Excellent course delivered by passionate presenters. This will genuinely support our organisation's work."

By the end of the workshops, attendees will have covered:

• Jargon busting, such as the difference between net zero and carbon neutral
• The full picture on where a business’s carbon emissions come from
• How to measure a carbon footprint
• How to create an action plan that will maximise cost and carbon savings
• How to boost marketing messages around sustainability

The workshop is part of Wealden District Council’s commitment to sustainability and helping make businesses resilient in the face of fluctuating energy costs and climate change.

They are open to micro, small and medium size businesses, including not for profit organisations and charities.

Councillor Paul Coleshill, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Climate Change & Economy, said, “These free one-day workshops will help your business, any not-for-profit organisation, or charity, to become more sustainable, save money on energy bills and cut your carbon footprint.

“If you work or run an enterprise of any sort in Wealden district, please book a session. They are designed to help your business help the planet."

Check out the Clean Growth UK events page to see all workshop dates. People can book the Wealden date at https://www.clean-growth.uk/events/net-zero-360-free-sustainability-course-in-wealden/

Notes to editors

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

The University of Brighton’s Clean Growth UK helps businesses access expertise and resources to tackle their carbon footprint and develop and commercialise low carbon products and services. For more information, visit: https://www.clean-growth.uk/

You may be aware that Wealden District Council is creating a new Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. As part of this process we are asking our residents and local organisations to fill out a survey to gather opinions on climate change action in the district. This information and local insight will help inform our new strategy.

We have created two surveys, the first is our resident survey which is open to individual responses for anyone who lives in the district. The second is our organisation survey which is open to any type of organisation, council, community group and business based in the district.

We kindly request your participation in the organisation survey. Your assistance in facilitating responses will greatly aid our efforts in gaining a diverse range of perspectives.

To complete the surveys, go to our climate change hub Climate Change | Let's Talk Wealden

Both surveys will close on Friday 10^th May at 12pm.

Please be aware that the following works will be carried out:-

Royal Oak Lane, Buxted is a no through road, a diversion route is not applicable.( Apologies no map was provided with this application).

Advance warning signs will be placed on site advising of actual date of works

If you need to discuss this further please contact:

I & A Communications Ltd (on behalf of BT Openreach) on 0845 200 4035

Please be aware that the following works will be carried out:-

Diversion Via - U7861 Tibbs Mill Lane - Fowley Lane – C402 Hurstwood Road and vice versa..(please see map attached)

Advance warning signs will be placed on site advising of actual date of works

If you need to discuss this further please contact:

I & A Communications Ltd (on behalf of BT Openreach) on 0845 200 4035

The new Street Learning programme for April to July 2024 has been released and the booklet, detailing the courses, is now available.

Wealden and Eastbourne residents, aged 19 and above, can attend a range of academic, wellbeing, and practical courses free of charge.

Courses are designed to help residents boost their confidence, employment opportunities, develop existing skills, learn something new or meet new people.

The courses are delivered in community venues located throughout the district including Uckfield, Heathfield, Hailsham, and Crowborough. Some courses are also available online.

Councillor Paul Coleshill, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat), and lead councillor for Climate Change and Economy, said, “The Street Learning courses have shown to be popular amongst residents looking to achieve a new skill, increase their social life or create better employment opportunities. If you are any age over 19, have a look at what courses are available in our district. Everyone can learn something new!”

Street Learning is a project supported by Wealden District Council in partnership with ACRES (Adult College for Rural East Sussex), East Sussex College, East Sussex Country Council Libraries, Job Centre Plus, GRH Training, Compass Community Arts and Heathercroft.

Notes for editors

For further details on the street learning courses, case studies and a series of short promotional video’s visit www.wealden.gov.uk/streetlearning, or @StreetLearning.Wealden;on Facebook.

An enhanced Council Tax Reduction Scheme has been approved, providing residents with more financial support

Residents on low incomes are entitled to have their Council Tax reduced – sometimes to zero.

As of 1 April 2024, residents can earn more compared to last year and still receive help with their Council Tax.

Under the enhanced scheme, a single person could receive a 100% reduction in their Council Tax if their earnings are up to £103.82 a week; a couple with no children could earn up to £153.32 a week; a couple or lone parent with one child could earn up to £214.90 and a couple/lone parent with two or more children could earn up to £275.25.

Councillor Rachel Millward, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party), and lead councillor for Housing & Benefits and deputy leader of the council, said, “I am so pleased that the council has agreed to increase income bandings for the 2024 Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

“Last year the council increased the maximum level of reduction of Council Tax to 100%. This has worked well and, perhaps surprisingly, we have collected more Council Tax following this change, even in this Cost-of-Living crisis.

“The scheme uses income bands to decide how big a reduction a household can have. Residents’ pay may well have gone up last year, but costs have risen even more. So, if the bands had stayed the same, they might have lost out under the scheme. So, we have increased the amounts that households can earn and still qualify for the scheme.

“This will make a real difference to our most financially vulnerable Council Tax payers at a time when so many are struggling to make ends meet.”

An eight-week public consultation will start in March 2024 regarding the recently agreed Wealden Draft Local Plan.

The Draft Local Plan Regulation 18 document was agreed at a Full Council meeting and will be consulted on alongside its supporting Sustainability Appraisal.

The consultation dates are now confirmed, meaning the consultation period will run from 5pm, Friday 15 March to 5pm, Friday 10 May 2024.

Alongside the face-to-face exhibitions, Wealden District Council will launch a virtual exhibition accessed via the council’s website so that residents who cannot or do not want to visit the face-to-face exhibitions can still partake in the consultation. Interested parties wishing to be notified when the consultation commences can register using the consultation portal at https://consult.wealden.gov.uk/kse

Councillor Ian Tysh, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party), and lead councillor for Planning and Environment, said, “It is important that everyone has their say on the Local Plan as it affects everyone living in Wealden. There is an online consultation which can be accessed by residents at the comfort of their own home, as well as face-to-face consultations which are spread across various venues in the district.

“I would like to encourage residents, businesses, and communities to give their views as this will help shape the final version of the Local Plan.”

The locations of the face-to-face consultations are confirmed below.

Buxted Symphony Orchestra is holding its Spring concert at 3.00 pm on Saturday 16th March in St. Margaret's Church in Buxted Park. Come along and enjoy an afternoon of excellent music from Mendelssohn and Beethoven, featuring the welcome return of our guest soloist, Miriam Teppich. Tickets, priced at £14 for adults (students & under 18s free) are available in advance from Gale & Woolgar Jewellers in Uckfield High Street (cash only) or on the day (card or cash).

A Council Tax increase of £6.23 a year has been approved by Wealden District Council.

The decision to increase the amount by 2.99% was approved by the council’s Cabinet Committee and ratified at a meeting of the Full Council this week.

It means households living in Band D properties will pay an additional 12p a week for its share of the Council Tax for 2024/25, with other bands increased in line with the Council Tax formula.

Wealden council receives 9% of the Council Tax collected and that helps pay for refuse and recycling collections, planning, street cleaning, environmental protection, and free car parking.

The remainder of the Council Tax bill is shared to pay for a wide range of public services provided by East Sussex County Council, Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire and Rescue and local town and parish councils.

Councillor Greg Collins, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party), and lead councillor for Finance and HR, said, “Wealden District Council has decided to increase its share of Council Tax for all bands by 2.99% in 2024/2025. For example, for a typical band D property this means a rise in Wealden’s share of less than £7 a year.

“This rise is significantly below the current rate of inflation, is the same percentage as last year and the maximum allowable rise under central Government rules, as it was last year too. The funding Wealden gets from central government assumes that we will increase council tax by the maximum we are allowed.

“Your council continues to absorb significant cost pressures, just as we are all experiencing continued financial pressures personally. Council Tax simply must rise for the council to continue to provide its services to the community. Total Council Tax bills for Wealden residents will regrettably rise by much more than 2.99%, as people will see when their bills arrive.

“Wealden has no control over the rises made by the other authorities, on whose behalf it simply collects Council Tax, and which make up the lion’s share of residents’ Council Tax bills. Wealden itself only receives 9% of the Council Tax it collects. The services provided to residents from that 9% represent excellent value-for-money.”

IMPORTANT ROADWORKS INFORMATION 12 February 2024

Shepherds Hill, Buxted

Dear Resident / Business owner,

Balfour Beatty is working in partnership with East Sussex County Council to manage the highways service across East Sussex. As part of this, we will be carrying out targeted patch repairs in Shepherds Hill, Buxted

Once completed, these works will help improve the condition of the road surface.

When do they start?

Work will be carried out on Saturday 2 March between the hours of 8am – 4pm.

We will inform you of any changes to the dates or times via advanced warning signs on site.

How will this impact highway users?

The road will be closed to through traffic whilst the work is undertaken. A diversion route will be in place via Shepherds Hill, Nan Tucks Lane, Etchingwood Lane, Streele Lane, Barn Lane, Pound Lane, Shepherds Hill & vice versa.

If you need vehicle access, please discuss this with the team on site to see if this is possible. Please bear in mind, there will be delays whilst the area is made safe and your vehicle is escorted by site marshalls.

Information for residents and businesses

Parking: We will put out ‘no parking’ signs and cones on the site to advise where parking is restricted. Please avoid parking in these locations as it will delay our works.

Weather: All of these works are subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress of the works.

Properties close to the carriageway may experience a temporary disturbance as this can be a noisy process and those properties may experience flashing lights and reversing sirens.

We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience or disruption this work may cause, however this forms part of our continuing improvement for the East Sussex highway network.

For information on roadworks and journey planning, visit www.One.Network.com. Please follow us on X (formerly Twitter)@esccroads or Facebook@EastSussexHighways for updates. If you would like to know more about East Sussex Highways and what we do, please visit our website www.eastsussexhighways.com.

Thank you,

East Sussex Highways

Wealden District Council’s Draft Local Plan has been approved and will go out for public consultation in March and sets out development for the district for the next 15-20 years. The document was discussed at an Extraordinary Meeting of Full Council on Thursday 8^th February, at which councillors approved it and agreed for the formal Regulation 18 consultation to begin in March. The consultation will run for eight weeks and people will be able to view the Draft Local Plan at a virtual exhibition and in-person drop-in sessions. The plan will have an impact predominantly for those who live in and around Five Ash Down, with some further development proposed in Buxted.

Here is the link to Local plan - (Public Pack)Agenda Supplement: Appendix 1 Draft Local Plan and maps Agenda Supplement for Local Plan Sub-Committee, 29/01/2024 10:00 (wealden.gov.uk) document. It is a very long document, but you can do a search for ‘Buxted’ and ‘Ringles Cross’ to find out how we could be affected. 

However, in brief the parish has been allocated the following housing numbers:

Land East of Coopers Green Road – 20

Land behind The Croft, Coopers Green Road – 15

Land Opposite Roundwood, Coopers Green Road – 20

Lower Totease Farm, Framfield Road, Buxted – 10

Land at The Walled Garden, Five Ash Down – 20

Land East of Great Totease Farm, Church Road, Buxted – 20

Land at Holly Farm, Station Road, Buxted – 20

Land at Mockbeggars Farm – 60

It does not necessarily mean all the above will be brought forward, but these are the sites that WDC consider suitable for development. We may not be able to stop development, but we would be very grateful for thoughts on any of these sites, specific issues relating to them, any gain we could try and obtain if we have to accept them e.g. we will be pushing very hard to have all four traffic crossings at Coopers Green pedestrianised.

The Parish Council will, of course, be responding to the consultation on behalf of residents. If you have any comments you would wish for us to consider and take forward, please do send them to clerk@buxted-pc.gov.uk as well as responding directly to WDC if you wish.

Wealden District Council’s Draft Local Plan has been approved and will go out for public consultation in March.

The document was discussed at an Extraordinary Meeting of Full Council on Thursday after which councillors approved it and agreed for the formal Regulation 18 consultation to begin in March.

The consultation will run for eight weeks and people will be able to view the Draft Local Plan at a virtual exhibition and in-person drop-in sessions.

If adopted, the Local Plan will provide a vision for the Wealden district, strategic and non-strategic planning policies to guide development and locations the council proposes for new homes, jobs and infrastructure to help meet the district’s needs.

Dates and details of the exhibition will be released at a later date.

Councillor Ian Tysh, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party), and lead councillor for Planning and Environment, said, “The council’s commitment to a new Local Plan is strong. We want a Local Plan to help ensure that development can be managed in accordance with strong innovative policies around climate change, the built and natural environment, biodiversity net gain, our local economy, housing standards and more besides.

“This is a Draft Local Plan and not the final one as we will be running a consultation and want our residents, businesses and communities to give their views.

Council leader James Partridge, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) said, “Residents want a say in the future of our district. We don’t want it to stop adapting to meet the needs of present and future generations. We want it to go on being a great place to live and work and know it won’t if we don’t plan for it.

“We want the right houses, in the right places, with the right infrastructure and at a price which we have some hope of being able to pay. We want to preserve our heritage and as much green space as possible. We want nature restored. None of this will happen if we don’t have a plan to make it happen.”

People wishing to receive updates about the Draft Local Plan and to take part in the consultation process, should register using Wealden District Council’s consultation portal at https://consult.wealden.gov.uk/kse/

A decision to refuse planning permission for a 420-home development in Wealden has been backed by a planning inspector.

Wealden District Council originally turned down plans by developers to build on the site of Downlands Farm, Uckfield, in April last year.

The developers appealed and following a 10-day inquiry in December last year, the government’s planning inspector dismissed the appeal comprehensively backing Wealden council’s decision.

The outline application was for up to 424 residential dwellings including affordable housing, the provision of vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access and separate emergency access from the Uckfield bypass (A22), pedestrian and cycle access from Snatts Road, open spaces including children's play space, sustainable urban drainage systems, associated landscaping, infrastructure and earthworks.

The appeal was also against the refusal of a full application comprising of the creation of a strategic SANG, associated landscaping and car parking, and demolition of existing residential property and other buildings and provision of pedestrian and cycle access from Rocks Road, associated landscaping, infrastructure and earthworks.

In announcing that the appeal was dismissed, the planning inspector said the main issues were the effects of the proposal on Ancient Woodland; on protected species and whether the proposal provides adequate mitigation in relation to the potential effects of the proposal on Ashdown Forest Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC); on the highways network including whether the scheme provides safe and suitable access for all users; on heritage assets, including non-designated heritage assets and historic landscape character: and finally, whether the proposal would be in an appropriate location, having regard to local and national policies which advocate development in locations which are accessible to local services and restraint to development in a countryside location.

Councillor Ian Tysh, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party), and lead councillor for Planning and Environment, said, “We are delighted that the Planning Inspector agreed with the council’s original decision to refuse this application and save this site from development.

“Downlands is an important area, a very, very special place, ecologically sensitive and enclosed on most sides by Ancient Woodland, with many veteran trees within. It also abuts Lake Wood, a local nature reserve run and owned by Sussex Wildlife Trust. I am pleased we have defended this land from what was a very hostile application which would have caused immeasurable damage to the Wealden landscape.”

A call for artists and makers to join in this years Crowborough Open Studios, on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September. Previously artists from Buxted have participated and the organisers would love to welcome more. Full details can be found at www.crowborough-arts.org.uk Closing date for entries is 31st March

Balfour Beatty is working in partnership with East Sussex County Council to manage the highways service across East Sussex. As part of this, we will be carrying out drainage works in Limes Lane, Buxted.

Once completed, these works will help alleviate flooding to the carriageway and private property.

When do they start?

Work will be carried out from Monday 26 February and will continue for 5 days. We will inform you of any changes to the dates or times via advanced warning signs on site.

How will this impact highway users?

The team will be working between

The road will be closed between 9am and 4pm. A diversion route will be in place via Limes Lane, Framfield Road, A272 & vice versa.

If you need vehicle access, please discuss this with the team on site to see if this is possible. Please bear in mind, there will be delays whilst the area is made safe and your vehicle is escorted by site marshalls. Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.

Information for residents and businesses

Parking: If required, we will put out ‘no parking’ signs and cones on the site to advise where parking is restricted. Please avoid parking in these locations as it will delay our works.

Weather: All of these works are subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress of the works.

Properties close to the carriageway may experience a temporary disturbance as this can be a noisy process and those properties may experience flashing lights and reversing sirens.

We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience or disruption this work may cause, however this forms part of our continuing improvement for the East Sussex highway network.

For information on roadworks and journey planning, visit www.One.Network.com. Please follow us on X (formerly Twitter)@esccroads or Facebook @EastSussexHighways for updates. If you would like to know more about East Sussex Highways and what we do, please visit our website www.eastsussexhighways.com.

Thank you,

East Sussex Highways

The watchdog responsible for regulating the water and sewerage industry has pledged to work more closely with local authorities across the south coast to hold Southern Water to account.

OFWAT, the Water Services Regulation Authority, agreed to better partnership working with local authorities at a recent meeting of the Southern Water Stakeholder Group, set up to put pressure on Southern Water in light of pollution and flooding concerns.

The pledge by OFWAT came following criticisms by councils that the watchdog has not been effective in holding Southern Water to account.

The Southern Water Stakeholder Group was initiated and is co-ordinated by Wealden District Council and includes representatives from more than 24 local authorities from the New Forest to Folkestone.

At its recent meeting this week, the Stakeholder Group was joined by Paul Hickey from OFWAT as well as representatives from Southern Water.

Council officials said responses from Southern Water were continuously slow and unacceptable and the company failed to deliver promised upgrades. They asked OFWAT what their local authorities could do to expedite complaints about Southern Water and how OFWAT carried out compliance checks against the company.

There were also criticisms of OFWAT that it was not monitoring Southern Water closely enough and checking in to see if the water company was working efficiently. They said a much clearer understanding was needed of how councils can work with OFWAT to resolve problems and called on the water regulator to help local authorities rather than waiting until something went wrong. They also want reassurance from OFWAT that water companies such as Southern Water are making promised investments to infrastructure happen.

Mr Hickey said OFWAT’s fundamental duty is to ensure that customer and environment interests are met but that it was keen as a growing organisation to have evidence in advance of concerns so it could hear from the water companies how those issues could be addressed.

Chair of the Southern Water Stakeholder group Wealden Councillor Rachel Millward said, “It was once again very useful for all the local authorities across the southeast to express their concerns and raise the local issues their residents face.

“However, the disappointing reality is that OFWAT – the regulatory body for our privatised water and sewerage industry - effectively allows Southern Water to mark its own homework, with no monitoring to ensure that promised improvements are made. OFWAT issues permits with conditions of upgrades to the system, but then fails to check that those happen. OFWAT effectively waits until the system breaks down and sewage pollution is a major problem, instead of taking preventative action of checking that required works are done. This clearly isn’t good enough for the national regulatory body.

“OFWAT should ensure Southern Water has a plan in place to make sure they do the upgrades and not just wait to the point of breaching the permit. We have major concerns about Southern Water’s performance and the resulting sewage pollution in our rivers and seas.

“While there is a complaints system, we are unable to see exactly how a local authority would raise those complaints with OFWAT or evidence that OFWAT is doing that work. We need much greater accountability and much clearer routes to improving the situation for our residents.

“We will continue to work in partnership with other stakeholders to hold Southern Water to account.”

Following a previous meeting, the Stakeholder Group wrote to the Secretary of State for the Environment calling on more resources for the Environment Agency so it can also take action against failing water companies.

The next meeting of the Southern Water Stakeholder Group will be held in the spring.

See below - a press release from WDC who have given themselves planning permission (somewhat controversially) for a new sports hub in Hellingly

Full planning permission for the development of a new sports hub facility in Hellingly has been given the green light.

The new sports hub includes two full size floodlit artificial pitches, two multi-use games areas (containing four dual floodlit tennis/netball courts), two padel tennis courts, skate park, play facilities and a sports building providing changing rooms, toilets and café, alongside parking, landscaping, drainage, ancillary works and vehicular access via the A267.

The state-of-the-art hub will also accommodate 206kWp solar array of photovoltaic (PV) panels over the parking spaces in the main car park - 60 spaces will have the ability to provide electric car charging with 20 spaces fitted with active from the outset with the remaining 40 passive spaces being capable of being brought into use as and when demand requires to plan for future increase in uptake.

The sports hub will be accessible by a new pedestrian and cycling access, which will also connect the site to the Cuckoo Trail. Bus routes will be enhanced to provide public transport links to the facility.

The 20-acre site will offer new opportunities in several sports and deliver health and wellbeing opportunities to a wide range of residents of all ages and abilities.

The project has been supported by Dominque Corbett from Hailsham Town Football Club and Mark Pedrick from Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation who both spoke today at the Planning Committee South meeting.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat), and lead councillor for Public Health, Wellbeing and Asset Management, said, “It is great news that the planning application has been given the go ahead. This is an exciting project which will offer residents in Hailsham and across Wealden a new sport and leisure provision to meet social, environmental, and economic needs and functions of the district in line with the recently adopted Council Strategy.

“The wellbeing of residents is important, and the new sports hub will provide the facilities for group classes and residents to use as a social meeting with friends and family.”

The full application, with a layout plan outlining the proposed development is available below. 

https://council.wealden.gov.uk/documents/s85815/WD20232100DC%20-%20LAND%20AT%20KNIGHTS%20FARM%20EAST%20LOWER%20HORSEBRIDGE%20HAILSHAM.pdf

Members of Wealden District Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee have expressed their disappointment after Southern Water officials withdrew their agreement to attend the meeting.

The water company, which is responsible for wastewater and sewerage treatment across the Wealden district, had originally said its representatives would be able to attend the meeting at the council offices.

But shortly before Christmas, officials declined the information and the acting chair of the watchdog committee Councillor Daniel Manvell said he was very disappointed.

The invitation to Southern Water to attend the committee meeting came after a catalogue of concerns across Wealden including flooding, sewage seeping into people’s homes, gardens and roads, the ongoing problem of discharges into rivers and waterways and the inability to deal with additional development.

Wealden council and other local authorities have pledged to keep the pressure up on Southern Water and to hold it to account for constant failings.

At the meeting on Monday, Councillor Manvell, a Labour Party councillor representing Uckfield North, said, “We must start our first meeting of the New Year with some bad news. Southern Water had previously accepted an invitation to appear before this committee today, following our very successful meeting with the CEO of South East Water in September.

“Unfortunately Southern Water informed us just before Christmas that their representatives were now declining our invitation to attend today's meeting. They claim instead to be in favour of one-to-one meetings with councils, as well as 'wider stakeholder work'.

“Southern Water has not explained why our meeting today is not considered a one to one meeting or wider stakeholder work. This reasoning clearly does not hold water - it is merely an attempt to avoid public scrutiny.

“This is yet another failure from Southern Water. They are polluting our rivers and seas and now they are refusing to be held to account. The motion we passed at November's Full Council to clean up our waterways has clearly shown the water companies that we are not tolerating failure any longer. We will not let Southern Water off the hook.”

Councillor Manvell invited members of the committee to forward any questions they would have asked Southern Water to officers and said the committee would ensure it would get answers.

The Wealden and Rother Rural Business Grants Programme is now live and open for applications.

The Rural Business Grants programme will deliver capital grants of between £2,500 and £50,000 to businesses located in rural areas of Wealden. The programme is open to small and medium sized businesses (SME’s) to apply for capital grants of up to 50% of the cost of capital projects.

The aim of the programme is to support rural businesses to grow, increase their productivity and to make other improvements to their business, such as investing in Net Zero infrastructure. Capital grant projects could include farm diversification outside of agriculture, property adaptions, creation and expansion of rural leisure and tourism businesses, new equipment, machinery and commercial vehicles.

The scheme is funded through Wealden District Council’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), a 2 year capital programme which supports the aims of the government’s Levelling Up White Paper and Future Farming Programme, the funding aims to help productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities. The scheme is not open to those businesses located in Bexhill, Polegate or Stone Cross. This requirement has been set by Defra.

The scheme is being delivered by East Sussex County Council on behalf of Wealden and Rother District Councils, for full details of project eligibility please view the Rural Business Grants Programme guidance and eligibility and email your interest and contact details to ruralbusinessgrants@eastsussex.gov.uk

IMPORTANT ROADWORKS INFORMATION 15 January 2024

Buxted Road, Uckfield

Dear Resident,

Balfour Beatty is working in partnership with East Sussex County Council to manage the highways service across East Sussex. As part of this, we will be carrying out drainage works in Buxted Road, Uckfield following numerous reports of flooding to private property and the carriageway.

These works involve a jetting unit attending to clear gullies, alleviating flooding to the carriageway and private property.

When do they start?

Works will take place on Monday 5 Februaryand Tuesday 6 Februarybetween 8pm and 4am.

What are we doing?

These works involve cleaning the drainage system, including all pipes, gullies and access chambers. Any damaged areas found will be recorded for repair at a later date.

How will this impact highway users?

The road will remain open to through traffic with temporary traffic signals in place.

Information for residents and businesses

Parking: If required, we will put out ‘no parking’ signs and cones on the site to advise where parking is restricted. Please avoid parking in these locations as it will delay our works.

Weather: All of these works are subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress of the works.

Properties close to the works area may experience a temporary disturbance as this can be a noisy process and those properties may experience flashing lights and reversing sirens. We would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience or disruption this work may cause, however this forms part of our continuing improvement for the East Sussex highway network.

For information on roadworks and journey planning, visit www.One.Network.com. Please follow us on X (Formally Twitter)@esccroads or Facebook@EastSussexHighways for updates. If you would like to know more about East Sussex Highways and what we do, please visit our website www.eastsussexhighways.com.

Hello from the Funded Team,

This week, we have found some amazing fundraising opportunities for organisations who:

• Support older people who are frail
• Work on innovative medical, social, or religious projects
• Work to carry out local community sports projects
• Work on medical care, research and training

If any of the above funds are a good fit or you would like to find out about other funds, get in touch with us now by calling on 0203 191 6696 or book a no-obligation chat with us. We also have an excellent team of grant fundraisers onboard with years of experience, who have written many compelling and successful applications for our clients at affordable prices.

Let's get you funded!

1. Funding available for registered charities supporting older people who are frail.

Discretionary

(covers capital projects or running costs)

Deadline: 9th February 2024

2. Grants available for innovative medical, social, or religious projects.

Up to £60,000 over a period of three years

(covers project costs)

Deadline: 15th February 2024

3. Grants available to help not-for-profit sports clubs, local authorities and schools in England to carry out local community sports projects.

Up to £15,000

(covers project costs including minor capital alterations)

Deadline: 31st March 2024

4. One-off grants available to registered medically related charities for medical capital projects, medical care or research, medical training and running costs.

Up to £10,000

(covers projects, research and equipment costs)

Deadline: 3rd April 2024

If you want to learn more about how we can help you to get funded through our affordable grant writing or training services please call us on 0203 191 6696 or chat with us by clicking the link below:

Let's chat >>

Best wishes,

Julia at Funded Team

(0203 191 6696 or info@funded.team)

Rural businesses could benefit from match-funded grants of up to £50,000 to help create jobs increase productivity and adopt new technology.

Rother and Wealden district councils will be using money from their Rural England Prosperity Fund to support a range of businesses, with a £500,000 pot for Wealden and a £300,000 pot for Rother.

The scheme launches on Friday, January 12, and small and medium businesses can apply for financial support for projects including the purchase of equipment and machinery, adaptation of premises, the creation or expansion of rural leisure and tourism businesses and farm diversification outside of agriculture.

Councillor Paul Coleshill, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat), and lead councillor for Climate Change and Economy, said, “This funding will give eligible businesses much needed financial help to grow, creating jobs and helping communities within rural Wealden thrive. The grant can be used to support businesses with a range of equipment, for work vehicles and for adaptations to premises. There are many rural businesses that could be eligible for the funding so please apply.”

Councillor Christine Bayliss, Rother District Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “Our rural businesses have had to deal with so much uncertainty over the past few years and continue to face significant challenges, so it’s great that we can offer financial support to help them succeed and grow.

“These grants will help to safeguard existing jobs in rural areas, as well as creating new ones, help businesses future-proof with the introduction of new technology, and support diversification projects.

“Rural businesses are vital to the Rother economy and to the thousands of people living in our rural communities, and I hope that we are able to help as many as possible to thrive.”

Match-funded grants of between £2,500 and £50,000 will be available in communities with a population of under 30,000 and both councils are keen to see non-agricultural applications which will help businesses grow or diversify. The Rother and Wealden Rural Business Grants Scheme is not open to those businesses located in Bexhill, Polegate or Stone Cross. This requirement has been set by Defra.

The fund closes on December 31, 2024, or when all funds are allocated. More information about the grant scheme and details of how to apply can be found at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/business/support/grants/ruralbusinessgrants

The Rother and Wealden Rural Business Grants are funded through the UK Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) and are administered by East Sussex County Council.

This programme has received funding from the UK Government through the Rural England Prosperity Fund and creates a rural top up fund to deliver the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Levelling Up objectives. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK, investing in communities and place and supporting local business. For more information, visit Rural England Prosperity Fund: prospectus – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Please be aware that the following works will be carried out:-

Free net zero workshops will be delivered exclusively to businesses across Wealden to encourage them to do their bit to save the planet.

The 90-minute sessions will be led by Clean Growth UK, a pioneering university-led innovation network, on behalf of Wealden District Council to help businesses along their net zero journey.

Each session is interactive with a Q&A and all sessions are online and free to attend. Each session will have a theme and the dates and times are below.

What is Net Zero and how do you get there?

15 January 2024, 9.30am – 11.00am

How can you drive down energy costs and help save the planet at the same time?

22 January 2024, 9.30am - 11:00am

Building a workforce fit for a net zero future.

29 January 2024, 9.30am - 11:00am

Councillor Paul Coleshill, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat), and lead councillor for Climate Change and Economy, said, “We are pleased to be working with Clean Growth UK at the University of Brighton to offer our local businesses free net zero workshops. These workshops will make it easier for companies to learn how to achieve net zero, drive down their energy costs and build a workforce fit for a net zero future.”

Zoë Osmond, Director, at Clean Growth UK said: "It's never been clearer that small and medium-sized businesses have a huge amount to gain, and to contribute, in the race to combat climate change. Clients from business-to-business to individual consumers are demanding green approaches and asking informed questions about your Net Zero plans. Staff are increasingly attracted by employers with genuine planet friendly credentials."

The sessions will be covered by two facilitators, a Clean Growth UK team member and Adam Bastock, small business climate change expert and Founder of Small99. To view the event page and details for how to book, visithttps://www.clean-growth.uk/events/net-zero-workshops-for-wealden/

Editor’s notes:

Clean Growth UK is a pioneering university-based network of forward-thinking green businesses.

We can help you get new products to market faster, decarbonise your business, and hone your commercial skills. Everything you need to

drive your net zero mission, all free or heavily subsidised. Tackling the climate crisis demands disruptive thinking and decisive action. Our Innovation Accelerator is designed to help you design, develop, and refine innovative green products, services, and business processes. It’s an integral part of our Net Zero 360 package, providing the expertise, equipment and facilities needed to transform products, services and processes for net-zero.

Please be aware that the following works will be carried out:-

Diversion via: - U7864 Nan Tucks Lane – U7403 Pound Green Lane – A272 Pound Green - The Toll - Curtains Hill - Main Road – C508 Wilderness Lane – U7406 Pounsley Hill and vice versa.(please see map attached)

Advance warning signs will be placed on site advising of actual date of works

If you need to discuss this further please contact:

I & A Communications Ltd (on behalf of BT Openreach) on 0845 200 4035

Dear Resident,

Balfour Beatty is working in partnership with East Sussex County Council to manage the highways service across East Sussex. As part of this, we will be carrying out targeted patch repairs in Rocks Lane, Five Ash Down.

Once completed, these works will help improve the condition of the road surface.

When do they start?

Work will be carried out between Wednesday 3 January and Thursday 4 January. We will inform you of any changes to the dates or times via advanced warning signs on site.

How will this impact highway users?

The road will be closed to through traffic between 7am and 7pm.

A diversion route will be in place via Hurstwood Road, A272, A26 & vice versa.

If you need vehicle access, please discuss this with the team on site to see if this is possible. Please bear in mind there will be delays whilst the area is made safe and your vehicle is escorted by site marshalls.

Information for residents and businesses

Parking: If required, we will put out ‘no parking’ signs and cones on the site to advise where parking is restricted. Please avoid parking in these locations as it will delay our works.

Weather: All of these works are subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress of the works.

Properties close to the carriageway may experience a temporary disturbance as this can be a noisy process and those properties may experience flashing lights and reversing sirens.

We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience or disruption this work may cause, however this forms part of our continuing improvement for the East Sussex highway network.

For information on roadworks and journey planning, visit www.One.Network.com. Please follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @esccroads or Facebook @EastSussexHighways for updates. If you would like to know more about East Sussex Highways and what we do, please visit our website www.eastsussexhighways.com.

Thank you,

East Sussex Highways

Located in the picturesque village of Buxted, Wealden’s Buxted Court is a well-known feature of the area. Surrounded by beautiful woodlands and including pretty gardens, it is intended to provide a safe and secure home to many older people, many of whom are vulnerable and suffer from ill health.

We at Wealden completely understand why people would like to walk through the grounds or even exercise there, but the grounds of Buxted Court, including the carpark, are private property which belong to Wealden District Council.

Sadly, we have received reports of people leaving dog mess in the grounds, jogging and practising yoga and of local children taking bikes onto the site. There have also been reports of non-residents using the carpark for personal use.

These incidents are causing our elderly residents distress, upset and worry. It is affecting the sense of security at Buxted Court and reducing the sense of wellbeing for some of our residents. Many of our residents have problems with mobility and cannot manage to park a distance away and many others are upset by the sight of strange people in the proximity of their homes.

We respectfully ask the residents of Buxted to not trespass onto the grounds of Buxted Court, or use the carpark. If you have any concerns or queries, please contact us retirementliving@wealden.gov.uk

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Retirement Living Team – Wealden District Council

Special Festive Fares Promotion on FlexiBus this December.

FlexiBus fares will be £1 on Saturdays before Christmas and all week 18-22 December.

Festive offer for Flexibus users | The Newsroom (eastsussex.gov.uk) – Link to media release.

FlexiBus is a flexible, on-demand rideshare service, for areas with limited or no bus service. Residents can book a FlexiBus journey to their nearest town, train station, hospital and other key destinations. FlexiBus links people to our improved conventional bus services.

Give the bus a go. December special offer: FlexiBus fares will be £1 only on the following dates:

• Saturday 2 December
• Saturday 9 December
• Saturday 16 December
• Saturday 23 December
• Monday 18 - Friday 22 December

This discount will automatically be applied on the bus on these dates. If booking via the app, choose 'Pay on Vehicle'.

Whether we’re shopping or socialising, playing games or watching a movie, dating or enjoying a few days away, the internet normally plays some part in our festive season these days.

But fraudsters also love this time of year, taking advantage of the fact that we’re busy and sometimes distracted. Some are even using AI to make their work easier and more convincing. Which is why it’s essential that we take a few easy precautions to protect ourselves, our families, finances and devices against online harms.

The 12 tips of Christmas

1: Buying online

Spot the signs of fake websites, insecure payment pages and counterfeit goods. Never pay someone you don’t know by bank transfer if you haven’t seen the goods in person. Before you visit a website, check if it’s likely to be legitimate or fraudulent at www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite.

2: Delivery notifications

Beware of texts claiming to be from a parcel firm telling you there’s a ‘delivery fee’. If in any doubt, always call the courier or retailer on the number you know to be correct to check if the message is authentic or not.

3: Mobile devices

Protect all new or second-hand internet-connected phones, tablets and computers with a reputable security app/software. Add a new and unique PIN or passcode as soon as you power up. Ensure all documents and photos are backed up automatically so you don’t lose them. Check privacy and location settings for new and existing devices.

4: Smart devices

Always set up new and unique passwords on internet-connected devices like voice assistants, appliances, cameras, kids’ toys and fitness watches, as soon as they’re switched on. Using the factory-set default passwords could result in them being hacked. And remember that voice assistants and smart speakers are designed to pick up what you’re saying. Find more information about setting up connected devices.

5: Updates

Download software, app and operating system updates on all your devices as soon as you get notified. Better still, set them to update automatically. Otherwise, they could get infected by malware, leading to fraud, identity theft or snooping.

6: Second-hand devices

Do a factory reset to erase your data if you’re selling or gifting a computer, mobile device or console. Find out how from the manufacturer’s website. If you’ve bought or been given a used device, remove the previous owner’s settings and data if this hasn’t already been done.

7: Mobile apps

Download new apps only from official sources such as App Store, Google Play or Microsoft Store. Downloading them from elsewhere could result in fraud or identity theft.

8: Out & about

Don’t use Wi-Fi hotspots in cafés, pubs, hotels, on public transport and other public places for anything confidential as they could be either insecure or fraudulent.

9: Gaming

Avoid things like pirated games, griefing and in-game overspending. Keep track of how much time you’re spending online. Don’t overshare private information on chats. Keep an eye on your kids’ gaming by checking games’ PEGI age limits, and talking with them about who they’re or playing and chatting with.

10: Oversharing

Make sure what you share online is respectful and doesn’t reveal confidential, sensitive or embarrassing information about yourself or others, including family members and friends. If you’re away from home, keep it to yourself, as burglars keep an eye on social media too.

11: Safeguarding your children

Talk to your children about being safe and responsible online, including what they share, who they’re talking to and the type of content they access, including in apps and games. Consider downloading a reputable parental control app and using ISP content filters. Make sure they aren’t running up bills in games and other apps.

12: Video calls

Make sure those Christmas calls are safe and secure by using a service that needs a strong password, and don’t share the call invitation or details outside the person or group on the call.

Please be aware that the following works will be carried out:-

Diversion: - Royal Oak Lane is a no through road no diversion applicable. Apologies no map was provided with this application.

Advance warning signs will be placed on site advising of actual date of works

If you need to discuss this further please contact:

I&A Communications (on behalf of BT Openreach) on 0845 200 4035

Please be aware that the following works will be carried out:-

Diversion Via - U7861 Tibbs Mill Lane - Fowley Lane – C402 Hurstwood Road and vice versa..(please see map attached)

Advance warning signs will be placed on site advising of actual date of works

If you need to discuss this further please contact:

Kelly Traffic Management (on behalf of BT Openreach) on 0247 664 2814

Please see above details of the WDC refuse and recycling schedule for Christmas. All collection dates will be on the WDC website and they will be send out calendars to anybody who requests a hard copy

The Met Office issues weather warnings, through the National Severe Weather Warning Service, when severe weather has the potential to bring impacts to the UK. These warnings are given a colour (yellow, amber or red) depending on a combination of both the impact the weather may have and the likelihood of those impacts occurring.

Yellow and Amber warnings represent a range of impact levels and likelihoods. This means it is important to read each warning to know what level of impact you can expect for your chosen warning area – and how likely those impacts are to occur.

These impacts can include damage to property, travel delays and cancellations, loss of water supplies, power cuts and, in the most severe cases, bring a danger to life.

Headline

Very strong winds associated with Storm Ciarán may disrupt travel, utilities, and cause some structural damage.

What to expect

· Flying debris could result in a danger to life

· Damage to buildings and homes is possible, with roofs blown off and power lines and trees brought down

· Roads, bridges and railway lines may close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights

· Power cuts could occur and affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

· There is potential for large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

What should I do?

Further details

On Thursday morning very strong west to southwesterly winds will develop over parts of the far south and southeast of England where gusts are likely to reach 70-80 mph in some coastal areas and may exceed 85 mph in a few of the most exposed English Channel coastal spots. The extent of these high winds remains a little uncertain and is dependent on the exact track of Storm Ciarán. Winds will begin to ease from the west during the afternoon. Very large waves could bring additional impacts to coastal areas, especially along the English Channel coastline.

View full warning details and map view

Regions and local authorities affected

East of England: Essex, Southend-on-Sea, London & South East England, Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Medway, Portsmouth, Southampton, West Sussex

South West England: Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole, Dorset

News from GTR:

Many of you will have seen the news following Transport Focus and London TravelWatch’s response to the ticket office consultation, published this morning and I wanted to ensure you have the correct information as I know there are some very strong views about the proposals.

Over the summer a local public consultation was run with Transport Focus and London TravelWatch on proposals about how tickets are sold on the railway and customer service.

Many of you took part in that consultation and we would like to thank you for making your feedback available to us and the passenger bodies to support their work and we know it has been immensely valuable.

Today, Transport Focus and London TravelWatch have updated us they are supportive of the principle of redeploying staff from ticket offices to improve the overall offer for customers.

However, they have also made clear that they are not able to approve these changes as there is feedback related to the railway as a whole which has not been completely addressed.

We always made clear that this was a genuine consultation and as a result, following the process of the Ticketing and Settlement Agreement, all proposals have been withdrawn and will not be introduced.

The consultation did, however, raise interesting ideas on related issues, such as expanding the types of products that can be sold at ticket machines. Where possible, with the wider industry we will look to introduce ideas such as this.

Buxted Parish Council has received a planning application consultation for ‘49 dwellings, access, landscaping and infrastructure’ on land north of Buxted (between properties near White Hart and Buxted School).

This application will be considered by the Parish Council Planning Committee on Tuesday 14th November at 7pm in St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Road, Buxted.

Please note - the parish council is one of a number of consultees, so will be returning a recommendation back to WDC - it is not the decision maker.

Please feel free to come to the meeting to express any views you have on the application, or email the clerks prior to the meeting at clerk@buxted-pc.gov.uk. 

Link to application on WDC website: https://planning.wealden.gov.uk/plandisp.aspx?recno=163172

Sussex Police are open for PCSO recruitment and are looking for compassionate, driven and community-minded people to join the force.

• You’ll act as an integral part of the community, supporting those who need us most.
• You will receive a starting salary of £32,633 (which includes unsociable shift allowance.).
• You’ll become someone who is trusted and relied upon and engage with different people every day.
• You will gain a fully funded professional qualification as well as access to plenty of training opportunities to progress within your career.

Interested? Head over to our career pages and apply today, https://www.sussex.police.uk/police-forces/sussex-police/areas/careers/jobs/pcsos/.

If you are unsure and would like to find out more about the role, you can book in a for a 1:1 career call with a recruitment expert at Sussex Police by emailing careers@sussex.police.uk, or sign up and attend a recruitment webinar where the team can advise you on the application process, eligibility criteria and much more.

Webinar details are posted to the Sussex Police Facebook page.

To find more information about other career opportunities at Sussex Police, visit www.sussex.police.uk/jobs.

Hallowe'en has become an increasingly popular celebration over the past few years for children, families and young people especially, but it is important not to have fun at the expense of others.

To make it easy to see who’s welcoming of trick and treaters and who doesn’t wish to be disturbed, Sussex Police have produced trick or treat posters.

If you see someone displaying a no trick or treat poster, please be considerate and do not call at those homes.

Tips for a safer Hallowe’en:

· Young children should be accompanied by an adult.

· Stay in well-lit areas.

· Consider calling only at houses where you know the occupants, rather than strangers.

· Respect the privacy and wishes of people who do not want to take part in trick or treat – observe the 'No Trick or Treaters please' posters people may display in doors or windows.

For residents

Residents are advised to continue to be vigilant when opening the door to strangers or unexpected callers.

One way to deter unwanted trick or treaters on 31 October is to print and display the 'no trick or treaters' poster.

If you feel unsafe

· Don’t open your door if you’re unsure who is there. Use your spyhole, look out of a window, and use your door chain if you do decide to open your door.

· Have a contact number of a close relative or good neighbour to hand by your telephone, just in case you need to phone them.

· If you are part of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, let your co-ordinator know that you will be on your own at Hallowe’en. If you are a co-ordinator, please identity people in your scheme that may be vulnerable and offer them reassurance.

· If you are driving on the evening of the 31st, remember that excited children may be crossing the road unexpectedly, so slow down in residential areas and take extra care.

There will be increased police patrols this Hallowe’en to deter any anti-social behaviour. Officers will be quick to disperse groups of people who are found to be causing a nuisance.

Sussex Police will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour at any time of the year.

To report anti-social behaviour please report online.

If you feel threatened, in an emergency, or if a crime is in progress, call 999

Please be aware that the following works will be carried out:-

Diversion via: -C402 Chillies Lane – A26 Uckfield Road - Five Ash Down - Mill Pond Road – A272 Budletts Lane - Buxted Road - Lephams Bridge Road and vice versa.(please see map attached)

Advance warning signs will be placed on site advising of actual date of works

If you need to discuss this further please contact:

ALS Civil Engineering Ltd (on behalf of UKPN) on 01843 850746

Electors in Wealden are being asked to give their views on polling stations they go to when voting in elections.

The law requires councils to review their polling districts, places and stations every five years. The last one for Wealden was in 2019.

Voters in the Wealden district area or within its neighbouring parliamentary constituency areas of Lewes, Eastbourne and Bexhill and Battle, are invited to give feedback on the convenience and suitability of the places currently used for voting and to suggest possible alternative locations.

The review starts on Monday 2October and will be completed in January 2024, when final proposals are considered by the council’s Audit, Finance and Governance Committee. The public consultation period runs until 30 November and electors can send in their comments in writing by email or by filling in a form on the council’s new interactive tool, Let’s Talk. https://letstalk.wealden.gov.uk/

The council would like to hear from electors, particularly those with any type of disability and any person or organisation with particular expertise in accessibility issues.

‘Polling places’ are the buildings or areas designated by the council where electors in a polling district go to vote in person. ‘Polling stations’ are the rooms where voters collect their ballot papers.

As part of the Review, Wealden council will be seeking representations from Acting Returning Officers (AROs) for each parliamentary constituency which is wholly or partly in its area. Their views will be published within 30 days of receipt and electors can also comment on them.

Once the review is completed, in early 2024, all correspondence and comments received will, by law, be published and made available for inspection.

Councillor James Partridge, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat), lead councillor for Governance, Community Leadership and Communications and leader of the council, said, “This is an important review for residents because it’s about voting, which should be as easy as possible. We have a legal obligation to do the review but, as we run all elections in Wealden, it is obviously important for us to understand what suits residents when it comes to voting. We want everyone to have a polling station, which is not easy in Wealden’s big rural area.

“I would ask everyone to fill in the online form as it’s everyone’s opportunity to have their say and let us know what is and is not working for them when voting in person.”

Review information can be inspected at The Council Offices, Vicarage Lane, Hailsham, BN27 2AX, at the public library in Wadhurst and also at the following town/parish council offices:

• Crowborough – Pine Grove, Crowborough, TN6 1DH
• Uckfield – Uckfield Civic Centre, Uckfield, TN22 1AE
• Polegate – Council Offices, 49 High Street, Polegate, BN26 6AL
• Heathfield and Waldron – 73 High Street, Heathfield, TN21 8HU
• Forest Row – The Community Centre, Hartfield Road, Forest Row, RH18 5DZ
• Willingdon & Jevington – Council Office, The Triangle, Willingdon, BN20 9PJ

Any comments and representations may be submitted by post to Electoral Services PDR, The Council Offices, Vicarage Lane, Hailsham, BN27 2AX, by email to PDR@wealden.gov.uk or by completing the online feedback form.

All comments must be made by no later than 5pm on Thursday 30 November 2023.

Come and talk to your local County Councillor

Have your say on the future of the High Weald…

The High Weald AONB Partnership is now collecting feedback on the draft High Weald AONB Management Plan 2024-2029.

Your comments will help us conserve and enhance this precious landscape for years to come.

The consultation runs until Sunday 5 November via an online survey on the High Weald AONB website: https://highweald.org/aonb-management-plan/management-plan-public-consultation-2023/

If you have any problems accessing the consultation form, please contact the AONB team on 01424 723011 or email info@highweald.org and they will assist you.

About the Management Plan

The High Weald AONB Management Plan is the single most important document for the area - it sets out a vision for the kind of place we want the High Weald to be in years to come and, crucially, some of the activities that organisations and local people could take to achieve that vision.

The Plan must be updated every five years. Working on behalf of the area’s 15 local authorities, the High Weald AONB Partnership has prepared a new draft Plan that runs from 2024 to 2029.

The Plan is informed by research and the many conversations the Partnership has had with organisations, farmers, businesses, community groups and residents over the last 30 years.

You may or may not be aware, but the Asian Hornet is gaining a strong foothold in this country after a small number of forays in previous years.

At the time of writing this email there have been over 50 Asian hornet nests found in the UK in 2023, mostly in the vicinity of ports. Most recently in Sovereign Harbour Eastbourne. This is more than the total found in previous years!

Asian Hornets are an invasive species brought into to Bordeaux in a packing case from China some 20 years ago.
They are now endemic in France and much of Europe.

Although there have been relatively few sightings in the UK over the last decade or so, DEFRA have managed to keep on top of things (we believe) but there has been a dramatic increase this last year.

Asian Hornets have transformed the world of Beekeeping in France decimating many apiaries and other insect populations. They have also caused many human fatalities.

The BBKA (British Beekeeping Association) are really upping their efforts to communicate the problem too. They are even spending £15k for advertisements on the back of buses

The only way to reduce the devastating impact that these insects have on honeybee colonies is to find the nests, and this can only be done by educating our largest resource - the general public.

The following links show where the sightings have been made so far:

2023 Asian Hornet Sightings

· Click <<- here ->>

2023 Map of confirmed sightings

· Click <<- here ->>

Get the latest Asian hornet news stories, sent straight to your WhatsApp on your computer- all you need to do is click the link below:

• https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtHEKzoayn46VwwK0isFco

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne acts as the voice of the public within policing in Sussex and runs an ongoing programme of engagement with residents to understand their views.

Since 2014 Katy Bourne has secured nearly £35 million for over 53,000 victims of crime to help them cope and recover.

In the past two years alone, she has been awarded more than £4m to fund initiatives focusing on violence reduction and tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Sussex.

This is a final reminder that the Government have offered more funding to tackle ASB - so if you have not already done so please take part in PCC Katy Bourne's short survey to share your feelings of safety using this link: https://forms.office.com/e/7bZZrdJC8n

If you have any queries please direct these to pcc@sussex-pcc.gov.uk.

Balfour Beatty is working in partnership with East Sussex County Council to manage the highways service across East Sussex. As part of this, we will be carrying out targeted patch repairs on the A272 at Buxted.

Once completed, these works will help improve the condition of the road surface, and ensure a smoother and safer journey.

When do they start?

Work will be carried out between Thursday 12 October and Monday 16 October. There are no plans for weekend working.

We will inform you of any changes to the dates or times via advanced warning signs on site.

What are we doing?

These works involve cutting out the affected area and refilling with a new smoother tarmac.

How will this impact highway users?

We will be working between the Buxted Church of England Primary School and the Buxted Inn.

The road will be closed to through traffic between 7pm and 7am. A diversion route will be in place via the A272, A267, A26 & vice versa.

If you need vehicle access, please discuss this with the team on site to see if this is possible. Please bear in mind there will be delays whilst the area is made safe and your vehicle is escorted by site marshalls.

Information for residents and businesses

Parking: We will put out ‘no parking’ signs and cones on the site to advise where parking is restricted. Please avoid parking in these locations as it will delay our works.

Weather: All of these works are subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress of the works.

Properties close to the carriageway may experience a temporary disturbance as this can be a noisy process and those properties may experience flashing lights and reversing sirens.

We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience or disruption this work may cause, however this forms part of our continuing improvement for the East Sussex highway network.

For information on roadworks and journey planning, visit www.One.Network.com. Please follow us on X (formerly Twitter)@esccroads or Facebook@EastSussexHighways for updates. If you would like to know more about East Sussex Highways and what we do, please visit our website www.eastsussexhighways.com.

Thank you,

East Sussex Highways

The Tommy’s Autumn Trail is taking place at 10am on 8th October at Eridge Park Estate, Tunbridge Wells.

Eridge Park is one of the oldest deer parks and usually closed to the public, so it’s a special opportunity to see the grounds. A great excuse to enjoy the beautiful Autumn weather and get out with family and friends, meeting new people along the way.

The event is near the Remembrance period, and as a military charity this has a very special meaning, giving time and space for us to reflect, give thanks and to Remember Them.

If you have any questions or need anything please do come back to me. To have Buxted Parish Council’s support is very much appreciated.

Please see the link to the Tommy’s Autumn Trail and if you, or anyone you know, would like to join in please Register here:

https://rbli.co.uk/rbli-events/tommys-autumn-trail/

A new online community engagement hub has been launched to improve engagement between Wealden District Council and its residents.

Let’s Talk Wealden aims to provide an interactive and relaxed space for residents to find out about the latest proposals for their area, have their say, ask questions and discuss ideas with the community. Residents do not need to sign up if they wish to view the site but will need to register if they wish to comment, discuss, or ask a question.

Councillor James Partridge, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat), lead councillor for Governance, Community Leadership and Communications and leader of the council, said, “Let’s Talk Wealden is a hub that will give residents easy access to information about projects we are working on and provide the opportunity to keep up to date with our projects and create discussions.

“We noticed that residents did not comment much in previous consultations and, as a council, we want to hear more from, and form better relationships with, our residents.”

Residents can sign up by visiting https://letstalk.wealden.gov.uk/

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil has replaced diesel in all of Wealden District Council’s waste collection and street cleansing vehicles, operated by the council’s contractor Biffa.

The alternative sustainable replacement fuel HVO is cleaner and reduces carbon by up to 90% compared to regular diesel, saving up to 1,800 tonnes of CO₂ per year. The switch will also reduce other potentially harmful emissions including nitrous oxide, particulate matter and carbon monoxide, helping to make our air cleaner.

Wealden District Council worked with Biffa to conduct a successful trial earlier this year, with Biffa also sourcing the HVO for the vehicles.

Councillor Gareth Owen-Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat), and lead councillor for Waste and Customer Services, said, “There are 33 vehicles in the waste and street cleansing fleet that will be operating on HVO. It is initiatives like these that are vital to helping us meet our net zero commitment.”

Councillor Paul Coleshill, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat), and lead councillor for Climate Change, Wellbeing and Economy, said, “I am very pleased that the waste fleet will be moving to a sustainable alternative from diesel. The amount of carbon emissions that will be reduced from this one scheme alone is substantial. By making these positive changes, we are making significant progress towards our goal of becoming net zero.”

A Biffa spokesperson added, ‘In partnership with Wealden District Council, this full replacement to use HVO across the 33 vehicles is a great step forward and we are pleased to support Wealden District Council’s ambition towards net zero’

Councillor Rachel Millward, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party), lead councillor for Housing & Benefits and deputy leader of the council, said, “I think this is an innovation we should be proud of, we are making changes and heading in the right direction to achieve the council’s objective of becoming net zero. There is still a lot of work to do, but I hope it will be seen as an opportunity for other local operators of diesel-powered commercial vehicles to join us and make the switch.”

A planning application for Wealden Community Sports Hub in Lower Dicker, Hailsham, has been submitted following significant community and stakeholder involvement in the design and development.

The project will see major investment into a state-of the-art leisure and sports facility, creating a variety of new outdoor sport and leisure facilities for local communities. The 20-acre site will provide a range of sport and leisure provision and will help to address the need for further amenities within the local area.

The facility will offer new opportunities in several sports and deliver health and wellbeing opportunities to a wide range of residents of all ages and abilities.

The Sports Hub includes a range of energy efficiency measures to reduce operational costs and contribute to the net-zero aspirations for the council. These include a solar PV system, EV car chargers and battery storage for efficient use of the energy generated. The buildings will use air source heat pumps for heating the buildings and the water used on site. There will be storage areas for bicycles to promote sustainable travel alongside the pedestrian/cycle entrance to the south of the site that will link the Sports Hub with the Cuckoo Trail.

The planning application proposes two full size 3G floodlit football pitches, four floodlit multi-use games areas for tennis / netball, two Padel tennis courts along with a walking and cycle route, BMX and skate area, children’s play area, outdoor tennis tables, outdoor gym equipment and a community café.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat), and lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management, said, “This is a very important project which will give residents in the Hailsham area and wider afield in Wealden the opportunity to have more accessibility to play sport. The plans for the first community sports hub of its type within the district, outline an array of sports particularly football which can be played at the new Community Sports Hub.

“It also provides a range of community facilities for our residents to enjoy. The proposal covers a wide range of different activities that all ages and fitness levels can enjoy. The new site will also show case the best approaches to sustainability and biodiversity in its development and future running.

“Whilst we are awaiting confirmation of a national funding bid, in a year the English Lionesses have had such a successful run in the World Cup, I am looking forward to seeing this once in a lifetime opportunity being delivered for the existing and future residents of Wealden.”

To view and comment on the planning application online, visit https://planning.wealden.gov.uk/plandisp.aspx?recno=163100

Want to know what planning applications are being submitted for your neighbourhood? 

Residents are able to sign up for alerts for applications in their area via the Wealden District Council website at:

Keeping up to date with Planning Applications - Wealden District Council - Wealden District Council

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne acts as the voice of the public within policing in Sussex and runs an ongoing programme of engagement with residents to understand their views.

Since 2014 Katy Bourne has secured nearly £35 million for over 53,000 victims ofcrime to help them cope and recover.

In the past two years alone, she has been awarded more than £4m to fund initiativesfocusing on violence reduction and tacklinganti-social behaviour (ASB) in Sussex.

The Government have offered more funding to tackle ASB- so please take part in PCC Katy Bourne's survey to share your views below:

Here’s the link: https://forms.office.com/e/7bZZrdJC8n

‘What Matters To You: care, support and independence for adults in East Sussex’ is the brand new adult social care strategy for the county.

The title reflects the approach taken to developing the strategy: asking people who need care and support, their carers and families, what was important to them.

Mark Stainton, Director of Adult Social Care in East Sussex, said: “We wanted this plan to be driven by what people told us were their priorities, rather than what professionals might think people need.”

Around 700 local people responded to surveys or came along to focus groups and interviews to share their opinions.Using this feedback, and with the help of East Sussex County Council’s Citizens’ Panel, six priorities were agreed. They are:

1. Right support, right place, right time

2. Information and communication about care and support

3. Cost of living and cost of care, now and in the future

4. A suitable home

5. Personal connections with others

6. Group activities, hobbies and volunteering

Adult Social Care & Health staff, the NHS, district and borough councils, the private sector, and voluntary, community and social enterprise sector were all involved in working on the strategy.

Now the next step is to build an action plan based around the 15 ‘we will’ statements that set out the strategic response to the six priorities in ‘What Matters To You’.

Mark Stainton: “What Matters To You is specific to the county, puts local people at the centre of our plans and gives direction for colleagues who work within or alongside adult social care. It will help everyone know what to expect from adult social care and what our strategic priorities are.”

· Read ‘What Matters To You’, please visit: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/ASCstrategy

· Watch a film about ‘What Matters To You’: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/asc-strategy-film

· For a paper copy or alternative formats, please email: ASCPersonalisation@eastsussex.gov.uk

· Phone: 01273 481565

· Write: Adult Social Care strategy, FREEPOST, ESCC, Public Health, County Hall, Lewes BN7 1UE

Don’t lose your vote – residents in Wealden urged to check voter registration details

Wealden residents are being urged to check their electoral registration details or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.

The annual canvass allows Wealden District Council to keep the electoral register up to date, to identify who risks losing their voice at elections, and to encourage them to register before it’s too late.

Trevor Scott, the electoral registration officer and chief executive at Wealden District Council, said, “Keep an eye out for important updates from us. The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate and up to date. To make sure you don’t lose your say at upcoming elections, simply follow the instructions sent to you.

“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the messages we send. If you want to register, the easiest way is online at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”

Recent home movers in particular are urged to check their details. Electoral Commission research has found that recent home movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time.

In Great Britain, 92% of those who have lived in their home for 16 years will be registered, compared with 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.

Melanie Davidson, head of Support and Improvement at the Electoral Commission, said,

“It’s really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. We urge people to check for updates from their local council on this year’s canvass. The council may contact residents by post or email.

“If you are not registered to vote, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local council when asked and register to vote online at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”

Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website.

Residents with questions about their registration status can contact Wealden’s Electoral Services team atelections@wealden.gov.uk

Notes to editors

1. The Representation of the People Act 1983 places a duty on electoral registration officers to maintain the electoral register for their area and to conduct an annual canvass of all residential properties.

2. The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote. The register is used for electoral purposes, such as making sure only eligible people can vote. It is also used for other reasons as specified in law, such as detecting crime (e.g. fraud), calling people for jury service or checking credit applications.

3. The open register is an extract of the electoral register, but is not used for elections. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation. For example, it is used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details. Your name and address will be included in the open register unless you ask for them to be removed. Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote.

4. To be eligible to register to vote a person must be:

• aged 16 or over (a person may register to vote at 16, but may not vote until they are 18)

• a British or qualifying Commonwealth citizen who has leave to enter and remain in the UK or does not require such leave.

• a citizen of the Republic of Ireland or other European Union (EU) member state

5. British citizens, Irish citizens and qualifying Commonwealth citizens can vote in local elections in England and Northern Ireland, Mayor of London and London Assembly elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections and general elections.

6. EU nationals legally resident in the UK may currently register to vote in local government elections, providing they meet with the age and residency requirements and that they are not legally incapable of voting. The Elections Act 2022 will change the eligibility of some EU citizens to vote. Changes are expected to come into force in May 7 2024, after local elections in England, Police and Crime Commissioners elections in England and Wales in 2024.

7. The changes in voting rights for EU nationals will not affect voters from Cyprus, Malta and Ireland.

8. Full details of the Electoral Commission’s research on the electoral registers can be found on its website.

Please be aware that the following works will be carried out:-

Diversion via: -– A272 Pound Green - High Street - Station Road - Buxted Road - Budletts Lane – A26 Uckfield Bypass – A22 Uckfield Bypass - Eastbourne Road – B2192 Lewes Road – A267 Mayfield Road - Heathfield Road – A272 Summer Hill - Main Road and vice versa.(please see map attached)

Advance warning signs will be placed on site advising of actual date of works

If you need to discuss this further please contact:

South East Water on 0333 000 0365

Please be aware that the following works will be carried out:-

Diversion via: - A26 Uckfield Road - Five Ash Down - Mill Pond Road – A272 Budletts Lane - Buxted Road - Lephams Bridge Road – C402 Hurstwood Road and vice versa.(please see map attached)

Advance warning signs will be placed on site advising of actual date of works

If you need to discuss this further please contact:

Road Traffic Solutions Ltd (on behalf of UKPN) on 01724 848246

There is a significant number of bus service improvements were made in East Sussex from Sunday 23 July. These include new weekend services on some routes. Most are funded through East Sussex County Council’s successful bid to UK Government, in support of the BSIP.

Attached are the services for the Wealden area and this is the link for all:

Improvements to Bus Services | East Sussex County Council

New timetables should be available now or shortly on the bus operators’ websites.

We would also draw attention to the lower fares that have been introduced as part of the BSIP. This includes the £2 bus fare scheme which the Government has extended to October 2023 as part of Help for Households. Other fare news can be found here: Lower fares on East Sussex bus services | East Sussex County Council.

You are probably already aware of the introduction of FlexiBus by the County Council also. Operating in the rural areas of the county, this initiative aims to deliver the BSIP’s objective of providing residents in rural areas of East Sussex with access to a bus service where there is no public transport route. This will enable residents to connect to the wider bus or rail network and access vital services. You can read more about FlexiBus here: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/roads-transport/public/flexibus

Wealden Crematorium will be hosting an open day event in August.

Following on from the success of last year’s open day, another one will be held on the 16 August between 11am-3pm. The friendly crematorium staff will be offering guided tours to go behind-the-curtain and demystify the cremation process – everyone is welcome.

The crematorium has held over 4,000 cremations since the opening in 2019 and has the largest ceremony hall in the local area which can seat more than 120 people. It has car parking spaces for 160 vehicles to give the most stress-free experience possible.

The state-of-the-art crematorium recently received the Highly Commended Award from the Sussex Heritage Trust in the landscape and gardens category, and have further donated £12,000 to Chestnut Tree House, a children’s charity in Sussex. The donation was funded through the ICCM Metals Recycling Scheme, which, with written consent, allows bereaved families to donate metals after a cremation.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, part of the 'Alliance for Wealden', Liberal Democrat councillor for Uckfield East and lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management, said, “I am really pleased to hear that Wealden Crematorium is hosting another open day. I would encourage residents and organisations across Sussex to attend, and to understand the process of what happens and ask questions, which might normally seem taboo.”

Refreshments will be served throughout the day, for more information about the newest crematorium in East Sussex, visit https://www.wealdencrematorium.co.uk/ 

Neighbourhood Watch knows that when we take positive actions to reduce risks, support others, and challenge behaviour, we can make a difference. Over the last 10 month’s we have brought you along a journey of exploring topics such as, Harassment, Hate Crime, Antisocial Behaviour (ASB), and then find out practical steps you can take to help the victim, intervene, and deal with confrontation.

The next module is called #BETHECHANGE. We know that YOU can make a difference in your community, a difference at home, and in public spaces. Whether you make changes in the way that you think, in your actions, or indeed how you speak to people. The smallest action may seem small but it can have a big impact on someone’s life.

The link to #BETHECHANGE is: https://prezi.com/view/E1q5yr7Fip07Zjc9dOZD/

We ask that you do 3 actions with this module:

• Read it.
• Share it with others.
• Take positive action to challenge your own unconscious bias.

We thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to sending you our next module soon, on Personal Safety.

Landowner opportunity:

FREE GATES to replace stiles on footpaths

• Do you own land in East Sussex or Kent which is also in the High Weald AONB?
• Do you have public rights of way on your land?
• Do you have stiles on these rights of way?
• Are you interested in improving accessibility?

We have an offer for you… The public rights of way team of your local County Council can currently supply and deliver FREE, galvanized metal pedestrian gates to replace existing stiles.

As the landowner, all you need to do is:

• sign a simple (one page) agreement with the relevant county rights of way team
• undertake correct installation of the gate following the instructions provided
• keep it well maintained.

It really is that simple!

This is a great opportunity to make rights of way on your land more accessible for people who find stiles difficult to use. Gates also have a reduced maintenance liability compared to a stile. Removing stiles will enhance people’s ability to access and enjoy the beautiful, farmed landscape of the High Weald.

Don’t miss out on this time limited offer. Interested? Please contact: 

Rights of Way & Countryside Team,  East Sussex County Council West B, County Hall, Lewes, BN7 1UE 

Email: rightsofway@eastsussex.gov.uk Telephone: 0345 6080193 

or

Public Rights of Way and Access Service, Kent County Council Worrall House, Kings Hill, Kent, ME19 4AE 

Email: westprow@gov.uk Telephone: 03000 417171 

This project is led by the High Weald AONB Partnership with support from the Government’s Access for All programme. To find out more about how you can improve access on your land then please contact Simon Fathers, our Access and Recreation Officer, on 01424 723011 or email info@highweald.org to discuss ways in which we may be able to help

I am writing to inform you of an important change to train services on Saturday 5 August network-wide. We would welcome your support in sharing this message, as it is very important that customers consider what it means for their travel plans. There is no change to the current plan for services on Friday 4th or Sunday 6th August.

Journey planners such as www.nationalrail.co.uk for travel on Saturday 5th August are expected to be updated from this Saturday, 29th July.

As context, the recent announcement of the ASLEF overtime ban from Monday 31 July to Saturday 5 August has meant we have had to carefully reassess all of our plans for the network on Saturday 5 August as this date sees peak demand for Brighton Pride with, in normal years, hundreds of thousands of additional journeys.

No services to or from the Brighton area on Saturday 5 August

It is with the deepest regret that, due to significant safety concerns, no trains will now run to Brighton or nearby stations on Saturday 5 August.

Keeping passengers and colleagues safe is the absolute priority and following discussions with the council, police and emergency services, as well as our own risk assessments, GTR has very sadly concluded that it cannot safely run any services as it would be impossible to avoid severe overcrowding and present a considerable risk to passenger safety.

In addition:

• An amended timetable will be in place across the GTR network (please see more details below)
• Stations between Three Bridges and Brighton will not be served all day
• Trains will not run along the southern coastways into Brighton because of the amended timetable.
• Services to and from Brighton will be unaffected on Friday 4th or Sunday 6th August

Every year, GTR runs a significantly enhanced service for Pride with additional late-night trains on Saturday evening. These enhancements are needed to safely transport the huge number of people that travel into Brighton during Pride’s busiest day but also home again after the popular Saturday community parade and Fabuloso fundraiser in Preston Park.

As these services are not part of the regular Saturday timetable, in normal times, these services are covered by volunteer drivers. The ASLEF overtime ban means that our volunteers cannot take part, and without the additional late-night services there is a clear risk of stranding tens of thousands of people overnight without accommodation. On Saturday evening there is always a massive demand for return travel over a short period of time, with a capacity shortfall of 20,000 passengers expected in the busiest hours of the evening alone.

Keeping passengers and colleagues safe is the absolute priority and following discussions with the council, police and emergency services, as well as our own risk assessments, GTR has very sadly concluded that we cannot safely run any services as it would be impossible to avoid severe overcrowding and present a considerable risk to passenger safety.

We cannot in good faith bring people into Brighton who we know would have no chance of getting home, or be caught up amongst tens of thousands of other people, all trying to get onto a very limited number of trains at the same time. We know that while people will understand the safety concern, this will not offset the frustration and we are really sorry to everyone who will be affected, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. We hope by making this decision now we enable as many people as possible to make alternative arrangements.

Further information specific to Brighton Pride is available at: www.southernrailway.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/brighton-pride

Significant impact to the wider GTR network on Saturday 5th August

Regrettably, there will be a significant impact to the wider network as a result. This is because Brighton is a terminus station – so is integral to the operation of the Southern, Thameslink and, by connection, Great Northern networks. On Saturday 5th, Three Bridges will be used instead of Brighton as a turn back point for the Brighton mainline, in particular to enable Gatwick Airport and other major stations on the route to be served.

However, the added complication of significant engineering work such as between London Bridge and Tulse Hill or on the Great Northern Metro means that we have had to revert to our contingency service, as previously used on some RMT strike dates as the only available plan that can be adapted and delivered in the time available.

As on previous earlier RMT strike dates, this means that fewer services will run, some stations will not be served and some routes, particularly north of London, will start later and finish much earlier than normal. As a general rule, hours of service will be between 07:00-19:00, with some extensions, particularly on the routes that directly serve airports. It is especially important that early-morning or late-night customers for the airports on our routes check their journeys and make alternative arrangements if required.

Customer information

Our websites contain the latest information on planned services. Journey planners such as www.nationalrail.co.uk will be up to date for Saturday 5th August from this Saturday, 29 July.

We know how disappointing these changes are for our customers and we are very sorry. As always, if you have any questions, please let us know.

Best wishes,

Paul,

Paul Codd
Senior Stakeholder Manager
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR)

Jobcentre staff are available for drop in’s on Monday’s, Wealden District Council,Vicarage Lane, Hailsham:

9am – 12.30pm

1.30pm – 3pm

Buxted Bonfire Summer Fayre and Dog Show

Saturday 15th July 2023

12 - 4pm

Buxted Recreation Ground, TN22 4LE

FREE ENTRY for all the family!

Stalls, Dog Show, Raffle, Tombola, BBQ, Bar, Cakes, Arena Events, Bouncy Castle, Face Painter, Ice Cream Van and much more!

Follow our Facebook event for more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/259669443325528

The Street Learning programme has been released for September - December 2023.

The project offers Wealden and Eastbourne residents, aged 19 and above, a range of academic courses, wellbeing and practical classes.

The courses are provided in several local community venues including East Sussex College (Eastbourne), Uckfield College, Crowborough and online.

A council spokesperson said, “The Street Learning programmes provide learning and skill development for every age. They are designed to help residents boost employment opportunities whilst having fun. Anyone wanting to improve on a skill, learn something new or widen their social life should take a look at the courses available.”

Street Learning is a project run by Wealden District Council in partnership with ACRES, East Sussex College, East Sussex County Council Library, Job Centre Plus, GRH Training, Compass Community Arts and Heathercroft.

Visit www.wealden.gov.uk/streetlearning, @StreetLearning.Wealden on Facebook, or email streetlearning@wealden.gov.uk for more information. Updates, participant feedback and details of new courses can be found on the website.

Cabinet has recommended that Wealden District Council enters into a lease and contract at Uckfield Leisure Centre.

East Sussex County Council (ESCC) currently leases the leisure centre to the district council which was set to expire on 17 July 2023.

In March 2023, a public consultation conducted by ESCC, went live to give residents their chance to comment on the future of the leisure centre. The consultation received more than 3,000 responses helping all parties to address how the facility can continue to be operated.

A Full Council motion was passed for the council officers to investigate all opportunities to save the leisure centre. The new lease will implement new working arrangements to also include exploring investment opportunities to deliver greater energy efficiency measures and reducing potential overall operating costs.

A council spokesperson said, “We have been able to work together to save the leisure centre. Providing the opportunity for everyone to exercise safely is important.

“Annual attendance at Uckfield Leisure (in 2022/23) was 175,661, with around 680 members of the centre, and the Learn to Swim programme has 866 participants enrolled. We look forward to building on these numbers, so it is fantastic that we can provide continued use of services to residents in Wealden.”

There are three periods of industrial action confirmed to be taking place, with different impacts on different days:

1. A nationwide ban on overtime called by ASLEF between Monday 17 and Saturday 22 July
2. A nationwide RMT strike for Thursday 20, Saturday 22 and Saturday 29 July
3. Separate RMT and ASLEF strike action between Sunday 23 July to Friday 28 July by London Underground (LU) staff, which may affect some of our services.

Given the overlapping sets of industrial action, the impacts on train services will vary on different days. We know that this will be inconvenient and difficult for customers, which is why we are strongly urging all customers to check every journey, every day, throughout this period.

The table below shows dates affected by industrial action, a high-level overview of the impacts on services and the expected update for journey planners:

Buxted Parish Council grant applications for the financial year 2024-25 are now open.

See the attached documents for more information and how to apply.

Closing date for applications is 1st September 2023

Please be aware that the following works will be carried out:-

A safe route will be provided for pedestrians and vehicular access for residents and to properties maintained whenever possible.

Church Road, Buxted is a no through road, a diversion route is not applicable.(please see map attached)

Advance warning signs will be placed on site advising of actual date of works

If you need to discuss this further please contact:

Road Traffic Solutions Ltd (on behalf of UKPN) on 01724 848 246

Councillors joined forces to pass a cross-party motion at an extraordinary meeting to hold South East Water accountable for recent water supply failings.

The motion was proposed by Councillor D White and signed by Councillors Benton, Cleaver, Collins, Gadd, Lunn, Millward, Reed and Shaw to consider the recent failures on the part of South East Water to maintain an adequate supply of water to parts of the district.

This motion follows the recent incident in the north of the district where water outages lasted five days in some areas leaving homes and businesses without water, schools to close and farmers struggling to feed livestock.

The proposed motion asked for the leader and the chief executive of Wealden to write to South East Water asking for a full explanation of the causes of the recent failures, full details of the actions taken to address them and to mitigate the effects to local residents, including details of when the company first became aware of the problems and the timing of its response; and confirmation of the steps being taken to ensure that there is no recurrence of the failures.

The second part of the motion addressed the impact of climate change and the increasing demand for new housing in an area of acknowledged water stress.

The council asked Wealden’s leader and chief executive to notify OFWAT, and the government to consider concerns at the failures on the part of South East Water to maintain an adequate supply of water to our existing residents and the effect of this upon their health and wellbeing. They also asked the Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government to support a reduction in housing numbers for the district until there is a long-term solution to the water shortage.

Councillor David White, Independent councillor and leader of the Independent Group said, “Twice in the space of eight months a significant number of Wealden residents have been left without water. First during the period immediately before Christmas 2022, when as a consequence of a freeze thaw event in December, 286,000 properties including large parts of Rotherfield, Wadhurst, Crowborough and Tunbridge Wells were without water for upwards of a week.

“Within less than six months and during the first spell of hot weather this year much of the same areas, and some 6,000 properties were again without water for several days, this time we were told as a result of high demand.

“Our residents are entitled to expect the statutory supplier to be able to meet its obligations and for this to be guaranteed by the official regulator, if it cannot then it should be replaced.”

Councillor Greg Collins, Alliance for Wealden, Green Party councillor for Horam and Punnetts Town Ward, said, “I want to extend my sympathy to residents impacted by the crisis. The performance of South East Water is inadequate and unaccountable and nothing short of victim blaming. What has become clear is that we cannot accept the long-term failing of private water companies and allowing the blame to be on customers. We are also told that we have no choice but to connect homes to a system that cannot supply existing residents. Our residents deserve clarity, enough is enough.”

Chestnut Tree House, a children’s hospice covering Sussex and South East Hampshire has been presented with a £12,000 cheque from Wealden District Council’s Crematorium.

The children’s hospice, which first opened in November 2003, provides care and support for children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families, in East and West Sussex and South East Hampshire.

The cheque has been donated to Chestnut Tree House through a national scheme run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management, of which Wealden is a member and, sees recycling of metals following a cremation with the written consent of each bereaved family. The metals are recycled through the scheme with proceeds shared between its members to donate to their chosen charity.

Martin Styring, Fundraiser at Chestnut Tree House said: “On behalf of Chestnut Tree House, I’d like to say a huge thank you for this generous donation. We need to raise around £10,000 every day to provide vital hospice care services, so this money really will make a difference and help us to ensure that children and families get all the care and support they need – whether that is splashing around in our hydrotherapy pool, relaxing in the multisensory room, or receiving counselling and emotional support.”

Councillor Kelvin Williams, part of the 'Alliance for Wealden', Liberal Democrats Councillor for Uckfield East and portfolio holder for Public Health and Asset Management, said, “I am thrilled to have been able to present this cheque to Chestnut Tree House. We choose this charity because of the amazing and vital care they give to the children and support offered to the families of the children.”

For more information on Chestnut Tree House, visit the website here. Chestnut Tree House - The children's hospice for Sussex (chestnut-tree-house.org.uk)

Good afternoon,

A significant number of bus service improvements are being made in East Sussex from Sunday 23 July. Most are funded through East Sussex County Council’s successful bid to UK Government, in support of our East Sussex Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). Summary details are shown in the attached document. These also include changes to other services that have already been made or are planned. In respect of the upcoming changes, further detailed timetable information will be available on the websites of the bus operator(s) concerned over the coming weeks.

Specific to the Parish of Buxted:

Buxted, Hadlow Down – Revised service 248 will offer journeys on 5 days a week to and from Uckfield.

We would also draw attention to the lower fares that have been introduced as part of the County Council’s BSIP and you can read more about these here: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/roads-transport/public/bus-service-improvement-plan/lower-fares-on-east-sussex-bus-services. This is in addition to the Government’s ‘Help for Households’ fare cap (currently £2.00 for a single journey) about which more detail can be found here: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/roads-transport/public/buses/2-bus-fares

Many of you will be aware of the introduction of FlexiBusby the County Council. Operating in the rural areas of the county, this initiative aims to deliver the BSIP’s objective of providing residents in rural areas of East Sussex with access to a bus service to enable residents to access services such as health, education and retail or to connect to the wider bus or rail network. You can read more about FlexiBus here: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/roads-transport/public/flexibus

Household Support Fund–Wealden Food Partnership

Application Deadline: Tuesday 4^th July 2023

Wealden Food Partnership has been asked by East Sussex County Council to co-ordinate a further round of the Household Support Fund (HSF) grant to groups/organisations who are working to address food poverty and/or food insecurity in Wealden.

In previous rounds we have given grants to support some excellent work which is making a real difference to our communities.

Examples include:

· Community fridges and sharing tables focused on reducing food waste.

· Community growing projects bringing people together to grow and cook fresh food.

· Delivery of cookery training to staff and volunteers focusing on low cost, healthy eating for people on low incomes.

· Development and support for new and existing lunch clubs.

· Providing the healthy lunch element for holiday activity clubs for children on free school meals

· Supporting farmers and community groups to provide meal kits and recipe cards for families and older people.

We’d like to support as many organisations as we can with these grants. The money could be used to support existing work, or to start something new.

Is there something you’ve wanted to develop, whether it be around training, developing infrastructure or delivering something collaboratively? We’re here to help! We can support you in your application through discussing, connecting and helping to enable your ideas come to life.

If you’d like to have an initial chat about your ideas, please email helen.graham@3va.org.uk

The application form below is very simple and will ask you to outline:

· what you’d like to do

· who you envisage supporting, e.g. families, older people

· how much you’d like to apply for

· how you would spend the money

· any other organisations you’d like to collaborate with

Please be sure to get your completed application to us by Tuesday 4^th July

Dear Wealden Resident

I am writing to ask for you to help some residents of Wealden whose water supply has failed. This is unpleasant and frightening for all affected residents and particularly for housebound and vulnerable people.

Our ask is simply – Please would you use as little water as you reasonably can, until further notice?

Whatever the right and wrongs of the situation, this is the only way by which the water supply can be restored quickly. Small changes by our whole community will help to restore water to those affected.

I should make it clear that South East Water (SEW) is, alone, responsible for supplying water to the Wealden District. WDC does not supply water and has no water infrastructure. It does not regulate South East Water and has no legal powers over it. OFWAT is the only organisation with those powers.

As local councillors, we do have a duty to represent residents’ views to SEW (and others) and I gratefully acknowledge the efforts of all who have done this.

The Council itself, officers working closely with our leadership team, has:

• Initiated WDC emergency response at 07.54 on Monday 11 June. Gold command at WDC was stood up putting response teams on alert.
• Notified SEW on Monday morning at 08.07am. At the same time WDC offered support to staff bottled water stations and to deliver water to the most vulnerable.
• Has worked with SEW to pass information from and to residents.
• Has written to the CEO of SEW (copy letter within FAQs).
• Has met with the CEO of SEW to understand better what is causing the problem and when it is likely to be solved.
• Has agreed to the convening of an extraordinary meeting of Council to enable the matter to be fully aired.
• Has committed to a make a formal complaint to OFWAT.
• Has encouraged SEW to declare a major incident, allowing greater partner support.
• SEW have consistently declined support from WDC or the Sussex Resilience Forum.

The root cause of the problem is a lack of investment in the District’s water infrastructure. This is true of many, if not all, parts of the country. Putting that right is a matter for national government and I wish I could see any signs of that nettle being grasped.

Finally, and regrettably, we are aware of many myths circulating around this issue, often from those that should know better and so are creating a live list of FAQs to address these here:

Yours sincerely

James Partridge – Leader Wealden District Council

P.S Please do what you can to use less water for the time being.

A woman has been fined £1,000 for failing to comply with a planning enforcement notice.

Linda Hazelgrove, of Highlands Lane, Chiddingly, appeared at Brighton Magistrates Court last month in a prosecution brought by Wealden District Council.

Ms Hazelgrove pleaded not guilty to the allegation that she had not done everything within her power to comply with a planning enforcement notice issued in 2018, for the erection of an unauthorised building and decking.

Following a trial, Ms Hazelgrove was found guilty and fined £1,000 and a victim surcharge of £100 was also applied by the court with full costs of £7,169.50 awarded to the council.

The building and decking is scheduled for removal later this year.

Councillor Ian Tysh, Wealden District Council’s portfolio holder for Planning & Environment, said, “We will robustly persue breaches of planning control and this court case shows we will escalate matters to court where there has been a serious contravention of planning laws.”

Pledge made to lobby county council over potholes problem on Wealden roads

Wealden District Council has passed a motion calling on East Sussex County Council to address problems associating with potholes across the district.

The county council has responsibility for the county’s roads and has its own contractor to deal with issues such as potholes.

At a meeting of the Full Council recently, a motion proposed by Councillor David White and seconded by Councillor Mike Gadd, was unanimously approved by fellow councillors.

The motion called on Wealden council leader Councillor James Partridge and chief executive Trevor Scott to ask the county council to confirm that it has undertaken an immediate and comprehensive condition survey of the district’s road network, confirm the extent of work to be carried out and set a timetable to rectify the present state of disrepair; invite relevant officers from East Sussex County Council to attend an early meeting of Wealden council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee to explain the position or ongoing maintenance of the roads; and finally to urge the county council to make greater representation to the government for increased funding for road repairs.

Councillor White said, “Having travelled much of the district’s highways during the recent elections we have all experienced for ourselves the disgraceful condition of the road surfaces - pot holes so large and frequent that in many cases it felt more like driving across a ploughed field than a tarmacked road; roads where the edge of the carriage way had disintegrated leaving deep ruts the size of the Grand Canyon.

“My fellow councillors may also have heard from their residents as I did from mine of broken suspensions and split tyres in some cases costing several hundreds of pounds to replace. They may also have been told of the repeated complaints lodged with East Sussex County Council and of the poor quality of the repairs carried out when workmen eventually turned up; repairs so poorly undertaken that within a matter of a day or two the pot holes reappeared often larger than the originals.

“And many will have heard of residents waiting weeks for repairs to be undertaken if at all. The county council was clearly made aware of the deteriorating state of the local road network yet failed spectacularly to respond to the concerns of residents with any sense of urgency or effective repairs.

“So bad was the condition, that my parish council received a request earlier this year from Hadlow Down Parish Council to join an initiative to take action against the county council to demand an improvement in the way in which the county and its highway stewards deal with the repair and maintenance of the road network.

“The condition of much of the road network has now deteriorated to such a state that repair is probably no longer an option and many roads will require resurfacing if not remaking in order to achieve a satisfactory finish.

“This council of course is not responsible for the upkeep of the local road network. We are however able to bring pressure to bear upon the county council and this motion seeks to bring pressure on the county council to address the concerns of our residents.”

Councillor Mike Gadd said he was pleased to support the motion and hoped the county council would respond with positive news.

Sussex Police have launched the 2023 #TalkSussex survey which is really short and asks residents to share their feelings of safety with the PCC.

See link to survey below which takes just a couple of minutes to complete

Link to the survey here: https://forms.office.com/e/7bZZrdJC8n

Buxted Symphony Orchestra is holding its Summer concert on Sunday 2^nd July at 7.30 pm, in the beautiful setting of St. Margaret’s Church in Buxted Park.

Come and join us for a varied and entertaining programme of classical music, featuring works by Mozart, Handel, Rossini, Vaughan Williams and Hérold.

Tickets are £12 at the door, including programmes (students & under 18s free) and interval refreshments of wine, soft drinks and nibbles will be served (outside if weather permits) with donations welcomed.

FlexiBus services are now fully operational across 10 zones in East Sussex. (click here or see map above).

This service, delivered through the East Sussex Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and funded by the Department for Transport, aims to deliver the BSIP’s objective of providing residents in rural areas of East Sussex with access to a bus service to enable residents to access services such as health, education and retail or to connect to the wider bus or rail network. Operating in the rural areas of the county where traditional bus services don’t quite reach, FlexiBus provides an invaluable link to services and access to other public transport services for onward travel. The service operates between 7.00am and 7.00pm on Mondays to Saturdays (excluding public holidays).

The cost of a FlexiBus ride is similar to a standard bus fare, £2 for a single journey, £4 for a return and £5 for a day pass that can be used on any bus service in East Sussex. There are discounts on these tickets for young people and Concessionary pass holders can use their pass to travel for free with the usual time restrictions.

To enable officers and/or members to sample the service, we are offering a limited number of rides for free. Download the Ride Pingo app – go to https://bit.ly/RidePingo - to plan, book and track your ride or call the Customer Call Centre on01273 078 203 (6.30am to 7.30pm Monday to Saturday except bank holidays) and provide this code when asked -TPFree. Promo codes are available on a first come first served basis.

After you’ve completed your FlexiBus journey send your feedback toflexibus@eastsussex.gov.uk. We would love to know about your ride!

Residents living in Wealden are invited to a benefits service drop-in session in Hellingly on 5 June 2023.

Taking place at Hellingly Community Hub, BN27 4EP, from 12pm-4pm, the drop-in day aims to support residents to ensure they are claiming for what they are entitled to.

Wealden council has hosted other sessions since last year in Hailsham, Uckfield, Heathfield, Pevensey Bay and Crowborough.

The council will have its tenancy support, housing allocations, Ukraine housing options

and Council Tax enforcement officers on hand to provide support.

For residents who do not have online access, but need assistance in claiming Household Support Fund, officers will be available to assist with the applications.

Rachel Millward, Wealden’s portfolio holder for Housing and Benefits, said “These drop in sessions have been running over a year long period and are vital to make sure that our residents are claiming what they are entitled to.

“The sessions aim to give support and assistance to residents who may need assistance with claims, or clarification on what they are entitled to claim.”

Residents do not need to pre-book an appointment. For more information on the benefits day, visit Benefits Service Day - Wealden District Council - Wealden District Council

Our waste collection contractor, Biffa, has informed the Council it has received formal notification from the GMB union that its members intend to take strike action at the depots operating services in Wealden from Thursday 1^st June 2023 over workplace and managerial issues.

Biffa is in on-going discussion with the GMB union to try to resolve this dispute ahead of the intended strike action.

We are disappointed by this decision of the GMB Union and encourage both parties to escalate their talks to avoid potential disruption to waste collection services.

In the meantime, all waste and street cleansing services continue to operate as normal until the strike so please continue to put your bins out on the scheduled collection day.

Should Biffa and the GMB not reach an agreement there may be some disruption to services from Thursday 1^st June. We will inform residents by regular updates on our website, our weekly e-newsletter and social media.

To sign up to our newsletter and to view our FAQ’s, please click the link below. Waste Collection Disruptions - Wealden District Council - Wealden District Council

Residents should continue presenting their bins as normal. Biffa is in active and ongoing negotiations with the unions and remains committed to reaching a solution as quickly as possible.

Wealden Community Lottery is celebrating the first £2,000 win by one lucky player.

On Saturday 13 May, a Mrs S from Uckfield won the £2,000 cash prize after matching five numbers.

Mrs S said, “‘I choose to partake in the lottery weekly now as I am very keen to support local groups in these difficult times. It’s great to feel that the money is going to good causes on the doorstep that I might otherwise have never heard about.

“Regarding my win, I was speechless and absolutely thrilled as I have never won anything before and it will help enormously in necessary repairs to my home caused by the extreme weather we experienced through the winter. And perhaps a couple of fun days out with my grandchildren too.”

During the same draw, four other players matched three numbers and won £25 and several people won free lottery tickets after matching two numbers.

Since launching nine weeks ago, the lottery has seen 299 lucky winners – prizes include a mixture of cash prizes, free tickets and one lucky individual winning the IPAD giveaway prize – and almost £7,742.40 raised for Wealden good causes so far.

Wealden Community Lottery is an online sustainable fundraising solution provided by Wealden District Council for local good causes with, believe it or not, no upfront costs. It’s designed to help local not-for-profits to diversify their fundraising streams and enable year-round fundraising in a safe, fun and effective way.

People are being urged to buy a ticket and support the local community today by playing the lottery. There are more than 67 registered causes to choose from to help people with their ticket purchase.

The chosen cause receives 50% from the sale of each £1 ticket with an additional 10% going to further support the local community. There are weekly cash prizes to be won up to the value of the £25,000 jackpot and with 50:1 odds of winning a prize people will find a bit of fun at the same time as knowing they’re really helping their local community.

Wealden District Council leader Councillor James Partridge said, “Congratulations to the first £2,000 winner of Wealden Community Lottery. It is wonderful to see a player winning a substantial amount of money while raising money for good causes at the same time.

“The funds raised through the lottery are already making a huge difference to grassroots good causes. We’d like to thank everyone who has joined the lottery so far, and encourage anyone who wants to support a good cause to take part, have fun and maybe even win the top prize of £25,000.”

To support a local good cause and play the lottery today go to: www.wealdencommunitylottery.co.uk

Good causes not only benefit from receiving 50% of the profits from ticket sales from their page they also receive a host of bespoke marketing materials and support as well as their own Wealden Community Lottery web page.

Good causes can sign up at any time for free to start raising money in the first week, it’s so easy to do – simply visithttp://www.wealdencommunitylottery.co.uk

If you, relatives or maybe friends and neighbours may need help should power, gas or water cuts occur, please make sure that you or they register for priority support. You can help everybody by passing on this message.

The Priority Services Register is a free support service to help people in vulnerable situations. Energy suppliers and network operators offer it. Each keeps their own register, although some share with each other.

We recommend that people who may be vulnerable or at risk during severe weather should be on a Priority Services Register. Friends and relatives can assist those who may be in need of a bit of help to register, such as the elderly or people with serious medical conditions, or those who may not have Internet access and therefore may not have received this message. Each operator can be contacted online or by phone.

Similarly, if your household is already registered, please make sure that your registration is fully up to date, for example, to ensure that contact details and special needs remain accurate.

Please act now, don’t wait!
Power cuts don’t happen very often, but if the electricity, gas or water supply network is damaged or develops a fault, engineers work around the clock 24/7 to restore supplies as quickly as is safely possible. Being on a Priority Services Register will ensure that extra support will be received if the customer experiences an outage. Support is likely to include:

· A priority number that you can call 24 hours a day

· Text and voice message alerts, letting you know when they are aware of a large power cut in your area or should your water supply be interrupted

· Tailored support if needed such as home visits, hot meals, advice and keeping your friends and relatives updated

· Where possible they will send you text and voice messages when severe weather is expected, to help you prepare

· In certain scenarios they may also offer a free hotel overnight and transport to the hotel

· For complex power cuts, community welfare teams provide on-site support which includes hot drinks, hot meals, a Wi-Fi connection and charge points.

OFGEM has a summary at https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/getting-extra-help-priority-services-register, and this includes help in finding the suppliers in your area. As various energy suppliers and network operators are active in Sussex, the following are the ones who cover most of the county, but there are some others. If you try to register with the wrong operator they will usually steer you in the right direction.

Electricity
UK Power Networks – most of the SE of England https://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/power-cut/priority-services/about-the-priority-services-register
SSEN – parts of the West of Sussex https://www.ssen.co.uk/PriorityServices/

Water
Southern Water https://www.southernwater.co.uk/help-advice/join-our-priority-services-register
South East Water https://www.southeastwater.co.uk/get-help/help-for-priority-customers

Thank you for helping to keep Sussex safe.

Hello

In my role as PCC, I’m delighted to have been able to secure nearly £35 million for over 53,000 victims of crime to help them cope and recover since 2014. In the last two years alone, I have been awarded more than £4m to fund initiatives focusing on violence reduction and tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Sussex.

The Government has recently offered more funding to tackle ASB and I’d like your help in deciding where best that money can be utilised in Sussex.

To find out how safe you feel in the county and to get your views, I’ve launched a new survey as part of my #TalkSussex campaign. It’s important that I hear what you have to say about the types of crimes you may have experienced, what makes you feel unsafe within your community and what measures could be put in place to help you feel safer?

The survey can be completed anonymously and, as well as the results being used to help inform my future funding decisions, they’ll also be fed back to Sussex Police to let them know whether residents feel safe or not and in which areas.

It only takes a few minutes to complete the survey online.

I will also be asking more about any ASB happening locally and seeking your views for suitable reparative activities for offenders in our Immediate Justice programme so please do keep an eye out for this in your inbox.

Supporting Project Edward

This week, I joined the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership alongside Community Speedwatch and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service in Horsham at one of their engagement events taking place across the county for the Project EDWARD week of action.

Project EDWARD (which stands for Every Day Without A Road Death) is the UK’s biggest platform showcasing good practice in road safety. Working alongside partners such as the emergency services, highway agencies and British businesses, they promote what is being done around the four nations focusing on safe vehicles; road use; speed; safe roads/roadsides and post-crash care.

At the event, Sussex police officers and road safety partnership members spoke to the public about the five main contributory factors that cause serious road traffic collisions. These are known as the 'Fatal Five': careless driving; drink and drug driving; not wearing a seatbelt; using a mobile phone and speeding.

Members of the public also spoke to officers and staff about their own road safety queries including recent updates to the highway code and tyre safety.

You can click the play button on the picture above to watch a short video of the day.

With the elections just days away, Wealden District Council is urging voters to make sure that they have the correct ID and information to cast their votes.

Residents must vote at the polling station they have been assigned – this can be checked by looking at the details on the poll card, or by following the link here. Find your polling station | Where Do I Vote?

If residents are registered to vote, a polling card is not necessary to bring with them, but will help staff to speed up the process.

If the poll card is lost, residents can contact Wealden District Council on 01892 602417 to confirm their local poll station.

People who registered for a postal vote in the elections are being reminded to make sure they complete the paperwork and post their vote back as soon as they can.

Everyone who applied for a postal vote should receive it in the next couple of days.

Voters need to fill in the necessary paperwork and send in their vote ahead of Election Day on Thursday 4 May.

Anyone who has a postal vote will not be able to vote at a polling station, even if they do not use their postal vote.

All residents voting will need to provide photo identification before voting. All forms of accepted photographic ID, can be viewed here. https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id

A packed programme of events has been lined up across Wealden to mark National Dementia Action Week in May.

Dementia Action Week is Alzheimer’s Society’s biggest and longest running awareness campaign which runs from 15-21May.

To help raise awareness in Wealden, Wealden Dementia Action Alliance (WDAA) has issued a booklet listing activities and special events held in towns and villages starting 11 May until 25 May.

Activities include singing workshops, memory cafes, exercise classes, community lunches and afternoon teas that are open to everyone.

All are designed for people living with dementia and their families and carers. Many of the events are free and some are available at a small cost. Some must be booked in advance while others invite people to turn up on the day.

The Wealden Dementia Action Alliance was set up in May 2016 to help make the district more dementia friendly and raise the awareness amongst residents and businesses.

The booklet is available online a thttp://www.wealden.gov.uk/dementia and in town council offices, libraries, Wealden District Council offices in Vicarage Field, some local churches and community centres.

The booklet has been funded by Care UK Bowes House and CPJ Field.

To get in contact with the WDAA please email wellbeing@wealden.gov.uk or look at our website https://www.wealden.gov.uk/community-and-safety/wealden-dementia-action-alliance/ or Facebook page (Friends of Wealden Dementia Action Alliance)

Notes for editors:

Dementia Action Week | Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk)

Heathfield Agricultural Show - Saturday 27th May 2023 10.am - 5.30pm

With free entry for children 16 and under, and lots of hands on learning experiences around the Showground, it is a great event for a family day out during half term. Free programmes and car parking are available to all visitors making it better value for money.

Please be aware that the following works will be carried out:-

Diversion via: - C402 Hurstwood Road – Chillies Lane– A26 Uckfield Road and vice versa.(please see map attached)

Advance warning signs will be placed on site advising of actual date of works

If you need to discuss this further please contact:

Sunbelt Rentals Ltd(on behalf of BT Openreach) on 03700 500 792

Free* reusable nappy trial kits are available to Wealden residents.

Wealden District Council is once again supporting Reusable Nappy Week (24April to 30 April 2023) by offering nappy trial kits to residents, who might be thinking about changing to a more financial and eco-friendlier version of nappies.

The world of washable nappies is not what is used to be - modern reusable nappies are advanced, easy to use and easy to care for systems that leave any hard work to the washing machine.

The average baby uses at least 4,000 nappies up to potty training and every year, three billion disposable nappies are used in the UK.

With the current economic pressures everyone is facing, making the switch can save families up to £1,000 (or more if used on subsequent children), the nappies use98% fewer raw materials and are much kinder to children’s skin and the environment.

To try outWealden’s nappy trial kit before buying a bulk pack, please contact recycling@wealden.gov.uk, or visit our website www.wealden.gov.uk or call01323 443322.

*A £25 deposit is required which is refundable on the return of the nappies after the trial.

Free advice is available throughout the trial.

Note to Editors:

For more information about the environmental benefits using real nappies, visit Reusable Nappy Week.org

Life Transitions Volunteer

This is an exciting volunteer opportunity to support people in preparing for and managing significant life transitions as they age such as retiring, moving home, experiencing changes in health and mobility, becoming a carer, and experiencing a bereavement. These changes can have a big impact on our lives and can be hard to manage – the Life Transitions Service will help people to prepare ahead of time and be better equipped and supported when change happens.

In this role you will:

· be trained in how to undertake conversations with people to help them explore their approach to preparing for and managing life transitions

· practice these conversations with fellow volunteers to build your confidence and skills

· undertake conversations with local people to support them in preparing for/managing life transitions

· be interested in how people age, how they prepare for their later lives, and how they experience older age

· have the opportunity to reflect on your own, or family members, decision making as you/they age

· be able to travel locally to meet clients (expenses paid) and/or meet clients online

· meet new people with similar interests and be well supported as part of the Life Transitions Service team

Requirements for the role:

· Ability to build positive, warm, supportive relationships with other people, and be genuinely interested in them

· Being a good listener and allowing/encouraging people to talk about what matters to them

· Being comfortable hearing and talking about a range of topics about ageing and remaining supportive and non-judgemental

· Ability to read, write, and speak clearly

· Lived experience of life transitions is welcome but is by no means essential

For further information contact: Lifetransitions@eastsussex.gov.uk

Please see attached a Statement Persons Elected for the Buxted Parish Council.

Time to apply for free voter ID ahead of the May elections is running out. The deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April.

For the first time, voters will need to show photo ID to receive their ballot paper at the local elections on Thursday 4 May. Those without an accepted type of ID can apply online for a Voter Authority Certificate, at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by applying for and submitting a paper form to Electoral Services, Wealden District Council, Council Offices, Vicarage Lane, Hailsham, BN27 2AX.

Applicants must be registered to vote and will need to provide their date of birth, National Insurance number and a photograph.

Those that have an accepted form of ID already do not need to apply. Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Trevor Scott, Wealden District Council’s Returning Officer and chief executive, said,

“As the deadline to apply for free ID looms, it is important that residents of Wealden make sure they’re election ready. If you need any help with applying for free ID or want to request an application form, you can contact the electoral services team on 01892 602407.

Ailsa Irvine, director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission, said, “Voters will be required to show photo ID at polling stations at the May elections. The availability of free ID helps ensure elections remain accessible to all eligible voters. For those who don’t currently have the ID they need, it’s crucial they apply before the deadline so that they can take part. That date is fast approaching so don’t delay.”

A strategy setting out how the council will ensure that people have the financial help and skills they need and are supported during times of financial difficulty is being consulted upon.

Residents can give their views and feedback on Wealden District Council’s Cost of Living Strategy, which has been created to replace the council’s current Financial Inclusion Strategy.

The purpose of the proposed strategy is to ensure the council helps to build resilient communities that residents feel engaged in and are able to live safe and healthy lives.

It also sets out how the council aims to ensure that individuals have the financial help and skills needed, but are also provided with support during difficult times and with cost of living pressures.

A Wealden District Council spokesperson said, “The financial wellbeing of our residents is important to us. The general wellbeing of our residents underpins the council’s core aims and research has shown there are clear links between financial insecurity and poor mental health.

“Secondly, because of the way our services are funded, we need to ensure residents are able to pay for council services such as Council Tax and rent if they are a council tenant or leaseholder. This is because we rely on this income to deliver our services.

“Finally, the availability and access to services to support our residents is fundamental to the council’s core aims. Therefore, as well as the direct support provided by a number of council services, we do provide funding to some third sector organisations so they can deliver support to our residents.

“We look forward to residents’ feedback on the proposed strategy.”

The draft strategy can be found here.

The consultation is now live until 12 May 2023 and can be found at Cost of Living Survey.

Wealden residents are coming together to invest in renewables through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.

Solar Together Sussex helps Wealden’s homeowners feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from pre-approved installers.

This innovative scheme builds on six years of highly successful Solar Together programmes run across the UK. To date, Solar Together has delivered more than 14,000 installations and over 300,000 tonnes of avoided lifetime carbon emissions.

Wealden residents can join the group-buying scheme which offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points, as well as retrofit battery storage for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate as well as increase their independence from the grid.

It is free to register and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. Wealden council is working in partnership with East Sussex County Council, Eastbourne, Lewes, Hastings and Rother councils and independent experts iChoosr, to make the transition to clean energy as cost effective and hassle-free as possible.

Some households across Wealden will receive details in a targeted mail drop in the coming days.

How does it work?

• Householders can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation.

• Pre-approved UK solar PV suppliers participate in a reverse auction. They are able to offer competitive pricing as the volume and geographic concentration makes it possible for them to realise greater efficiencies, which they pass on with lower prices for installations.

• After the auction, registered households will be emailed a personal recommendation which is specific to the details they submitted in their registration.

• If they choose to accept their recommendation, the specifics of their installation will be confirmed with a technical survey after which a date can be set for the installation of their solar PV system.

• Telephone and email helpdesks are on-hand throughout the whole process which, together with information sessions, will allow households to make an informed decision in a safe and hassle-free environment.

For further information visithttps://solartogether.co.uk/wealden/home

Marie-Louise Abretti, iChoosr’s UK Solar manager, said, “With energy prices continuing to increase, residents of East Sussex are looking for opportunities to reduce their carbon emissions, save on energy bills and increase their independence from the grid.

“The Solar Together group-buying scheme offers a straightforward way to make an informed decision and to access a competitive offer from a trusted, vetted provider.”

iChoosr has a strong track record of delivering group purchase schemes for local authorities. It has worked with 210 UK local authorities on its collective energy switching schemes. Furthermore, in 2018 UK councils, in collaboration with iChoosr, initiated their collective purchase schemes for solar PV systems. iChoosr’s schemes have been delivered in partnership with local authorities in five countries. More than 95 schemes led to 148,000 residents installing solar PV systems.

About iChoosr - www.ichoosr.co.uk:

iChoosr was founded in 2008 and is privately owned by two co-founders. Before it entered the UK energy market in 2012, it had focused on collective schemes in the Netherlands and Belgium where it works with community leaders helping households to select energy and solar power suppliers. As in the UK, its operations continue to grow across Europe, North America and Japan.

Easter is a time for indulging in chocolate eggs and other delicious treats – and with that in mind, Wealden District Council is making residents aware of how to recycle Easter egg packaging correctly.

Aluminium foil, cards and envelopes can be recycled at home - any cards containing glitter or foil must be put in the rubbish bin. To check if an item is foil or metallised plastic film, scrunch the item in your hand and if it remains scrunched it can go into the recycling bin -just make sure it's clean before you put it in.

Cardboard boxes can be recycled at home too and flattening them will save space. The plastic inserts used to display and to protect the egg can also be recycled – the insert needs to be separated from the box.

Residents can cut down on waste by choosing eggs with minimal packaging and save money and food waste by freezing leftovers or making other meals out of them. Visithttps://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/ for recipe ideas.

It is also possible to avoid packaging altogether by making your own eggs using melted chocolate and a mould.

Many residents may be purchasing flowers as a gift and these can be added to your home compost bin or the brown waste bin if you have subscribed to Wealden’s garden waste service.https://www.wealden.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/garden-waste-service/

If you are unsure of how to dispose your Easter egg packaging use the Recyclopedia tool https://www.wealden.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/recyclopedia/

Dear Wealden resident,

As you may be aware, the East Sussex County Council is currently holding a 10-week public consultation regarding the future of Uckfield Leisure Centre, and I would like to encourage you to take the time to formally respond and have your say

Wealden District Council have protected the Leisure Centre previously by extending the lease and now East Sussex County Council have opened a public consultation. We need you, the residents of Uckfield and users of this important asset to do your bit and ensure that your views are made known to the East Sussex County Council, who are the body that manage the consultation and will be deciding the future of the leisure centre.

Please remember that any correspondence to myself as your MP, social media posts or signing up to unofficial petitions do not count as contributions to the East Sussex County Council's consultation.

To formally share your views, please do so via the link below:

https://consultation.eastsussex.gov.uk/business-services/consultation-on-future-options-for-uckfield-leisur/

Leisure centres and swimming pools are key facilities for our communities, and I appreciate the difficulties that swimming pools in Wealden and nationwide are facing as a result of rising energy costs. I have recently met with the Chief Executive of Freedom Leisure to discuss the current challenges for our Wealden sites, and I have been making representations to the Treasury on the matter.

I am very pleased that following my representations, the Chancellor recognised this difficult situation by announcing additional targeted support for leisure centres in the Spring Budget.

While I appreciate that the limited funding will be available to struggling pools across England and I would have welcomed an even greater package to guarantee support for our local facilities, I fully encourage Wealden District Council and East Sussex County Council to apply for this funding and secure this much-needed support for swimming pools in Wealden.

Responding to the East Sussex County Council's consultation is the only way to have your voices heard, and I urge you to share your views before the 10-week consultation period is over.

Best wishes,

Nusrat

Buxted Parish Council is currently working on a new Emergency Plan for the parish, but we need your help

If you are able to provide any of the above services or help please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at clerk@buxted-pc.gov.uk.

These services would only be used in a major public emergency. You would not be expected to be 'on call' for general issues.

Very many thanks in advance

Buxted Parish Council

Buxted Parish Council backs a national campaign urging residents to become and councillor to make a change.

It supports a national campaign encouraging residents to stand in the May 2022 local parish elections.

The Make A Change campaign by the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) calls on people from all backgrounds and experiences who are passionate about their local area to put themselves forward.

Buxted Parish Council is urging enthusiastic and engaged members of the community who want to make a long-lasting change, have innovative ideas or have concerns about a specific issue to stand as councillors for the opportunity to make a real difference.

The work we do is exciting and rewarding. An integral part of a councillor's role is engaging with local people, groups, and businesses to determine their needs, making decisions on the services and projects the council should take forward, and getting involved to ensure services meet the community's needs.

Find out more about the local elections and how to become a councillor https://www.nalc.gov.uk/makeachange or contact the clerk to Buxted Parish Council: clerk@buxted-pc.gov.uk

Voters will head to the polls on Thursday 4 May to elect their Wealden District Council councillors and town and parish councillors.

On Monday 20 March, the Notice of Election for all 45 seats on the council was published alongside the Notice of Election for seats on the district’s four town and 35 parish councils.

Nomination papers for those wishing to stand for election are now available from the council’s Electoral Services team. The deadline for nominations is 4pm on Tuesday 4 April.

Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must be registered to vote. It only takes five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

The deadline for registering to vote is midnight on Monday 17 April.

In addition, the deadline for new applications to vote by post or to cancel or amend an existing postal or proxy vote is by 5pm on Tuesday 18 April; the deadline for new applications to vote by proxy is by 5pm on Tuesday 25 April and the deadline for applications to vote by emergency proxy is by 5pm on Thursday 4 May.

For the first time in elections, there is a requirement to show photo ID at the polling station. The requirement was introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year and comes into effect for the first time this May.

Acceptable forms of photo ID include a driving licence with photo, passport, older persons and disabled persons concessionary bus pass, Blue Badge and any PASS-accredited forms of photo ID.

Photo ID can be expired, such as an out of date passport, but there must be a likeness, and if there has been a change of name, people will need to provide evidence of this. It must also be an original document, not a copy.

Find out more about acceptable photographic ID here.

If people do not have any of the approved photo ID they can now apply online for a free Voter Authority Certificate. People can also complete a paper application form.

People will need to provide their name, address, date of birth, National Insurance number and a photo and must also be on the electoral register.

The deadline to apply is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April, but the council is encouraging people to apply as soon as possible.

Find out more about applying for a Voter Authority Certificate here.

Wealden District Council’s Returning Officer and chief executive Trevor Scott said, “We want to ensure everyone can have their say on who is elected to the district, town and parish councils over the next four years.

“This time around, as well as registering to vote, residents will need to show an acceptable form of photo ID.

“We do not want to have to turn anyone away from the polling station, so it is essential that residents check these new rules and make sure they either already have an acceptable form of ID, or take action as soon as possible to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.”

Find further details on the Notice of Election here.

Please see attached the Notices of Election for the District and Parish Elections

There are allotments in Buxted and it could be easier to rent one than you might think. There is currently no waiting list and the horror stories from other sites around the country of having to wait years simply don’t exist here in our lovely village.

There are so many benefits in renting an allotment for adults and children alike. There are the health benefits. For example, NHS guidance suggests that adults should exercise every day and doing some physical activity twice a week can reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke. Getting out into the fresh air and growing some of your own food can benefit mental health as well. Renting an allotment can help to meet the five NHS-recommended steps to improve mental health. These are: 1) connecting with other people to share positive experiences; 2) be physically active; 3) learn new skills; 4) giving to others and 5) paying attention to the present.

There’s also the added benefit of having some control over what goes into some of your food. Ever wondered about the trade-offs that have to be made to get that straight, beautifully proportioned carrot into the supermarket rather than the wonky, slightly discoloured one grown on an allotment? And it can also save you money particularly now that the price of food in the shops is rocketing. Just getting a few months’ worth of potatoes or onions from your plot can save a lot on the grocery bill.

And… what about the kids? What an education an allotment can be. It can help youngsters connect with nature. Not only is the site surrounded by trees and open countryside; there’s also a wildlife area on the site just waiting to be explored. It can also help your children to understand where their food comes from and the environmental costs of getting food on the table.

If this has whetted your appetite, then read more about the allotments on the Parish Council’s website. You could make a decision that could change your, or your children’s, life. Worth thinking about!

Have you ever thought about becoming a councillor? or do you wonder what a parish council/councillor does?

District and Local Parish/Town Council elections take place on May 4th and Buxted Parish Council is looking for new councillors. We have 15 spaces on the council and currently only 9 councillors with one due to step down.

Head over to our facebook page to view a produced by the West Sussex Association of Local Councils to get a small insight into why people enjoy the role and what they do in their communities: https://www.facebook.com/BuxtedParishCouncil

If you have any questions regarding becoming a councillor (how much time/what would I have to do etc) please do not hesitate to get in touch with the clerks Beccy & Claudine: clerk@buxted-pc.gov.uk or come along to our next meeting in Five Ash Down Village Hall on 14th March starting at 7pm.

If you are interested in becoming a councillor, nomination packs are available via the Parish Council or direct from Wealden District Council (deadline for completion and return of nomination papers is Tuesday 4th April)

The Street Learning programme has been released for April to July 2023. It offers FREE practical, educational and wellbeing courses to residents in Wealden, aged 19 and above.

The project offers free courses to help develop new skills, enhance existing ones, and expands on education, encouraging growth and self-confidence.

The booklet is split into different areas: Health and Wellbeing, Employment and Education, Creativity, Family and Practical Skills – so there really is something for everyone.

The courses are both practical and fun and provided in local community venues including East Sussex College in Eastbourne, local libraries, Uckfield College, Uckfield Civic Centre or online.

Councillor Philip Lunn, Wealden council’s portfolio holder with responsibility for Commercial, Economic Development and Leisure, said, “The Street Learning courses provide residents with a range of courses to boost confidence, increase employment opportunities or to have fun and start a new hobby.”

Street Learning is a project run by Wealden District Council in partnership with ACRES, East Sussex College, East Sussex County Council Library, Job Centre Plus, GRH Training, Compass Community Arts and Heathercroft.

Visit www.wealden.gov.uk/streetlearning, @StreetLearning.Wealden on Facebook, or email streetlearning@wealden.gov.uk for more information and feedback left by others who have attended the courses.

Updates, new courses and other training opportunities can be found on the Street Learning website.

Tickets for the new Wealden Community Lottery are now on sale, with the first weekly draw taking place on Saturday 25 March.

The local lottery has been set up by Wealden District Council to help local good causes throughout Wealden to raise money.

Tickets are available to buy online at https://www.wealdencommunitylottery.co.uk/

at a cost £1 each and winners could scoop up to £25,000.

To celebrate the launch of Wealden’s Community Lottery, anyone with a ticket in our first draw will automatically be in with a chance of winning an Apple IPAD. The winner of the bolt on prize will be announced at the first live draw.

Draws will take place every Saturday at 8pm. The lucky winners will be informed by email and will have the money transferred automatically into their bank account.

Wealden council’s portfolio holder for Community Councillor Pam Doodes said, “We’ve established Wealden Community Lottery as a way for good causes to raise essential funds.

“Some 50% of the money raised will go to good causes which have signed up. The rest will go towards the prize money and running costs, and VAT. It’s a fantastic way for people to support a good cause of their choice, whilst also getting the chance to win up to £25,000. I wish everyone the best of luck.”

Over 30 good causes that have already signed up to the lottery including not-for-profit organisations such as charities, sports clubs, residents’ associations, community groups and PTAs. Good causes are encouraged to sign up and start benefitting from the lottery https://www.wealdencommunitylottery.co.uk/good-causes.

Residents can find the most up to date list of good causes to support on Wealden’s Community Lottery website https://www.wealdencommunitylottery.co.uk/

Buxted Symphony Orchestra will be holding its Spring Concert on Saturday 18th March at 3.00 pm, at St. Margaret’s Church in Buxted Park.

The varied programme will include performances of Tchaikovsky’s ‘Rococo’ Variations for Cello & Orchestra and BSO conductor Julian Broughton’s Elegy for Cello & Piano, both featuring soloist Pavlos Carvalho. The orchestra will also be performing Mendelssohn’s popular Hebrides Overture ‘Fingal’s Cave’ and ‘Italian’ Symphony No. 4.

Refreshments will be served in the interval, with donations welcomed.

Tickets: £12 at the door, with free entry for students and under 18s.

Programmes: £1 which includes entry into a free prize draw.

From an enchanting mermaid gliding through the streets to a shopping dance display, there’s something for all the family in towns across Wealden next month in an initiative to promote Wealden’s high streets and increase footfall.

The wide range of fun, free street theatre events will take place in Polegate, Crowborough, Hailsham, Heathfield and Uckfield in March as part of the Streets of Wealden. There is no need to pre-book. The events are funded through the council’s Shared Prosperity Fund from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ and are being delivered by local events company, 18 Hours.

The fun kicks off on Friday 3 March at 4:30pm, in Polegate at St Georges Hall, 110 Eastbourne Road, Polegate BN26 5DF with a puppet show. Hulla Balloony Moon Time! Little children will feel the magic at this riotous, zany show. 45 minutes of cakey fun, puppets and a dance with the moon. Based on ‘Pat-a-cake Baby’ by Joyce and Polly Dunbar, with music and songs by Tom Gray.

On Saturday 4 March, 11.30am–2.30pm in Crowborough, Salana the seal and Marina Mudflat the marine biologist and an Enchanted Flower Globe- Say hello to beautiful Floris in her miniature world, brimming with butterflies, flowers and spring colours. Not to mention The Wardens - empowered with the jurisdiction to enforce any rule or law they see fit. Watch out or you may end up with a ticket!

Hailsham will get a visit on Saturday 11 March, 11.30am–2.30pm from an interactive, unforgettable, spell-binding act, an enchanting mermaid, the world’s first (and only) shopping trolley dance display team and Dolly Delicious will be towering above everyone.

Heathfield will host a puppet show, on Friday 17March at 4:30pm at Union Church Hall, Station Road, Heathfield TN21 8LB. Woodland Tales - there is something is happening in the woods, Laura the ladybird, Jeffrey the spider, Brett the Woodlouse and Willoughby the Woodpecker are worried.

Finally, the event closes on Saturday 18 March in Uckfield, 11.30am–2.30pm with Yeshe the Yak who is very fond of children who carefully stroke his nose, a mermaid who will glide through the town in a bubbling, shimmering underwater world and many more acts will end the week.

Councillor Philip Lunn, Wealden’s portfolio holder for Leisure, said, “The activities planned for the high streets of Wealden sound impressive and fun. I hope that families and communities go out and enjoy their local towns and the displays.

“The funding received from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund helps to host events like these and to show support to communities and our local towns and village centres, which is particularly important in the current climate as many continue to experience financial pressures.”

For full information on each event and times please visit www.explorewealden.co.uk and look out for posters and flyers in your local high street.

Council Tax increase of £6.05 a year approved

A Council Tax increase of £6.05 a year has been approved by Wealden District Council.

The decision to increase the amount by 2.99% was approved by the council’s Cabinet Committee and ratified at a meeting of the Full Council this week.

It means households living in Band D properties will only pay an additional 12p a week for its share of the Council Tax for 2023/24, with other bands increased in line with the Council Tax formula.

Wealden council receives 9% of the Council Tax bill and that helps pay for refuse and recycling collections, planning, street cleaning, environmental protection, and free car parking.

The remainder of the Council Tax bill is shared to pay for a wide range of public services provided by East Sussex County Council, Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire and Rescue and local town and parish councils.

Councillor Neil Waller, Wealden’s portfolio holder for Finance, said, “Wealden District Council has resolved to increase its share of Council Tax by 2.99% in 2023/2024 and for a band D property, this is an increase of just over £6.

“The current rate of inflation is above 10% and the Council is absorbing significant cost pressures to protect Council Tax payers during the current period of cost of living pressures.

“The Council operates a Council Tax Reduction Scheme for those facing the greatest challenges to pay their Council Tax.”

For more information on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme visit https://www.wealden.gov.uk/benefits/who-can-get-council-tax-reduction/

The recent Highway Code changes are largely focused on ensuring the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. However, there’s a growing concern that drivers aren’t getting the information they need about the new changes.

That’s why I wanted to reach out with this informative guide, Share the Road: Cyclist & Pedestrian Safety Awareness for Drivers: https://www.comparethemarket.com/car-insurance/content/cyclist-pedestrian-safety-awareness-for-drivers/.

It covers everything drivers today need to be aware of:

• New changes to the Highway Code
• How to be considerate around cyclists, pedestrians, and horse riders
• What to do if there’s an accident

Here are just some of the insights the guide offers:

• The Highway Code changes follow the Mayor of London’s pledge to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries that occur as a result of road traffic by 2041.
• The new rules state that you can cross a double white line (usually prohibited) in order to overtake a cyclist if they are going under 10 miles per hour, provided it’s safe to do so.
• It’s important to pay particular attention to these rules about overtaking, as overtaking led to a shocking 141 fatalities on British roads in 2020.

Households with low incomes across Wealden are set to benefit after a scheme to reduce the amount of Council Tax they have to pay was approved.

Previously only pensioners, subject to their income, could receive 100 per cent support towards their Council Tax and some working age people could receive 80 per cent support.

But following a decision by Wealden District Council’s Cabinet Committee this week, people of working age can also get the full amount of support in a bid to ease the financial pressures being experienced by low-income households.

The Council Tax Reduction Scheme was approved along with other changes to discounts and premiums with effect from 1 April 2023. That decision is expected to be ratified at a meeting of the Full Council later this month.

Councillor Neil Waller, Wealden’s portfolio holder for Finance and Benefits, said, “The revised scheme increases the maximum relief from 80% to 100% and will support those in the greatest financial distress at this time, irrespective of Council Tax band. Crucially it will support working families.”

To find out more about the Council Tax Reduction Scheme visit: https://www.wealden.gov.uk/benefits/who-can-get-council-tax-reduction/

Freedom Leisure, the not-for-profit leisure trust which manages three leisure facilities in Wealden, and Wealden District Council will be working together to deliver a wide range of free activities to improve both the physical and mental wellbeing of the community and enable better access to health and leisure facilities and activities across the district.

The initiative has been made possible following government approval of Wealden District Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund bid.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is part of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda which gives local authorities the opportunity to improve pride of place and increase life chances by investing in communities, supporting local businesses and people..

Toby Reed, Freedom Leisure’s area manager in Wealden said, “We are delighted to be working with Wealden District Council on this hugely beneficial scheme. Our vision is to improve lives through leisure, this funding will enable us to achieve that vision and engage with members of the community that may be previously couldn’t access their local community health and wellbeing facilities.”

From February, Freedom Leisure will begin a range of activity sessions that will appeal to all ages and abilities across Heathfield, Hailsham, Polegate and the surrounding villages.

The instructor led sessions will include New Age Kurling and Boccia which will take place at various Retirement Living schemes and community cafés across Wealden as well as activities targeting families such as Active Play Sport Sessions and walks along parts of the Cuckoo Trail.

Freedom Leisure will also be facilitating a 12-week Menopause Support Course at Freedom Leisure Hailsham. The sessions will incorporate exercise-based classes in the gym and the swimming pool. Participants will also benefit from mental health wellbeing seminars and classes to enable them to better manage the symptoms of menopause.

Councillor Philip Lunn, Wealden’s portfolio holder for Leisure, and Councillor Pam Doodes, the authority’s portfolio holder for Public Health and Community have welcomed the government funding.

Councillor Lunn said, “This is fantastic news and the programme of activities will cater for people of all ages within our communities.”

Councillor Doodes said, “The funding secured by us will give people better access to health and leisure facilities than they might normally have. These are free activities and I hope people will enjoy the benefits of them.”

These sessions are free to the local Wealden community and can be accessed by emailing Freedom Leisure’s Healthy Communities team on activecommwealden@freedom-leisure.co.uk.

For more information and to discover how to take part, please search online for ‘Healthy Communities Wealden’.

A decision is due soon as to whether a multi-million pound package of transport improvements on the A22 Corridor can move to the next stage of its development.

The proposed A22 Major Road Network Outline Business Case is seeking a £46.5 million package which includes improvements to roundabouts and junctions along the road, toucan crossing facilities, a new roundabout at the A22/Hempstead Lane junction, bus priority measures and better access to the Cuckoo Trail.

Wealden District Council has committed more than £4 million towards the project alongside a further £2 million, which has also been earmarked towards a package of improvements to the Ersham Road roundabout

Subject to the approval, the scheme will move to the detailed design and Full Business Case stage of development.

The finer details are set out within the Business Case that was submitted to the Department for Transport in December last year by East Sussex County Council in partnership with Wealden District Council and Eastbourne Borough Council.

The A22 is an important transport corridor for all road users but is regarded as being of an inconsistent standard. The proposed package of improvements directly addresses the existing overcapacity junctions, improving journey time reliability on the A22 Corridor for local and longer distance journeys for all modes to and from the south Wealden and Eastbourne area.

The proposals will also help the delivery of significant planned housing growth in the south Wealden and Eastbourne area, support the local economy, ease congestion and provide enhanced sustainable transport provision for buses, walking and cycling.

The portfolio of measures proposed for the A22 Corridor will help to address the current restricted business growth and inward investment in a low productivity area, and specifically help alleviate the real current problems with traffic congestion, safety and network reliability.

Specifics of the proposals include improvements to the A22/A267/A271 Boship Roundabout including toucan crossing facilities and bus priority measures; A22/A295 Eagles Roundabout including toucan crossing facilities between the roundabout and Arlington Road to aid east-west connectivity; A27/A22 Golden Jubilee roundabout; A22/B2247 Dittons Road junction: replacing the existing roundabout with a signalised crossroads including toucan crossing facilities and cycling and walking schemes from Polegate – Pevensey and Dittons Road – Willington Drove; better access to the Cuckoo Trail in Hailsham; a Core Walking Zone in Hailsham and finally, a new roundabout at A22/Hempstead Lane including toucan crossing facilities and a cycling and walking scheme along Hempstead Lane.

Leader of Wealden District Council Councillor Ann Newton said, “This could be such exciting news for Wealden and we are hoping for a decision in favour of the bid.

“Importantly, it provides the county council and Wealden District Council with the greatest flexibility in accommodating future housing and economic growth in South Wealden as Wealden progresses its updated Local Plan over the coming months.

“The A22 Corridor Package also incorporates enhanced facilities for pedestrians and cyclists for all journey purposes, whether that be a trip from western Hailsham to the town centre, longer cycle rides via the Cuckoo Trail or walks using the Wealdway.”

Households with low incomes across Wealden are set to benefit after a scheme to reduce the amount of Council Tax they have to pay was approved.

Previously only pensioners, subject to their income, could receive 100 per cent support towards their Council Tax and some working age people could receive 80 per cent support.

But following a decision by Wealden District Council’s Cabinet Committee this week, people of working age can also get the full amount of support in a bid to ease the financial pressures being experienced by low-income households.

The Council Tax Reduction Scheme was approved along with other changes to discounts and premiums with effect from 1 April 2023. That decision is expected to be ratified at a meeting of the Full Council later this month.

Councillor Neil Waller, Wealden’s portfolio holder for Finance and Benefits, said, “The revised scheme increases the maximum relief from 80% to 100% and will support those in the greatest financial distress at this time, irrespective of Council Tax band. Crucially it will support working families.”

To find out more about the Council Tax Reduction Scheme visit: https://www.wealden.gov.uk/benefits/who-can-get-council-tax-reduction/

A meeting with the government’s new Housing and Planning minister is being sought by Wealden District Council to continue lobbying against the high number of homes the authority is required to provide.

The council has consistently lobbied the government for the last few years to reduce its nationally set housing targets and called for a change in planning policy - with leader Councillor Ann Newton expressing the council’s concerns during several meetings with government ministers, facilitated by Wealden MP Nus Ghani.

A letter from the outgoing Housing and Planning minister Liz Fraser MP said she had noted Councillor Newton’s concerns relating to identifying a five-year housing land supply, and appreciated how important the matters are to Wealden District Council about the timescale for implementing changes to the standard method for calculating local housing need and the proposed changes to the planning system.

In December last year, the government said it had listened to all councils’ concerns and was looking to adjust housing targets and remove the five year housing land supply requirements.

The proposals would also see the council given greater powers to deter unjustified speculative applications during the production of its Local Plan.

Councillor Newton now wants to meet the new Housing and Planning minister Rachel Maclean MP to keep the pressure up. Ms Ghani has offered to set up an in person meeting at Westminster between the two politicians.

Councillor Newton said, “We remain committed to making the case that Wealden cannot deliver the unrealistic housing targets that government has required for so long and welcome the proposed changes, which we hope will enable us to protect the natural beauty and character of our district and meet our climate change requirements.

“I look forward to meeting the new minister to reiterate our concerns and thanks Ms Ghani for facilitating meetings so we can have our voice heard.”

A Cost of Living support hub to help businesses, community groups and residents has been launched by Wealden District Council.

The hub has been designed to point people in the right direction to receive professional advice on finances and what is available to them – each section tailored to the needs of businesses, residents, and community groups.

There are several grants, loans and funding streams available to businesses and community groups no matter what their size, as well as financial support and advice for residents struggling to pay bills, or are concerned about food and rising energy costs.

Councillor Richard Hallett, Wealden’s portfolio holder for Governance, Customer Services and HR, said, “So many people are currently suffering with cost of living pressures and making ends meet so I am pleased to see this information hub has been created.”

“It is a much-needed tool that will help residents, community groups and businesses access services and funding that they are entitled to and reduce the financial impact that so many people are experiencing.”

The hub is updated regularly. To access the page please visit www.wealden.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support/

The Coronation of His Majesty The King will take place on the morning of Saturday May 6 and is set to be one of the most significant events of the year.

The Coronation ceremony will see His Majesty King Charles III crowned alongside The Queen Consort, followed by a celebration concert held the following day on Sunday May 7 at Winsor Castle.

The three-day bank holiday weekend – on 5, 6 and 7 May - will host Coronation Big Lunches, thousands of street parties bringing communities together throughout the UK.

In Wealden, communities planning street parties which require road closures are being urged to submit their road closure applications as soon as possible.

It is free of charge to apply for and details of how to apply can be found on the council’s website. All applications should be submitted at least eight weeks before any planned event – which would be by Friday 10 March.

The council also wants to hear from people holding events and organisers wanting publicity can email pr@wealden.gov.uk

Councillor Ann Newton, leader of Wealden council, said, “The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort in May will be a huge historic milestone and I would like to encourage streets, communities, friends, and families to celebrate the Coronation together.

“There are many events happening across the special bank holiday weekend that people can support and get involved with.”

In addition, Wealden has set up a dedicated page packed with information on how to get involved with the community events.

On Sunday 7 May, neighbours and communities are invited to share food and fun together as part of The Coronation Big Lunch. This is being overseen by The Big Lunch team at the Eden Project. If you would like more information on planning a Big Lunch for you and your neighbours, visit the Eden Project's website.

On Monday 8 May, members of the public will be invited to take part in The Big Help Out, which will encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and join the work being undertaken to support their local areas.

The Big Help Out is being organised by The Together Coalition and a wide range of partners such as The Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service and faith groups from across the United Kingdom.

An inaugural meeting of local authorities has taken place to continue to hold Southern Water to account for delivering the vital infrastructures that communities need.

Wealden District Council is co-ordinating the Southern Water Local Authority Stakeholder Group, which includes representatives from more than 40 councils across the south east including neighbouring Eastbourne, Hastings and Rother councils.

It was set up in the aftermath of a catalogue of issues including flooding, sewage seeping into people’s homes, gardens and roads, the ongoing problem of discharges into rivers and waterways and the inability to deal with additional development.

It also follows the July 2022 Full Council motion by Wealden District Council to demand better quality information from Southern Water when it considered planning matters.

The meeting was held on Tuesday 31 January when the group discussed action and experiences to date across the full Southern Water network.

Southern Water is responsible for waste water across the region and for drinking water in other parts of the south east.

Leader of Wealden District Council, Councillor Ann Newton said, “It is not just Wealden council which is appalled and frustrated at the issues and concerns which lead back to Southern Water’s failings.

“All those at the inaugural meeting were united in their pledge to hold Southern Water to account and press for immediate action particularly in relation to upgrading and investing in the sewerage systems.

“We were able to explain what our planning officers have been doing on live application casework. All those attending were very interested in how officers have been able to persuade Southern Water to comment much earlier in the development process. Calling Southern Water to Overview and Scrutiny Committee is likely to be followed by partners in the group.

“Unfortunately we do not have the direct power to regulate Southern Water or require it to address its rather lengthy list of failings. But as local authorities working together, we can do our utmost to apply pressure to seek the required action needed to end this catalogue of failings.

“It was a very positive meeting and we have agreed to meet regularly moving forward.”

Wealden District Council’s Dementia Action Alliance (WDAA) is still going from strength to strength making a difference to residents living with dementia and their carers.

The alliance, set up in 2016, is run in partnership with community groups, volunteers and businesses from across the district.

Ranging from cafes to film screenings, there is something for everyone to enjoy. There is a Friends of Wealden Dementia Action Alliance Facebook page (Friends of Wealden Dementia Action Alliance) and a weekly email which residents can sign up to. Here, people can get all the latest information on a number of groups and support services available to residents.

The alliance and local forums aim to raise awareness of dementia across Wealden, support people living with dementia and make Wealden a dementia-friendly place to live. The alliance also supports Care for the Carers and Dementia Information and Support Courses (DISC) with their local carer groups and help to advertise to Wealden residents.

The forums cover South Wealden, Uckfield and Crowborough, where local issues are discussed and new activities or initiatives are created. The alliance also supports Care for the Carers and DISC with their local carer groups and help to advertise to Wealden residents.

Dementia-friendly cafés are run in partnership with Home Instead in Willingdon, Polegate and Hailsham. There are cafes in Crowborough and Withyham supported by the local community and volunteers. The Saturday Social is run in partnership with Sussex Support Service every Saturday at Victoria Pavilion for another great afternoon of lovely refreshments and activities to take part in or just come along for a cup of tea and a chat.

If people would like to see some of the classic films, volunteers run Golden Oldie film afternoons in Ninfield, Crowborough and Hailsham Pavilion and more information can be found on the website (Wealden Dementia Action Alliance - Wealden District Council - Wealden District Council) or Facebook page (Friends of Wealden Dementia Action Alliance)

In partnership with the Sussex Cricket Foundation, Sporting Memories is held at Polegate Community Centre every Wednesday and is a chance to reminisce about favourite sports.

The Dementia Charter is to encourage businesses to become dementia-friendly and show support in the community. To find out more please do get in contact with us and we can send the relevant information.

People interested in helping to raise the awareness of dementia in their community should please contact DISC. DISC can train people to become a Dementia Guide to help teach others about dementia whether that is in a local bowls club or their local shops. It is a great opportunity for people to show their support for people living with dementia and their carers.

Councillor Pam Doodes, Wealden’s portfolio holder for Community, said, “I would like to thank all the community groups, businesses and volunteers who have been supporting our goal to have a dementia-friendly district. The hard work that goes into running these events is honourable.

“I would encourage anyone with dementia that wants to gain more social interaction to go along to one of the events. They are a safe, welcoming, and comfortable place.”

To get in contact with the WDAA please email wellbeing@wealden.gov.uk or look at our website (Wealden Dementia Action Alliance - Wealden District Council - Wealden District Council) or Facebook page (Friends of Wealden Dementia Action Alliance)

Time for Dementia - A unique opportunity for people with a dementia diagnosis and their carer or partner.

Would you like to take part in an award-winning training programme to help healthcare students improve their knowledge and understanding of what it is like to live or care for someone with a diagnosis of dementia?

The Time for Dementia project, supported by the Alzheimer’s Society is looking for families affected by dementia to meet with students from local universities either at home or virtually. Families will be paired with students and meet three times a year, enabling you to share your experiences and help train the healthcare professionals of tomorrow and improve dementia care.

You can hear what some of our families think about taking part here: https://youtu.be/EvdE85OFz0s

For more information on how get involved, please contact 07858 678 962

or email timefordementia@alzheimers.org.uk . We are also happy to come along and talk to groups and organisations about the programme and how they can take part.

Comment from a person affected by dementia:

“I will do anything I can to help bring about changes. Time for Dementia is so important because if doctors and nurses can have a better understanding of people with dementia and their needs, their stay in hospital and their overall treatment is going to be much better.”

Residents living in Wealden are invited to a benefits drop-in session in Heathfield on Tuesday 24 January.

The event is being held in the Parish Meeting Room at Heathfield and Waldron Parish Council. Residents do not need an appointment to attend the session, which is from 9:30am - 3pm.

Members of the Benefits Service will be in attendance to answer any questions and advise residents on any financial support that they may be entitled to including Council Tax Reduction, state benefits and other assistance.

Councillor Neil Waller, Wealden’s portfolio holder for Benefits, said, “After hosting a number of these sessions across the district last year, we’re delighted to bring them into the new year.

“These sessions are vital in ensuring that our residents are claiming all that they are entitled to, and our Benefits Service is happy to be of assistance and support them however they can.”

Residents can also go online tohttps://www.wealden.gov.uk/ and click on ‘benefits’ to check their eligibility.

Please see the link below on an update on our Ukrainian residents:

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKESCC/bulletins/3429ce4

Please report Pot Holes to ESCC via the ESCC Highways website:

https://www.eastsussexhighways.com/report-a-problem OR

https://www.fixmystreet.com/

For the first time, residents in Wealden will need to show photographic ID to vote at this year’s local elections.

Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May by checking they have an accepted form of ID.

Elections for Wealden District Council and town and parish councils will be held on Thursday 4May this year.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online from Monday 16 January athttps://voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form.

The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID, athttps://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id

Trevor Scott, Wealden District Council’s chief executive and Returning Officer, said, “With elections taking place in Wealden on 4 May 2023, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.

“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to Wealden’s Electoral Services team. If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact the electoral services team on 01892 602407 or via emailelections@wealden.gov.uk.”

Ailsa Irvine, director of Electoral Administration and Guidance, said, “Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper.

“It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it. You can find information about the new requirement and what to expect at the polling station on the Electoral Commission’s website.”

Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote. It only takes five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.

The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station, is a new requirement, introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year and comes into effect for the first time this May.

For more information contact Wealden District Council’s communications team atpr@wealden.gov.uk or Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704, out of office hours 07789 920 414 orpress@electoralcommission.org.uk

Notes to editors

1. Council elections are taking place in Wealden in May 2023.

2. The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station, is a new requirement, introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year.

3. The legislation requires voters at polling stations to show an accepted form of photo ID before they receive their ballot paper. From May, voters will need to show photo ID before voting in local council elections in England, parliamentary by-elections, and police and crime commissioner elections in England and Wales. From October 2023, photo ID will be needed at UK parliamentary general elections. It will not be a requirement at local elections in Scotland or Wales, or elections to Scottish Parliament or Senedd. The requirement already exists in Northern Ireland.

4. Applications for the free ID available, called the Voter Authority Certificate, are expected to open in January.

5. To apply for the Voter Authority Certificate, voters will need to provide a photo, full name, date of birth, the address at which they are registered to vote and their National Insurance number.

6. The UK Government’s Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities is responsible for the new voter ID policy and for the free voter ID application system. Enquiries relating to the application system or the policy itself should be directed to the Department.

7. The Electoral Commission is responsible for ensuring voters are aware of the new voter ID requirement, and for supporting local authorities with the process. Questions related to the public awareness campaign should be directed to the Electoral Commission.

8. Local authorities are responsible for implementing voter ID at the local level.

Please find attached a letter from Cllr Claire Dowling, Lead Member for Transport and Environment regarding the current situation on the roads.

Dear colleagues, 

The nation’s roads have taken a battering from the weather in recent months, and I wanted to let you know how East Sussex Highways are responding. After the wettest November on record, we have had freezing conditions, followed by a thaw and more heavy rain. And we are only halfway through the winter. 

Roads right across Britain have deteriorated as result of these conditions, with water freezing and melting in the road surface to create new holes or surface water eroding parts of roads. Both can leave serious damage. 

In East Sussex, like all other areas, we are working flat out to repair as much of this new damage as quickly as we can. 

Right now, we have around 2,000 reported potholes, which is approximately 1,200 more than we would normally expect with more reported all the time as winter continues. 

In response, we have almost doubled the number of gangs working on road repairs (from 10 to 17) by diverting them from other highways work. They are working in all weathers and for longer hours, including at weekends. Over the last seven days they have repaired 700 potholes. 

Most pothole repairs will be of the quality to be permanent but there will be times when our contractors need to make temporary repairs. This may be in emergencies or where it is not safe to carry out a permanent repair because of the speed of passing traffic or at a busy junction. We only pay once for each pothole fixed, even if it has both a temporary and permanent repair. 

There are times, including over Christmas and the New Year, when tarmac plants are closed and hot tarmac is not available. When this happens, our contractor has to use a cold-lay material to repair potholes. This is specially designed to fill potholes and is applied to the manufacturer’s instructions but does not have the same appearance as a repair where the pothole has been cut out, lined, and filled with hot tarmac. 

We do not repair every pothole that is reported to us; only those that meet the intervention criteria in our published Guide to Highways. Guide to Highways (eastsussexhighways.com)

However, the Highways Steward may still refer a particular pothole, cluster of potholes, or stretch of road, for inclusion in our annual patching programme to prevent or reduce future damage. 

By the end of November we had already patched 800 sections of road across the county, with 100 more sites to be finished before the end of March. 

We are responsible for 2,000 miles of roads and 1,542 miles of pavements and cycleways across East Sussex, as well as hundreds of bridges, thousands of drains and road signs, 37,500 streetlights and nearly 2,800 miles of verge and hedges. 

East Sussex County Council has invested an extra £8.9 million this year in this highways network. This means we are now spending more than £40 million a year on maintaining it to as high a standard as we can. 

We are very grateful for peoples’ patience as we continue to tackle the winter backlog on our roads, over the coming months, which includes fallen trees and flooding. 

However, we can only repair the potholes and incidents we are made aware of, and we would ask you and your residents to please report any problems with the road condition to East Sussex Highways: Report a Problem (eastsussexhighways.com)

Thank you for your understanding during these very difficult winter months. 

Yours sincerely 

Councillor Claire Dowling 

Lead Member for Transport and Environment

We’re delighted to tell you about a great funding opportunity for ideas in East Sussex that are making positive change in the county!

Crowdfunder and East Sussex County Council have teamed up to award a share of £25,000 in +Extra funding to 5 community projects across the county. Better yet, you’ll get £500 as soon as your project goes live!*

We’re on the lookout for projects that are helping to create social equity, economic prosperity, cultural vitality and environmental sustainability in East Sussex.

Find out more

To be in with a chance of getting up to £5,000, organisations must set up a crowdfunding campaign before Wednesday 1 February and apply to the East Sussex Community Wellbeing Fund – Winter 2023. Don’t worry, this is just the first step and the campaign can be a rough draft!

Shortlisted eligible participants must then set their project live by 22 February 2023. Once your project is live, you’ll receive the initial £500 pledge from the East Sussex County Council.

*The entry pledge will only be paid out if the project raises £500 from the crowd, with 20 unique supporters, i.e. reaches a total amount raised of £1,000. Please see full terms and conditions for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact support@crowdfunder.co.uk.

Good luck!

Programme Manager – Community Resilience

Public Health

With Spring on its way we start to think about getting out to walk in the beautiful English countryside again, but where to find new and interesting walks?

Walking in Sussex https://www.walkinginengland.co.uk/sussex has loads of walks to download and print, free, it also has books of walks, details of all the walking groups in the county and much more. Whether you want to walk on your own or with a group all the information is there in one place.

John Harris (who maintains the website) said ‘There is so much walking information on the web but it is difficult to find. Walking in Sussex (part of the Walking in England website) has brought it together in one place so whether you are walking from home, or away on holiday, you will be able to find a walk suitable for you’.

With walks from half a mile to twelve miles plus long, and a note of suitability for pushchairs and wheelchairs, everyone can find a walk to enjoy.

So home or away, check out the websites and get walking!

John Harris

www.walkinginengland.co.uk

East Sussex 4 Community

A free-to-use funding website with information on grants, loans and other initiatives in the UK.

https://www.idoxopen4community.co.uk/eastsussex/

Crowdfunder

Crowdfunder gives local organisations the opportunity to raise money and potentially match fund against external funding pots in just 6 weeks. Pots to match fund against through Crowdfunder currently includes:

• ‘Co-op Warm Spaces Funding Boost - Supporting projects who are bringing communities together into warm spaces (max £3,000).
• Aviva Community Fund - Supporting projects that boost the resilience of communities (Max £50,000).
• Aviva Cost of Living Boost - Supporting projects that boost the resilience of communities. (Max £50,000)
• M&S Community Energy Fund - Supporting community projects committed to being environmentally conscious (Max £5,000)
• Sport England: Active Together - Funding for keeping communities physically active.
• Sport England: Places & Spaces - Up to £10,000 to improve your Place or Space and keep your community physically active.
• British Cycling: Places to Ride Fund: For projects who are developing or improving existing cycling facilities.