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.

Local Update May 2023.

District Council Elections

Congratulations to the Green Party candidates who won the District Council elections in Maresfield, Buxted and Danehill/Fletching; Councillors Tysh, Shaw and Coleman.

The Conservative Party was well and truly trounced and will now need to learn a few lessons again.

I remain as the County Councillor for all three areas, I am also Vice-Chairman of the County Council and a member of the East Sussex Fire Authority. So, I will still be around attending Parish Councils and community events, holding Village meetings and ready to help on any issues covered by the County Council of which the most common are road maintenance and road safety.

The dire state of our roads was a big factor in these elections, so I am expecting a major programme of improvements. We have a new contractor who is looking at increased efficiency and innovation. They will be examining how work is carried out, which is currently not very effective, and how the quality of it is monitored.

During the election campaign, I found that quite a few people did not know what the County Council does and what the District Council does so in a nutshell-

County is responsible for

· Roads- maintenance, improvement, and safety.

· Adult Social Care which covers disabled young people as well as elderly people.

· Supervision of schools, special needs provision and school transport. County does not manage schools or employ teachers.

· Children’s Services.

· County-wide economic initiatives and climate change strategies.

· Waste Disposal.

· Trading Standards.

· Libraries

District is responsible for

· Planning.

· Environmental Health including Food safety.

· Council housing and oversight of private rented accommodation.

· Waste Collection.

· Supporting local business.

· Leisure facilities.

· Licensing

Roy Galley

Your County Councillor.

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

01825 713018

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.

Furthermore, East Sussex County Council will be releasing additional match funding for local organisations in East Sussex to apply for. Details will follow shortly.

Please read through the external funds to ensure you are eligible and meet the criteria.

For further information, feel free to contact Kat Jenner on communitygrants@wealden.gov.uk or to sign up on one of the hourly introduction sessions to crowdfunder https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/crowdfunder/?page=1

Crowdfunder website: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk

Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Fund

The application window will close on 20 January 2023, with successful applicants being able to draw on the funding from April 2023.

Village halls interested in applying can request grants from £7,500 to £75,000, and up to a maximum of 20 per cent of eligible project costs. Capital grants will be allocated to support infrastructure improvements, the refurbishment of facilities, such as kitchens and toilets, and measures to improve energy efficiency.

More information, including how to apply for the fund, can be found linked below.

https://acre.org.uk/platinum-jubilee-village-halls-fund/

Sports England - Small Grants Programme

The closing date for applications to the programme is 30 June.

Small Grants Programme returns with awards of between £300 - £15,000.

Our Small Grants Programme can now give 50% larger awards to help communities get active after the maximum grant amount was increased to £15,000 for 2023 (was previously £10,000)

The Small Grants Programme was put on hold for a year in 2022 as we launched the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Activity Fund, which was designed to bring communities together through activity.

We believe that communities that work together and share resources provide a stronger and more sustainable impact.

So, the programme will also prioritise projects that focus on environmental sustainability, can demonstrate how they connect with their communities, provide the biggest possible impact to those who need it most and are working with people living in areas of disadvantage.

Applications can be made for awards of between £300 and £15,000, with multiple applications permitted but organisations can only have awards totalling £15,000 or less in any 12-month period.

Only not-for-profit organisations are eligible for the programme and applications should explain the need for the project as well as how end users have been involved in its development.

https://www.sportengland.org/news/small-grants-programme-returns-awards-15000

Wealden Community Lottery

Wealden District Council is delighted to invite your local organisation to the launch ofWealden’s Community Lottery, taking place on Wednesday 1^st February at Hailsham Civic Community Hall. This initiative is an exciting new way for local organisations to fundraise locally and this event will highlight how the Community Lottery will work and the benefits it could bring to your organisation.

We welcome voluntary and community organisations, charities, sports clubs and other organisations in Wealden to attend the launch to find out more about how the community lottery can support them.

For more information and to sign up to our ‘Good Causes Launch Event’, click through the Eventbrite link below to hear all about how to get involved!

Eventbrite Link to the Event

Community Action Fund

To apply, groups must complete a short eligibility questionnaire by 26 February 2023.

The Civic Power Fund is the first donor fund dedicated to community organising, which aims to provide targeted long-term funding across the UK.

Its new grants programme is open to non-profit organisations with a turnover of less than £250,000 that are:

• Rooted in and accountable to their community.
• Hoping to achieve long-term change on the issues affecting their communities.
• Addressing injustice by the power of their community. For example, through community organising, campaigning, or democratic engagement.
• Lacking the resources to take their vision to the next level.

Grants of £2,500 to £20,000 are on offer, with funding to be used to build community resources to take action on issues that matter to them.

Priority will be given to organisations led by people with lived experience of the injustice they are trying to overcome.

https://www.civicpower.org.uk/community-action-fund

Sussex Community Foundation – General Awards

Our General Awards are open to applications. We have three main rounds of grant-giving each year. Upcoming deadlines for applications (unless specified otherwise) is 5:00pm (1700 hours) as follows:

Friday 6th January 2023 (Decisions March 2023)

Friday 5th May 2023 (Decisions July 2023)

Friday 8th September 2023 (Decisions November 2023)

Our grants programme is made up of a range of funds which help to address disadvantage and deprivation and build resilience in Sussex communities. Grants of up to £10,000 are available. We are particularly keen to support grassroots community groups and small-to-medium sized voluntary organisations. Please note our general funds cannot support small contributions to large capital appeals or campaigns. General round grants are available to cover a range of core and project costs including support for work planned in response to the pandemic.

https://sussexgiving.org.uk/apply-for-grants/how-it-works/

· Sussex Community Foundation - Winter Support Fund for East Sussex

· A total of £405,000 is being made available up until the end of March 2023. Applications will be made on a rolling basis, with first grants made before the end of November 2022.

· A new small grant fund offering grants of up to £10,000 for not-for–profit organisations working to support people most affected by cost-of-living issues. Set up in partnership with East Sussex County Council, the Fund has been informed by results of our cost of living survey and aims to help local voluntary sector organisations in East Sussex manage increasing costs to deliver services this winter. For more information and how to apply please visit our guidance page.

https://sussexgiving.org.uk/named_funds_posts/winter-support-fund-for-east-sussex/

Awards for All

Application deadline: Ongoing

Awards for All funding from the National Lottery, which gives out awards from £300 upwards:

In order to support communities, we fund projects and organisations which aim to:

• build strong relationships in and across communities
• improve the places and spaces that matter to communities
• help more people to reach their potential, by supporting them at the earliest possible stage.

In addition to meeting one or more of the above funding priorities we are also able to fund projects that

• support people, communities and organisations that are facing increased demands and challenges as a direct result of the cost-of-living crisis.

Funding size - £300 to £10,000, for up to one year

https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/national-lottery-awards-for-all-england

National Lottery Grants for Heritage – New Dates for Grants

Not-for-profit organisations and third sector-led partnerships in the UK can now apply for the largest grants within the National Lottery’s Heritage programme.

Until the end of the 2022/23 financial year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, priority will be given to projects that:

• Promote inclusion and involve a wider range of people (mandatory outcome).
• Boost the local economy
• Encourage skills development and job creation
• Support wellbeing
• Create better places to live, work and visit
• Improve the resilience of organisations working in heritage

The programme provides three levels of grants, with those under £250,000 offered on a rolling basis:

• £3,000 to £10,000 (for up to one year)
• £10,000 to £250,000 (for up to five years)
• £250,000 to £5 million (over five years)

Grants can cover a wide range of projects and cover most costs associated with direct project delivery including staff/volunteers, training, repair and conservation and digital outputs.

The next deadline for grants up to £5 million is 23rd February 2023.

Tel: 020 7591 6044

Email: enquire@heritagefund.org.uk

https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/

Cost of living grant – Asda Foundation

Grants of between £500 and £2000 are available and the grant submission window will close in February.

This grant is designed to support the increased running costs groups will face between September 2022 and February 2023, including rent increases and electricity cost rises. The Foundation state: “The term ‘warm banks’ has emerged in recent months encouraging community locations this winter to remain open for longer to provide people with a warm, safe place to be rather than heating homes or living in a cold property.” This grant is targeted at community groups that are going to open longer to support individuals in their local area and provide a warm place to be.

Each Asda superstore has a Community Champion, and their role is to support groups and projects within the community, as well as managing Asda Foundation grant applications. The Community Champion in your local superstore will support you in completing your application and will submit the application to the Foundation on your behalf. The Foundation cannot accept application direct from groups.

PowerPoint Presentation (asdafoundation.org)

The Homity Trust is a small and approachable Brighton based charity. We give modest awards to registered community causes working across Sussex, helping those suffering financial hardship, and where the funds will make a significant difference.

Our current funding round is the Spring one, application deadline 31st March 2023, using the form on this site. We are particularly open to applications from organisations helping those most affected by the general increasing cost of living and ongoing energy crisis.

https://www.homity.co.uk/

Wealden District Council is excited to launch the new Wealden Community Lottery in spring 2023.

And as part of that, the council is encouraging local organisations to attend the launch event, taking place on 1 February 2023 at Hailsham Civic Community Hall, Vicarage Lane.

The initiative is an exciting new way for local organisations to fundraise locally. The launch event will highlight how the community lottery will work and the benefits it could bring to community groups across the Wealden district.

A generous 50% of the ticket proceeds from the Wealden lottery will go to charities, voluntary organisations and other not-for-profit groups with the remainder being put towards a central fund, prizes, operating costs and VAT. Tickets will cost £1.

Anyone involved with a local organisation that would like to find out more about fundraising with Wealden Community Lottery and attend the launch, can contact Wealden District Council on communitygrants@wealden.gov.uk

Following the event, tickets for Wealden Community Lottery will go on sale on Tuesday 21 February via a brand new website – to be launched soon - and the first live draw will take place on Saturday 25 March.

Wealden District Council’s portfolio holder for Community Leadership Councillor Pam Doodes said, “I am delighted to announce the launch of the Wealden Community Lottery in February.

“The money raised by the lottery is going to make a lot of difference to grassroots good causes and it’s an exciting new way for charities and organisations to fundraise locally.

“We welcome voluntary and community organisations, charities, sports clubs and other organisations in Wealden to attend the launch to find out more about how the community Lottery can support them and start fundraising. It’s easy and free.”

Leading lottery management company, Gatherwell, has been appointed by

Wealden District Council to operate the lottery, having successfully launched similar lotteries throughout the UK.

Nigel Atkinson, Gatherwell's general manager, said, "We are delighted that

Gatherwell has been awarded the opportunity to deliver Wealden District Council’s Community Lottery.

“We're looking forward to working with Wealden council to raise funds for many amazing good causes.”

A message from ESCC Highways:

I am writing to provide you with some information regarding grit bins following the wintery weather we have recently experienced.

A full replenishment programme is underway for all East Sussex County Council owned grit bins, but as we have over 600 grit bins we are using additional resources and endeavouring to complete this as early as possible.

As you will be aware, there are a number of grit bins in the county that are privately owned (usually belonging to parishes, residents associations etc). Should you wish to have any of your grit bins replenished as part of our programme, you can apply for this at a cost of £108 per fill. This application form can be found on our website: https://www.eastsussexhighways.com/files/Fixed-Word-Documents/Grit-Bin-Application-2020-(1).pdf

South East Water are appealing for people across our supply area to help find leaks both inside their homes, on business premises and out in streets and fields.

With the first winter cold snap due to come to an end this weekend, thawing snow and ice makes pipes susceptible to bursting which could cause damage, wasting water and money.

We are already seeing high demand for tap water which we believe could be due to leaking pipes or outside taps left on. We are also seeing an increase in the number of burst pipes on our network and we have repair teams out 24/7 fixing leaks and bursts, prioritising the most serious ones.

We are asking people in your community to look in their attics, airing cupboards, under their sinks and to check the taps out in their gardens to see if they have any unnoticed leaks which could be a trickle at the moment but later will cause major damage. If leaks are detected, they should turn off their water supply at the stop tap and call a Water Safe registered plumber.

Business owners are being asked to check their unoccupied premises and landlords any unoccupied homes as if there is a leak it could cause continued damage to their property as well as wasting valuable water supplies.

Those with outdoor troughs for horses and livestock should also check they are not running water to waste or have been damaged by the sub-zero conditions.

Taking these steps now, and throughout the weekend as the ice thaws, can make all the difference - and could save customers a bit of money if it’s found water is running to waste.

Our website has lots of tips on how to make homes winter ready and what to do if there’s a problem.

Water Safe Registered plumbers can be found at: www.watersafe.org.uk

Wealden District Council has confirmed recycling and rubbish collection dates over the Christmas period.

In order for recycling and rubbish to be collected during this busy season, please take note of the applicable dates below and make sure that your bins are at the edge of your property by 7am for collection.

Usual Collections Revised Collections

Usual recycling and rubbish collection dates will resume from Monday 2January 2023. Garden waste collections are suspended from Monday 26 December 2022 and will resume on Monday 9 January 2023.

Please remember that cards and wrapping paper - not including foil and glitter - can be put in your recycling bin, and that any extra recycling can be placed in a non-black bag next to your recycling bin. You can recycle your real Christmas tree in your garden waste bin or, if you are not subscribed to the service, you can recycle your real Christmas tree at your local Household Recycling Site.

Wealden District Council’s portfolio holder for Waste Councillor Ray Cade said, “During the festive period, many households produce extra recycling and waste so it’s therefore vital that collections continue to go ahead. This year, we’re fortunate that collections will go ahead with only a one-day delay, which will ensure that households across the district will still be able to dispose of recycling and waste appropriately.”

Wealden residents are invited to attend two drop-in sessions for advice about benefits that are being held in Heathfield on Tuesday and Wednesday 13 and 14 December.

Residents can meet with members of Wealden District Council’s Benefits Team for advice on support that may be available to them, such as reduction in Council Tax or additional financial support to help with cost of living pressures.

It follows on from previous similar events held by the council’s team in Hailsham and Uckfield.

The events are at Parish Meeting Room, High Street, Heathfield and Waldron Parish Council on Tuesday 13 December from 9.30am-3pm; and on Wednesday 14 December in the Ian Price Room, Sheepsetting Lane, Heathfield Community Centre, between 9am-1pm.

Councillor Neil Waller, Wealden’s portfolio holder for Benefits, said, “I am delighted that the council is hosting more sessions on benefits advice. The previous sessions have highlighted how beneficial the advice given is and have supported residents to claim what they are eligible to receive.

“I hope that many more residents take advantage of this opportunity to visit the benefits team in Heathfield.”

Residents can go online to https://www.wealden.gov.uk/ and click on ‘benefits’ to check their eligibility.

We are about to go into a period of cold weather, so now is the time to make sure that you have support available should power, gas or water cuts occur.

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

The Street Learning programme has been released for January to March 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.

Courses such as maths, English and accounting to boost job opportunities as well as sign language, painting, and cookery for people wanting to learn a new skill or take up a hobby are available.

The courses are both practical and fun and provided in local community venues including East Sussex College in Eastbourne, Uckfield College, Uckfield Civic Centre or online.

Councillor Philip Lunn, Wealden council’s portfolio holder with responsibility for Commercial, Economic Development and Leisure, said, “Street Learning offers a wide range of courses for people in Wealden and Eastbourne. The free courses are great for residents wanting to build confidence, increase their job opportunities or to have some fun.

“It’s a fantastic service and I encourage anyone wanting to learn something new to take a look.”

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 available throughout Wealden can be found on the website.

See the link below to find out if you could qualify for extra help:

Could you qualify for an extra £65 a week, cheaper broadband or help to stay warm? (govdelivery.com)

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

Diversion via: - U7505 Limes Lane – U7504 Framfield Road – A272 High Street - Pound Green – U7403 Pound Green Lane 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 be aware that the following works will be carried out:-

Diversion via: - U7505 Limes Lane – A272 High Street 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 848 246

Wealden residents are being encouraged to shop locally and support small traders in the run up to Christmas.

In Wealden, 91% of the district’s businesses are micro businesses with less than 10 employees and this year, with the current financial pressures, it is more important than ever to support local shops and businesses.

There is a wide range of fantastic businesses in the district offering an array of goods and services, so customers won’t be short of choice and for every £1 spent, 38p stays within the local economy.

Small Business Saturday – taking place on Saturday 3 December - is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign. Now in its 10th year, it is the UK's most successful small business campaign and celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to shop local and support small businesses in their communities.

The campaign engages millions of people each year, with billions spent with small businesses on the day. On Small Business Saturday customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses online, in offices and in stores, many small businesses take part in the day by hosting events and offering promotions.

Businesses will benefit from free advertising on the Small Business Saturday website and the use of free marketing materials, all they need to do is register their small business and download the ready to use logos and marketing pack.

Customers can use the Small Business Saturday website to browse the businesses in their area and download their free cook book full of recipes from small businesses across the UK.

As a local authority, Wealden District Council is supporting Small Business Saturday by promoting the campaign through our various communications channels including our business newsletter and social media pages.

Councillor Philip Lunn, portfolio holder for Commercial and Economic Development, said, “This campaign has been very successful over the years and continues to emphasise the importance and value that we as a local authority place on our small businesses. They work hard and we wish them the very best with their efforts over the forthcoming Christmas period and beyond.”

The campaign encourages everyone to share how they are supporting Small Business Saturday on their social media channels and tag the organisers along with #SmallBizSatUK.

An initiative to help prevent homelessness and build partnerships between tenants and landlords has been hailed a success.

Wealden District Council has seen an improvement in its tenant satisfaction thanks to the appointment of two specific officers.

The roles of Tenancy Sustainment officer and co-ordinator was introduced into the council’s housing team to support the most vulnerable tenants in privately rented and social rented housing.

The initiative has seen an increased rate of positive relationships being formed in communities, tenants and landlords and partners to reduce legal action possible eviction, and homelessness within the Wealden district.

The service operates with a non-judgemental model of person-centred work which aims to make tenants feel heard and supported challenging tenant’s behaviours with a view to creating positive and sustainable change.

Tenants in social housing can contact their housing support officer, who will refer them to the sustainment officers and residents renting in the private sector can contact the housing team where their situation will be assessed and referred into the sustainment officer.

The council has seen a reduction in legal action against tenancy breaches which is having a positive impact on homelessness across Wealden.

Councillor Ray Cade, portfolio holder for Housing, said, “I am very pleased to see the reduction of homelessness and issues across the district because of the tenancy engagement roles. I would like to thank the officers within the team for working positively with tenants, landlords and partners to create a better living environment for all parties involved.

“This is all about supporting the most vulnerable tenants with support being designed around their needs. We had some great feedback from residents who have been helped. It is roles and initiatives like these within the council that are vital to make changes to people’s lives for the better.”

Make a date in your diary to come along and enjoy the Buxted Symphony Orchestra’s next concert on Saturday 10th December, which will be held for the first time at Uckfield College, in its excellent theatre with tiered seating, and plenty of free parking on site. The concert starts at 2.30 pm and refreshments will be served during the interval.

We are excited to welcome Miriam Teppich as our guest soloist, who will be performing Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 1 and Dvorák's Romance in F minor. The varied programme also includes works by Schubert, Johann & Josef Strauss.

Tickets are £12 at the door, with free entrance for students and under 18s.

Two familiar landmarks in Wealden have today been placed on a register in a bid to help save them and restore them to their former glory.

The Mint House in Pevensey and Cross in Hand Windmill have been included on this year’s Heritage at Risk Register, which identifies historic sites most at risk and most in need of safeguarding for the future.

Historic England works with owners, friends groups, developers and other stakeholders to find solutions for those historic places and sites across England which are ‘at risk’ of being lost as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.

The Mint House, opposite Pevensey Castle, is a Grade II* listed building which contains medieval timbers taken from the hall of neighbouring Pevensey Castle.

The high-status 16th century hall is listed due to the high quality of the surviving timberwork including the roof structures, finishes, and the surviving wall paintings, decoration and carved panelling.

The Mint House has seen many uses over the years - occupied as a dwelling, used as a brew house and from the early 20th century it became a large antique shop, owned by Charles Henry Allen. In 1937, it was visited by Queen Mary who bought some antique furniture to be sent to Buckingham Palace.

Then, in the early 2000s, the site was sold off separately from the rest of the complex and The Mint House and its associated buildings stood vacant for a decade before being sold in 2018.

Historic England says water penetration is causing wet rot and deterioration of the timber frame and structural movement has caused further damage. The chimney has been removed as far as the eaves for safety, and further investigations and a comprehensive programme of repairs are now urgently necessary.

A newly formed charity, the Friends of Mint House is working to further understand the building, find a future use which will support the local community and fundraise for the much-needed repairs.

Harriet Tait, chair of trustees for the Friends of Mint House, said, “In April 2021, we formed the Friends group with the idea of conserving it for the future so that all visitors could once again share it, and lucky for us, we had a very understanding and supportive owner in Jason Rolf, who gave us custodianship of the building in August 2021 so that we could open it to the public. We continue to raise much-needed funds for its purchase and conservation.”

Councillors Pam Doodes and Ray Cade, who represent Pevensey at Wealden District Council, said, “The Mint House is a familiar landmark to so many residents and visitors and steeped in history.

“The inclusion of it on the Heritage at Risk Register can only be seen as a good thing as it has identified the historical importance of the building and the need to preserve it.

“The Friends of Mint House is working to further understand the building, find a future use which will support the local community and fundraise for the much-needed repairs. We are delighted that as a council we will be supporting this initiative and look forward to helping with the aim of the building being restored to its former glory.”

Cross in Hand Windmill, also a Grade II* listed building and known as New Mill, is on Mill Lane, Lewes Road, and was originally built at Framfield in 1806 but moved near to this site in 1855 before moving again to the exact site in 1868 with a two-storied roundhouse erected around it.

A lean-to was added to the roundhouse in 1900 to accommodate two further millstones powered by a steam engine. Repairs were carried out to the mill in the 1930s, 50s, 60s and finally in 2018.

Historic England says the mill, which has five floors and was one of the last remaining working corn mills in Sussex, has survived particularly well, including the weatherboarding and timber-framing to the buck, the machinery, and the roundhouse; the rare surviving internal machinery which remains in place, French burr stones, a bell alarm and sack hoist.

Councillor Ann Newton, who represents Framfield and Cross-in-Hand at Wealden District Council, said, “The windmill is a hugely important part of our landscape and its inclusion on the register will come as good news for those who have and continue to work to establish a meaningful dialogue with all the correct parties to halt its decline.”

Please see below fund that you may be interested in regards to the cost-of-living crisis. Please pass to local contacts who you believe may be interested in applying.

Sussex Community Foundation has set up the Winter Support Fund in partnership with East Sussex County Council. The Winter Support Fund is a new small grant fund offering grants of up to £10,000 for not-for–profit organisations working to support people most affected by cost-of-living issues. The Fund has been informed by results of our cost-of-living survey and aims to help local voluntary sector organisations in East Sussex manage increasing costs to deliver services this winter.

What can you apply for?

Grants of up to £10,000 are available to locally based not-for-profit organisations working to support people most affected by cost-of-living issues. We will consider applications for funding to:

• Meet increased organisation running costs such as salaries, fuel, electricity, heating, and volunteer expenses – some of the areas hit hardest by rising costs.
• Build capacity by bringing in additional resources to help meet increased community needs. For example, by recruiting additional staff and volunteers, by building local partnerships or by delivering additional training and support for staff and volunteers.
• Support organisations in adapting to and providing alternative support to those in need over the winter. For example, through the provision of warm banks and spaces, including those where food and other activities can be provided.

A total of £405,000 is being made available up until the end of March 2023. Applications will be made on a rolling basis, with first grants made before the end of November 2022.

For more info: https://sussexgiving.org.uk/named_funds_posts/winter-support-fund-for-east-sussex/

See image for Christmas Bin Collections 2022

WDC will not be sending out Waste and Recycling Collection Calendars to residents again this year and we will not be producing bin hangers with the Christmas Collection Dates on.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds for much needed infrastructure and leisure facilities have been passed on to town and parish councils by Wealden District Council.

Each year councils across the Wealden district are passed Community Infrastructure Levy payments – funds paid by developers to contribute towards providing much needed facilities for the communities in the area.

Spending by many of the town and parish councils has seen improvements ranging from new equipment in playgrounds to a roadway being reconstructed.

Over the past year the parish and town councils have spent an amazing £414,300 on infrastructure projects throughout the district. These include £77,872 on our community buildings, £35,093 on provision of new and repairs to recreational facilities for all age groups and £53,341 on landscaping and street furniture such as benches and seating.

The possible uses for CIL are wide and far reaching and in addition the councils spent almost £7,000 on speed surveys and speed watch schemes; £14,172 on local transport infrastructure works; £53,341 on highways works; £4,944 on Finger Post repairs; £29,585 on street lighting; £8,536 on repairs to bus shelters; £38,356 to footpaths and green lanes; £1,600 on Christmas lights; almost £21,000 on CCTV and local security; £13,115 on allotments; £20,000 towards a new mini bus for the use of the community and £33,425 on drainage works.

Some councils have not yet spent their CIL payments while others did not receive them due to there being no CIL liable developments in the areas.

For detailed information on town and parish councils spending please visit: Infrastructure Funding Statement and CIL Annual Monitoring Reports - Wealden District Council - Wealden District Council

Leader of Wealden District Council Councillor Ann Newton, who is also the portfolio holder for Planning, said, “CIL payments are a legal commitment by developers and they help pay for vital infrastructure that is needed where developments are taking place. All but the smallest development projects will make a contribution.

“The regulations require Wealden to pass a proportion of CIL funds raised to the relevant parish council/s. This is called meaningful proportion and the figure is 15%, subject to an annual cap. The cap is equivalent to £100 per dwelling in the parish. When development is built in an area covered by a neighbourhood plan, the parish council will receive a higher CIL proportion of 25%, uncapped.

“Money raised via the meaningful proportion can be spent on anything that deals with the demands that development places on the area. We encourage parish councils to work closely with neighbouring parishes and us (at the district council) to agree on infrastructure spending priorities. If the parish council shares our priorities, they may agree that we should keep the parish portion of CIL to spend on that infrastructure.”

Sussex Community Foundation (SCF) and East Sussex County Council (ESCC) have teamed up to create a new small grant fund for not-for–profit organisations working to support people most affected by cost-of-living issues.

The Winter Support Fund for East Sussex will go live on Monday 7th November, and will make grants to successful not-for-profit organisations of up to £10,000, a total of £405,000 is being made available up until the end of March 2023. All grants will need to be fully spent by the end of May 2023.

SCF will consider applications for funding to:

• Meet increased organisation running costs such as salaries, fuel, electricity, heating, and volunteer expenses – some of the areas hit hardest by rising costs.

• Build capacity by bringing in additional resources to help meet increased community needs. For example, by recruiting additional staff and volunteers, by building local partnerships or by delivering additional training and support for staff and volunteers.

• Support organisations in adapting to and providing alternative support to those in need over the winter. For example, through the provision of warm banks and spaces, including those where food and other activities can be provided.

The first two types of support have been informed by the results of the SCF Cost of Living Survey administered to VCSE groups and organisations, and also chime with the insight that we are hearing from VCSE sector partners.

We are sharing this information with Parish and Town Councils to enable you to consider how you might work in partnership with your locally based not-for-profit organisations to provide support for adapting and providing alternative support to those in need over the winter in your local communities.

Although applications for this grant fund are not open directly to Parish and Town Councils, this is a great opportunity for you collaborate with your locally based not-for-profit organisations that would like to apply to the Winter Support Fund for East Sussex.

SCF and ESCC will be promoting the grant fund to not-for-profit organisations form Monday 7^th November.

If you are interested in learning more on the support to individuals in East Sussex you can visit the ESCC webpage Support with the cost of living, ESCC will be updating this webpage on a regular basis through our work with the multi-agency financial inclusion steering group.

3VA’s Household Support Fund (HSF) grants - food poverty/insecurity in Wealden October 2022

3VA has been asked to co-ordinate the second 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 the first round we gave out grants to support some excellent work which is making a real difference to our communities.

Examples included:

• Community fridges and sharing tables focused on reducing food waste by receiving food from supermarkets and redistributing it to community members.
• 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 income.
• Development and support for new and existing lunch clubs.
• Cookery leader training.

We’d like to help small organisations 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. Think big! Think creative!

To make an application or to have an initial discussion about your ideas, please email helen.graham@3va.org.uk

In your email please 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

Closing date for applications is Friday 18^th November 2022, with the panel meeting the following week to consider each application.

Dear Districts, Boroughs and Parish Clerks,

This is an URGENT plea. As ESCC Lead member for Children and Families I am asking for your help.

Below you will find a link to a new national campaign on fostering. Our foster carers make such a difference to young people and have the ability to change lives. We are constantly searching for new recruits to our foster carer service, and the need has never been greater than now. The new national campaign is accompanied by a short film, which can be viewed via the link on the ‘Becoming a foster carer’ page of the ESCC website, by clicking here.

We are always happy to have preliminary discussions, without obligation, with anyone interested in becoming a foster carer. Even if now isn’t the right time for a family to begin their fostering journey, it’s always a good time to discover more. We offer online information sessions throughout the year on our ‘Contact us’ page too.

We are asking for all our Boroughs and Districts and all parish clerks to please distribute this information to their elected members/councillors and residents as widely as possible. Also attached are posters which we would be very grateful if you could consider putting up in places where they might catch people’s eye.

Working together, YOU could make a difference by spreading the word across East Sussex.

On behalf of our young people, thank you.

To Local Organisations, Schools and Parish and Town Councils,

Please see below funds you may be interested in:

Tesco’s Community Grants of up to £1,500.

Who is eligible to apply?

Grants will be awarded to voluntary or community organisations (including registered charities/companies), schools, health bodies (e.g. Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), NHS Hospital Trust, Foundation Trust), Parish/Town Councils, local authorities and social housing providers to deliver community projects.

At the moment Tesco’s are accepting applications in the Hailsham region (postcode BN27 1DN), Crowborough Region (postcode TN6 3DZ), Uckfield (TN22 1BA) and Heathfield.

Here is the link to the eligibility checker : https://tescocommunitygrants.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant/ which takes you through to the application form.

If you are interested and would like to contact the fund please email Elizabeth from Groundwork South: Elizabeth.M@groundwork.org.uk or call her via 07736 132697. Elizabeth is happy to give further advice and support.

Last chance to apply for Tackling Inequalities Fund:

Tackling Inequalities

WDC’s Wellbeing team are pleased to announce that we will be able to support and enable partners to reduce physical activity inequalities and deliver better health outcomes within Wealden through a new funding programme.

This is an exciting prospect which has been made available by funds being released by East Sussex County Council Public Health.

The funding programme is available to one or more delivery partners who can apply for between £1,000 and £15,000. Projects must support and enable Wealden residents to become more active. This will help individuals realise the many mental wellbeing and health benefits associated with living a more active healthier lifestyle and enable them to make positive health choices.

The deadline for the application is the 28^th October 2022 with all funds to be spent by the 30th June 2023.

Funding Aims

The aim of this funding programme is to develop approaches to supporting physical activity in Wealden. These must focus on the impact that COVID-19 has had on the local sport, the physical activity sector and residents. The project will seek to identify and implement the actions needed to address the issues that have arisen due to the pandemic and support physical activity delivery and participation.

Funding will be prioritised to projects that demonstrate how they achieve this aim and the following objectives:

• To work with residents to understand the impact of COVID-19 has been on people’s physical activity behaviour and support them to begin/return to activity.

• To work with sport and physical activity clubs and organisations to understand the impact of COVID-19 on future delivery and participation, supporting the development of the physical activity sector through effective communication and networking.

• To develop pathways into and out of the service which seek to increase uptake by high priority individuals

• Provide participants with access to wider advice and guidance services to address wider determinants of health (e.g. housing, debt, unemployment). Note: assistance may be provided by us with this aim, if required.

If you are interested in applying please email wellbeing@wealden.gov.uk to be sent an application form. The form needs to be done online, but a word document can be sent to complete a draft before you complete the final application.

A consultation is underway to make changes to a scheme which could improve the overall level of financial support to low income and vulnerable working age people in Wealden.

Wealden District Council wants to implement changes to the existing Council Tax Reduction Scheme for working age people from 1st April 2023.

The scheme gives Council Tax bill payers a reduction on the amount they pay, and the level of discount is based on the income of the household.

The maximum discount for working age households is currently 80 per cent but could be increased to 100 per cent which would cut bills even further.

In the Wealden District Council area, almost 6,689 people currently receive a Council Tax reduction. Some 3,504 are working age and are therefore potentially affected by the proposed changes.

The remaining who receive a Council Tax reduction are pensioners, and they will see no changes as they are part of a national scheme.

The council says changes to the working age scheme will assist low-income households, provide further assistance to certain Universal Credit applicants, and provide flexibility in the scheme to allow for changes in government welfare benefits and initiatives.

All councils are required to review their schemes each year and decide if they want to make any changes. Before any changes can be implemented, they must be subject to public consultation which is why Wealden is consulting – from now until 27^th November - on whether to the keep the scheme the same as it is now or make changes that will benefit some residents.

Councillor Neil Waller, Wealden’s lead member for Benefits, said, “We are proposing a number of changes to our Council Tax Reduction Scheme that could improve the overall level of support to low income and vulnerable working age applicants.

“This is important, especially at a time when many residents are struggling with cost-of-living pressures.

“The council has a duty to consult its residents on these changes and provide them with the opportunity to tell us their views on them.”

To take part in the survey visit https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/WEALDENCTRLIVE/ or contact our Benefits team at benefits@wealden.gov.uk or 01323 443500 to request a paper copy.

A Hailsham woman has been fined for her part in the fly tipping of asbestos on the Pevensey Marshes.

Phoebe Ripley, 33, from Hailsham, pleaded guilty at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on 20 September 2022, following a prosecution brought by Wealden District Council.

In April 2021, around 16 black sacks filled with broken asbestos roofing sheets, tarpaulin and debris were dumped along the verge of New Bridge Road, Rickney, near Pevensey.

The council’s Street Scene Enforcement Team traced the waste back to a resident based in Lancing, who had hired Miss Ripley and another person to renovate a garage roof.

Despite assuring the resident that the asbestos would be disposed of in the correct manner, the waste was subsequently found dumped across the Pevensey Marshes.

During the investigation the Lancing resident showed the council evidence of duty of care, a legal requirement for all waste producers, so avoided any action being taken against them.

However, Miss Ripley was unable to provide any documentation for disposal of the waste nor did she offer the Street Scene officers or the court an explanation as to what had happened to the asbestos or how it came to be fly tipped.

At court, Miss Ripley was fined a total of £1,000 for the waste disposal offence, ordered to pay £100 victim surcharge and must pay £1,005.66 towards the council’s costs.

Councillor Ray Cade, Wealden’s portfolio holder for Waste, said, “I would like to advise anyone who produces or handles waste that they have a legal duty to ensure that it is disposed of correctly to prevent our beautiful countryside being tainted.

“The council will not tolerate the actions of fly-tippers and will investigate and take action against crimes like these happening in our district.”

Hubbub - Community Fridge Food Hub Fund

The funding is intended to increase the social and environmental impact of community fridges by allowing them to deliver their own activities that will bring local people together and provide access to healthy, affordable and sustainable food.

Each successful applicant will receive a grant of £6,000.

This will be in the form of £5,000 towards costs of setting up the hub and then a further £1,000 one year after opening.

Constituted voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) groups may apply.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must:

• Be operating a UK based Community Fridge which is open to the public.

• Be registered members of the Community Fridge network.

Funded activities must fit within one of the following themes:

• Skills - providing access to training and knowledge-building activities, including: Training, Events, Growing, Budgeting, How to set up a food surplus enterprise

• Affordable food - supporting collaborative purchasing and/or local food retail, including: Food co-operatives, Food box schemes, Fruit and vegetable stalls, Meals on wheels or a community cafe

• Community Connection - providing opportunities for communities to come together around food, including: Community cooking, Community meals, Youth activities, Recipe sharing

• Growing - increasing the amount of food grown locally, including: Community gardens, Edible greening, Neighbourhood ’grow and watch’ schemes, Workshops, Skill and seed shares

The fund will close at 1159pm on 7th November 2022.

There will be a Q&A webinar on 20th October 2022, 1pm to 2pm.

Email: communityfridge@hubbub.org.uk

https://www.hubbub.org.uk/community-fridge-funding

Councillors at Wealden District Council have agreed to earmark a £250,000 fund to help ease the current cost of living pressures for local residents and services.

The money will be put aside to support local initiatives and fund any increased service demands within the council. It will also be available for additional support for residents and businesses when needed.

There are real concerns that council services such as housing, benefits, economic development will see an increase in people, businesses and other organisations needing assistance in the coming months due to the rise in day to day living costs and expenses.

To combat that, a cross-departmental working group has been set up to monitor the ongoing situation and identify areas where additional support is needed for residents and businesses. The group will work with stakeholders including town and parish councils, voluntary organisations and community groups.

Councillor Richard Hallett, Wealden’s portfolio holder for Governance, Customer Services and HR, said, “The present cost of living crisis is beginning to impact on Wealden's residents, communities and businesses.

“As many of the services the council provides form an important safety net to protect residents’ health and wellbeing, the setting aside of funding to react to pressures from the cost of living crisis will enable officers to act promptly and effectively as pressures arise.

“I am pleased this co-ordinated approach will help us provide support to those in our communities who are going to be hardest hit.”

An open day at Wealden Crematorium saw more than 150 people from all over the district and beyond come and take a look ‘behind the curtain’.

The event at the Wealden District Council facility in Horam was held to demystify cremation and saw the intrigued public discover every step of the cremation process as well as meet the friendly staff and ask any questions they had about the range of services to promote the celebration of life.

All were welcomed at the facility and served refreshments. Among the guests were council chairman Councillor Ron Reed, fellow councillors and the council’s new Head of Waste, Assets and Crematorium Chris Bone.

Councillor Philip Lunn, portfolio holder for economic development, said, “We were delighted to welcome the public to Wealden Crematorium’s open day.”

“It’s clear that the public have a great interest and that the open days at the crematorium are essential for the district and beyond to dispel the myths surrounding the cremation process.”

Wealden Crematorium is set in 25 acres of Sussex countryside in Horam, and people do not have to be from the Wealden district to use its range of services.

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 Sunday 23 October and apply to the East Sussex Community Wellbeing Fund - 2022. 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 between 17 November - 15 December. 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!’

Beam, a social enterprise initiative focused on supporting homeless people to rebuild their lives, has been launched in Wealden.

Wealden District Council’s Housing Options team has agreed to work with the award-winning service to deliver better outcomes for clients who are homeless or threatened with homelessness and help them find stable employment and accommodation along with financial security.

Using an online platform, Beam encourages members of the public to donate money to help pay for training, smartphones, transport costs and more, so homeless people have everything they need to find a job and move into a home.

Clients are given support to find new jobs and homes, a dedicated caseworker to help keep them on-track and progress with rebuilding their lives and acquiring a secure future.

Beam is working in partnership with other local authorities across the country - the scheme in Wealden went live on Wednesday 28th September.

Councillor Ray Cade, portfolio holder for Housing, said, “We are pleased to launch Beam in Wealden. This will give homeless people and those at risk of homelessness the chance to get stable jobs and make life changes.

“It is great that we are working to tackle homelessness with this award-winning organisation which has a wealth of experience and many success stories.”

A new way of working is evolving to combat sewerage and drainage issues in new developments planned across the Wealden district.

Wealden District Council and Southern Water have agreed to work collaboratively in a pilot scheme ahead of a rollout to all other local planning authorities in the water company’s catchment area.

Following a meeting between the two recently, it was agreed to look at new ways of working targeted at better quality information in response to planning applications; Southern Water will continue to be held to account at Wealden’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee meetings; and new planning conditions will be attached to large developments so that occupation will be restricted until vital infrastructure works are completed by Southern Water.

The partnership working comes after the council called on Southern Water to update and upgrade the sewerage and water infrastructure systems so they can deal with existing sewage issues and accommodate new development in the future.

It also comes on the back of a Full Council Motion earlier in the summer when councillors unanimously agreed to hold Southern Water to account and take a lead on addressing issues of sewage backing up in the homes and gardens of local residents.

Leader of Wealden District Council Councillor Ann Newton, also the authority’s portfolio holder for Planning, said she welcomed the opportunity for the council to be the first local planning authority to work hand in hand with Southern Water.

She said, “We stand by our commitment to our residents and communities to ensure Southern Water delivers the much-needed infrastructure in our area. Our new approach will ensure a more collaborative approach between Southern Water and developers to ensure that upgrades take place to serve new and existing communities.

“We will continue to work with Southern Water and developers to identify gaps in their planning for growth and hold both to account for their records of delivery. We are also working with our partner local authorities across the region to establish a local authority working group to ensure that the voice of our community is heard."

Wealden Crematorium will be welcoming the public with an open day where they will be invited to go ‘behind the curtain’.

The Wealden District Council-run facility is opening its doors on Wednesday 5^th October between 11am-3pm.

Opened in 2019, the crematorium in Horam is set within 30 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds surrounded by wildflower meadows and woodland.

In addition to the crematorium – which has a ceremony hall that can seat more than 120 mourners, car parking for around 160 vehicles, services which can be relayed outside under cover via screens and speakers and webcast facilities – there are Gardens of Remembrance, vaults where ashes can rest peacefully and other memorials.

Since opening, more than 3,000 cremations have been held at the venue as more people choose the tranquil setting Wealden Crematorium offers rather than the increasingly busy crematoriums in neighbouring towns outside the district.

The crematorium has also donated more than £40,000 to various charities in the district through the ICCM Metals Recycling Scheme which, with written consent, allows bereaved families to donate metals after a cremation.

Councillor Pam Doodes, Wealden’s community and public health portfolio holder said, “Death is still a difficult subject for many of us to talk about, so for many hosting an open day at a crematorium may, at first, seem a little feel strange.

“The reason we are opening our doors to the public is to give an opportunity for people, from Wealden, East Sussex and further afield to come, take a look and ask questions to staff in a relaxed and friendly way atmosphere.”

For more information on Wealden Crematorium visit www.wealdencrematorium.co.uk

A new funding programme to support and enable community and voluntary groups to reduce physical activity inequalities and deliver better health outcomes within the Wealden area has been launched.

The initiative has been made available by funds from East Sussex County Council’s Public Health department. Funding will be used to enable groups to develop a placed-based approach or approaches to support physical activity programmes that look to reduce health inequalities and improve health outcomes over a specified period.

The aim of the funding programme is to develop place-based approaches to supporting physical activity in Wealden. These must focus on the impact that COVID-19 has had on the local sport, the physical activity sector and residents. The project will seek to identify and implement the actions needed to address the issues that have arisen due to the pandemic and support physical activity delivery and participation.

The funding programme is available to one or more delivery partners which can apply for between £1,000 and £15,000 for projects enabling Wealden residents to become more active.

Applications for funding are invited from voluntary and community organisations. The funding programme opened on Tuesday 13^th September. If you would like an application form please email wellbeing@wealden.gov.uk. Applications must be received by the 28^th October 2022.

Research undertaken by Active Sussex identified older people, people living in deprived areas, disabled people/ people living with long-term health conditions and black and south Asian people as the four priority groups within Wealden most at risk of inactivity.

Councillor Philip Lunn, portfolio holder for Leisure, said, “We are thrilled to be able to increase the physical activity levels of the four priority groups within Wealden. The funding is welcomed to tackle inactivity and to promote inclusion across disadvantaged communities.

“We recognise that the pandemic has affected many people and this funding will address the issues that arose during the pandemic with lack of physical activity, delivery and participation.”

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The Councillors and Officers of Buxted Parish Council are deeply saddened and our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.

Message from Wealden District Council:

We are pleased to announce that we will be able to support and enable partners to reduce physical activity inequalities and deliver better health outcomes within the district through a new funding programme.

This is an exciting prospect which has been made available by funds being released by East Sussex County Council Public Health.

The funding programme is available to one or more delivery partners who can apply for between £1,000 and £15,000. Projects must support and enable Wealden residents to become more active. This will help individuals realise the many mental wellbeing and health benefits associated with living a more active healthier lifestyle and enable them to make positive health choices.

The deadline for the application is the 28^th October 2022 with all funds to be spent by the 30th June 2023.

Funding Aims

The aim of this funding programme is to develop approaches to supporting physical activity in Wealden. These must focus on the impact that COVID-19 has had on the local sport, the physical activity sector and residents. The project will seek to identify and implement the actions needed to address the issues that have arisen due to the pandemic and support physical activity delivery and participation.

Funding will be prioritised to projects that demonstrate how they achieve this aim and the following objectives:

• To work with residents to understand the impact of COVID-19 has been on people’s physical activity behaviour and support them to begin/return to activity.

• To work with sport and physical activity clubs and organisations to understand the impact of COVID-19 on future delivery and participation, supporting the development of the physical activity sector through effective communication and networking.

• To develop pathways into and out of the service which seek to increase uptake by high priority individuals

• Provide participants with access to wider advice and guidance services to address wider determinants of health (e.g. housing, debt, unemployment). Note: assistance may be provided by us with this aim, if required.

If you are interested in applying please email wellbeing@wealden.gov.uk to be sent an application form. The form needs to be done online, but a word document can be sent to complete a draft before you complete the final application.

We look forward to hearing from you

Plans for the proposed multi-million pound Wealden Community Sports Hub have taken a major step forward this week.

Members of Wealden District Council’s Cabinet committee agreed to progress the scheme – on a 20 acre parcel of land at Knights Farm East between the A267 and A271 – towards a planning application.

The proposed onsite sports facilities are for two full size 3G floodlit football pitches, four dual use floodlit tennis / netball courts, two padel tennis courts along with a walking and cycle route, BMX Pump track, skate park, children’s play area, outdoor tennis tables, outdoor gym equipment and a community café.

This facility mix is informed by a mix of leisure research including the Playing Pitch Strategy as well as the results of our public consultation and stakeholder engagement undertaken during 2021.

As plans for the site develop, officers will continue to engage with a number of key stakeholders such as sport governing bodies, sports clubs and town and parish councils to further develop and agree the preferred operating model and programming.

Councillor Philip Lunn, Wealden District Council’s portfolio holder for Commercial, Economic Development and Leisure, said, “This is very exciting and I am delighted to see this project take a major step forward following research, which showed a gap between the existing and required facilities in the district, and a public consultation exercise where we asked residents what they wanted to see included in the plans.

“The results of that consultation were overwhelmingly in favour of such a facility.

“The delivery of top-end sporting facilities on the site will provide opportunities for a large number of Wealden residents.”

A fresh call has been made by Wealden District Council for Southern Water to update and upgrade the sewerage and water infrastructure systems so they can deal with existing sewage issues and accommodate new development in the future.

The council issued the plea as part of its response to a consultation on the water company’s Draft Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan, which proposes how it will meet its infrastructure challenges up until 2050.

It also comes on the back of a Full Council Motion earlier in the summer when councillors unanimously agreed to hold Southern Water to account and take a lead on addressing issues of sewage backing up in the homes and gardens of local residents.

Southern Water is consulting with many stakeholders across the south east, including Wealden council especially as there have been major concerns regarding existing water infrastructure, considering the number of homes the council is expected by the government to provide in the future.

In the response, the council says it has concerns around the low level of upgrading water systems both in terms of pipework capacity and treatment for new development.

These works are funded directly by developers’ contributions and is generally meant to be undertaken within two years; yet this is not always happening in practice.

The response also says that the council and its communities in Wealden have lost faith in Southern Water and that the water company should consider reducing profits and shareholder dividends instead of funding these improvements through customer bills in the first instance.

Wealden District Council leader Councillor Ann Newton said, “It is considered imperative for both the health of the public and state of the environment that this plan from Southern Water acts as a catalyst to deliver the change necessary across our sewerage network.

“As can be seen from the council’s Full Council Motion on 20th July 2022, the council and our community have lost faith in Southern Water to deliver the infrastructure needed for our area.

“All too often communities are promised action and investment, be that to remedy a historic issue or through upgrades to support new growth, only to find that action is not forthcoming and the situation is made worse.

“Over the last few years, the council has been pressing for change, encouraging action, but seeing little. Staff at Southern Water will know well the issues at Station Road in Hellingly; Back Lane in Cross-in-Hand and Horebeech Lane in Horam, to name but a few.

“In all these cases investigation, investment and solutions have been promised, but been slow to materialise, all the while residents suffer with sewage backing up in their homes and gardens.

“We consider it is appropriate that first Southern Water considers reducing profits and shareholder dividends, to increase investment, in conjunction with a greater level of central government funding to correct historic issues rapidly.

“It may be necessary for increased customer contributions, but only where it is evidenced that the step change in delivery is taking place on the ground. Simply ‘maintaining’ our water infrastructure considering the identified challenges is not a genuine option; investment to correct the mistakes of the past is clearly required.

“Developer contributions received by Southern Water also needs to be spent where growth is taking place, rather than putting the funding emphasis on existing bill payers in the first instance.

“We do consider it necessary to update and upgrade current water infrastructure, to investigate new alternatives and futureproof the network. The council’s emerging Local Plan will of course pursue efforts to achieve this - subject to financial viability -and is also actively considering policy issues around surface water drainage - the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems - and water efficiency for new developments, including measures that will reduce water consumption, including water re-use and recycling.“

In the light of the recent submissions for a large amount of development in Five Ash Down, Buxted Parish Council would wish to make the following statement.

The Council feels badly let down by Wealden District Council which has failed to produce a timely Local Plan or indicate preferred development sites which would have allowed the parish council to respond to planning consultations in a focused detailed way based on policy grounds, and where possible, obtaining benefit to the local area (should applications be approved). Instead, we are responding having no knowledge as to whether each site will be allocated for development within any emerging local plan and without WDC having considered the accumulative effect that the development of these sites will have on the village and surrounding area.

We have been told time after time that each site would be considered on its own merit, but this would not now appear to be the case. This became apparent at the recent North Wealden Planning Committee when officers advised that the appeal to build at the Coopers Green crossroad has been allowed on appeal and therefore the application to develop land to the rear of Coopers Row should therefore also be approved otherwise, they would be subject to ‘unreasonable case processing’.

We are not experts in concerns such as road safety, sewage capacity, infrastructure, and flooding. However, we can gauge the impact that an unacceptable level of acceptance of numerous local planning applications would have on Buxted and Five Ash Down, namely doctor and school capacity, local parking for commuters.

Also worrying is that appeal inspectors are putting the most amount of weight on the fact that WDC does not have a 5-year housing land supply. For example, when reading the appeal inspectors decision for the Cooper Green crossroads application, the inspector even agreed with some of the reasons for refusal but commented the lack of a 5-year housing supply and lack of any significant environmental reasons for refusal, they had no choice but to approve the application. So, this reason appears to supersede every other. Will this continue to be the case until WDC reach the housing target? In a recent communication from WDC, dated 12^th August, Planning appeals update, external lawyers advised the council that their objections, mainly on traffic matters, was not defensible, and the objections would be withdrawn. Does this mean any future meaningful, previously material objection, from a local point of view, is rendered useless?

The Parish Council will however continue to work on resident’s behalf, listening to concerns and representing local knowledge when responding to all planning applications. We just hope Wealden listen and accept that town and parish councils should have a say in the planning process, otherwise it would seem our opinions are rendered worthless and unconsidered.

A lack of a local plan and any meaningful interim guidance from WDC who appear not to consider the quality of life of those currently residing in the area makes it increasingly difficult to respond proactively to when considering new large-scale development within our parish.

Together with its residents and partners, East Sussex County Council is developing a long-term plan, its strategy, for adult social care.

To understand what really matters to local people, and so that the strategy can be informed and led by what is important to people who need care and support, their unpaid carers and their families, the adult social care team has created the ‘Living Well in East Sussex’ survey.

This survey is the starting point for creating a strategy that will set the future direction of adult social care for everyone who has – or will have – care and support needs within the county, the projects and services that support them and their carers and families.

It opens on 08 August 2022 and will close on 18 September 2022.

Mark Stainton, East Sussex director of adult social care, said: “Long-term funding, a workforce crisis and living with COVID-19 are just three of the challenges facing adult social care.

“But there are also opportunities, such as exploring new ways of developing and delivering services, the greater public focus on the role and value of social care that the pandemic has brought, and the government’s social care reforms.

“Our strategy will describe the priorities for adult social care in East Sussex, provide direction for services, and offer a clear understanding of what our clients, their carers and families, can expect from adult social care.”

So, whether you have lots of experience of adult social care - or none at all - East Sussex would like to hear from you.

Talking with East Sussex staff, independent sector care providers, NHS colleagues and wider stakeholders will follow in the autumn/winter, informed by what local people have told us about their priorities.

To complete the survey, please use this link: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/ASCsurvey, or contact the adult social care team using the details below for paper and other formats:

Email: ASCPersonalisation@eastsussex.gov.uk

Phone: 01273 481565

Write: Adult social care strategy survey, FREEPOST, ESCC, PUBLIC HEALTH

Completing the survey also brings a chance to win one of four Love2Shop vouchers, each with a face value of £25.

East Sussex County Council and the bus operators have worked together to introduce a range of bus travel discounts across the County this Summer. This is part of the East Sussex Bus Service Improvement Plan, with more affordable bus travel being especially important when family budgets are under pressure due to other cost increases.

Bus travel has been significantly impacted by changing travel habits over the pandemic period. Your help in encouraging more bus use, by doing what you can to help promote these lower fare ticket options, will also mean operators will be in a much stronger position to continue running the services in East Sussex that our residents rely upon.

Information about these lower fares can be found on our website, which we would ask you to direct people to for more information, through this link: New lower fares on East Sussex bus services | East Sussex County Council

The website will be updated with any changes to these fares offers and news of any new participating operators. We are also promoting the fares in a social media campaign using TikTok, Twitter and Facebook as well as by other means. We particularly need to encourage people to use bus services who do not do so currently.

The lower fare offers most relevant to your area are summarised below.

Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus

• Introduction of a new £5 East Sussex day ticket valid on any Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus bus route that runs through the county of East Sussex. Buy this East Sussex day ticket on the Brighton & Hove Buses or Metrobus phone app.
• Up to four children or young people age between 5-18 years can travel free in East Sussex with an adult who has a valid ticket or concession pass.
• For young people travelling independently there is a £1 single fare, available on any Brighton & Hove or Metrobus bus journey in East Sussex. This offer was previously limited to Brighton & Hove Buses only and will be available up to 31^st August. Young people travelling on Brighton & Hove Buses will need to show their BusID. Those travelling on Metrobus may show other forms of proof of age.
• The £5 East Sussex day ticket, the free accompanied travel young children/young persons, and the £1 offer for young people travelling independently, are also available on Brighton & Hove and Metrobus routes into the city of Brighton and Hove, West Sussex and Kent. But the passenger’s first trip must start in the East Sussex County Council area. They are not valid for individual trips wholly outside East Sussex.

Buxted Parish Council has received a consultation for 65 dwellings at land north of Budletts, Five Ash Down.

We are required to respond to this consultation by 30th August.

Please forward any comments regarding this application to: clerk@buxted-pc.gov.uk and copy in planning@wealden.gov.uk

See below a link to the details on the WDC website:

https://planning.wealden.gov.uk/plandisp.aspx?recno=158557

Applications for consideration by Buxted Parish Council

Please find below a message regarding changes in Waste Collections this week due to the extreme heat.

We will be sending out a press release and putting it on the website and also on social media and are trying to reach as many people as possible. Anyway you can help to promote this message so that we can reach as many people as possible would be greatly appreciated

Waste Collections To Start at 6am

Due to a Level 3 Heat-Health Alert issued by the Met Office, Wealden District Council is asking residents expecting a rubbish, recycling or garden waste bin collection this week between Wednesday 10^th August and Friday 12 August to place their bins out ready to be emptied by 6am on their normal collection day or, preferably the evening before, during this period of intense heat.

To help reduce the risk to operatives emptying bins during this period where temperatures are expected to exceed 30ºC, crews will be starting work earlier than normal from 6am.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

A bid for almost £20m of the government’s Levelling up Fund has been made by Wealden District Council.

Last year the council missed out on the first round of Levelling Up funding but hopes to secure a portion of the £4.8bn available to local authorities in the second round.

Wealden is applying for a grant of £19.8m to help towards the cost of a new £43m Health and Wellbeing Hub as phase one of the ambitious Hailsham Aspires scheme to regenerate Hailsham town centre.

The plans encompass a new leisure centre - to replace the existing ageing Freedom Leisure Centre – with a range of new facilities promoting physical activity for all, and a long-awaited new medical centre co-located with the leisure centre, and shared amenities supporting better health outcomes.

The Hub, which would be built on council-owned land near the current council offices, forms part of the wider vision for the regeneration of Hailsham town centre. This seeks to ensure Hailsham is fit for a future which will see both an ageing and a growing population, in addition to improving the overall health and wellbeing across the community.

Improving the vitality and attractiveness of the town centre will also be key to widening the employment offer and improving the quality of life of residents.

The project will unlock potential development sites by freeing up the land where the existing leisure centre is located, as well as two existing and one proposed GP surgery sites within the town.

Councillor Philip Lunn, the council’s portfolio holder for Commercial, Economic Development and Leisure said, “This Round 2 bid to the Levelling Up Fund builds on our unsuccessful Round 1 bid, and proposes an immediately deliverable project on council-owned land that will deliver wide-ranging benefits and kick-start the wider regeneration of Hailsham town centre.

“It is a hugely exciting project and we hope the government will recognise this and we will be successful.”

The government’s Levelling up Fund, which brings together the Department for Transport, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Treasury to invest £4.8 billion in local infrastructure, was announced in a Spending Review March 2021 by the then Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Tell us what you think and help shape Wealden’s future

Wealden residents are being invited to give their views on how they want the district to look in years to come and what priorities there should be.

A consultation is underway asking residents, along with relevant stakeholders, what is important to them and what should be focused on from 2023-2027.

The feedback will help draft a Corporate Plan which will then go before Wealden District Council’s decision making Cabinet committee and Full Council for further input and final agreement.

The progress and delivery of the Corporate Plan will then be measured and reported to council committees on a regular basis.

The last Wealden District Council Corporate Plan covered a period from 2019-2023 and despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the council achieved many of its aims.

The authority delivered more than530 affordable and 1,200 market homes across Wealden; is taking an active role in delivering new healthcare facilities in Mayfield, Hailsham and Polegate; declared a detailed climate action plan to become net zero by 2050 or sooner and provided more than £320,000 to charities and organisations within the community.

In addition, the council secured more than £28m for infrastructure within the district; is continuing to work with partners to deliver new school places and major highways improvement;, and is also providing £2.5m to town and parish councils.

Wealden District Council leader Ann Newton said, “The Corporate Plan sets out our direction, aims and priorities as a district council for the next four years.

“We are consulting on our next Corporate Plan now as we want to know what is important to our residents and what our priorities should be from 2023-2027. Whether it's supporting local businesses and our high streets, helping older people and disabled people that need support, delivering housing for local people, promoting activities that improve health and well-being or creating new employment opportunities, we want to know what's important to you.

“I would urge everyone to let us know by filling in the survey online or by completing a form and sending it back to us.”

The consultation runs from now until 30^th September and to take part visit: www.wealden.gov.uk/corporateplan where information and achievements of the previous Corporate Plan can also be found.

Councillors have joined forces to pass a cross-party motion to protect rivers and seas from pollution.

At a Full Council meeting this week, a motion put forward by Councillor Rachel Millward and seconded by leader Councillor Ann Newton was unanimously approved by all members.

It follows the revelation that in 2021, according to The Rivers Trust, Southern Water was responsible for raw sewage being spilled into Wealden’s waterways for over 17,000 hours, spanning across four river catchments – all serving areas of outstanding natural beauty and ecological significance.

It also followed a meeting attended by Wealden councillors Ann Newton, Neil Cleaver and David White with senior Southern Water officials.

The motion also looked at inviting the new incoming CEO of Southern Water, plus senior representatives from the Environment Agency and Natural England, to attend a meeting to answer questions on the current levels of sewage discharge; and ask Southern Water, in its planning consultation responses for major development, to clarify which treatment works will be managing the sewage and whether it has information available to assess the impact on the number or duration of sewage discharges into local rivers or seas.

Councillor Rachel Millward said, “Our water companies are letting us down and it’s getting worse. This motion empowers us to fulfil our commitment to serve our communities and with better knowledge and a refined process, we can work together to make better decisions to protect and restore the natural areas. I am delighted to bring this as a cross-party motion.”

Councillor Ann Newton, who seconded the motion, said, “I am very happy to make this a cross-party motion. This is an important subject for us, which in the past we have had little control over, and we need to change this. We owe it to generations going forward.

“I would particularly like to thank Councillors Neil Cleaver and David White for their dedication and persistence.”

The motion in full called for councillors to recognise the council’s obligation to protect rivers and seas in line with its local strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework; recognise that deterioration of water quality occurs due to cumulative impact of multiple sewage discharge events, or "sewage overload”; ensure an evidence base is compiled that assesses the cumulative impact of sewage discharge so it is factored into decisions made in new iterations of the local plan, including the overall level of future development; better understand the cumulative impact of wastewater discharge including untreated sewage on our local rivers, wildlife and the health of our residents and continue to take a lead on addressing the issue by working constructively with other agencies.

The motion also requested that planning officers include in all relevant reports relating to major development, a specific section on the impact on watercourses, including the potential for the development to affect sewage outflow into watercourses.

2^nd August 2022

Applications for consideration by Buxted Parish Council via email consultation

Please return any comments to the parish council at clerk@buxted-pc.gov.uk by 5th August 2022

Discretionary scheme payments are now available to assist households which were not eligible under the national Council Tax Energy Rebate Scheme earlier this year.

To receive the Discretionary Council Tax Energy Rebate Scheme payment, applicants will need to be living in bands E-H, or are not liable for council tax in bands A-D but responsible for energy bills and entitled to some benefits. All rebates are subject to earnings/capital limit.

The scheme went live on 26th July 2022 and closes to applications on 3rd October this year or sooner if funds have been exhausted.

The government has allocated a total scheme payout limited to £327,000 which is equivalent to 2,180 payments.

Applicants will be required to upload proof of benefit entitlement and proof of income before a one-of payment of £150 will be issued.

Councillor Neil Waller, portfolio holder for Finance and Benefits, said, “We are pleased to have already given thousands of residents living in Wealden the £150 payment which was part of the national Council Tax rebate scheme announced by the government.

“Starting this week, households which weren’t entitled to the national scheme due to eligibility will be able to apply for the discretionary one.”

All applications will take 10 working days to be reviewed and applications can only be made online through our portalhttps://wealden.grantapproval.co.uk/

Join the Festival team for a fun-filled launch event on 10 September

Exciting news! This year, the start of the High Weald Walking Festival with be marked with a special launch event at the Ashdown Forest Centre in Wych Cross on Saturday 10 September.

Free guided walks will be leaving from the centre throughout the day from 10am – why not treat yourself to a coffee and cake from the Pop-up Café, peruse the Festival programme and then set off to explore the historic Ashdown Forest with a knowledgeable guide?

Visitors can learn about other Festival walks taking place throughout the week, and a selection of self-guided walking routes on the Ashdown Forest will be available to purchase for a small donation.

There will be family-friendly craft activities and free I-spy nature spotter booklets packed with information about the fascinating landscape and wildlife of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can also enjoy demonstrations of traditional countryside crafts from the Ashdown Wood Turners and East Grinstead Spinners.

The launch event will kickstart a week (and a bit!) of fantastic free guided walks taking in every corner of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, running until Sunday 18 September. The Walks Programme will be launched on Saturday 20 August, so be sure to join the Festival mailing list for the latest news and updates.

About the High Weald Walking Festival

High Weald Walking Festival offers FREE guided and self-guided walks for all, every September. Now in its 5^th year, the event is a collaboration between the High Weald AONB Partnership and a number of local branches of The Ramblers. The Festival aims to help walkers of all abilities explore and learn about the historic and beautiful High Weald landscape. Participants are led by experienced and knowledgeable guides from a range of organisations with a passion for the countryside.

Learn more at www.highwealdwalks.org.

Please see below the hyperlink to the latest help and support for Ukraine residents:

LATEST: Rental guide, mental health support and help with essential items (govdelivery.com)

Almost 700 inspections were carried out at food premises across Wealden in a 12 month period during 2021-22.

That included 152 micro-businesses operating from domestic establishments, which applied to be registered and each was visited as a priority to ensure they received the support and advice to operate safely.

The details are included in Wealden District Council’s Food Hygiene Service Plan, which governs the food hygiene work of the authority for the year.

The council – through a shared service with Rother District Council - carries out the Food Hygiene Scheme on behalf of the Food Standards Agency, which sets out the numerical scheme of 0-5 food hygiene rating that local authorities must use at each inspection.

Reassuringly, 981 food premises – which includes restaurants, pubs, hotels, care homes, schools, takeaways and mobile food suppliers – received very good food hygiene ratings which is a number 5.

Some 906 food premises were due for inspection in 2021-22 but many had to close for significant periods due to the Covid-19 pandemic while others operated sporadically and many stopped trading completely.

For the year 2022-23 the total number of food premises due for inspection is 817.

The Food Hygiene Service Plan must now be approved by Full Council as it forms part of the council’s policy framework and is expected to be ratified later this month.

Councillor Pam Doodes, Wealden’s portfolio holder for Climate Change, Public Health and Community Leadership, said, “It is very reassuring to see that the vast majority of food businesses in Wealden have received a very good food hygiene rating despite the difficulties of the past two years.

“Wealden District Council is committed to protecting public health and we encourage consumers to support all five rated businesses, look for the sticker or check online atSearch the Wealden area/Food Hygiene for further information.”

Since the Local plan Direction of Travel consultation concluded in January 2021, we have been working to progress a new Local Plan. We have updated Local plan evidence bases (many of which are now published) and we have also progressed many key topic areas of our plan.

The Local Plan is an important document and we have set out from the very start that we wish to progress its production and consultation as quickly as we can. In accordance with our Local Development Scheme (LDS), we were due to consult on a Draft Local Plan in spring 2022. However, there is currently too much uncertainty in relation to plan-making to go out to consultation on a Draft Local Plan at this current time. This includes matters around our housing requirement and the continued lobbying to central Government by Wealden District Councillors and Parish and Town Councillors on housing numbers. It has also recently been announced that a National Planning Policy ‘prospectus’, is due to be published in the near future, which will set out the direction for changes to national policy. We consider it really important to understand these matters ahead of any consultation as these matters will directly affect our Local Plan Strategy and the content of our Plan.

Given the above, we are writing to let you know that the Draft Local Plan Regulation 18 consultation will be reviewed. Once we have considered the nature of planning reform, we will set out an updated timetable via an updated LDS and we will publish this on our website once it has been approved.

Further detail is provided on our Wealden local Plan webpage. If you have any further questions then please contact the Planning Policy team at planningpolicy@wealden.gov.uk

Yours faithfully

Planning Policy Team

Wealden District Council

The Parish Council has received the following information from WDC advising that planning application WD/2021/1895/MAO will be considered at the next North Planning Committee on Thursday 21st July

Application No: WD/2021/1895/MAO OUTLINE APPLICATION FOR THE ERECTION OF UP TO 40 DWELLINGS LAND AT COOPERS ROW, FIVE ASH DOWN, TN22 3AN

I refer to the above planning application which is due to be considered by Members of the Planning Committee North on 21 July 2022. The meeting commences at 10.00am, and will be held at the Civic Community Hall, Wealden District Council Offices, Vicarage Lane, Hailsham, BN27 2AX.. Due to the Government restrictions imposed as a result of Covid-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, certain changes have been made to the arrangements for the Planning Committee meetings.

It is possible to still register to speak on planning applications that come to Committee, however our speaking rules have been amended during this pandemic as follows:

1. Registration for members of the public to register to speak on an application will open from the time the agenda for that meeting is published on the Council’s website;

2. To speak on an application you must email committee.services@wealden.gov.uk. Please provide your name, address and a contact telephone number and advise the application number and proposed development to which it refers. You must advise if you are speaking in favour or against the application and your relationship to the application site. Please also state whether you wish to attend the meeting and address the committee, or whether you wish to submit a statement or media file only. This must be done by no later than 12noon on the Tuesday before the meeting on a Thursday. For those speakers who want to address the Committee in person:

3. Speakers are allocated on a first come first served basis. For a major application up to 6 speakers (3 in favour and 3 against) can speak on an application. The speaker will be allowed 3 minutes to speak in favour or against the application. For all ‘other’ applications up to 4 speakers (2 in favour and 2 against) can speak on an application, with speakers being allowed 2 minutes to speak in favour or against the application.

4. There will be a Reserve List if public speaking for a particular application is oversubscribed. Should a registered speaker fail to lodge their request to address the committee or their media/audio file by the cut-off date (or their submission breaches the decency criteria/timing rules listed above), we will then contact those on the reserve list to invite their submission. If contacted, reserve speakers will be given 24 hours to make their submission or advise that they wish to attend the committee. For those speakers who do not want to address the Committee:

5. You are still able to email your speech or media file and details of this will be included in your confirmation email. The deadline for receiving either your request to address the meeting or speech or media file is 12 noon, 2 working days before the meeting (this is generally the Tuesday before the meeting on a Thursday). Your statement or media file will not be read out or played during the meeting and Councillors will be asked to consider these statements before the meeting Once the media files from Public Speakers have been published, you will need to access them via Google Chrome. Please note that some media files may take a few minutes to download due to the size of the file.

6. Any submissions considered to contain aggressive or abusive language, or that make personal remarks regarding any Member or Officer will be rejected. Equally, if you do not adhere to the protocol for addressing the Planning Committee you may be removed from the meeting.

Whilst there is the right to speak on a planning application being reported to the Committee meeting, there is no obligation to do so. Comments previously sent in writing will still be taken into account, whether you choose to speak at the meeting or not. If you consider making further comments, please note that these must be submitted no later than 10am the day before the meeting. The comments must be made via the application case file online or to planning@wealden.gov.uk. Please do not send further comments to Committee Services who should only be contacted directly about the public speaking arrangements listed above. There may be occasions when an application is withdrawn by the applicant/agent and, therefore not discussed at committee. In such cases it will not always be possible to advise you prior to the meeting.

For your information, the Officer’s recommendation to Members of the Committee regarding this application, is for Approval. The officer’s committee report relating to this application can be viewed online by visiting www.planning.wealden.gov.uk

Our main activities during the Summer are visiting, recording and documenting houses across the Weald. We compile a record of each property and over 600 records have been completed since we began in 1964

The programme details have finally come together and we still have several outstanding single buildings to eventually pair up for the 2023 programme with at least two pairs looking to be definitely feasible at this early stage.

In the interim until the New Year & beyond please do encourage any householders to approach us about arranging a visit.

They could be a house that was visited some time ago that needs re-evaluating in the light of more recent advances in knowledge but its best if we can add a building that has not been evaluated before, if at all possible.

See attached for further information

Buxted Parish Council grant applications for the financial year 2023-24 are now open.

See the attached documents for more information and how to apply.

Closing date for applications is 1st September 2022

Upcoming drainage works on Framfield Road, Buxted. 

ESCC will be excavating the drainage system to alleviate flooding.

Work will start on Thursday 7 July and continue for two days

Framfield Road will remain open with temporary traffic lights in place at the junction with High Street between 9am and 4pm each day.

Further information regarding these works can be found on our website via the below link: https://www.eastsussexhighways.com/highway-schemes/framfield-road-buxted-drainage

Swarms are an amazing natural phenomenon and nothing to be alarmed about provided you exercise common sense. There is much information online about swarms and collecting them which can be found in the links below.

There is an official system in place for the reporting of bee swarms setup by the BBKA (British Beekeeping Association) which can be found here Swarm removal | British Beekeepers Association (bbka.org.uk). This facility is used by local authorities such as the police, local councils, reputable pest control companies and other responsible bodies etc when they are informed about a swarm.

The attached map provides contact information about local Swarm Coordinators. They themselves are experienced beekeepers who know how to deal with swarms and who maintain a list of other local beekeepers who are willing, qualified, and sufficiently experienced to collect swarms safely. They will also be members of a local association and therefore the BBKA which provides them with a high level of public liability insurance should something go wrong.

The local association for this area is the HWBKA (High Weald Beekeepers’ Association) which you could contact directly via Reporting a Swarm - High Weald Beekeepers’ Association (hwbka.org.uk).

The swarm coordinators will also try to ensure a fair distribution of swarms for those on the list.

Be careful when using Facebook as you cannot necessarily ensure all the above points apply. It is not unheard of for people to use this channel to get bees ‘on the cheap’ and then sell them on for commercial gain.

After the early warmth of March and February swarming may be starting early this year

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

Diversion Via - C402 Hurstwood Road – U7503 Burnt Oak 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

Pressure on the government by MPs to get the number of homes Wealden District Council is obliged to deliver in the future has been welcomed by the authority’s new leader.

Councillor Ann Newton, who took over as leader of the authority this month and is also the portfolio holder for Planning, said she welcomed the input from Wealden MP Nus Ghani and Huw Merriman, the MP for Bexhill and Battle, whose constituency includes part of the Wealden district.

Ms Ghani has facilitated meetings between Councillor Newton and senior government ministers to highlight concerns that the number of new homes – 1,221 - the council has to provide is unreasonable, and Mr Merriman urged the government to deliver planning reforms, which focus building on land where permission has already been granted before fresh applications are entertained by local planning authorities.

Speaking in the House of Commons this month, Mr Merriman asked for a meeting with Housing Minister Stuart Andrew so the minister “could deal with the following situation whereby Wealden and Rother councils have issued 10,000 planning permissions, which have not been built out, yet they still have to deliver 2,000 new homes between them each year”.

Mr Merriman said, “Wealden and Rother councils are left in the frustrating position of having to entertain fresh planning applications when there are plenty already in the bank for developers to build on.

“Surely, at the very least, we can have annual housing targets which take into account those houses not yet built out so that developers build rather than land bank.”

Councillor Newton said, “I very much welcome Huw Merriman's intervention over planning numbers affecting the district.

“His timely input adds to the district council’s work with the Secretary of State and ministers to highlight the issue which has also been addressed in Parliament and Whitehall by MP Nus Ghani.

“I very much hope we do see some sensible planning reforms along the lines that Huw has suggested. They would come as an enormous relief to residents up and down the land.

A message from ESCC Highways:

I am writing to advise we will be carrying out carriageway patching works on Shepherds Hill, Buxted.

Work will start on Tuesday 31 May and continue for two days.

Shepherds Hill will be closed to through traffic from Nan Tucks Lane to Pound Lane between 9.30am and 3.30pm each day. Traffic will be diverted via Nan Tucks Lane, Etchingwood Lane, Streele Lane, Barn Lane, Pound Lane and vice versa.

Please see our website for information on this works - https://www.eastsussexhighways.com/highway-schemes/shepherds-hill-buxted-patching

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

Diversion via: - A272 Pound Green 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

The National Trust’s Sheffield Park and Garden in East Sussex is famed for its spectacular displays of rhododendrons in spring, with tunnels of bright, uplifting flowers.

And now visitors can use sustainable transport to visit, as part of a free bus trail, every Tuesday in May 2022, in an initiative supported by East Surrey Rural Transport Partnership.

The conservation charity aims to make the Grade II listed garden more accessible to visitors and volunteers in the local community. All seats on the service are fully wheelchair accessible. It leaves Uckfield Bus Station on Tuesday mornings, returning after lunch, with journey times coinciding with mainline London train services from Uckfield rail station, just a five 5 minute walk away.

May is an exciting time for Sheffield Park and Gardens as it comes alive with thousands of brightly coloured blooms of rhododendrons, one of the best times to visit the park.

Councillor Roy Galley, Wealden’s portfolio holder for climate change said, “This is an opportunity for residents to visit these world-famous gardens by public transport. This is a pilot service, but we hope it will continue with enough community support.

“The idea is to link this service with rail journeys to and from London Bridge so that people can visit Sussex, Surrey and London car-free.”

For more information, booking online and bus timetable visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield-park-and-garden/whats-on

How to protect yourself, your information and your devices away from the home or office

As the weather improves and COVID-19 restrictions have largely been lifted, many of us are getting out and about more with our connected devices, whether it’s in our personal lives or for work. After all, there’s nothing quite like being able to enjoy a coffee when you’re working on a spreadsheet or catching up via video call from the park.

Being online when away from our home or workplace, however, does make it vital to maintain safe and responsible habits and always remain aware of our location and surroundings. If we don’t, using our devices away from these relatively secure environments does pose certain risks:

• Your online activity or open apps being incepted via an unsecured or fake Wi-Fi hotspot.

• Your device being accessed via Bluetooth to view your contacts list or access your handset’s commands.

• Loss or theft of your device – either when you leave it unattended or while using or carrying it.

• Others dropping unwanted or potentially dangerous or compromised files on your device via features like AirDrop, Nearby Share or third-party mobile file transfer apps.

• ‘Shoulder surfing’ – when others behind or beside you check out what’s on your screen.

• Your screen being viewed and/or recorded by obvious or covert video surveillance.

• Others eavesdropping on your video calls and meetings, either physically or if they’ve intercepted them online by having the password.

One of the main risks associated with device use in a public place is that Wi-Fi may not be secured, enabling unauthorised interception of anything you are doing online by cybercriminals. The same applies if a bogus Wi-Fi hotspot has been set up to emulate the premises’ own network. Entering a key or code supplied by the premises purely provides access and does not indicate security.

Top online safety tips for when you’re out and about

• Never use Wi-Fi hotspots when doing anything private or sensitive: they may be insecure, or somebody may have set up a fake hotspot to intercept what you’re doing. Instead, use your data or a secure mobile router (dongle), or wait until you can connect to secure Wi-Fi. If you use a VPN (virtual private network), bear in mind that the provider could access your communications.

• Use Bluetooth and mobile file-sharing apps with care. Ensure they’re switched off when not required. If you do use Bluetooth, make sure your devices are not left ‘discoverable’. Don’t pair devices in public in case someone is scanning you while you create the connection. Restrict access to known, paired devices. Never accept files transmitted via Bluetooth from unknown or suspicious sources.

• Never leave devices unattended, nor in view when not using them, on your seat or table, at the gym, in a vehicle or on public transport.

• Be aware of who’s around you and may be watching what you are doing online. Consider using a privacy filter which effectively obscures your screen from people sitting either side of you.

• Avoid getting distracted by somebody who could steal your device.

• Try not to use your device or have it on show when walking around. You could risk becoming a victim of theft and your personal safety could be compromised.

• Don’t forget that many apps connect to the internet in the background so you should check your settings to be sure of what information is being sent.

• Consider disabling geolocation on devices and apps(including social media and fitness apps and your camera). Ensure your home or place of work isn’t revealed if the device falls into the wrong hands or its security is compromised.

Get Safe Online

Get Safe Online is the UK’s leading source of information and advice on online safety and security, for the public and small businesses. It is a not-for-profit, public/private sector partnership backed by law enforcement agencies and leading organisations in internet security, banking and retail.

For more information and expert, easy-to-follow, impartial advice on safeguarding yourself, your family, finances, devices and workplace, visit www.getsafeonline.org.

If you think you’ve been a victim of online fraud, report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre on 0300 123 20 40 or atwww.actionfraud.police.uk. In Scotland, report fraud to Police Scotland by calling 101.

A packed programme of events has been lined up across Wealden to mark National Dementia Action Week in May.

The awareness campaign runs from 16 – 22 May and the Wealden Dementia Action Alliance has issued a booklet listing both the regular activities held in towns and villages across the area as well as special events.

Activities include singing workshops, memory cafes, healthy walks, woodland workshops and supper clubs and 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 have to be booked in advance while others invite people to turn up on the day.

The booklet is available online at http://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 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.

Councillor Philip Lunn, Wealden District Council’s portfolio holder for Community and Public Health, said, “Having dementia doesn’t mean people have to stop doing the things they enjoy and there are all sorts of activities to help people live well with dementia and improve wellbeing.

“This lovely booklet lists lots of events being held locally to improve the lives of those affected by dementia.

“I hope people will go along and enjoy themselves whether it be dropping into one of the Memory Moments Café or professional musical entertainment events with repertoire including classic 50s and 60s, rock and roll and musical theatre.”

The theme of this year’s National Dementia Action Week is diagnosis. With diagnosis rates falling to a five-year low, the aim is to encourage those who might be living with undiagnosed dementia to ask for guidance and support and feel empowered to take the next step.

The campaign will also focus on help and support for carers of those living with dementia.

Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has launched a new app called ‘Safe Space Sussex’. The app is aimed at helping people should they feel unsafe outside of their home.

It has been developed following detailed consultation with partners and public regarding the safety of women and girls in Sussex.

On first downloading the app, users will be asked to enter their own name and phone number as well as a preferred contact. They will then be directed to a map showing their location and a number of red pins indicating Safe Spaces near them. Tapping on a Safe Space will show opening times and the option to see directions from their current location.

When they arrive at a Safe Space they can identify themselves to staff who will be able to offer them somewhere to wait and offer to call 999, 101 or a contact of their choice.

If the user wishes to share their location using the app, they can do so using the alert button which will allow them to send a text containing their location (both the address and the what3words) to their named contact.

Over 250 businesses across the county have already signed up their premises as Safe Spaces and their staff have been offered basic training on what to do if someone comes in asking for help.

Stickers and posters will help to identify locations registered with the scheme as Safe Spaces and posters will also be displayed in staff areas to remind employees about the scheme and what to do if they are approached about it.

PCC Katy Bourne said: “I’m very pleased to be publicly launching the Safe Space Sussex app to help residents in our county when they feel unsafe. While the app isn’t designed for use in an emergency, we’ve all had occasions where we find ourselves somewhere unfamiliar and feel uneasy.

“With my new app, users will quickly and easily be able to find a Safe Space near them where they can find a friendly face and somewhere they can feel more comfortable, as well as offering them an easy way to share their current location with a named contact.

“I hope that the Safe Space Sussex app will give users peace of mind that there is somewhere nearby that they can go to for assistance should they need it.”

Sussex Police Assistant Chief Constable Tanya Jones said: “We are delighted that this app has been developed and is now available for all residents in Sussex to download. It will make a significant contribution to our important work in tackling violence against women and girls.”

If you run a business and would like to join your premises to the Safe Space Sussex scheme and app you can do so on the Safe Space Sussex website.

The app is available for free download from the Apple App and Google Play stores now.

For the eighth year running Wealden District Council’s visitor attractions guide is back by popular demand.

The new 2022/23 attractions guide showcases over 80 attractions within the district offering many ‘hidden gems’ for visitors to explore.

Distribution of the guide will be to businesses within a two-and-a-half-hour drive time of the Wealden area. The guide is also sent to tourist information centres nationally. Outlets including attractions, accommodation providers, hospitality and leisure venues, as well as libraries, leisure centres, retail shops and garden centres.

In 2019 the total value of tourism was around £368 million, this included nearly half a million overnight stays and just under six million day trips. Wealden District Council wants to build on these numbers and increase the awareness of the district and maximise visitor expenditure.

Roy Galley said “The council’s investment aims to increase the number of visitors enjoying longer stays in the area, exploring our nature, places and culture. The whole area offers breath-taking and varied landscapes, ancient woodland, and stunning heathland and historical sites for everyone to enjoy”.

Copies of the guide are available from economicdevelopment@wealden.gov.ukor you can download it Explore Wealden Attractions Guide 2022

Town and Country Planning Act 1990 Appeal by Rookwood Trinity Ltd (the Appellant) Site: 

LAND TO THE REAR OF THE WALLED GARDENS, FIVE ASH DOWN, TN22 3AJ Proposal: DEVELOPMENT OF SITE FOR UP TO 33 NO. DWELLINGS WITH AMENDMENTS TO EXISTING ACCESS. 

Planning Inspectorate Ref: APP/C1435/W/21/3289619 

The Council refused to grant the necessary permission for the above site, and the reasons for refusal can be viewed on the Council’s website at www.planning.wealden.gov.uk. The Planning Inspectorate has received notice of a planning appeal against this decision. 

The Secretary of State considers that the written representations procedure be followed for this appeal. This procedure requires that those owners and occupiers of properties near the site and those who expressed a view at application stage be informed of the appeal and be given the opportunity to submit further views in writing. Please Note: Any views received in writing by the Council at the application stage will have been forwarded to The Planning Inspectorate, for the Inspector’s attention. 

The Planning Inspectorate have introduced an on-line appeals service which you can use to comment on this appeal. This service can be found through the Appeals Casework Service website (https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk). The Inspectorate may publish details of your comments on the internet. As your comments may include personal information (eg. name, address, etc.), please ensure that you only provide information that you are happy will be made available to others in this way. If you supply information belonging to a third party please ensure you have their permission to do so. More detailed information about data protection and privacy matters is available on the Planning Portal. 

Alternatively, representations can be made in writing (please enclose THREE copies of your representations) and sent direct to The Planning Inspectorate at the address overleaf, quoting APP/C1435/W/21/3289619. The Planning Inspectorate will not acknowledge your letter.

Wealden District Council has been informed by its waste collection and street cleansing contractor, Biffa, that following a meeting with representatives of the GMB union today (Thursday 21st April 2022) the union has agreed to delay strike action for one week.

This is to allow for its members to be balloted on a pay offer made by Biffa.

Strike action will therefore not begin as originally notified this Monday 25th April.

For the week commencing Monday 25th April, all waste collection and street cleansing services will operate as normal so please continue to put your bins out on the regular collection days.

We will provide further updates on this matter on our website and through social media as soon as possible.

We would also like to thank our residents for their understanding during this time.

https://www.eastsussexhighways.com/highway-schemes/a26-five-ash-down-studs

East Sussex Highways will be carrying out works to remove redundant cats eye metal housings on A26 Five Ash Down. Work will take place on Tuesday 3 May 2022 between 8pm and 6am. During this time A26 will be closed to through traffic from Rocks Lane to Budletts Roundabout.

Traffic will be diverted via A26, New Road, B2026, A22 Maresfield Bypass, A26 and vice versa.

Reusable Nappy Week – 25 April-1 May – is being supported by Wealden District Council, which is offering free nappy trial kits to residents in the district.

A £25 deposit is required and is refunded on the return of the washable nappies after the trial.

Modern reusable nappies are easy to use and leave any hard work to the washing machine. Compared to disposable nappies, reusable ones are cheaper, kinder to your baby’s skin and on the environment.

Councillor Roy Galley, Wealden District Council’s portfolio holder for Waste Management, said, "The average baby will use at least 4,000 nappies up to potty training. By using washable nappies, families can make a financial saving of up to £1,000 and more if the same nappies are used on subsequent children. There is also cost to our environment in using disposable nappies.

“Every year 3 billion disposable nappies are used in the UK. The carbon footprint of nappy usage can be reduced by 40% if reusable nappies are used and also 98% fewer raw materials are consumed."

Wealden council’snappy trial kits enable parents to try out different styles and materials to see which they like best before they buy a bulk pack. Free advice is available throughout the trial.

For more information on Wealden’s Nappy Trial Kit, please contact us atrecycling@wealden.gov.uk,or call01323 443322.

Waste service discussions due to start next week

Talks will continue next week in a bid to avoid disruption to waste and recycling collections across Wealden.

Biffa Municipal Ltd – the waste services contractors - has informed Wealden District Council that it has received formal notification from the GMB union that its members intend to take industrial action at the depots operating services in Wealden from Monday 25 April for at least two weeks.

Biffa is in discussions with unions to try to resolve the dispute and talks are due to resume on Thursday 21 April.

In the meantime all waste and street cleansing services continue to operate as normal so the council is asking residents to continue to put their bins out on the scheduled collection day.

Averil Price, the lead director for the Joint Waste Partnership, said, “Should an agreement not be reached, there may be some disruption to services from Monday 25 April.

“Please be assured the council will inform residents of what is happening with their collections through our website, My Alerts e-newsletter and social media. Regular updates on this situation will be published on our website.

“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.”

For further information please contact:

Communities are being reminded that sites submitted to Wealden District Council for housing and employment land as part of the new Local Plan preparation will not necessarily be granted planning permission.

Following national Local Plan making rules, the council invited individuals, landowners, developers and site promoters to put forward sites to be considered and the sites are known as Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment – SHELAA - sites.

The Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment is an essential piece of evidence, which is required to support the Local Plan process and the assessment is promoted and set out in National Planning Practice Guidance.

The submitted SHELAA sites are available to view on the council’s website and Wealden planners have pointed out that just because these sites are included, it does not mean they will be developed in the future.

Wealden District Council’s portfolio holder for Planning, Councillor Ann Newton said, “There seems to be some confusion and people wrongly assume that these submitted SHELAA sites are ones that have been approved for development.

“That is simply incorrect: these sites have been submitted to the council as potentially being suitable for housing or employment land. They do not have any special planning status.

“Considering them in the SHELAA does not mean they will be developed in the future or that the council would view applications on these sites favourably.

“We are reviewing all submitted sites at present and will make decisions on their suitability in the coming weeks. Sites that are considered suitable will then go onto the next stage of being considered for including in the draft Local Plan.

“The council is aiming to consult on our draft Local Plan later this spring and will be encouraging all communities to take part.”

For further information please contact:

With the Easter break underway, Wealden District Council is reminding anyone heading to the coast that cliff falls - where the chalk crumbles away and falls down to the beach below - can happen at any time and visitors should stay well away from cliff edges and bases.

The cliff safety campaign is being promoted on social media platforms using the hashtags #BeCliffAware and #BeTideAware

Without warning, large chunks of cliff can fall hundreds of feet to the ground below. If you’re on the edge or at the base, you’ll be in danger.

Visitors are being warned not to gather at the base of cliffs for shade or if the rest of the beach is busy. Chalk can and does fall from above without warning, and you will be in danger of getting crushed or trapped. There have been at least 50 cliff falls in the last year - it happens more often than people think.

If you're walking on the clifftop, you can't see cracks and overhangs beneath you. Chalk is very unstable and can crumble without warning. It will take anyone standing on the edge down with it.

In addition, in the last year there have been a number of incidents of people getting cut off by the tide at the base of cliffs. This put them at risk of drowning, cold-water shock and chalk falling from cliffs above. They all had to be rescued by the coastguard.

Some beaches are only accessible during low tide and once the tide comes in, you could end up stuck. If you’re walking on the beaches at Seven Sisters or Birling Gap, be aware of the tide times and stay as far away from the base as you can.

Always check tide times before walking along beaches and stay away from the base of cliffs. For information on tide times visit tidetimes.org.uk

Warnings have also been issued about people taking selfies at the cliff edge. No photo is worth risking your life for. Stay away from the edge of cliffs – they can and do crumble and fall without warning. You could fall or the cliff could.

Councillor Philip Lunn, Wealden council’s portfolio holder for Community and Public Health, said, “We welcome visitors to Wealden and the stunning coastline but we want their visit to be memorable and not end in tragedy.

“It is imperative people heed warnings to stay away from the cliff edge and the cliff base.

“If people are standing too close to the edge they will not be aware of any cracks underneath them and the cliffs can and do crumble away without warning. There have been several of these incidents in the last 12 months.

“People on the beaches below also need to be aware of cliff falls.

“It is also important that people are aware of the tide times if they are walking along the beaches. Some beaches are only accessible during low tide and walkers can and do find themselves cut off by the tide and need to be rescued by the emergency services.

“Come and enjoy Wealden but be aware of the dangers of the natural landscape.”

If you see someone in danger on or near cliffs, call 999 immediately and ask for the coastguard.

Supervise children and pets at all times on or around chalk cliffs, and keep well away from the edge and base.

For further information please contact:

Friday 10th June 17.30 Colin Thubron, Aged 80, this master of travel writing describes taking a dramatic 3,000-mile long journey along the Amur river which rises in the Mongolian mountains and flows through Siberia to the Pacific.

Friday 10th June 19.10 Alan Johnson, the former cabinet minister, explains his latest thriller novel: The Late Train to Gipsy Hill - which describes an epic adventure involving the Russian mafia, the FSB and the Metropolitan Police.

Saturday 11th June 9.50 Tim Marshall, international best-selling author and former Sky News Foreign Affairs Editor, explores ten regions that are set to shape global politics in a new age of great-power rivalry.

Saturday 11th June 11.20 Iain Dale, presenter of the Evening Show on LBC Radio, gives a part-memoir, part-polemic about the state of public discourse in Britain and the world today.

Saturday 11th June 12.50 Fatima Manji, anchor of the UK's Channel 4 News, recontextualises the relationship between Britain and the people and societies of the Orient.

Saturday 11th June 14.20 Esther Freud author of Hideous Kinky - made into a film starring Kate Winslet. Also, the great granddaughter of Sigmund Freud and daughter of Lucian Freud, explains her novel which describes the lives of three generations of women and is about love, motherhood, secrets and betrayal - and how only the truth can set us free.

Saturday 11th June 15.50 Sandy Gall, former ITN Newscaster, and Carlota Gall, Pulitzer Prize winner, give a biography of the Afghan resistance leader - Ahmad Shah Massoud who undermined the Russian occupation of Afghanistan.

Saturday 11th June 17.20 Gavin Hesler, the main presenter of BBC Newsnight for 12 years, explains how British identity political and social challenges will end with the break-up of the UK and the rebirth of English nationalism.

Saturday 11th June 18.50 James O’Brien, whose daily current affairs programme on LBC has over 1.2 million weekly listeners, turns the mirror on himself to reveal what he has changed his mind about and why.

Sunday 12th June 9.50 Denis MacShane, former Minister of State for Europe, asks why Labour is so good at losing elections and so unhappy and edgy when it does win.

Sunday 12th June 11.20 Ian Williams, Foreign Correspondent, based in Russia and then Asia for Channel 4 News and NBC, explains how China is building the world’s first digital totalitarian state - a system of hitherto unimaginable social and political control.

Sunday 12th June 12.50 Wing Commander Mike Sutton, gives the thrilling and true account of the Typhoon fighter squadron in the war against ISIS, as the commander who led them into combat.

Sunday 12th June 14.20 Andrew Monaghan: - founding Director of the Russia Research Network. As a leader for research on Russia for NATO and Oxford University, he explains the Russian Grand Strategy in its quest for political and military power.

Sunday 12th June 15.50 Yasmin Alibhai Brown, the prominent political and social commentator gives an account of the courageous women who change and changed history and remolded our culture.

Sunday 12th June 17.20 Andrew Lownie, Literary Agency founder and best-selling biographer, explains the life of Edward VIII - the traitor King who had Nazi intrigues in WW2.

Sunday 12th June 18.50 Professor A.C. Grayling, the Founder and Principal of New College, asks if humans can agree on a set of values that will allow us to confront the environmental, technological and political threats facing the planet.

www.lewesspeakersfestival.com

Ukraine crisis: how East Sussex is helping

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has caused devastation.

Many people across East Sussex have responded with donations, support or by offering to open their homes to refugees. Thank you to everyone who is doing what they can.

Ukrainians have often fled with few possessions. Many will be traumatised by the war. All have been through an ordeal.

All the local authorities in East Sussex, the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and local volunteers, are working together to help welcome and settle Ukrainian refugees as they join our communities.

Our county already has a proud record of helping people forced to flee wars but this is the largest challenge we have had to rise to. Please bear with us as we work together to provide the checks, living arrangements, support and welcome that new arrivals will need.

A welcome guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK has been published by the Government:

• Welcome: a guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK - GOV.UK

Homes for Ukraine

If you can offer a home, or spare room for at least six months, to people fleeing Ukraine, you can become a ‘sponsor’ through the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.

We’re beginning to contact everyone in East Sussex who has been matched with Ukrainian guests. If you have registered for the scheme but not yet been matched, please do not contact us but await more information.

We’ll keep these pages updated with news and information.

If you have a Ukrainian family member fleeing the country, you don’t need to register as a sponsor. They should instead apply for the Ukraine Family Scheme visa.

See also: Ukraine Family Scheme - more information.

Other ways to help

Donations

We know many people in East Sussex want to help Ukraine and its people. Cash donations are the fastest way to help: Red Cross - Why cash donations are better than goods

These national organisations will welcome donations:

• Disasters Emergency Committee (dec.org.uk)
• British Red Cross
• Unicef
• International Rescue Committee

Give local support

Refugee Buddy Project - become a friend and support a newly arrived person seeking refuge.

The Links Project - Hastings Voluntary Action offers support and advice to asylum seekers, refugees and migrant communities.

Sussex Aid for Refugees - Facebook collects donations for children and vulnerable adults and works with aid convoys.

The Lewes Organisation in support of refugees and asylum seekers (LOSRAS) - promoting the welfare of refugees & asylum seekers in and beyond Lewes District.

Sanctuary Café, Eastbourne - supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Eastbourne.

NetworX – Eastbourne are available to welcome and befriend refugees and immigrants to Eastbourne. Part of the Eastbourne Christian Agencies Network.

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

Diversion via -C402 Hurstwood Road – U7503 Burnt Oak Road – U7861 Tibbs Mill Lane 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:

Chevron Traffic Management (on behalf of UKPN) on 01844 354666

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

Diversion via: - U7505 Limes Lane – U7864 Nan Tucks Lane – U7403 Etchingwood Lane 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

A unique draft 25-Year Environment Plan written by South East Water now needs feedback from local residents on its strengths and weaknesses before it is published.

South East Water is the first UK water company to produce such a plan, following an intensive period working with its customers, employees and other environmental organisations to shape it. The appeal for feedback from local communities is the final stage before it is published in summer-2022.

Not only does the plan set out how the company will limit its own impact on the environment, but more importantly, how it will improve the overall health of the environment and increase its resilience to the effects of drought, flooding and growing demand for tap water.

Supplying drinking water to 2.2 million customers across the south east, the company maintains 83 water treatment works and 9,000 miles of underground pipes, as well as 33 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, two local nature reserves, Lullington Heath National Nature Reserve and numerous Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The water supplier also works with farmers, landowners and other water users to protect the quality and quantity of the rivers and underground aquifers which are used to produce an average of 520 million litres of tap water each day.

The company is now looking to expand the work of its in-house team of environmental experts to work with other local companies and individuals to improve the environment within a generation.

The consultation runs from 1 to 30 April. Read the plan and have your say on South East Water's website - southeastwater.co.uk/25YP.

The Street Learning partnership returns from April – July 2022. The project offers young adults aged 19 and above, free courses to help develop new skills, enhance existing ones and expand on their education.

A range of practical courses like cooking, upcycling and wreath making are available as well as courses to help develop desirable employment skills and improve mental health and wellbeing.

The courses are provided in local community venues including, East Sussex College in Eastbourne, Uckfield College, Uckfield Civic Centre and many of the courses will be held online.

Residents who have previously attended Street Learning have grown self-esteem and self-confidence, formed friendships and achieved new life experiences.

Councillor Roy Galley, Wealden council’s cabinet member with responsibility for employment opportunities, said, “Street Learning offers new opportunities and education to residents within Wealden and Eastbourne. It will help them to gain greater self-confidence, develop skills and increase job opportunities.

“There are different courses and workshops available. It is a great service that we are able to offer to encourage young people to have fun while they learn.”

Street Learning is a project run by Wealden District Council, in partnership with ACRES, East Sussex College, Sussex Community Development Association, East Sussex County Council Library, Job Centre Plus, GRH Training, Compass Community Arts and Sussex Recovery College.

Visitwww.wealden.gov.uk/streetlearning, @StreetLearning.Wealden on Facebook, or email streetlearning@wealden.gov.ukfor more information and feedback left by others who have taken courses. New courses are being added online on a regular basis.

For further information please contact:

A date for your diary!

On Saturday 26th March at 2.30 pm the Buxted Symphony Orchestra will be giving its first concert for over two years in St. Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted Park.

Tickets will be on sale at the door - only £10 for adults, with free entry for students and under 18s. Alternatively, you can purchase your tickets in advance by emailing Jane Springate at janespringate1@gmail.com

There will be an interval during which tea/coffee and cakes will be served.

The programme consists of Butterworth’s “Banks of Green Willow”, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 (performed by the BSO’s talented conductor, Julian Broughton) and Haydn’s “Clock” Symphony No. 101.

Please come along and support your local orchestra - a full house would be a marvellous way of celebrating the long-awaited opportunity to perform live music once again!

Anyone who wants to find out what an exciting and challenging career with Sussex Police is like will have the opportunity to call on the expertise of real life police officers.

People interested in a career in policing will be able to speak with the officers and the recruitment team on Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13, and from Saturday, March 19 to Sunday, March 20 in Langley Parade, Langley Green, Crawley.

Officers and the recruitment team will be there to answer questions about joining the force between 12 noon – 7.30pm on Saturday and 10am – 4pm on Sunday.

The force is welcoming applications as of Thursday (March 10) and will remain open until March 31, 2022 (Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship) and March 17, for Degree Holder Entry Programmes.

During this round of recruitment, applications will be sought for cohorts to join the force via the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), the Degree Entry Holder Programme (DHEP) or to become a detective.

Sussex Police are particularly keen to attract a greater diversity and representation within the force and will commence some face-to-face activity in Crawley to coincide with the window opening. Pursuing a career as a police officer provides a wide range of policing including safeguarding, community engagement, investigations and anti-terrorism.

With this vast range of career opportunities to explore and the rewarding challenges policing Sussex brings each day, police leaders are urging people from communities across Sussex and further afield to consider a career dedicated to making a difference to communities in the force area.

Recruitment will close on as above and it is expected there will be a high volume of applications. Therefore apply now and help make a real difference to your community. See here for more information and details on how to apply.

Keep up to date by looking at our Facebook for more information on different groups and services available to residents

Dementia Forum Dates:

• Hailsham Dementia Forum: Thursday 21^st April, 10am – venue to be confirmed
• Polegate and Willingdon Dementia Forum: Friday 29^th April 2022 – 10am – venue to be confirmed
• Crowborough Dementia Forum: Friday 6^th May , 10am - Oasis Community Church, Crowborough
• Wealden Dementia Action Alliance Meeting: Thursday 7^thJuly, 10am, Oasis Community Church, Crowborough
• Uckfield Dementia Forum: TBC

Please let us know if you would like to attend any of the above forum’s so we have an idea of numbers for each meeting, we look forward to seeing many of you at the meetings

Events:

Community Cafes:

Crowborough Community Café: Last Thursday of the month – 2-4pm at Oasis Community Church – 31^st March 2022

Polegate Community Café: First Thursday of the month – 2-4pm at Polegate Community – 7^th April 2022

Hailsham Community Café: Second Thursday of the month – 2-4pm at St Wilfrid’s Church – 14^th April 2022

If you would like any leaflets please do let us know and we can get some in the post to you as soon as they are printed. If you are part of the forums and would like to volunteer some time to help at the cafes please do let us know. They are lovely afternoons and a great chance to have a chat as well with our lovely residents.

National Dementia Action week booklet: This year the national dementia action week is during the 16^th – 22^nd May 2022

We will be putting together our booklet which will highlight any activity or group that is taking place during the week. Also a chance to advertise your service, please see attached the size of the advert. If you would like to be part of the booklet, we have attached the form for you to complete. Please send this back to us by Friday 25^th March. Any questions please contact us.

Dementia & Alzheimer's Support | Dementia Awareness - 3NDWG (3ndementiawg.org) – A group of people diagnosed with dementia from across the country who want to make a difference whilst they can. Support groups and webinars available to join in.

Music for the memory newsletter – See attached

Bluebell Walks – Leaflet attached with the opening dates for the spring

TODAY New Dementia Café, Withyham: New dementia café in Withyham, starting on Friday 11^th March at Kings’ Hall Withyham, 2nd Friday of the Month. Between 10:30 - 12:00. Please contact Julie Ruse if you would like to attend on 07584 013763.

Pine Grove Pictures – Golden Oldies!:The next film is on Tuesday 29 March, 1.45pm Easter Parade will be shown. A free afternoon of a classic film and refreshments. Kindly hosted by Pine Grove Pictures

Care for the Carers Conference: Join the Carers Voices Conference Week this March | Care For The Carers (cftc.org.uk)

Carers Group in Uckfield –Do you look after someone who couldn’t manage without your help. Come along and meet with other carers and share experiences. 4^th Tuesday of each month 1pm – 3pm. Victoria Pavilion Support Centre. You can bring the person you care for along to enjoy activities provided by the Sussex Support Service team while you take part in the group. Booking essential, call care for the carers on 01323 738390.

Eastbourne Dementia Peer Support Group, DEEP group: Langney, 1^st Friday of every month 2pm till 3.30pm – see leaflet attached for more information and how to join

Care for the Carers Making Memories: For people with dementia and their carers. Places can be booked by contacting Care for the Carers on 01323 738390 or info@cftc.org.uk. Care for the Carers Making Memories groups are now being held monthly at rotating venues: Diplocks Hall, Hailsham –28^th April, St James Trust Community Centre, Seaford – 12^th May, St Michaels and All Angels Community Hall, Bexhill – 16^th March and 15^th June

Saturday Social –Every Saturday at Victoria Pavilion in Uckfield. 2-4pm for some lovely refreshments and fun activities. Everybody welcome! (see Facebook post for more information)

Sporting Memories: Every Wednesday at Polegate Community Centre, 10-11.30am, please contact Emma Brooke –emma.brooke@sussexcricket.co.uk

Sussex Cricket Foundation are launching a new virtual Sporting Memories Club in 2022. As with our face to face clubs, the virtual option is open to anyone over the age of 50 who loves to reminisce about both playing and/or watching sport. This is the perfect option for those that would love to get involved but are unable to make it to in-person sessions. Sporting Memories via Zoom will take place every Friday morning 10-11am. For more information and the link to join please contact Emma Brooke –emma.brooke@sussexcricket.co.uk. We look forward to hearing all about YOUR sporting memories!

DISC presents Sing and Social: 3^rd Friday of the month 1030am till 1230pm @ The Robsack Centre TN38 9TW. Call May on 07874864898 or more information

Rotherfield: We’ll be having our next dementia friendly service at St Denys’ Church, Rotherfield on 16^th March at 2.30pm. A simple service of well favourite old hymns, prayers and a short thought for the day and as ever there will be refreshments afterwards to enjoy. Best wishes, Sandi, Revd Sandi Wickens Curate, St Denys’, Rotherfield with St Mark’s, Mark Cross, Telephone 07395 106514

Cuckoo Choir: We are the Cuckoo Choir and we have our own singing group to help us beat Parkinson’s! We meet every Monday morning between 11am and 1pm, at Diplocks Hall in Hailsham. If you’re living with Parkinson’s, or living with someone who is, do come and join us. You’ll find us a friendly bunch, and you don’t need to have any previous experience of singing in a choir. For more details, contact Debra Skeen (choir leader) at enquiries@debraskeen.co.uk or on 07710 548724 ( you can leave a message here, see attached the leaflet)

Know Dementia Community Moments cafes: Know Dementia’s cafes across East Sussex -Know Dementia Activities/Clubs our "Moments". Please ring to book your place as they are monitoring how many people attend. Tel. 01273 494300

Know Dementia Sporting Moments– Activities for families affected by dementia. Every Thursday, 10am-12:30pm at Victoria Pavilion Support Centre.

Online weekly peer support groups: Dementia Advocacy are supporting people nationally, providing a space for people with dementia to come together on a weekly basis using zoom to connect, to chat, laugh and cry together, providing essential peer support and advice using their valuable lived experience. To find out more please use this link or contact Aimee directly. Also if you are interested in setting up your own online support groups please contact Aimee and she is more than happy to give you some advice and guidance About Me | ADadvocacy dementia consultancy (dementiaadvocacy.co.uk)

Ivy House: Our Free Saturday Dementia Support Group, FREE Sing & Swing Every Friday 2.30pm – 3.30pm With refreshments. The Ivy Dementia Centre is now open at our new location, Gardner Street, Herstmonceux BN27 4RS – Monday – Friday 8.30am – 6.00pm. Ivy is an inclusive, social, holistic, activity led centre, providing dedicated dementia support. Please call 01323 431 801 for further information and to book your free taster day: April 2^nd

May 7^th and June 4^th . New Mothering Sunday lunch 27^th March – See leaflet attached for more information

Further Information:

Wealden statistics: Please click on the link for recent statistics on the number of people living with dementia in Wealden -Dementia Cases - LGInform

Association of Carers – Have a number of Android Tablets that we are able to loan out to carers who are waiting for, or are receiving one of our services. They loan these out for a period of six months and they come with a handbook and support from one of our volunteers if needed. Once the six months is up they can support carers to purchase their own tablet privately of support them to see if they are eligible for a Carers Personal Budget to purchase one.www.associationofcarers.org.uk |maggie@associationofcarers.org.uk.

Care for the Carers news:

Dates for your diary 2022:

· Young Carers Action Day – Wednesday, 16th March

· Carers Week – Monday 6th – Sunday, 12th June

· Carers Rights Day – Thursday, 25th November

Please check our website for information and resources. These will be available nearer the time of the campaigns: https://www.cftc.org.uk/ Staying informed with all things carer related: Please remember to look out for our monthly E-Newsletter. It is full of up to date carer related information. https://www.cftc.org.uk/resources-for-carers/information-for-carers/carer-enewsletter/

Dementia Dictionary: The Alzheimer’s Show are proud to support the Dementia Dictionary, a new free service helping to create an understanding of the Language of Dementia. In most forms of dementia the ability to speak normally will be impaired and therefore the brain will find new ways to communicate via actions, noises, behaviours and body language, this is called the Language of Dementia. The Dementia Dictionary “a freely available service” allows us to translate these into a recognised language. Read more here or visit www.dementiadictionary.com for more information and find out how to help.

Alzheimer’s Society Stats on East Sussex:https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2019-07/ldp_east_sussex.pdf This is a great report giving you statistics for East Sussex

Driving Miss Daisy Eastbourne provides a Driving and Companion Transportation Service like no other, with door to door collection, care, support, and at your own pace with our trained, qualified and licenced staff. We are bridging the gap between taxis, public transport, and other voluntary agencies. Our aim is not only to drive you to your destination and back home again but accompanied trips whilst on your visit. Whether it's a trip to the hairdressers, an assisted shopping trip, a hospital appointment where we accompany you to the department and wait while you consult with the practitioner or attend the appointment with you, a trip to the seaside, airport, local garden centre, the school run, visiting friends and family, and many more, we can help! For more information, please see attached the leaflet.

Helpful information from the Alzheimer’s Society:

• Dementia Connect Support Line 0333 150 3456
• Talking Point – An online forum for people affected by dementia
• The Dementia Guide in other languages:https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/publications-about-dementia/the-dementia-guide-other-languages
• Information on looking after yourself as a carer. Available in both written and audio formats.
• Dementia guide has been released:the_dementia_guide_872.pdf (alzheimers.org.uk)

Wealden Dementia Action Alliance Charter:Please sign up to our charter to have your amazing work recognised within Wealden and show how we are all working in partnership to make Wealden a dementia friendly place to live.

Alzheimer’s Society Directory:Make sure your group’s and activities are listed on the Alzheimer’s society’s directory for the Dementia Connect service:https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/find-support-near-you/dementia-directory

If you have any information you’d like to share with this database, please send it to us. We would like to share as much local information to you all as possible. If you have any virtual groups, news, information pop it over to us and we can put it onto this email to share out.

Thank you for taking the time to read through the above information.

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:

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

Council Tax rebate available for thousands of Wealden residents

Thousands of households across Wealden are set to receive a £150 Council Tax rebate to help with rising energy costs.

Residents living in Council Tax bands A-D – excluding second or empty properties - will be eligible for the rebate, announced by the government last month.

Guidelines on how rebates will be paid to households have been released. The quickest way to receive the rebate is to sign up to Direct Debit payments.

There will be only one payment per household regardless of the number of occupants and will be paid once verification has been completed which is likely to be in May or June 2022.

Wealden District Council will be working as quickly as possible to make payments and is urging occupants to set up a direct debit to speed up the process.

All rebates will be awarded after April’s Council Tax has been collected and cleared and all eligibility criteria has been met.

Residents not currently paying via Direct Debit can set one up, or if Direct Debit isn’t a chosen method, payment will still be given but bank details will need to be provided. Any rebate given will not need to be repaid.

A discretionary scheme is being considered for homes in bands E-H and the government is expected to release more details in the coming weeks.

Councillor Ray Cade, Wealden council’s Housing and Benefits portfolio holder, said, “We are pleased to be able to give so many households within the area a rebate to try and help alleviate financial pressures that many households have felt over the winter period with the rise in energy costs.

“We are also hoping to help occupants in bands E-H with a discretionary rebate and this is currently being considered.”

The government announced the Council Tax rebate scheme earlier this year in a bid to help homeowners with the cost of living as energy prices have increased dramatically.

To set up your direct debit for the Council Tax rebate and for more information, please visithttps://www.wealden.gov.uk/council-tax/

Town and Country Planning Act 1990 Appeal by Silverleaf Group (the Appellant)

Site: LAND WEST OF FIVE ASH DOWN ROAD, COOPERS GREEN Proposal: OUTLINE PLANNING APPLICATION (ALL MATTERS RESERVED EXCEPT FOR MEANS OF ACCESS) FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF LAND FOR UP TO 35 RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS.

Planning Inspectorate Ref: APP/C1435/W/21/3283533 On 1 April 2021 the Council refused to grant the necessary permission for the above site, and the reasons for refusal can be viewed on the Council’s website at www.planning.wealden.gov.uk. The Planning Inspectorate has received notice of a planning appeal against this decision.

The Secretary of State considers that the written representations procedure be followed for this appeal. This procedure requires that those owners and occupiers of properties near the site and those who expressed a view at application stage be informed of the appeal and be given the opportunity to submit further views in writing. Please Note: Any views received in writing by the Council at the application stage will have been forwarded to The Planning Inspectorate, for the Inspector’s attention.

The Planning Inspectorate have introduced an on-line appeals service which you can use to comment on this appeal. This service can be found through the Appeals Casework Service website (https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk). The Inspectorate may publish details of your comments on the internet. As your comments may include personal information (eg. name, address, etc.), please ensure that you only provide information that you are happy will be made available to others in this way. If you supply information belonging to a third party please ensure you have their permission to do so. More detailed information about data protection and privacy matters is available on the Planning Portal.

Alternatively, representations can be made in writing (please enclose THREE copies of your representations) and sent direct to The Planning Inspectorate at the address overleaf, quoting APP/C1435/W/21/3283533. The Planning Inspectorate will not acknowledge your letter.

The Planning Inspectorate Room:

3C, Temple Quay House 2 The Square, Temple Quay BRISTOL, BS1 6PN E-mail: east1@planninginspectorate.gov.uk

Please ensure that any representations which you wish to make on this appeal are submitted to The Planning Inspectorate by 8 April 2022, otherwise they will not be considered and will be returned to you. You should note that for your views to be considered they must be made available to the Appellant, the District Council and the Secretary of State or his/her Inspector, accordingly such arrangements will be made. 

 Details of the planning application and appeal can be viewed on-line on the Council’s website: www.planning.wealden.gov.uk. An electronic copy can also be viewed (on the Internet) at the Council Offices in Vicarage Lane, Hailsham, BN27 2AX by prior arrangement by telephoning 01892 602510. 

Should you wish to know the decision on this planning appeal, then you are advised to register to receive email updates, which can be done online at www.planning.wealden.gov.uk and quoting WD/2020/1088/MAO. Registration for updates is free, though an active e-mail account will be required. 

Further information and advice is contained within an electronic booklet, "Guide to taking part in planning appeal proceeding by written representations - England" through the following link to the Planning Portal website:- https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/83205 6/taking-part_planning-written_Sept_2019.pdf 

Residents and visitors are being encouraged to discover the captivating and diverse landscape of Wealden along with some untold hidden gems just waiting to be found.

Set yourself free amongst breath-taking and varied landscapes, ancient woodland and stunning heathland as Wealden is protected by the South Downs National Park and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The call to get out, discover the great outdoors and explore Wealden has been given a boost by the recently updated Wealden Walks collection which now includes more than 20 walks and incorporate a range of pubs, cafes and restaurants, for when you fancy a break.

Whether you want to visit the ‘enigmatic Long Man’, the remains of a Norman castle in ‘The Defence of the Realm’ or the Medway Valley in ‘Mansions and Park’, there’s a walk for everyone.

Wealden council’s portfolio holder Roy Galley said, "Here in Wealden we have some wonderful walks ranging from scenic rambles to challenging hikes. We are promoting 20 specific walks varying from 4 miles to 12 miles in length all aimed at understanding Wealden's natural and historic landscapes.

“The walks take in woodlands, the South Downs National Park and many hidden gems. They are designed to be suitable for young and old. We all know the health benefits of the great outdoors and we are lucky to have so many fantastic walks on our doorstep. Let us all put our best foot forward and explore the Wealden countryside."

Take a look at the Wealden Walks collection on the Healthy Wealden website:https://www.healthywealden.co.uk/walks/

To find more things to do and places to visit, pubs and restaurants to dine in and places to stay, visit ‘Explore Wealden’ website: http://www.explorewealden.co.uk

For further information:

Please disregard this email if the information does not affect your operating network

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

Diversion via: - U7504 Framfield Road – A272 High Street 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

One Bag – Big Difference: Wealden District Council supports residents pledging to pick one bag of litter for Great British Spring Clean

Wealden council is today encouraging people to pledge to do their bit to clear up the litter that blights the Wealden district during the Great British Spring Clean 2022.

This year’s mass campaign, from 25 March to 10 April, calls on families, neighbours, friends and colleagues to join forces and pledge to pick a bag of litter from nearby streets, beauty spots and beaches in order to protect our vibrant communities and precious wildlife habitats.

In partnership with our waste contractor Biffa, we will support volunteers wanting to participate in the Great British Spring Clean. Together we will provide litter picking equipment and arrange removal of the litter you collect.

If you would like to participate, please email us atspringclean@wealden.gov.uk giving your name, address and the proposed area you would like to litter pick.

Priority for new equipment will be given to any new groups volunteering and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Waste sacks and waste collection services are available to all groups.

The call to action comes as it is revealed that taking eco action in the outdoors appears to be critical to the wellbeing of our communities, with significant benefits to people’s mental health.

In a survey of people who took part in 2021, 86% said volunteering helped improve their mood, up from up 79% in 2020.

Almost everybody surveyed - 98% - agreed the campaign reduced theimpact of litter on wildlife and the natural environment.

As well as polluting our streets, parks and beaches, litter harms wildlife, domestic pets and cattle, and costs the authority tens of thousands of pounds a year to clean up.

The Great British Spring Clean, now in its seventh year, brings together individuals, community organisations, businesses and councils to make a difference to the environment on our doorstep - and the charity is keen to stress litter picking can be accessible to everybody with the right resources.

The charity reports a significant increase in the number of people litter picking in the great outdoors to help their mental wellbeing, following the additional pressures triggered by the pandemic.

Roy Galley, Wealden council’s portfolio holder for recycling, paid tribute to both groups and individuals who go out litter picking and urged others to join them.

He said, “We are lucky enough to have some wonderful people within the community who go out all year round litter picking and achieve fantastic results. They continue to rise to the challenge and we are incredibly grateful for taking their own time, during all weathers to clean up after the careless few.

“It is with their help and dedication that we can keep littering in Wealden under control, protecting our wildlife and environment.

“Litter is a massive problem wherever you look, not just locally, but nationally and internationally too. It’s why we want even more people to take part whether it’s as a group or as an individual to help raise the profile of the issue and to set an example.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said, “In the past two years our outdoor spaces and places have mattered to us more than ever before as more people have embraced them during the pandemic – and with this we know local authorities like Wealden District Council have had an extra battle on their hands to keep them clean and green.

“During this year’s Great British Spring Clean, we are calling on everyone in Wealden’s area to harness the power of collective environmental action by taking on the #BigBagChallenge.Whether it’s pledging to pick just one bag, or more, we can all carry out small acts of kindness - for our planet and for ourselves.”

Pledge to get involved today and support us on social media with the hashtag #GBSpringClean and #BigBagChallenge

For further information contact:

Chris Bone

Waste manager

Wealden District Council

Tel: 01892 602724

Email: Chris.Bone@wealden.gov.uk

Ashdown Forest will introduce car parking payments to maintain and enhance this beautiful landscape 

Payments for parking will be introduced on Ashdown Forest after the Conservators – the organisation created to manage the Forest – approved a proposal that will bring in sustainable revenue and protect the area and its unique landscape. 

A six-week public consultation attracted almost three thousand responses, with 70% agreeing that more funding had to be found and 44% of respondents supporting the introduction of parking payments. 

Chief Executive James Adler said: 

“We realise that a change such as this will not be universally popular, but we have to raise money to care for this precious place. We would like to thank all of those who contributed to the consultation and came to the public meeting. It is vital for the future of Ashdown Forest that our income is sustainable. Paying to park will not be the only source of funding to care for the Forest but it will form the bedrock of our income”. 

The Forest will now carry out a tendering process to finalise how to instal an appropriate system into the car parks. Payments for using the Forest’s car parks are likely to begin in the summer of 2022. 

James added: 

 “As soon as possible we will use the funding that visitors provide to repair the car parks most in need. We will build a rolling programme of repairs both to the car parks but also the access tracks for walkers and horse riders. We hope the changes will make the Forest more accessible. Regular visitors will be able to purchase an annual pass and know that their contribution is preserving the place they enjoy for future generations. 

Ashdown Forest is an absolutely stunning and unique area, loved by many people. It is also the home of Winnie-the-Pooh. We have been explaining that the Forest has been struggling financially even though we welcome more than 1.4 million people every year. Our visitors will now be contributing to the Forest and helping to keep this wonderful place thriving”.

The Ionides Trust would like to host an event to celebrate our illustrious Queen's 70 Jubilee. Would you like to be involved in helping with such a village celebration? Bringing the community together to mark this wonderful occasion whilst raising funds for local groups. If so, please reach out to Cllr Nick Bolton for Cllr Toby Illingworth via the clerk at clerk@buxted-pc.gov.uk marking your email 'Queens Jubilee'. Let us know your ideas and any services/help you could commit. Many thanks.

Biffa Award grants available to Wealden community projects

Groups in Wealden are being invited to apply for new grant funding for local community projects.

The Biffa Award is part of the Landfill Communities Fund and gives grants to projects seeking to improve local communities such as giving children a place to play or creating bio-diverse habitats.

Grants are available for a range of project types including re-building biodiversity, community buildings, recreation projects and partnership projects.

Previously, Biffa Award grants have been used to fund projects that have restored important community buildings and regenerated a new lease of life for them.

The Biffa Award also ensured that Urban Buzz – a partnership project with The Invertebrate Conservation Trust – could spread its actions even further afield to engage 80,000 individuals in efforts to create pollinator-friendly habitats in and around major cities.

Local applicants are advised that there is an exception to Biffa’s published eligibility criteria which requires projects to be within 15 miles of an active landfill site. Because Wealden District Council is a client of Biffa Municipal Ltd – the contractor provides waste and recycling collection services to households across the district – groups applying from Wealden do not need to meet that criteria.

To find out more about the Biffa Award and the projects helped so far, or to check your project’s eligibility for the grant, visit https://www.biffa-award.org/

Cllr Roy Galley, portfolio holder for waste services, said, “I very much welcome the opportunity that this offers local community groups in Wealden. This grant has been used to kick-start some innovative solutions to local issues and our residents now have the opportunity to be a part of this.”

For further information:

Time to nominate Wealden baton bearers as Queen’s Baton Relay is underway

Wealden residents are being asked to nominate baton bearers to carry the Queen’s Baton ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this summer.

The Queen’s Baton is currently on an epic journey having spent Christmas in the Seychelles, New Year in the Maldives and will be in Jamaica for Easter before returning to the UK and spending 25 days covering the length and breadth of England.

While the route has not yet been announced for the English relay, the organisers are encouraging nominations to come forward.

The Baton Relay is a Games tradition that builds anticipation by celebrating, connecting, and exciting communities across the Commonwealth and shining a light on untold stories and local heroes from the places it visits.

Wealden District Council is encouraging you to nominate those who are always willing to take on a challenge; have a unique and inspiring story to tell; have made a meaningful contribution to sport, education, culture or charity; positively challenge others to achieve their best or have taken on a challenge or cause to positively impact their local community

Nominations can be made by visiting the Birmingham 2022 website and submitting 100 words or less on how the nominee is making a difference in their community. Visit

https://www.birmingham2022.com/queens-baton-relay/batonbearer-nominations/

Nominations close in February 2022 and baton bearers will be selected in April 2022.

Wealden District Council leader Bob Standley said, “I know there are many unsung heroes throughout Wealden with inspiring stories to tell and this is an exciting opportunity to share those with the community as a whole.”

For further information:

THE IONIDES TRUST AGM MEETING

(Basil Ionides Memorial Trust)

(Charity No 305192)

Parish Council as Managing Trustee

Tuesday 8^th February after Parish Council Meeting

At St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Road, Buxted

-------------------------------------------------------------

Clubs/Societies/Surgery representatives that use the land and any members of the public are invited to attend the meeting to share ideas

Agenda

1. Apologies for absence

2. Annual Report (Chair of Parish Council)

3. Financial Report (Responsible Finance officer Buxted Parish Council)

Charity Commission return and audit – to note submissions/outcome of audit.

4. Discussion of future work

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

Royal Oak Lane 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:

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

Members of the public are welcome to join the meeting (please arrive no later than 1.45pm) and note space is limited to 250 attendees.

Many of us want to kick-start 2022 with some healthy New Year’s resolutions. But where do you start and how do you keep them going for good?

Residents can visit the One You East Sussex team - and bus - on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 January, anytime between 10am – 3pm at Vicarage Lane Car Park, by Freedom Leisure, Hailsham, to find out about your local health services and information.

Whether you’d like to find out more about eating well, moving more, or about local services to help you lose weight or to quit smoking, One You East Sussex will be able to support you through your journey into becoming a healthier you.

For further information on healthy changes and local services, go to https://oneyoueastsussex.org.uk/

For further information:

NOTICE OF VACANCY

IN OFFICE OF COUNCILLOR

PARISH OF BUXTED (HIGH HURSTWOOD) PARISH WARD

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that due to the resignation of Morna Cox, a vacancy has arisen in the Office of Councillor for the Parish Council.

If by 8 February, 2022 (14* days after the date of this notice) a request for an election to fill said vacancy is made in writing to the Returning Officer at the address below by TEN electors for the said Buxted (High Hurstwood) Parish Ward, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy, otherwise the vacancy will be filled by co-option.

If an election is called, it will take place not later than 13 April, 2022.

Dated 19 January, 2022

Trevor Scott

Returning Officer

The Elections Office

Wealden District Council

Vicarage Lane

Hailsham

East Sussex

BN27 2AX

* In computing any period of time for this purpose, a Saturday, Sunday, day of the Christmas break, of the Easter break or of a bank holiday or day appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning must be disregarded.

"The Christmas break" means the period beginning with the last week day before Christmas Eve and ending the with the first week day after Christmas Day which is not a bank holiday, the "Easter break" means the period beginning with the Thursday before and ending with the Tuesday after Easter Day, and "a bank holiday break" means any bank holiday not included in the Christmas break or the Easter break and the period beginning with the last week day before that bank holiday and ending with the next week day which is not a bank holiday.

From managing stress and anxiety to maths, easy-hand sewing to get ready for work, and afternoon tea baking to practical money management, Street Learning free courses return this January for Wealden and Eastbourne residents.

Street Learning is a partnership project providing access to a range of free courses designed to help residents develop new skills and enhance existing ones.

The aim is to reduce social, digital and financial exclusion and improve access to training.

Street Learning courses are provided in venues in the local community including East Sussex College in Eastbourne, Hailsham East’s Children Centre, Willingdon Trees Community Centre and many of the courses will be held online.

They are completely free of charge and are available to all Wealden and Eastbourne residents – aged 19 years and over.

There are practical courses like family cooking and sewing, arts and crafts courses to help with wellbeing and those that will help parents connect with their child through maths as well as those designed to help with career progression.

Wealden District Council leader Bob Standley said, “Learning is fundamental for economic prosperity, social well-being and personal fulfilment.

“Through learning, whatever the subject, we can gain greater confidence in our own abilities. And be better prepared to help those around us.

“These courses are very relevant to increasing self-confidence and helping with job opportunities. And for some, the opportunity to learn from the comfort of their own home may provide an additional incentive.”

Street Learning is a project run by Wealden District Council, in partnership with ACRES, East Sussex College, Sussex Community Development Association, East Sussex County Council Library, Job Centre Plus, GRH Training, Compass Community Arts and Sussex Recovery College.

Visit www.wealden.gov.uk/streetlearning or email streetlearning@wealden.gov.uk

New courses are being added online on a regular basis.

For further information:

This coming Monday, 17 January – the third Monday in January - is traditionally known as Blue Monday and this year Wealden District Council is supporting the Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign to raise awareness of the positive things people can do to support their emotional health.

The council is encouraging people to get together over a virtual or in person ‘cuppa’, on the day that is thought to be the most depressing day of the year.

Blue Monday is rumoured to have got its name owing to the combination of post-Christmas blues, cold weather, dark nights and the arrival of the month’s bills. Others claim it was a stunt by a travel company to encourage people to look ahead and book a holiday.

Whatever its origins, the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic means that again this year, Blue Monday could be seen as bluer than usual. Additionally, people may find that Monday is blue because they are frustrated or lonely or are worried about their health, finances and other aspect of their lives.

Now more than ever, sharing a ‘cuppa’ is more than a drink – it’s about making contact, checking in and staying connected.

The council is asking everyone to join them this ‘Brew Monday’ by reaching out to someone for a virtual ‘cuppa’ and a chat.

It doesn’t have to be a Monday or a cup of tea, just taking time to really listen to another person could help them work through what’s on their mind.

Wealden District Council chairman Ron Reed said, “This is such a simple idea that could make a real difference, at a time when we all need a lift. It has been such a difficult time lately and I know many people are feeling anxious about what is happening in the world.

“I will be contacting people for a virtual ‘cuppa’ and a chat – I know it will do me good and them. I do hope everyone will spare a little time on Monday to pass this goodwill on.”

Samaritans branches across the UK and Ireland are hosting their own virtual Brew Monday events to help people learn how to be better listeners.

For more information on Samaritans Brew Monday visit https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/brew-monday/. You could make a donation while you’re there, which could help save a life.

If you are feeling anxious or depressed, CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably -offers a confidential listening service which provides a safe place to talk if you, or someone you know, is in distress. They can also give basic information about mental health and local support services. Visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/

Every Mind Matters also has a practical and easy to use guide, including a Mind quiz to help people make a Mind Plan: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/ and a wealth of resources to help with anxiety and mental wellbeing can be found at https://www.mind.org.uk/

For further information:

Applications from businesses that are eligible for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant are now being accepted by Wealden District Council.

The latest government scheme was announced on 21 December 2021 in recognition of the rise in the Omicron variant of Coronavirus and the subsequent impact it had and continues to have on those sectors.

The Omicron Hospitality & Leisure Grant is designed to support businesses that offer in-person services, where the main service and activity takes place in a fixed Business Rated premises, within the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors.

You can apply for the grant by visiting https://wealden.grantapproval.co.uk/

Applications close at midnight on 14 February 2022.

In addition to this grant, Wealden will be introducing a number of Discretionary Grant Schemes over the coming weeks to support other business sectors. Funds for these schemes are limited and at the discretion of the authority.

The council is also accepting applications for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant Top-up – an additional grant for those businesses eligible for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant.

As this is a discretionary fund, eligible businesses are required to make a separate application to the OHLG. Applications can be made through the same portal https://wealden.grantapproval.co.uk/

Applications for the top-up close at midnight on 14 February 2022

There is also a discretionary Personal Care Grant available for businesses which deliver personal care services, such as hairdressing or beauty therapies which have a rates liability and operate from that business premises.

You can apply for the grant by visiting https://wealden.grantapproval.co.uk/

Applications for the Personal Care Grant close at midnight on 31 January 2022.

For more information on the available grants and the eligibility for each of them, visit: Advice, support and information for businesses – Wealden District Council

For further information:

Due to the success of previous sessions, West Sussex County Council are running more Safe Against Scams webinars. Please share the information about these sessions with your friends and family so we can prevent as many people as possible from becoming a victim of fraud.

For support with accessing the webinars from your own device, or for the opportunity to view the webinars on a library iPad at your local library – call for support or register your interest by contacting the Remote Digital Support Service on 03302 223455.

More than ever before, we have been relying on technology to enable us to work, learn and connect with each other. Inevitably, criminals have exploited and used our increased digital lives to their advantage. The pandemic has seen a rise in scams including telephone, courier and romance fraud which have all become an increased concern in West Sussex. Not only is there the financial impact on victims but the emotional impact can be even more significant.

To help raise awareness of these different types of scams, how to spot them, and what to do if you or your family become a victim, the West Sussex Community Safety & Wellbeing Team, alongside Trading Standards, are running free monthly scams awareness webinars for you to attend.

Thursday 27 January 2022: 10:00 – 11:30am Book here
Tuesday 15 February 2022: 1:00 – 2:30pm Book here
Monday 7 March 2022: 10:00 – 11:30am Book here

Please note that WSCC have received some reports of difficulty booking via Internet Explorer. Please use another browser or contact WSCC at CommunitySafety.Wellbeing@westsussex.gov.uk to reserve a place.

Police plan extra support for domestic abuse victims over holiday period

Sussex Police are launching a scheme to bring extra reassurance to victims of domestic abuse during the Christmas and New Year period.

In the week leading up to Christmas a number of known high risk perpetrators of domestic abuse will be receiving visits from police to remind them of the consequences of their conduct and that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

The scheme will also see officers visiting a number of people assessed as at high risk of becoming victims of further offending.

Operation Hope is part of the policing response for what can be a particularly tough time of year for those in controlling and abusive relationships.

Police officers, working with Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs), will visit the victims to assess their current risk, help ensure they have safety plans in place, and encourage them to engage with specialist support services if they have not already done so.

Other officers will visit the selected perpetrators and, as well as reminding them about their conduct, will encourage them to engage with one of the programmes available in Sussex that will enable them to examine and reconsider their own behaviour and life-style.

The victims and perpetrators being visited have been selected by specialist police officers, in consultation with domestic abuse partners including Worth Services, Change Grow Live (CGL), Victim Support and local authorities, through the local Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs), identifying those considered to be highest risk.

Detective Superintendent Miles Ockwell of the force's Public Protection Command said;

"Existing tensions can sometimes be made worse at this time of year, due to excessive alcohol, increased family tensions and financial pressures, and currently Covid restrictions, but we need to be clear, these pressures do not excuse domestic abuse.

"Only abusers are responsible for their actions and we will hold them to account in order to reduce violence against women and girls. Domestic abuse can have a devastating impact on the whole family”

"Operation Hope is a well-planned multi-agency initiative aimed at supporting known victims of domestic abuse at times of increased risk and holding perpetrators accountable.

"Initially launched in Brighton and Hove in 2020, Operation Hope has now been deployed several times during the pandemic across the whole of Sussex”

"We will carry out follow-up assessments, working with partners, to see if the victims were further offended against, and if the perpetrators persisted in their conduct."

Meanwhile police continue to remind all victims - at home shouldn’t mean at risk of domestic abuse - #youarenotalone.

If you are controlled or physically, sexually, economically or emotionally abused by a partner, ex-partner or family member, this is Domestic Abuse. Contact us at sussex.police.uk or find support at safespacesussex.org.uk.

In an emergency always dial 999.

The Operation Hope initiative is just one of several undertaken by Sussex Police to combat domestic abuse. Work throughout the year includes:

- A multi-agency domestic abuse perpetrator project, focusing on the highest harm, most actively dangerous perpetrators, to reduce harm and repeat victimisation and offending:

- A dedicated team of domestic abuse investigators who can respond to victims via video calls, providing a quick, efficient and discreet response:

- Specially dedicated patrol units responding to emergency calls reporting domestic abuse.

The force has also launched a unique online survey herewhich runs until 7 January, seeking the views of people across the county on the experience of women and girls as victims of harassment, sexual and violent crime.

Whilst the survey focuses on incidents that have taken place in public, there is also an opportunity to share experiences of different locations including behaviour you have experienced online and in your home. The results of this survey, together with feedback from focus groups being conducted around the county, will be used to further improve what police do to making Sussex safer.

Help us keep Sussex safe

If you see or hear anything, or have any information about any incident we need to know about, please contact us online, or call 101.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

You can also visit our website at www.sussex.police.uk where you can find our easy to use online forms to report all non-emergencies to us.

You can also find police advice to keep you safe and help you understand the law, and also browse our crime prevention pages for first-hand knowledge, industry best practices and practical crime prevention advice from officers and specialist teams all across the police.

Have you ever had a policing question that doesn't actually require direct police involvement to answer?

Ask the Police is a great online source of information for the most frequently asked policing questions, visit www.askthe.police.uk/ for more information.

Dear Stakeholder,

Work on major £160m upgrade continues over Christmas, to deliver improved reliability for passengers on the Victoria-Croydon line through South London

Network Rail engineers will be working through the entire festive period to bring greater reliability to passengers on the busy London Victoria to East Croydon route.

The ongoing project to replace worn-out 1970s signalling on the lines from London Victoria as far as Balham and Streatham Hill will see over 90 new signals erected, new points put in place, new train detection equipment installed along with upgraded power supplies and control moved to a state-of-the art control centre at Three Bridges.

A major part of this work will take place from Saturday 25 December to Monday 3 January 2022, when no trains will run between East Croydon and London Victoria, with most trains diverted to London Bridge.

How will this affect my journey?

Most trains will be diverted to London Bridge, and limited rail replacement bus services will run between East Croydon or Balham and Clapham Junction for local journeys.

To help you with your journey, tickets will be accepted on the following routes:

• South Western Railway between Clapham Junction / Vauxhall and London Waterloo London
• Buses between: London Victoria and Clapham Junction Balham and Streatham Hill
• Tube services between: London Victoria and Balham / Clapham Junction / Vauxhall / London Bridge / Euston London Bridge and Canada Water
• London Overground between Canada Water and Clapham Junction / Crystal Palace / West Croydon and between Clapham Junction and Watford Junction via Willesden Junction
• London Northwestern Railway between London Euston and Watford Junction / Milton Keynes Central.

Please follow the latest Government advice and always check every journey before you travel at National Rail or the Southern Railway website.

For more information on the Victoria re-signalling project go to networkrail.co.uk/VictoriaResignalling

Three Bridges to Brighton and Lewes closure, Saturday 19 to Sunday 27 February 2022

We would also like to take the opportunity to remind passengers that later in the New Year, from Saturday 19 to Sunday 27 February 2022, Copyhold junction (near Haywards Heath) will be rebuilt with new track and points, and new track will be laid at Burgess Hill. The railway between Three Bridges, Brighton and Lewes will close for these 9 days, with supporting weekend work before and after the main closure. In total, over 1,000 metres of track, 7,000 tonnes of ballast and eight sets of points will be replaced with new, more reliable equipment.

On theses dates, buses will replace trains between Three Bridges, Brighton and Lewes. Find out more at networkrail.co.uk/BrightonMainLine2022

If you have any questions, please do get in contact with us at southernregionstakeholders@networkrail.co.uk.

Kind Regards and Merry Christmas!

Network Rail Southern

Brighton Mainline Improvement Project 2022 - Passenger Survey

Nine-day closure between Three Bridges, Brighton and Lewes from Saturday 19 to Sunday 27 February 2022

Dear Passenger,

For nine days in February 2022, from Saturday 19 to Sunday 27, and several weekends before and after the main closures, Network Rail engineers will rebuild a key junction near Haywards Heath, replace track at Burgess Hill and build a new underpass at Hassocks.

This major project will deliver long-term reliability improvements for passengers who use the Brighton Main Line while improvements to line speed following the work will support service recovery when delays do occur.

Please take a few minutes to complete a short survey to help inform our planning ahead of the closure:

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY

We're working closely with our colleagues at Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) to plan alternative travel arrangements for passengers when lines are closed, which will be similar to the February 2019 Three Bridges to Brighton closure, including replacement buses and ticket acceptance on open routes.

Results from the survey will help us plan alternative travel options for passengers.

All responses provided will be used only for the Three Bridges to Brighton improvement project and in accordance with our privacy notice.

You can find out more about the project at networkrail.co.uk/BrightonLine2022

Thank you for your participation!

Network Rail Southern

We have received the following information from the Tree Health Officer at ESCC Highways:

We are currently undertaking a network survey of all the U roads in the county. You may therefore notice some spray painted dots on trees in you parish, the colour of the dots do not denote anything different, it simply depends on what colour is in stock. The dots signify that a safety defect has been spotted and that remedial works have been recommended for the tree. This maybe that the entire tree requires felling, having dead wood removed or could be simply to monitor the tree further. Both private and ESCC trees are being surveyed. If a private tree is marked, we will notify the land owner and make them aware of the works that are necessary on the marked tree(s), however, we will also suggest that they have the rest of their trees adjacent to the highway privately assessed for other issues. If the trees are owned by ESCC they will be entered into a works programme. We cannot specify what works are required on individual trees as to do so would take up a lot of time, so please pass on the information above if anyone asks about tree marking or felling within your area. If the owner of the tree contacts your parish council instead of us directly, please inform them that they will be written to by ESCC with instructions, and that until they receive a letter, there may not be the information available to pass to them. The survey results are sent in monthly, so information on trees surveyed and marked may not yet be on our database at the time of the enquiry.

We will aim to carry out works within the time frame given by the surveyor, which may include traffic management such as traffic lights or possibly road closures. We will always aim to minimise disruption to road users where we can do so safely and efficiently. Trees that are felled will only be felled if a high risk is associated with the fault detected, the risk can be increased by the level of occupancy of the road. Trees will not be felled if they are healthy or showing no significant faults, we will always leave what we can and carry out other remedial works such as thinning or reducing if it prolongs the tree’s life in a cost effective way. However, we may have to remove healthy trees if leaving them increases a risk of them being subject to windthrow/exposure. This does happen, especially with groups of ash which are generally shallow rooted and tend to grow very tall very quickly due to density.

We will be aiming to survey sections of the network annually, i.e. urban trees, A roads, B roads, C roads and U roads to ensure that they are resurveyed a minimum of every five years.

The deer population is increasing exponentially, during the period of Covid, venison demand and the extremely low price therefore of, has rendered the deer being left to breed completely unchecked and unmanaged. This has resulted in increased numbers of deer venturing onto our roads and sadly coming into contact with vehicles. Deer habited is also being pressured by the need to build more homes and I am personally being called to attend DVC’s (Deer Vehicle Collisions) in ever increasing residential areas.

Our High Risk Deer Crossing Areas Are;

· Buxted Park Entrance to Coopers Green

· Saxon Court (A272) to School Lane, Hadlow Down

· Budletts Lane

· The entire stretch of the A22 Uckfield by pass from Blackdown Roundabout to the East Hoathly Village Roundabout

· Blackdown Roundabout to Herons Ghyll

So Who To Call In The Event You Are Involved in a DVC?

· Deer Wardens on call 24/7/365– (contact via 101 or 999)

· Provide the best location you possibly can – the free app What Three Words -https://what3words.com/ is great and used by all the blue light services.

· Use your hazard lights and vehicle to protect the scene and exit the vehicle to a safe place and await the police / Deer Warden

There are 26 of us spread around East Sussex, we are all volunteers. The animal’s welfare is our primary concern to us and second only to when humans are injured at the same scene. We are trained by the police and other agencies to make dynamic risks assessments based on the known facts at the time. All of us have 10’s of years of experience in working with deer. Our decisions on the animals fate are at times not always agreeable to individuals at the scene, this is more so if those members of the public at the time have never been in such close proximity to deer before and had their car possibly written off. We are liability insured and have conditions on our firearms licenses signed by the Chief Constable (!) to humanely dispatch animals at the roadside (a public place after all) should this action be required. I cannot stress enough, the animal’s welfare is our primary concern, the decision to humanely dispatch is really hard on us.

We are called upon by Sussex Police when;

(i) Deer are involved in DVC’s on a public highway and are positioned in such a way on the highway that a further collision and or danger is possible - in this case please do call 999 for an immediate response.

(ii) Deer are suspected of being hit by a vehicle and lying inured at the edge of the highway

Ashdown Forest Rangers – 01323 823583 if you have a non-urgent concern over animal welfare.

They will or should only deal with injured deer within the confines of Ashdown Forest – see attached image showing boundary, if the deer/animal is a danger to other road users then call 999 and have the What3Words app (https://what3words.com) loaded on your phone to give a precise location. Have no worries about using this service, it’s there to be used in the right circumstances.

Animal Rescue Organisations – There are quite a few of these now which most folk are well aware of eg Kit Wilson Trust, WRAS / Folly’s etc, these organisations do a sterling job and definitely have their place in terms of preserving life and animal welfare, I totally commend the work they perform.

Sadly, what I will say here, is that deer hit by motor vehicles is usually fatal, stress on its own can take the life of a deer, broken limbs are very common. There is a general perception that injured deer can be rehabilitated even if just a broken limb, sadly this is not the case (fawns being the exception). This is where at times we have a difficult time in convincing the people at the scene we are doing what is ultimately humane for the animal. Taking it to an animal rescue will simply add delay and unnecessary suffering.

When To Call Animal Rescue?

1. Deer stuck in fences on private land (if Highway land call 101 / 999 depending on proximity to highway)

2. Deer seen on private land tangled up in rope / football netting / fishing line / washing lines (I kid you not!)

3. Deer seen on private land and you have concerns for its welfare e.g. underweight, damaged legs, visible injuries eg dog attack, head hanging low, lying down and not attempting to move when you are seen at distance by the deer.

Dead Deer At The Roadside – I use the enclosed form a lot (sadly) you will need a postcode of a nearby business or property, and if you can give a What3Words location in the comments then this will ensure the pickup crew find the deer quickly. https://my.wealden.gov.uk/en/AchieveForms/?form_uri=sandbox-publish://AF-Process-c5da1235-4c68-40aa-a371-31f381184fe0/AF-Stage-50e59fc8-5dfd-4b17-b5e6-5c31caacde6a/definition.json&redirectlink=%2Fen&cancelRedirectLink=%2Fen&consentMessage=yes

Ashdown Forest Rangers – Their Area (approximate) - see attached

Drive Safe

Regards Julian Butcher – Your Buxted and surrounding area Deer Warden

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

Diversion via -A272 High Street – U7505 Limes Lane 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

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. Parts of the UK have recently had severe weather – our turn may be coming! 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. Please act now, don’t wait!

Power cuts don’t happen very often but if the electricity 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.

Have a say on water company’s 25 Year Environment Plan.

A unique draft 25 year Environment Plan written by South East Water now needs feedback from local residents on its strengths and weaknesses before it is published.

South East Water is the first UK water company to produce such a plan, following an intensive period working with its customers, employees and other environmental organisations to shape it. The appeal for feedback from local communities is the final stage before it is published in early-2022.

Not only does the plan set out how the company will limit its own impact on the environment, but more importantly, how it will improve the overall health of the environment and increase its resilience to the effects of drought, flooding and growing demand for tap water.

Supplying drinking water to 2.2 million customers across the south east, the company maintains 83 water treatment works and 9,000 miles of underground pipes – enough to stretch from the South East of England to Australia - as well as 33 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, two local nature reserves, Lullington Heath National Nature Reserve and numerous Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The water supplier also works with farmers, landowners and other water users to protect the quality and quantity of the rivers and underground aquifers which are used to produce an average of 520 million litres of tap water each day.

The company is now looking to expand the work of its in-house team of environmental experts to work with other local companies and individuals to improve the environment within a generation.

The consultation runs from 29 November to 7 January. Read the plan and have your say on South East Water's website - corporate.southeastwater.co.uk/25YP.

Crowborough Christmas Nutcracker Trail

Crowborough town centre welcomes an army of “nutcracker kings” over the festive period thanks to Wealden District Council. Ten giant nutcracker king statues are positioned at pop-up locations around the town as part of the Crowborough Nutcracker Trail running from 20 November 2021 to 4 January 2022.

The Deputy Mayor of Crowborough Cllr. Matthew Street joined Cllr. Angela Snell, Vice-Chair of Wealden District Council, Trevor Scott, Chief Executive, Wealden District Council, Nusrat Ghani, MP for Wealden and Jeremy Woolger, President and Chairman of Crowborough and District Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the festive kings to Crowborough on Friday 19 November 2021.

According to German folklore, nutcrackers were given as keepsakes to bring good luck to your family and protect your home. The legend says that a nutcracker is a messenger of goodwill and represents power and strength – a watch dog, guarding from evil spirits and danger.

The Council is delighted to support the local initiative that encourages those taking part to visit Crowborough town centre and shop locally as they take on the trail to find all ten nutcrackers. Children can follow the trail using a specially produced booklet and enter a competition to win an iPad Mini.

Angela Snell, Vice-Chairman of Wealden District Council says of the trail: “We are delighted to be bringing the nutcrackers to Crowborough for Christmas. The trail will add some festive sparkle to the town centre and will be a great way to entertain the family in the run up to Christmas. We also want to give people an extra reason to visit the town centre and support its local shops and hospitality outlets during the festive period.”

How to take part in the Crowborough Nutcracker Trail

1. Look out for the free Crowborough Nutcracker Trail booklets in the town and pick up a copy to take part. Crowborough Town Council offices and public library have some available in the reception area too, please feel free to pop in. Alternatively, you can view the map online via the pinned post on the Explore Wealden Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/ExploreWealden
2. Wander around the town to find the ten nutcracker kings marked on the map within the booklet.
3. As you find each one, write their individual name down on the Trail Sheet. Once you’ve found all the names, fill in your details and post the Trail Sheet into the special Santa’s Nutcracker post box located in Crowborough Library in Pine Grove.

One winner will be drawn out of the entries and will win an iPad Mini. For further information and competition terms and conditions visitwww.explorewealden.co.uk/shopanddine

The Trail runs from 20 November 2021 to 4 January 2022.

Loneliness is a serious problem in our communities and we all need to tackle it. As someone who works or volunteers directly with residents in East Sussex, we’d like to invite you to attend an online interactive workshop to gain your input about actions we can take.

Loneliness can have an enormous impact on people’s lives, their relationships and their wellbeing. In 2018 the followingproportions of people said they feel lonely living in their local area ‘often’ or ‘some of the time’:

• Eastbourne borough - 26%
• Hastings borough - 30%
• Lewes district - 25%
• Rother district - 24%
• Wealden district - 21%

While most of us experience loneliness at some point in our lives, there are some groups who are at particular risk of loneliness; for example, young people, older people, those who are out of work and people living with a health condition or disability. Those with a heightened risk of loneliness are also likely to have been hit harder by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Did you know?

You can help!

By tackling the root causes of loneliness, we can help people to feel more connected to the people and places around them – resulting in improved community health and wellbeing. Over the last few months we’ve been hearing from partners and residents about what makes them feel connected to their local area and what could be done to make them feel more connected. We'd like your help to make sense of what we’ve heard, bringing your experience to complement their insight.

We need the valuable knowledge and expertise you hold, through working or volunteeringdirectly with residents, to help develop new ideas of how we can – as a system – tackle loneliness in East Sussexin the future.

You can sign up onEventbrite and join one of our interactive online workshops for the area you work in, or would like to attend, on one of the following dates:

• Hastings -Tuesday 30th November (1pm-3pm)
• Eastbourne - Wednesday 1st December (10am-12pm)
• Lewes district -Friday 3rd December (10am-12pm)
• Rother -Tuesday 7th December (1pm-3pm)
• Wealden -Wednesday 8th December (10am-12pm)

At this workshop we’ll explore how we can create a more connected and less lonely East Sussex.

These events are part of the Community Wellbeing: Connected People & Places project. Through this project local authorities in East Sussex, the NHS, the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VSCE) sector and others are working together – with the support of Collaborate CIC – to improve community wellbeing and tackle loneliness.

If you have any questions please contact Taj:tajwar@collaboratecic.com

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

Diversion Via - U7861 Fowley Lane - Tibbs Mill Lane – U7503 Burnt Oak Lane – C402 Hurstwood Road and vice versa.(Please see maps 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

Message from Sussex Police:

Changes To Operation Blitz ASB Patrols

Over the last decade this operation has had massive successes and is a key part of what we do to work to keep our communities safer.

However we are going to be changing the way we work Operation Blitz and the times we patrol to make it more relevant and appropriate for the current climate and crime trends.

What isn’t changing is the way you can report anti-social behaviour and youth disorder. The phone number which we advertise each week will still be monitored, and is still available to you to report what is happening in your community at the time.

Residents can continue to speak directly to officers, but between the new times of 15:00pm and 22:30pm on 07770 700642.

What is changing is how those officers patrol. We will now be using more current and accurate information and intelligence to target the two or three most vulnerable areas each Friday and Saturday.

We will also be moving around the district to different areas each night.

These locations will changed each week, and be driven by community reports, as well as being nominated by your local police community support officers and areas identified from our neighbourhood intelligence team.

For example they could be locations where we have seen an increase in burglaries or car crime, or locations where we are undertaking specific police operations to look at anti-social driving or drug dealing.

This will make Operation Blitz more efficient, and look to achieve greater results for you and your community.

In the coming weeks we will be giving you more in depth updates on how these changes to Operation Blitz are working, and importantly the results of how we are doing via our weekly community alert on In The Know.

We hope you will see that these changes are to reflect closer what is happening in our town and to target those areas that need our support most.

Your local teams

What's happening in your area?

Get the latest crime statistics and advice, help us with appeals for information and find out what we’re doing to tackle crime in your area, as well as details of your local PCSOs and your local Neighbourhood Policing Teams online here.

Follow your local Police team on social media, click below:

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East Sussex County Council, Brighton & Hove City Council and the South Downs National Park Authority (the Authorities) are jointly updating planning policy for the production of minerals, safeguarding minerals facilities and minerals in East Sussex and Brighton & Hove. The update also includes revisions to a small number of other policies in the East Sussex, South Downs and Brighton & Hove Waste and Minerals Plan, and Waste and Minerals Sites Plan. The Revised Policies Document sets out which policy changes are being proposed to the existing Waste and Minerals Local Plan, which encompasses both the Waste and Minerals Plan, adopted in February 2013, and the Waste and Minerals Sites Plan, adopted February 2017.

We are now seeking representations from all stakeholders and members of the public on the soundness and legal compliance of the proposed Revised Policies. Representations may be made between Friday 29 October 2021 and Tuesday 4 January 2022.

The Revised Policies Document and its supporting documentation are available to view online at https://eastsussex-consult.objective.co.uk/ and at the deposit points detailed on the consultation notice. If you have any difficulties accessing the documents, please contact us on the details below.

How do I make representations?

Representations can be submitted:

• Online - https://eastsussex-consult.objective.co.uk/
• By Email - wasteandmineralsdf@eastsussex.gov.uk
• By Post - RPD Regulation 19 Consultation 2021, Planning Policy and Development Management Team, West Floor C, County Hall, St Anne’s Crescent, Lewes, BN7 1UE.

What does my representation need to contain?

Your representation must contain the following information:

• Name;
• Address;
• Clearly state which topic your representation relates to, (i.e. legal compliance, and / or soundness), and if in your opinion the Revised Policies document fails to meet either of these.
• Your comment, including any proposed modifications, and in the case of comments relating to soundness, how the plan should be altered to make it sound.
• If, in your view, you consider it necessary to attend the oral part of the Examination, and if so, why.

How will we use your representation?

Your response will form part of the public record. We will use it in the preparation of the review of the Waste and Minerals Local Plan. It will be shared with the Planning Inspectorate who will use it to carry out their duties. We and / or the Planning Inspectorate may contact you on the details provided. Your email address, telephone number and signature will not be placed on the public record. For more details on how we will use your data please see our privacy notice.

The deadline for representations is midnight on Tuesday 4 January 2022.

Contact Us

If you have any queries please email us at wasteandmineralsdf@eastsussex.gov.uk or telephone: East Sussex County Council, Planning Policy and Development Management Team on 01273 481846.

The Parish Council has received a consultation for a proposed 40 new dwellings in the centre of Five Ash Down. The Parish Council has until 12th November to send a response back to Wealden District Council, so this application will be discussed at the next Parish Council Planning Committee due to be held at 7pm in Five Ash Down Village Hall. An agenda for the meeting will be published next week. If you have any comments on the application please sent them to WDC and copy them to the parish clerk at clerk@buxted-pc.gov.uk 

In the meantime please find the details of the Outline Application (so at this stage just the principle of development) on the WDC website at: https://planning.wealden.gov.uk/plandisp.aspx?recno=154864

The Ashdown Forest Car Parking consultation is now live on our website: https://www.ashdownforest.org/home/index.php

Attached is a one page document that sets out the process as simply as possible for those who do not want to read further.

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

Diversion Via - C402 Hurstwood Road – U7503 Burnt Oak Road and vice versa.(Please see maps 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

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

Diversion via - U7504 Framfield Road – U7863 Orchard Lane and vice versa.(please see maps 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 be aware that the following works will be carried out:-

Diversion via - A272 High Street – U7504 Framfield Road – U7505 Limes Lane 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 - A272 Station Road - U7118 Five Ash Down - A26 Five Ash Down - A26 Uckfield Road, Herons Ghyll - A26 Uckfield Road ,Poundgate - C402 Chillies Lane ,Crowborough - C402 Chillies Lane ,High Hurstwood 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

Earlier this year a resident approached Buxted Parish Council with the idea for a COVID memorial which would include planting cherry trees following a nationwide initiative to plant tree circles across the UK ‘to help signal reflection and hope’ following the Covid-19 pandemic. Nearly £500.00 was donated by enthusiastic local residents, the balance being paid by the Ionides Trust. A plan was drawn up to plant three specimen cherry trees on the Ionides land, near to the entrance of Buxted Surgery, where there already were some maturing cherry trees. A bench, slightly higher up on the slope, was included in the plan. On the 15th of October the trees were planted, and the bench installed. Two tree guards, which had originally been situated in the Millennium Wood, were also installed. The tree guards had specifically been made for Buxted and were donated as they were no longer being needed at the Millennium Wood.

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

Diversion Via - C402 Hurstwood Road – U7503 Burnt Oak Road and vice versa.(Please see maps 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

A call to action from East Sussex County Council today: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/projects-that-matter-east-sussex

Part of Crowdfund East Sussex this campaign seeks to identify and support community projects committed to being environmentally conscious.

Up to 6 projects will be chosen to receive a share of £25,000 match funding (Up to £5,000 per project) to go towards a crowdfunding campaign, one-to-one coaching support from our experts as well as zero platform fees.

To enter, project owners are asked to enter 100 words descriptions. Entries close on Monday 11 October at midday.

See the eligibility criteria for more info.

And a sports fund from Sport England -and other Crowdfunder partners for grassroots clubs that are crowdfunding: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/sports/extra-funding

Because of Crowdfund East Sussex there is extra support available for East Sussex Groups

Wealden District Council has three strands to its Community Grants Programme in this round for groups and organisations to benefit the people of the Wealden District. Editable pdf application forms for each can be downloaded from our website: CommunityGrantsProgramme

Organisations may only apply to one strand of funding. There are no capital awards available in this round, although groups looking to make improvements to the fabric of a building or community space such as a playground or recreation ground may make contact for general advice.

A Recovery Fund is open until 24^th October for Funding to be Spent by March 2022

A second round of Recovery grants is available to help any third sector organisation, which did not benefit from a Recovery grant in the last round. Groups can apply for between £500 and £3000, to be spent by the end of March 2022. Last year groups were supported with help towards equipment, measures to ensure safety, provision of alternative delivery methods, and help with utilities, rent and other expenditure which needed to be met when organisations were struggling with reduced income due to the pandemic. Expenditure for general activities to support communities was also provided. We are aiming to give decisions and start the procedure for releasing funding during December.

A Small Grants round is open until 30^th November for activities between April 2022 and March 2023

Grants of between £500 - £3000 are available to third sector organisations which are planning activities in the next financial year (April 2022 – March 2023) to benefit Wealden residents. Decisions will be given in March 2022 and the funding will be released in April.

Partnerships Service Level Agreements of 3 years are also available with a deadline of 30^th November

Three year funding is also available to key organisations which support residents in multiple parishes to be spent between April 2022 and March 2025. Please make contact if you are considering a Service Level Agreement application.

If you need any advice or have any questions after reading the guidance and application form, please emailcommunitygrants@wealden.gov.uk or call (01323) 443520

An in-house review on providing public health funerals has led to Wealden District Council being praised by an anti-poverty charity.

Quaker Social Action’s Down to Earth scheme, which offers practical support for people struggling with funeral costs, said Wealden council’s service and its informative and sensitively written website had reached the gold standard.

Under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, councils in England and Wales are required to provide public health funerals – often referred to as pauper’s funerals - to bury or cremate the body of anyone who has died alone in poverty, or whose relatives cannot afford a funeral.

Wealden carried out 11 public health funerals in 2020 and four so far this year – a higher number than many neighbouring authorities – and the service and the website the authority provides is enabling bereaved people to receive the right support when they need it.

Council officers undertook a review after a report from the QSA showed many local authorities did not carry out their legal duty to provide public health funerals and did not follow government guidelines.

In addition, some councils’ websites had no information on public health funerals on their website, while more than half of those that did offered incorrect or misleading information.

Council officers at Wealden had reviewed the service against the government good practice guidelines during the height of Covid-19 and when the QSA study was released, they contacted the charity to ensure its website was meeting the criteria.

The QSA said Wealden’s website was sensitively written and included much key information. The charity praised the work of officers saying it was encouraging to work with people who care so much about the service.

Wealden District Council’s community and public health portfolio holder Councillor Philip Lunn said, “Our officers contactedQSA after the study came out to quality check our website, worked on it with them until it met their standards and were praised for our approach to this area of work.

“Two thirds of local councils are not following good practice guidance but Wealden is among the top performing authorities and we are pleased with the endorsement from the Quaker Social Action.

“We reviewed our service at the height of Covid-19 to ensure that it met with the government best practice guidance. We found that it met all recommendations and we continue to review our standards in line with changing times.”

Councillor Lunn said that providing public health funerals is more than a statutory duty and it is a measure of our duty to community and society.

He said, “The council has a duty to arrange for the burial or cremation of any person who dies or is found dead in its area, where it appears that no funeral arrangements are being made or are likely to be made.

“The council is usually called upon where people have died either without family or without family who are willing or able to make the necessary arrangements.

“A council arranged funeral will comprise of a simple service. We will provide a celebrant or representative of the deceased’s faith, a coffin, transport of the deceased to the crematorium or cemetery in a hearse, and sufficient bearers to transfer the coffin to the chapel.”

People needing help with public health funerals should visit https://www.wealden.gov.uk/environment-and-pollution/public-health-funerals/

Memory cafes are set to re-open across Wealden this month (September) alongside a host of activities for those living with dementia and their families and friends.

The cafes, film screenings and dementia friend sessions are run by Wealden Dementia Action Alliance in partnership with community groups, volunteers and businesses to raise awareness of dementia across Wealden. All are working towards making the district dementia friendly.

The Memory Café in Polegate – on the first Thursday of every month and run in partnership with Home Instead Eastbourne and Hailsham – is opening on Thursday 2 September from 2-4pm at Polegate Community Centre in Windsor Way.

Hailsham Community Café – on the second Thursday of every month and also run in conjunction with Home Instead Eastbourne and Hailsham – opens on Thursday 9September from 2-4pm at St Wilfrid’s Church Hall, South Road.

The new Crowborough Community Café – held on the last Thursday of each month – will open on Thursday 30 September in Oasis Community Church, Beacon Road from 2-4pm.

All the cafes provide free refreshments and entertainment, light-hearted activities and support for families and carers.

Pine Grove Pictures is kindly hosting three new dementia friendly film screenings until the end of 2021 at Crowborough Community Centre, Pine Grove. Everyone is welcome to the relaxed afternoons. Doors open at 1.30pm with screenings starting at 2pm. Entry and refreshments are free and donations are welcome.

The screenings start on Tuesday 14 September with Calamity Jane starring Doris Day and Howard Keel.

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers star in Top Hat on Tuesday 14 October and White Christmas will be screened on Tuesday 14 December.

In addition, Wealden's dementia local forums are still taking place. The forums consist of community organisations, carers and members within the community all working towards making their local areas dementia friendly communities.

The forums are in Hailsham, Crowborough, Polegate and Uckfield. Anyone wishing to attend any of the forums should contactcommunitydevelopment@wealden.gov.uk

There is also a new Friends of Wealden Dementia Action Alliance group on Facebook for members to chat and share news and ideas. Please join the group to keep up to date with local information on the activities and events going on around the district.

Dementia friend sessions are also available and anyone interested in becoming a dementia friend can contactcommunitydevelopment@wealden.gov.uk to arrange a session with a local champion. The sessions are great for everyone to be more aware of dementia and have a better understanding. We have worked with many local businesses across Wealden as well, so staff can support their customers better when using their service.

People can also visitwww.wealden.gov.uk/dementia for more information on other activities from partners of the WDAA including Sporting Memories, Sporting Moments, lots of other cafes and some great research projects you can get involved in.

Wealden District Council’s community and public health portfolio holder Councillor Philip Lunn said he was delighted to see activities resuming.

He said, “It is great to see these cafes reopening and activities starting up again following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions. Memory cafes provide individuals living with dementia a safe, relaxed and friendly place to enjoy a chat, light-hearted activities and some tea and cake.

“In addition they provide a great support service for families and carers, who can get answers from health professionals and meet and learn from other people in similar situations.

“I am pleased that Wealden District Council is doing all it can to support this important community project.”

September is World Alzheimer’s Month and for more information visitWorld Alzheimer's Month | Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk)

The deadline to apply for a Parish Council Grant for April 2022 is this Friday 3rd September.

See attached documents for more information

Afghan refugees arriving in the area will be provided sanctuary as Wealden District Council has pledged support to help those fleeing the tragic war zone.

Councillor Ray Cade, the housing and benefits portfolio holder at the authority, said, “In Wealden we are committed to playing our part in providing a safe and welcoming place for vulnerable people coming to the UK.

“We are very proud of our diverse, multicultural community and place great value on the richness people from all over the world bring to life in our district. We are also proud to have been among the first councils to commit to the resettlement scheme for refugees from Syria, in 2015, and to have supported many other refugee families to settle happily in the district.

“We are well placed to support the Afghan refugees due to our experience and success gained from resettling Syrian refugees.

“Like many other local authorities, Wealden stands ready to provide sanctuary for those fleeing the terrifying events taking place in Afghanistan, but the government must ensure we are properly resourced to provide the safe haven and specialist support that these people need and deserve.

“As we have watched the traumatic events unfold over the past week, our thoughts have been with all those affected - particularly women and girls, the LGBT+ community, civil rights activists and all others fearful of what the future may hold.

“We work in close partnership with local organisations, including the NHS, to support the health and wellbeing of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants, and enable them to fully participate as valuable members of the Wealden community.

“However, resettlement of refugees, with the appropriate support needed to ensure they can live healthy and fulfilling lives, is a complex process that requires leadership and coordination at national level, as well appropriate funding.

“We are in discussions with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government about how we can support the emerging scheme for refugees from Afghanistan, and call on the government to ensure councils are properly funded to undertake this vital work.

How can I help?

Wealden residents who want to do something to help at this early stage can donate to the following charities:

Emergency relief charities, such as The International Rescue Committee and the British Red Cross, are still working on the ground in Afghanistan.;

Women for Women International helps female survivors of war rebuild their lives

Charities such as Care4Calais are preparing to support refugees arriving in the country by collection clothes donations

FurnitureNow supports refugees in our district

Afghanaid provide kitchen kits that allow people who have left their homes to cook and safely store food.

Wealden residents are being warned not to lose their voice on decisions that affect them by making sure their electoral registration details are up to date.

The annual canvass ensures that Wealden District Council can keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered to vote so that they can be encouraged to do so.

Trevor Scott, the electoral registration officer at Wealden District Council said:

“It’s important residents look out for messages from the council so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in Wealden. We will send you a form/email for you to respond to. To make sure you are able to have your say at 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 www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, or we’ll send you information explaining how to do this in the post.

“As we carry out this important work to update the electoral register we continue to follow public health guidelines, including respecting social distancing.”

People who have moved recently are particularly encouraged to look out for the voter registration messages from Wealden District Council and check the details.

Research by the Electoral Commission, published in 2019, indicates that recent home movers are far less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time.

Across Great Britain, 92% of people who have been at their property for more than sixteen years will be registered, compared to 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than one year.

Melanie Davidson, head of support and improvement at the Electoral Commission, said:

“It’s really important that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so. Checking the messages that you will get from your local authority is the easiest way to see if you’re registered to vote.

“If you’re not, make sure you provide the necessary information to your local authority when it is needed and register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”

Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website.

Any residents who have any questions can contact their local registration team at Wealden District Council – elections@wealden.gov.uk or 01892 602417.

Supporting local charities as well as businesses and organisations is at the top of the agenda for newly elected Wealden District Council chairman Councillor Ron Reed.

Councillor Reed, a councillor for Crowborough Central since 2015, has announced Dementia Support East Sussex and The Children’s Respite Trust will be the two charities he will support throughout his term of office.

The former mayor of Crowborough - and also currently a member of the town council - said he is also looking forward to attending various events across the district now that lockdown restrictions have been lifted following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillor Reed, a former operations director with a major engineering company and who

has been married to his wife Lyn for 45 years, has been a member of the Bluebell Railway for 25 years where he has volunteered and worked his way through the ranks to porter, a station master and a guard.

He is also a member of the Lions Club and a past president. In his spare time he and Lyn enjoy cruises and he is a keen gardener having turned half of the garden at his home in Crowborough into a wildlife area.

Councillor Reed said the chairman’s charities he had chosen to support did ‘fantastic work’ within the community.

He said, “The team at Dementia Support East Sussex has started to return to care homes/centres with their singing sessions and it is clear to see their clients have missed them and are delighted to be able to connect with them again - long may it continue.

“They continue to run sessions online as well as one-to-one ‘chat and sing’ sessions over the phone. I hope to attend more of their sessions and promote their fantastic work so they can reach even more of our residents across the district.”

The Children’s Respite Trust, based in Uckfield, has supported some 34 families in the district and county through its charity work.

It gives families much-needed respite from the strain of caring for a disabled child 24 hours a day and this respite takes many forms. For most, it means regular support at home from a Children’s Respite Trust carer. For others it involves attending a regular activity or it can mean a day session at the new Children’s Respite Centre.

Councillor Reed said, “I would encourage everyone to have a look at the amazing fundraising events on the website to not only help raise funds for this fantastic charity but to raise awareness of the work it does and how children with disabilities and their carers/families can be supported.”

In addition to supporting the charities, Cllr Reed is keen to help support and promote local businesses and organisations in the district.

He said, “I am pleased to report the Civic Office is getting busier, invitations are coming in, and it is great to be able to get back out in to the community and support local events, particularly local businesses as they ease out of lockdown.

“I urge people to contact the Civic Office at Wealden District Council if they are planning special events that I can support and help to promote.”

Stepping up the role of vice chairman of the council is Councillor Angela Snell, a Polegate town councillor and Wealden councillor representing the ward of Polegate North since 2015.

Councillor Snell is also a former mayor of Polegate, was a school governor for three years and works part time as a wedding celebrant and a registrar.

To find out more about the chairman and to invite him to an event you can complete an online engagement form athttps://www.wealden.gov.uk/councillors-and-committees/chairman-of-the-council/ or contact the chairman’s PA, Miss Amy Clemens on 01892 602435 or emailamy.clemens@wealden.gov.uk

Solar Together Sussex is being run by councils in East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove in conjunction with group buying experts, i-Choosr. The council-supported scheme is gives residents in East Sussex the chance to install high quality solar panels and battery storage on their homes at a competitive cost.

By generating electricity from the sun, homeowners could reduce carbon emissions by around 1 tonne each year and help East Sussex to become carbon neutral.

· Homeowners can register their interest in Solar Together Sussex from 23^rd August until 27^th September 2021, giving details of their roof size and position.

· Homeowners who register will receive a no obligation proposal including the cost of the installation and the likely return on investment from the electricity they generate. This will help them to make an informed decision whether to go ahead with the installation.

· The solar panels will be installed by pre-vetted contractors and at a competitive cost because of the volume of installations being carried out across Sussex.

· The scheme is being run by a company called iChoosr, who have run many successful schemes across the UK, including in East Sussex last year. All information is on the website at https://solartogether.co.uk/eastsussex/home including FAQs

Please see attached for information a briefing from NHS East Sussex CCG on the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

From managing stress and anxiety to maths, yarn making to yoga, and pizza and bread making to practical money management, Street Learning free courses return in September for Wealden and Eastbourne residents.

Street Learning is a partnership project providing access to a range of free courses designed to help residents develop new skills and enhance existing ones and also achieve GCSEs in English and maths.

The aim is to reduce social, digital and financial exclusion and improve access to training.

Street Learning courses are provided in venues in the local community including East Sussex College in Eastbourne, Uckfield College, Uckfield Civic Centre and many of the courses will be held online.

They are completely free of charge and are available to all Wealden and Eastbourne residents – aged 19 years and over.

There are practical courses like family cooking and pizza and bread making, arts and crafts to courses to help with wellbeing to those that will help people get to grips with computers and the internet as well as those designed to help with career progression.

Councillor Roy Galley, Wealden council’s cabinet member with responsibility for employment opportunities, said, “Learning is fundamental for economic prosperity, social well-being and personal fulfilment.

“Through learning, whatever the subject, we can gain greater confidence in our own abilities. And be better prepared to help those around us.

“These courses are very relevant to increasing self-confidence and helping with job opportunities. And for some, the opportunity to learn from the comfort of their own home may provide an additional incentive.”

Street Learning is a project run by Wealden District Council, in partnership with ACRES, East Sussex College, Sussex Community Development Association, East Sussex County Council Library, Job Centre Plus, GRH Training, Compass Community Arts and Sussex Recovery College.

Visit www.wealden.gov.uk/streetlearning orstreetlearning@wealden.gov.uk

New courses are being added online on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, from Monday 6 September, there will be a reduction in the middle of the day to services to and from Uckfield. This is part of a wider change across the network and is enabling us to reintroduce school time services on other Southern routes, but I did want to be clear that from the Uckfield / Edenbridge Town perspective, it does unfortunately mean fewer trains on weekdays. There is no change on weekends or to services between Tonbridge and Redhill.

In terms of the specific change, as today, services from Uckfield will continue to be half-hourly between 06:30 and 07:30 to support the schools on the route. The service will then remain as hourly throughout most of the day, but will reduce to every two-hours in the middle of the day when trains are quieter in the following periods:

• Uckfield to London Bridge: 10:30-16:30
• London Bridge to Uckfield: 09:07-15:07 and 21:07-23:07

In terms of why this change is taking place, as you know on the 26 July, we reduced services across five Southern and Thameslink routes in response to the effect of coronavirus on our people. With the return of schools and colleges, we now need to ensure that all of our routes have their school trains running and this is why we are making the changes on the 6^th September and with it to our Uckfield to London Bridge services. We do have a significant long term impact from the eighteen months of coronavirus in terms of absence and delays to regular training, which will take our driver resourcing some time to recover from – although the change in advice to track and trace isolations is helping us to make progress. The new timetable will help us to ensure that our services are as reliable as possible with the train crew we have available.

In terms of the future, we will continue to monitor demand and will add additional services where needed, when crew availability improves to the point where we are confident it can be delivered consistently - our first priority being to return Uckfield’s services to hourly thoughout the entire day. I recognise this will be disappointing news and if you would like to discuss these changes in more detail, please do let us know.

Southern

Wealden District Council have appointed Knight, Kavanagh & Page (KKP) to undertake research to gather information to understand our current public open space provision and whether this meets the needs and aspirations of Wealden’s local residents, workers and visitors. The open space study once completed will assist to inform the Local Plan and its open space policies.

As part of this is a general short survey aimed at gathering wider views on open spaces from a broader range of residents, organisations and other stakeholders. This wider, more general survey started this week and is open until 28^th September 2021. You can access the survey Wealden Open Space Survey with further details available on our website: Wealden Open Space Consultation.

Wealden DC would be grateful for residents of Wealden to complete the survey.

Buxted Parish Council has a policy of councillors not responding to social media posts (unless factual information), however as Proper Officer and Responsible Financial Officer of Buxted Parish Council, Claudine and I as clerks have felt that some recent posts have brought into question our integrity of running the council and its finances, therefore it is important for us to provide as much accurate information to parishioners as possible, in this case in relation to the status and historical facts regarding the Reading Room.

Redevelopment of the Reading Room in Association with a New Hall

In 2006 parishioners gave a clear steer to the Parish Council via the Parish Plan that a new hall was desired in the village of Buxted. The Parish Plan gave leverage to the Parish Council to request funds towards a new hall from the redevelopment of the Grampian site, Five Ash Down (which is now Ashdown Place). The new hall would be situated on the Ionides Trust site and be fit for purpose for all types of user groups, surrounded by open green space with full disabled access. Funds were secured from the developer of £108,000 which were tied by legal agreement to be spent on or associated with building a new hall for Buxted. As part of this project, the Parish Council agree to support a community led project wherever possible, which included eventually selling the Reading Room for redevelopment to provide funds for the new hall. To this end and when it seemed that the new hall would be going ahead the Parish Council secured planning permission for semi-detached houses on the site of the Reading Room in preparation for when the funds were needed.

What Changed? Why Then Refurbish the Reading Room?

The new hall was always a community led project, supported by the Parish Council, but sadly a number of circumstances eventually led to the Buxted Community Hall Trust folding in 2019. By this stage, the footings for the new hall had been completed which means the project could still be taken forward at any future time. At this point the Parish Council were left with a situation where they could either take up the hall project or look to refurbish the existing Reading Room. As enthusiasm and drive for a new hall (or at least the one which had permission) had dissipated, the Parish Council decided to refurbish the Reading Room. A survey was sent to each user group and every household in the village and advertised online. This questionnaire asked for what improvements/changes could be made; however, it did not give the option of the closing the hall as this was never the intention. We received a very small response of 3% which mostly highlighted the improvements which were already thought to be necessary.

Once a decision was made, it was always the intention of the Parish Council to refurbish the Reading Room, and this is reflected in the working party notes from 2019 to the beginning of this year. Professional advice was sought, and fire and electrical wiring surveys were undertaken, highlighting some serious issues. It was only when the surveyor provided total estimated costs of £200,000 for works, that a refurbishment was brought into question. The Parish Council initially budgeted £50,000 of public money towards the project, with a total possible spend of up to £100,000. However, when the estimate of £200,000 was provided this presented the Parish Council with a very difficult decision, given that it does not have this much money to spend.

Parish Council funds are public money, and the Parish Council has a responsibility to provide best possible value for that money. Can the Parish Council therefore justifiably spend parishioners’ money (or money raised by grants if available) on a village hall that is grossly underused and even if modernised and would always have a limited usage due to its design, layout, and lack of parking?

Current Usage of the Reading Room

In the last ‘normal’ year, 2019, the regular user groups were the daytime Art Club (once a week), Evening Art Club (once a week), W.I. (once a month), Horticultural Society approx. 6 times per year and Buxted Players (2 weeks, 2 times per year in addition to rehearsal times). There were four other ad hoc hires of the hall that year. Two groups use the Reading Room free of charge, this is a long-standing arrangement. All of this is very different to the thriving hall in Five Ash down and a well utilised hall in High Hurstwood.

Costs for the Reading Room for financial year 2018-19 were £3,693 revenue and £6,159 expenditure

Yes, the hall is a community asset and is heavily subsidised by the Parish Council, but is this enough usage to warrant a £200k spend on the hall without a guaranteed increased income?

The Parish Council has knowingly allowed the Reading Room to get into a state of disrepair?

This is untrue, the Parish Council has continued to maintain and repair the hall, when necessary, which has included a new heating system, various roof repairs and very recently the installation of a telephone and internet line. What it has not done however is to replace the entire wiring system or replace the roof and windows with all up to date requirements at a large expense when it was the intention to demolish to hall to provide capital funds for the new facility.

The estimated costs of £200,000 now include all the above in addition to the requirements for the fire regulations and installation of a new kitchen and toilets (all of which can be viewed on the agenda details for the 10 August 2021 parish council meeting)

What Happens Next?

Armed with the knowledge from the surveys, the Parish Council remains very uneasy to continue to use the hall in the long term until further advice has been received from our insurers which is the position, we are currently in. The safety of the hall users is paramount which in part explains why the estimated costs are so high. It is also important to note that that those volunteer Cllrs would be personally liable should something happen and we were considered deemed not to have taken action to prevent it following the receipt of the surveys. At the current time and until clarification is sought from the insurance company the hall will not be available for hire.

As mentioned above, Parish Council money is public money, your money, and councillors are unpaid, volunteer custodians of these funds with a responsibility of spending where necessary and for best value.

Finally, I would comment that all parish council finances are audited both internally (by an internal auditor outside of the parish council) and externally by a government appointed auditor and are also available to any member of the public on request.

The National Lottery Community Fund is investing £2 million into this second round of funding to fund hundreds of ‘microgrants’ between £300 and £2,500, so small, local organisations (with an annual income of £50,000 or less) can bring people and communities together.

If you received funding in Round 1, you will not be eligible for funding in Round 2.

What the funding's for

The funding is aimed at bringing people together in safe and secure ways, making people aware of what services are available to reduce loneliness and to build lasting connections to help make:

• people and communities feel more connected
• individuals feel supported and less lonely or isolated
• people more aware of services available that help them to connect with others and get involved

As the COVID-19 restrictions start to ease, we want to change the focus of this funding for Round 2. We know the dangers of COVID-19 are still present, so it’s important applicants demonstrate how they can adapt to meet any restrictions which may be put in place at short notice. For Round 2, we want to focus on:

• activities which physically brings people together in a safe and secure way
• remote activities but where this is the best or only way to build connections for that particular community - this might work well for people who are geographically isolated, those with illnesses or disabilities, or those who are not quite ready to meet people face-to-face
• helping individuals to get out of the ‘lockdown mentality’ and meet people in their communities again for activities which will be a positive experience for people
• helping organisations who work to reduce loneliness restart activities - this might be getting volunteers or service users to clean and refresh their meeting space or grounds, or refreshing materials and ensuring equipment is ready to be used.

Applications close - 6 August 2021 at 5pm

https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/local-connections-fund-round-2

Festival programme coming soon...!

ESCC will be carrying out drainage works on A272 Buxted Road, Coopers Green.

This work will include installing new drains, replacing two inspection covers, installing new drainage pipes and ensuring our drainage outfall is working correctly.

Work will start on Wednesday 21st July 2021 and continue until Thursday 29th July 2021.The road will remain open with temporary 4-way traffic lights in place.

Please also see their website for information about this work: https://www.eastsussexhighways.com/highway-schemes/buxted-road-coopers-green-drainage