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.”

Electric Vehicle charging points are due to be installed in Wealden District Council car parks in the coming months

Feasibility work has been underway at a number of car parks across the Wealden district by the council’s chosen provider, Connected Kerb, an electric vehicle charging contractor.

As part of phase one, Connected Kerb is currently reviewing 10 council owned and operated car parks for charging feasibility with the potential to expand to an additional 22 sites throughout Wealden in subsequent phases.

The first phase of locations includes Lower Road, Forest Row; The Willows, Alfriston; Croft Road, Crowborough; Mill Road, Heathfield; Luxford Road, Uckfield; North Road, Pevensey Bay; Greyhound, Wadhurst: and Horse Fields, East Dean.

Also included in this first phase are bays in the Vicarage Lane car park in Hailsham and bays in the South Road car park, also in Hailsham.

New Highways Contractor for East Sussex Announced

Balfour Beatty Living Places Ltd has been awarded the County Council’s new contract for highways and infrastructure services. The contract is valued at £297 million and will run for an initial seven years from May 1, 2023. There will be an option to extend this period to a maximum of 14 years, worth up to £730 million.

Balfour Beatty Living Places will be responsible for maintaining the county’s highway network and infrastructure, as well as providing winter gritting and delivering highway improvement schemes. During the extensive procurement process, bidders were asked to demonstrate how they would support the County Council’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, ensure quality of work, provide value for money and improve social wellbeing.

South East Business Initiative Programme Boosts Jobs and Profits

Since launching in July 2020, The South East Business Boost “Big Ambitions” programme has helped 85 businesses within East Sussex. The project has helped businesses in a variety of sectors, including personal grooming and food and drink.

From those enrolled in the programme, 55 businesses reported an increase in total turnover of £5.5 million, as well as the creation of 48 new jobs. The programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and East Sussex County Council. It is delivered by Digital Islands and provides advice from subject experts.

Your local Councillors

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

cllr.roy.galley@wealden.gov.uk

01825 713018

Peter Roundell. cllr.peter.roundell@wealden.gov.uk

01825 722030

Toby Illingworth cllr.toby.illingworth@wealden.gov.uk

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

ESCC will be carrying out drainage works on the Buxted Footpath 67 (next to Britts Farm Road). Work will start on Monday 19th July 2021 and continue for 3 days. Footpath 67 (highlighted in red) will be closed for the duration of the works.

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

Due to the global pandemic Op Blitz for the last financial year has given us slightly different results then we would have expected during a standard year. Due to officers being deployed to operations around Covid and also other high priority operations. The money provided by the partnership has ensured that officers were available for Op Blitz over every weekend.

Half way through the year we started to include anti-social driving into the direct taskings for Op Blitz. This included the opportunity to run 5 dedicated operations targeting those using the roads in a dangerous and/or anti-social manner.

As part of these operations we were able to secure additional resources from the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), Neighbourhood Enforcement Team (NET), Roads Policing Unit (RPU) and the newly formed Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU). These 5 dedicated ops have given the following results, with more ops being planned for this year:-

• 2 arrested for Possession with intent to supply

• 67 vehicle stops

• 4 Section 59 warnings for anti-social driving

• 5 Traffic offence reports (tickets)

• 1 Court summons for a motoring offence

• 2 vehicle seizures and tickets for no insurance

• 2 arrests for drink driving

• 2 investigations for drug offences

Over the past year officers have dealt with the following, whilst patrolling the areas highlighted as being ‘hotspots’:-

• 95 calls to the dedicated Blitz phone

• 23 calls made to the Police switchboard

• 158 people stopped

• 10 alcohol seizures

• 1 person dealt with for drug offences

• 31 vehicles stopped.

Following a suggestion and funding raising from a local resident, the Parish Council is pleased to be able to support a COVID Memorial to be situated on the Ionides Trust land in the centre of Buxted. The local resident raised nearly £500, and together with funds from Ionides Trust, three cherry trees will be planted alongside the existing cherry trees on site together with a reflection bench. The trees and bench have been ordered and it is hoped to be able to complete the project in the autumn. Please see the attached plan of the site.”

MAY 2021

Diary Date: South East Open Studios … 4th to 20th June 2021

Government guidelines permitting, South East Open Studios, one of the most established annual arts events in the South East, will be going ahead from the 4^th to the 20^th June.

For the first time several artists from Fairwarp, Nutley and Lindfield are participating at Black Shed Studios and Ashdown Pottery in Fairwarp. There are over 200 artists who are involved in the region. All 200 members feature on the South East Open Studios website, www.seos-art.org and on social media platforms. The event is supported by a full-colour, high-quality guide. Around 30,000 copies will be printed and distributed to targeted outlets across the South East. It will also be available to view online.

SEOS is a not-for-profit organisation. Members practise painting, printmaking, pottery and ceramics, jewellery, glass and woodwork, sculpting, textile art, digital work, illustration and mixed media. Many artists choose to demonstrate their techniques during the two-week event.

Follow @seopenstudios on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and join the mailing list to receive news about the event and artists.

For more information please contact: Gabrielle Argent, SEOS Co-ordinator Tel: 07887812346

www.seos-art.org

Clerks: Beccy Macklen & Claudine Feltham

PO Box 202, Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 1BN

t: 01435 812798 e: clerk@buxted-pc.gov.uk w: buxtedvillage.org.uk

13 April 2021

MINUTES

Minutes of the REMOTE meeting of the Council held on Tuesday 9^th February 2021 at 7.00 p.m.

East Sussex County Council Ongoing Matters:

Ionides Trust Update:

1. Scout Lease – signed and completed, emailed the solicitor for digital copies. Are we agreed Dawson Hart, solicitors keep the originals in which case it should be noted where they are held.
2. COVID Memorial –

Prior to the meeting the clerk circulated a plan and example cherry trees for the COVID Memorial. If agreed, it was suggested that the trees are ordered now to ensure delivery by autumn planting. The bench can be installed prior to the trees being planted. What shall the engraving be? – Cost for trees approximately £600-£700.00 and bench £500.00. The additional funds can be sourced from either parish council funds or Ionides funds. However, we must make it clear where the monies are coming from, public donations and covering the extra cost and that the trees will be planted on Ionides Land, but it is the parish council, as managing trustees, who carry out all the planning and work. Agreed and details would be included on the website. The quote for the bench would be “In Memory of all those loved and lost or severely affected during the Covid Pandemic”.

1. Now that we have lost both our previous groundsman and councillor who used to help maintain the Ionides Trust land, the chairman requested that a new self-employed grounds person/handyman to help maintain Ionides Trust land (and Parish council land) be sought. This would include strimming around the fencing, maintaining the hedges, picking litter, checking, and oiling play equipment. This person could also carry out the work in looking after trees that have been planted over the years by the chairman as it is time someone else carried out the work on a regular basis! – agreed.

DEADLINE APPROACHES FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS TO GATWICK AIRPORT COMMUNITY TRUST

Don’t miss out on the chance to receive project funding for your community group or charitable organisation.

This year’s deadline for grant applications to Gatwick Airport Community Trust is fast approaching – 21 May 2021.

As local community groups and charitable organisations start to plan more activities and offer more services after the challenges of the last 12 months, now is the time to apply for a grant.

The process is simple. Check the website www.gact.org.uk to make sure the project is eligible and falls within the Trust’s area of benefit which covers parts of East and West Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

Download the application form, complete it fully and send it to the address on the form to arrive no later than 21 May 2021.

With some £200,000 up for grabs, the normal level of grants awarded is between £1,000 - £5,000 to ensure the benefits are spread far and wide throughout the communities most affected by airport operations.

The Trust supports schemes that benefit diverse sections of the local community and are targeted towards the development of young people, the arts, sporting facilities, environmental improvement and conservation, improvements to community facilities, volunteering, the elderly and the disabled.

Grantapplications are assessed by a board of volunteer trustees who all bring local knowledge and expertise to the Trust ensuring that the money is used to the maximum benefit of the local community.

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

Diversion via: - U7864 Nan Tucks Lane – U7505 Limes Lane – U7504 Framfield Road – A272 High Street - Pound Green and vice versa. 

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

If you need to discuss this further please contact:

South East Water on 0333 000 0365

Our annual event will be going ahead this year, but not in May as it usually is. The Rector & Churchwardens have decided to defer the event until after 21st June, when remaining restrictions are due to be lifted. The new date is Saturday 10th July, from 12.00 until 6.00.

As many of you will be aware the 2021 Census is due to take place this March and Census Day falls on Sunday 21^st March 2021.

Uckfield Town Council

As if we haven’t all had enough to deal with and worry about since the outset of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the situation has unfortunately been exploited by fraudsters with fake offers of vaccinations. At times of disasters and other crises, there is invariably an increase in fraudulent activity, for example, bogus charity donation requests. The current pandemic, unprecedented in its effects and global reach – is no exception. A massive increase in reliance on the internet and people’s concerns about their and loved ones’ health, wellbeing and finances have combined to create ideal conditions for fraud.

Over the last year, commonplace COVID-19-related scams have included fake advertisements for PPE to priority online shopping slots, HMRC monetary grants to travel refund services, and fake NHS Test & Trace messages informing recipients that they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, and need to buy a home testing kit. A more complete list can be found at

www.getsafeonline.org/news/coronavirus-scams-you-should-be-aware-of .

With the UK vaccination programme in full swing, the most recent wave of scams has focused on fraudulent offers of vaccinations, attempting to persuade recipients that they can ‘jump the queue’.

The scams, which are perpetrated via email, text or telephone call, either request payment for a vaccination, or link to authentic looking but fake websites which harvest your confidential information. Those who fall for such scams fall victim to financial fraud, identity theft or both.

Avoiding COVID-19 Vaccination Scams – Top Tips:

Remember that COVID-19 vaccines in the UK are available only via the NHS of England, Wales and Scotland, or from Health & Social Care Northern Ireland.

Remember that the NHS will never:

• Charge you for a COVID-19 vaccination
• Ask you for your bank account or card details
• Ask you for your PIN or banking passwordor memorable details
• Arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine
• Ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as passport, driving licence, bills or payslips.

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up.

How you will be contacted to get your COVID-19 vaccination

The NHS will contact you when it is your turn to have the vaccination, by letter, text or email, with information on how to book your appointment. The vaccination is free of chargewithout exception. The vaccine is being offered at larger vaccination centres, pharmacies and some local NHS services such as hospitals or GP surgeries.

If you think you have been a victim of fraud, don’t be embarrassed but report it immediately to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040 (if you’re in Scotland, Police Scotland on 101). Report any assaults to the police. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded free of charge to 7726.

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.

Small Electricals – Kerbside Recycling

Recycling your electrical items just became easier! You can now recycle your small electrical items on your waste or recycling collection day. Please place the items in a carrier bag and place them on top of either your black or green bin. Please do not place items inside your black or green bins.

If the electrical items won’t fit into a carrier bag then it is too large to fit into the compartments on our collection vehicles and you should take it to a Household Waste and Recycling Site. Check the table below for examples of items you can present for collection.

Yes please:

• Anything with a plug.

• Anything battery operated.

• Cables, plugs.

• Only items that can fit in a standard size plastic carrier bag.

• Batteries (if removable) in a separate bag please.

No thanks (Please take these to a Household Waste Recycling Site):

• Items too big to fit in a standard size plastic carrier bag.

• Traditional old style light bulbs, low energy light bulbs and fluorescent tubes.

Batteries

Batteries are hazardous waste and should never be placed in your black bin or your green bin. Batteries cause fires within waste collection vehicles and at Waste Transfer Stations.

Please place batteries in a separate bag on top of either your black bin or your green bin.

Please remove batteries and battery units from any small electricals that you are putting out for collection. Integrated or built in rechargeable batteries do not need to be removed.

Alkaline, Silver-Oxide and Zinc carbon and lithium batteries can all be recycled through our kerbside battery collection service. Rechargeable batteries and power packs can also be recycled through this service.

Lead-acid, mercury and other types of industrial and vehicle batteries cannot be recycled through this collection services.

What happens to small electricals and batteries placed out for kerbside recycling?

Once taken back to depots, small electricals are collected by MDJ Light Bros in Lewes for reprocessing and recycling on its site at Greystone Quarry facility. There, the items are separated into the various different components for recycling. The separated components are then sold to customers depending on demand and market conditions.

Household batteries collected at the kerbside are taken to a facility in Garforth, Leeds, where they are bulked and sent on for recycling. The bulked batteries are taken to one of two specialist facilities owned by Revatech in Belgium. Here at either the Monsin or Engis facility, the batteries are sorted by type before going through mechanical treatment to crush and screen the material. The material goes through a chemical treatment process before being recycled. Base metals and plastics are recovered. The resources gained from recycling batteries are the very same materials being mined in other parts of the world.

NOTICE OF NEW PLANNING APPLICATION(S)

AND UPDATES ON APPLICATIONS PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED.

The Planning Applications below are to be considered by members of the Parish Council Planning Committee via email consultation. This email method for consultation is a temporary measure due to the Corona Virus outbreak. The parish council will advertise this notice on their website.

If any member of the public would like to comment on any of the new applications being considered, please email your comments by to clerk@buxted-pc.gov.uk and also to Wealden District Council by email:planning@wealden.gov.uk

Claudine Feltham - clerk to the Parish Council

Copy to ESCC Cllr R Galley, WDC Cllr Illingworth

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, in partnership with the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners (APCC), has launched today (19 February) a national survey, designed to understand public perception of dog theft, enforcement and the prosecution of offenders.

The Home Secretary is currently reviewing the issue of pet theft, and what future enforcement may look like with potentially tougher penalties for perpetrators.

The responses to this survey will help inform the discussions that PCCs will have on this issue nationally, and allow police forces to better understand the public's views on this crime and how they might improve their response to those concerns.

Demand for dogs as pets has increased during the coronavirus pandemic. The cost of some puppies, on Pets4Homes, is currently as high as £3,000, making them a valuable commodity to criminals.

According to Dog Lost, the UK's largest lost and found dog service, it is estimated thefts have risen by 250 per cent, with criminal gangs involved.

PCC Bourne says: “I am incredibly eager to get more detail around this issue and understand residents’ views and if they feel more could be done to respond to their concerns or for more preventative measures to be put in place to better protect their pets."

"I hope that the results of this survey will give the Government the evidence it needs to take more robust action against perpetrators."

The 60-second survey will be open until 17:00 on Friday 12th March. Make sure to have your say today: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/dogtheft

Some of the stiles and footpaths, where there is heavy footfall, are in a poor state given the increase in footfall and the extremely wet weather.

It would be helpful if councillors, or any members of the public, can report broken stiles and other problems to the clerk, so this can be passed onto the correct authority.

The image below shows all the footpaths in the parish and further details of footpaths can be found on the ESCC website:

https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/countryside/rightsofway/map/

Please report any broken/damaged stiles direct to ESCC or to clerk@buxted-pc.gov.uk

Local Update

February 2021

Covid

Cases of Covid 19 continue to fall quite steeply across East Sussex and Wealden.

Over 90% of Care Home residents and staff have been vaccinated. All over 70s will be offered a vaccination by mid-February and over 65s by the end of the month.

The Community Hub continues to operate for those with food or medicine deliveries problems.

A series of Government grants are still available for local businesses and over £45million has been passed on to businesses since the pandemic began. Full details of what is on offer are on the Wealden website.

Council Tax.

East Sussex County Council has now decided to increase Council Tax by 3.5%. This is made up of 2% on basic Council Tax and 1.5% for the Adult Social Care precept. The government has allowed care authorities to levy 3% extra over two years. It could all be levied in one year or spread over two years. East Sussex has decided on the latter course. About 70% of Council Tax goes to fund County services.

The Fire Authority had agreed to a 1.99% increase for the Fire and Rescue Service while Wealden will be freezing tax for 2021/22. We are expecting a hefty increase from the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Policing.

This increase in the Police precept will, however, be put to good use.

Already 100 more PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers) have been recruited across Sussex with 17 new neighbourhood policing sergeants heading up local policing activity.

I have observed more police presence in recent weeks including more speed check activity and hope you have too if you’ve been able to get out and about.

In parts of Wealden Anti Social Behaviour patrols have been having noticeable impact and there has been a successful drugs busting operation.

As ever, overall crime levels are comparatively quite low.

Roy Galley

February 12th 2021.

03 February 2021

This is a briefing to provide information and resources in community languages to support ethnically diverse communities during COVID-19 and to provide factual information about the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. If you want this briefing to be in any other community language, BSL, Braille or other format, then please get in touch with us by using our contact details at the bottom of this briefing.

Supporting People at their COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment

Where can I have my vaccination?

You will receive an invitation to book your vaccination appointment by telephone, text or by post and there are several places you can choose to go to receive your vaccination:

· Visiting service – the vaccine is being taken into care homes and into people’s own homes if they cannot attend a vaccination site; and

· Hospital hubs – larger hospitals across the country are offering vaccination to health and care staff.

In Crawley a new mobile vaccination site has gone live to reach communities that are vulnerable:

https://abcltd.org.uk/2021/01/28/local-gp-federation-launches-mobile-vaccination-unit-for-hard-to-reach-and-vulnerable-community-groups/#more-3542

What support is available for language needs?

Patients can self-refer for face to face interpretation at their appointment – please contact local interpreting providers:

If you have an urgent interpretation need you can contact:

info@vandu.co.uk

urgent@sussexinterpreting,org.uk

Telephone interpretation is available for those have language needs and do not have an interpreter. This will be arranged by the team where you have your vaccine.

Translated Materials

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Contact Details

Dispelling Misinformation

FACT: No patient so far has suffered from irreversible side effects from the COVID-19 vaccination- in trials or in the population. This myth was spread by misreading a presentation which actually said 3000 of those vaccinated suffered with temporary and reversible side effects.

FACT: The speed of approval of the COVID-19 vaccination was mainly due to cutting red tape rather than cutting corners. There has been worldwide scientific collaboration and funding to create the COVID-19 vaccine. This global effort has allowed scientists to work at record speed, and complete years of work in months.

FACT: There is no material of foetal or animal origin in either COVID-19 vaccine. All ingredients are published in the healthcare information on the MHRA’s website.

• The British Islamic Medical Association have produced a helpful guide for the Muslim community.

• The Catholic Church offers reassurance messages that Catholics may “in good conscience receive any of these vaccines for the good of others and themselves”.

• The Church of England information on the vaccine isathttps://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2020-12/COVID%2019%20Vaccines%20update%20v1.0.pdf.

• The Hindu Forum of Britain has issued a COVID-19 Vaccine Information Guidehttps://twitter.com/hfbritain/status/1354512544321458179

If and when further vaccines are approved we will publish information about known allergens or ingredients that are important for certain faiths, cultures and beliefs.

FACT: The Covid-19 vaccine should protect you from becoming sick, but it won’t stop you from infecting other people. So, it is really important that you continue to remember hands, face, space. Wash your hands, cover your face and keep your distance from people. During the winter when people tend to spend more time indoors, it is a good idea to have a flow of air, for example by opening windows sometimes.

FACT: Unlike the flu jab, you cannot currently pay for a COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19 vaccinations are part of the national NHS vaccination programme and the vaccines are provided free by the NHS. You will never be asked for your bank details to pay for it.

Accessible Information in Community Languages

Sussex Health and Care Partnership have published a page with helpful translated information around COVID-19 and the vaccination programme:

www.sussexhealthandcare.uk/keepsussexsafe/sussex-covid-19-vaccination-programme/translated-covid-19-resources/

To support people to access health care services during COVID-19 Sussex NHS Commissioners have produced a “Right Care, Right Place” booklet which has been translated into Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Farsi, Hungarian, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Simplified Chinese and Turkish

Sussex Interpreting Services (SIS) have developed pages in a range of community languages including; Arabic, Bengali, Simplified Chinese, Farsi, Polish and Portuguese to support people to find out information about health and social care needs. The pages can be accessed directly and easily from the SIS home page www.sussexinterpreting.org.uk and are being updated on a weekly basis.

Video resources

Celebrities have come together to counter disinformation about the vaccine amongst ethnically diverse communities by producing a short video :Meera Syal and Moeen Ali star in video urging BAME people to take vaccine | Coronavirus | The Guardian

Siphelile Williams is a proud Learning Disabilities Nurse and a proud Muslim woman. Here she talks about why the Covid19 vaccine is suitable for her and people of Islamic faith, as well as vegetarians and vegans https://youtu.be/NZOTKz2C_2I

Siphelile Williams, a Staff Nurse from Learning Disability Services, is currently working as a trained vaccinator at The Mount. She addresses concerns about the safety of the vaccine, its side effects and how she’s had to counter disinformation within her own family who’ve been worried about things they’ve seen onlinehttps://youtu.be/A2zgOsFjNZw

An expert team of NHS vaccinators answer some of your main concerns about the vaccine, including: Is it safe? Can it be trusted? What about allergic reactions and side effects? Does it contain animal products? Is it worth it?https://youtu.be/pHvu_b55Dk0

Mental Health Nurse Steve Dawson is one of our professional Covid19 vaccinators working at The Mount. Steve understands why people might be worried but says it’s now our best hope of returning to a normal lifestylehttps://youtu.be/b0_5DdJi_vg

Further information and links to support an informed decision

Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation – information on eligibility criteria for the vaccine:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/950113/jcvi-advice-on-priority-groups-for-covid-19-vaccination-30-dec-2020-revised.pdf

Information for UK healthcare professionals (Pfizer/BioNTech):https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/940565/Information_for_Healthcare_Professionals_on_Pfizer_BioNTech_COVID-19_vaccine.pdf

Information for UK healthcare professionals (Oxford/AstraZeneca):https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/regulatory-approval-of-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca/information-for-healthcare-professionals-on-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca

Priority groups for coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination: detailed information https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/priority-groups-for-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-advice-from-the-jcvi-30-december-2020

Statement from the UK Chief Medical Officers on time between first and second dose:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-from-the-uk-chief-medical-officers-on-the-prioritisation-of-first-doses-of-covid-19-vaccines

NHS Sussex Commissioners Public Involvement Team Contact Details

If you have any questions, or if you need this briefing in an alternative format, please contact the Public Involvement Team:

Email: sxccg.involvement@nhs.net

Telephone: 01903 708 411

Post: FREEPOST RTUZ-ECYG-ERRK

Attn: Public Involvement Team, NHS Brighton & Hove Clinical Commissioning Group

Hove Town Hall, Norton Road, Brighton, BN3 4AH

SignLive: Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact us between 09:00-17:00 Monday- Friday through the Video Relay Service (VRS) ‘SignLive’. Simply download the SignLive app, register your details, and search for NHS Brighton and Hove in the Community Directory. If the call goes to answerphone please leave a message, with your name and SignLive ID code and we will call you back as soon as possible.

Previous versions of the briefing can be accessed via the news section on the CCGs websites: NHS Brighton and Hove CCG, NHS East Sussex CCG, and NHS West Sussex CCG.

In late Autumn 2020 works to Community Parking area were carried out. The car park was enlarged to increase capacity and a tarmac surface laid down. At the same time drainage works were carried out around the children’s play area, connecting in with drainage laid down for the car park. The excess spoil from the car park works was spread over the valley created by the bund from the surgery works, thus creating a flatter landscape and hopefully a more useable one. Grass seed was laid down over all disturbed areas and it will be Spring 2021 before the success of this part of the works can be evaluated. More work may have to be carried out during 2021.

Please click on the link below for detailed information regarding where the coronavirus vaccine is being delivered across Sussex.

Very disappointingly we have been advised by Wealden District Council that neighbour notification letters are no longer going to be sent out from 1st November. Instead, neighbours will have to rely on a site notice, their website or social media. We were advised as follows:

Dear Parish/Town Clerk

The methods that the Council use to publicise applications considered to be valid on or after 1st November 2020 is changing.

From this date, the Council will no longer notify adjoining properties by letter. This change is following the adoption of the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), which was adopted on 22nd July 2020 at Full Council.

There is to be reliance on Site Notices together with the website and social media. Where required by legislation, adverts will continue to be placed in the local newspaper

This change will not affect how the Council notify statutory bodies such as Town and Parish Councils.

For more details please visit: https://www.wealden.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-advice/update-on-how-we-notify-on-planning-applications/

If you are on the internet, the parish council would urge you to sign up to the My Wealden Alerts at https://my.wealden.gov.uk/en. You would then be notified via the weekly Wealden update (at the bottom of the email) of any new planning applications in your area. In addition to this, the parish council will try its utmost to inform residents of new application as they arrive via its website, Facebook and BPEC. However, this does by no means cover the many residents who are not on the internet, so we would please ask everyone to spread the word as new applications are submitted.

Starting on Friday 28th August (approx 12.30 pm), the play equipment in Buxted and High Hurstwood Recreation Grounds and Ashdown Place, Five Ash Down will be sanitised on a 30-day rolling basis for a trial period of three months.

This sanitisation is in conjunction with both Uckfield Town Council and Framfield Parish Council who also have a three-month trial.

The sanitisation provides 30 days of residual and anti-microbial protection on hard surfaces and soft furnishings with a single application. The equipment can be used 15 minutes after application. It invisibly bonds to surfaces and provides ongoing residual protection, it cannot be cleaned off, even with chlorine cleaning.

We would be grateful if you could refrain from using the equipment while the sanitisation is in process and leave for 15 minutes following application.

Please find below all relevant information regards to the service. Products used are water-based with no impact on the environment.

HPS Protect Anti-Microbial Protection Services

Zoono London Underground Trial Report

FINAL REPORT Zoono Trial 14Forty Fluor 2019

14476 germfree[1][1] Bespoke BS EN 13697 30 days BS EN 1276 Report BS EN 1650 BS EN 13697 Report Coronavirus screening report[1][1] EN 14476 Report Vaccinia Eurofins Lab 28 Day Test Result[1][1] J001347 14476 Report Vaccinia[1][3] J001430 Microbe Shield[1][1] PAS 2424 SDS GermFree24 Hand Sanitiser Final V3[1][2][1][1] SDS ZOONO Z71 Microbe Shield Surface Sanitiser Final V2[2][1][1][1] Zoono Ebola (RSV) antiviral test[1] Zoono test results brochure May 2019[1] Zoono Z71 PAS2430 Test Results[1][1]

Millions of pounds paid to Wealden District Council by developers to help provide infrastructure is set to be spent on sports and health facilities.

The council is recommending £9 million of Community Infrastructure Levy it has received be spent on projects including a new Community Sports Hub on the outskirts of Hailsham, a new training pool at Crowborough and a new indoor leisure centre and integrated healthcare facilities in Hailsham town centre.

Community Infrastructure Levy – known as CIL – is a charge that local authorities can set on new developments to raise money to help fund a wide range of infrastructure including roads and transport, flood defences, schools and educational facilities, medical and social care facilities, district heating systems, sporting, recreational or cultural facilities needed to support development of areas.

The details of the funding for sports and health facilities has been revealed in Wealden council’s annual Infrastructure Funding Statement.

Councillor Ann Newton said, “The council’s current evidence base for both indoor/ built sports facilities and playing pitch and outdoor sports needs outlines that areas of the district, including Hailsham, have deficits in such facilities.

“We are currently bringing forward plans to deliver a new Community Sports Hub on council owned land at Knights Farm East near Hellingly; carrying out improvements at Crowborough Leisure Centre including providing an additional teaching pool; and delivering a new indoor leisure centre and integrated healthcare facilities in Hailsham town centre as art of the Hailsham Aspires project.

“Given the projects due to get underway in Hailsham, Crowborough and Hellingly and in order to ensure that these projects can proceed without unnecessary delay and in line with the budget projections built into the council’s medium term financial strategy, it is recommended that an initial £9 million be allocated to these projects.”

In addition, £4million has been allocated to highways improvement projects in south Wealden and tens of thousands of pounds provided for Suitable Alternative Green Space (SANGs) projects - such as Walshes Park in Crowborough - and Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy (SAMMS) schemes.

More than £750,000 has also been passed to parish and town councils to fund the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure; or anything else that is concerned with addressing the demands that development places on an area.

For further information:

Wealden residents consulted on council tax increase

A six week consultation is now underway over a proposal to increase council tax for the first time in two years.

Wealden District Council announced a freeze on a council tax increase last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year the authority is proposing a 2.53% increase on council tax bills from 2022/23, which is equivalent to £5 a year – or 9p a week – for a Band D property.

The consultation launched this month following approval by the council’s Cabinet committee. It will run until Thursday 20 January 2022.

Wealden council’s share of the council tax bill is 10% and the money helps pay for refuse and recycling collections, planning, street cleaning, environmental protection and free car parking.

The remaining 90% of council tax bills is set by and distributed among East Sussex County Council, Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service as well as local parish or town councils.

Wealden’s part of the District’s overall council tax helps pay for refuse and recycling collections, planning, street cleaning, environmental protection and free car parking.

Council leader Bob Standley said, “Nobody wants council tax to rise but a £5 a year increase – which equates to 9.6p a week for a Band D property; 20p a week for the highest band and 6p a week for the lowest band – is a reasonable amount to ensure we deliver good services to our residents.

“The main reasons for the increases are is that there are financial challenges ahead so we have to be reasonably prudent.”

Councillor Standley said those challenges include having to save £500,000 off its annual budget; uncertainty over business rates; a potential increase in costs due to a rise of planning appeals and possible charges associated with new rules concerning both garden waste and food waste collections.

The council leader said, “We are also investing in projects including Wealden Crematorium and Knights Farm West Employment Park. These projects will take some years to fully deliver but will contribute to the council’s income and help in keeping future council tax increases as low as possible.

”We have been prudent in previous years and it has borne fruit. Wealden council is in a strong position compared to a lot of other authorities across the country which are struggling.”

To take part in the consultation visithttps://www.wealden.gov.uk/consultations/budget-2022-23/

For further information:

For further information: