Parish Council News – June 2020

At the time of writing this article we had managed to hold two Planning Committee meetings and one Council meeting successfully using Zoom. While restrictions are still in place we will continue to meet remotely to make decisions on urgent and financial matters. For all meetings now the agenda and documentation is made available on the Meeting Schedule page of the website. Members of the public are requested to send any questions relevant to agenda items to the clerk (clerk@mayfieldfiveashes.org.uk) at least half an hour before a meeting commences and the chairman may then provide an oral response or direct that a written response be given. Details to join a meeting can also be obtained by emailing the clerk up to half an hour before the meeting.

Recycling site at recreation ground

Please remember that only recyclable items should be placed in the recycling bins in the Tunbridge Wells Road car park. Any items left on the ground or beside the recycling bins is fly tipping and is a criminal offence. This applies to recyclable materials too including cardboard and newspapers. If the bins are full then you must take the items back home and recycle at the kerbside. The amount of fly tipping at the site during lockdown has been extremely disappointing with reports to Wealden District Council having to be sent several times a week in some cases. Members of the public should be aware that photographs of the fly tipping showing evidence of the addresses responsible have been forwarded to Wealden’s Street Scene for investigation and could result in prosecution.

Wealden’s Bulky Waste Collections 

Following some initial disruption to staffing levels due to Coronavirus, the Wealden District Council and its waste contractor Biffa have been able to resume the household bulky waste collection service. Please note this service has limited availability and is likely to be in high demand and they want to ensure this service is available to those most in need.  Social distancing measures to protect the public remain in place therefore any items to be removed must be placed in an easily accessible location outside of the house for 7am on the day of collection.  They must also be accessible to their operatives without needing to breach social distancing rules.  If on arrival items cannot be accessed or removed safely, they will not be collected and a refund will not be given.

The preference is for residents to book and pay for this online using https://my.wealden.gov.uk/ as their staff are very busy dealing with the Covid 19 emergency.  If you cannot book and pay on line please phone 01323 443322 however, please understand it may not be able to answer calls as quickly as normal. For further information on the bulky waste collection service, including what they collect and the charges please visit: https://www.wealden.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/bulky-household-waste-collections/

Reopening of Household Waste Recycling Centres
Our household waste recycling sites (‘tips’) reopen to the public from 10am on Monday 18 May, following new guidance issued by central Government. However, with social distancing still necessary, the service is restricted and residents are encouraged to only travel to a site only if it is absolutely necessary to dispose of waste or recycling that cannot be added to your kerbside collection and may present a risk of injury or harm to health. There are 23 sites across and there may be limits on what is accepted. For latest information visit: https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/  Again don’t be tempted to fly tip as it is an offence and offenders will be prosecuted.

When out and about

Sussex police has informed that as the weather improves they are seeing an increase in the number of people out and about in rural areas and as a result of current restrictions, many of these may not be so used to visiting the countryside. This has prompted an increase in the number of reports from farmers and landowners about people disregarding the Countryside Code, not keeping to the footpaths, walking across crops, leaving gates open and in some cases, being abusive when challenged.

Sheep worrying by dogs is an on-going problem and with thousands of new lambs in particular across the county. Dog walkers are urged to keep their animals on a lead and under control at all times while around livestock. A normally docile pet can turn into a bloodthirsty killer in a moment and a farmer can legally shoot a dog that is chasing livestock.

Safe Space for victims re-launched In lockdown

Safe Space Sussex’ is an online directory of local victim services, created by Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne. In response to the ‘lockdown’ and concerns raised around crimes like Domestic Abuse, this site has been upgraded and a campaign has been launched on social media (@SussexPCC) to help victims covertly reach out for help whilst stuck in isolation – search #SafeSpaceSussex.

It’s vital that residents are aware of the support that is still available if they need it. Safe Space Sussex has been equipped with a new search tool so that within 10 seconds, victims of any crime can find the service they need. It also has a ‘leave site now’ button that users can press to quickly exit the site. Tailored guidance will be shared across social media community groups on how victims can access the new website covertly, using incognito tabs, as they may be living with their perpetrators during ‘lockdown’ and their search history may be monitored as a result. Victims can also covertly let Sussex Police know they are in danger. The ’55’ technology is in place for those too scared to speak, to alert a call handler to the fact they need help by pressing 55 on their mobile phone once they’ve dialled 999.

Rotherfield Lane – Temporary Road Closure

The lane will be closed for an anticipated seven days from the junction with Station Road to the junction with the A267   from 18th June 2020 to 24th June 2020 to allow South East Water to carry out apparatus repair works. The diversion will be via the A267 bypass – Tunbridge Wells Road – High Street – Station Road 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.

Waste and Minerals Local Plan

East Sussex County Council, Brighton & Hove City Council and the South Downs National Park Authority are proposing policy changes to parts of the existing Waste and Minerals Local Plan to meet the sharp sand and gravel needs of the Plan Area, to increase the safeguarding protection of mineral sites and minerals infrastructure sites and to improve the effectiveness of existing policies. The changes are set out in their Revised Policies Document which has been published for public consultation. Consultation on the Revised Policies Document and supporting documents is open from the 11th May 2020 to 3rd August 2020. For more information visit: http://consult.eastsussex.gov.uk/  To make comments you will need to have a username. If you have not registered before please click on the ‘Login/Register’ icon on the website and enter your details. Registering your email address will enable you to be notified by email of future stages in the preparation of the Plan. If you are unable to view the documentation online telephone 01273 481 846

Free adult education courses

Learnyay helps adults find free education courses and training by connecting them with the Education and Skills Funding Agency and local authority funded colleges, schools and training providers in their area. During this time of self-isolation home learning can help people make the most of their time and cope better with self-isolation. It will also improve employment prospects. To find out more visit https://www.learnyay.co.uk 

Parish Council Grants:

Please note that the application deadline for Parish Council grants each year is 30 September for the following financial year. Information on how to apply and the application form can be found in the “Key Documents / Finance” section on the Parish Council website at https://mayfieldfiveashes.org.uk/

Meetings

Planning Committee meetings are now being held remotely every two weeks and all consultations are being posted on the website. The meetings this month shall be held at 10am on Monday 08 June and Monday 22 June.

Council and Committee meetings shall be convened as and when urgent decisions are required and for financial matters. The meeting schedule with agendas, minutes of meetings and other documentation is available for viewing online at: www.mayfieldfiveashes.org.ukand at the Parish Council Office when open to the public. Please email the clerk for meeting joining instructions up to half an hour before a meeting commences.

Janna Todd

Parish Clerk to Mayfield and Five Ashes Parish Council

The Old Manor House, High Street, Mayfield TN20 6AL

Telephone 01435 873784

E-mail: clerk@mayfieldfiveashes.org.uk