PCSOs Greck and Brashill, who work from Crowborough Police Station, attended the Community Safety and Traffic Committee meeting in October. As well as discussing the tragic road traffic collision recently on the A267, they were keen to discuss the Bonfire Festival. We were informed that there was only one recorded incident of a security guard being spat at. It was lovely to see so many young families enjoying the event and thankfully there was no repeat of incidents such as those last year. Thanks go to the Bonfire Society for arranging the fantastic celebration which, with the support of additional security and Sussex Police, was a resounding success.

Ash dieback (Chalara fraxinea)

Concern has been raised at the Rights of Way and Trees Committee and Finance and General Purposes Committee on the number of trees in the Parish with ash die-back. Information from East Sussex County Council’s website is relevant to trees on Council and also private land.

What is Ash dieback?

Ash dieback, Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (also known as Chalara fraxinea), is the most significant tree disease to affect the UK since Dutch elm disease which was first recognised in the 1960s. It will lead to the decline and death of the majority of ash trees in Britain and has the potential to infect more than two billion ash trees (over 1.8 billion saplings and seedlings to more than 150 million mature trees) across the country.

It is an airborne fungus that enters the tree via the leaves and occasionally the stem in young trees. During the summer these will turn black and fall to the ground. The tree then shuts down its water carrying vessels to stop the fungus spreading through the tree. This causes the die back of young and eventually all branches. 

What are we doing?

East Sussex County Council surveys the county’s roads to record where ash trees are and what level of infection they are showing. This information helps prioritise any action required, such as felling or further inspections.

If you own an ash tree

If you are aware that you have an ash tree on your property, you should be aware of the responsibility you have to ensure it does not become a risk to people or property. Ash trees can decline rapidly once infected and become brittle and weak at the roots, particularly if infected by a secondary pathogen.

If your ash trees are within falling distance of the public highway (which includes footpaths and bridleways) and shows signs of infection, you may be served with a notice to fell the trees by East Sussex County Council Highways. If you are unsure whether your tree(s) are infected, you can ask a reputable tree surgeon or look at the Tree Council website and search for ash die back: https://treecouncil.org.uk/

Have your say on possible service changes

East Sussex County Council has begun public consultation on proposals to reduce and reconfigure some of their social care services for adults. 

They would prefer not to consider these changes, but it faces a funding gap of up to £55 million next year as the demand for our services, and the cost of providing them, rise steeply. 

There are 11 consultations on areas including day services, community support, employment training for people with learning disabilities, supported accommodation, housing support services and drug and alcohol recovery.

They would like residents to tell them how you or our community would be affected by these changes so they can understand the full impact if they went ahead. No decisions have been made yet, but they need to prepare for possible savings in next year’s budget. 

Be deer aware

There is a lot of beautiful countryside in East Sussex, providing home to deer. Although it is exciting to spot them in the wild, they are a potentially serious hazard on the road. Road traffic accidents involving deer present a major problem in this country with up to 74,000 deer killed in collisions every year. During October and November there are usually more sightings due to the mating season when they will usually be seen on country roads between sunset and sunrise.

If a deer crosses in front of you, it is likely that another will follow. Slow right down or stop and wait if it is safe to do so. Deer are unpredictable so drive with caution at a speed that is appropriate for the conditions and environment. That way, if you do hit a deer you are more likely to walk away unharmed.

Lookout for warning signs

Along our roads there are warning signs placed exactly where deer are known to cross. If you see one – slow down, stay alert and be prepared to stop. Use full-beam headlights when there are no oncoming vehicles. This will illuminate the eyes of deer and give you more reaction time. If however you do see deer ahead, dip your headlights to avoid startling them.

If you do hit a deer

Park your car in a safe place with the hazard lights on. This will serve as a warning to alert other road users. If anyone is seriously injured or the deer is blocking the road, call 999. If the deer is injured, at the side of the road and not causing danger to others, call the police on 101. They will arrange for the deer to be looked at. It is best not to approach injured deer as it could cause further distress or cause it to run back into the road. An injured deer will not benefit from efforts to sit with it or keep it warm.

Debt and energy support helps residents in need 

Residents are being reminded to utilise debt and energy support through Wealden Citizens Advice. The organisation gives free, impartial advice on money, debt, benefits, housing or employment problems helping to support residents across the district. Contact information:  0808 278 7811 or 0800 144 88 48 anytime between 9am to 3pm Monday-Friday or online: https://www.wealdencitizensadvice.org.uk You can visit one of their offices in Crowborough, Hailsham and Uckfield but it is recommended to call ahead to avoid being turned away.  

Wealden Community Grants Programme

Wealden Community Grants Programme has launched to fund services and activities supporting residents living in the district. Organisations and community groups across the Wealden district are being invited to apply for grants, which have been made available through Wealden District Council’s budget and supports the priorities within the new Wealden District Council Strategy. 

The council is asking not-for-profit organisations, such as charities, community and voluntary groups, community interest companies and more to apply. Organisations will need 50% match funding, which can include in-kind and/or cash match funding. The deadline for applications is 04 December 2024. For more information visit: 

Environmental Framework for Events and Licensed Businesses

Wealden Council has also launched a consultation on our Environmental Framework for Events and Licensed Businesses. This concerns protecting and enhancing the natural environment, reducing emissions, and improving the quality of life for residents and is open until 01 December 2024. The aim is to develop an environmental framework to guide future licensing policies and applicants for licences. They inform the aim of the Framework is not to add regulation and stop certain events, if adopted it would act as Supplementary Guidance for applicants and licence holders on how they can operate in a more climate friendly way.

https://letstalk.wealden.gov.uk/environmental-framework-for-events-and-licensed-business

South East Water’s water main project between Bewl Water Treatment works and Rotherfield

South East water is just under halfway through this project, with almost seven kilometres of pipeline installed across the project area. They have been working with East Sussex Highways to finalise dates for work on the B2100 (Wadhurst Road and Best Beech Hill to keep disruption to a minimum. Forthcoming road closure dates for October are as follows:
Best Beech Hill: Saturday 26 October to Monday 24 March 2025
Tidebrook Road (at the junction with Best Beech Hill): Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November
The B2100 is a key route in our area, and so work will be carried out under a rolling road closure within the dates specified. They will start on Best Beech Hill at the junction with Tidebrook Road and Best Beech Lane. 

Parish Council Meetings

The meeting schedule on the website: http://www.mayfieldfiveashes.org.uk/ shows this month’s Council and Committee meetings as well as agendas, minutes of meetings and other meeting documentation

Janna Todd, Parish Clerk, Old Manor House, High Street, Mayfield TN20 6AL

Telephone 01435 873784          E-mail: clerk@mayfieldfiveashes.org.uk