Mayfield Memorial Hall

Sadly, the hall was vandalised twice in September (at the time of writing this article) with an attempt to break into a side door and an actual break into the rear changing rooms with damage done to the ceiling and widows smashed. It has been reported to Sussex Police and they are confident they have good forensic evidence including DNA that will be kept on their database for perpetuity. If you see anyone attempting this again, please phone 999 if it is in progress. There is a dedicated phone number too for Operation Blitz. This sees officers working in addition to those on regular shifts in order to target ASB in areas which have previously seen increases at particular times of the week. The additional patrols run from 6pm until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and you can call and report ASB directly to officers during these times on 07770700642.

Questions have been asked on why the hall has not reopened. In June 2023, it was thought it might be possible to reopen the hall for three months initially and the costs involved were investigated. There were a number of health and safety checks and certifications required before it could have been reopened. In addition, the costs of the average monthly utilities bills, cleaning, waste removal contract and licences were considered. This was weighed up against the predicted income from hire charges for one-off events based on previous years for the same period. The expenditure required far exceeded the predicted income, so it was found not to be financially justifiable. This in particular is due to the fact that regular bookings, that were the hall’s major source of income, could not be taken over a short period of time.

Adult gym equipment

At the September Community Development Committee meeting, a request to consider installing adult outside gym equipment at Court Meadow was discussed. This was raised previously at the Annual Parish Assembly in 2016 but at the time the attendees did not have an appetite for it. We would very much like to hear from you if you think it is a good idea and that you would use the equipment. Please drop us a line if you do at clerk@mayfieldfiveashes.org.uk.

DISC

At the last Community Safety Action Group meeting, Sussex Police urged Parish Councils to promote their ‘DISC’. This is aimed at businesses such as retailers, pubs and clubs that experience high levels of crime and anti-social behaviour. DISC is an online information-sharing system that helps local businesses to fill the ‘policing gap’ by managing local low-level business crime themselves , identifying prolific offenders and helping local police pursue them through the criminal justice system. 

It enables you to submit incident reports quickly into the system, where they are processed and shared back to other local businesses in the form of Image Galleries of offenders, so they can keep better informed about who’s threatening their premises, property, staff or customers. 

Disc does more than enable local businesses to identify and manage individuals who threaten their premises and property, or represent a risk to their staff and customers. Disc also: 

• delivers relevant news and Alerts about safety and security matters, including travelling criminal groups, new ‘modus operandi’, counterfeit currency and more; 
• provides access to useful reference documents, 24/7; 
• keep you informed about up-coming events such as face-to-face meetings with other Disc users, police presentations, or events that may generate additional footfall – and attract new offenders from out of the area; 
• sends you a weekly eNewsletter to keep you up to date with everything added into Disc in the previous seven days; 

If you don’t already use Disc, contact das@littoralis.com and they will add you to the Disc system. You will receive a ‘Welcome email’: then just click-through from the link in the email and follow the on-screen instructions. It’s a quick and simple process. 

Livestock worrying

A reminder has been issued by Sussex Police on the importance of responsible dog ownership. ‘Worrying’ is where a dog attacks or chases livestock causing injury or suffering. This isn’t just a threat to a farmer or landowner’s livelihood, it is also a dangerous situation for the animals involved, and could lead to more risk if the animals get onto the road.

A Heathfield woman who repeatedly failed to keep her dogs under control, including around livestock, was recently convicted at court after members of the local community reported multiple incidents of her dogs being out of control, worrying livestock, knocking people over and chasing other dogs. She was convicted fined, ordered to pay compensation and court costs which in this case amounted to £5,890. She was also given a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which prevents her from keeping or controlling any dog for five years. If caught doing so, she could be arrested and face a prison sentence of up to five years. Sussex Police said: “We hope this sends a message to any other irresponsible dog owners that police and the courts will take action against those who fail to keep their dogs under control.” Always keep your dog under control around other animals and if you see a dog on the loose worrying animals, report it online. Remember a farmer is allowed to kill the dog if it is worrying their livestock. 

Temporary road closure

Coggins Mill Lane is scheduled to be closed from 04 October to 10 October 2023, a total of seven days, from the junction with Lake Street to the junction with Fletching Street to allow BT Openreach to carry out apparatus repair works. The diversion will be via the A267 and advance warning signs will be placed on site advising of the actual date of the works.

Stonehurst Lane in Five Ashes is scheduled to be closed on 11 October 2023 to allow BT Openreach to carry out further works at this location. Again, advance warning signs will be placed on site advising of actual date of works.

Don’t lose your vote

Please be aware that Wealden’s Electoral Services Team have started their annual revision of the electoral register (annual canvass). As part of the annual canvass they contact households in different ways including email, post, telephone or a personal visit.

Recent home movers in particular are urged to check their details. Electoral Commission research has found that recent home movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time.

Electors with concerns about the email or any electoral registration query can speak to a member of the Electoral Services Team direct on 01892 602407 or they can email elections@wealden.gov.uk. 

One You East Sussex roadshow returns to Wealden

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

Dates and locations

Friday 29 September – Uckfield, Luxford Field car park

Friday 6 October – Heathfield, Station Road East car park

Friday 13 October – Uckfield, Luxford Field car park

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

• Be aged between 40-74.
• Are not currently prescribed blood pressure or cholesterol medications
• Do not suffer from Diabetes OR Heart/Circulatory/Kidney conditions or previously suffered from any cardiovascular events.
• Be an East Sussex resident. 
• Have not previously had a Health Check in the last 5 years.

Appointments must be booked in advance by emailing martyn.reynolds@oneyoueastsussex.org.uk or 

sam.bentley@oneyoueastsussex.org.uk.

Let’s Talk Wealden goes live

A new online community engagement hub has been launched to improve engagement between Wealden District Council and its residents. It aims to provide an interactive and relaxed space for residents to find out about the latest proposals for their area, have their say, ask questions and discuss ideas with the community. Residents do not need to sign up if they wish to view the site but will need to register if they wish to comment, discuss, or ask a question. You can sign up by visiting https://letstalk.wealden.gov.uk/.

Instagram – mayfieldvillagelife 

Available to for Mayfield and Five Ashes, this site can be messaged with details of a local event or alternatively, contact Cllr Sally Ann Tibbles: sally-ann.tibbles@mayfieldfiveashes.org.uk

and she will put it information up for you. The site ‘mayfieldvillagelife’ is a picture book of activities in this Parish. (Press ‘follow’ at the top of the page and you will be notified of posts as they appear.)

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