NEWS

The most recent news will go on this page.

Last update : 3rd June

What’s coming up……

• A planning application has been received from Summerthorne Estates Ltd for the development of office and B1 light industrial units in the designated Ashdown Business Park site; this is the area in the corner of the A22/A272, adjacent to the new waste site and the Fire & Rescue Service Training Centre. The papers are available for inspection in the Parish Office and the application will be discussed at the next meeting of the Council’s Planning Committee which is to be held in w/c 21^st June; please see notice boards or web site re. exact day and venue.  
• Recycling. Wealden DC will start its kerbside collection of sorted recycling materials in a couple of months. All households will receive details soon. Meetings to explain how it works will be held at Maresfield Village Hall on Sat 19 June at 10am and at Nutley War Memorial Hall on Thurs 24 June at 7pm.

What’s happened……

• The Parish Council, as a public body, is subject to various audits of its accounts and processes and it is very pleasing to report that again the auditors have praised the Council for its excellent management and records in these areas. A copy of the Council’s statement of accounts for the financial year 2009/10 is appended.
• Jessica, our Assistant Clerk left us on 12^th May to go on her maternity leave; she returns on 4^th April 2011. We have been joined by Katrina Larkin who is an experienced and qualified Clerk; Katrina will cover the Assistant Clerk’s role until Jessica returns. We welcome Katrina to the Team.
• Following the resignation of Cllr Mrs Val Taylor we have a vacancy for a Councillor which is to be filled by co-option at the meeting of Council to be held on 20^th July. If you are interested, or know of anyone who may be interested, please contact the Clerk on 714555; deadline for applications is Friday 2^nd July.

What people are working on……

• Work continues on finalising the questionnaire to be sent to all households to help formulate the new Parish Plan. When the new Plan is published later in the year it will form part of the mandate for the Council’s activities. We need to engage with younger people as part of this exercise and welcome your thoughts and suggestions on the best way to do this.
• As a Quality Council we have been awarded £766.00 as a share of the Safer and Stronger Communities grant, to be used to further the Council’s links with the community. Please let us have your suggestions for the best use of this grant in this respect.
• We are running a Project Team to look at providing allotments in Maresfield Village. If you have an interest in this area please get in touch with us.

Are there issues about ……

·         East Sussex County Council contractors do not cut grass verges where daffodils are growing. Do you agree with this view?

·         Are you aware of sewage problems in Fairwarp? We are trying to find out how extensive these are. If you have any information about this, please contact the Clerk.

Could someone help with ……

·         Please remember to return the Civil Emergency questionnaire that was included with the recent ‘The Parish Matters’ newsletter. It can also be completed on-line; go to questionnaire  Many thanks to those who have already returned their questionnaire.

·         More volunteers are still needed to help with the monthly SpeedWatch exercises, so that we can deploy the speed gun on a more regular basis. Full training given.

·         We are still looking for volunteers for the Community First Responders initiative. Community First Responders are volunteer members of the public who have been trained by the Ambulance Service to deliver life-saving skills in their locality, pending the arrival of an ambulance. Full training and support will be given – please step forward.

·         Cllr Harris and Cllr Stevenson are still seeking volunteers to make up project teams to look at the development of play areas. Parishioners’ input and involvement in such projects is crucial. At the Maresfield Recreation Ground play area there is space for a few additional items of equipment; please let us have your suggestions as to what could be put there, particularly for younger children, such a springer horses.

Note 1:      In 2009, these were funds held on behalf of The Easylink Project. These have now been distributed at Easylink has its own banking arrangements.

Note 2:      Includes accruals in respect of legal fees, play area maintenance, bus shelter and fingerpost repairs.

Note 3:      Payments on behalf of Easylink

Note 4:      Reserves of £35000 now held in accordance with auditor’s recommendation.

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