NEWS 

BEST KEPT GARDEN COMPETITION 2008
 

The judging for this years Garden Competition took place on Thursday 24th July and as always the standard was extremely high. The gardens looked very beautiful and it was difficult to choose. However the following is a list of the winners.

MOST COLOURFUL GARDEN

1st    121 Hartfield Road - Christopher Sargent

BEST KEPT LARGE GARDEN

1st     Jedely, Highfields - Jean Burgess

2nd    Maronlea, Chapel Lane 
3rd     27 Upper Close

Comm  17 Freshfield Close

BEST KEPT SMALL GARDEN

1st     33 Stoneden Close - Hazel Wickham

BEST CONTAINER GARDEN

1st    33 Ashdown Close - Robert & Brenda Bogle

2nd   19 Swans Ghyll 
3rd    1 Wade Court

BEST COTTAGE GARDEN

1st    1 Swans Ghyll - Pamela Waters

2nd    38 Hartfield Road
3rd    35 Stonedene Close
Comm  33a Hartfield Road

BEST GROUP OF GARDENS

  

 

 

Comm  Redfern Cottage, Tudor Cottage
           37, 38 and 40

ENVIROMENTAL AWARD

Winner  Java and Jazz
Comm    Village Hall   

BEST COMMERCIAL FLORAL DISPLAY

1st    Foresters

BEST KEPT ALLOTMENTS COMPETITION 2008

JOHNSON'S FIELD

1st    No. 26 - Mr & Mrs Greig

EVENT AND TICKET EXPERT

If you would like to get advise on Buying Tickets, Organisation, Planning, Scams and Hazards, Ticket Problems, Ticket Tips, Your Event, by exploring the Event and Ticket Expert Site you will be able to achieve this. 

Click on the following site www.eventandticketexpert.co.uk/home.htm to find out more information.

CALOR VILLAGE OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

WINNERS 2008

This years continued hard work and dedication by all has been rewarded with the village winning 1st place in the East Sussex category of villages that have a population of  between 5,001 and 10.000. The competition was run by the Action in Rural Sussex  group. The competition looks at different villages from all over the UK and awards the best villages that work together to achieve a better quality of life.  Judges were impressed that Forest Row is a "green champion", "Fairtrade village status" and "activities and services to all ages". The judges also looked at other factors - building community life, business, young and older people and the environment. Cllr Nigel Manger was present to receive the Certificate and Prize Money along with Cllr Jane Wogan and Cllr Gwen Pritchitt. Forest Row will now be entered into the Calor Village of the Year Competition in 2009 which offers national recognition.

THE COMPOST DOCTOR SERVICE 

The Compost Doctors provide free expert advice to local residents on how to compost successfully at home from getting started to getting the most out of your composting system. The doctors can help choose the right composting system and provide information on the Council's reduce price compost bins and food waste digestors.

     * Advice provided by telephone or email

    * Attend local events with a fully staffed information stall

    * Make individual or group home visits

    * Hold workshops and talks

 RELIEF ROAD

CLICK ON: CORE STRATEGY PRE-SUBMISSION DOCUMENT EAST GRINSTEAD SUPPLEMENT

BY PASS

CLICK ON: RESPONSE TO CORE STRTEGY 19-03-08

MID SUSSEX DISTRICT COUNCIL - CORE STRATEGY

CONSULTATION ON PRE-SUBMISSION DOCUMENT

This consultation is a critical one, in that it embodies the East Grinstead Area Action Plan and the associated Relief Road.

Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the contents of this, we have some information leaflets in the Parish Council office and further, more detailed, information can be found on the following website: www.midsussex.gov.uk/corestrategy. We also have a copy of the full consultation document, but sadly, cannot let this out of the office.

There are many opinions in this long running saga, but whatever your view, we would urge you to look at the facts rather than conjecture, and respond to the consultation, which ends on 20th March 2008. Whilst we all hope the problem will just 'go away', it has to be said that this time it probably won't. Therefore everyone needs to think very carefully about the implications of the proposals, which are:

1.  Preferred Option: development of 2,500 homes with a full relief road (from the A264 at Felbridge to the A22 north of Forest Row) remains Mid Sussex District Council's proposed approach for large scale housing at East Grinstead.
2.  Contingency (or fall-back): in case the development or relief road required for the development of 2,500 homes at East Grinstead is delayed or cannot be provided. Two options are propopsed for a reduced development of around 1,500 homes west/south west of East Grinstead with a comprehensive transport package based on junction improvements and a partial relief road from the A264 to the B2110 Turners Hill Road. This road would only offer limited traffic relief to the East Grinstead Town centreand has been rejected by East Grinstead Town Council as the 'worst of all worlds' option.
3.  Further Contingency (fall back): Any shortfall in housing if the East Grinstead strategic housing site cannot be built, or the SE Plan increases the District's housing requirement, would be at locations at Crabbet Park and Burgess Hill (in addition to the development of 3000 homes already prposed there).

The above points were faithfully copied from the Mid Sussex District Council information leaflet. The Parish Council is not seeking to influence residents, merely to draw attention to the proposals and the importance of engaging in this important process.

There was an extra-ordinary meeting of the Parish Council on Tuesday 18th March in the Hambro Hall at which the Council's response was discussed and formulated. All members of the public were and there was time for public questions at the beginning of the meeting, as with all Council meetings. This was NOT a public meeting.

FOREST ROW - IT'S ALL IN THE BAG

The launch was to raise awareness among the residents of Forest Row about the wasteful use of plastic carrier bags which was held on Saturday 2nd February 2008 at the Community Market and Car Boot Sale in the Community Centre.

Bags outlets in the village are priced at £3.00. They are made of jute, which is a sustainable crop, and the inks are water-based and environmentally friendly.

The 'All in the Bag' group was spearheaded by Angie Montagu, Rowena Moore and Vania Phitidis and Alan Potter, with others supporting them. The initiative was supported by the Parish Council who helped with the printing of posters and leaflets.

This is a wonderful, pro-active initiative which brings Forest Row into the front-line of communities fighting to protect the environment from the destruction that can be caused by something as innocuous as a plastic bag.

Why not buy a bag and join others in proclaiming Forest Row's status as a community that is playing its part in the growing awareness of this issue.

SANDBAGS AND FLOOD PROTECTION

SANDBAGS

Sandbags are useful temporary measure to keep out or divert, flood water, but if your premises is under repeated threat from flooding then it may be advisable to look for a more permanent method of protection.

SANDBAGS IN EMERGENCY

The District and County Council can provide sandbags during flooding emergencies although this is not an obligation.

Our policy is to provide sandbags free of charge during flooding emergencies, (eg. when your premises is actually under threat of flooding), to both domestic and commercial premises, subject to the availability of resources. In non-emergency situations, (eg. preparing for a possible flood). The Council would impose charges for this service.

As an alternative to sandbags, plastic bags or similar, can be filled with sand or earth and used effectively to protect against floodwater.

As an alternative to sandbags, plastic bags or similar, can be filled with sand or earth and used effectively to protect against flood water.

HOW TO REQUEST OR PURCHASE SANDBAGS FROM THE COUNCIL

During Office Hours:  01892 653311 or 01323 443322
Out of Office Hours:   01323 410051

Sandbags can also be purchsed from most local Builders Merchants.

SANDBAGS DURING NON-EMERGENCY TIMES

Wealden District Council can also provide sandbags during non-emergency times, but will make a charge for the supply and delivery. The charges for this service are:

Description                                                         Charge as at 1st April 2007   
                                                                                               per bag           

Filled and Delivered                                           £4.40 + VAT (minimum of 10)

Empty and Delivered                                          £0.43 + VAT (minimum of 10)

Plus £17 + VAT Delivery

Filled and Collected                                            £3.10 + VAT

Empty and Collected                                           £0.43 + VAT

FLOOD PROTECTION PRODUCTS

There are a number of purpose made flood protection products commercially available to help prevent flood water entering doors, windows and air bricks.

COMMUNITY CONTACT BY E-EMAIL

The Safer Wealden Partnership has launched a new schemme that will help improve Community Safety

By signing up Members will receive e-mail bullentins containing messages from:

Sussex Police on crime, crime prevention, 'good news' in the fight against local crime and traffic 

accident appeals.

Sussex Police Authority with news re meetings and surveys.

East Sussex Trading Standards regarding scams, rogue traders etc.

Community Safety Messages from the SWP which includes the District and County Councils. The Fire

& Rescue Service and the Primary Care Trusts.

To join please send an email to:  cc.registration@sussex.pnn.police.uk

WEALDEN DISTRICT COUNCIL - LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

PARISH COUNCIL’S RESPONSE 

The Parish Council has responded to the above consultation, making the following points among many others:

• The geographic location of the village creates unique cross-boundary issues in terms of transport, and infrastructure with many services and utilities crossing county boundaries.
• The village is constrained by Ashdown Forest and flood plain
• The village could not absorb the number of units proposed in the LDF but may be able to take a lower number by looking at the current development boundary in certain areas.  Certainly existing services provided by the Health Centre and the School could not cope with large numbers.
• The highest possible targets should be set for new buildings to use sustainable energy
• New developments should provide between 30-35% affordable housing

It was stressed that Forest Row has unique issues that need to be taken into consideration and that the LDF cannot be looked at in isolation. A holistic approach with the East Grinstead AAP and the Wealden LDF needs to be adopted with all the agencies working together.

The full document is available to view on this website under Committees and reports. 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHOOL CROSSING PATROL

The School Crossing Patrol has been saved thanks to a partnership arrangement between East Sussex County Council, Forest Row Parish Council and the School. ESCC will continue to employ the patrolman, paying for half the costs with the balance being split between the Parish Council and the School.  This is a successful outcome and helps alleviate the concerns of local parents and children.

OPERATION CRACKDOWN

 “Fed up with speeding, thoughtless driving, tailgating, mobile phone use at the wheel or abandoned vehicles, then report it on www.operationcrackdown.org or call the contact centre at 01243 642222. Don’t tolerate it – report it.”

Week commencing August 27, 2007, Operation Crackdown, a new web-based reporting system for bad driving is being launched by Sussex Police in conjunction with local authorities and other associated organisations across the county.
It is an expansion of the already well-used Operation Crackdown – abandoned vehicles.

FUNDING SURGERY FOR LOCAL VOLUNTARY GROUPS IN

THE FOREST ROW AREA

KERBSIDE RECYCLING

The new kerbside recycling scheme in Forest Row got under during 2007.  The introduction of this much welcomed service came at the culmination of several years of discussions and the Parish Council has worked in partnership with Wealden District Council to deliver what the people of Forest Row had long been asking for.

There have been some hiccups given the wide range of the scheme so please be patient whilst the scheme settles down. If you have any queries, the reverse of the leaflet gives contact details as follows:

Waste reduction/recycling advice: 01892 602626
Missed collections/missing bins: 01892 602735
Email: recycling@wealden.gov.uk
Website: www.wealden.gov.uk

There is some concern about smells from rotting food, so here are some tips to help.

1. Put your food waste into a home composter where you can.
2. If you can't, wrap specific items like chicken carcasses before putting them in the bin.
3. Flush runny waste like liquids and sauces (but not cooking oil) down the drain or toilet.
4. Consider buying a food waste disposal unit that fits to the sink.
5. Try to position your kitchen bin and wheelie bin where it won't get direct sun.

For fuller advice and information on this subject click here

For details of opening hours and what you can recycle at the Household Waste Recycling Site in Station Road please look under Local Services & Organisations.

SOUTH AND SOUTH EAST IN BLOOM COMPETITION 2007

Forest Row has been awarded 2nd place winning Silver in the South and South East in Bloom Competition this year. The competition is not only about flowers but also improving the enviroment. The judges walked around the village in July taking into consideration the flowerbeds and hanging baskets and also other aspects of the village too. This included recycling, car parks and lack of litter. All these areas are also awarded marks in the competition. Lets hope with our continuous hard work we can go one better next year!

If you are interested in becoming part of the Forest Row in Bloom Committee please contact Trevor Tupholme (Tel. 825657)

FAIRTRADE

Forest Row has been awarded Fairtrade Village status. Elizabeth Peel, convenor of the Fairtrade Steering Group, presented a certificate to Nigel Manger, chairman of the Parish Council at the Open Day on 16th February. The certificate is on display in the Parish Council Offices.

The purpose of a Fairtrade town or village is to contribute to the Fairtrade Foundation's aim of tackling poverty by enabling disadvantaged producers from poor countries to receive a better deal, through encouraging support for the FAIRTRADE mark.

The Parish Council fulfilled one of the conditions in passing a resolution agreeing to serve Fair Trade tea and coffee at its meetings and in its offices and canteens.

An increasing number of local work places (estate agents, hairdressers etc) and community organizations (churches, schools etc) are using Fairtrade products and a range of Fairtrade products is readily available in the village's shops and cafes.

Everyone can make it a reality for Forest Row to become a Fairtrade Village. Products which can be fairly traded are coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, sugar, bananas, other fresh and dried fruit, juices, honey, cakes and snacks, preserves, nuts, oils, herbs, spices, rice, beer, rum, wine, roses and cotton products.

Please call David Jonas on 01342 826896 or the Parish Council Office on 01342 822661 to find out how you can contribute to this initiative, either by pledging to use Fairtrade products in your workplace (this can be as simple as just tea, coffee and sugar) or to offer them for sale to your customers.

Please see Community Initiatives page for details of shops and businesses using fairtrade products.

RECYCLING PERMITS

Starting on January 1st, Veolia Environmental Services has introduced an entry permit scheme for certain vehicles using the Household Waste Recycling Site in Station Road. This applies to vans, large vehicles, minibuses, trailers over 4 ft and sign-written vehicles. It has been introduced to improve the service and to prevent trade and commercial waste from being illegally taken to this site.

The scheme does not apply to cars using the site.

Permits are free and applications forms are available from the Site Office in Station Road, www.eastsussex.gov.uk/rubbishandrecycling or by calling 01273 482310.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2007 

We are please to announce that this years Citizen of the Year is Mr Dennis Billings.

This year our Citizens Award goes to Dennis Billings. Nearly everyone in the village will know Dennis. He is often seen working on the village greens, ensuring that our open spaces are as we would like them and he does so much more. He will, as always quietly get on with making the village a better place to be so we can all enjoy. 

HARTFIELD ROAD TRAFFIC CALMING

Since the completion of the works in Hartfield Road, the County Council has made several visits at the request of the Parish Council to look at problems it has identified as well as concerns raised by members of the public.

A safety audit has been carried out and the recommendations will be implemented by East Sussex County Council.