Balcombe Parish Council
Chairman: Graham Gosney,
Twittens, Oldlands Avenue, Balcombe, West Sussex RH17 6LW. Telephone 01444
811420
Clerk: Richard Greig, 11
Foxwells, Balcombe, West Sussex RH17 6LZ Ansaphone & Fax 01444 811833
Following regular discussions with District Council, including a recent site visit, they have now made revised proposals for the layout, which are being studied in depth. Additionally we have received proposals for equipment from two leading suppliers. On this basis we are anticipating arranging a village consultation meeting early in the New Year at which plans for proposed layouts will be made available.
The street lighting renewal previously reported was completed last month and we hope that you are pleased with the results. The cost of this is, of course, provided from Parish Council funds, so obviously further improvements will have to be agreed on a “case of need” basis.
SEEBOARD ask us to co-operate with them concerning the repair of faulty lighting and have asked us to make clear
· Normally routine lamp failures will be fixed within FIVE working days. Some damaged equipment or electricity supply problems may take longer to repair.
· Please continue to report any out of order street lighting, either to the Clerk, or direct to SEEBOARD on 01273 432386.
·
IT IS ABSOLUTELY ESENTIAL TO
GIVE THE IDENTIFICATION CODE LETTER ON THE POST WHEN REPORTING FAULTS AS ALL
LAMPS ARE SO LISTED - FOR EXAMPLE “POST
B, OLDLANDS AVENUE, OPPOSITE THE ENTRANCE TO FOXWELLS”. INPRECISE INFORMATION WILL CAUSE DELAYS OR
NON-IDENTIFICATION, AS SERVICE CALLS ARE USUALLY MADE IN THE DAYTIME WHEN THE
LIGHTS ARE OFF. THERE WILL BE DELAYS IF
THIS PROCEDURE IS NOT FOLLOWED.
Traffic Calming
The Parish Council has
approved expenditure for the purchase and installation of four SOLAGEN (solar
powered) lights outside the school and hope that arrangements for installation
will be sanctioned shortly. We continue
our discussions with West Sussex County Council about timing and availability
of funding for completing Phase 1 of the scheme – London Road & lower part
of the Haywards Heath Road, as well as finalisation of Phase 2, which will
cover the remaining area of the Haywards Heath Road.
Security at Balcombe Railway
Station
We hope that many of you
were able to attend the short address by Inspector Garry Ancell of British
Transport Police, together with Roger Lanham of South Central Trains. prior to
commencement of October’s main meeting and found it useful. The following is the Clerk’s notes on the
main points covered at the meeting:
Prior
to the main Parish Council meeting on 21 October there was an address by
Inspector Garry Ancell, of British Transport Police and Mr Roger Lanham,
External Liaison Manager, of South-Central Trains. This was to advise how improvements to existing security at
Balcombe Station could be made.
“Inspector Ancell was
frank. It was an unsatisfactory
situation at Balcombe. Whereas crime at
stations within the area was down 25% overall, regrettably Balcombe was showing
an increase of 75%. 18 incidents had
been reported in 2003 to date.
He additionally conceded that
there was no short-term fix. However it
should be possible to make the site less attractive for the criminals who
targeted it. Improvements being
considered were the clearing of the undergrowth, improved lighting and
possibility security guards. These had
been used at other locations successfully.
Roger Lanham knew the Balcombe area well as he had previously been based
at Redhill. He mentioned that one of
the problems with the present CCTV coverage was the location of the footbridge,
which limited field of view. He was
already in touch with WSCC concerning joint funding for an additional camera
(approx. £8706), but would really like two, which would cost another £2500 on
top of that.
Mr Marsh mentioned that in past years there had been village involvement
in the cutting back of the undergrowth.
The mature trees had been left.
It would seem ideal to have one of the new cameras sited near the
entrance. Mr Lanham agreed.
Contrary to earlier information it was concerned that the CCTV coverage
operates 24 hours a day – not less – and that the tapes themselves run for 72
hours, to cater for low staffing levels.
It was emphasised by both of the visitors that it was essential for all
incidents to be reported at the time, as there may well have been more than the
reported 18. All reports would be
followed up and in the case of a successful prosecution this would be
publicised as widely as possible. Of
course it would only be possible to follow matters up using the evidence from
CCTV cameras, as permanent security guards would be impracticable.
In answer to a question about the ejection of unruly passengers Mr
Lanham confirmed that it was policy for them to be taken off the train at
manned rather than unmanned stations, where there would be immediate
assistance, and that this policy should be known to all train operating staff.”
Transco
As reported last month
Transco have now filled in the trenches along Oldlands Avenue and will start
pipe work again in the spring, giving prior notice beforehand to affected
parties.
Rural Transport in Mid
Sussex
The questionnaires from Mid
Sussex District Council in connection with their bid, together with West Sussex
County Council, for funding for additional buses to serve rural mid Sussex have
now been analysed and a copy is held by the Clerk.
Retiring Village Postman
A total of £600 was raised
for Bob Cornell, who retired after over 20 years of service, earlier in the
year. We wish him a long and happy
retirement.
Water Resources
A letter has been received
from South East Water concerning the toll on water resources following the record
breaking dry spell of weather and a copy is displayed on the notice board.
Availability of the Clerk
Issue of Rail & Bus
passes, green sacks, inspection of current plans etc. each Tuesday, between
9.30 am & 12 noon at 11 Foxwells.
Otherwise please telephone 811833 for an alternative appointment.
Public Participation
Our next meeting will be on
16 December and the agenda is displayed prior to the meeting on the notice
board. Public participation is always
welcome.
The Chairman, Vice Chairman,
Councillors and Clerk extend their best wishes for Christmas and the New Year
to all villagers and thank you for your support and co-operation.
Richard Greig
Clerk to the Parish Council
November 2003