COPY FOR PARISH MAGAZINE APRIL 2008

 

Traffic Matters.

We are grateful to Balcombe Surgery for their support in highlighting the need for visitors to park considerately when at the junction of Deanland & Haywards Heath Roads when attending surgery.  This is a dangerous corner at the best of times, the more so when parked vehicles obstruct a clear view on to the main road.

Councillors also fully support the efforts of the School Crossing Patrol to secure more co-operation from parents & carers crossing the London Road to the school. 

Your Council has been informed by Sussex Police that a resident of Stockcroft Road is continuing to put notes on vehicles parked outside his house, indicating that he has the “backing” of West Sussex Police.  It has been confirmed that this must be removed as they do not endorse his actions.  If the situation continues Sussex Police have advised us that they may consider using their powers relating to public order. 

 

Street Lighting

Residents are reminded that any problems are to be reported, either to the Clerk, or direct to EDF on 01273 432504, giving details of both location & pole reference number.  We are currently updating lighting on Bramble Hill & will report again once this work has been completed. 

Freighter

Additional dates for 2008 are Sunday 6th July & Sunday 19th October.  There will then be a break until Sunday 15th March 2009. 

 

Refuse & Recycling Collection Calendars 2008/2009

We have received the following information from MSDC:

“Calendars for March 2008 – April 2009 are now available for residents / MSDC employees on the website to download / print out at home. The calendars are in A4 format to ensure all dates are readable size. The previously grey sections (for landfill collections) have been turned black to ensure easy recognition if printed out in black & white.

Crews are currently attaching bin hangers to resident’s bins. The hanger explains collections over the Bank Holidays over the next year (including Xmas 2008). A supply of hangers will be sent out to Help Points & Town & Parish Councils over the next week. Bank Holiday collections (as detailed on the bin hanger) will be as follows:

May Day Bank Holiday Monday 5th May – collections remain unchanged

Spring Bank Holiday Monday 26th May - collections remain unchanged

August Bank Holiday Monday 25th August - collections remain unchanged”. 


 

 

Garden Waste Collection Price Increase

MSDC has agreed to an increase in subscription to Garden Waste Collection Service. The service now costs £40 per annum with effect from 1st May 2008; this still works out at less than 80p per week. 

Any new applications for the service will be charged at the new price. Those who applied for the service on a £35 form will be sent a letter explaining the price rise when their application is processed.

 

Garden Waste Sacks

It is anticipated that the Council will remove the current system of garden waste sacks for 70p that are collected with landfill waste, by May 2008. The present sack collection undermines the Council’s policy of ‘no side waste’. 

Until we will are advised of the final decision please note that garden waste, packed in officially supplied green MSDC sacks, will be collected together with the (grey top) land fill bin.  The sacks should be left alongside the bin.

Disposal of White Goods

MSDC has always had to charge an individual collection & disposal fee for fridge/freezers, TV & pc monitors & microwaves as they are classified as hazardous waste.  Due to the fees now charged to them for disposal of all electronic appliances, under the Waste Electrical &Electronic Equipment (WEEE) legislation, they have had to review to review these charges

A charge has been introduced for each large electronic domestic appliance. This covers washing machine, dishwasher, microwave, tumble dryer, cooker.  The fee for each item is £23.   This is the same fee as charged for collection of fridge/ freezers, TV & pc monitors & microwaves.

 

Police & Security Matters

The responsible Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) for Balcombe is Jayne Milne.  She can be contacted for advice on 0845 60 70 999 extn. 21901, or by email jayne.milne@sussex.pnn.police.uk. 

 

Peter Fenn

We are most grateful to Mrs. Lois Fenn & family for their kind donation to the village of a flowering tree, in remembrance of Peter.  This will be planted on the Green as soon as weather conditions improve.

 

Travel Concessions

Reminder of eligibility- Rail Passes – aged 60 or over, residents listed on the Balcombe Electoral Roll only.  Evidence of eligibility required from all first-time applicants.  Cost currently £15.40 per annum, or £11.40 to those evidencing receipt of benefit.


 

 

Please note that to take advantage of this concession – passes cost £24 if you apply direct to the rail company – vouchers must be obtained direct from the Clerk beforehand. 

 

Bus Passes – Evidence of eligibility, together with passport size photograph, to be checked by the Clerk prior to submission to MSDC who issue the covering passes.  Aged 60 or over.  Confirmation of residence likewise required.  From 1st April 2008 you can enjoy FREE off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.  If you have a Sussex Countycard which expires on or after the 31st March 2008, you will automatically receive a national free bus pass in March 2008. 

 

Next Parish Council Meeting Date

The Regular March meeting takes place in the W I Room on Thursday 10th April 2008 at 8 p m.  A copy of the agenda will appear on the noticeboard approximately 7 days beforehand.  All residents are welcome to attend. 

 

Residents are also invited to attend the Annual Parish Meeting of the Council to be held at the United Reformed Church, Bramble Hill, on Wednesday 23rd April, commencing at 7.30 pm.  The speaker will be Inspector Ed Henriet, of the Sussex Police, based in Haywards Heath.  Refreshments will be available. 

 

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.  No prior appointment is required for assistance at that time. 

Please note that the office will be closed on Tuesday 6th May.

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Greig

Clerk to the Council