COPY FOR PARISH MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2009
Traffic Calming
The implementation of the latest measures, intended to reduce the speeds of vehicles travelling through the village, is almost complete. At each of the three locations at which vehicles enter the village’s 30 mph zone a section of red “Rippleprint” road surface has been laid, a large 30 mph roundel has been marked on the road & a Vehicle Activated Sign has been installed. At time of going to press unfortunately, despite numerous requests by Atkins our consultants, EDF have still not connected the electricity to the signs. Only when this has been done time will tell how effective these measures are. Once the implementation is complete responsibility for the signs will be passed to West Sussex County Council. Each sign includes a device that records the date, time & speed of each vehicle that passes through it. A member of the Parish Council will then download this data & prepare a report for analysis on a regular basis.
Improved Pedestrian & Vehicle Safety
The next phase being investigated follows the wishes of residents as set out in the Parish Plan. Our consultants, Atkins, have been commissioned to investigate measures that could be employed to improve pedestrian & vehicle safety at the cross roads in the centre of the village & to address the problems of parking on Newlands. We will report further once Atkins findings are to hand.
Pavilion Break-In
The last issue gave details of the recent break-in. This was premeditated & almost certainly involved a local element, together with youths from outside of the village. We understand that Police forensics have recovered certain material for analysis which we hope will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
Needless to say your Council will once again be burdened with expense from their own resources, money that could be put to more beneficial use elsewhere.
We all need to continue to look out for instances of vandalism or suspicious activity. Please don't hesitate to contact our PCSO, Jayne Milne, with details of any concerns - 0845 60 70 999 extn. 21901, or by email jayne.milne@sussex.pnn.police.uk, or the Police direct if Jayne is off duty & not available.
Freighter
The last collection of the year took place on 25th October. 2010 collections will commence on 14th March 2010.
Christmas Tree Recycling
At time of going to press Balcombe Estate has agreed once again to provide facilities & this collection will take place on SUNDAY 3rd JANUARY between 11.30 am & 1 pm. For this we are most grateful. Posters will appear around the village nearer to the date.
Please note that no trees are to be left unattended before the operators arrive on site & all decorations must be removed beforehand.
Power Cuts
Unfortunately there is always a problem in cases of supply via overhead as opposed to below ground cabling, especially in inclement weather. Some of the overhead poles are located in isolated locations. If there is a “short”, often caused by falling branches or foliage, the supply is isolated & cut off for safety reasons until the fault can be attended to.
We remain in regular contact with our supplier, EDF, on such matters.
Pavement Resurfacing
Pavement resurfacing on the B2036 London Road, started on Monday November 16th. The £8,940 West Sussex County Council scheme will involve laying a new tarmac surface northwards from opposite the junction with Bramble Mead.
News from MSDC
Anti-social behaviour.
Early in November MSDC held ‘Not in my Neighbourhood’ Week, the start of national, a campaign that aims to develop strong, safe communities across the country. Mid Sussex is one the safest places to live in England and Mid Sussex District Council is working as part of the Mid Sussex Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership to make sure things stay that way. Over the last year, the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) has successfully reduced crime by 8% in Mid Sussex - this means 515 fewer victims of crime than in the previous year.
Mid Sussex District Council gave its full backing to ‘Not in my Neighbourhood Week’, a national campaign to bring communities together and say no to crime. To mark the week, the CDRP staged a series of road shows throughout the District to help residents raise any issues they had with anti social behaviour in their local area. Residents had the chance to meet the organisations that are working to reduce crime in Mid Sussex, discuss how local authorities can help to improve the local area and find out more about the many ways in which the CDRP is working to tackle anti social behaviour.
Green Garden Waste Bins
We have been informed that a Garden Waste Service bin hanger was distributed by the garden waste crews during week of 9th November giving information relating to collection dates.
Mid Sussex District Council helps to promote local businesses with new, free on-line directory
Mid Sussex District Council, working with the Mid Sussex Times/Citizen and other local newspapers, is continuing to support the local economy through its ‘Right up your Street’ campaign. Monday 9 November marks the launch of its latest initiative, a new on-line business directory for the District.
The new business directory is more comprehensive than ever before, with over 3,000 Mid Sussex based businesses listed. It encourages local companies to trade with each other, and promotes their businesses to a national on-line audience. The directory also allows other businesses and potential customers, including local residents, to locate the local business they need in order to do business with them.
The interactive nature of the new directory allows businesses to manage their own listing, uploading their details and logos and regularly updating information to meet the changing needs of their business. The new business directory will also provide a very useful channel through which the District Council can communicate directly with the businesses in Mid Sussex on issues that will be of interest to them.
Waste Less Challenge!
MSDC are launching their Waste Less Challenge in Novembers Mid Sussex Matters - which comes out on Monday 16th November.
Residents are being encouraged to waste less to landfill and Celia Austin (their Sustainability Officer) is challenging residents to waste less energy. The first 20 who apply get some free goodies (some Love food Hate Waste things for the challenge, and a current cost meter for measuring power use for Celia’s challenge), and if they complete their booklet and send back the summary sheet they will be entered into a draw to win a Green Johanna or a Solar Powered Charger (depending on which challenge they take part in).
To register they can either email challenge@midsussex.gov.uk or call our Customer Contact Centre on 01444 477440. There is also a webpage -www.midsussex.gov.uk/challenge.
Village Publications
Especially with new residents in mind please remember that copies of the book “Balcombe – the Story of a Sussex Village” & the ever popular Footpath Map are on sale in Balcombe Stores. Additionally the Clerk has a few remaining unframed Millennium Maps for sale on application. Any of these items would make a superb Christmas present!
Travel Concessions
Reminder of eligibility- Rail Passes – aged 60 or over, residents listed on the Balcombe Electoral Roll only.
Availability of the Clerk
The weekly surgery for the issue of Rail & Bus passes, inspection of current plans etc. is held each Tuesday, between 9.30 am & 12 noon at 11 Foxwells. No prior appointment is required for assistance at that time. If this is inconvenient please telephone beforehand to make an alternative appointment
Evidence of eligibility required from all first-time applicants. Following recent rail fare increases the cost has increased with immediate effect to £17.10 per annum, or £14.10 to those evidencing receipt of benefit. (Cost direct from the station is now £26).
Please note that to take advantage of this concession pre-paid vouchers must be purchased 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 Balcombe residence likewise required. Passes enable free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.
Christmas Office Closure
The last surgery of the year will be held on 22nd December. 2010 surgeries will recommence on Tuesday 5th January.
Next Parish Council Meeting Date
The next meeting of the Council takes place in the W I Room on Monday 14th December at 8 p m.
A copy of the agenda always appears on the noticeboard at least 3 days beforehand. All residents are most welcome to attend.
Finally the Chairman, Clerk & all Councillors extend best wishes for Christmas & the New Year to all Balcombe residents.
Richard Greig
Clerk to the Council