COPY FOR PARISH MAGAZINE JANUARY 2008

 

Vandalism

Please continue to report any suspicious activity anywhere in the village. 

 

Traffic Matters.

As mentioned in December’s issue the recent tragic accident on the B2036 north of Balcombe reinforces our determination to persuade WSCC Highways to introduce more speed limits on approaches to the village.  We are continuing our efforts. 

We have also received several representations from residents concerning parking on the pavement & verges adjoining Springfield Shaw.  This affects the sight line of traffic on the B2036 & in your Council’s opinion this is a traffic hazard.  As polite requests to the owners of parked vehicles have been unsuccessful we are now approaching the Police & WSCC Highways for advice. 

Please continue to conform to the Highway Code, in the interests & safety of others, to ensure that vehicles are parked where they do not obstruct, especially on corners where they could obscure the sight line for approaching traffic. 

 

Street Lighting

Residents are reminded that any problems are to be reported, either to the Clerk, or direct to EDF on 01273 432504. 

The recent “Night Scout” check on the correct operation of all village lights revealed faults with Col B London Road, Col E Jobes & Col B Mill Lane (flashing).  The usual remedial work will be undertaken.

Freighter

The next freighter is scheduled for Sunday 23rd March 2008. 

 

Post Office

Although our Post Office has survived the current round of Post Office closures we do not know whether it will continue in its present form once Anil & Indi sell up.  Your Council remains of the view that a Post Office in Balcombe is a “village lifeline” & we will support any proposals for its retention, including a move to an alternative site. 

 

Refuse

Recycling Boxes - MSDC Cleansing Services are currently looking for about 200 recycling boxes to give out to people who cannot accommodate wheeled bins for recycling.  They don’t want to go down the road of buying any more at the moment as they know there are lots out there in garages etc!  If you can help please contact Joy Dyson, the MSDC Waste Reduction Officer, direct on 01444 4774. 

Reminder - material from recycling bins will NOT be collected if it has been bagged up within the bin.  All recycling material needs to be rinsed and placed loose into the bin. 


 

 

Keep Balcombe Tidy Week

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Balcombe Primary School competition, to design an anti-litter poster, as Amelia Cross (age 7) and Oliver Saunders (age 5).  The winning posters are currently being displayed in the Balcombe tea-rooms and we would like to thank all the children for participating and the many wonderful designs entered.

 

Proposed PRH Downgrading

MSDC has published a 58 page response to the West Sussex PCT’s Fit for the Future Consultation.  If any reader would like to sight a copy please contact the Clerk.  Latest reports indicate that A&E at the PRH could remain, although the future of maternity services is as yet unclear. 

 

Appointment of new Councillor

We are happy to report that Mr Peter Huxley was elected a co-opted member at the December meeting of the Council.  For those who do not know Peter the following gives some brief detail of his background.  Peter Huxley studied Architecture at Cambridge University and then trained as a Chartered accountant.  He now works for an investment bank in London.  His main hobbies are hiking and photography, although he seems to spend almost all of his free-time doing DIY these days!  In the past he has volunteered on several youth-work projects including six months full time youth-work with 14-21 year olds in a deprived part of Cornwall.  He has been appointed Treasurer of Balcombe Youth Club.  Peter's wife, Clare is a teacher at Ardingly College and they have a baby son, Robert.

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. 

 

Speed Watch

The latest analysis is currently on display in the notice board.

 

Christmas Tree Recycling

By kind arrangement with Balcombe Estate this will take place on Sunday 6th January 2008, Victory Hall car park, between 11.30 a m & 1 p m. 

Please ensure that all decorations etc. are removed & do not leave your tree in the car park prior to the arrival of the operators.

 

Precept for 2008/09

The main source of funds at the Council’s disposal is the annual precept, the amount that we are granted from the Council Tax raised by Mid Sussex District Council. Balcombe’s precept was last increased, to its present level of £32,000, in April 2001.  Over the past six years inflation has affected our costs.  Your Council has approved raising the precept to £42,000 from 1st April 2008.  The new precept will enable the Council to meet its regular commitments and fund some of the expectations arising from the Parish Plan. 


 

 

The increase in the precept will mean an average increase of less than 1% in the total Council Tax paid by Balcombe residents, and 8 out of the 26 parishes in Mid Sussex have a higher precept contribution than Balcombe. 

 

Absence of the Clerk

As the Council Office will be closed for all business between Christmas & the New Year the first opening in 2008 will be on Tuesday 8th January. 

 

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. 

Rail Passes – aged 60 or over, residents listed on the Balcombe Electoral Roll only.  Evidence of eligibility required from all first-time applicants. 

We have received advice from MSDC that there will be a price increase effective 1st January 2008, but at time of writing we are awaiting further details. Please note that if you wish to take advantage of the Parish Council subsidy you must apply direct to the Clerk & not to the Rail Company. 

Bus Passes – issued by MSDC, but evidence of eligibility, together with passport size photograph, checked by the Clerk prior to submission.  Aged 60 or over.  Confirmation of Balcombe residence likewise required. 

 

Next Parish Council Meeting Date

The December meeting takes place in the W I Room on Wednesday 16th January 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. 

 

FINALLY THE CHAIRMAN, COUNCILLORS & CLERK WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL BALCOMBE RESIDENTS A PROSPEROUS AND SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR.

 

Richard Greig

Clerk to the Council