COPY FOR PARISH MAGAZINE JUNE 2007

 

Vandalism

During the evening of 10th May a number of youths, obviously incensed at losing a football they were kicking around in the vicinity of a restricted area, decided to vent their anger on the pavilion door, which they proceeded to kick in, destroying both lock & door.  Fortunately we have a good description of them & also some names, which the Police are now following up. 

We are grateful to the informants who so readily came forward & hope that as a result there will be some results. 

PLEASE CONTINUE TO BE ALERT & REPORT ANYTHING SUSPICOUS. 

 

Street Lighting

As a result of representation to your Council a new column in Newlands, adjoining the path down past Deanland Shaw, was completed on 14th May. 

Please continue to report any problems, either to the Clerk, or direct to EDF on 01273 432504.  All columns are clearly marked with a (yellow) alphabetical identification letter which must be quoted when making a report.  It is insufficient to merely report that a light in “location   ” is not working. 

 

Freighter

The next freighter will be on July 1st 2007 - 10 a m to 12 noon, Victory Hall car park.  Additional dates have been re-arranged for Sunday 30th September, Sunday 2nd December & Sunday 23rd March 2008. 

Any material left on the site prior to arrival of the freighters will constitute fly tipping & action will be taken against offenders. 

 

MSDC Changes for Refuse Collections

Mr Ian Burton, Head of Outdoor Business at MSDC, addressed the Annual Parish Meeting on 25th April.  The main change will be from a weekly to a fortnightly one, whereby recyclable material will be collected one week & household waste the next.  However it appears that this arrangement is unlikely to be fully implemented in Balcombe until November of this year. 

The Council is promising plenty of advance information, including road shows, displays & home visits.  We understand that a display has been planned for Balcombe Stores. 


 

 

Parish Plan

The Plan was formally adopted by the new Council at their Annual General Meeting on 15th May & further updates on action being taken will follow.

 

Parking

In spite of our earlier request to respect the no parking cones that have now been placed at the junction of Bramble Hill & Stockcroft Road some inconsiderate persons have thought fit to remove them.  They were placed in their present position to improve safety at this already dangerous & congested junction.  If the offenders are apprehended we shall have no hesitation in referring the matter to Sussex Police immediately. 

Please THINK before you PARK.  IT IS FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS. 

 

Annual Parish Meeting

We are grateful to all those who attended the meeting on 25th April.  The retiring Chairman, Graham Gosney, together with Mrs Katherine Gunning, Vice Chairman & retiring Councillors were thanked most sincerely for their contribution to the village. 

 

Annual General Meeting

This took place on 15th May & we welcome

·        Susan Barker-Danby

·        Carol Jarvest

·        Robin Lindsay-Stewart

·        Gary Marsh

·        Sarah Moore-Williams

·        Rodney Saunders

·        Alison Stevenson

·        Richard Turner

·        Robin Williamson

as Councillors.  Robin Williamson was elected Chairman, with Alison Stevenson Vice Chairman.  Messrs. Simon Greenwood & Neville Ashcroft have been co-opted, bringing our complement up to the permitted level of 11. 

 

As some of these names may not be known to you it is proposed to publish a short paragraph on each Councillor’s background in the July edition of the magazine. 


 

 

Readers are reminded that public participation is welcomed at the beginning of each meeting of the Council, for which a copy of the agenda always appears around a week in advance on the notice board. 

 

Local Elections

At the Local Elections held in the Mid Sussex area on Thursday, 3rd May 2007, Messrs. Gary Marsh & Andrew MacNaughton were re-elected Councillors for the Ardingly & Balcombe Ward.. 

 

New Mobile Library Bus

Do come along & admire the luxury of the new mobile library!  However it can only survive if you support it.  The staff on duty are always most welcoming & you can apply for membership immediately with the minimum of formality.  The calling times are on the notice board.

 

Local Produce

Did you know that there are local Sussex Markets where you can buy local produce?  Our nearest is at Hapstead Hall, Ardingly, each Thursday morning between 10 – 11 a m.  Why not try it!  We understand that there is also a regular Farmers’ Market in Haywards Heath.  

 

Mid Sussex Local Development Framework – Update

We previously explained at length that following representation of your Parish Council, Mid Sussex District Council did NOT include any Balcombe Sites in the Small Scale Housing Allocations Development Plan submitted last year to the Secretary of State.  However three of the alternative sites

ALT/22 – GLEBE FARM HAYWARDS HEATH ROAD

ALT/23 – LAND NORTH OF STATION HOUSE, LONDON ROAD

ALT/24 – VINTENS NURSERY, OLDLANDS AVENUE

have been submitted for inclusion by the LANDOWNER (Balcombe Estate) as additions to those in the original report. 

A second series of hearings, by the appointed Inspector, will take place in June at the Council’s Offices & the above sites will be discussed at a hearing session on WEDNESDAY 6TH JUNE commencing at 10 a m.  We are reminded that the public are welcome to attend the hearing, but will only be able to pass comment if invited to do so by the Inspector.  MSDC considered none of the originally proposed Balcombe sites suitable & will again confirm to the Inspector at the hearing that this remains their view. 


 

 

Balcombe C of E School

We congratulate Staff & pupils on their success in their Innovation Award for developing an anti-bullying policy throughout the school, awarded under the West Sussex Strategic Partnership’s Safer Place competition. 

 

Balcombe Website

We would again inform readers that the website is not run by the Parish Council & must be considered only as a means for exchange of ideas between residents.  Your Council will therefore not respond to any matter raised on the website unless they it is raised directly with them in the prescribed manner.  The provider has again been asked to remind readers that the Council does not necessarily associate itself with any of the views expressed on the website  

 

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 CLERK’S OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL BUSINESS ON TUESDAY 19th & TUESDAY 26TH JUNE. 

 

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 £12 per annum, or £9 to those evidencing receipt of benefit.

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Greig

Clerk to the Council