District news Summer Edition 2017
TAKEOFF FOR NEW LEWES SKATEPARK
Your Your Lewes Lewes District District Council Council magazine Newsletter
www.lewes.gov.uk www.lewes.gov.uk
FEATURES A clean environment 4 Going green 5 Newhaven Enterprise Zone 7 Artwave 8-9 Unsung heroes 13
REGULARS Housing news Wave Leisure Council meetings
10-11 14 14
DIARY DATES Ranger events Bank holiday collections
6 16
Welcome Change is in the air in Lewes district and it’s not just the warmer climes of summer. We are moving ahead with important changes that will enhance the public services that local people rely on as well as generate vital efficiencies. With government funding to all local authorities coming to an end in 2019, work being undertaken now will ensure we are in the best possible shape to continue to provide outstanding services. We continue to share more services with Eastbourne Borough Council and this process will become most visible when a new joint website is launched later this year. The new site will be optimised to provide residents in each town with quicker and easier online access to the services and information they need most. New features will be added during the first six months after its launch. Another improvement that families across the district will welcome is the simplification of our waste and recycling service. It means a much more efficient process for residents and improved rates of recycling for the district, which is great news for the environment. Weekly refuse collections will NOT change, but how items are sorted will. More information on the rollout of the new waste and recycling service will be shared with residents soon.
ABOVE New skatepark is launched at Malling Fields recreation ground RIGHT Sapling apple trees were handed over to the Peacehaven Community Orchard in the Centenary Park. This followed a successful fundraising film event involving us, the Depot cinema and the Gateway CafĂŠ
District News is available in large print, audio tape, disc or in another language upon request. To receive District News by email visit www.lewes.gov.uk/districtnews CONTACT 01273 471600 EMAIL press@lewes.gov.uk DESIGN Lewes District Council @LewesDC
Fantastic new £200,000 SKATEPARK opens
Play Street fun for children Children are playing freely outside their homes without the worry of passing traffic thanks to our Play Street initiative. The scheme allows for temporary road closures for up to three daylight hours, any day of the week, allowing local children to play together in a safe and secure environment. With longer days and warmer weather, now is the time for youngsters to enjoy outdoor play. This also fosters a stronger community spirit between neighbours.
A new, specially designed skatepark has opened at Malling Fields recreation ground, Lewes, to replace the old ramps. Skatepark users from across the district are honing their skills at the new facility which was created from a brief put together by Lewes’s skating community. Cllr Andy Smith (pictured above left), Leader of Lewes District Council, said: “This is a fantastic new venue which is a great asset for the district. With a timely opening before the summer arrives, it is already attracting skaters and other wheeled sports enthusiasts from near and far, and will continue to be enjoyed as a community facility for many years to come.” Constructed by specialist skatepark builders Wheelscape in consultation with groups of local enthusiasts, the £200,000 scheme was funded by several sources including us, North Street Quarter development and the Veolia Environmental Trust. The skatepark is unique in its design, referring to iconic features of the town. For further details visit www.lewesskatepark.org.uk
Local people can apply for more than one Play Street closure in a single application; the application needs to be submitted eight weeks before any planned Play Street event. For more information visit www.lewes.gov.uk/playstreets or email parks@lewes.gov.uk
Keeping our district clean We are carrying out a series of clean-up days across the district to make sure our streets and public spaces are looking at their best. Our waste and recycling team cleared the mini-recycling sites in Peacehaven and Telscombe in May (pictured). Other clearances are taking place over the summer in Ditchling, Seaford and Newhaven town centre, following a successful cleanup day in Chailey in spring.
Pet owners brought to heel over dog mess We have launched an initiative to stop dog fouling at several district sites, starting with Riverside Park in Newhaven. The Not In My Neighbourhood campaign targets areas where dog fouling has been identified as a problem and sends out a strong message to dog owners that they are responsible for clearing up after their pets. The Friends of Riverside Park have secured sponsorship for a dog poo bag dispenser which is located at the southern end of the popular path near Robinson Road, Newhaven. Dog walkers are encouraged to use this facility and dispose of the bags in the bins provided on site.
Cllr Paul Franklin, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Waste & Recycling, said: “Our district is a fantastic place to live and work, and it’s important we do all that we can to keep our environment looking clean and tidy.”
Cllr Isabelle Linington, new Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environmental Impact, said: “We take dog fouling very seriously. This campaign is being rolled out at several other parks which have seen an increase in dog fouling, prompting the need for positive action.” In addition, animal warden patrols are being increased and a Paws on Watch scheme adopted where members of the community sign up with us to report incidents of dog fouling and other anti-social behaviour, together with other incidents which they believe may be suspicious. Enrol at www.lewes.gov.uk/PawsOnWatch
Green light for green waste collections Residents have welcomed the news that our green waste collection service will soon be available across the entire district. The council’s implementation plan is two years ahead of schedule and new customers are signing up every day. Most recently, we welcomed our 1,000th customer to the service. Albert Crouch, from Ringmer, (pictured below with Cllr Franklin) is delighted that as the garden growing season gathers pace all the cuttings will now be conveniently collected and taken away for local composting. Mr Crouch said: “I’m very pleased Lewes District Council has introduced this service. It makes absolute sense to sign up; you save yourself time and money with fewer trips in the car to the tip, so good news all round.” You can sign up online at www.lewes.gov.uk/waste The 12-month subscription is £70 and this also includes a 240-litre green waste bin at no extra cost.
Food waste recycling We have collected more than 350 tonnes of food waste from residents’ homes so far this year – the equivalent weight of 27 double decker buses! This is recycled into compost locally which is used by farmers and gardeners in the area, and at the same time is helping to drive up our recycling rates. We have been talking to people about the benefits of our food waste recycling scheme and encouraging them to sign up during supermarket events in Tesco in Lewes and Sainsbury’s in Newhaven. Joining the scheme takes just two minutes by visiting our website at www.lewes.gov.uk/ foodrecycling
5
Ranger events Nighttime creatures at Castle Hill, Newhaven Friday 23 June 9.45pm into the night Come and watch and learn about the exquisite and delicate moths that fly at night. We may see bats too. PICTURED Elephant Hawk-moth Marine and Clean at West Beach, Newhaven Saturday 1 July 10.30am-2pm Come and discover the marine creatures that live here and help LDC Rangers and SCDA clear the West Beach of marine litter.
Living Coast From the rolling Downs near Lewes to the cliffs and beaches at Seaford and Newhaven, most of our beautiful district lies within the Brighton to Lewes Downs UNESCO World Biosphere, which now has a new identity – The Living Coast. There are incredible coastal views from our Nature Reserve in Castle Hill in Newhaven, whether you are there for a spot of birdwatching or to see the beautiful pink thrift and yellow birdsfoot trefoil flowers splash their colour across the cliffs this summer. Managed by our community rangers together with the Castle Hill local group of volunteers, this Green Flag award-winning nature reserve is a place worth visiting. Search out the rock pools at low tide at Cuckmere Haven or West Beach Newhaven, but please remember to be gentle with the creatures and put back anything you pick up to look at. For more information visit www.thelivingcoast.org.uk/ www.lewes.gov.uk/community/11002.asp
Beauties of Landport Bottom Walk, Lewes Friday 7 July 11am Join us to discover the colours of the Downs, with butterflies and orchids at Landport Bottom. Woodland Walk at Bollens Bush, Newhaven Saturday 15 July 10.30am Come and explore this beautiful woodland with our ranger. Discover the plants, birds, flowers and more hidden within it. The Brickfield Wildlife Picnic, Seaford Thursday 3 August 11am-2pm Come along to this family fun day for willow weaving, bug hunts and games. Bring a picnic.
Opportunity knocks with launch of
Newhaven Enterprise Zone
A new project designed to accelerate the economic regeneration of Newhaven has been described as a ‘defining moment in the history of the town’. The Newhaven Enterprise Zone commenced in April and represents a collaboration led by us and Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership. This is further supported by East Sussex County Council, Newhaven Town Council and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership. The project aims to shift the town to a higher value economy over the next 25 years, creating space for new businesses as well as employment and training opportunities for local residents.
Enterprise Zone will be judged as a defining moment in the history of the town. “Opportunities abound for people with vision, drive and dynamism; these individuals will thrive within the zone by taking advantage of the new infrastructure and financial benefits on offer.
“It’s a very exciting time for an area that has the potential to become a major force in trade and industry on the south coast.”
Businesses locating to any of eight designated areas can potentially benefit from tax breaks, access to free support and investment in the infrastructure across the enterprise zone.
Work is already underway on a number of key sites including the development of a new 7,733m² business park on Beach Road, that could create more than 200 jobs.
Cllr Andy Smith, Leader of the Council, said: “It is my belief that the launch of the Newhaven
For more information visit www.newhavenenterprisezone.com
7
Artwave returns The district will be buzzing with creativity and colour from 19 August to 3 September for Artwave, our annual festival of artists and makers. It has become one of the most popular visual arts events in East Sussex, attracting nearly 50,000 visitors to the area in 2016, and this edition is shaping up to be even bigger than ever. Over 140 venues registered to take part, with new ones in Glynde, Peacehaven, Ringmer, Seaford and Newhaven expanding our popular town and rural trails to a mighty seven this year, with a diverse collection of over 500 different artists taking part. RIGHT
Papier mâché hare by Emily Warren
ABOVE Dawn Stacey in her studio
As always, every venue is free to visit, including private homes and workshop spaces, open gardens, studios and galleries. Also expect unexpected venues, from a plant nursery to a woodland walk, two churches and a working forge; all of them exhibiting and selling work as varied as the venues themselves. Highlights include a trail of photographic lightbox images, particularly magical at night, and, for the first time ever, moving image is to feature in the programme. Another new addition is our Stay Longer pages – working with Stay Lewes, Coast & Country website and local businesses, we are offering visitors ideas to extend their stay for a day, a night or even longer.
Art on ďŹ lm
Artwave on the move
Artwave is delighted to be working in partnership with the new Depot Cinema in Lewes, Hillcrest Cinema in Newhaven and Seaford Community Cinema to bring three artinspired films to the screen every Saturday evening during the festival. The programme promises a mix of drama, documentary and a special Q&A with a director too. Full details will be on the Artwave website and in the printed brochure.
We are encouraging our visitors to come by public transport where possible this year and to make it easier bus routes and railway stations are clearly marked on maps and trails. The Artwave team is very excited to be working with our headline sponsor, Brighton & Hove Buses, Regency Route, so look out for our posters on their buses and maybe even an artist in residence on board. Keep up to date with all the latest Artwave news online www.artwavefestvial.org follow us on Twitter and Instagram @artwavefestival LEFT Lewes alphabet by Nigel French, who uses typography to capture the essence of places BELOW Victor Stuart Graham’s work features on the cover of the Artwave brochure
9
Housing advice surgeries If you are having difficulties paying your rent or mortgage, want advice on your rights as a tenant or owner, need to find somewhere to live, or are having problems maintaining your home then come to a “Housing Advice� drop-in surgery: Peacehaven Community House, Meridian Centre, Meridian Way Monday 9am-12.30pm Lewes Council Offices, Southover House, Southover Road Tuesday 9am-12.30pm Newhaven Saxon House, Meeching Rd Wednesday and Friday 10am-12.30pm Seaford The Police Building, Church St Thursday 9am-12.30pm You can also visit our website www.lewes.gov.uk and complete an online housing advice request or email housingneeds@lewes.gov.uk For our duty housing officer rota visit: www.lewes.gov.uk/housing/21619.asp For people living in villages with no means of transport, or people with disabilities, our advice officers would be happy to arrange a home visit.
Food safety on menu Older residents living in sheltered accommodation have been undertaking food hygiene training to support their social activities such as lunch clubs. This sheltered service initiative supports residents by giving them confidence that they are meeting environmental health standards when preparing food for group events. The courses are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and focus on the importance of cleanliness and taking responsibility for making sure food is safe. Also as part of the initiative, new kitchen equipment such as food thermometers are now being used in sheltered accommodation kitchens, and food hygiene posters have been put up as a reminder of good practices. We hope this training will encourage more lunch clubs and other social events to be arranged in sheltered accommodation across the district in future.
10
Garages for rent Lewes District Council has garages to let across the district in town centre, village and rural locations. Weekly rental costs are between £16 and £25. Information on how to rent and further details www.lewes.gov.uk/housing/garages.asp
Homes First for district To enhance services for residents, housing management is being brought together across both the Lewes district and Eastbourne under the new Homes First department. Cllr Ron Maskell, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “New ways of working and integrating housing teams will deliver a better equipped service across both authorities. “Making best use of technology to allow customers to do more online and our staff to work closer with communities is also part of this initiative.” A working group has been set up to make sure tenants’ views continue to be heard. This comprises Eastbourne Homes Limited (EHL) and Lewes and Eastbourne tenant representatives
including Tenants of Lewes District and EHL board directors, officers and councillors from LDC, Eastbourne Homes and Eastbourne Borough Council. BELOW The new Homes First team with Andy Chequers (right)
Pest control If pests are causing you problems, let us help. We provide expert advice and treatment for problems with all sorts of pests, including mice, wasps, ants, moles, squirrels, fleas, cockroaches and more. For more information or to book a home visit from one of our fully qualified pest control technicians, visit www.lewes.gov.uk /PestControl
Marking 50 years Driftwood Garden
of conservation in the district
Bloomin’ marvellous gardens on show Beautiful gardens across the district will be on show this summer as part of the National Garden Scheme to raise funds for nursing charities. For full details of admission prices, directions and refreshments available visit www.ngs.org.uk
12
The 50th anniversary of Conservation Areas is being celebrated this July, and a special window display will grace Lewes Tourist Information Centre in the High Street to mark the occasion. Lewes Conservation Area Advisory Group is joining forces with the Friends of Lewes to create the display to highlight how effective Conservation Areas have been, and continue to be, in preserving the historic townscape. There are 35 Conservation Areas in the district covering an area of 493 hectares, including a large part of the town of Lewes. By designating Conservation Area status, we are able to apply conservation policies that preserve and enhance all the aspects of character or appearance that define the special interest of that area. For more information www.lewes.gov.uk/planning/19434.asp
Unsung heroes receive awards Community stalwarts from across Lewes district were celebrated at a special event to honour their voluntary work. Our event at Lewes House recognised over 40 people who selflessly work for the benefit of the places they live in and those around them.
Winners included Jenny Maidment, Chair of the Lewes Children’s Book Group, Helen Livings, Chair of the Trustees of Community Transport for the Lewes Area and the Kingston Action Group Volunteers who provide an excellent and much-needed service to the local community by clearing litter and footpaths.
Cllr Nigel Enever, Chair of LDC, hosted the event and presented winners with a certificate following a buffet lunch and drinks in the garden. A cellist and singers from East Sussex Music Service provided the entertainment.
Among the guests were local councillors, the Mayor of Lewes, the Mayor of Newhaven, the Deputy Mayor of Peacehaven and the Deputy Mayor of Seaford.
L TO R Marcus Taylor, Beverley Fleet, Gary Dove, Laura Dean, Tom Bonner INSERT BELOW Helen Livings with Cllr Enever
Lewes District Council meetings scheduled for summer 2017 are open to the public Employment Committee 2 12 June Audit and Standards Committee 4 19 June Cabinet 3 26 June 28 June Planning Applications Committee 1 Council 1 17 July Planning Applications Committee 1 19 July 9 August Planning Applications Committee 1 Planning Applications Committee 1 30 August 11 September Employment Committee 2 Landport Bottom Management Committee 5 12 September Scrutiny Committee 3 14 September
10:00am 10:00am 2:30pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 5:00pm 5:00pm 5:00pm 10:00am 11:00am 10:00am
Venues: 1 Council Chamber, County Hall, St. Annes Crescent, Lewes 2 Telscombe Room, Southover House, Lewes 3 Telscombe & Ditchling Rooms, Southover House, Lewes 4 Ditchling Room, Southover House, Lewes 5 Council Chamber, Lewes Town Hall, Lewes
14
For further information and to confirm meeting times, dates and locations, please contact the Committee Section at committees@lewes.gov.uk or call 01273 471600 Information is correct at time of going to press.
Summer bank holiday collection days REFUSE and FOOD WASTE COLLECTIONS Normal Collection Day
Altered Collection Day
Monday 28 August
Tuesday 29 August
Tuesday 29 August
Wednesday 30 August
Wednesday 30 August
Thursday 31 August
Thursday 31 August
Friday 1 September
Friday 1 September
Saturday 2 September
Please ensure that your rubbish is put out by 6am For commercial recycling of paper and cardboard please follow your normal fortnightly cycle and allow the same bank holiday alterations as shown on the table above.
KERBSIDE RECYCLING COLLECTIONS Please refer to your kerbside recycling calendar. If you do not have one you can download one from our website www.lewes.gov.uk/waste or you can request one by calling customer services on
01273 471600
Go green with a discounted
compost bin REDUCED PRICE garden compost bins and water butts are available to everyone living in the Lewes district. Composting is a natural process that transforms garden and kitchen waste into a nutrient-rich feed for your soil – it’s great for plants and flowers. Compost bins are easy to use and they help the environment by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. Cost is dependent on size with all bins priced under £20, plus a second bin is half price. Wormery and kitchen composter kits are also available. For more details visit www.escc.getcomposting.com or call Get Composting.com on 0844 571 4444.