Council refuse scarecrow grant

The Battle Chamber of Commerce, which organises the Medieval Fayre, wrote to the council asking them for an unspecified financial contribution towards the event.

At a council meeting on Tuesday, Cllr Ron Harris said: “I think it’s something we should support as it brings in a lot of visitors to the town.”

Cllr Jeremy Eldridge added: “Let’s hope they contact Rother (District Council) and ask them the same thing.

“The car parks will be full, it would not hurt Rother to give them £100.”

The town council voted to donate £100 to the cause.

But a request from the Battle Scarecrow Festival committee for £75 towards printing costs divided councillors.

Cllr Paula Fisher said: “People put a lot of time, energy and thought into the scarecrow competition, it does bring a lot of people into the town.

“If it just covers the printing, I am one hundred per cent in favour.”

Last year the event raised around £800 for charity through entry fees, selling scarecrow kits at the Battle Medieval Fayre and street collections. This year’s event is supporting Battle-based Autism Sussex.

Cllr Margaret Kiloh questioned if such a well-supported event really needed the money.

Seven councillors voted in favour of donating the money, seven voted against.

Council chairman Richard Bye cast the deciding vote not to donate the £75.