Playden village voice

These thoughts are prompted by the fact that it was the anniversary of the Battle yesterday, 14th October.

Is it officially an Indian Summer? Even if it isn’t, it is most enjoyable. I appreciate warm sun and blue skies.

The mobile library will be at Poppyfield on Monday from 11.30 to 11.5o am.*This year Mrs. Sue Cavilla is organising the Link Romania Christmas shoebox appeal through Playden and Iden churches. If you feel that you could help needy families living in Eastern Europe, then please pick up a leaflet from church or contact Sue on 230 431. Shoeboxes need to be returned by Sunday 31st October or phone Sue who will be happy to collect it from you. Thankyou.

Tomorrow there will be an illustrated talk by David Lang, organised by the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve in Winchelsea Beach Community Hall at 2.30 pm. He will speak about “ Sikkim the Hard Way.” This winter lecture is open to everyone.

When the Parish Council met last Thursday all councillors were present plus seven members of the public. Also attending were PC Alan Simes; PCSO Dan Bevan; RDC Councillors Nick Ramus and Paul Osborne and ESCC Councillor Keith Glazier.

The Clerk had previously tendered his apologies.

The meeting began with the police officers’ report on ways of tackling the problem of burglaries etc. reassuring the public and allaying fears. As a result of their efforts a male has been arrested in connection with burglaries, who will appear in court in December. He has been bailed with a curfew and an electronic tag. If Mark Page is seen between the hours of 7pm and 7 am, please report this to the police on 999 not the mobiles. Recent action with residents has had a result and more work is on-going. Mrs. Rose Dearden asked if the council would make a statement about his impact on the community to be presented at the court hearing. A copy will be sent to our MP Amber Rudd.

If you notice anything suspicious, please ring 999. PC Simes and PCSO Bevan were thanked for their valuable contribution.

Mrs. Lovell asked if the potholes at the top of New England Lane could be filled, please.

The Neighbourhood Watch scheme is not viable in our area. Cllr. King will collate an e-mail list to keep people informed of any developments.

Wisteria Cottage owner has trimmed some of the vegetation from overhanging the lane.

There will be a further letter to the owners of Playden Forge.

All property owners are reminded that it is their responsibility to make sure that vegetation does not intrude onto the highway or footpaths.

The window changes at Playden Oasts may need planning consent but RDC is dealing with this matter.

Mr. Gary Fox was present to hear comments on the planning application for improvements to his home, Orchard House. He explained that work would begin next spring and take about a year. An archaeological survey will be undertaken as ground is dug up. He guaranteed to keep residents of New England Lane informed about movements of lorries during the building works. After a question about the roof height not being raised although the roof will be changed, the council raised no objections.

Playden Parish Council definitely owns Houghton Green, although ESCC has been cutting the grass edges. It may be possible to place hard core round the edges where the parents park. The insurance risks are being assessed. Cllr. Sam Stone volunteered to arrange for the branch lying in the grass to be cut up and removed.

Discussion followed about possibilities for the planning for the Precept.Two options were suggested , both involving the Public Works Loan Board loan for the WI Hall. Next year there may be an election, also a referendum and the costs have to be considered. All will be thoroughly investigated and a report will be made at the next meeting.

The WI has requested as much publicity as possible for their fund raising efforts to maintain the surrounding area and the car park.

Cllr. Ramus did not have much to report beyond saying that he was now on the Bye-laws committee as well as the Tourist Committee. He voted against the Bexhill Cycle track proposal.

Cllr. Osborne reported that there will be a 0% increase in salaries at RDC.. There will be a policy of not replacing people who leave. The De La Warr Pavilion has received a large grant from European Funding which must be used, and the colonnades are being refurbished. They were unsafe.

RDC has provided the money for new shelters at Station Approach and the Town Council has selected a design.

Rye Town Council still has major concerns about the traffic through the Landgate Arch and the damage caused by large vehicles. It will be looked at on 25th October when Deadmans’ Lane will be viewed as well. Traffic regulations must be followed.

Also discussed will be the possibility of signs in Houghton green Lane announcing that “20 is plenty” as a speed restriction.

Everyone is waiting for the government announcement later this month.

Cllr. Glazier reported that ESCC will cut £60m of running costs over three years. There will be staff reductions and inevitably there will be cuts to the services. People will become more aware of what the ESCC does in the community.

There is an on-going 3 year programme of road re-surfacing.

The fencing has been done at the Butt Field. There is a Badger licence which ensures that no harm comes to the animals or the setts. Natural England has agreed that entrances may be plugged with sacks of straw for 6 weeks while some field work is done. This will protect the badgers, who have other exits and entrances. Trees are being planted and some benches from Bexhill Sea front will be installed.

The next council meeting will be on Thursday 4th November at 7.30 pm.

The Rye and District Association of the National Trust have a talk on Batemans, the Sussex home of Rudyard Kipling, by Michael Lacy in Beckley Village Centre on Thursday 21st October at 2.30 pm. Everyone is welcome. The entrance fee is £2 for members or £3 for non members to include refreshments.

On Monday 15th November, N.T. is running a coach to Bluewater. The cost is £11. If you would like to join the trip please phone Ros Adkins on 01797 253 763 to book your seat.

ARRCC is looking for volunteers to help out in the computer room, play cards or sit and chat to members. If you have some time to spare, please ring 01797 22 93 68.

The 11am service on Sunday will be Parish Communion.

There will be a St. Luke’s Tide healing service at Iden at 6 pm.

MARION LOVELL

Abingworth, New England Lane