Here are some key points from the meeting of the Parish Council held on 13 September 2022. The full draft minutes will be posted both on the website and in The Villager in due course.
- Following the consultation over the summer we resolved that in order to support biodiversity the Church Bank area should not be cut between the beginning of March and the end of August, unless we agree there is a wildfire risk from extreme weather. Over the autumn/winter either one or two cuts may be made as long as the spring daffodils are not jeopardised.
- We noted that the construction of phase 5 of the Egrets Way from Riverside Park Newhaven to Piddinghoe is to restart imminently. This follows the pause arising from the decision last December to route it away from the river bank and along the newly designated ‘restricted byway’, i.e. the sailing club track, through the sailing club car park and past the stables to The Street. The contractor Edburtons aims to complete the work by Christmas.
- We reported on our encouraging site meeting back in June with ESCC Highways about the feasibility study to improve safety at both junctions of the village with the C7. Measures at the northern junction will also need to take into account how the future phase 7 of the Egrets Way up to Deans Farm might be completed. The study report will apparently be concluded soon.
- We discussed the recent water quality problems at Piddinghoe Lake, and noted that, thanks to the efforts by the sailing club and anglers to oxygenate the pond and remove dead fish, the latest tests had apparently shown a recovery in quality. However blue-green algae are still present and precautions remain necessary (more details here).
- We agreed to proceed with tree works on The Hoe to remove dead trees and clear brambles. This will make space for the 100+ saplings from the Woodland Trust to be planted in November under the initiative of the Queen’s Green Canopy.
- Meanwhile Quincy Whittaker is also co-ordinating the planting of wildflower areas on The Hoe. Everyone is invited to join in on Saturday 24 September, refreshments will be provided. This is supported by a grant from the South Downs National Park’s Bee Lines project.
- We agreed a clear policy for the use of The Hoe for community events, private events, and event parking. The agreed policy can be found on the ‘policy documents’ page of the website.
- Finally, we were delighted to co-opt Amanda Brimble as a member of the council, making a full complement of five parish councillors. Thank you Amanda for stepping up.
The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Tuesday 6 December at 7:30.
Paul Bevan, Chair
