Budget Proposals 2010/11
At our recent Council meeting a list was compiled by Councillors of project proposals for the following financial year. It is our intention to finalise this list by our next Council meeting in December. In the meantime Councillors are considering further projects but we would also like residents to suggest projects they would wish included for the next financial year or for future periods.
This list would be by no means definitive or for that matter taken as approved by Council as an investment appraisal would need to be submitted and assessed at the time.
The list so far is as follows: -
Land Purchase to extend Burial Ground.
The Parish Council and our Registrar have recently reviewed the amount of land available for the burial spaces at Walstead and we believe that there is sufficient space for burials for the next five years. We are actively attempting to find appropriate land in order to accommodate for burial after that period.
Land Purchase for Allotments
The Parish Council believes that there would be a demand for allotment space in the Scaynes Hill area. This facility would not only service a demand for residents to grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers but it would relieve the pressure on the allotments in Gravelye Lane where several residents outside the Lindfield area have a plot.
Remembrance Garden in Walstead Cemetery
We have overseen many improvements within the remembrance garden, especially the raising and refurbishment of the memorial stones, but there are still elements that need attention. To replace less successful specimens, we have recently planted three very attractive trees financed by Mr Soames (our local MP) but the Parish Council would like to be made aware of other areas within the remembrance garden that would benefit from enhancement (we know about the moles!).
Finger Posts
Residents may be aware of the publicity over the past weeks concerning the maintenance of the traditional directional signs (fingerposts). West Sussex County Council (WSCC), who are responsible for highways, have always indicated that they are committed to maintaining these fingerposts but the Parishes have seen little effort over the years in carrying out their promise. Although we still have that assurance from WSCC there is little chance that they will be able to fund the maintenance costs in the future.
There are nine fingerposts in various parts of the parish of which eight are in need of varying degrees of attention. We have identified a priority list and with WSCC’s assistance we hope to establish a maintenance programme over time. The Parish Council is committed to saving our traditional form of sign posting.
Playground Equipment
During the last financial year we expended monies on new equipment at the children’s playground on the Scaynes Hill playing fields. Some residents, however, bemoaned the fact that only minimal equipment was installed for 3 –7 year olds and we agreed to consider a proposal in the next financial year. We do, however, have a counter claim on our limited resources in the form of a request that the equipment should be geared to the age group 18 and over, a group that would certainly benefit from the use of such equipment and is rarely considered in this regard when planning such exercise equipment!
Wall at the Burial Ground
As part of a programme of enhancement in the burial ground we have just completed the construction of a wall, with wrought iron inserts on the perimeter adjacent to the road on the east side of the cemetery. The wall is a vast improvement over the dilapidated chain link fence it replaces.
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Costells Wood
There is a very well worn footpath that leads from the Millennium Village Centre in Scaynes Hill along the back of the houses in Costells Edge and gives access to the Woodland Trust Woods to the North. We are anxious to establish how long this path has been in general use by the residents of Scaynes Hill. If you have walked the path for a long time or have any interesting stories about the woods we would be very interested to hear from you. Please contact either Councillor Steve Minter (831786) or Councillor Brian Bunt (831636).
Christmas Wreaths
Last year there was a problem with a spate of thefts and wreaths being taken at Walstead Burial Ground. These were wreaths which had been displayed in early December. We would like to suggest that wreaths be placed nearer to Christmas Day to avoid any distress.
Anti-social Behaviour :
Mid Sussex Crime and Disorder reduction Partnership
The key contact at the Mid Sussex District Council for members of the public when they have concerns or have been a victim of anti-social behaviour is Lucie Venables, tel. 01444 477489 or email luciev@midsussex.gov.uk
Lindfield Rural Parish Councillors, Clerk & Assistant Clerk would like to wish everyone
A Very Happy and Prosperous New Year !
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