Rother District Council Additional Agenda Item:

Report to - Cabinet Date - 19 September 2005 Report of the - Director of Services Subject - Beacon at Galley Hill

Recommendation: That Members’ views are sought.

This report supports the Key Aim of Meeting the Social, Leisure and Cultural Needs of the Community

Lead Cabinet Member: Councillor Mrs. D.C. Williams Head of Service: Alwyn Roebuck

1. In order to be part of the 200th celebration of Trafalgar, beacons will be lit around the country on October 21st at 7.15 p.m. In the past Rother has lit a temporary beacon at Galley Hill organised via the Parks Department’s contractors.

2. Councillor Eric Armstrong has been raising monies towards this event and is seeking to obtain this Council’s approval for the erection of a permanent beacon on Galley Hill (precise location yet to be determined) and for a fireworks display.

3. To date the following donations have been pledged:

Income £ Old Town Preservation Society 2,500 The Sackville 500 Independent businesses 380 3,380

4. The costs, however, currently exceed those raised but Councillor Armstrong is optimistic about raising some more funding:

Expenditure £ Beacon 1,000 Post 500 Fireworks 2,000 Structural survey 139 Health and safety organisation for event xxx AA signs 342 Crane hire etc. to erect post xxx 3,981+ xxx + VAT

5. Councillor Armstrong is aware that other local authorities are financially cb0509 – Beacon at Galley Hill 1 supporting these celebrations and is seeking Cabinet’s approval for – firstly, permission for the lighting of a beacon; secondly, the approval for the erection of a permanent beacon; and thirdly, a contribution from Rother District Council towards the event, and commitment thereafter to maintain the structure.

6. If members are so minded there is £39,633 in the Bexhill Community Project Grant Fund, and any future costs for maintenance of the structure would need to be drawn from this fund.

Anthony Leonard Director of Services.

Risk Statement Statement If Members approve the lighting of the beacon on its land at Galley Hill it must ensure the event complies with all health and safety legislation.

cb0509 – Beacon at Galley Hill 2