FOCUSFROM PAUL COLESHILL AND YOUR LIB DEM TEAM THE WAY THINGS ARE Focus on and the Levels Cuts, cuts and more cuts When the county cuts our libraries the MP and the district councillors are “shocked” but the libraries still close (even the mobile ones went this year). When the Government legislates for housing targets Wealden does not insist on really affordable local homes. When the four bedroom houses are located exactly where the Wealden plan puts Focus editor Paul Coleshill (left) with team member Fraser Kerr them individual councillors – who all voted for the plan – Herstmonceux and Pevensey controlled County. Our police are “shocked” that the Levels is a new ward but every commissioner, MP, and plan they approved has bit is currently represented Westminster Government are disastrous consequences. by Conservative councillors. all Conservative. Between them Mismanagement with little they make all of the housing, accountability – they pass We are in , an planning, social work, education, the blame parcel between overwhelmingly Conservative policing, road and rail policy, each other, so no one is controlled Council in East that Wealden council is eager held accountable. , a Conservative to embrace.

Your new Wealden Council Ward includes the villages of Pevensey Hooe Windmill Hill and Herstmonceux Balancing off Levels Whatp do the Climate change and large urban developments bring flooding. Wealden area The as one of the last large areas of wet grassland cuts mean for us? in , is a local gem. It’s a • Fewer planning officers to Site of Special Scientific Interest make sure wildlife is protected (SSSI); Community Importance when housing estates are built (SCI), a Natural Nature Reserve in Ninfield, and Herstmonceux (NNR), a Ramsar site and a Special • A Wealden “plan” expanding Area of Conservation. It should be our villages with development protected from any development that could flood the Pevensey that may affect its European and levels national designations, but Wealden • No funding for roads or Council Local Plan includes no firm schools or local doctors solution from Southern Water to being “planned” ensure that the massive housing • Supposedly “sustainable” development proposed is safe. development yet a car is the only transport option • Bus route support is Is this Sustainable Development? being cut and bus passes Sustainable Transport? district. There is no firm plan to are under threat – the fit Motorists trying to speed through substantially improve transport and very brave could cycle our villages is frustrating for of any kind let alone the roads. • Community police have all pedestrians and car drivers alike. Good luck commuting by train from but gone – a few more officers It doesn’t create a safe environment. Wealden! Reaching a station, parking, are promised (by 2022) – but The community speed watch and actually sitting on a train that the police Commissioner said people are doing a great job but runs on time is a major feat. the number “will never again” can’t compensate for the new be as high as eight years ago housing load. Sustainable local Schools? These extra houses are going to We need an advocate for the Anyone who lives near the A259; be home to children – the Wealden area not an apologist for the A271; the A269; or the A27, knows plan accepts the assurances of council, a district councillor that they (and the network of the county that schooling will who will hold authority to feeder roads that join them) are be provided. Perhaps – if they are account and put decisions already overstretched, and about all home schooled – because the under proper scrutiny. to be overwhelmed by the tens of village primary schools are full, thousands of houses that Wealden and places in secondary schools VOTE FOR A CHANGE THIS MAY want to put in our half of the are limited.

We need an advocate for the area not an apologist for the council, a district councillor who will hold authority to account and put decisions under proper scrutiny.

Paul lives in Ninfield and is a retired university teacher, professional economist and former councillor in a rural and then an urban authority, he has delivered budgets, and guided development plans. Paul is a member of the Ninfield Parish council and chair of NAG a local action group to resist unsustainable development.

CAN YOU HELP OUR CAMPAIGN? DELIVER LEAFLETS IN YOUR AREA? E-MAIL [email protected]

Published and promoted by Jennifer Als on behalf of Paul Coleshill and Liberal Democratcs all at Millwood, Peasmarsh TN31 6TB. Printed by Fastprint & Design, 4-6 Gensing Road, St Leonards on Sea TN38 0ER.