Spring 2019

Dmagazine

#DistrictNews

Spring is sprung Birds, bees, bats, trees and more inside

News from across the Lewes district DN magazine Hello Welcome to the spring edition of DN magazine, brought to you by Lewes District Council.

Spring is here and for many of us this means (weather permitting) spending more time outside, enjoying the glorious East Sussex countryside, local parks and our own gardens. It has never been more crucial that these green spaces provide the right habitats for pollinating insects. The pollinator strategy being prepared now (page 7) is key in making sure they thrive, and the national decline is reversed. We have great news about new homes on pages 4/5. A Newhaven company has been contracted to create high-quality, affordable homes using a modern, modular system which allows them to build entire properties off-site in their factory.

These are just a couple of the stories covered in this edition of DN. We hope you enjoy reading it.

02 Spring 2019 In this issue Features More

07 Bat bioblitz

09 Signs for Seaford

10 Housing advice

11 Cliff safety 04 Modular homes 07 Saving our bees 13 Voter information

16 Fly-tipping crackdown

09 Elms for Armistice 10 Tenants’ Conference

11 Newhaven Skatepark 14 Spotlight

Keep in touch DN magazine is available in large print, audio disc or in another language upon request. To receive DN magazine by email visit lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/district-news Call: 01273 471600 | Twitter: @LewesDC | Facebook: Lewes District Council

03 DN magazine Modern innovation puts families in new homes A £1.3m Lewes District The temporary accommodation Council project to create a new initiative was first proposed by development of high-quality Councillor Sarah Osborne, and affordable family housing is when complete will see taking shape in Peacehaven. 13 new homes in Newhaven, as The new accommodation well as the six in Peacehaven. in Ashington Gardens has been built off-site by a specialist Councillor Osborne said: modular building company in “Local people should receive local Newhaven and then installed housing support, not sent miles on council-owned land. away from their friends, family,

schools and employment; it makes Councillor Ron Maskell, Cabinet no sense at all.” member for Housing, said: Based in Newhaven, Boutique Modern was awarded the contract to supply the new homes and is The UK is suffering well known for its pioneering use of from an acute lack of modular technology in conjunction with innovative housing designs. affordable properties. There are people in the Councillor Maskell added: district, often families, “We can get the temporary housing in real need and these built and in place quickly and are also creating jobs as a result of innovative new modular working with a local manufacturer.” builds will provide the homes they long for, at a time when they need Photo (left to right): Lucas Shone, Cllr them most. Maskell, Cllr Elayne Merry, Dick Shone

04 Spring 2019 About Boutique Modern

Boutique Modern builds homes to precise specifications in its Beach Road factory before delivering and installing them exactly where needed.

Previous projects range from a bespoke home in the Scottish Highlands to a penthouse in central London.

The company employs more than 30 people locally and can be working on as many as 10 projects at any one time.

Dick Shone, founder of Boutique Modern, said: “We are very excited to be working with Lewes District Council to help solve this housing shortage. This is the first of many exciting projects in the pipeline which provide a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our build system. “Newhaven provides a perfect base for us, with strong transport connections across Sussex and up to London, and a skilled workforce and supply chain on our doorstep.”

05 Dropping off at school? Keep our air clean. Please TURN OFF your engine.

‘Don’t be idle!’, drivers warned The council has launched a out more about air pollution and and it can affect their lungs before campaign encouraging drivers ways to help reduce it. as well as after birth. That is to cut down on air pollution by why we want to change people’s turning off their engines while Did you know every minute a behaviour and raise awareness of dropping off children at school. vehicle idles, it could fill 150 the damage caused by keeping balloons with harmful chemicals? engines running.” Across the district, schools are being invited to sign up to the anti- Councillor Isabelle Linington, The scheme is part of the council’s idling campaign. Those that do will Cabinet member for Environmental ongoing work to raise air quality receive digital information packs Impact, said: “Air pollution impacts awareness in partnership with East to send out to parents and pupils, on everyone but some groups are Sussex County Council, Sussex-air giving them the opportunity to find more vulnerable, such as children, and Public Health England.

Idling facts 25 minutes after the engine is Switch off when waiting to pick up switched off passengers Turning the engine OFF and restarting it after 1 minute causes It takes up to an hour for an engine Switch off when delivering, loading LESS pollution and uses LESS fuel to cool down. Turning off the or waiting at the roadside than keeping the engine running engine but keeping the ignition and the fan blowing will provide warm Switch off when sitting in traffic or Modern batteries need less engine air for some time at level crossings running time to stay charged What can drivers do? Idling an engine will not keep a For more information about catalytic converter warm. They Switch off when picking up or the campaign contact Melissa. retain heat for approximately dropping off children from school [email protected]

06 Spring 2019

New strategy is buzzing

The council is taking crops and wildflowers, including steps to help the district’s bees, butterflies, moths, flies, pollinating insects survive beetles and wasps. They are and thrive. integral to our ecosystems but are Bat sadly under threat. It is preparing a pollinator strategy to maintain, protect and enhance The strategy aims to improve and key habitats and species for the increase pollinator-friendly spaces bioblitz long term. in the district and as part of this, Plans are underway for a one- people will be encouraged to night bioblitz in an attempt In the UK there are over 1,500 cultivate these habitats in their own to record bat species using species of insect that pollinate our gardens. green spaces across the district. Community groups, part of the DATES FOR YOUR DIARY the birds that sing at Castle Hill Greenhavens Network and charity Local Nature Reserve. Everyone is Sussex Bat Group have joined welcome but places are limited, so forces to carry out the survey booking is required. and are looking for people to get For more information or to book involved in the blitz on Saturday, email: September 7. [email protected] The aim is to better understand the way bats use the district’s green spaces and help conserve Thursday, June 9: 2pm to 5pm their populations for the future. Spring is calling Looking Out Festival Anyone who wishes to take part Sunday, May 12: 7.30am A celebration of the natural world should email Birdsong on Newhaven Cliffs at Lewes Railway Land Local [email protected] Listen and learn how to identify Nature Reserve. titling the message Batblitz Interest.

07 DN magazine

Seaford Health Photo (left to right): Dr Dan Elliot, Seaford Medical Practice; Cllr Liz Boorman, Lewes District Council; Dr Hub exhibition Raj Chandarana, Old School Surgery; Cllr Andy Smith

Seaford residents learned consideration will be given to traffic, more about the proposal to parking and public transport. There extend Downs Leisure Centre will be an opportunity for the public We were delighted to provide a new health hub to view and comment on the detailed for the town. Some 1,250 plans before a planning application is with the turnout at people attended an exhibition submitted later this year. the exhibition and are which was held over two days The health hub has been proposed very grateful for the at Downs Leisure Centre. The in response to Seaford’s growing constructive feedback exhibition was also available to population and increasing demands view online. from Seaford residents. on the town’s GP services. This is a ground- According to feedback submitted Old School Surgery and Seaford online and collected at the breaking scheme Medical Practice both urgently and will make a real events, 78% of people felt that need more space and have been the exhibition helped them to looking for some considerable difference to the future understand what was being time for alternative premises. The provision of healthcare proposed for the new health facility. Downs Leisure Centre has been in Seaford. identified as the only suitable site in The feedback is helping to inform the town. the next stage of the proposal. For further information and updates This includes the development of Councillor Andy Smith, Leader of please visit lewes-eastbourne.gov. more detailed designs. Further Lewes District Council, said: uk/SeafordHealthHub

08 08 Spring 2019 Signs for Seaford

Twelve new signs have been installed around Seaford to Elms for Armistice direct tourists to the town’s array of attractions. Some 104 men and boys are listed on Seaford’s war Among the destinations memorial as having lost signposted are the three-mile their lives in World War 1. Seafront Promenade, magnificent To remember them on the views of the Seven Sisters, Armistice centenary, Seaford Seaford Museum and The Crypt residents planted 104 new elm Gallery. Places such as the town trees – one for each life lost. centre, Tourist Information Centre and car parks are also included. Elms are iconic to the area but To take part in regular, friendly have been ravaged by Dutch tree-care and planting activities The signs were jointly funded Elm Disease. The new trees are in Seaford, or to find out more, and designed by Lewes District resistant to the disease and it is visit www.seafordtreewardens. Council and Seaford Town hoped the trees will be a lasting wordpress.com or email Council. The work was supported memorial to those who lost their [email protected] by Impact Seaford. lives, as well as being a haven for wildlife, particularly the endangered Elms for Armistice was organised New attractions to Seaford White-letter Hairstreak butterfly. by Seaford Tree Wardens (who are seafront this year include new supported by Seaford Town Council), daily or weekly rented beach huts, The trees were planted by Sussex Wildlife Trust, Butterfly craft and small business retail volunteers, staff and children Conservation and the South Downs beach huts, free water refill points at Seaford’s schools, churches, National Park Authority with support and additional temporary toilets, Seaford’s golf courses, from Lewes District Council, Seaford as well as a new £200,000 Cheyney’s residential home and Town Council and East Sussex skatepark in nearby Salts in private gardens. County Council. Recreation Ground.

09 Joint Tenants’ Conference Around 100 people attended the first Joint Homes First Tenants’ Conference for Lewes District and Eastbourne. The event in January was an opportunity for tenants to take cooking on a budget, planting and part in workshops, visit information using garden containers. stands, meet other tenants and staff, and learn more about The Lewes Tenant of the Year Benefits of the council’s Homes First and Award was presented to Ken Neighbourhood First services. Healey, who kindly cooked Christmas Day dinner for 14 using your Workshops included advice on how neighbours who may otherwise have to avoid being scammed, reducing been on their own, and for his hard local TIC energy bills, team building, healthy work on the communal garden. Alongside being the first point of contact for thousands of visitors every year, Tourist Information Centres (TICs) Housing advice provide a wide range of information and advice for If you are having difficulties paying your rent or mortgage, want advice residents. on your rights as a tenant or owner, need to find somewhere to live or are having problems maintaining your home, then you should contact Lewes District Council as soon as possible. Fully trained information assistants provide discounted travel tickets for buses and trains, ALL APPOINTMENTS MUST BE MADE PRIOR TO ATTENDANCE. National Express Coaches, a booking service for local Scheduled appointments only: community theatres, Seaford Mondays: 9am – 12.30pm: Cinema, Eastbourne Bandstand Peacehaven, Community House, Meridian Centre, Meridian Way and other local events. Tuesdays: 9am – 12.30pm: Lewes, Council Offices, Southover House, Southover Road Residents wishing to promote events can advertise these in the TICs. Wednesdays and Fridays: 10am – 12.30pm: Newhaven, Saxon House, Meeching Road The TICs also have a gift shop Thursdays: 10am – 12.30pm: selling a range of local area Seaford, The Police Building, Church Street postcards, books and many other souvenirs.

The district has TICs in Lewes Visit lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk and complete High Street, and Church Street an online housing advice request or email in Seaford. [email protected]

10 Spring 2019

Cliff safety As the summer nears, walkers are reminded to stay safe while enjoying our stunning coastline.

People should always take notice

Pictured seated at the workshop (left to right) Jeremy Donaldson from Clark & Kent, Cllr Smith and the of warning signs and stay a safe Deputy Town Mayor of Newhaven, Councillor Graham Amy distance away from the cliff edge and away from the cliff face when on the beach below.

Olympic team Jeremy Donaldson and Kent Phone 999 and ask for the Bridgett from Clark & Kent were coastguard if you see anyone in builds Newhaven in town recently with riders to carry danger. out a workshop looking at design skatepark ideas for the project.

The specialist team that built the Councillor Andy Smith, Leader of Help to get London 2012 Olympic BMX track Lewes District Council, said: has been commissioned to build healthy the new Newhaven skatepark and “What a fantastic message this Lewes District Council has pumptrack. sends out to have arguably the launched a new website to best BMX track designers and help residents improve their Clark & Kent Contractors has a builders in the world in Newhaven, health and wellbeing. worldwide reputation in the world helping to create a venue that will of BMX and is now bringing it’s attract riders from far and wide. HealthyLewesEastbourne.org. uk is packed with helpful advice unrivalled experience and expertise I’d like to thank Newhaven Town and information for anyone looking to Newhaven. Council for their joint support on for ideas to become healthier, this project and the local people including a directory of local groups Funded by Newhaven Town Council who attended the workshop and and a calendar of upcoming events. and Section 106 and Community shared their great ideas with the Infrastructure Levy monies from team from Clark & Kent.” What’s more, if you are planning a local event you can submit this Lewes District Council, construction to the website to help attract of the facilities will begin in April with For further information visit www. attendees. To find out more, visit completion scheduled in the summer. newhavenskateparkpumptrack.org HealthyLewesEastbourne.org.uk 11 DN magazine Supporting Your Independence Across the Lewes District Profiling Beds Riser Recliners Stairlifts

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12 Spring 2019 Register to vote

People across Lewes district Voters who wish to submit their ballots and have have a month left to register their say in the poll have until Friday, April 12 to to vote ahead of the 2019 register. local elections. The local elections will take place on Thursday, May 2, with all district council seats up for grabs.

To vote in a local election you must be: • Registered to vote • 18 or over on the day of the election in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, or 16 or over in Scotland • A British, Irish, Commonwealth or European Union citizen living in the UK To register to vote or for more details on the electoral registration system visit: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. You will need your date of birth and National Insurance number in order to complete your registration.

Lewes District Council meetings for spring 2019 are open to the public:

Planning Applications Committee 1 13 March 5:00pm Venues: Audit and Standards Committee 4 18 March 10:00am 1. Council Chamber, County Hall, St. Anne’s Scrutiny Committee 3 21 March 2:00pm Crescent, Lewes Employment Committee 2 25 March 10:00am 2. Telscombe Room, Southover House, Lewes Cabinet 3 27 March 2:30pm Planning Applications Committee 1 3 April 5:00pm 3. Ditchling & Telscombe Rooms, Southover Planning Applications Committee 1 24 April 5:00pm House, Lewes *Council 1 20 May 6:00pm 4. Ditchling Room, Southover House, Lewes Planning Applications Committee 1 22 May 5:00pm For further information and to confirm meetings Planning Applications Committee 1 5 June 5:00pm times, dates and locations, please contact Committee Services at: * The date of the May 2019 Council meeting has been moved to 20 May 2019 (originally 15 May 2019), subject to approval at the Council meeting on 25 February 2019. [email protected] or call 01273 471600. Information is correct at time of going to press.

13 DN magazine

Price trim for extra garden waste collections

Lewes District Council has halved the cost of a second garden waste bin to just £35 a year. The reduction means residents can have 24,000 litres of garden waste collected from their home annually for £105, or just over £2 a week. The garden waste service costs £70 per year for one bin, and following this price cut a second or third bin will only cost residents an additional £35. The offer is available to existing and new customers. Name: been a great success: The amount of garden waste Thomas Broad we’ve installed 10 on- street recycling litter bins collected and recycled by the council Role: almost tripled last summer to a around the district and they Waste and Recycling have been so successful massive 736 tonnes, compared to Engagement Co-ordinator 249 in summer 2017. that we’re expanding and installing even more in the All of it was composted in Best part of my job: Beddingham and sold locally. I love meeting all the amazing coming months – look out for volunteers who devote their them, and keep recycling! People also have the option of own time and effort to helping sharing a bin with their neighbour, or keep our environment free of Plans for 2019: of paying in instalments. litter; it’s great that I get to help With the national Great British Spring Clean coming up For more information visit lewes- them do such fantastic work. from March 22 to April 23, eastbourne.gov.uk/gardenwaste The best part of my job I’m asking anybody who’s To reduce odours, maintain street though, is that I get to work interested to get in touch cleanliness and protect rubbish from to improve things I really care with me at recycle@lewes- animals, we recommend residents about and which can make eastbourne.gov.uk. I can put their rubbish in a wheelie bin. a huge difference to our offer equipment (such as litter These cost either £20 or £30 environment and our future. pickers, bags, gloves), advice depending on size and are available around organising or carrying to order at lewes-eastbourne.gov. Recent projects: out a litter pick, and help with uk/wheelie-bins Recycling on the Go has any special requirements. 14 Spring 2019

Before using a private contractor, Crackdown please consider this advice: on fly-tippers Legitimate waste disposal is not cheap. The cost for disposing of Lewes District Council has a ton of waste is in the region of recently been awarded the £140. power to issue a fixed penalty Ask questions of cold callers who notice of £400 to a resident if promise to take your waste there their waste is found to be fly- and then. tipped. Make background checks on the This follows a government carrier such as asking for their Spearheading consultation last year that business address. identified some lack of awareness the way in and care by people who use Think carefully before dealing with private contractors to dispose of people whose only method of food waste their rubbish. contact is via a mobile telephone number. collections The council is reminding people that they should take all Ask the carrier what exactly is reasonable measures to ensure going to happen to your waste and Lewes District Council is leading that their waste is given to seek evidence that it is going to be the way as the only authority in someone who is authorised to disposed of appropriately. East Sussex to offer a weekly remove it. Local authorities and Demand to see a waste carrier’s kerbside food collection service. private waste contractors must certificate. You can check whether Everything collected is turned into hold a waste carrier’s licence. a company has a waste carrier’s soil conditioner, which is used by Allowing an unauthorised person licence on the Environment local farmers and gardeners, and to dispose of waste could lead to Agency website. crucially means less rubbish being incinerated. it being fly-tipped. If you give your Always record the registration waste to somebody else and it number of a vehicle used to take The Government has announced is found fly-tipped, you must be your waste away. a proposal for all households able to provide evidence to the in the country to have weekly police or council of who you gave Ask for an invoice or receipt. food waste collections, so other authorities may soon follow it to. If you cannot provide this Information about fly-tipping can Lewes’s example. information, you run the risk of be found at lewes-eastbourne. the issue of a fixed penalty or on gov.uk/fly-tipping or download To sign up for food waste conviction through the courts, a the ‘Report It’ app at lewes- collections visit lewes-eastbourne. criminal record. eastbourne.gov.uk/report-it gov.uk/foodrecycling 15 Lewes District Council Easter holiday waste collections

No refuse collections on bank holidays Friday 19 April and Monday 22 April. Please note that some collections are a day early on Good Friday week.

All refuse to be put out at the edge of your property by 6am on the advertised day of collection below (unless you have an assisted collection).

If not collected on the advertised day of collection, leave out for collection the following day. Collections below are for Good Friday week and Easter Monday week.

Normal Collection Day Easter Collection Day Monday 15 April Monday 15 April Tuesday 16 April Monday 15 April Wednesday 17 April Tuesday 16 April Thursday 18 April Wednesday 17 April Friday 19 April Thursday 18 April Monday 22 April Tuesday 23 April Tuesday 23 April Wednesday 24 April Wednesday 24 April Thursday 25 April Thursday 25 April Friday 26 April Friday 26 April Saturday 27 April

Normal collection days resume from Monday 29 April. For Easter recycling collection dates, please refer to your recycling calendar. If you do not have one, you can download one from lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk