The Rural Areas Profile Around 22,000 people live in the rural parts of the District which also contain many historic villages. 28 out of the District’s 36 Conservation Areas and 16 out of 20 Sites of Special Scientific Interest are in the rural parishes. Some rural villages have grown with commuter housing over recent decades. Farming is under pressure and the rural areas also contain small pockets of deprivation and social exclusion arising mainly from poor access to affordable housing and local services. Although the numbers may be small, the feeling of deprivation can be acute in a generally affluent area. Around 24% of economically active people in the rural areas are self-employed and around 16% work mainly from home1. Over 50% of households have two or more cars2. Equally, local agencies find it hard to reach such groups and tailor services to meet their needs. Key issues for the rural areas include access to services, transport, facilities for young people and affordable housing. Educational attainment is very mixed. There is a higher than average proportion of 16 to 74 year olds with a degree or higher level qualification3 but some rural parishes (Beddingham, Tarring Neville, Firle and South Heighton) have a high number of people with no or low level qualifications compared to the South East average (23%)4. Kingston ranks as the most deprived ward in terms of access to housing and services5. 24% of residents in Ditchling have a limiting long term illness6 and a relatively high proportion of people provide unpaid care7. Currently 14 out of 19 rural parishes have or are developing a Parish Action Plan8. 1 Census 2001 2 Census 2001 3 Census 2001 4 Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2004 5 Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2004 6 Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2004 7 Census 2001 8 Action in Rural Sussex report (September 2007) 36 The Rural Partnership - Rural Voices Rural Choices Key partners: Local Parish Councils and Parish Meetings, Action in Rural Sussex, Sussex Police, South Downs Council for Voluntary Services, Lewes District Council, East Sussex County Council, East Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trust, Churches Together in Sussex, RDH Services Rural Voices Rural Choices is a partnership that seeks ways to improve the quality of life of people living in rural parishes, both large and small, within the Lewes District. Its members are from local organisations, businesses and individuals that meet in a different rural venue alternate months. Business people in rural areas are most welcome to come along to the meetings. RVRC is supported by a project worker, Valerie Biggs who works two days a week for the partnership. Valerie can be contacted via email on [email protected] or by calling 01273 483832 and is based at South Downs CVS, 66 High Street, Lewes BN7 1XG. What has been achieved by the Partnership? • A minibus directory was drawn up and distributed to all parish councils. • Following consultation with young people, a youth shelter has been provided in Barcombe village. • A speed indicator device has been purchased for use in rural villages and accident hotspots. • A parish survey on transport issues has been carried out along with an event to identify the transport needs of young people in Chailey School. • Parish mapping work has been completed in Chailey, Ditchling, East Chiltington, Kingston, Glynde and Beddingham, Hamsey, Newick, Ringmer, South Heighton and Westmeston. • Audit of parish maps has been completed showing the common issues for local rural communities. 37 Our Themes Our Priorities 1. Better access to transport facilities for local people1 1 Better and Safer Transport 2. Safer roads and routes to school 3. Addressing car parking issues1 1. Better litter and recycling facilities1 1 Improving the Environment 2. Promoting countryside education and environmental projects 3. Well maintained public open spaces1 1. Provision of adequate affordable housing1 Housing 2. Promoting a balance in housing development1 1. Youth involvement in local decision making Activities and Facilities for Young People 2. Provision of play areas, youth shelters and after school activities1 1. Improving local employment opportunities and new businesses1 1 Strong Rural Economy 2. Better communications including broadband services 3. Better use of community facilities1 1. Promoting Neighbourhood Watch1 1 Community Safety 2. Looking at low level street lighting in target areas 3. Improvement in maintenance of pavements and footpaths1 1. Promoting wider representation on the RVRC Partnership Engagement and Involvement 1 – Identified as a priority from parish mapping work to date 38 Seaford Town Profile The largest town in the Lewes District, Seaford has a population of around 23,000 people9. It is a popular retirement destination. An above average proportion (60%) of economically inactive people are retired10. 23.2% of local residents are aged 75+11 and 39% of local residents live in communal establishments12. There is an above average proportion of overcrowded homes compared to District wide and East Sussex averages13 and a higher than average proportion of vacant households spaces14. A large number of empty properties are second or holiday homes15. Although Seaford provides local service and tourism functions, economic life in the town needs support through town centre promotion and improvements to the seafront and the local industrial estate. Facilities for young people also need to be improved. Almost 23% of residents have a limiting long term illness16 and around 10% describe their health as ‘not good’17. The town has a high proportion of people providing unpaid care18. 27% of residents have no qualifications compared to the South East average of 23%. Unemployment in Seaford is above the East 19 Sussex average. 9 Census 2001 10 Census 2001 11 Census 2001 12 Census 2001 13 Census 2001 14 Census 2001 15 Census 2001 16 Census 2001 17 Census 2001 18 Census 2001 19 Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2004 39 Seaford Community Partnership Seaford Community Partnership (SCP) was the first area partnership to form in the Lewes District LSP, becoming established in October 2000. The SCP is made up of representatives from the local statutory, voluntary and community and business sector. A 10 year strategic plan has been developed which aims work towards achieving their vision of enhancing Seaford as a comfortable and interesting town for families to live and work in, for people to visit, and to improve business opportunities leading to better employment prospects. The plan is at the public consultation stage and the SCP welcome your comments. It is available online at www.seafordresidents.org.uk, at the Library and Hurdis House. Task Groups are made up of representatives from interested and relevant organisations to develop a range of projects within the specific themes. The themes (shown overleaf) were identified as priorities for improvement by the local community during a period of consultation in 2000. The task groups meet regularly to discuss and take forward proposals, to seek funding sources and to update on progress. For further information about the SCP please contact: Tony Rowswell. What has been achieved by the Partnership? • Youth Centre (The Base) has opened in the town following consultation with the community and young people. • Partnership with Town and District Councils, Lions Club & skaters to fund the improvements to the Skate Park at the Salts • Friday and Saturday night activities for young people at Downs Leisure Centre, including a cinema club. • Regular youth discos at the Trek nightclub. • Heritage Trail and display boards launched in 2004. • Passport to Success, a Small Business Training Project was completed in 2004 providing free training to 93 employers and employees through flexible learning modes and individual training programmes. • Zero Waste Charter adopted by the Town Council. • Safer routes to school established. • Regular shopping and multiplex cinema trips to Eastbourne • A Maritime Festival linked with Eastbourne. • Several new crossings of A259 have been installed along with an increased number of in cycle paths. • Set of laptop computers have been obtained for future outreach training projects (held at Seaford Head Community College). • Regular Seaford Forum organised bi-monthly by St James' Trust (formerly Seaford Voluntary Association) at St James' Clubhouse. Talks and discussions on topics of community interest. 40 Our Themes Our Priorities 1. Activities and facilities for young people 2. Improve opportunities for communication and consultation with young Youth people 3. Development of a new purpose built youth facility 1. Sourcing funds for the improvement of the Martello Fields to include the creation of step access to link promenade to field, improve unmade road and remove vehicular traffic, to plant hardy scrubs and trees, to provide Seafront picnic benches and possible sheltered areas. 2. Installation of distance markers to encourage healthy walking/running. 3. Improved signage to the town centre. 1. Development of an orbital integrated cycle/pedestrian route around Seaford. Transport 2. Improvements to the deteriorating art-deco Bishopstone railway station. 1. Continued and improved communication (and brokerage as necessary) Business, Education and Training with traders on Cradle Hill Industrial Estate. 2. Funding has been received for ‘Returners to Work’ training. 1. Improve open spaces in the town The Environment 2. Regular Farmers Market 41 The Lewes District Local Strategic