Natural England, the responsible body for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), reports that “the site has been blighted by off-road motorcyclists who have been using it as a track. Damage to the site is worsening over time, with offenders bringing equipment with them to dig tracks and make alterations to suit their sport. .. the area is now being monitored by local police officers in a bid to stop the damage. .. A 23-year-old man from Hove has recently been issued with a warning under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, after being arrested causing damage at the site”.
Latest News of Local Interest
Money for cycling in National Parks
On 30th January, the relevant minister announced that £12 million of tax-payer money was to be made available to improve conditions for cyclists in the English National Parks. There are 10 National Parks in England. Meanwhile, just under a million pounds is to be spent providing extra cycle parking spaces at Brighton Station.
FPC Planning Meeting – 6th February 2013
Fulking Parish Council will hold an Planning Meeting
ON
Wednesday 6th February 2013 at 6.30pm
In the Village Hall
TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING PLANNING APPLICATIONS:-
SDNP/13/00110/HOUS & SDNP/13/00111/LIS
Customary Cottage, The Street, Fulking, Henfield BN5 9LU
Internal alterations and installation of roof lights
Plans available for viewing on the South Downs National Park Website (this is a direct link to the application and plans).
Members of the Public and Press are invited to attend.
Members of the public are entitled to speak at the meeting for two minutes, by prior arrangement with the Clerk Mrs. Andrea Dickson , tel 01444 451060 at least 1 hour before the meeting. No more than two speakers for each application and two against.
Andrea Dickson
Clerk to Fulking Parish Council
12 Turners Mill Road
Haywards Heath
West Sussex
RH16 1NN
andreadicksonfpc@gmail.com
Local Plant Processor Closes
A specialist plant cultivation and processing firm located at the Mackley Industrial Estate in Small Dole ceased operations yesterday. At the time of the closure, around 1,000 valuable indoor plants were being maintained at the solar powered facility. Three members of staff have lost their jobs. More details here.
Updated 8th February, 2013.
The Playground
Do you use the playground regularly?
Do you have an interest in maintaining the playground?
Could you spare sometime to help with the playground inspections, for safety and insurance purposes?
Play Area Inspections – PDF
If so please contact Andrea Dickson for further information.
From 1st April 2013 the bins will be removed so please take your rubbish home with you.
Andrea Dickson
Clerk to Fulking Parish Council
andreadicksonfpc@gmail.com
01444 451060
Devil’s Dyke ranked 10th
Soundly beaten by the South Downs Way (#4) and Ditchling Beacon (#5) but still managing to outrank the American Express Community Stadium (#13) and the Pretty People Salon (#15).
Some Village Miscellany
Bin Collection Disruption: See the link on the Mid Sussex District Council’s website for details of the catch-up programme. midsussex.gov.uk/8521.htm
The Community Support Officer has changed temporarily. For the time being the PCSO is Teresa Bevan who can be contacted on 07979 774054 or teresa.bevan@sussex.pnn.police.uk
Fulking Social Comittee has recently purchased 55 stacker armchairs for the much improved village hall at a cost of £350. Other recent expendure has included the village and childrens’ Christmas parties, a donation of £100 towards the Evergreens’ Christmas party and treework to reduce the saplings in the banking of the North Town Field. The final cost of the electrical installation of the two new defibrillators is estimated to be around £550 of which £400 has already been donated.
and finally
This years village fair will be held on Sunday 28 July and anyone who would like to join in would be welcome (with open arms!). If you are interested give Bob Rowland a shout on 271 or email him at bob.pamrowland@btinternet.com
Snow: The view from the Dyke
Early morning sledging at Devil’s Dyke, 19 January 2013
Potholes
Please report any potholes direct to West Sussex County Council on this number 01243 642105
For further information follow the link
http://www.westsussex.gov.uk/living/roads_and_transport/roads_and_pathways/maintenance_of_roads_and/road_maintenance/potholes.aspx
Andrea Dickson
Clerk to Fulking Parish Council