Author: Andrew Taylor

As temperatures reach their coldest and we’re spending most of our time indoors, there is an increased risk of fire in the home.

Some people, especially the elderly, can become vulnerable during the winter, as they struggle to stay warm.

However, there are some simple things everyone can do to help them stay safe this winter.

Heating the home

• Keep heaters away from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes.
• Always unplug electric heaters when you go out or go to bed.

Using an electric blanket

Do

• Carry out a visual check of the blanket to make sure the blanket is intact with no visible signs of damage caused in transport when first purchased.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before use.

Don’t

• Use the blanket whilst it is still folded, rucked or creased.
• Use if there is damage to the flexible cord between the supply plug and the control to the blanket.

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms are the best way to alert you if there is a fire in your home and allow you to get out in good time. Test your smoke alarm weekly, to ensure that it is still working efficiently.

Recommend a Home Safety Visit

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is urging everyone – particularly the friends, family and neighbours of older people – to recommend a free Home Safety Visit.

A Home Safety Visit involves firefighters visiting people in their home to give them fire safety advice, discuss escape routes and fit smoke alarms and other specialist detection equipment free of charge.

To request a Home Safety Visit call 0845 872 9719 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire

The Town will once again be decorated for the Festive period to help the long nights and the Christmas shopping have a bit of cheer!

The map shows (in blue) the roads that have been decorated by the Council.  Please note that the Christmas lights committee are once again decorating the area from the High St /  London Road roundabout down to Kings St.

Next year the council will cover that stretch as well, however it is the last time that the Christmas Lights Committee are decorating a part of the town. After many years and grateful thanks are given to the committee for their commitment over many years.

The town council lights will be installed on Friday 13 November and will all be on by Sunday.  If you notice any out along the High St / London Road (Kings St to Clock tower) or Railway Approach please do let the community service team know so that they can be rectified! Call us on 01342 323636.

The Rotary Christmas Tree will be switched on Saturday 5 December in the High St.  Carols from 3pm.

From next year a new community group will be adding more lights to the ones provided by the Council and if anyone wants to get involved with fundraising please ask at the Council to be put in touch with Emma Tindley the organiser.

Following the town’s Remembrance Sunday, there is a smaller gathering in the High Street on the actual day that commemorates the ending of the first World War.

Town Mayor Dick Sweatman together with colleagues and townsfolk joined together for a simple short silent vigil at 11 o’clock this morning.

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Town Promotions Manager Dawn Spalding has been joined at the Tourist desk in the Library by Roger Gwatkin. Roger has worked for East Grinstead Town Council since 2009 as a carpenter/handyman, and also has a previous a background in Advertising and Marketing.

“I think Roger brings some interesting skills and lots of enthusiasm to the Town Promotion Officer role and I am looking forward to working with him” said Dawn. “Please come in and make him feel welcome!”

The new Tourism team are already hard at work getting a new season of events and promotions ready for 2016 “I’m most looking forward to getting to know more about what East Grinstead has to offer, and to get more involved with the local community”. Roger commented

A report will be presented to the Scrutiny Committee for Planning and Economic Development on 10 November and a meeting of Council on 11 November. Members will be asked to agree modifications to the District Plan which would then be subject to public consultation from 19 November until 31 December to give stakeholders the chance to comment on the changes. The District Plan will then be submitted for Examination in early 2016.

To view the amendments to the District Plan, evidence base and relevant Committee/Council reports please see the District Plan web page at www.midsussex.gov.uk/districtplan

Further details regarding the Focussed Amendments consultation will be sent out in a Planning Policy Update in due course.

For more information, please contact the Planning Policy and Economic Development team at planningpolicy@midsussex.gov.uk  or telephone 01444 477053. More details can also be found in the following Press Release.

 

The Town Mayor will lay a wreath (kindly donated by Zara Flora) at 11.00 along with members of the Royal British Legion. The Road will be closed for 2 minutes and all are invited to join the Town Mayor at the High St Memorial to pay their respects, and observe the silence.

The town commemorated Remembrance Day in a moving ceremony this Sunday in the town’s historic High Street opposite the War Memorial. The service was led by the Bishop of Chichester the Right Reverend Dr Martin Warner. Crowds packed the pavements as many representatives of the town’s organisations formed up to pay their respects and like Town Mayor Dick Sweatman, lay a wreath on the War Memorial.

The most poignant moment must surely have been the list of those fallen read by Ray Allen from the British Legion. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.

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A new leaflet has been produced following discussions between the Access Group together with the three Mid Sussex towns and the District and County Councils. The aim is to raise awareness from both motorists and local property owners of the very real dangers of blocking pavements with either vehicles or wheelie bins. Legislation currently in place already allows for fines to be issued and in the case of wheelie bins your right to have one can be denied should you cause an obstruction.

None of this should be necessary if we all bear in mind the hazards that can be caused by thoughtless parking and locating your bin so that it obstructs the pavement. Do please take a moment to read this leaflet.