Author: Andrew Taylor

Metrobus currently have a zero emission electric bus operating on a trial on route 400. Route 400 operates between Caterham, Redhill, Horley, Gatwick Airport, Manor Royal Business District, Crawley & East Grinstead.

The single deck Yutong electric bus will be open to all customers for around two weeks while they evaluate how it performs and how it is received by bus users. It will help to inform our strategy for the further development of reducing emissions in the areas in which we operate.

Please do let the Town Council or Metrobus know if you have any queries or feedback on the bus townclerk@eastgrinstead.gov.uk

IN a regular feature on the Town Council website, we will be remembering, on the anniversary of their deaths, the East Grinstead soldiers who died during WWI,  and who are named on the High Street War Memorial.

This month we recall (as recorded on The Roll of Honour website):

William George FOLLINGTON

Private 5229 5th Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment. Pioneer Battalion, of the 50th Division.

Killed in action near Le Cateau 22. 10.18. Aged 42.

Son of George and Sarah Anne Follington of Eastbourne. Husband of Mrs. Edith Kate Follington of 6, Stockwell Road, East Grinstead, Enlisted in London. Formerly with the Royal Sussex Reg.

Buried Highland Cemetery, Le Cateau F. 190

Percy John KILLICK

Private G/63596 8th Battalion, The Royal West Surrey Regiment. 24th Division.

Killed in action 11.10.18. Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Killick of 13, Council Terrace, East Grinstead. Born in East Grinstead

Buried St. Aubert British Cemetery. F. 270

Ernest W LUFF

Air Mechanic 2nd Class 66516 45th Kite Balloon Section The Royal Air Force. Western Front Units.

Killed in action 12.10.18. Aged 19.

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Luff of 3, Chequers Road, East Grinstead.

Buried Bevillers Communal Cemetery.

Leslie Reginald SMITH

Rifleman S/37071 1/8th Battalion, The London Regiment. (The Post Office Rifles) 58th London Division.

Died of wounds 15.10.18. age 18.

Son of Mr. and Mrs. G/J.T.Smith of 16, Queens Road, East Grinstead. Enlisted in Blackdown, Hampshire. Formerly with The Royal Flying Corps.

Buried Houchin British Cemetery F. 106

The need for sixth form provision in Haywards Heath has been agreed by Government.

This marks an important stage in the work to get the Harlands Road site brought back into educational use.

Led by Sir Nicholas Soames MP; West Sussex County Council, Mid Sussex District Council, the Local Enterprise Partnership (Coast to Capital LEP) and the University of Sussex have been working together to make the case to Government that the site should be brought back into use and a sixth form should be created.

Anne Milton MP, the Minister for Skills and Apprenticeships has agreed that there is a need for a sixth form in Haywards Heath and that, to meet this gap, Government will look into bringing the Harlands Road site back into educational use.

“This is a really important step forward” said Sir Nicholas. “As more houses are built and the District grows, it is essential that there is a good quality sixth form for young people. It is terrible to see the Harlands Road site sitting empty and young people having to travel long distances to get to colleges outside the District.”

‘I am so pleased that the Minister has accepted the case we have made. This is an excellent example of local organisations coming together to make a compelling case. The two councils, the LEP and the University of Sussex have worked very hard on behalf of local communities.”

The competitive process will be led by the Further Education Commissioners. It will aim to identify a high quality, local provider with an excellent track record.

“The District Council has been determined to get the Harlands Road site back into educational use,” said Councillor Garry Wall, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council. “We have greatly valued the leadership of Sir Nicholas and strong partnership work with the other bodies. There is still a long way to go but this is a significant development.”

Councillor Richard Burrett, Deputy Leader of West Sussex County Council and Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “We have been working with partners to understand the need for post-16 provision in Mid Sussex and to look at what options could be explored. We are keen to be a partner in, and facilitator of, any project that may emerge as part of this work.”

Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive of Coast to Capital said: “Businesses are growing strongly in Mid Sussex and all around the Gatwick area.  We need to ensure that high quality education is provided in the local area so that young people are able to access good local jobs when they leave education.”

Professor Adam Tickell, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sussex, said: “I am delighted that the Government supports the plans for a sixth form in Haywards Heath.  Experts from the University will be supporting the plans and will work with our partners to ensure that the sixth form will provide a high quality education for local students.”

The Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council has marked the exceptional work of community spirited individuals from throughout the district with a special awards ceremony on Sunday 16 September.

The Council welcomed 44 community champions and their friends and family to the South of England Showground in Ardingly to issue them with Community Service Awards. Presented by Councillor Bruce Forbes, Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council and Caroline Nicholls, the High Sherriff of West Sussex, the awards acknowledge the dedication to helping their community which has been shown by the winners.

Read about the East Grinstead award recipients

Each year, Mid Sussex District Council invites its Members, and town and parish councils, to nominate residents who dedicate their time, skills and energy to enhancing the quality of community life.

Dave Grimley was nominated by Councillor Pete Bradbury for the tireless work he has done to support grassroots rugby in Haywards Heath. Organised sport means so much to the local community but it is only possible because of hardworking volunteers who do so much behind the scenes. Dave has helped to rebuild Heath RFC on and off the pitch. He carefully maintains the club’s accounts and finances to ensure it remains in a sound financial position and he is an active mini rugby coach who brings real enjoyment to young children who are just starting out in the sport.

Malcolm Hulatt received a community award after being nominated by Councillor Sandy Ellis for the work he does to ensure blind and visually impaired people feel part of the local community. Malcolm is the Chairman of Yews Talking News, an organisation that has been providing audible news to blind and visually impaired residents in Haywards Heath since 1976. Volunteers read, record, edit and distribute audio recordings to keep visually impaired people fully updated on local news and events.

Nominated by West Hoathley Parish Council, Beverley Mager has been involved with local charities and voluntary organisations for many years. She was senior leader of West Hoathley Playgroup, is heavily involved with the local Scouts and is an active member of the British Legion. Beverley is always available to help at fundraising events and she supports local people through difficult times on a one to one basis through the friendship group she has helped to set up.

“Our Community Service Awards are such an important event in the annual calendar because they honour the members of our community who do so much to make Mid Sussex such a great place to live,” said Councillor Bruce Forbes, Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council.

“We have another amazing group of people this year who have undertaken a wide range of activities, fundraising and volunteer work. We are so fortunate to have such kind-hearted people who are willing to give up their time to help others and support the local community.

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate people for these awards and thank you to the recipients for all your hard work; it’s very much appreciated by us all.”