Author: Andrew Taylor

Over 80 local children attended an afternoon of sport and recreational activities at Court Bushes Recreation Ground, Hurstpierpoint on Thursday 15 February.

The Skatefest event brought the local skater community together to show off their freestyle tricks. A live DJ kept the tunes flowing throughout the afternoon and offered DJ workshops so young people could have a go for themselves.

There was a range of other activities for younger children to enjoy with a Fire Engine, bouncy castle, basketball coaching and the chance to learn some circus skills with the help of trained circus performers.

The Skatefest event was organised to provide positive activities for young people to take part in during the half-term holidays. The activities were arranged by Mid Sussex District Council with support from Clarion, West Sussex County Council, Places for People Leisure, West Sussex Fire & Rescue and the local Co-op in Hurstpierpoint, which donated fresh fruit for the children to enjoy.

For more information about community events in Mid Sussex contact Regina Choudhury, MSDC Community Development Officer on 01444 477495 or email regina.choudhury@midsussex.gov.uk

Town Council staff are gritting the pavements as best as we can in town centre, but please note there is no spare salt for any empty salt bins.

Glenbeigh Developments Ltd started work this month to ready a brownfield site for up to 325 new homes as part of the wider Burgess Hill Regeneration Programme.

The Fairbridge Way site, which is part of Burgess Hill’s Northern Arc area, was purchased from Southern Water by Glenbeigh Developments Ltd to provide up to 325 of Burgess Hill’s proposed 5,000 new homes.

The development area was formerly used as sewage treatment works but it was decommissioned by Southern Water many years ago and has been redundant ever since. Brownfield sites like this one require a huge amount of work to bring them back into use and Glenbeigh Developments Ltd has committed to do everything that is required to prepare the site for new housing.

Councillor Andrew MacNaughton, Mid Sussex District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning commented:

“It is especially pleasing to see these early works get underway in what will eventually become a superb new development and a great addition to the transformation of Burgess Hill.

“It is hugely satisfying to see that 30% of the new dwellings will be affordable housing. Further, Glenbeigh will be making substantial contributions towards sports provision, local community infrastructure, sustainable transport improvements and education, all of which will be realised off-site.”

Colin Whelan of Glenbeigh Developments Limited said:

“This is a significant Brownfield site being brought forward in Mid Sussex. The necessity to deal with the site’s previous use and removal of part subterranean super structures will see a wholescale remodelling of the site area to deliver serviced and landscaped plots for house builders.”

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1 two silhouettes have appeared in East Grinstead High Street.  The Silhouettes mark all those who went to war in 1914-1918 but did not return.  East Grinstead Town Council have sponsored two of these which are currently sited in the High St Flower beds flanking the War Memorial.

The silhouettes are the idea of the Royal British Legion who have sent letters to Parish Councils in Sussex asking that they purchase and display the silhouettes this year.

One of the sentries will remain at the War Memorial while the other may travel around the town to highlight activities or events marking the end of the war throughout the year. At the end of 2018 the soldiers will be permanently displayed in East Court.

Cllr Adam Peacock Chairman of the Amenities and Tourism Committee commented that “the Silhouettes make it clear that East Grinstead has never forgotten the sacrifice of the war and this tribute tying in with other events this year shows that East Grinstead continues to support the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal, 100 years later.  As a town we have been careful to ensure, over the past 4 years, that we have respectfully yet appropriately brought many poignant anniversaries to the attention of East Grinstead residents in the 21^st Century”

The East Grinstead War Memorial Flower beds will be planted in May, representing the anniversary of the end of the war, the special display for 2018 will be in place through to November (Armistice Day).

East Grinstead Station looks more welcoming to visitors after a new sign has been installed above the exit doors. The three metre long sign produced by the Town Council’s Town Promotions team show cases some of the attractions of historic East Grinstead.

Town Promotions Manager Dawn Spalding approached Govia Thameslink station manager Kate Richards last year with the idea of creating some artwork to enhance the station’s interior, especially the blank white wall facing passengers as they disembarked trains and was met with enthusiasm and support. Both Dawn and Kate are delighted with the improvement and met with Leader of the Council Cllr Dick Sweatman and Chairman of Amenities and Tourism Cllr Adam Peacock to reveal the new look.

‘I was taken by surprise as I expected there to be a lot of ‘red tape’ commented Dawn as she met with Kate to take a look at the newly installed sign. ‘Instead Kate’s enthusiasm made this project very easy. ‘I would like to thank Kate and the maintenance crew who installed the sign for all their help and I hope to welcome visitors into the town who are intrigued to find out what more East Grinstead has to offer’

Kate has now moved from East Grinstead Station and is based in Eastbourne.

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