Category: News
Newsletter – 27 July 2026
Newsletter – 1 July 2026
Public Notice – Proposed Disposal of Open Space
Local Government Act 1972, s.123 ss.2A & 2B Proposed Disposal of Open Space
East Grinstead Town Council gives notice of its intention to dispose of public open space at: St Margaret’s Loop, East Grinstead
Land comprising of a disused railway cutting – Land registry title WSX64824 Land at St Margaret’s Loop, East Grinstead
The disposal is proposed as a freehold sale, at auction.
A plan of the land may be viewed at the Town Council Offices, East Court, College Lane, East Grinstead RH19 3LT, during office hours, or online below.
Objections or representations must be sent in writing to the Town Clerk at the above address, or by email to townclerk@eastgrinstead.gov.uk by 16 January 2026.
Dated: 1st January 2026 Town Clerk
Sidney Betchley, Henry Smith Charity & John Smith’s Trust – 2025 Applications Now Open
East Grinstead Town Council is pleased to announce that applications for the 2025 Sidney Betchley, Henry Smith Charity, and John Smith’s Trust are now open.
This small charitable trust provides financial support at Christmas for residents aged 66 or over, on a low income, and living in the parishes of East Grinstead, Forest Row, or Ashurst Wood. All applications are means-tested by the trustee committee. If you know someone who may benefit, please share this opportunity with them.
How to apply
Printed application forms are available from East Grinstead Town Council and East Grinstead Library.
A downloadable version is available here:
Completed forms must be returned by the 9 November 2025 marked Confidential to:
Sarah Mamoany – Clerk to the Trustees
East Grinstead Town Council
East Court
College Lane
East Grinstead RH19 3LT
Please note: Applicants will not be notified of the outcome. Successful applicants will receive vouchers by early December.
Crime Statistics in East Grinstead
CRIME STATISTICS FROM INSPECTOR DAVID DERRICK
The following crime statistics were shared at the Public Services Committee Meeting on Tuesday 3rd June:
East Grinstead – Last 3 months (1.3.25 – 27.5.25)
- 1,896 calls to Police – 291 Cat A (meaning a car will arrive within 10 minutes), 112 Cat B, 168 Cat C
- 100 with a Domestic Abuse (DA) tag (27 less DA calls than in the previous 3 month period)
- 707 incidents were attended by Police (50 more incidents attended than for the previous 3 month period)
- Of the 707 incidents attended – these include 95 violent crimes, 113 medical incident/concern, 71 suspicious acts, 38 road related incidents, 33 RTCs, 32 ASB and 19 burglaries
Recorded crime in East Grinstead
-25.7% reduction in Burglary
- +20.8% increase for Theft
- +21.2% increase for Robbery
- -3.4% reduction in Possession of Weapons offences
- -11.7% reduction in recorded DA crime
Overall East Grinstead remained a very safe place to live, with Mid Sussex being at the lower end of crime for Sussex, which was approx. mid table across the country.
The police station was used 707 times on different occasions over the past 3 months by officers, even though the front desk was only manned 2 days a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 2pm.
Category A calls were responded to within 10 minutes; if this time was missed it would only be by 1-2 minutes, no longer. Category A was classified as a crime in progress and typically a response vehicle would be sent from Crawley as it was a faster drive.
The ASB rates provided were lower than the impression of issues shared by the public with Councillors. The importance of reporting incidents was emphasised, as police officers were intelligence led; if the reports were not made the police would remain unaware of issues occurring.
Speeding was the responsibility of the Road Safety Unit, Insp Derrick would follow up with them to share details of this.
Police Officers did not have the powers to enforce vehicle noise unless it was caused by a deliberate modification.
Buzzing with Pride: Our Town Wins Bee Friendly Award!
The Estates Management Team has been buzzing — and for good reason! We’re thrilled to announce that our town has been crowned a winner of the Bee Friendly Town Award, thanks to an initiative sparked by the Environmental & Sustainable Travel Committee. Pollinators, especially bees, play a vital role in keeping our environment healthy, and our town has always shown them some love. From the vibrant hanging baskets to planting and habitat-friendly spaces, we’re proud to support our tiny, winged workers. But we didn’t stop there. Education and community spirit are just as important. Our Youth Club got creative, designing eye-catching bee posters to mark World Bee Day, while our magical fairy trail became a hub of fun bee facts, bringing awareness with a smile. Together, we’ve shown that small wings can make a big impact — and so can we.
Half way through my Mayoral year
It’s incredible to think six months have already flown by since I began my journey as mayor of East Grinstead. Every day since May has reinforced my deep pride in this wonderful, beautiful town and the people who make it so special. I’m endlessly grateful to everyone who has welcomed me and shared their stories along the way.
The past months have brought so many memorable moments and the chance to connect with countless clubs, organizations, and remarkable individuals who give their time and energy to make East Grinstead an even better place. This community spirit—the volunteers and residents who support one another—is truly like the glue that keeps East Grinstead strong and resilient.
Among the standout moments was the Jeunes Sans Frontières event in Bourg-de-Péage, where I had the immense pleasure of witnessing our students become Champions of Europe. Their achievement fills me with pride, and it’s been a joy to meet so many of East Grinstead’s young people, each of whom is a fantastic ambassador for our town. They are the next generation of leaders and community builders, and their enthusiasm and dedication to representing East Grinstead make me incredibly optimistic for the future.
Some other unforgettable highlights include the commemorations of D-Day, where we gathered to honour the courage of those who fought for freedom, and the vibrant East Court Live events, held on two brilliant summer days. Each gathering, from the Fire Station Open Day to Queen Victoria Hospital’s 80th anniversary celebration of the Canadian Wing, the Classic Car Show, and the East Grinstead 10k, has showcased the unique charm of our town and the strong bonds between its people.
A special moment was also hosting the Mayor’s reception, where we celebrated our town’s unsung heroes. These volunteers, working quietly behind the scenes, are the foundation of our community’s strength. It’s their dedication and kindness that keep East Grinstead thriving, and we are all better for their contributions.
One of the most exciting projects we’ve undertaken this year has been raising funds for East Grinstead’s first electric Community Trishaw in collaboration with the local charity Being Neighbourly. Our goal is to raise £12,000, and thanks to the support of so many, we’ve already raised £6,000! This trishaw will provide a life-changing experience for socially isolated, able, and less able-bodied members of our community, giving them the opportunity to feel the joy of cycling. I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported this initiative and helped us get so far. Your generosity will make a tangible difference in the lives of so many. There is still a long way to go so if you’d like to contribute to this wonderful and life-changing project, please click here to donate.
Looking ahead, the next six months promise even more to look forward to, including the Christmas lights and the Big Reveal, both of which will bring our community together in celebration. I am profoundly grateful for every person I’ve met, every story shared, and every act of kindness I’ve witnessed. Serving East Grinstead is a true honour, and I’m excited for all that lies ahead as we continue working together to keep our town as vibrant, strong, and beautiful as ever.
Bar Concession Invitation 2025
The East Court Mansion and the Meridian Hall form part of the East Court Estate, which is set-in award-winning parkland conveniently nestled in the serene Countryside of Sussex with sweeping views overlooking Ashdown Forest in the distance.
The Meridian Hall has a capacity of 150 persons and in the main is used for weddings, birthday parties and other special occasions and directly linked to our multi-function room is our fully licensed bar; which has been operated by a local provider since 2015.
East Grinstead Town Council is committed to achieving best value and has a duty to regularly review its contracts to test the market and obtain value for money.
The agreement in place with our current provider is due for renewal in January 2025, and as such we would like to offer you the opportunity to provide a quotation for the provision of the bar facility for the East Grinstead Town Council.
East Grinstead Town Council views the bar service as a partnership and will work with the appointed provider to develop the facilities, equipment and promoting of the bar services, where possible.
If you would like any further information, please contact the Estate Manager at the address above.
Remembrance Sunday 2024
Sunday 10th November
The Remembrance Parade will take place on Sunday 10th November. Road closures will be in place from 10:15am to 12 noon. The following roads will be closed: King Street (which will be reopened after the parade has passed approx. 10:50am), London Road, High Street and Church Lane (as far as Chequer Mead Car Park) (see attached notice and road closure map).
The Service Sheet is available to download here.
Monday 11th November
There will be a minute’s silence at 11am, the Town Mayor and Mims Davis MP will each lay a wreath at the War Memorial in the High St. There will be a temporary halt of the traffic at 10.59 – 11.01 to allow the minutes silence and wreath laying to take place.