Parish Council News – October 2026
Fletching Street Road Closure
It was a relief for everyone that Scotia Gas Networks (SGN) managed to complete their works in Fletching Street earlier that anticipated so the road closure was lifted in time for the Bonfire Festival celebrations.
Unfortunately further information has been received from SGN on future necessary work. The current gas infrastructure in our Parish was originally installed in 1925 and therefore it is not sufficient for current demand and it is failing in multiple places. SGN will need to replace the pipe from the old fire station (where the recent works ended) all the way to The Rose and Crown. This work is scheduled for next year. There are also several other areas due for pipe replacement and the work for that will be prioritised and scheduled after agreement by East Sussex County Council (ESCC). More road closures and disruption can therefore be expected over the next few years. The Parish Council will share information when it is received and will continue to liaise with SGN and East Sussex Highways to try to avoid multiple road closures and diversions.
Please park considerately
Vehicle drivers are requested to be considerate when parking at the eastern end of Mayfield High Street. We recognise that parking space availability has reduced while the recreation ground car park is closed but please be careful not to block the dropped kerb access in front of Mayfield School opposite Londis. It is essential that everyone can move around Mayfield High Street safely and independently, regardless of whether they are using a wheelchair or pushing a pram or buggy. Concerns have been raised that at present this part of the Mayfield is not always accessible due to antisocial parking.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Update
The Government has announced a pause in the local government reorganisation programme. Decisions on the geography of the new unitary councils have been withdrawn from some areas nationally but for others, including East Sussex, they are being reviewed.
The Government has not yet provided details of the scope or timetable for its review but has confirmed that they now expect elections will take place in May 2027 for Eastbourne, Lewes, Rother and Wealden Councils, as well as Brighton & Hove City Council. These elections will now take place instead of the shadow elections for the new unitary councils that were due to become operational in April 2028.
It is now anticipated that the earliest that a single unitary council could now be established in East Sussex is likely to be May 2029.
Wealden District Council (WDC) has informed that the demand for services continues to increase and Councils remain under significant financial pressure. The Government’s review provides an opportunity to build on the strong partnership working already in place across Wealden and the County and to continue identifying ways to improve outcomes for residents and communities. WDC will also continue working with colleagues across the East Sussex Councils so that the area is well prepared for any future reorganisation.
As the review progresses, WDC will seek clarity from the Government on three areas: how councils and local communities will be involved, the revised timetable for local government reorganisation, and how future decisions will reflect the evidence and the best interests of local people. They will continue to engage constructively with the Government and partners while the review takes place. Council services will continue as usual, and they are committed to working closely with local government colleagues and their wider partners to support residents and communities across the district.
Camp in Crowborough
On 02 September 2026, WDC was informed by the Home Office that it intends to submit an application to the Secretary of State under section 293B of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 in respect of the proposed extended use of Crowborough Training Camp for asylum accommodation. The Home Office intends to use the Urgent Crown Development procedure to apply for permission.
As part of this process, the WDC will be invited to submit its views on the application, alongside other organisations, including Natural England and East Sussex Highways Authority. The Secretary of State must take into account any representations received during the consultation period.
The Leader of WDC said: “I want to be clear that the council remains opposed to the Home Office’s use of Crowborough Army Camp as asylum accommodation and its route to seek planning permission. Although the council will not determine this application, we will examine the proposals carefully, submit our views through the formal process and make sure local communities have clear information about how and when they can have their say.”
Once the application is published for consultation, the WDC will make this information available so residents can see the proposals and understand how and when to comment. Further details will be shared on their Crowborough Army Camp webpage: https://www.wealden.gov.uk/crowborough-army-camp/
Annual Canvass
The WDC Electoral Services Team has started the annual revision of the electoral register (annual canvass). As part of the annual canvass, they will contact households in different ways including:
- Post
- Telephone
- Personal visit
The team will be sending around 80,000 emails out to residents over the next few weeks and months. The emails will be sent using the GovNotify system which is a free service that is used to send bulk emails and text messages.
The email will contain no address information or details of any registered electors. Electors are asked to visit a website to view and check the details of electors registered at their address. If you have any concerns about the email or any electoral registration query, you can speak to a member of the Electoral Services Team direct on 01892 602407 or you can email elections@wealden.gov.uk.
Further information about the annual canvass is available on the web site.
East Sussex Highways
East Sussex Highways has provided the following information on checking the standards of road repairs that may be of interest: “When we carry out road repairs, resurfacing or improvement works, we know people want confidence that the job is being done properly. That’s why there are several checks in place throughout every project to make sure work meets the required standards.
On larger schemes, quality checks start from the moment work begins. Our Supervisors regularly inspect works while they are taking place, checking that everything is being completed to the agreed design and specification. If they spot an issue, it can often be fixed straight away before the works are finished, helping to avoid extra disruption and repeat visits. Once work is complete, we carry out further inspections before the scheme is signed off.
When it comes to potholes, quality is especially important. Repair teams follow approved methods and specifications when carrying out repairs, and supervisors inspect completed work to ensure work has been completed to the required standard. Since January 2026, we have carried out 31,312 repairs across the county, of which 5,324 were inspected to help ensure quality and safety – around 17%.
These inspections play an important role in maintaining the quality and longevity of repairs, helping to ensure taxpayers receive the best possible value for money. Where inspections identify areas requiring further attention, remedial works are raised and completed where necessary before the job is signed off.
East Sussex County Council, as the highway authority, also plays an important role in checking the quality of completed work. Regular joint site audits are carried out, providing an additional layer of oversight and helping to make sure work is delivered to the standards expected by residents. Independently, ESCC inspects a minimum of 10% of completed works to ensure repairs meet the required standard.
If any issues are found during these inspections or audits, they are raised with the teams involved so they can be put right at the contractor’s cost and lessons can be learned. We also hold regular reviews to look at what has gone well and where improvements can be made. Sharing these lessons helps us continue to improve the service we provide across East Sussex.”