It has been another mixed fortnight. Colleagues continue to work on the swimming pool. Rother officers and councillors have been extremely helpful and are fully supportive of our plans, as too is Sally-Ann Hart, our local MP. We now know where repairs need to be made and how much new heating will cost and that we are eligible for government funding for this, should a bid be successful.
Our main discussions at the moment are around the hope of securing a new lease for the community group who want to take this on. We are working with the Charity Commission to set up a not-for-profit charitable business trust, which is quite a long and complex process.
Whistling in the wind
I have received many complaints about the train horn noise coming into Rye. There appears to be just one driver who holds down the warning horn for much longer than others. Whilst we all appreciate that a warning must be given to those crossing the line, this doesn’t need to be six or seven seconds long several times. I took the matter up with our MP and received a response from the minister, part of which explains:
“As Cllr Rivett will be aware, there are three public footpath track crossings in Rye – Mill Bridge No. 1, Mill Bridge No. 2, and Middle Salts on the edge of town. Each of these has a set of whistleboards further along the track in both directions. Drivers sound the train horn when they reach the whistleboards in order to give pedestrians at the crossings sufficient notice that there is a train approaching. The line speed is 60mph. This is why drivers use their horns at unguarded pedestrian foot crossings and, from a safety perspective, the mayor will appreciate that these measures are important and must remain in place.
“I am informed that Tide Mills crossing, also in that area, is unfortunately frequently mis-used, with drivers understandably being particularly vigilant when travelling in the vicinity of that crossing. Drivers are required to sound horns at whistleboards between 06.00 and midnight under network rules, and there is a quiet period between 12.00 and 06.00.
“I am assured that residents have been informed of the relevant complaints and escalation process by GTR and I would urge them to follow that process so their concerns can be reviewed and addressed should they continue to arise.
“In addition, to ensure that these concerns are investigated fully, my officials have been advised that GTR is conducting its own review of this issue. This will allow them to determine whether the issue applies to whistleboards as is more common, or whether it concerns one individual as is suggested in Cllr Rivett’s correspondence. I trust that in due course, the findings will lead to corrective action being taken if it is found to be necessary. I would encourage you and the mayor to query the progress of these checks with GTR directly,” writes the minister of state Huw Merriman MP
Allotments handover
We have had a series of extra council meetings these past few weeks – including one to discuss the handover of the freeholds of the allotments from Rother to Rye and what management structure to put in place. A task and finish group of councillors, with no links to the allotments so there is no conflict of interest, has been formed and their recommendations will be bought back for consideration at a future full town council meeting.
We have also discussed what is the best course of action for the property we own in South Undercliff. Colleagues decided to retain the property for the time being, refurbish it, and continue to let it at a discounted rent to those with a strong long connection to the parish. If you might be interested, please register your details with the town hall via townhall@ryetowncouncil.gov.uk.
On Wednesday, July 19 we had the great privilege of visiting Brompton Barracks in Chatham, home to Brigadier Guy Boxall, the deputy constable of Dover Castle, who hosted an event for Cinque Ports, Sussex and Kent mayors. It was a pleasure to catch up with colleagues and discuss a number of matters.
Herstory exhibition
On Friday, July 21 Rebekah and I attended to launch of the Herstory exhibition at the heritage centre. During her time as mayor, Rebekah got together with photographer Susan Benn to create a calendar, with funds going to her mayoral charities. Susan then took this forward and got together with colleagues to create a website of the pictures, and many of the women told their stories, which have been recorded. It was a very professional event, with some fabulous new photos for the archive. You may have seen some of them around town. It is testimony to Susan and her colleagues for doing such an excellent job, and this will be a fascinating record for future historians.
On Saturday, July 29 I attended the New Romney Fair with my stepson Oliver (Rebekah was on a bellringing tour around Sussex and Kent), which was a pleasure and I am grateful to the mayor of New Romney for this invitation.
Music-wise, we have sung at the lovely Charles Palmer Vineyard and will be back there for Sunday shanties with food and wine on Sunday, August 27. We sang at the New Inn, Winchelsea, where it was a pleasure to see fellow mayor David Merrifield and his guests. We are at the Waterworks on Wednesday, August 16, raising money for local charities.
Image Credits: Isabel Ryan .
Thank you, for the updates that are both informative & interesting.
I am sure many in the town are interested in the state of the Salts, ‘no mow May’ seems to have gone rather a long time. We are now left with a space that serves no real purpose, to be honest was it really providing a habitat for bees? I didn’t really see any evidence of wild flowers etc. it just seems to be an excuse for RDC to again save money and ignore Rye!