Here’s a round up of some of the other stories making the news in and around Rye this week.
Iconic site graffiti
One of Rye’s landmarks has been attacked by vandals. The second world war pillbox at the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve was damaged with graffiti and aerosol sprays before Saturday, December 2. The worst damage is inside the pillbox.
Anyone with information about the graffiti is asked to call Sussex Police using reference 1020 03/12/2023
Windows shattered in senseless attack
Sliding doors at a house on Deadmans Lane in Rye were destroyed after something was thrown or fired at them. The incident occurred just before 6pm on Monday December 4, when two loud noises were heard at the house by the footpath to Fair Meadow. Kate Hayden whose parents were in the house at the time said they were shaken by what happened. “It’s possible it was an air rifle aimed at their cat, Rosie. Whatever the reason, it was wrong and will take thousands of pounds to repair.”
Sussex Police say there’s nothing to confirm the use of an air rifle, and urged anyone with information to contact them using this link.
Deadmans Lane resurfacing
Staying with Deadmans Lane, it has been confirmed that the road will be resurfaced at some point next year. The lane, which is an important cut through between Rye Hill and the town centre, is one of the most potholed locally. During the Rye Town Council meeting on Monday, December 11 Keith Glazier, East Sussex councillor for Rye, explained that work is scheduled for next spring, but would not start until the construction of a new house on the lane had been completed.
You can read more about Rye Town Council’s latest meeting, and the tight vote to elect Rye’s mayor, elsewhere in this week’s Rye News.
Rye Sports Centre to open earlier
There’s a change to the leisure centre’s opening hours in the new year. From Tuesday January 2 the centre will be open an hour earlier at 6.30am.
Poetry prize
Kent and Sussex Poetry Society have opened their annual competition, with a top prize of £1,000. The society, which has been going since 1946, says that entries must be submitted by January 31 2024.
Full details here.
More Christmas celebrations
This Saturday, December 16 Andi Rivett, the mayor of Rye, is hosting a Family Christmas Celebration at the town hall. There will be carols and mince pies at The Buttermarket between 4pm and 5 pm, with presents for children under 12.
Get in touch
If you see anything happening in and around Rye our email is info@ryenews.org.uk.
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Image Credits: Kate Hayden , Rother Police , James Stewart , CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED CC , Rye Town Council .
It’s not just the pillbox at Rye Harbour that has been vandalised! Friends have told me that my late husband’s, John Gooders, Hide has been sprayed with graffiti and the door damaged. I am devastated.
Robbie Gooders
Great news that the swimming pool is going to be open from 630 am which will be so good for those including me who like to have a swim before work giving more time. Thank you to the town council for all you have done so far in getting the pool open again in the first place and for Lee and his splendid team and the centre. Please everyone support this valuable facility.