Here’s a roundup of some of the other stories making the news in Rye this week.
Cinque Ports Street shut
On Wednesday lunchtime, March 27 part of Rye’s one way system was closed for emergency repairs by SGN, the company that looks after the gas network. East Sussex Highways say Cinque Ports Street is likely to be shut between Ferry Road and Station Approach until after the Easter holidays – and possibly until Monday, April 8.
Jewellery theft
Wedding and engagement rings have been stolen during a burglary at a house on Furnace Lane near Broad Oak. Police are appealing for witnesses after the incident which happened between 12:20pm and 3:40pm on Monday, March 18.
Cash and a VW Golf vehicle were also taken during the theft. Sussex Police have circulated an image of one of the rings stolen.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Sussex Police quoting ref 866/18/03.
Line shut after train hits sheep
Rail services were disrupted on Monday, March 25 after a train hit a sheep on the approach to Rye. The incident, at around 2pm, happened between Winchelsea and Rye after a flock of sheep strayed onto the line.
Services resumed later in the afternoon after rail operator Southern Railway confirmed the line was clear.
Rye smugglers
The town’s smuggling past is being marked with a new exhibition at the Rye Heritage Centre. The Smugglers Attic is upstairs at the centre and tells the story of the Rye men and women who were involved in the illicit trade.
The new exhibit, which is free to see, is officially opened this Friday, March 29. Rye News will have a full report next week, and you can find more details on the Rye Heritage Centre website.
Vehicle beach ban
Rother District Council has opened a consultation on whether vehicles should be banned from local beaches. It follows raves and illegal camping an at Cooden Beach on the outskirts of Bexhill last year, however the council says problems have also been reported at Camber with drivers using the emergency services access point.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Unfortunately, other drivers drive their own vehicles onto the beach. This is a safety concern, especially considering how busy Camber beach can get during the summer. We have concerns about children, dogs and kite-surfers. We have had vehicles being driven in tight turns and getting in the way of other beach users.”
Whilst the problems have been at Cooden and Camber, the council is consulting on a ban at all of the local beaches including Winchelsea and Pett. You can take part in the survey here.
A great storyteller
There’s a chance to see and hear one of Rye’s great characters in action this weekend. Noel Varley will be sharing stories from his incredible life at home, abroad and at sea at a special event at the Rye Community Centre this Saturday, March 30 between 10am and 2pm.
It’s been organised by the Rotary Club of Rye & Winchelsea in aid of Rye Heritage Centre. You’ll be able to talk to Noel, and see some of his vast collection of photographs. It’s £5 entry to include tea, coffee and cake.
If you can’t make it, you can hear Noel on the Ryecast podcast by clicking this link.
Get in touch
If you see anything happening in and around Rye our email is info@ryenews.org.uk.
Catch up with breaking Rye News on Instagram and Threads @newsrye and on Facebook follow Rye News.
Image Credits: James Stewart , Google Maps , Sussex Police , Diamond Geezer CC , Natasha Robinson .