Building repairs after crash
Investigations are continuing after a car crashed into buildings at Skinner’s roundabout on Fishmarket Road in Rye on Tuesday, December 3. It happened at 8:50am and while no one was hurt, structural damage has meant traffic lights and delays on the busy A259 as checks to the buildings take place.
Sweeney Barbers remained closed on Wednesday following the crash.
A very different use
There’s a new twist in the long running saga of Rye’s public toilets this week. Rother District Council (RDC) says it is about to start exploring whether the toilets could be partly used as coffee shops, bars or even florists.
In a letter to local councils, Rother’s strategic assets and estates manager, Will Wright, says RDC is about to market 14 toilets across the district – including Lucknow Place, Gun Garden and on the Strand in Rye. He says RDC is “motivated to pursue establishing from the market what interest it has in operating these buildings as businesses, providing some public convenience facility.”
The letter, which was sent on November 28, continues: “Examples may include, coffee shops, bars, florists or any other potential business use. We consider that this could create exciting opportunities and new amenities that could have a positive economic impact for existing businesses in the area, along with new jobs for local people.”
The future of Rye’s public toilets is on the agenda for the town council’s meeting on Monday, December 9. It begins at 6:30pm at the town hall.
Back in business
The Sunflower charity shop window on Cinque Ports Street has been replaced – over a month since it was smashed in on October 24. The shop, which had been closed following the vandalism, reopened on Thursday, December 5.
Managers Maria and Clair said they were looking forward to welcoming customers back to the store. “We have missed the communication and interactions from the local community and beyond and have been grateful for the many words of support and the kindness shown to us. The Sunflower team are so very pleased to be open again, just in time for the lead up to Christmas too. We have been working very hard to get the shop ready.”
Pool disruption
Sussex Police are investigating reports of anti-social behaviour at Rye Sports Centre. Three youths entered the building and were seen throwing items at staff on Monday, November 25.
No-one was injured but the centre was disrupted for a while.
The crime reference number is 0826 25/11/24.
Over the limit
Motorists face increased drug testing on local roads as part of Sussex Police’s annual crackdown on drivers over the limit. The month long campaign, which launched on this week will see additional police patrols across the county.
Last December Sussex Police made 261 arrests, of which 56% were for drug driving related offences.
Sussex Police chief constable Jo Shiner is also is the roads policing lead for the National Police Chiefs’ Council. “Driving while intoxicated through alcohol or drugs destroys lives, but tragically every day we still see reckless drivers getting behind the wheel. Our campaign aims to save lives by deterring people from drink and drug-driving, and to deal robustly with offenders.”
Back for 2025
Rye Bonfire Society have confirmed next years Rye Fawkes will take place on Saturday, November 15. 2025 will be a big year for the society as it marks the 30th anniversary of the pageant.
You can read a full report with video from this year’s event in this Rye News story.
Rye News what’s on dairy
It’s Christmas in Rye this weekend with events on Saturday, December 7. The procession around the streets is at 5pm followed by the carol concert in St Mary’s Church starting at 6pm.
Also on Saturday it’s the Rye Arts and Crafts Fair raising much needed funds for the Rye Community Centre. Doors open at the centre on Conduit Hill in Rye at 10am and close at 4pm.
Organiser Jackie Brooks says here will be 20 tables full of wonderful arts and crafts. “From sewing, to pottery, to stained glass, to woodwork  to paintings … and much more! Rye Girl Guides have kindly offered to run our café on the day, selling a mix of hot and cold drinks, plus snacks. So, as you can see, we have lots planned for Saturday… we just need you!”
Also this weekend: The Tilling Green Community Centre has been very kindly donated a Christmas tree for the hirers, residents of Tilling Green and Rye. On Sunday at 4:30pm there will be a special lighting of the tree supported by Tilling Green Residents Association and Rye Partnership, with Ryebellion Drummers. There will be mince pies, mulled wine, teas and coffees available for everyone to enjoy.
Reverse advent calendarÂ
The Kind Table on Market Road in Rye is once again hosting its annual reverse advent calendar. The tradition, which encourages giving rather than receiving, has become an annual way for the community to support those in need.
This year, the focus is on bars of soap – shampoo bars, body wash bars, face cleansing bars, and even solid moisturizers says Mia Parsons from Kind Table. “While the chosen charity is still being confirmed, the team here has already kicked off the collection to ensure no time is lost. Participants can donate items from home or purchase them in-store to help fill the vibrant green basket waiting to overflow with kindness. Thank you for continuing to support this meaningful tradition and for making the season brighter for those in need!”
What the Dickens
Another year of Winchelsea Second Wednesday talks comes to an end next week. On Wednesday, December 11 local actor Mike Stoneham is the guest for the Christmas event.
Two years ago Mike entertained with his one man show bringing Falstaff to life in glorious technicolour on the New Hall stage. This year he will be performing What the Dickens, it’s Christmas, based around A Christmas Carol.
It starts at 2:30pm as part of the Winchelsea Second Wednesday Society Christmas tea party and raffle.
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. On Facebook follow Rye News, and we are now on Twitter or X search for @NewsIRye.
Image Credits: Carolyn Gould , James Stewart , Sunflower , Nick Forman , Sussx Police , Kt bruce , Oliver Books , PXhere CC , The Kind Table , Hilary Roome , Natasha Robinson .
The Gun Garden doesn’t need a coffee shop, bar or florist. Such establishments can be found a stones throw away. What it needs is a toilet, primarily for visitors who end up there to enjoy the view and have already taken a coffee and snack with them.
So right!
Stupid ideas in a key tourist area of East Sussex.
Who dreams them up?
Can anyone explain why the car accident at the Skineers roundabout required 3 way traffic lights for two days, holding everyone up ?
The building was clearly not dangerous, as the footpath was still open and the highways vehicle was parked next to the site !
Another waste of tax payers money
The car crash at Skinner’s Roundabout should be reported to National Highways. I strongly suspect a contributing reason for the accident was that the driver was distracted by the bright electronic advertising screens in the window of the letting agency on the roundabout. The planning authority (RDC) and National Highways were warned about the risk to road safety of allowing these illuminated screens, but they went ahead and approved them, despite the site also being in Rye Conservation Area. I believe these screens could be the only electronic screens permitted on an A-road roundabout in southeast England. One can now see the folly of the original decision to permit these screens in the first place.