Rye town clerk, Richard Farhall, brings us this report from the Town Hall:
Information Point
A combination of staff absence and other commitments has necessitated the closure of the Information Point for odd days at the town hall over the last couple of weeks. Normal opening hours are from 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch 1-1:30pm) seven days per week. Two permanent members of staff, Kate Smith and Gail Dodson alternate and Paul Goring, who combines being town crier and town sergeant, lends assistance when free from other duties such as attendance at weddings and other functions.
Most of those who contact the Information Point are visiting the area, but it is there also to help residents; telephone 01797 223902 or email info@ryetowncouncil.gov.uk. This latter service has become more necessary since the closure on April 1 this year of the Rother District Council community help point located in Rye Library.
Certain issues are best dealt with by direct contact with the local authority. If you stumble across / into any large pot holes, or a broken road sign, or other defects on the public highway they can be reported directly to East Sussex County Council.
The Cupola
In between rain showers, repairs to the bell tower above the town hall are progressing well. The four corner supports have been strengthened and the dome re-leaded. At an appropriate stage, it is planned to reinstate the traditional ringing of the bell to summon town councillors to meetings and, possibly, in connection with weddings. The bell has not been rung in recent years. It was believed to have been cracked, but the Taylor Bell foundry from Loughborough has declared it to be sound.
Weddings
We are currently in a period of ‘peak weddings’ at the town hall, with some couples finally going ahead with their ceremony after four or five postponements – albeit with fewer guests than the 90 or so we used to squeeze in to the council chamber pre-Covid. Ceremonies can take place any day of the week – but Thursdays – Saturdays are popular.
Although most of the Government’s Covid-19 restrictions were lifted on July 19, most of the mitigation measures in place at the town hall remain in place – so we expect visitors, customers and wedding guests to continue to wear face coverings on the premises. The town council introduced mitigation measures quickly in March 2020 and this has paid off (thus far) – there have been no known incidents of Covid associated with the use of the town hall or amongst council staff.
Council Meetings
There are no scheduled council or committee meetings during August. The council had been holding meetings remotely – but the government elected not to make sufficient Parliamentary time available to extend this power after May 7, 2021. The next in-person council meeting will be held at Rye Community Centre on September 6. Covid mitigation measures will be publicised nearer the time. However, queries / concerns may be raised with the council at any time.
Public Realm Maintenance
The council’s small amenity area, adjacent to 7 Wish Ward, has been improved recently with the addition of a bird bath and planters. Our yellow Hustler ride on mower, used primarily to cut the grass verges on behalf of the county council, is currently out of action until a new cutting belt is delivered. Unfortunately, the greater than average summer rainfall has been ‘good news’ for grass, hedges and weeds – and it has been difficult for all those involved in maintaining the public realm to keep up.
Parking Consultation
East Sussex County Council will be formally reviewing the Rother civil parking enforcement (CPE) scheme from 1 October. However, it has requested that any suggested amendments / additions be sent to it by 30 September. Any suggestions already submitted do not have to be provided again.
Image Credits: Kenneth Bird .