News in brief December 22

Here’s a round up of some of the other stories making the news in and around Rye this week.

Reform UK candidate announced

Lucian Fernando has been selected as Reform UK’s parliamentary candidate for the Hastings and Rye constituency. Currently the only councillor from the party on Hastings Borough Council, he represents the Silverhill ward and says he is honoured to have been chosen.

“It is a privilege to stand for a party that champions true British values and advocates for a reformative approach to address the pressing issues faced by our community. Serving the community has provided me with valuable insights into the issues that matter most to the people of Hastings and Rye.”

Reform UK was founded by Nigel Farage five years ago and did not put up a candidate in Hastings and Rye in the 2019 general election. In his selection announcement Lucian Fernando says he is looking forward to meeting constituents. “Hastings and Rye is a region with a rich history and a vibrant community, but it is not without its difficulties. I am acutely aware of the issues that demand attention, including housing, healthcare, education, economic development, fisheries, etc, and I am committed to working tirelessly to find practical and sustainable solutions.”

Nuisance behaviour in town centre

Sussex Police are investigating after reports of anti-social behaviour by youngsters in the centre of Rye at the beginning of the month. For four nights between Thursday, December 6 and Sunday, December 10 residents on West Street and the surrounding roads reported a group of boys aged between 11 and 14 causing a nuisance. As well as being abusive to the residents the boys also caused problems by knocking on doors and filming people.

The offences occurred each evening at around 9pm. A spokesman for Sussex Police asked parents to check on the whereabouts of their children at that time. Anyone who witnessed what happened or has any further information is asked to contact Crimestoppers using reference CAD 252/10 December.

A new radio studio in Rye

Cinque Ports Radio has launched an appeal for funding to open a community radio studio in Rye. The station, which launched a new transmitter for the town on 95.1FM on December 1, says it wants to build the studio “in the heart of the town so that the people of Rye can come and watch shows being presented, and also take part.”

Cinque Ports Radio hopes local schools and community groups will also use the space.

You can find more details of the funding bid here.

Town hall closes for Christmas

Rye Town Hall will be closed from Friday, December 22 and will reopen at 9am on Tuesday January 2.

Emails sent to the town council over Christmas will be responded to in the new year.

Get in touch

As our editor, Nick Forman, explains in his piece this week ‘Rye News, past, present and future’ this is our last edition until Friday, January 12 2024. However our social media channels remain open throughout, with the usual highlights of what’s happening in and around Rye. Merry Christmas from Natasha, Kt and James.

Image Credits: James Stewart , Lucian Fernando , Natasha Robinson .