Here’s a roundup of some of the other stories making the news in Rye this week.
Trapped after car crash
A person had to be rescued from a car by the fire brigade after a crash on the main road through Rye Foreign last week. Two vehicles were involved in the collision on Thursday, February 15 at 2:25pm near the former Hare and Hounds public house on the A268 Rye Road.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue freed one person trapped in one of the crashed cars – injuries to those involved include a broken arm and whiplash. The road was reopened just after 6pm when both vehicles had been recovered. Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to call Sussex Police using reference 621 15/02.
Deadman’s Lane to close for two weeks
Deadman’s Lane in Rye will be closed for the next two weeks for much needed work to repair the potholes. The work on the road, which is a busy cut through between Rye Hill and the town centre, had been postponed until electricity installation to a newly built house had been completed. East Sussex County Council announced the delay last year to avoid digging up the road twice, however until this week the work had been booked in before the electricity work had been completed.
Rita Cross, who is arranging the electricity supply to her building, says on Facebook that it looks like common sense has prevailed and the road won’t have to be dug up again. “After a lot of back and forth, and assistance from Keith Glazier and Andi Rivett, we have been given permission by East Sussex Highways (ESH) to work under their road closure permit to complete the installation of our electricity. ESH will then commence the work to repair Deadman’s Lane.”
The road will be closed from 7:30am on Monday, February 26 until Friday, March 8.
More potholes
Which one of Rye’s roads is the most potholed? The road to Iden? Winchelsea Beach to Pett Level? The Rye Harbour Road? You can report the damage to the local roads to East Sussex Highways Department by visiting their website.
Another award for The Mermaid
The Mermaid Inn has been awarded 2 AA “Rosettes for Culinary Excellence” for the twelfth year in a row. Joint owner Judith Blincow shared the news after a visit from an AA inspector whose report says the Rye hotel’s “hospitality and service continue to be a strength. The public areas, restaurant, and bar are unique and memorable spaces, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere.”
Council tax update
This year’s council tax for Rye residents is likely to be approved this Monday, February 26. A full meeting of Rother District Council will discuss next year’s budget, which includes the precept set for Rye. This year’s council tax has already been approved by Rother’s Cabinet. You can read the details here.
Help with energy bills
Homeowners, landlords and private tenants in Rye and the surrounding villages are being offered free advice that could help reduce fuel costs. Citizen’s Advice 1066 has arranged for free energy assessments, which are worth up to £500, to be followed up with home visits to help with accessing grants, form filling and advice on how to avoid scams. The funding comes from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero working with the Greater South East Net Zero Hub.
If you are interested in having a free energy assessment on your home, call Citizen’s Advice 1066 on 0800 1456879 or visit their website. There are also advice sessions each Wednesday morning 10am – 1pm at the Tilling Green Community Centre, and every Wednesday afternoon 2pm – 5pm at The Hub on Rye Hill.
RNLI Rye Harbour successes
Three trainees have passed out as tier 2 crew with the RNLI at Rye Harbour in the
last ten days, making them fully qualified as lifeboat personnel and expanding the
already strong team. Emma, Neil and Charlie have all worked tirelessly through their crew-plan giving up many hours to dedicate time to improve their skills to get fully competent.
Paul Bolton, lifeboat operations manager at RNLI Rye Harbour commented:
”Congratulations to all three – you’ve all worked so hard to achieve this. Thanks also to
Natalie Adams and Dave Needham, two of the area trainers, for all their time and effort
to allow the crew to progress.”
A big finish to scallop week
The Rye Bay Scallop Week finishes this weekend. As well as food tasting and cookery events, there are musical performances and talks up until Sunday, February 25.
Visit the Rye Bay Scallop Week website for more information.
Sloe gin competition
Finally this week, the annual Rye News sloe gin competition is being held at the Rye Waterworks micropub on Wednesday, February 28. The competition starts from 7:30pm. with judging at 8pm.
You can read more about the competition here.
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 & Threads @newsrye and on Facebook follow Rye News.
Image Credits: Bev Hamm , James Stewart , Natalie Arter , Judith Blincow , Paul Bolton RNLI , Scallop week CC , Chris Lawson , Natasha Robinson .
Congratulations to the Mermaid Inn, I was beginning to think there was only hotel in Rye.
Well done Judith and your team – well deserved
Council tax: It needs to be emphasised that Rye Town Council sets its own amount of Council Tax (the “precept”). Rother is just the collecting authority as it is for the County Council, Fire and Police authorities.
Assuming the recommended budget is passed Rother’s Council Tax for a band D property will be just over £200 (two hundred pounds) for the whole year. The greater part of what we householders actually pay goes to the County Council who, it is fair to say, are struggling with the demands of adult and children’s social care.