~ SCAM Warning:

If you receive a text about a parking fine that looks like it comes from Wealden,
it’s a scam. Don’t respond and delete it.

~ Community Orchards:

I am delighted to update you that the Community Orchards project has had a fantastic response. The project was supported by DEFRA’s Coronation Living Fund, in partnership with Wealden’s tree and heritage officers. Grant funding has been successfully awarded to eight applicants; a further two applicants are finalising their funding agreements; and three more applicants are being scoped. This means that there will potentially be 13 new community orchards across the district, with tree planting beginning this autumn.

~ Ripple Effect

A couple of months ago, in this publication, I mentioned the citizen science water monitoring project that I am involved in, along with the Friends of the River Medway and the University of Sussex. The aim is to harness people power, to tackle pollution and improve the health of our rivers. We have had a growing number of volunteers taking part and I am pleased to say that we are making a difference! Last month we had national coverage on BBC TV news and after identifying major on-going sewage spills, we galvanised local action and prompted the EA and Southern Water to take remedial action. If you would like to find out more or get involved, please contact me or go to the volunteer section of this website: https://project-ripple-effect.co.uk/.

~ Wealden leader writes to Angela Rayner:

Wealden District Council has concerns that the proposed planning reforms of the new Labour government will demand too much development. In addition to WDC’s response to the National Planning Policy Framework consultation, and my own response, Wealden’s leader, Cllr. Rachel Millward, has written to Angela Rayner (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in Charge of Planning). The letter pointed to the need for a planning system that is not beholden to developers; that adequately values nature and better provides for those needing social and affordable housing.

~ Uckfield Leisure Centre and Pool:

I am delighted to say that Uckfield Leisure Centre and pool - that was threatened with closure before the current administration took over in May 2023 - has now had a thorough refurbishment and is enjoying increased membership numbers. Wealden District Council has invested in a range of energy efficiency and repair works and as a result the pool is better than new.

As ever, if you have any comments, questions or concerns, please do reach out to me and I will do my best to help.

Thank you.

Cllr. Christina Coleman

~ Climate Change - The BIG Conversation

We would really like to hear your thoughts on how to shape our climate change strategy and action plan for our district. Therefore, Wealden District Council is hosting an event to share and gather the thoughts of the community. The ‘Big Conversation’ will take place on Tuesday 3rd December 2024, 9.30am - 4.00pm, at the Weald Hall, Uckfield Civic Centre, TN22 1AE. Light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP to sustainability@wealden.gov.uk by Monday 18th November, if you would like to attend.