Wadhurst and the Localism Bill
Parish Councils expect to be given new powers if the Localism Bill is made law. In particular, communities will be able to influence development and planning by producing Neighbourhood Plans.
The Parish Council hopes to move quickly to take advantage of the new law. At present it is not clear what the process for producing a Neighbourhood Plan will be. Members of the council have written the enclosed document "Wadhurst Now and in the Future" in order to generate discussion. All comments are welcome.

The High Street
We are lucky to have retained our Post Office and many and varied shops in our High Street, and we hope to sustain these into the future. However, as with so many things it is a matter of "use them or lose them". We are supporting initiatives by the shops and businesses in the village to encourage shoppers to come to Wadhurst rather than incurring the cost of driving to, and parking in, towns such as Tunbridge Wells. We are confident that shoppers will have a satisfactory and enjoyable shopping experience in our village.

Helping Wadhurst's Young People
One of the first challenges facing the new parish council was how to respond to the threatened closure of Wadhurst Youth Club. The council set up a Youth Working Group which has successfully negotiated with the county council and Uplands Community College to continue the club for another year. Uplands will provide facilites at a reduced price, and the county will provide two youth workers. While this respite is very welcome we need to work out how the club can become self-sustaining - perhaps with the help of local charities and fundraising organisations. The working party has surveyed all the organisations working with young people and is considering how the council can help strengthen them, beginning with a campaign to recruit volunteers. (See page3 of this newsletter)

Speeding
Wealden has one of the highest rates for people who are killed or seriously injured on the roads in the region. Many have expressed concerns about speeding in and near the centre of the village and the recent spate of accidents has demonstrated the need to deal with this urgently. The council has been looking at different options including the possibility of introducing a 20mph limit in the village centre - parents surveyed at local schools so far have indicated they would support a 20mph limit in Wadhurst. The Transport Dept of East Sussex County Council is planning a village consultation as part of its Safety review of the High Street in October. We hope as many people as possible will come and say how they think road safety can be improved. The meeting will be advertised in advance. Please do come along!

Wadhurst Culture

After discussions at the Annual Village meeting, the council has established a Wadhurst Culture working party. We are actively pursuing funding for a year long programme of theatre and dance events. We are also considering a Wadhurst Community Cinema and Film Club and a detailed programme listing village cultural activities. Volunteers are needed - if you'd like to be involved or have suggestions please contact Beth Martin via the clerk, or using the comments facility on our website.

Environment
The Environment Committee has now taken up its work. Its current remit includes the maintenance of important green features of Wadhurst such as the Jardin d'Aubers, War Memorial and adjacent pond area as well as our village's benches, flower tubs, baskets and allotments. In future, we will also focus on working together with all residents, the schools and relevant associations to make Wadhurst a greener village.
To discuss any ideas and suggestions you may have, please contact Anita Konrad on 01892 782 820

Do you have a cess pit or septic tank?
If so, you may in future be required to register to obtain exemption for small domestic sewage discharges. The Government is currently considering how best to meet the needs of the EU Water Framework Directive, and no action is required till then. However, if you wish to do so, it is possible to register now (without charge). If you want further information, go to www.environment-agency.gov.uk.

Improvement Plans
Plans are afoot to bring a Sensory Garden to the Recreation Ground. It will include seating areas and a wealth of flowers, providing a place for parent to relax and a place for toddlers and children with sensory impairments. The council is also considering a Jubilee Pagoda to provide sheltered seating overlooking the playing field.

New Website planned

In order to improve communications between parishioners and parish council the new web site will have a number of features to do just that - immediate news items with the help of Twitter, sign-up for an online newsletter, and a means of reporting potholes, graffiti, fly-tipping etc. It will also carry the normal information, in what we hope will be a more accessible style. The picture shows one of our headers. Four companies have been asked to quote for this project.

High Speed Next Generation Broadband
Fibre-based broadband is being installed in Tunbridge Wells now. Rural communities such as Wadhurst may have to wait until 2015 or later. The Parish Council are investigating alternative options to bring the date forward and need your support. For more information see:
http://www.wadhurst.info/wpcnew/news/broadband.htm

>Snow
Before this winter we want to form a group to coordinate the clearing of snow effectively. If we work together we can keep the pavements of Wadhurst safe from snow and ice. Anyone interested please contact Barty Meredith-Hardy bartymh@doodahthingy.com. Dates for a meeting coming soon.

Kick Off
Three cheers for the Junior Football Club for their achievement in transforming the Voelker Field into a flat, well drained 11 a side pitch. The club, which has more than 200 members, raised £42000 for the project, including a contribution of £7000 from the Parish Council. The pitch will be ready for play in October.

Report a Pothole to East Sussex County Council
http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/contactus/reportaproblem/streetproblem.htm or Phone: 0345 60 80 193

News from the Police,
PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) Matthew Neve:
PC Simmonds and I have been policing Wadhurst since last September. If you would like to meet us good opportunities are:
Parish council meetings: these are monthly and have a Policing Forum where residents, councillors and the police can discuss your concerns.
Monthly street meetings: held outside Wealden Wholefoods, as advertised.
Village events: we attend all major village events.

Community messaging gives you up to date news and advice on local and county policing, and from the Neighbourhood Watch. It includes warnings about crimes and scams, advice on protecting your property and news from the Neighbourhood policing team. To sign up email PCSO Matt Neve.

matthew.neve@sussex.pnn.police.uk  Mob No.07787685757.

Wadhurst Neighbourhood Watch
The Neighbourhood Policing Team works closely with Wadhurst Neighbourhood Watch. We are a community-based association of volunteers which exists to encourage concern for neighbours and community spirit, increase community safety, and reduce crime. Improved information flows about local crime help to reduce unwarranted fears in what is actually a very safe area, although maintaining sensible security and vigilance are necessary to preserve this situation.
Wadhurst NHW is seeking to expand its scope and membership, and thereby improve the quality of life in Wadhurst. If you are interested, full details of NHW's activities, information on how to join, contact details, and real-time news feeds can be found on the association's website www.wadhurstnhw.info.

Don't tolerate Cold Calling!
Wadhurst is a No Cold Calling Zone. This is a national scheme and means that as a village we have decided that cold calling is not acceptable. Reputable companies know about the scheme and will not send people to knock on our doors. If you see a cold caller please report them to trading standards immediately.
(Phone: 0345 60 80 197: Email: trading.standards@eastsussex.gov.uk)

Can you help?
The Youth organisations in Wadhurst need volunteers to help run their activities. Can you offer a couple of hours per week to help run sessions, or you could offer occasional sessions to run activities including: Art, Bicycle Maintenance, Craft Skills, Cookery, Dance, Drama, Fashion, Fundraising, Hair and Beauty, Music, Keep Fit, Photography, Sewing, Sport, Theatrical Makeup and Video Making (or other things that you think the young people of Wadhurst may be interested in). If you would like to find out more please contact:

Youth Club: Rosemary Willets on 01892 782 782 or 07796377997 or tonycouncil@f2s.com

Rainbows (young Brownies), Brownies and Guides: Glynnis Tucker at glynnistucker@hotmail.com or 01892 890 335

Beavers (young Cubs), Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts: Andy Madden at whytespirit@hotmail.com or 01892 783 914.

Junior Football Club: Trudi O'Neill at trudi.oneill1@homecall.co.uk or 01892 783573.