Monday’s town council meeting addressed a wide range of important developments affecting Rye. It was once again heartening to see Rye residents from across its communities attending and actively participating in the discussions, along with East Sussex County Council, Rother District Council and the Rye Chamber of Commerce representatives.
Key topics covered were as follows:
Election of a new deputy mayor
Chris Hoggart was unanimously elected as deputy mayor, supporting Andy Stuart when he takes over the role of mayor in May. He was proposed as someone with the enthusiasm and drive to get things done … hopefully benefitting a range of activities in Rye during his term in office.
Rye Chamber of Commerce
It was hugely encouraging to hear from Sarah Broadbent, vice-chair of the Rye chamber, that they have been awarded a share of £185,000 of levelling up funding.
Rye leisure centre
Barry Nealon and Rebekah Gilbert reported that great progress has been made in setting up the charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) that will be running the leisure centre over the next 20 years. Work remains to be done on securing the lease from East Sussex County Council with the correct terms but, subject to this being agreed, the council approved the acquisition. Money must still be raised to operate the facility in the short term but the announcement by Ben Hook, from Rother District Council, that the pool has been awarded £650,000 from Sports England green funding for improving its infrastructure is a huge boost. There is more water to flow under the bridge, but signs are good for securing a vital element of the town’s infrastructure
Tourist strategy
Tourists are also a vital element of Rye’s economy, and the town council had considered supporting this with a new version of the town map … despite one already being in circulation, funded privately. Thankfully, this idea has been shelved, allowing the funds reserved to be redeployed on other projects
Planning issues
Plans have been submitted for a major extension to the Rye Lodge / Lookout Hotel on Landgate. This involves the creation of 18 new bedrooms, with a related increase in jobs and economic development for the town. While some concerns were raised about some of the plan details, and the loss of eight of the current hotel parking places, overall, the development was seen as good for the town.
Comments were made on the preference for traditional, hotel style, accommodation … rather than the profusion of Airbnb type rentals that currently dominate the town
Public conveniences
The debate continues to rage about ensuring the continuity of sufficient public conveniences for Rye, as a major tourist town. It is unacceptable for businesses and attractions to end up providing this essential public service. While two have been secured for the next three years, work is continuing to find ways for more to remain open in the short to medium term to alleviate the pressure of demand
Youth Club
Sophie Thorpe described how a youth club (11–16-year-olds) was started at Rye leisure centre but stopped by Freedom Leisure to the great disappointment of those involved. The sports hall is now available for hire on Friday evenings at a reduced price, including equipment, that would be supported free of charge by Freedom Leisure volunteer(s). This needs to be a long-term service but it needs short-term funding to get it established. This was approved by the council on the understanding that a full business plan would be produced
Rye Salts skatepark
Refurbishment funding available and was approved
Rye Bowls club
Concern was raised that lack of Rother funding resulted in the danger of closing. The situation is currently under investigation
General issues
The council are making efforts to get 100% council tax relief for disadvantaged households. Brown bin costs are rising due to a relatively low uptake by residents. There is a high need for foster carers in East Sussex … more information will be published in Rye News in the future. Alongside the ongoing pothole crisis, it is also important to report pavement damage. An investigation will take place in relation to degraded dropped curbs for wheelchair/mobility scooter access.
Additional public input
Interventions were made requesting assurance that ALL communities in Rye are supported and represented by the council, with a suggestion that a council meeting be held in Tilling Green Community Centre. Concern was also raised about the council undertaking any “unnecessary” expenditure during a cost-of-living crisis
This council meeting demonstrated some positive decision making in areas that will affect us as Rye residents. It was also very good to hear announcements of significant funding support to our businesses and essential services. It was gratifying to see individual residents, business and community leaders working together with multiple tiers of government to enhance Rye as a premier place to live, work and visit. Let us hope we can maintain this momentum and cooperation!
