It comes as no surprise to me that Bexhill-on-Sea was recently included in World Atlas’ list of the seven friendliest towns to retire in England.
One can be sceptical about websites that rate things like the friendliest towns as it’s fairly subjective, but they’ve hit the nail on the head with this one.
World Atlas praised the town for its welcoming community, quality of life, and abundance of activities for older people, whilst highlighting the wonderful attractions and buildings the town boasts.
Anyone that lives in Bexhill knows what a wonderful place it is and the district council works hard to ensure it continues to be.
I was delighted to see the result of the community’s hard work at Barrack Hall Park. Despite the extremely dry weather experience over the summer months volunteers have helped newly planted trees, bulbs and wildflowers flourish.
With funding from Rother District Council’s Coronation Community Orchard Grant Scheme, and the dedication of Barrack Hall Allotment Association, the Old Town Preservation Society, Bexhill Environmental Group, and Bexhill in Bloom, a total of 10 fruit trees have been planted at the park.
The work, supported by the council’s contractor idverde, included a new path through the orchard area and to the play area for access in the wetter months, an additional gated entrance to the open space to improve safety, and the installation of interpretation posts designed by young people and produced with the help of The Men’s Shed and Brewers Foundation.
It was a true community effort, and the hard work and dedication is clear for all to see and enjoy.
The efforts of volunteers and community organisations do not go unnoticed in Rother and I am pleased to see the return of our Community Grant Scheme which supports some fantastic grassroots projects.
Projects that strengthen communities can now apply for a share of £100,000 to support day to day costs, staff and equipment or for building work and refurbishment.
This year, to mark 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror, we are encouraging applications from that promote local heritage, culture, learning, community participation or tourism with a Norman-themed project.
Applications are open now and not-for-profit organisations including charities, community organisations and social enterprises, have until Friday, October 16 to apply.
I would encourage anyone with a project that could benefit from funding to have a look at the funding criteria and apply. You can find out more by visiting Rother District Council Community Grants Scheme – Sussex Community Foundation.
For many, the summer months are an opportunity to wind down and enjoy a slower pace of life. For staff and councillors at Rother, the hard work has continued to ensure services are delivered and projects progressed.
Frustratingly, our work on the reorganisation of local government that will see all council services brought under a single authority in East Sussex has been put on hold after the Government announced a review of the decisions taken so far.
While it’s disappointing given the amount of work that has taken place across county, district and borough councils, it’s vital that we get this right, and if the review will help us achieve this then it’s necessary.
We are now waiting for confirmation on how Rother and other areas of East Sussex will be involved in the review and the timescales we are expected to work to. In the meantime, we will go ahead with elections in May 2027 using existing district and borough council boundaries.
Many people will be wondering what this means for local councils, and I want to reassure them that there will be no immediate changes for our council or the services we provide.
