A Christmas message from Wealden council leaders

From supporting High Streets and moving forward with a 40 acre employment park with jobs for local people, to providing much needed family orientated affordable homes to rent and passing on government rebates to help residents struggling with cost of living pressures, 2022 has been another momentous year for Wealden District Council.

And as the year draws to a close, council leader Councillor Ann Newton and chief executive Trevor Scott are wishing all residents, businesses and visitors a merry Christmas.

The two have also highlighted the work and achievements of the council over the last 12 months in continuing to provide high quality frontline services in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillor Ann Newton, who took over as leader of the council in May when Councillor Bob Standley stood down after 12 years at the helm, said, “We have achieved so much and at the same time welcomed hundreds of people who are rebuilding their lives in the district after fleeing from war torn Ukraine.

“We continue to call Southern Water to account over upgrading and updating current sewerage and water infrastructure systems.

“After lots of positive feedback from residents and businesses, we are writing our new Corporate Plan to set out our priorities for the next four years; our carbon footprint is reducing with new EV charging points being installed next year and our residents are recycling over 50% of waste.

“We have also paid out millions of pounds to help businesses, residents, and community groups through these difficult times.

“We are particularly pleased that the government appears to have listened to our concerns and is considering reducing the number of homes that we are obliged to provide across the district, and this will help as we move forward with consulting on our Local Plan.”

Chief executive Trevor Scott said there is much to look forward to in 2023 and beyond.

“Work is progressing well on the council’s Community Sports Hub in the south of the district, a new community and health centre at Mayfield, a learner pool for Crowborough and a new leisure centre with health facilities in Hailsham town centre.

“Looking forward to 2023, the council will launch its very own Wealden Community Lottery to raise money for good causes within the district and the chance for players to win cash prizes each week.

“Wealden remains a great place to live, work and play and I wish all our residents, businesses and visitors a very happy Christmas and a prosperous new year.”

Everyone can keep up to date with the latest news, waste collection services dates and planning applications in their areas by signing up to Wealden Weekly, the council’s regular e-newsletter, via https://www.wealden.gov.uk/wealden-weekly/

In addition, more than 100 council services can now be accessed online 24/7. The best way is by registering through MyWealden, https://my.wealden.gov.uk/

Wealden District Council’s Hailsham offices will close at 4pm on Friday 23 December and reopen again on 8.30am Tuesday 3 January. People can continue to access a range of Wealden services online throughout the holiday period by visiting the Wealden website www.wealden.gov.uk