Lindfield Parish Council looking for co-opted Councillor

Since its formation in 1987 Lindfield Parish Council has worked with residents to support village life. Notable events include the annual Christmas Festival Night, initiating Spring and Autumn Clean events and producing a Neighbourhood Plan to support appropriate development whilst protecting the village’s historic conservation area and green spaces. Current projects include seeking to introduce 20mph speed limits within the village.

If you want to help maintain and enhance our beautiful village, perhaps you could stand as a co-opted Councillor representing your community. The role is voluntary, but most importantly, you will be in a position to develop plans for the future of Lindfield and deliver projects in support of village life. By becoming a Councillor, you become someone your community will look to for help, guidance and support - a community leader with the power to influence decisions for the benefit of the people you serve. The role would include:

Attending Full Council and becoming a member of two committees (plus working groups). Representing the views of residents within the parish.
• As part of the council, you will have responsibility for running local services which include: Wilderness Field, Denmans Lane Allotments, Denmans Lane Public Toilets and potentially more.
• Deciding on how much to raise through the precept (council tax) to deliver local services.
• Influencing and shaping the long-term development policy for the parish, and as part of the planning process, commenting on planning applications in the parish.
• Improving the quality of life and the environment in the local area.
• Working to identify issues which are important to the lives of the residents.
• Working to bring about improvements through local projects.
• Engaging with other service providers (e.g. District & County Councils) and working in partnership with other parishes and agencies.

You do not need any experience or belong to a political party; just enthusiasm, an ability to develop and implement projects with other members, alongside building relationships within the village and with District and County Councillors. Training for the role will be offered and is encouraged.
Ideally, the successful candidate will have the following skills/experience:
• Forward thinking
• A good team player
• Good interpersonal skills and able to contribute opinions at meetings whilst willing to see others views and accept majority decisions.
• Ability to listen constructively
• Basic IT skills
• Willingness to undertake training.

You will be supported by a small but experienced Parish Office team. Please contact the Parish Clerks on 01444 484115 or clerks@lindfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk if you would like to know more about standing for co-option or would like a chat with one of our existing councillors about this opportunity.

Mid Sussex District Council August newsletter - 2025

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Playdays on tour for the summer

Playdays on Tour is coming to a town near you! Ten free events, organised by Mid Sussex District Council, will be held during the summer holidays for children under 10. There’s no need to book, just turn up and join in.

Starting on 29th July in Haywards Heath, and finishing on 27th August in Crawley Down, there will be two events each week, with a variety of different activities. Other venues will be East Grinstead, Hurstpierpoint, Ardingly, Hassocks, Handcross, Burgess Hill, Cuckfield and Bolney.

Visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/playdays for more information. We’ll see you there!

Consultation on boundary change proposals

A consultation on boundary change proposals in the Haywards Heath area is now open until 8th August. Changes being considered by the Community Governance Review include:
• Haywards Heath Town Council: Whether to move the south-western boundary to include the existing parish wards of Rocky Lane North and Rocky Lane South (currently wards in Ansty & Staplefield Parish Council)
• Lindfield Parish Council: Whether to move the existing Haywards Heath Town Council ward of Haywards Heath North East to Lindfield Parish Council

To get involved, or find out more, please scan the QR code or visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/elections-voting/community-governance-reviews

To read the full newsletter, pick up your copy of August’s Lindfield Life and turn to page 42.

Lindfield Parish Council annual report 2024/2025

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OVERVIEW OF 2024/25

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The 2024/25 year was both productive and eventful for Lindfield Parish Council as we continued to work towards the objectives outlined in our Plan 23/27. This strategic plan focuses on six key areas: Village Environment, Community Engagement, Effective Collaboration with Local Authorities, Environment and Sustainability, Health and Wellbeing, and Governance. We remain committed to serving our community, enhancing local amenities, and ensuring responsible and transparent governance. At our Annual Parish Meeting in May 2025, we provided residents with an update on the Council’s activities during 2024/25. We were also delighted to be joined by community groups including Friends of Eastern Road Nature Reserve and Friends of Lindfield Playgrounds who both delivered insightful presentations on their valuable contributions to the community. As with most other local government bodies, the real work of the Parish Council is done in standing committees, of which we have three.

To read the full review, please pick up a copy of July’s Lindfield Life or click the images to enlarge them.

Mid Sussex District Council celebrates Mid Sussex Applause Awards

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Celebration for the unsung heroes of Mid Sussex

Unsung heroes were celebrated at the Mid Sussex Applauds Awards 2025 - an annual event that recognises those people who go the extra mile for their community. More than 100 people attended a special ceremony that was organised by Mid Sussex District Council and held at the South of England Showground, Ardingly. Hosted by Cllr Rodney Jackson, Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council, and the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Timothy Fooks, there were 37 individuals, groups or businesses who were recognised for their contribution to the district.

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These included nine winners, 10 highly commended and 18 commended nominees. Sponsors of the awards were: Community People, Glendale, Jobs Go Public, Orchards Shopping Centre, Places Leisure, City Science, MUFG and Chroma Vision. For a list of all winners, including those highly commended and commended, visit www.midsussexapplauds.co.uk

To see our showcase of winners and to read the full article, please click the images to enlarge them or pick up your copy of July’s Lindfield Life.

Lindfield Bowls Club issues a history challenge

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https://www.lindfieldbowlsclub.co.uk/
By John Bartlett

We have a challenge for you. Can you identify an ancestor?

A recent posting on Facebook group of the photo below was a surprise, because a copy hangs in our more modern clubhouse. Taken in 1914, it depicts members of the bowls club in front of the original pavilion.
We would love to put more names to faces and we hope villagers of today may be able to help. We have identified one of them: Mr C W Masters an ancestor of the village business Masters and Sons. We showed it to them and they identified him. It worked once, so we hope it can again.

On 18th October 1904 a plot of land on the Common was offered for use as a bowling green subject to the agreement that a slight wire fence be placed around it but removed when required by the council. Times have changed!
Bowling began in 1905. Mrs Annie Clarke was one of the councillors in 1904, charged with the duty to oversee the project. Her husband Dr Cuthbert Clarke was elected as president of the club in 1910 and Mrs Clarke acted as the Hon Secretary. How do we know this? Because we have the handwritten minute book from 1904 to 1925. How it survived is somewhat of a mystery, but it gives us the names of the officers and members of the club around the time the photograph was taken. It’s reasonable to assume some are featured.

However, as the minutes book is handwritten our interpretation maybe not perfect. First names or initials were not always recorded. At that time the playing club membership was men.
OFFICERS in 1910 – President: Dr. G. Cuthbert Clarke, General Committee: Messrs Higgs, Shepherd, Ward, James Law and R. Longley, Match Committee: Messrs Foster, Humphrey and Charman, Captain: C. Featherstone Snr, Vice-Captain: Chas. W. Masters (The only one recognised so far), Hon Sec: Mrs Annie C. Clarke (this is how she signed the Minutes book), Treasurer: C. Wheeler.
MEMBERSHIP in 1910 / 1914 (in no specific order) – F.H.J. Beeny, James Law, J. Box, L.T. Wratten, C. Wheeler, A. Jenner, T.E. Charmen, Brown, A. Shepherd, G. Ward, Parker Auscombe, C. Featherstone Snr, F. Edwards, F.H. Levauchy, F. Comer, W. Comer, Spiers, E. Mitchell, W.G. Jeffrey, C. Higgs, F. Hills, T.B. Hames, J. Edmed, C.W. Masters, Longley, C. Featherstone Jnr, H.C. Foster, L. Broadbridge, H. Howell, A. Smith, E. Patching, H. Marchant, E. Stevens, J.W. Driver, Woolcock.

The club had several Vice Presidents, including ladies, who no doubt helped the club in some way. Miss Catt certainly did by lending them her roller! The VPs are named as W. Sturdy, G. Coller, W. Knowles, W. Tower, L. Weedon, Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Clarke. It seems logical to assume some of the aforementioned gentlemen would be included in the picture.

We have tried hard to identify them. Indeed, Dr Clarke, a surgeon, could be in the photo as he was again elected as president for 1914. Condolences to Mrs Clarke were recorded in the minutes book following Dr Clarke’s death later that year, which gave us the means to trace them on Ancestry.com. We do know he was in Great Walstead farm when the 1911 census was taken along with his wife. They were classed as visitors and staying as guests of Mrs Rogers, his cousin and one of the vice presidents. They had two children and hopefully we have a link.

We can find little detail on the others. So, if anyone recognises family names and can identify the individual, we would be very interested to hear from you. Please contact us by email to receive a copy to enlarge or if you wish to visit the club as we can supply an A4 copy.
But there’s another challenge… The sign above the door in the photo now hangs inside our clubhouse. It was rescued from a skip during later refurbishment. Within the club its meaning is taken as ‘An honest man is without bias’, but we would be interested in hearing from anyone if they have a different view.
The sign has initials PA carved at the end are thought to be the initials of the person who made it, possibly Parker Auscombe who was active in the club.

We owe all those folk who worked so hard to establish our club a massive vote of thanks. It has become one if not the best bowling club in Sussex with around 140 active members, both male and female, with many successes on the green at county and national level. We hope we have been worthy of their efforts. Responses please to: secretary@lindfieldbowlsclub.co.uk.

Lindfield Parish Council news - June 2025

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Clerk’s update

By Santi Gil, Clerk to Lindfield Rural Parish Council
The Lindfield Village Day is being held on Saturday 31st May, starting at noon and finishing at 5pm at Lindfield Common RH16 2LD. This is a great day for the whole family with many stands and things to do, including a dog show, live music, competition tent, food and drink quarter and (drum role please) our very own Lindfield Rural Parish Council stand. On our stand we will have the Big Cuddly Toy free competition (always a hit for your children and free to enter, just guess its name?), you can meet our councillors, ask questions and see information about LRPC, of course Sarah and I will be there to chat with you and out two little mascots Alfie the Bearded Collie and Lissi the Rough Collie - if that isn’t enough we always have a few jars of sweets and dog biscuits for you and your four legged friends!!

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Again, we would love to see you there and have a chat Permission has been granted by the Planning Inspectorate for 90 dwellings with open space to be built at the Walstead site. Mid Sussex planning reference number DM/24/0446 for the location at Scamps Hill, Lindfield, RH16 2GT. LRPC opposed this application as a consultee and Cllr. Christian Bode attended the inquiry on behalf of the council. Below is a small section of the final finding for you to view.

To read the full newsletter, pick up a copy of June’s Lindfield Life or click the images to enlarge rhem.

Mid Sussex District Council newsletter - June 2025

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Your garden waste bin

Summer is on its way, and that means more time in the garden. Here’s a reminder of what can, and can’t, be put in your garden waste bin with some useful questions and answers:

What happens if I put the wrong items in my bin?
Your bin will not be emptied and a tag will be left on it. You will need to remove any unacceptable items before your next collection.

Why can I not put food waste and fruit and vegetable peelings in my bin?
Regulations that were introduced to prevent the spread of diseases like Foot and Mouth limit the materials that can be composted in the open air. The facility we use is not licensed to take these materials.

Why can I not put pet bedding in my bin?
Regulations mean that we are not able to take animal bedding or waste in our garden bins. Even where the animals are vegetarian and the bedding is hay or straw the waste is still the by-product of an animal. We suggest this material is composted at home.

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Why can I not put large amounts of soil in my bin?
Unfortunately large amounts of soil inhibit the effective production of the compost.

What about non-native invasive plants?
Non-native invasive plants upset the balance of the ecosystem as they may be bigger, faster growing or more aggressive than the native species. Please do not place any part of Japanese Knotweed, or any other invasive weeds, including Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam, Australian Swamp Stonecrop, Parrots Feather, Floating Pennywort and Creeping Water Primrose, in your garden bin.

I have leaves from a confirmed infected ash dieback tree or I live in an area where the infection has been confirmed. What do I do?
Do not put leaves from an infected tree in your garden waste bin. You may leave infected leaves where they fall, however, if you do clear them, you should burn or bury affected leaves in your garden or compost them (but only in your garden). If leaves are used for compost, do not remove the compost from your garden eg to an allotment.

How much garden waste can I put in my bin?
The lid on the bin needs to be closed to enable it to be emptied. If you compact materials in your bin, it may result in the bin being either too heavy for the equipment to life for emptying or the bin falling into the lorry. If the bin is too heavy, then it will have a tag placed on it and will be emptied once the weight is reduced.

For more information visit www.midsussex.gov.uk

To read the full newsletter, pick up for copy of June’s Lindfield Life or click the images to enlarge them.

The bells' peal at All Saints Church, Lindfield

By Jacqui Allen

It has been six years since a set of new bells were installed at All Saints Lindfield, as part of the re-ordering of the church building and, since then, they have rung out for Sunday services, weddings and funerals and for significant events in the UK such as the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III.

During this period, there have been a total of 19 quarter peals rung but, as of yet, a full peal has not been attempted. The last time a peal was rung at All Saints was in 2002.
A full peal is a marathon event. It is a continuous ringing of the bells for approximately three hours. It is both physically and mentally demanding on the ringers. The physical demands will be obvious to all but the mental demands less so. Ringing a peal requires concentrating for a full three hours without letting your thoughts wander from the order in which your bell is struck. During a peal the sequence in which individual bells are struck will change approximately 5,000 times and each ringer will have to keep track of what they should be doing now, what they should be doing next and when they change.

The peal is scheduled to start at 10am on 31st May – Lindfield Village Day – and finish at 1pm. Assuming a calm day or a wind from the north, it should be heard on the Common as the stalls are being set up and the early birds explore what is on offer from the stall holders this year.

Look out for the Royal British Legion stall at Village Day, as this peal is also being rung in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day which is 8th May.

Orla now serving in Lindfield High Street

Previously featured in the January issue of this magazine, where Lindfield resident Ian Brunsdon had got to the quarter finals of MasterChef, we are now happy to report that Ian has opened his own restaurant on the High Street.

Ian and his wife Ellen met working in hospitality back in 2015, and vowed one day to open their own place together. Orla Restaurant & Rooms is the reality of that vision, which they have named after their two children.
“We have felt so welcomed into the village,” Ian said, “with people looking through the windows and popping in for a chat while renovations were ongoing. “Now that we are open, we are looking forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces into the restaurant.”

Ian has been working in kitchens since he was 15, and has worked in France and Australia, returning to work in Jeremy’s at Borde Hill and, more recently, head chef at Bolney Wine Estate – which he did for six years.
“Ellen and I had been researching and looking around for a few years, but when we found 67 High Street, it felt like the perfect location.”

They have been hands-on for the refurbishment, which took five weeks, and now includes a ‘sit at the pass’ area where guests can be fully immersed next to the chefs. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Orla offers an a la Carte menu with lunchtime classics and evening tasting menus with wine pairing.

Mid Sussex District Council newsletter - May 2025

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Council takes next steps to secure new cultural offer at Clair Hall

Mid Sussex District Council will go out to the market to take plans for a new cultural offer at Clair Hall to the next stage. Cabinet councillors have agreed to go out to procurement to find a cultural partner who can work with the Council to provide a three-screen cinema with a food and drink offer at Clair Hall. The aim is that the largest cinema would also be able to host and stage live performances. The Council hopes to have found an operator by the summer so that the next step to find a developer for the scheme can begin. Visit www.midsussex.gov.uk for more information.

Skate Fest is back for May half term!

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Fancy brushing up on some skateboarding skills or even trying it for the first time? Then come along to one of our free community Skate Fest events during May half term. You don’t need to book, just turn up on the day at any one of three events during the school holidays. All ages are welcome. The events will be happening on: Tuesday 27th May @ St John’s Park, Burgess Hill 2 – 4.30 pm Wednesday 28th May @ Victoria Park, Haywards Heath 2 – 4.30 pm Thursday 29th May @ King George’s Field, East Grinstead 2 – 4.30 pm Cllr Anne-Marie Cooke, Cabinet Member for Communities and Communications, said: “It’s great that we’re holding these skate events again as they’re always so popular for all ages. Grab your skateboard and come and join us!”

To read the full newsletter, pick up your copy of May’s Lindfield Life or click the images to enlarge them,

Lindfield Parish Council newsletter - April 2025

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VILLAGE ROADSHOW – WEDNESDAY 7TH MAY 2025

Lindfield Parish Council is delighted to announce that it will be hosting a Village Roadshow on Wednesday 7th May. This will incorporate the annual Parish Meeting. This event aims to showcase the work of local groups and charities operating within our village. The event is free for all residents to attend. The Friends of Eastern Road Nature Reserve and Friends of Lindfield Playgrounds will be attending and giving presentations. The event takes place at the King Edward Hall. Doors open at 7pm, with presentations starting at 7.40pm. The event will finish at 9pm.

If you are a Lindfield-based charity or not-for-profit group and are interested in having a stall at the event, please contact us at 01444 484115 or clerks@ lindfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk. Stalls will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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SPRING CLEAN – SATURDAY 26TH APRIL 2025

The Parish Council will be attending Lindfield Village Day (Saturday 31st May) and Eastern Road Nature Reserve 30th Anniversary (10th May).

To read the full newsletter, click the images to enlarge them or pick up April’s Lindfield Life today.

Newsletter from Mid Sussex District Council - April 2025

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Raising awareness of heat pumps

Heat pumps are relatively rare in residential properties in the UK – there are only around 250,000 currently. This means that the vast majority of people will never (knowingly) have seen a home with a heat pump.

Nesta, the charity that focuses on innovation including a sustainable future, wants everyone in the UK to be able to visit a heat pump near them and get the support they need.

Visit a heat pump combines a digital platform along with recruitment and training of heat pump hosts, providing a full end-to-end service for the public to visit a heat pump and get further support to help them build their confidence. So far, nearly 400 hosts are listed and Nesta is aiming for over 1,000 visits in the next few months.

Anyone interested in being a host or visiting a heat pump can register their interest at: www.visitaheatpump.com

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Sign up to our digital newsletter!

Want to keep in the loop with what’s happening in your local community? Then sign up to our digital Mid Sussex Matters newsletter, a monthly email to help residents stay up to date with what’s going on at the Council and in the wider district. Scan the QR code or visit our website www.midsussex.gov.uk to subscribe and join thousands of residents who are already taking advantage of this valuable resource. Let’s work together for a better Mid Sussex.

To read the full newsletter, click the images to enlarge them or pick up April’s Lindfield Life today.

Karate dojo open at Oathall in Lindfield

There is a new beginner’s class, for those wanting to learn karate in Lindfield.

The class started last month at Oathall Community College on Monday evenings, and Becky MacSweeney is the leader.
Becky’s own journey into the sport, begun when she went along to classes with her own children just over two years ago. She loved it so much, she started competing nationally and has ten gold medals to date, including regional champion two years in a row!
“I love watching people learn karate,” Becky explained. “Seeing them learn a form of self defence, growing in confidence and winning medals, as they do.”

Becky – who still trains six hours a week – is helped by Senpai Marli and Maddie, plus also Sachin, at Oathall (part of the Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and Cuckfield dojo).
Lindfield resident Stuart Todd, who trains with Becky, said: “I love the elements of discipline, control and confidence that karate brings to me and those that I train with, from young children to those more advanced in years. My fitness levels and flexibility have been positively impacted and also been a huge advantage in every day life.”

For more information about karate, email: skrycler@ gkrkarate.com.

https://www.gkrkarate.com/locations/listing/gkr-karate-haywards-heath-occ/

Mid Sussex District Council newsletter - March 25

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Green thumbs up from Mid Sussex residents

More than 99% of Mid Sussex residents believe that recycling is important with more than 91% making an effort to recycle at home, according to a survey carried out in January by West Sussex County Council.

Of those surveyed, a majority of 51% said they were very happy with their current fortnightly collection service for general waste and recycling, batteries and small electricals.

Although 43.7% said they rarely threw items in the rubbish bin because they were unsure if they could be recycled, nearly 40% said they were sometimes unsure about what could go in their recycling bin.

Items that caused most confusion for recycling were plant pots, garden waste, shredded paper and batteries.

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Councillor Chris Hobbs, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Customer Services at Mid Sussex District Council, said: “It’s fantastic, and very heartening, to see that so many of our residents support recycling. We’ve got a really helpful guide on what can, and can’t, be recycled so that we can get even more items out of the general rubbish bin and into recycling. One of the key things to remember is that everything going into the recycling bin has to be clean, dry and loose and not in a plastic bag.”

The recycling rate in Mid Sussex is already 41.8% which puts the district well on its way to hitting the Government’s national recycling target of 55% by 2035.

To read the full newsletter, pick up your copy of March’s Lindfield Life or click the images to enlarge them.

Lindfield Parish Council newsletter - March 2025

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Clerk’s Update

By Santi Gil, Clerk to Lindfield Rural Parish Council

At a full council meeting of LRPC on 13th January 2025, the council voted unanimously to increase our 2025/26 budget to a precept of £93,811. This is an annual increase of £1.83 for a Band D property, this would be a reported increase of 3.69%. These decisions are never taken lightly and LRPC scrutinised our expenditure and resolved that this was the necessary amount to maintain our service delivery. We do not wish to place excessive f inancial burdens on our residents, hence this minor increase. We still have a vacancy for a new co-opted councillor, please see advert (second image). We still have a few vacant plots at Gravelye Lane allotments. We are temporarily allowing non-residents to apply, so please contact us via the details below to apply for a plot. The costs are higher for non-residents, but not excessive. Summer is approaching, so get your wellies out and work on your new plot. All the very best from Sarah, Santi and Lissi the Rough Collie.

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We predominantly work from home; however, we are very willing to meet with you on site or at our offices located in the Walstead Burial Ground. To make an appointment please contact us via the following methods: Website: http://lindfieldrural-pc.gov.uk/ Email: clerk@ lindfieldrural-pc.org.uk Telephone : 01444 831499

To read the full newsletter, please pick up your copy of March’s Lindfield Life or click the images to enlarge them.

Lindfield Horticultural Society

By Christine Cawley

Lindfield Horticultural Society (LHS) has been at the heart of village life since its inception back in 1945. Much has changed in the intervening 80 years, but gardening remains a passion for many Lindfield residents, and new generations are bringing a fresh outlook to how we tend our gardens.

The LHS is keen to embrace change, whilst still maintaining the traditions for which it is known and loved, and is inviting members and non-members alike to a Coffee Morning at the King Edward Hall on Saturday 8th February from 10am to 12noon.

As well as providing an opportunity to meet fellow gardeners and enjoy tea, coffee and home-made cakes, this event will highlight current and future projects planned by the LHS.
It will also feature the annual seed swap and the unveiling of the new 2025 schedule.

Other local organisations, including Greener Lindfield, the Eastern Road Nature Reserve and Lindfield in Bloom, will also be there to showcase their own aims and activities.
Along with the traditional flower and produce shows, talks and outings, the LHS is trying out some innovative new ideas in 2025, with gardening masterclasses, flower arranging workshops, visits to members’ gardens and a special rose event.
This coffee morning will showcase these and much more, and there will also be the opportunity to chat to the committee and to put your gardening questions to a team of experienced gardeners.

If you’re interested in joining the Lindfield Horticultural Society, you can do so on the day, visit www.lindfieldhorts.org.uk or contact Membership Secretary, Jacqui Essen, at membership@lindfieldhorts. org.uk.

MSDC's February newsletter

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Children can look forward to more free fun Playdays for the February half-term. Organised by Mid Sussex District Council, the indoor events will be run from 2pm – 4pm and there’s no need to book, just turn up and take part. There’ll be a host of different activities for children, up to age 10, at the following venues:

• Tuesday 18th Feb @ Kings Centre, Burgess Hill, RH15 9LR
• Wednesday 19th Feb @ Jubilee Centre, East Grinstead, RH19 2HL
• Friday 21st Feb @ Dolphin Leisure Centre, Haywards Heath, RH16 1LY

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Cllr Anne-Marie Cooke, Cabinet Member for Communities and Communications, said: “Our popular free Playdays are back for February half-term. We’re so pleased to be organising these free activities for local families once again. Please come along and join in. We’ll see you there!”

To read the full newsletter, pick up your copy of February’s Lindfield Life today or click the images to enlarge them.

Lindfield Society newsletter - January 2025

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Gladman Development

The announcement of Gladman Development’s (GD) proposed 90-unit estate on the north of Scamps Hill kicked-off the year. The Lindfield Society submitted strong objections based on non-compliance with current planning policies. During protracted planning discussions with the Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC), GD filed an appeal despite not having a final ruling. The Appeal Inquiry was scheduled to begin on 10th December but has been delayed until 2025. The pre-inquiry evidence exchange showed that GD challenged the validity of the current MSDC District Plan, which currently excludes the Scamps Hill site from development. Due to publication deadlines, we cannot print an outcome, but we will have full coverage of the meeting on our website. Related documentation can be viewed on the MSDC website https://pa.midsussex.gov.uk/online-applications/ Using reference AP/24/0044, select the ‘Appeals’ tab.

Lindfield Society talks programme

Our programme of free talks continues in King Edward Hall. We roamed from the Trolleys of Lisbon to the Artic Home of the Polar Bear in 2024. In 2025, we’ll visit Treasures in St Petersburg, hear about writing comedy for TV, and walk the Sussex Downs with Ian Everest. A complete listing is available on our website and the Jubilee notice board on Denmans Lane at High Street. Our talks are well attended and provide a forum where the management committee can discuss current planning issues with the membership.

Website enhancements

We may have mentioned our newly updated website at www.lindfieldsociety.org.uk, which has an easy-toreach layout to find information on any of the above topics. The most exciting announcement is our ability to accept payments through our JustGiving page, so it is possible to join, renew, or make donations entirely online through the Society website using debit or credit cards of your choice. Your contributions will also be eligible for Gift Aid, which will benefit the Society over and beyond your donation. Please have a look and let us know what you think. We want to thank all our members for your continuing support in 2024 and wish you all a very happy New Year!

To read the full newsletter, please click the image to enlarge it.

Mid Sussex District Council newsletter - Jan 2025

Pay your council tax by direct debit – and make life easier

Around 80% of residents in Mid Sussex pay their council tax by direct debit. Now Mid Sussex District Council is encouraging more people to switch and pay the same way.

Cllr Simon Hicks, Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenue and Benefits, said: “Direct debit is the easiest and most efficient way of paying your council tax. You have a choice of three dates for payment and you can pay over 10 or 12 months as well as annually or biannually.

“Most of our residents choose direct debit because it’s easy, safe and secure. We never take more than the amount you have to pay and it renews automatically each year. It also keeps our administration costs down. Paying by direct debit also means residents never get into arrears with payments. For those who are in arrears, we have now introduced text messaging, emails and calls, as a reminder to pay before we need to go through a formal process of recovering the outstanding amount of council tax.”

For further information on how to pay by direct debit, go to www.midsussex.gov.uk and search “how to pay”.

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Bulky waste

This service restarts on Monday 6th January 2025. For more information visit the link above.

To read the full newsletter, click the images to enlarge them or pick up your copy of January’s Lindfield Life.

Lindfield Parish Council newsletter - Jan 2025

HIGH STREET JUNCTION ACCIDENT AND NEAR-MISS REPORTS

Following West Sussex County Council’s (WSCC) decision not to support HGV restriction at the narrow ‘bakery corner’ junction of the Lewes Road with the High Street, Lindfield Parish Council (LPC) is compiling reports of incidents at this location with a view to asking WSCC to reconsider its stance. Please note any serious accidents should be reported directly to Sussex Police.
Concerns regarding the safety of the highway should be reported directly to West Sussex County Council.

LPC knows that WSCC’s current approach to Traffic Regulation Order requests under the Community Highways Scheme includes information reported in road collision and casualty data provided by police reports, but considers that this data source potentially understates the issues at this location, where ‘near misses’ on the narrow, unprotected pavement are a daily feature of village life. This data will solely be used to build an evidence base of incidents at the junction of Lewes Road and Lindfield High Street.

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To read the full newsletter, click the images to enlarge them or pick up January’s Lindfield Life.