LOCAL government as we know it is about to go through significant change, so I was delighted to be able to help to ensure the health of an English Oak Tree planted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Rother District Council.
When it came into being in April 1974 as a result of a reorganisation of local government, the council’s offices were based in Battle close to the Watch Oak, an ancient oak tree near the High Street. This led to the oak tree becoming the emblem of Rother District Council and why an oak tree was chosen to commemorate 50 years.
The tree has been planted on Bexhill Down to mark the hard work and dedication of all those who served on the council over the years. Whatever the result of this latest reorganisation, the oak tree will stand for generations to come as a lasting reminder of Rother District Council.
Over the past month we, and other councils across East Sussex, have been discussing an interim plan for the reorganisation of local government in our county.
Along with our colleagues at Wealden, Lewes, Eastbourne and Hastings and East Sussex County Council, whilst we are open to other options, we have agreed that we will collectively work towards proposals for a single local authority in East Sussex.
We submitted an interim plan to the Government on March 21, but this is not the end of the process and by no means a final decision on how local government will be set up in the future but gives central Government an idea of how we think it could work. We will continue to work with our local authority colleagues to make sure we do what is right for the district and get the best deal possible for our residents and businesses – which will remain our priority throughout the process.
Progress on devolution and local government reorganisation has been fast, but it is important that we are part of the discussions and in a position to shape change, rather have something imposed on us which does not fully benefit the district. There will be further engagement with residents, businesses and partners over the coming months.
Our district is full of fascinating history and historic and iconic buildings.
One such building in the De La Warr Pavilion, a Grade 1 listed building that stands proudly on Bexhill’s seafront. This week the De La Warr and Rother District Council unveiled their masterplan to conserve and enhance the building over the next ten years.
The ambitious project, funded through the Government’s Levelling Up fund and supporting by a Heritage Fund development grant, will not only safeguard the building for future generations but harness the potential of the venue, creating new jobs and opportunities for learning and skills.
I look forward to seeing the plans come into fruition.
A stone’s throw from the iconic De La Warr Pavilion is the historic Colonnade, which is in urgent need of significant refurbishment and structural repairs to safeguard its future.
We are in the difficult position of having to end the existing leases for the businesses that operate from these buildings to enable us to carry out the essential work.
We know that this affects people’s livelihoods, but these repairs have to be carried out to ensure the historic structure has a future. We are working with the current tenants to approach local commercial agents and find suitable premises for them.
We will continue to work with our tenant over the coming months to ensure that they can continue to trade in the town and are able to secure their own future.
We’ve been spoilt with some warm and sunny days in recent weeks, a sure sign that summer is on its way and with it a welcome surge in tourism, particularly to our beaches.
RNLI lifeguards have already returned to Camber Sands at weekends and bank holidays to keep those visiting the beach safe. The lifeguards will be back at Bexhill from July 19 in time for the school holidays.
It’s important that, even when the lifeguards are working, anyone visiting the beach keeps themselves as safe as possible when in and around the water. Enjoy our beautiful beaches but do so safely.
Ends.
