SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
click on underlined words to see details

Traffic
The Parish Plan recommends that the Parish Council (PC):

  • makes traffic a matter of priority.
  • nominates a councillor to take an active role in traffic matters.
  • works with ESCC to introduce traffic calming measures in Herstmonceux village, create a pedestrian refuge on the A271 at Windmill Hill and establish a 30mph speed limit in Cowbeech.
  • opposes the introduction of yellow lines in Gardner Street.
  • opposes housing development which lacks adequate parking provision.

The Parish Plan Committee (PPC) will pass on the concerns of residents about the impact of the school on children’s safety and traffic in the village to the School Governors for their consideration. It will inform bus companies of residents’ concerns.

Planning
The Parish Plan recommends that the PC adopt the following policies in principle:

  • to support a small development of affordable housing.
  • to oppose greater density, especially any building in AONB.
  • to seek a development contribution from the builders or construction company if any significant development is permitted.
  • to support the appropriate development of the Isaac Newton Telescope as an Arts Centre or science/educational facility.
  • to support the provision of an all-weather pitch.

The PPC will lodge data from the survey with the Parish Clerk; it is recommended that it  be employed by the PC in determining future policy.
Communications
The Plan recommends that the PC make information about its activities and website widely available.
PPC volunteers will seek to complement the current Parish Directory with a publication including footpaths, walks, local attractions etc.
Children and Young People
The Plan recommends that the PC nominate a councillor to take an active role in promoting the interests of children and youngsters.
PPC volunteers will organise a free "Youth Day" showcasing all the available activities.

The Environment
The Plan recommends that the PC:

  • installs two additional dog bins.
  • circulates information about the warden’s powers, dog owners’ responsibilities and complaint procedures.
  • contacts WDC Cleansing Department to discuss future additional services.
  • improves the lighting on the recreation twitten and the scout hut area.
  • improves signage, especially the parking and recreation ground signs in Herstmonceux village.

Crime
The Plan recommends that the PC:

  • co-operates with Neighbourhood Watch in investigating the cost and employment of CCTV to deter vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
  • includes publicity for Neighbourhood Watch in publications (Parish Bulletin, Annual Report etc.)
  • liases closely with the Sussex Police Authority and Neighbourhood Watch and encourages a visible police presence.
Health
The Plan recommends that the PC expand the doctor’s surgery to enable a two-doctor practice to be established. At that time the recycling bins will be relocated to create additional parking spaces.

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What is a Parish Plan?

1

 Parish plans help communities to take stock and identify ways of improving their quality of life. They make sure local people have a voice in their future. They address concerns which have been gathered from as many local residents, community groups and organisations as possible.

2

 This plan make realistic proposals for action and suggests methods for achieving our goals; it provides a timescale and wherever possible it identifies lead organisations, costs and potential sources of funding.

3

 The benefits to Herstmonceux Parish include an understanding of local priorities based on research; solutions arrived at locally not imposed from outside; an enhanced sense of community and greater social inclusion. It may be used in future to support funding bids to local and national initiatives.

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How did we create the plan?

4

 It began with a Parish Plans Conference held by Wealden District Council (WDC) in June 2003. A report from that meeting went to the Herstmonceux Parish Council which decided to support the idea. The Parish Council (PC) held a public meeting in September 2003 which explained what a parish plan is and raised local interest. A Parish Plan Committee (PPC) was set up and held its first meeting in October. Residents have been welcome at all subsequent meetings.

5
The first thing we had to find out was what things residents, valued in the parish, and what changes they wanted. We held general and focused consultations: there were suggestions boxes in pubs; leaflets asking for suggestions; attendance at the Information Centre and the Christmas Xtravaganza; we asked for suggestions from Dr Baker, PC Anderson, Mr Yates, the fire station manager, and others. We drew on the information in the Herstmonceux Village Appraisal (1989) and the Community Help Survey (1999). Topics should include:
"Dangerous roads"
"development"
"anti-social behaviour"
"Traffic!"
"affordable housing"
"road safety"
"facilities for children"

6

 Once the committee had identified the general topics it prepared a detailed survey which contained 51 questions under six headings (the environment, public safety, amenities and public services, leisure, tourism and transport) and included a special section for teenagers; housing was dealt with in a separate survey (HS). It was circulated to all households in April 2004, retrieved by June 2004 and analysed during July and August. We were pleased to have a response rate of over 37% (376 replies from 1,009 households).

7

 Throughout the summer the committee tested out the ideas which the survey threw up. Action proposals were drafted in the autumn, their feasibility was researched, and finally the plan was printed. It was presented to the Parish Council (which had had regular reports on progress and the issues that were being uncovered) for approval and adoption in January 2005. A copy has been sent to every household and posted on the parish council website, www.herstmonceuxparish.org.uk.

8

 Copies have been lodged with WDC, East Sussex County Council (ESCC) and the Wealden Local Strategic Partnership. The last brings together the views of the public, the private sector and voluntary organisations on the priorities, needs and concerns of the District. It is expected that parish plans will contribute to this strategy to the benefit of the individual communities.
SOME OF YOU SAID...
"We love the tranquillity of the countryside" — "The recycling area is often in a mess" — "A very English village" — "Herstmonceux is small, friendly and caring and non-judgemental of special needs residents" — "I’m worried about potential new housing which will be modern and totally out of character with the rest of the village" — "The castle is an enormous asset" to the village. It runs many excellent events and is always the first place we take guests to see" — "Very lucky to be here".

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How were the Action Points Selected?

9

 We made recommendations for action if there was:
  • a significant number of people expressing concern or interest through the survey or during consultations.
  • a good possibility of improving a service or amenity.
  • funding already available or likely to be found.

10

 A number of the action points are not new but are areas in which the Parish Council or residents are already working hard. They are included to celebrate, support and extend their efforts and to ensure that all members of the community are as fully informed as possible of all that is being done.

11

 Where information from the survey did not suggest action should be taken at parish level, it has been passed on to the relevant agencies or societies to ensure that they are aware of local opinion. In particular the committee has contacted Sussex Police Authority, the Fire Brigade, the mobile library service, bus companies, those clubs and societies which are not reaching their potential membership and Wartling Parish Council.

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Herstmonceux Parish: a Description

12

 Herstmonceux is a rural parish in Wealden District, situated to the north east of Hailsham; its boundaries are shown on the map at the end. Most of the parish lies within the Low Weald but the north eastern third is part of the High Weald AONB. It is close to the proposed South Downs National Park.
The landscape now is very different from that of a thousand years ago. Until the Middle Ages the marshes down to Pevensey were flooded and an inlet of the sea came up to Herstmonceux. During the thirteenth century a series of great storms accelerated the gradual silting up of the area and this, combined with artificial draining, formed the present landscape.

13
The parish of Herstmonceux has an ancient history. Its name comes from the marriage of two families in the twelfth century: the French Norman family of de Monceux from Calvados and the local family of de Herste.
    At the time of the Domesday Book the Manor of Herste was held by the Count d’Eu, one of William the Conqueror’s most trusted generals at the Battle of Hastings. It had "30 villagers with 12 cottagers having 16 ploughs". A church, seven acres of meadow, woodland and two pigs were also recorded and it was valued at £10.00. No archaeological evidence remains of that church, (which was probably built of wood); the present church was built in 1190. Its churchyard fence was made up of short lengths of fence together with a number of double posts; this was because each farm in the parish was responsible for its own length of fence, a custom found in only two other parishes in Sussex. A list of those farmers can be seen in the Clergy Vestry.
    In 1342, the inhabitants of Herstmonceux were "all engaged in the cultivation of the land and the tending of their flocks and herds". Improvements in agriculture and the developments of crafts made the parish an area where yeomen farmers could make their fortunes, and by 1500 the once poor community of the Weald was one of the wealthiest districts in England.
    In 1440 Herstmonceux Castle was built by Sir Roger de Fiennes. It was constructed of brick rather than stone and it is generally believed to have been the oldest brick building of its size anywhere in the country. It was demolished in 1775 and its restoration was not begun until 1913; it housed the Royal Greenwich Observatory from 1948 to 1990 and for some years
 was responsible for sending the "pips" to the BBC. The castle was bought in 1990 by Dr Alfred Bader and given by him to Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada which now maintains an International Study Centre there.
    Much of the village of Herstmonceux was built in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and there are 99 listed buildings in the parish, of which three are listed as I and four as II*. Other traces of the past can be found in the names of houses and streets. School House in Windmill Hill was where in 1776 E Allfree established the first co-educational boarding school in Great Britain; its excellent cuisine earned it the name of Gluttony Hall and it continued until the early part of the twentieth century. Bedlam Cottage in Bedlam Lane was the old lunatic asylum and The Woolpack was a coaching inn where local farmers took their wool after sheep shearing. Higham House and Higham Cottage together comprised the old Poor House.
    The 1801 Census recorded 961 residents and the nineteenth century saw many changes as commercial activity increased: the Windmill Hill windmill was erected in 1814 on the site of a much earlier mill (described in early documents as being at "wyndmylhill") while in the 1820s Thomas Smith and his family began making the famous trug baskets. This tradition of combining agricultural and rural occupations with new businesses and professions continues to stand the parish in good stead. Herstmonceux is fortunate in that old and new, people born here and incomers, still form a supportive and cohesive community.

[Follow Links to the Parish Council website history pages.]
SOME OF YOU SAID...
"Village shops are a sign of a vibrant community; they are much needed by those without their own transport" — "I think it is totally unacceptable that dog owners don’t clear up after their dogs in public places, the recreation ground being one of my biggest concerns" — "It’s relatively safe although very expensive in council tax rates for the service provided, which is why I will shortly be moving" — "A friendly, peaceful and picturesque environment, long may it continue" — "I am proud to live here and raise my family. I just hate that road" — "I have views to die for!" — "We want a fish and chip shop" — "Street lighting has improved of late" — "Brought up in the village, wouldn’t want to live elsewhere".

14

 The 2001 census the population of the parish numbered 2,532. Over 43% live in the village of Herstmonceux with the hamlets of Windmill Hill, Cowbeech and Stunts Greens making up another 21%. The remaining 36% live in smaller settlements such as Carter’s Corner, Ginger’s Green and Cooper’s Croft, or in outlying rural areas.

15

 Parish residents are largely older people with only 40% under 48 years old. People aged 45-59 make up 24% of the population; those aged 60-74 comprise 22% and those aged over 76, 14%. The two largest groups in terms of employment are people in full-time work (31.5%) and retired people (31.3%).

16
Parish Resources
16.1 Shops
Herstmonceux has a range of shops including a pharmacy (77% regarded this as essential) and two sub-Post Offices (rated as essential by 80%). Residents welcome the convenience of local shops; they are aware of the need to support local businesses if they are to remain a viable part of a thriving community, and in particular they praise the helpful staff. A majority (56%) did some shopping in the village, another 32% did a little. The reasons for not doing more were the cost (11%), the limited range of goods available (8%) and preferring to use a supermarket (8%); traffic and parking problems and preferring to shop where they work were also mentioned.
16.2 Social life
The parish is served by four pubs, The Brewers Arms, The Woolpack, The Horseshoe Inn and The Merrie Harriers. There are two restaurants, The Sundial and Eastern Promise and soon there will be tea room cum bistro in The Malt House; Orchard View Country Club is situated in Windmill Hill. All in all there are over 40 local clubs and interest groups, a Church of England Church, a Free Church and a Friends' Meeting House. Herstmonceux village is twinned with Varengeville-sur-Mer in Normandy.
    Residents enjoy the use of a modern and attractive Village Hall, opened in 2000; it is regarded as essential by 64%. It has charitable status and is well run by a management committee made up of four trustees and representatives of user groups. It is used by village organisations, for village and private events and by a thriving playgroup.
   The parish has a recreation ground of over six and a half acres in the		 centre of the village (it is regarded as essential by 61%) with a cricket pitch, tennis courts, a bowls club, a children’s playground and — the latest addition — a skateboard park. The Parish Council is currently in the process of establishing a village green on the Denefield Estate, adjacent to Queens Road and Fiennes Road.    Herstmonceux village was awarded top prize in the "small village" class in the South East in Bloom competition three years in a row with the result that in 2004 it was required to enter the "Champion of Champions" class where it won a silver gilt award. Sixteen trees in the parish are currently protected by preservation orders.
16.3 Amenities
Herstmonceux Church of England Primary School has some 200 children on roll. There is a doctor's surgery in Herstmonceux village (rated essential by 81%) and a branch surgery in Windmill Hill. There is an active Information Centre (rated essential by 53%) and a fire station. The parish includes the tourist attractions of Herstmonceux Castle and its Science Centre and the Windmill Hill Windmill, currently in the process of restoration.
16.4 The Parish Council
The Parish Council has eleven members and the current councillors were elected in May 2003; it employs a Parish Clerk and a Responsible Financial Officer and benefits from the voluntary services of a tree warden and a webmaster. In addition to the usual responsibilities the Parish Council owns the Herstmonceux surgery and the recreation ground. It is actively pursuing Quality Council status.
SOME OF YOU SAID...
What worries you in the parish? "I am appalled at the amount of dog mess in and around the village" — "It would be nice to see a policeman on the streets now and again" — "Some of the Parish Councillors" — "Not enough dog waste bins" — "Vandalism at the tennis club" — "Traffic!" — "Lack of police presence" — "Dogs and dog mess". BUT "Herstmonceux is an exceptionally relaxed and safe place to live. I actually count myself very lucky living here"

17

 It is clear that people place a high value on living in Herstmonceux parish. 194 people answered the question as to whether they enjoyed living here, overwhelmingly in the positive — there were only ten adverse comments. The friendly people and community spirit, the beautiful surroundings and countryside, good local facilities both in the parish and the immediate locality and the peace and quiet were repeatedly cited as contributing to the enjoyment of living in this parish. It is interesting to note how similar these results are to those from the youth survey where friendliness was most commonly mentioned, followed by the countryside and peace and quiet.

18

 Additional information about the parish can be found on the parish website, www.herstmonceuxparish.org.uk.

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Transport

19

 Traffic
This is the subject which causes the most concern throughout the parish.
79% of respondents said they were worried by traffic and speeding cars. Of the 230 residents who specified the single most important topic in the survey, 44% cited traffic and parking — over three times more than any other issue. The main problem in the parish is: "SPEEDING" — "Reckless driving / speeding on country lanes" — "Speeding tractors and drivers with no thought for those on foot / horse / bike".
This was also reflected in the youth survey where over half of the respondents listed traffic as their major concern.
Particular problems exist for wheel chairs users (23% identified problems, only 10% were satisfied with current conditions).
17% of cyclists felt there was a problem but 15% felt there was not.		 Where do you feel unsafe in the parish?
"Crossing the A271"
"Crossing the road by the village hall"
"Junction of West End and Gardner Street"
"Crossing the main road in an electric scooter is dangerous because of volume and speed of traffic"
"Outside the village shops"
Although 16% of users of buggies and pushchairs were unhappy with the current situation 15% were satisfied. 16% of horse riders saw no problems, compared with 14% who did.
 "We need traffic calming".
RECOMMENDATION: the Parish Council will nominate a councillor to take an active role in traffic matters.
Action by Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
Parish Council Nil 2005
SOME OF YOU SAID...
"We desperately need funds to resurface the tennis courts. The club is struggling to keep going" — "I’m worried by dangerous levels of speeding through Cowbeech" — "We need something that is free for young people and they can have a snack because they all come to my mum for that and she lets them" (YS) — "I feel unsafe on the unlit twitten to the recreation ground" — "Please retain the restful life-style" — "I was born 69 years ago and wouldn’t wish to live anywhere else".

20

 Road safety
In Herstmonceux village, the main street (Gardner Street) is the A271 and this causes the greatest concern. There is a conflict between residents wanting to park and visit the shops and the needs of through traffic which leads alternately to congestion and traffic speeds which make pedestrians fear to cross the road; the 30 mph speed limit is often disregarded, especially on Sundays.

RECOMMENDATION: the Parish Council will make traffic a matter of priority. It will co-operate in the investigation commissioned by ESCC into traffic calming in the village; it will ensure that recommendations arising from the investigation are funded and activated and that any solutions do not merely displace the problems to elsewhere in the parish.
Action by Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
PC, ESCC Nil 2005-2006

21

 Lanes throughout the parish are frequently narrow and twisting and not made for heavy or fast traffic. This is of particular concern to the inhabitants of Cowbeech.

RECOMMENDATION: the Parish Council will urge ESCC to impose a 30mph speed restriction in Cowbeech, including any associated engineering works.
Action by Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale

PC, ESCC

Nil

2005-2006

22

 Residents of Windmill Hill experience particular difficulty in safely crossing the A271.

RECOMMENDATION: the Parish Council will urge ESCC to create a pedestrian refuge on the A271 at Windmill Hill near the junction with Victoria Road.
Action by Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale

PC, ESCC

Contribution of £500

2005
SOME OF YOU SAID...
"No more houses, please, especially in AONB and surrounding area, we moved from Hailsham to get away from the Wealden Plan" —"It’s a friendly place, no "we" and "they" — "I feel unsafe on the path up to the Scout Hut at night because the lights hardly ever work, I always take a torch with me" — "I would support an afternoon dance club for older residents" — "It would be good to have more signed public walks through country areas" — "It is not easy to find out what is going on in the village. I often don’t find out about things until the last minute" — "We need a growth in social awareness and self responsibility with human beings taking on their personal growth and integrity".

23

 There is concern about the impact the school has on traffic through the village at certain times of the day. Residents would be grateful if means could be found to maximise children’s safety and minimise congestion. Professional advice to the PPC suggests that this problem can only be successfully tackled by the School — its Governors, staff, children and the Friends of Herstmonceux School. Suggestions and support can be obtained from a principal road safety officer at ESCC.

RECOMMENDATION: the PPC will pass on the concerns of residents to the School Governors for their consideration.
Action by Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale

PPC, ESCC, School Governors

Nil

2005

24

 Parking in Gardner Street
There was a clear response to questions about parking in the village: 56% felt it needed improving. However, 60% opposed the introduction of yellow lines in Gardner Street, 69% believing that the presence of parked cars acts as a traffic calming measure. When asked if better parking controls were required, 38% agreed and there was much adverse comment on the dangerous impact on pedestrians of inconsiderate parking on pavements and footpaths. SOME OF YOU SAID...
"We should increase off road parking but where?"
"Cannot land by found for off-street parking?"
"There is no obvious answer"
"I don’t know how it can be improved. There are just too many cars and not enough remaining space"
"I would be very much against yellow lines in the High Street".

RECOMMENDATION: the Parish Council will oppose the introduction of yellow lines in Gardner Street.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
PC Nil Ongoing

RECOMMENDATION: the recycling bins will be relocated to create additional parking spaces.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
WDC, PC PC contribution 2005

25

 Residential Parking
Although 43% thought residential parking was adequate 40% did not, and a comparison of the number of cars per household and the number of residential parking places highlights clear discrepancies: for example 39% of households have two cars but only 22% have parking for two cars. But since 59% of the housing stock was built before 1964 (37% before 1944), that is before car parking became a necessity, it is accepted that little can be done to improve this situation.

RECOMMENDATION: the Parish Council will oppose any new housing that lacks adequate parking provision.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
PC Nil Ongoing

26

 Public transport
The vast majority of residents (77%) does not currently use public transport, but 53% feel that it needs improving. Complaints were mainly about the frequency of service (42%), reliability (24%) and cost (21%). The timing of the service (14%), the route taken (12%) and the location of the bus stops (5%) were less significant.

RECOMMENDATION: the Parish Plan Committee will inform Stage Coach, Cuckmere Community Bus, Edwards Coaches and Autopoint of the areas in which their services are found wanting by residents and the Parish Council will lobby them to improve the service.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
PPC, PC Nil 2004 and ongoing
SOME OF YOU SAID...
"Say Cheese is sadly missed" — "It is home; the family have lived here since the early 1800s" — "Crime is relatively low" — "Leave the motorists alone and catch the criminals!" — "I love the diverse mix of characters who are active in the village; friends and family love visiting Herstmonceux".

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Housing and Development

27

 Over 90% of the property in the Parish is owner-occupied (HS). People are more settled than in many places with 54% having lived at their present address for over ten years. These two factors may go some way to explaining residents’ strong feelings about the physical attributes of the Parish, especially litter and dog fouling.

The council tax base for 2002/03 records 1103 properties in the Parish with a distribution as follows (Band A contains the less expensive properties):

Band

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H
Properties

109

55

385

203

144

116

83

8

28

 The Wealden Local Plan currently defines two areas in the Parish where new developments will be permitted: in Herstmonceux village and in Windmill Hill. Outside these areas, development will be restricted so as to prevent the eventual coalescence of nearby settlements with the loss of their individual identities; planning policies will seek rather to conserve and enhance the rural environment. (This plan will be replaced in 2008 by a Local Development Framework, however, it seems unlikely that the policy on development will change in relation to Herstmonceux.)

40% of respondents, especially those in Herstmonceux and Windmill Hill, are opposed to greater density within the two development envelopes, though the strongest opposition (61%) is to development in the AONB.

Survey results suggest that, as in many rural areas, it is young people aged between 20 and 29, brought up in the area and with family still living here, who are unable to find property in the parish because of price or unsuitability. At least 55 households will require alternative accommodation now or within the next five years (HS). Some 70% would support a small development of affordable housing if there is a proven need, but 76% expressed a strong preference for this to be inside the development envelopes.

Under the "exceptions policy", WDC Housing Department is looking to build a small number of affordable houses in the parish, under a project to be managed by a Housing Association. It is understood that the housing would be kept for rent in perpetuity and local people will have priority.

RECOMMENDATION: the Parish Council will support a small development of affordable housing, but otherwise oppose greater density, especially any building in AONB.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale

WDC, PC

nil

2006 on
RECOMMENDATION: if any significant development is permitted in the parish, the Parish Council will seek a development contribution from the builders / construction company. Initially this will be to facilitate the objectives identified in the plan for the benefit of the parish.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale

PC

nil

ongoing

29

 There was strong support (65%) for increased tourism. A substantial minority (46%) were in favour of some further development of the Isaac Newton Telescope (49% had no opinion) — if only that the building should not go to waste. The most popular suggestions were not for the recently proposed amphitheatre but as a centre for theatre, music and the arts or further educational or science facilities, and local use was stressed.
RECOMMENDATION: the Parish Council will support any appropriate development of the Isaac Newton Telescope as an Arts Centre or science/educational facility.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale

PC

 Nil Ongoing

30

 The survey revealed support for an all-weather pitch which complemented that expressed recently by the Cricket Club, Herstmonceux Free Church and the Stoolball Club among others.
RECOMMENDATION: the Parish Council will support the provision of an all-weather pitch.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
ESCC, PC, New Opportunities Fund PC to make land available 2005-6
SOME OF YOU SAID...
"It’s a pretty place to live and it’s nice to live away from crowded places, you know everyone where we live" (YS) — "It would be good to have a young person’s café with a pool table and stuff" (YS) — "It is very difficult to cross the road in the village for us old ones; it takes more time to cross the road than to do the shopping" — "If you like living in the country it’s a good village to live in. Personally I’d rather live in a town" — "I’m all for supporting the good village shops".

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Communications

31

 This is an area which can be improved. 50% felt that provision for informal activities was adequate (only 6% regarded it as inadequate), but knowledge of the numerous leisure clubs and societies in the parish is not widespread.
Of the 63 activities listed in the survey, only 13 scored more highly in the "known about category" than in the "not known about" category. They were, in order, the Cricket Club (adults), All Saints Church, Friends of Herstmonceux School, East Sussex Association for the Blind, the Football Club, the Society of Friends, the Bowls Club, the Free Church, St Wilfred’s Hospice, Herstmonceux Amateur Theatrical Society (HATS), the Tennis Club, Herstmonceux pre-school and the Windmill Hill Windmill Trust.
Activities with the largest number of "may use" replies and thus the largest number of potential recruits included other adult sporting activities, clubs and societies, churches and charities.
RECOMMENDATION: the PPC will pass on information to these groups as appropriate.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
PPC Nil 2005

32

 There was strong support (78%) for a leaflet describing local attractions.
RECOMMENDATION: volunteers from the PPC will complement the current Parish Directory with a publication including footpaths, walks, local attractions etc.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
PPC volunteers Funding to be sought from "1066 Country", voluntary agencies and advertisers 2005

33

 75% of respondents did not know that the Parish Council had created an Emergency Plan and 64% had never attended a PC meeting (those who had were mostly from Herstmonceux village); 74% had not visited the Parish Council website.
RECOMMENDATION: The Parish Council will extend information about its activities and website via local papers, the parish magazine, noticeboards and the Information Centre.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
PC minimal Ongoing
SOME OF YOU SAID...
"We need more dropped curbs in the village" — "Horse riders should have rules enforced on road behaviour; this morning a woman came riding along holding two dogs on leads and making a mobile phone call!" — "Why no gas?".

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Children and Young People

34

 Outdoor facilities for children under 11 were by and large felt to be adequate, but some concerns was expressed about provision for 5-11s in Herstmonceux village and for both under 5s and 5-11s in Windmill Hill, particularly by residents of those areas. 50% of residents felt strongly that certain age groups are not adequately catered for, particularly the 11s-19s.
under 5s 5s-10s 11s-14s 15s-19s 20s-30s 40s-50s 60+s     %
30%
22%
5%
3%
2%

71% of the young people who answered the youth survey (YS) saw their main problem as being bored — "nothing to do" — closely followed by the lack of public transport to take them to venues elsewhere (66%). 88% were dependent on lifts from parents or friends to pursue their interests, and problems with transport stopped almost half of them from taking part in their chosen. 78% felt that solutions to these problems would improve their lives, 68% wanted somewhere to meet and a similar number wanted access to better sporting facilities. Half wanted more clubs geared to their needs (YS).

RECOMMENDATION: the Parish Council will nominate a councillor to take an active role in promoting the interests of children and youngsters.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
PC Nil 2005

35

 Although there are numerous activities in the parish for children and young people, many of them were not widely known.
RECOMMENDATION: a free "Youth Day" will be held in the village hall showcasing all the available activities.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
Parish Councillor with active role in children’s affairs, PPC volunteer Funding to be sought from AiRS 2005
SOME OF YOU SAID...
"Good amenities, but still a village feeling" — "The most important issue is the speed of traffic, me included!" — "Smoking should be allowed in the Village Hall at privately booked functions" — "Lovely friendly village" — "The cycle stands and village toilets are an abomination".

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Environment

36

 Safety
Few areas in the parish were generally considered unsafe, though the recreation ground, the twitten leading to it and the scout hut area were specifically mentioned by respondents. Advice to the PPC is that the three lights in the twitten are often overshadowed by foliage, one is of a type which does not throw an adequate light and that repairs to lights in that area are often slow to be carried out.
RECOMMENDATION: the Parish Council will seek improve the lighting on the recreation twitten and the scout hut area.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
PC minimal 2005

37

 Dog fouling
Although it is probably no worse than elsewhere, fouling by dogs is perceived to be a real problem by 51% of residents and was also cited by 41% in the youth survey. The PPC sought advice from the dog warden as to appropriate measures to deal with this nuisance.
RECOMMENDATION: the Parish Council will site two additional dog bins, one near the fire station and one near The Horseshoe Inn; publicity and leaflets about dog owners’ responsibilities, warden’s powers and how to complain to be circulated.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
PC, WDC dog warden £400+ 2005

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Litter
Like dog fouling, litter in the streets and public places of the parish is no worse than elsewhere in the country, nevertheless it is equally true that residents feel strongly that this is a problem that needs to be addressed.
Currently WDC Cleansing Department empties the litter bins on a weekly basis. Herstmonceux is visited every 13 weeks to assess the need for street cleansing which only takes place if it is considered necessary. WDC may make additional money available in 2005-6 for street cleansing and the A271 (Gardner Street) has been identified as a possible priority areas.
RECOMMENDATION: the Parish Council will contact WDC Cleansing Department to discuss what future additional services may be available to remove litter, and at what cost.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
PC, WDC to be ascertained 2005

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 Better Signage
There was strong support (71%) for better signage; residents considered that the Parking sign and the sign for the Recreation Ground in Herstmonceux village were in particular need of replacement.
RECOMMENDATION: the Parish Council improve the signage for parking and the recreation ground.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
WDC, PC £75.00 2005
SOME OF YOU SAID...
"I would appreciate buses running in the evening and on Sundays" — The post box at the corner of West End and James Avenue could do with a coat of paint" —"We both love walking and appreciate the numerous footpaths in the parish" — "We need more litter bins and another poop scoop bin up by the cricket pavilion" — "A good sense of community; help and friendship are easy to come by".

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Crime

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 Being a victim of crime is a trauma for which we all have sympathy; arguably, however, crime is not a serious problem in this parish. Only 9% of residents listed it as the issue which concerned them most; analysis of replies to other questions showed that their main concerns were vandalism, anti-social behaviour and the lack of a police presence. When asked if they had experienced vandalism, however, only 12% did so; the figure for burglary was 10%; furthermore the figures covered several years.
Few people suggested any specific measures to combat crime. Of those who did, predictably a parish-based police officer would have been preferred, but a community safety officer was a popular alternative. It is accepted, however, that police resources are thinly spread in rural areas and the dissatisfaction of some of the parish is unlikely to change police priorities.

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 Vandalism
33% identified vandalism as the main criminal problem in the parish. The Parish Council is keenly aware of the anti-social behaviour and vandalism, particularly on the recreation ground, and the amount of money that has had to be spent to repair damage, to replace equipment and to purchase protective screens. The area around the car park and the public toilets has also been targeted by vandals. Until they are caught and convicted this will remain a problem and we would urge residents to report incidents.
RECOMMENDATION: the Parish Council will co-operate with Neighbourhood Watch in investigating the cost and employment of CCTV to deter vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
PC, Neighbourhood Watch, Sussex Police Authority to be ascertained ongoing

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 There is, however, a fear of crime, and residents’ concerns were as follows:

being offered drugs

being attacked

walking alone

poor/no street lighting

damage to property

36%

31%

24%

17%

14%

The concern about poor or no street lighting was felt most strongly by residents of Windmill Hill and the fear of being offered drugs was strongest in Herstmonceux village.

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 Not surprisingly, therefore, 74% of residents favoured the Neighbourhood Watch scheme, especially in Herstmonceux Village and Windmill Hill.

RECOMMENDATION: the Parish Council will include publicity for Neighbourhood Watch in its publications (the Parish Bulletin, Annual Report etc.)

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
PC, Neighbourhood Watch minimal ongoing

RECOMMENDATION: the PC will liase closely with the Sussex Police Authority and Neighbourhood Watch and will encourage a visible police presence where possible.

Action by

 Cost to Herstmonceux Parish Timescale
PC, Neighbourhood Watch, Sussex Police Authority ni