Welcome to this week's newsletter and Happy New Year!
Welcome to the many new readers we have signed up. Do always feel free to forward this email to anyone else you think who might enjoy it so they can sign up (done online at www.drkieranmullan.org.uk).
The Christmas break is now firmly behind us, and Parliament has now swung back into action. Kicking things back off, I spoke with Catherine Fuller, the Environment Agency's Area Director for our region. With water pollution such a crucial local issue this another meeting I have held that is trying to drive progress on this issue. I will be saying more about this early this year.
I had the privilege of signing the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment at Westminster– a pledge to remember the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust. Only through the education of young people and adults, can we ensure that the awful crimes committed are not forgotten.
Earlier this week I joined other East Sussex MPs at a roundtable with Sussex Police to discuss local crime, where I highlighted concerns including speeding, young people driving under the influence, rural crime and shoplifting. I look forward to supporting Sussex Police in stamping out these serious crimes.
In the constituency I met with Kevin Richmond, CEO of Sussex Community Foundation, and was pleased to hear more details of the work they do to help fund local organisations.
I also had the opportunity to visit Pevensey and Westham Sports Club, home to Pevensey Cricket Club and Pevensey and Westham FC, where I met with the clubs hardworking Chairs. I heard about how their sports pavilion is in urgent need of renovation, so will be speaking with the Football Foundation to explore fundraising opportunities.
Whilst in Pevensey, I met with Chair of Pevensey Parish Council, Peter Lowton, who told me about the key issues being faced in the village, as well as the exciting projects underway. I also had the chance to look around The Mint House, which has recently secured grant support for renovation!
And in what could only be described as an inspiring story of community spirit, I visited Pevensey Community Hub, a space now serving as a community library, tourism information centre, and hospital car service – run by local volunteers – and based in an impressively converted former public toilets.
Lastly, I wanted to address the support available for those who might be impacted by the Labour Government’s cruel decision to remove the Winter Fuel Payments. Cold Weather Payments are now available for those on low income and certain benefits, and with the cold snap, certain postcodes are also eligible. Please check out the end of my newsletter for all the information.
Have a great weekend.
This week's newsletter:
- Meeting with the Environment Agency
- Holocaust Educational Trust - Book of Commitment
- Meeting with Sussex Police to Discuss Local Crime
- Sussex Community Foundation
- Supporting Sports in Pevensey & Westham
- Protecting Pevensey's Heritage & Addressing Local Concerns
- Supporting Pevensey's Vibrant Community Hub
- Cold Winter Payments
Meeting with the Environment Agency
This week I spoke with Catherine Fuller, Area Director for the Environment Agency, as part of efforts to tackle local water pollution.
Whilst I have previously met with the EA to discuss the ongoing problems faced, in this meeting we were able to discuss the ‘Pollution Risk Forecasts’, or PRF warnings many constituents have contacted me about since I became MP.
The EA has made it clear that the main cause for PRF warnings is not actually the release of untreated sewage by Southern Water, but instead a myriad of factors as outlined below:
- Urban diffuse pollution draining directly into the Egerton Park Stream, or entering through the surface water sewer system, is likely to be the main source of pollution. The stream has been extensively monitored and often contaminated.
- Other investigations have shown some wrong connections (private foul sewers plumbed into the surface water drains) as well as leaking foul sewers very close to surface water sewers. This is likely to be the main source of pollution to the stream. There have been many successes in locating wrong connections, but there is still much to do.
- Road and roof run-off, especially ‘first flush’ (heavy rain after a dry period) can be contaminated with bird and dog faeces, and other general waste from urban surfaces, and so likely to be an additional source.
Now that is not to say Southern Water do not play their part. Ofwat has now agreed Southern Water’s Draft Determination Plan for 2025-30, so I will be requesting clear timelines and goals for reductions in CSO releases. I will be saying more about this early this year.
However, I felt it useful to share my findings from conversations with professionals in the field.
I will continue to press on with this important issue, to make sure that the sea is able to be enjoyed by everyone who lives in Bexhill, or those who visit for our incredible beaches.
Holocaust Educational Trust - Book of Commitment
Ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January, I was pleased to join the Holocaust Educational Trust in signing their Book of Commitment – a pledge to honour the near countless who were murdered during the Holocaust.
This year is a significant one as it marks 80 years since the liberation of Nazi concentration and death camps across Europe, bringing an end to the genocidal Nazi regime. With so few survivors still alive, it is more important than ever that we make strong efforts to remember the atrocities committed.
Only by continuing to educate young people and adults, can we ensure that the awful crimes committed are not forgotten.
Meeting with Sussex Police to Discuss Local Crime
Earlier this week I was pleased to meet with Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne and Chief Constable Jo Shine, to discuss various crime related issues in the Bexhill & Battle constituency.
During our discussions I highlighted concerns from constituents over road safety issues, including young people driving under the influence and speeding more generally.
Given the high number of farmers we have locally, I also queried how effectively Sussex Police has been in tackling rural crime, touching on any potential compensation available for those affected by this crime.
And lastly, we spoke of the need to crack down on preventing shoplifting, an absolute priority to support local businesses. I know this is an important issue to many constituents. It is critical that criminals know they cannot just get away with stealing from hard working residents.
Sussex Community Foundation
It was great to meet with Kevin Richmond, CEO of Sussex Community Foundation to hear more details of the work they do, having met with local organisations that benefit from their funding.
A huge thank you to the amazing people that give funding to them to support local causes. If you are part of a local group looking for funding make sure to check them out!
Supporting Sports in Pevensey & Westham
Last week I was pleased of the opportunity to visit Pevensey and Westham Sports Club, home to Pevensey Cricket Club and Pevensey and Westham FC, meeting with Tim Hilton and the other hardworking Chairs.
There, they explained to me the urgent need for renovation of their sports pavilions to improve inclusivity and accessibility for those who want to get involved in sports locally.
Given the incredible work to grow participation and make sports accessible for everyone, especially younger players, and the growing number of girls’ teams, this is a critical project to get behind, and I’m proud to support their partnership with the parish council as they look to secure these much-needed upgrades.
None of this success would be possible without the amazing volunteers who give their time every week to support these clubs. Thank you for everything you do! If you have family or friends who love community sports, I’d encourage you to get involved—these clubs are all about teamwork, friendship, and fun.
I’ll also be speaking with the Football Foundation in February to explore fundraising opportunities for the pavilion renovation. Let’s work together to make this happen and support even more young people in enjoying the benefits of team sports!
Protecting Pevensey's Heritage & Addressing Local Concerns
I spent a fascinating day with Peter Lowton, Chair of Pevensey Parish Council, learning about the key issues facing the village and the exciting projects underway.
One of the highlights was visiting The Mint House on Pevensey High Street.
This historically significant Grade II* listed 16th-century timber-framed hall is a treasure of our local heritage, with royal connections and a vivid history.
However, heavy traffic through Pevensey and neighbouring Westham is taking a toll, causing structural damage to the building and loss of its ancient plaster and wall paintings. I know that this is an issue which also concerns residents as increased traffic is creating noise and safety concerns along these narrow village roads.
The Mint House Trust is committed to the preservation and restoration of this landmark, having secured grant support from the Heritage Fund UK, with their ultimate goal to transform it into a museum and eco-heritage centre for everyone to enjoy.
I’m committed to working with the parish council to explore solutions to these challenges and support The Mint House Trust in its important mission. Protecting our heritage and making our roads safer must go hand in hand.
Supporting Pevensey's Vibrant Community Hub
Recently I had the pleasure of visiting the Pevensey Community Hub - a space that serves as a community library, tourism information centre, and hospital car service – all run by dedicated local volunteers.
I met with Cllr Daniel Brookbank, who shared the story of how these vital services found a new home in an impressively converted former public toilet block in Pevensey’s public car park.
The space now includes a welcoming hub for hobbies, social connections, and signposting to other services, while still providing public toilets and a fully equipped ‘changing place’ disabled facility.
Pevensey is a shining example of what a strong community can achieve, so thank you to all those who give their time voluntarily to make it so.
If you have not already headed down there to check it out yourself, I recommend taking the time to visit!
For updates check out their Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079054986824
Cold Winter Payments
As we get into the colder months, I'm keen to do what I can to support those impacted by the Labour Governments cruel decision to remove the Winter Fuel Payment from millions of pensioners across the country.
During particularly cold periods, Cold Weather Payment are triggered for those on low income and certain benefits, including Pension Credit, Mortgage Interest Support and Universal Credit. You’ll be eligible for payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days. You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather.
Because of the recent cold snap, residents of TN18, TN19, TN5 will qualify for a payment of £25.
You should receive the payment automatically. But if you haven't received anything, and think you meet the criteria above, please do contact the Pension Service - https://www.gov.uk/contact-pension-service
OR
JobCentre - https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus
