Welcome to this week's newsletter.
As you may have seen in the News, it is Party Conference Season, so Parliament has not been sitting for the past few weeks. I have used this time to do as much as I can in the Constituency, visiting community groups, local Councillors and meeting with some great local businesses as well!
Recently, I met with the Environment Agency to discuss the Pevensey Bay Coastal Management Scheme, where I was able to learn about their efforts to protect, preserve and improve our coastline.
I know roads are high up on the list of priorities for my constituents, and I've had several more roads and highways meetings, going to Catsfield to discuss the speed and signage issues they are having in the village and also was able to meet with National Highways as well as several local Councillors to discuss the A21 safety package and investment in local roads.
As the weather gets colder, I continue to be concerned about Winter Fuel Payments, so I was glad to engage with National Energy Action, who were able to provide excellent advice on the matter.
Last Sunday, it was my honour to attend the Battle of Britain Memorial Event, hosted by the 1066 RAF Association. It was a deeply moving service, and a credit to the Town.
Also in this newsletter, you can read about Kemi Badenoch's visit to speak to the Bexhill and Battle Conservatives. This was a brilliant event, and a great opportunity to learn more about Kemi and her priorities.
Finally, there is an ongoing Police and Crime Survey, hosted by the Sussex PCC, Katie Bourne, which I would encourage you to fill out. UK Parliament Week is fast approaching, so if you know any schools or community groups who you would like to receive a free educational pack, visit the website quoted below.
If you know any local businesses which you think deserve recognition, take a look at the Countryside Alliance Awards at the end of the Newsletter, with different awards for various types of business.
Have a great weekend.
- Pevensey Bay Coastal Management Scheme
- Visit to Catsfield
- Local Road Investment and National Highways Meeting
- Meeting with National Energy Action
- Battle of Britain Commemoration
- Visit from Kemi Badenoch
- Police and Crime Commissioner Survey
- UK Parliament Week
- Countryside Alliance Awards
Pevensey to Eastbourne Coastal Management Scheme
Last week I met with the Environment Agency’s (EA) team at Pevensey Bay who look after the Pevensey Bay Coastal Defences.
It was good to hear from Nick and Andy, who explained how the work done protects nearly 18,000 homes and businesses, key infrastructure, and heritage sites. The current approach is focused on restoring the beach as it erodes. But they told me how the medium to long term will include new and improved groynes.
It was helpful to meet with them and get to grips with their aims and some of the challenges they might face in the future. For more information on the Coastal Management Scheme follow the link below.
https://www.pevenseyandeastbournecoast.co.uk/
Road Safety In Catsfield
This Thursday, I joined residents in Catsfield to hear more about their campaign for safer roads.
I've been incredibly concerned to hear of how often road accidents happen in the village. Residents have told me about how they've had property damaged, lost pets and been involved in a number of crashes involving careless driving. The danger is clear and it is only a matter of time before a more serious accident occurs, and something must be done to prevent this.
The residents are asking for clearer warning signs and speed reductions as much of the village is 60mph. East Sussex County Council are considering options and I am doing what I can to get an outcome that residents are confident will help.
Transport for the South East and National Highways Meeting
It was good to have the opportunity to meet with the Leader of East Sussex County Council, Cllr Keith Glazier, Lead member for Highways, Cllr Claire Dowling and Director of Communities, Economy and Transport, Rupert Clubb to discuss investment in local roads and the forthcoming budget challenges faced by County Council.
It is clear that the heavy burden of meeting local adult social care needs, children's services and home to school transport means that the council is having to consult on significant changes to their services.
This will also impact their road repair and maintenance programme. If the new government renege on the road grants promised by the previous government, the council faces a £55m hole in its budget.
I know roads are amongst my constituent top priorities at the moment, I've had lots of contact from constituents in recent weeks about travel disruption caused by road works. I'm listening to your concerns and had the opportunity to relay them at a meeting with National Highways last Friday. I'm also very encouraged by the progress being made on the A21 safety package. I'm reassured that the benefits after these works are complete will be noticeable and they are working as quickly as possible to deliver them with as little disruption as possible within the 3 month timeframe.
National Energy Action Support
By now, I think it is clear to all of us that cutting much needed winter fuel payments to pensioners is the wrong choice of the new government. For this reason, I have been looking into ways that I can support those who may struggle this winter as a result of this decision.
As part of this, I met with the National Energy Action, a charity committed to reducing fuel poverty across the UK, to learn more about what support they offer and how they can signpost those in need toward it.
As well as offering advice and providing details of organisations who may also be able to offer assistance on their website (https://www.nea.org.uk/), National Energy Action also run a helpline on 0800 304 7159. This is a free service providing energy bill help to householders in England and Wales on their bills and keeping warm and safe in their home. They offer Face-to-face, telephone and online energy bill help for householders. They also run engagement sessions, workshops and community events.
It was also helpful to hear about their newly appointed South East Coordinator, which will enable them to deliver better facer to face advice in Bexhill and Battle. I know the Winter Fuel Payments decision will impact thousands of my constituents, thus I will be looking to organise an event with National Energy Action in Bexhill and Battle in the near future.
Battle of Britain Commemoration
“I served in the Royal Air Force for 14 years as an aircraft technician, in 1976 I was posted to 92 Squadron in RAF Germany. 92 Squadron played a major role in The Battle of Britain being based at Biggin Hill and RAF Manston so have a strong affinity with our local area. I am very fortunate to have that tangible link with our incredible history and I feel it is my duty and responsibility to ensure that the sacrifices of the "Few" continue to be remembered and honoured." - Clive Hammond, Vice President of the 166 RAF Association.
Remembrance and Thanksgiving Services are a poignant reminder of all that was sacrificed for the freedoms that we enjoy today. I felt this deeply at the Bexhill Battle of Britain Thanksgiving Service last weekend.
As I am sure you are aware, the Battle of Britain, that took place just over 80 years ago, was a pivotal moment in the Second World War. By defeating the German Air-force in our skies, the Royal Air Force secured the security that the country needed to get back on its feet, after defeats on the continent. The Thanksgiving Service was a touching commemoration of those who died serving not only our country, but of our allies as well, who gave their all in our time of need.
The event was organised by the 1066 RAF Association, and had representatives from the Royal British Legion, the Local Councils, the Air Cadets and others associated with the RAF in attendance. It was an impressive turnout, which made me proud to live in and represent an area that is so committed to keeping these events and personal stories alive.
As the last of those who served in, or remember, these events pass on, it becomes more important than ever to carry on with the task of ensuring that this history is not forgotten. These countless memories and experiences are a part of our national story, and if we were not able to learn from them to help improve the present, it would be a great loss indeed.
There are so many examples of heroism and sacrifice in our history, but the Battle of Britain has always been an example that I have found particularly moving. As Winston Churchill so profoundly said:
'Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few'
Kemi's Visit to Bexhill and Battle
Last week, Kemi Badenoch visited Bexhill and Battle to present her leadership campaign to local party members. It was a brilliant turnout, where members were able to hear Kemi speak, ask questions, but most importantly get to know her, and her vision for the Conservative Party.
As you may be aware, I am backing Kemi for the next leader of the Party. I admire her because she understands that the way we do politics has got to change - we have to stop pretending there are simple solutions to difficult problems and that more government cannot be the answer to everything.
Kemi knows that the common ground is where we need to be and that what social media and commentators describe as right wing is just common sense and if we can get back to that - the British people will vote for it. Kemi isn’t afraid to say the difficult things, but she loves this country and knows what an amazing place it is.
I saw the support that she has from members at the event. In particular, when Kemi discussed conservative values, there were large rounds of applause, which further shows that she is the best choice to lead the Conservatives into the future.
Police and Crime Commissioner Survey
The Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, has launched a survey to assist in the creation of her new Police and Crime Plan.
The survey focuses on what matters most to you in terms of policing as well as your experiences in dealing with Sussex Police. It doesn't take long to complete the survey and I would recommend sharing the link with family and friends in Sussex, so that as many viewpoints as possible can be heard. It is a great way to have a say in the direction of the Police, and will inform the Plan that will be published next year.
https://forms.office.com/e/9f9hYFVAFA
UK Parliament Week
UK Parliament Week is just around the corner.
It offers a fantastic opportunity for people across the country to engage with our democratic system. This nationwide event, running from November 11-17, 2024, aims to inspire people of all ages to learn more about Parliament, how it works, and how you can have a voice in shaping the future.
Whether you’re a student, a community group, or simply interested in how laws are made, there’s something for everyone.
For more information on how to register for your free UK Parliament Week Kit, click on the following link: https://www.ukparliamentweek.org/en/sign-up/
Countryside Alliance Awards
The Countryside Alliance Awards are back. These awards, nicknamed the ‘Rural Oscars’, are an excellent way to promote the local businessmen and women who are working hard to keep rural Britain thriving. Our local produce is second to none and there are many community heroes and businesses worthy of national recognition, so please get involved and nominate today. The fantastic Netherfield Café, Shop & Post Office in Battle were finalists in the 2023 Awards. Let’s see if we can bring a British title home and tell a positive story about Bexhill and Battle!
The categories for these awards are as follows:
• Local Food Award
• Village shop/ Post Office Award
• Rural Enterprise Award
• Butcher Award
• Rural Pub Award
Nominations are open until 17th November.
For more information, visit the following link: https://www.countryside-alliance.org/awards
