Handcross

It would appear: that things are moving along in respect of the Hyde/Hallam development plans. I understand from attending the Parish Council meeting last week that a developer has expressed an interest in taking on the 75 houses and care home (if I recall correctly!) planning application on the land opposite Hoadlands. This is supposed to provide funds for the refurbishment of the Parish Hall but from what the Parish Council said, I wouldn't hold your breath! I was taken aback by the lack of support for the Parish Hall and it's Management Committee and its future at this time by the Parish Council but I suppose they have their reasons! If I hear any more about this, I will pass it on. The Neighbourhood Plan was mentioned briefly but I will have more news next week after the meeting scheduled for 29 November.

Something else: that came up at the Council meeting is that the Sussex Police and Crime Commission, Katy Bourne, has started a public consultation for the Sussex Police Precept for 2017/18. This proposes to increase the police element of the council tax by approximately £5 per household in order to fund over 100 new police officers and specialist staff. If you would like to take part in this, the web address is www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/priorities/budget. However, if you are not ‘computer literate’ but would like to know more or to take part in the survey, the phone number for the Office of the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner is 01273 481561, and the address is Office of the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner, Sackville House, Brooks Close, Lewes BN7 2FZ. The closing date for the consultation is January 2017; whether this is the beginning,middle or end of January, I can’t say!

On a lighter note: on Sunday 4 December there is a quiz at the Victory Inn in Staplefield in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice. There will be food available from 6 pm but if you are keen to attend for the quiz only, you should aim to be there between 7 and 7.30 pm which is when the first question will be asked! The cost is £2.50 per person and your team should be no more than 4 people. Going on past experience, there will be a raffle with some good prizes on offer - you might not be lucky in the quiz but it could be your night to win the raffle!

The December Community Bus: outings are both to Canterbury for a spot of retail therapy! The first trip is on Tuesday 6 December and the next a week later on the 13th. The fare is £13.50 and the Bus will leave Nymans at 9.30 am and returns at 4 pm. I know this has been a popular trip so if you are interested, you will need to get in touch with Christina at the Hardware Shop as quickly as possible to see if there are any seats left; her number is 400212.

Finally: as it is hard to miss, Christmas is rapidly descending on us! If you holding a Christmas Fair or similar event, or you know someone who is, let me know in good time and I will mention it here.

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