Next Meeting

Please note we are having two meetings in September, one on the 10th just for the Fairfield's Farm application and the usual Full Council Meeting on the 17th where we shall be commenting on the Local Plan. The agendas will appear here nearer the time.

Full details about the Plan and the Planning Application can be found on the Wealden District Council website.

Press Statement

Westham Parish Council has received some calls from some residents who were upset to see dead fish on the surface of Westham Pond recently.

It has spoken to the Environment Agency and understands the problem is countrywide and is a result of the recent severe weather which has caused the water level and therefore the oxygen levels to fall.

Westham Parish Council has removed the dead fish and installed a temporary underwater pump to help restore the oxygen levels until it rains heavily again.

Reports also state that the Parish Council does not carry out any maintenance of the Pond. In recent years it has carried out extensive works to the banks, monitored the water quality and the Pond remains part of its regular maintenance contract. The water quality has been tested independently and was found to be sound. It is due to be tested again shortly and if any action is needed Councillors will consider doing so at their next meeting. There is algae and fish and duck faeces on the Pond but this is natural and should clear with more rain.

Westham Parish Council has also been asked to put signs up asking people not to feed the ducks and if they must then to feed them alternatives to bread, such as seeds, instead. Westham Parish Council carries out regular competitions with local schools and has just picked out the two winning posters which once again will be displayed in the notice board within the grounds of the Pond.

Westham Parish Council has also received a report that some nearby gardens are being flooded when it rains heavily and some residents feel it is because of the Pond. There is a 1 in 8 chance the problem is on Westham Parish Council land because there are eight potential landowners involved so the Parish Council is working with Wealden District Council to carry out searches and identify the source of the problem. To take any other action in the meantime could prove to be unnecessary and expensive and/or make the situation worse.

Brexit White Paper

Download the Brexit White Paper

School Crossing Patrol

Stone Cross Windmill

Stone Cross Windmill is open every Sunday 2 – 5pm for guided tours for the energetic and of course refreshments often with home baked cakes.

The Windmill is also open Bank Holiday Monday May 28 2 – 4pm.

Help support this iconic building which still mills wholemeal flour on sale to the visitors using local grown wheat.

Warm Homes Fund

Wealden District Council has teamed up with National Grid and Affordable Warmth Solutions CIC to offer grants for the installation of first time central heating. The award is intended to help 40 homes install oil central heating where a full central heating system does not currently exist. Those that own or rent privately can access the funding if they meet the following criteria:

• The home is located in a rural area not connected to the gas grid.
• The property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rated F or G.
• No full central heating system currently exists in the property or the home relies on peak electric heaters, plug in heaters, electric ceiling heating, fire places or stoves to heat the home.
• The occupant receives one of the following qualifying benefits:
• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Income based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support

The systems will be fully funded for those that own their own home. Landlords can expect to receive two grants, one for the boiler and another for the remaining balance which in total should cover approximately 70% of the total cost. Referrals for funding can be made by calling the central heating hotline on 01323 443321 or by emailing justin.bailey@wealden.gov.uk

Association of Carers

Defibrillator In Westham

Following a series of fund raising events over several months, Westham Evening WI are delighted to have provided a Public Access Defibrillator for Westham Village.

This is situated on the outside of the Village Hall in Peelings Lane. The site is registered with SECAmb Trust, South East Coast Ambulance Trust, and is available for use 24/7 by the public in the case of a medical emergency.

For safety, the defibrillator is in a locked cabinet. However, when 999 is dialled, SECAmb will tell the caller the location and how to take the defibrillator from the cabinet and make it ready for use.

Westham Evening WI would like to express grateful thanks to everyone who enjoyed, participated in, helped and supported us at our various events which has enabled us to provide this vital life-saving equipment for our rural local community.

Southern Queen

3-4 years ago a project was started to save the Southern Queen pleasure boat that was built in Westham in 1950 at Street Farm.

Allchorn Pleasure Boat Trust has just taken ownership of the Southern Queen and William Allchorn and the project is now underway.

More details can be found at www.allchornpleasureboattrust.org.uk

Photography

We are looking for some photographs of the local area to use on this website. If you have any that you would be prepared to let us use please email them to westhamparishcouncil@aol.com, we will give photo credits where requested. Unfortunately we are unable to pay you for them though!