From the leader, Cllr Doug Oliver – November 5, 2021

A HUGE congratulations this week to Tim and Di Birch and their Footbridge Project community group who have, after a lot of hard work, taken an unloved footbridge and transformed it into the most amazing gallery.

It certainly hasn’t been easy for the group, who have worked tirelessly on this unique project; securing funding, permissions and encouraging people to submit their work for display, but they have certainly managed to pull it off in style.

What was once a run-down bridge over the railway, connecting Devonshire Square/Endwell Road with Station Road, is now a place adorned with paintings, drawings, photographs and poems. It’s somewhere for people to pause, take time out of their busy lives and appreciate art.

I know how much time and effort can be involved in projects like this and I have to commend Tim, Di and the team of volunteers who have persevered and made this possible.  It’s initiatives like this that make a real difference to our communities. 

I would encourage everyone to find time to see this unique bridge for themselves and find out more about the project by visiting the Footbridge Gallery website

From one success story to another;  I am delighted that our amazing Egerton Park has once again been recognised as one of the best green spaces in the country, having received a Green Flag Award for the ninth year in a row.

Although always popular, the park has become a real haven for residents during the Covid pandemic, providing a much-needed space for people to take care of their physical and mental health at what has been a difficult time for many.

So much work and dedication goes into keeping the park up to such high standards and this award, presented by the charity Keep Britain Tidy, is further testament to those efforts.

I have been receiving some extremely positive feedback from our recent Annual Town and Parish Conference, which this year focussed on the important issue of the provision of housing in Rother.

Although most will agree that there is no substitute to face-to-face discussion, the virtual meeting format meant that around 70 representatives from Rother District Council and town and parish councils across the district were able to come together for this event.

Town and Parish Councils have such an important role to play in the success of Rother and, in particular development within the district. Their councillors are often at the centre of the community and have real insight into how decisions will affect their residents, towns and villages.

To be able to have such in depth and open discussions with so many representatives, and share information about the work RDC is doing, can only strengthen the ties between the district and town and parish council and help us to ensure that everything we do benefits our residents.

Published: 8th November 2021

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