Many people who become involved in local government do so with a desire to make a difference to their communities and if they want to improve life for the residents they represent, working in partnership can be key.

The council’s responsibilities are limited, and we often rely on other organisations to make positive changes in the district.  Fortunately, Rother District Council has a great track record of working in partnership.

A good example of this is with the improvement of Ravenside roundabout – an important gateway into Bexhill.  We have been working with National Highways for a number of years and, while progress has been slower than we would have liked, I was delighted to see the first phase of work progressing this week.

The roundabout is not owned by the district council, so this partnership is vital and we look forward to our continued partnership with National Highways as we develop plans.

One of our biggest partnerships is at Camber Sands where we work with the parish council, county council, our contractors, National Highways, and the emergency services to ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors and residents.

We work all year round as part of Operation Radcott and an important part of that work is planning for all eventualities on and around the beach.

Members of the public are likely to see a large emergency service presence at Camber Sands next week (September 28) as partners take part in an emergency exercise.   The exercise scenario is based on a significant incident on a busy summer’s day.

It’s really important that each organisation is able to test their response and hone their skills in a safe environment, and to familiarise themselves with how they can best work with other teams.

Organisations around Rother contribute so much to our district, and I am delighted that Cabinet was able to agree funding of more than £19,500 for a number of groups through our Community Grant Scheme.

The money will contribute to projects including purchasing play equipment for Battle Pre-School, supporting the Bexhill Beach Garden Project promoting accessibility to the beach at West Parade, and improving female toilet facilities at Winchelsea Village Hall.

These grants can really help get a project off the ground and I would encourage groups to consider applying when Round 2 opens next month. You can find out more on our Community Grant Scheme page

I was pleased to see our Deputy Leader Cllr Susan Prochak and Chair Cllr Vikki Cook representing Rother District Council during an All-Party Parliamentary Group visit to the Kent and East Sussex Railway last week.  It was a wonderful opportunity for Rother Valley Railway to share its plans to complete the link from the heritage railway to the national network.

The heritage railway gives the local economy a real boost and the extension to the national network will bring further benefits with increased tourism and the creation of jobs and training opportunities.  We look forward to the project progressing.

Published: 26th September 2023