Town meeting
We’ve two reports on the main talking points from last week’s Rye Town Meeting in our news section this week. One on the bikers and one on how Rye Town Council is taking on more responsibility for local life.
At the start of the meeting on Wednesday 4 March Mayor Andy Stuart gave a speech reflecting on the past year in Rye and looking to the future. You can read it here.
There are also two reports from East Sussex County Council and Rother District Council, released as part of the meeting. In the seven pages of tightly worded script in both councils’ summaries there is just one reference to Rye.
Bus funding withdrawn
Some changes to bus services locally says East Sussex County Council following a 5% reduction in grant funding from the government. The council says it will not be able to fund all of the county’s existing bus service subsidies.
Locally that means the council will cease funding for Sunday services on the 312 between Rye and Tenterden, the 313 between Northiam and Rye Harbour and the 329 between Tenterden and Hastings. Evening services are also expected to see reductions on the 313 between Northiam and Rye Harbour, and the 329 between Northiam and Hastings.
There’s no news when the funding changes will lead to the service alterations.
An appeal to landlords
The Rother District Council is encouraging landlords to join the Tenant Finder Scheme, which helps provide safe, stable homes for residents while offering generous incentives and dedicated support for property owners.
The scheme introduces landlords to prospective tenants and was created to give landlords confidence in letting to households who may otherwise struggle to access the private rented sector.
Landlords interested in finding out more or joining the scheme can contact the Housing Team by emailing tenant.finder@rother.gov.uk or by visiting the website.
It’s a bit of a mystery
The Scandalous Diary Of A Checkout Girl has some intriguing detail which has got local people talking. It’s written by an author named Southern Belle and tells the story of what’s described as a “quaint, old-fashioned local supermarket” in England.
The fictional supermarket is called Johnson’s and has a pharmacy, restaurant, petrol station and a small garden centre. The staff wear crisp white shirts with a burgundy logo and matching jumpers.
It’s all set in a village called Pleasemarsh.
Image Credits: James Stewart , John Minter , Michael Terence Publishing .