Not a town of culture
Rye did not make the shortlist for the UK Town of Culture 2028 – the application was backed by Rye Town Council. Fifteen towns are set to receiver £60,000 to work up their bid, with the winner receiving a £3million government grant.
The shortlist is:
- Small towns: Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre Ward
- Medium towns: Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, and Port Talbot
- Large towns: Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham
Almost 400 towns, including Bexhill and Hastings, didn’t make the cut. Hastings has decided to have it’s own year of culture in 2028. Adam Daly, from Arts Hastings CIC, said, “Hastings does not wait for permission. An unsuccessful bid outcome does not diminish what this town has shown the world about its ambition, creativity and community spirit. We are moving forward – and we are doing this as Hastings, in the way that only Hastings can.”
Meet at the town hall
Rye Town Council meets on Monday 20 July at 6.30pm. The agenda includes plans for 55 new homes on the site of the former Freda Gardham School site on New Road – currently home to Rye Creative Centre.
Also being discussed: a grant for Ferry Road Nursery, Rye Neighbourhood Plan and local government reorganisation.
The meeting is open to the public at Rye Town Hall. Here’s the agenda.
Changes at East Sussex County Council
Rye and Eastern Rother councillor Daniel Bradley has stepped down as cabinet member for children and families, writes Hugh Oxburgh Local Democracy Reporter.
He said this was because of “the potential for a perceived conflict of interest” due to his links with Marine Training Corps — a community interest company, which works with children and young people.
He added, “As that role continues to develop, I have reflected on the potential for a perceived conflict of interest between my responsibilities within the organisation and my position as lead member for children and families. While I have always acted with integrity and in accordance with the standards expected of elected members, I believe it is important that public confidence remains beyond question.
For that reason, I have decided to step aside from the portfolio until appropriate governance arrangements and clear protocols are in place to ensure that any actual or perceived conflict of interest is effectively managed. At that point, I would be happy to return to the role should the opportunity arise.”
Road repairs
The A268 Rye Road between Rye and Peasmarsh is being resurfaced. Overnight roadworks are planned and Rye Hill is expected to be closed on Thursday 23 July from 9.30am until 5pm.
A spokesperson for East Sussex Highways said, “Surface dressing is an effective technique used to enhance and protect road surfaces, slowing down their deterioration. This process involves a layer of liquid bitumen being sprayed onto the road surface to seal it and provide a binder for stone chippings which are then spread on top. The road surface is then rolled to embed the chippings. This provides enhanced skid resistance, and prolongs the life of the road by up to 10 years by preventing water damage to the underlying structure.”
The latest on when work will take place is here.
Time to step up
A reminder that Rye News is looking for a new editor to lead the volunteers who put together Rye’s local newspaper every week. There is also a vacancy for an editorial assistant to support the team who report on life in Rye and the surrounding villages to a weekly readership of between six and seven thousand people.
You can read more about the vacancies and how to apply here.
Image Credits: Rye News , Stuart Harland , ESCC , James Stewart .