By-election
Polling cards have been arriving for the Rye Town Council by-election on Thursday 18 December. Five candidates are standing to fill one councillor vacancy:
Simon Bowler
Jonathan Breeds
Lyn Dutton
Dominic Manning
Owen Thompson
Rye News has approached all five candidates to write an article each telling our readers more about themselves and why they are standing. They will be published in next week’s paper.
Assets up for grabs
Rye Town Council’s meeting on Monday 8 December will discuss whether to express an interest in taking on some of the assets currently owned by Rother District Council. Local government reorganisation will see RDC, and East Sussex County Council, replaced by a new authority.
The assets up for grabs include: Landgate tower, Rye cemetery, Station Approach toilets and playing fields. The list excludes money-raising assets like car parks.
The agenda for the meeting at the town hall also includes social housing and proposals to exclude motorbikes from Strand Quay from the Environment Agency.
The meeting is open to the public and starts at 6.30pm. Full agenda and documents here.
No news on Aldi (again)
The Rother District Planning Committee agenda for Thursday 11 December has been published and the proposed Aldi store for Winchelsea Road in Rye is not on it. There had been speculation councillors would make a decision this month.
As well as the supermarket, homes and retirement housing are planned for the old Jempson’s haulage yard. The planning committee next meets on 15 January.
Fined
Sussex Wildlife Trust has confirmed a man entered a guilty plea and was fined for hunting with dogs on Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. The offences took place earlier this year.
A spokesperson for the Trust said, “If you witness a wildlife crime taking place anywhere, please report it immediately to the police. If a crime is taking place on one of our reserves, please also contact us after you have first spoken to the police.”
You can find more information on wildlife crime here
There are definitely overnight roadworks on the A259 in Rye for two nights this weekend, but it’s not entirely clear where.
The main road around the town will be closed overnight on Saturday and Sunday 6 and 7 December from 8pm until 6pm.
National Highways highlights work at the Kettle ‘o Fish and Skinners roundabouts in several different listings, along with New Road and parts of Winchelsea Road.
Meet Rye News
The bar at Rye Kino was packed on Monday 1 December at our quarterly Meet Rye News event. As well as a chance to thank contributors, it was also an evening to answer questions about the paper and to meet new volunteers. Thanks for coming!
If you couldn’t make it email info@ryenews.org.uk to find out about volunteering opportunities.
Rye Youth Zone December dates
What’s on
There’s plenty going on in the run up to Christmas. Check out the Rye News What’s On Diary for some suggestion.
Here are a couple of highlights:
A reminder that our Christmas arts and crafts fair, will be on Saturday 6 December from 10am to 4pm at Rye Community Centre.
There are lots of super-talented artists and crafters in and around Rye and we felt there was a need to create a regular space to sell and showcase their work and help support the community centre. All stall fees are donated to the Rye Community Centre.
We have a fabulous mix of media, from illustrators to writers, stained glass to ceramics, woodwork to knitting there is something for everyone!
Adding to the already fruitful day, is the knowledge that much needed funds are being raised for our community centre. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
So, come join us and have a coffee and cake, buy Christmas gifts, get inspired and enjoy yourself!
Sing It Out Choir, Saturday 6 December 2025, 6.00pm to 7.00pm
Image Credits: Stuart Harland , David Worwood , National Highways , Rye News .