News in brief September 5

Flags spring up around town

Over the past week, St George’s flags and Union Jacks have appeared painted on roundabouts and on street signs, and hung on buildings, poles and lamps.

This has been part of a national trend with groups organising this campaign saying it is to promote pride and patriotism. During large sporting events, such as the World Cup and the recent Lionesses successes, the St George’s cross has been seen around town, as a sign of pride and support for national teams, without any controversy.

However, the recent trend has raised concerns in some quarters that this display is divisive and provocative, given the tensions and anti-immigration protests around the country.

Flying flags of any kind is subject to government and local authority regulations which include stipulations on the number of flags that can be flown in the grounds of a building, where and how flags are displayed and to ensure safety on roads and other transport systems.

The issue of the graffitied flags was discussed at the Rye Town Council meeting on Monday, September 1 and the council agreed to contact the authorities regarding their removal.

Rother District Council Housing Relief Fund opens

The latest Household Support Fund which helps vulnerable households with essential costs including food, energy and water bills will initially be open to eligible households who did not receive a payment from the previous Support Fund between October 2024 and March 2025.

All other eligible households will be able to apply from September 15 2025 subject to available funding. Those whose application is approved will be awarded a one-off payment of £195.

Further information can be found here.

Safer in Sussex survey

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has launched her annual summer survey seeking the views of residents across the county.

The Safer In Sussex Survey seeks to understand if residents have experienced crime and looks at what measures would make them feel safer in their communities.

Responses to the survey will help Commissioner Bourne to understand where resources within Sussex Police may be better placed, where increased partnership working could help to drive down local issues and to scrutinise the force on areas requiring improvement.

The survey is open now and will close at 23:00 pm October 30 2025.

Launching the survey, Mrs Bourne said: “As your elected voice within policing the survey helps me understand your concerns and informs how I can effectively hold our Chief Constable to account for the performance of her force.

“Please take a moment to give me your feedback. You can also opt in to being contacted in the future to have a more detailed say in a focus group run by my office.”

You can complete PCC Katy Bourne’s survey here

Sponsored cycle ride raises funds for Bonfire Society

Neale East, otherwise know as General Trundle, left the Green Waves Tilling Green Community Festival on Saturday morning, August 30 to cycle 33 miles from Rye to Camber, Lydd, Brookland, Appledore and Rye in 2 hours and 50 minutes, raising an amazing £700 for the Bonfire Society.

Rye Youth Zone

RYZ is back to usual operating hours for September and looking forward to welcoming young people to one or more of their sessions this week.

Image Credits: Chris Lawson , Natasha Robinson , RDC , Kt bruce , Rye Youth Zone CIC – RYZ .