Latest News from Lewes District Council | Thursday 15 August 2024
Cockshut Restoration shortlisted for top award
A councillor at Lewes District Council has called on supporters of the Cockshut Stream Restoration to vote for the partnership project after it was shortlisted for a top award.
Located within Lewes Brooks, the restoration saw the realignment of the Cockshut chalk stream and the creation of six hectares of wetland.
The area has quickly become an oasis for wildlife, with Herons, Kingfishers, Egret and Snipe among the many birds to be found there while toads, sticklebacks, eels and newts can be spotted in the ponds. Grass snakes use the reedy ditches and many species of dragonfly can be seen in the meadow and riverbanks.
Councillor Emily O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature and Food Systems, said:
"Firstly, I want to thank our partners at the Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust, Lewes Railway Land Wildlife Trust, South Downs National Park Authority, Veolia Environmental Trust and Chris Butler Archaeological Services for all their amazing support and expertise in the delivery of this incredible partnership project.
"Whether you want to spot wildlife or immerse yourself in beautiful and tranquil surroundings, the Cockshut Stream Restoration Project is quickly becoming a popular location for people living locally and those from further afield.
"This new wetland is great news for the environment - improving biodiversity, helping with flood management and carbon storage, and enabling the stream to flow alongside native plants.
"It's a real honour to be shortlisted for a South Downs National Park Design Award and I hope as many people as possible will visit the national park website and vote for the Cockshut River Restoration."
To support the Cockshut River Restoration and cast your vote in the People's Choice category, please visit the South Downs National Park website.
Council Chair attends commemoration for 82nd anniversary of Dieppe Raid
The Chair of Lewes District Council, Cllr Lesley Boniface, attended the 82nd anniversary of the Dieppe Raid commemoration, hosted by Newhaven Town Council on Sunday 11 August.
A memorial service was held to mark the occasion, in which Cllr Boniface and the Mayor of Newhaven, Councillor Pinky McLean-Knight, laid wreaths to honour those who gave their lives.
Cllr Boniface said:
“On Sunday 11th August I was honoured to attend the 82nd Anniversary of the Dieppe Raid Commemoration in Newhaven with my husband, Shaun. The annual event is always well attended by Civic dignitaries, veterans, local societies and the general public. Thank you to the Mayor of Newhaven, Cllr Pinky McLean-Knight and Newhaven Town Council for inviting me.”
Get help to eat healthier with the Healthy Start programme
A third of eligible families in East Sussex are not claiming up to £34 a month through the Healthy Start scheme.
Around £270,000 is going unclaimed by around 1,232 expectant parents and people with young children in the county each year.
If eligible, you will receive between £4.25 and £8.50 per week to buy healthy food and milk through the scheme.
To be eligible you must be more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old. You must also be on a low income – visit the Healthy Starts website or ask your healthcare provider to see if you’re eligible.
Following successful application, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money pre-loaded on it that can be used in some UK shops. The card will then be automatically topped up every four weeks.
You can use your card to buy:
- plain liquid cow’s milk
- fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables
- fresh, dried, and tinned pulses
- infant formula milk based on cow’s milk
You can also use your card to collect free:
- Healthy Start vitamins – these support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- vitamin drops for babies and young children – these are suitable from birth to 4 years old
There’s more information on how to apply, answers to frequently asked questions and tips for healthier eating on the NHS website.
If you need further help to apply speak to a health professional or visit your local family hub.
You can find a service near you on the family hub website.
Lewes District residents at heart of new £100,000 project to improve support systems
People on low incomes in Lewes District will have a key role in a new project to combat financial hardship, thanks to a £100,000 grant.
The two-year Pinch Points initiative, funded by Lloyds Bank Foundation, will improve systems of support, advice, and guidance by putting residents’ experiences at the heart of policy making.
It draws upon the success of Feeling the Pinch, an innovative participatory project that took place in 2023. The project was designed to give people from Lewes District the opportunity to share their experiences of the cost-of-living crisis. This formed the basis for constructive conversations with local decision makers.
Feeling the Pinch is already having an impact in Lewes District, with key local actors such as Lewes District Council recognising the importance of including community voices in decision-making. The Pinch Points collaboration will expand the scope for residents experiencing financial difficulties to share their experiences. Participants will work together with different local decision-makers and service providers to build more dignified and effective pathways of support.
Emily O’Brien, Cabinet Member for Nature, Climate & Food Systems at Lewes District Council said:
“I’m sure this latest collaboration will dovetail well with the council’s work and benefit the lives of people who really need it. It’s also a fantastic example of how working in partnership across different organisations can improve lives.”
Lewes District Food Partnership are building on existing networks to develop community partnerships in order to recruit local participants with diverse experiences.
For more information about the project and details about how to get involved, contact project coordinator Nancy at info@lewesdistrictfoodpartnership.org.
Summer at the Sidings brings a Cabaret and a Pirate Day to Newhaven this weekend
You don't want to miss out on week three of Summer at The Sidings! 🌞
👉Friday 16 August: Arcanic Events presents Arcanic Cabaret Extravaganza plus live music from Loriasha and her band, and a set from Lola DJ 🎊
👉Saturday 17 August: Pirate Day with Enter Ede and a Homeward Bound Shanties session to get the whole family singing, playing and swashbuckling together! Expect the Jolly-Roger juggling circus with face painting, a pirate circus school, and pirate games. 🏴☠️
With Abyss Brewing pop-up and food from Specs and Bear and the Two Fridas Vegan Mexican.
All events are free, no need to book!
Find out more about the schedule of events for Summer at the Sidings at newhavenenterprisezone.com/the-sidings/
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