No funding for festive lights in Robertsbridge
Salehurst and Robertsbridge Parish Council had asked RDC for £496 towards Christmas tree lighting along Station Road, Robertsbridge.
Rother turned down the application last month, claiming it could set a precedent and open the floodgates for similar applications.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut those who support the scheme say a precedent had already been set, with Rye, Ticehurst and Sidley among the towns and villages receiving Rother funding for Christmas lights in the past.
The application was brought back before the council this week.
Speaking at a Rother District Council meeting on Monday (September 28),Cllr Kathryn Field, (Lib Dem, Battle) said she was ‘quite frankly shocked’ the grant had not been approved, arguing RDC should support the regeneration of towns and villages.
She added: “As far as the comment that it would open the floodgates, well I think that’s nonsense. This should be considered on its merits.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdCouncillors heard Salehurst and Robertsbridge Parish Council, local businesses and villagers had contributed to the lights fund, as required by the application criteria.
But Cllr Tony Ganly (Cons, Ewhurst and Sedlescombe), said: “I think we have to look rather carefully with regards to Christmas lights.
“It’s the Bexhill taxpayer who pays for the lights through the precept.
“It’s unfair to the people of Bexhill to say ‘you pay for your own while we pay for Robertsbridge’.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe asked why the money could not be found from parish council reserves before adding: “The money could be found elsewhere.”
Speaking after the meeting, Salehurst parish and district councillor Sue Prochak said: “I still cannot understand why they have not given it.
“We fulfil the criteria with the parish council match funding and it is a very small amount for the pleasure it gives the community and the whole village.”
Cllr Kevin Dixon (Lib Dem, Battle) added: “The decision seemed to be on cabinet members’ opinions rather than whether they have fulfilled the criteria.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad* Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1) Make our website your homepage at www.ryeandbattleobserver.co.uk/
2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RyeandBattleObserver
3) Follow us on Twitter Text to display
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!
The Rye and Battle Observer - always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.