Fletching Parish Council- Monthly Newsletter

Welcome

Welcome to the first bulletin of what we intend will be a regular update from the Parish Council.  May brought the end of the old Parish Council and the election on the 5th May heralded the start of a new one.  The election was well supported with an impressive 58% turnout; there were 10 spoiled (blank) ballot papers, perhaps indicating insufficient candidate information?  It would be useful to hear your views in this respect; could/should more background materials have been provided?  The new council was then ‘signed in’ on 16^th May and the responsibilities of each Councillor allocated. 

Parking

At the Annual Parish Meeting held in April this year electors made it very clear that inconsiderate parking in the village is a big issue for many.  We have been discussing this with the Police on a regular basis and have arranged a joint ‘Fletching Parking’ Parish Meeting for Monday 25^th July at 7:30pm in the Village Hall.  This is your opportunity to air you concerns directly and participate in discussions. 

A Web Poll has also been configured on the Parish Council website (www.fletching-pc.org) that indicates a range of potential solutions.  Please visit the site and complete your vote.

Brown tail moths

During the recent SLR (Strengthening Local Relationships) meeting with ESCC it was reported that the Brown-Tail Moth has been found in the region.  Brighton and Hove City Council mention that considerable numbers have been found along the coast of South Eastern England and that they can be problematical in the area from late spring to early June.

From spring the caterpillars become active and may be seen on the branches of trees and shrubs.  They are between 7mm and 38mm in length (depending on age), dark brown in colour with a distinct white line down each side.  The whole body is covered in tufts of brown hairs and two distinct orange/red dots are noticeable on the caterpillar's back towards the tail.

The caterpillars carry up to two million spiked and barbed hairs which can penetrate skin, causing a severe irritant reaction.  Children need to be particularly cautious.  For asthmatics and hay fever sufferers, it is important that the hairs are not inhaled as these may cause severe breathing difficulties.

Please be aware and notify Fletching Parish Council, Wealden District Council or East Sussex County Council if you suspect a sighting.

As always regular updates and news are posted on our website www.fletching-pc.org.  Indeed we have recently been asked to assist Danehill Parish Council to commission a website to match our own and bring alignment between our parishes, watch this space for further updates.