Minutes of a meeting of the ENVIRONMENT Committee held at the Council Offices, Pine Grove, Crowborough on Tuesday 5th May 2026 at 7.30pm

Present

Also present

Councillors Alison Arthur Vice Chairperson

Peter Bucklitsch

Jane Clark

Martyn Everitt Chairperson

Martyn Garrett

Christopher Grose

Richard Jury

Scott Walters

Natalie Whittle

Julie Miller Town Clerk

1 member of public in the chamber

A member of the public addressed the Committee regarding the bench on Fielden Road. They advised that the entrance to their property is extremely close to the bench and that its use is very infrequent. They reported that groups of asylum seekers have recently been frequenting Fielden Road and that residents are concerned. It was noted that social media suggests that asylum seekers have been meeting, drinking and using substances in various areas around the town. The member of the public stated that many Fielden Road residents are elderly and live alone, and that fear of crime is high. They expressed concern that the bench may be used as a place to congregate, drink and use substances, potentially leading to crime and disorder. It was noted that the bench is not overlooked. The request was that the bench slats be removed so that it is decommissioned. It was also noted that the bench at the junction with the A26 has already been removed.

For accessibility, the Chair announced the names of all attendees, specifying whether they were present in person or participating online. During the meeting, councillors were asked to use the red laminated cards provided to indicate when they wished to speak, supporting participants with visual impairments.