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A member of the public addressed the committee regarding the issue of speeding in the town. As a cyclist, he expressed concern over the increasing danger posed by drivers frequently exceeding the 30mph speed limit, which has resulted in several personal near-miss incidents. He supported the Council in pursuing the lobbying of East Sussex County Council for the establishment of a 20mph speed limit to improve safety for cyclists. Furthermore, he enquired about the Council's policy for developing cycle lanes and the associated timelines.

Additionally, he proposed that if the Committee were to reach out to the Ashdown Forest Conservators regarding permitting cyclists in the Forest, a potential trial route from the Friends car park to Millbrook could be beneficial.

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.

There were none

There were none

Minutes of the meeting held on the 8^{th} July 2025

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 8th July 2025 be approved as a correct record.

Income and Expenditure were noted.

The Earmarked Reserves were noted.

The Town Clerk confirmed that budget line totals and Earmarked Reserves will be discussed when the Chair of the committee and the RFO meet to set the budget for the next financial year.

The Town Clerk will speak with the RFO to explore ways to present budget lines and their intended uses more clearly to enhance Councillors' understanding of the specific purposes of each budget line.

The Chair moved that item 6.1 be heard first followed by item 12 as the member of public present had an interest in the items.

Cllr Alison Arthur arrived at 7.52pm

That the Environment Committee requests the Ashdown Forest Conservators to permit cycling on designated routes across the Forest. The Council supports this as a means to promote health, sustainable leisure, and improved local connectivity.

The motion was debated, and a recorded vote was requested.

As the vote was tied, the Chair had the casting vote.

RESOLVED to pass the motion with an amendment: that the Environment Committee will request the Ashdown Forest Conservators to trial permitting cycling on designated routes across the Forest. The Council supports this as a means to promote health, sustainable leisure, and improved local connectivity.

A second proposal was made and seconded to request that the Ashdown Forest Conservators install provisions within their car parks to allow visitors who arrive by bike to securely store their bikes when visiting the forest.

RESOLVED to contact the Ashdown Forest Conservators and request that they install provisions within the car parks to allow visitors who arrive by bike to securely store their bikes when visiting the forest.

It was noted that the Council have previously advocated for the establishment of 20mph speed zones throughout the town, as well as a uniform speed limit, but both of these proposals were declined by East Sussex County Council. Implementing a 20mph limit would align the town with neighbouring regions, such as West Sussex, which have already adopted similar measures.

A recorded vote was requested.

RESOLVED to delegate authority to the Clerk to lobby East Sussex County Council to implement a 20mph speed limit in the town

It was acknowledged that any new speed limit would necessitate community support and effective enforcement, an area that has posed challenges in the past. Consequently, it was

decided to include this topic in the agenda for the forthcoming Strengthening Local Relationships (SLR) meeting with East Sussex County Council.

The motion was discussed, with members acknowledging that the town's floral displays are consistently appreciated by residents, emphasising that any new scheme should maintain this positive reception.

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RESOLVED to delegate authority to the Grounds Team the authority to design and implement a new planting scheme.

It was noted. The necessary license for the installation of a new dual recycling bin on Bridge Road has been obtained; however, the Grounds team is unable to proceed due to East Sussex County Council regulations requiring a specialized installer. Consequently, officers are in the process of obtaining quotes from contractors to facilitate the installation on behalf of the Council. Additionally, the feasibility of adding a second bin is currently under review, with an update expected at the next meeting.

Members noted the request for an extra bin at the Croft Road bus stop, which frequently overflows. It was clarified that this bin belongs to Wealden District Council, and it was agreed that the Clerk would reach out to WDC to request an increase in the frequency of emptying.

While members acknowledged the problem of litter and its negative impact on the street scene and environment, it was agreed that rather than continually adding more bins—which incurs significant costs along with increased emptying expenses—it would be more effective to focus on educating the public about responsible litter disposal and encouraging them to take their waste home.

Members recognized the ongoing issue of vehicles parking on the pavement along the High Street. It was observed that the layby intended for taxis is no longer in use by Hackney Carriages, as they have ceased operations in the town. To mitigate the problem of pavement parking, it was proposed that all laybys on the High Street be repurposed as disabled parking spaces.

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RESOLVED to delegate authority to the Clerk to request East Sussex County Council redesignate the laybys on the High Street as disabled bays.

The report was noted. Members agreed that as the only streetlight on the narrow road, it was essential that it was replaced.

RESOLVED to proceed with Option 1 to have the existing lantern removed and a new lantern installed on the replacement pole at a cost of £5,141.93.

The potential date of 30th October 2025 for the unveiling of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle plaque at Crowborough Railway Station was noted. The time is yet to be confirmed.

The emergency tree works were noted.

Additionally, it was noted that officers are continuing their investigation into the boundaries of the new land to ensure they align with the title deeds. An update will be provided at the next meeting.

The Town Clerk advised that the development of accessible paths in the Ghyll, along with investigating the funding available from Wealden District Council, has not progressed since the last meeting. To ensure ongoing oversight, this matter will be included as a standing item on the agenda for future meetings.

Members wished to pass on their thanks to the Grounds team for arranging the repair of the bench on Southview Road.

The temporary closure of the bridge on the Withyham Bridleway 1/1 and 82/1 was noted.

The proposed relocation of the bus stop on Whitehill Road was discussed, and members unanimously agreed that the suggested site, situated in the centre of a 'in and out' car park, is wholly unsuitable and dangerous.

RESOLVED to delegate authority to the Clerk to write to East Sussex County Council to express the Council's view that the proposed relocation of the bus stop on Whitehill Road is wholly unsuitable.

To receive questions from Councillors

Cllr Everitt Is there update on the progress of the solar panel project?

This will be reported to the Full Council at its next meeting in November.

Cllr Clark Is there an update on the Bluebell Wood management plan?

This will be reported at the next Environment Committee.

Cllr Garrett Is there an update on the bus stop which the Town Council was entitled to as part of the planning permission for the new development on the A26?

This will be investigated, and a report will be made to the next Environment Committee meeting.

To receive any future agenda items

Cllr Goddard requested that cycling provision and cycle lanes as well as the sensory garden at Canada Green are added to a future agenda.

To consider any new risks to be added to the risk register.

There were none.

The meeting closed at 9.15pm