Horam & Vines Cross

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PLANNING - IS IT FAIR?: When is a law fair? To my simple mind, it's when most people perceive it to be fair. I remember my son being hauled over the coals for smoking, when the school headmaster called us in and offered us a Benson and Hedges from a large, silver box I told him I did not think this rule fair but he told me rules were there so the boys could learn to observe rules. The same surely applies to planning law. So understandably people can get upset when seemingly simple schemes such as extensions, or new homes built on the footprint of old ones are refused, and then larger developments get the go-ahead in spite of occupying land partly in the AONB or even an SSSI (land north of the police station and further along behind homes on the A265). And now we have an interesting situation of what appears to be a custom made site, enclosed within the walls of Heathfield Park, which could also deliver numerous community benefits such as a safe walk and cycleway for schoolchildren, a primary school and sports facilities, but looks unlikely ever to even get to a stage where the landowner can submit an application? I know this one has the blessing of most people living in and around the town. It's enclosed, safe, does not intrude on anyone's privacy, does not block anyone's light or '˜overlook.' It appears to have been dismissed, out of hand. The logic beats me. Perhaps someone can explain?

OPERATION BLITZ: Update from Friday June 16 and Saturday June 17. Patrols were carried out with stops at hotspot locations on the list. Heathfield skate park was empty but signs of alcohol consumption were found discarded. Later in the evening, a report was received by a resident in Osborne Road, Crowborough of youths throwing stones at the rear of his property from the Country Park. But they could not be found on arrival and fortunately no damage was caused. The incident was not repeated. A few skaters were seen at the Crowborough skate park, all behaving well. Back in Heathfield, three boys were riding bikes at the skate park but not causing any problems. A foot patrol was briefly carried out in the main area, including supermarket car parks but no youths were present. On Saturday a call was made to the Blitz team concerning loud noise coming from Goldsmiths in Crowborough. On arrival officers spoke to those present and seized alcohol. The off-licences in the area were visited and one advised they had refused a sale of alcohol to a minor. All other areas were visited but nobody was at any of them. No further calls came in.

Distraction Burglary. An elderly resident in Sandy Cross, Heathfield was targeted by unscrupulous thieves this week after two men knocked on his door on Wednesday June (21) around lunchtime. They had spotted a derelict building on the property and wanted to know if the owner was interested in them renovating it. The unsuspecting man went with them to see the building, only to find on his return that a third party had entered his home and stolen power tools with an approximate combined value of £800. The men who were described as white, one tall and the other fairly short, both with balding heads, had arrived in a ‘tatty’ white van. The stolen tools included a Stihl long reach hedge trimmer and chainsaws, one of which was a Husqvarna. Police are reminding everyone to be very wary of cold callers, whatever they claim their reasons are for calling. This incident is a fairly common method for criminals, who will use any excuse to distract the resident, with an accomplice waiting out of sight. Always ask for identification and if necessary, contact the company or organisation they claim to be from to check. But look up the number yourself, not one they have given you as a business card from them could easily be fake.  To report information in relation to this incident, please quote reference 846 of 21/06 when contacting us.

Horse Riders and Neighbourhood Watch. I have had a very encouraging email from one of my readers. She informed me that horse riders are a very good source of ‘ears and eyes’ when they are out riding. and can complement the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. Obviously if any horse riders see any suspicious activity please phone 101 and report to the police your suspicions. Likewise, will motorists and cyclists please give horse riders plenty of room when overtaking.

CROSS IN HAND: Cross in Hand Primary School Summer Extravaganza. Cross in Hand C of E Primary School in Heathfield will be holding their annual Swimming Gala tomorrow, Saturday, from 9.30am to noon, followed by the Summer Fair until 3pm, at the school site on Sheepsetting Lane. Siân Howell, Chair of Friends of Cross in Hand committee said, ‘Whilst our annual summer fair is one of our biggest fundraising events, this year our main focus has been on giving the families in our community a wonderful day to remember. We have the most amazing set of raffle prizes this year, including tickets to see An American in Paris and an Oscar goodie bag. So we hope this will encourage people from outside the school community to come along and support our event.’ The raffle prizes include a night’s stay for two at the 5 star luxury boutique London hotel One Aldwych, paired with two tickets to see the acclaimed musical masterpiece An American in Paris at the Dominion Theatre. Also up for grabs is a pair tickets for Kew the Music to see All Saints, Melanie C and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, a wine-tasting experience with lunch at the English Wine Centre and paintballing for ten people, so something for everyone, tickets are selling fast, but any remaining will be available for £1 each on the day. Headteacher, Sarah Massheder added, ‘Every year we look forward to welcoming our entire community, as well as neighbours and other friends, to our school. It’s a fantastic chance for us all to get together and it raises valuable funds for us to use to enhance our children’s learning opportunities.’ Music will be provided by local sing