Update on disrupted services from Hailsham Town Council

Hailsham Town Council is continuing to support the community during the pandemic and is working hard to ensure that government guidelines relating to social distancing and protection from COVID-19 are met.

In doing so, whilst most services and facilities are currently open, it is hoped that those which have remained closed, will be reopened as soon as possible.

Although the Town Council offices in Market Street are currently closed to the public, staff are working remotely where possible to keep some services running and the main phone line open during office hours (9am-4pm, Monday to Friday – except public holidays).

Members of the public are encouraged to follow the Town Council social media pages and the following web page for updates on Council services and facilities: https://www.hailsham-tc.gov.uk/corona- virus-postponement-of-council-activities/.

The following Council services and facilities are currently operating or have recently been reinstated, but with restrictions in place (as at time of writing: October 2020):

BURIALS & CEMETERY
Hailsham Cemetery in Ersham Road remains open for graveside and ashes burials, with services being attended by a maximum of 30 people, in line with the latest Government advice. Cemetery grounds are open as usual from dawn to dusk.

POST OFFICE
Hailsham Town Council has moved to assure residents that the town centre post office will remain open during the Coronavirus pandemic, as an essential service to the local community. Face coverings must be worn by customers. The post office is currently open from 8.30am-5.30pm (Monday to Friday) and 9am-2pm (Saturday).

JAMES WEST COMMUNITY CENTRE HIRE
The James West Community Centre has now reopened and is available for hire, with social distancing, hygiene and other restrictions in place.

CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS & OUTDOOR GYMS
The Town Council’s play areas (Western Road, Battle Road, Stroma Gardens, Quinnell Drive, Maurice Thornton Playing Field) and outdoor gym facilities (Western Road Recreation Ground and Maurice Thornton Playing Field) remain open. Residents are urged to follow the guidance highlighting all social distancing and other requirements in place, listed on the signs installed at entry points to each site.

PUBLIC TOILETS
Following national government guidance, the Town Council recently reopened its public conveniences (located in the former Cortlandt Stable Block in North Street). An outside contractor is currently responsible for the opening, closing and cleaning of the toilet block on a daily basis and, to allow for more frequent cleaning of toilets, the facility operates six days a week (Monday to Saturday), but at reduced opening hours of 11am-2pm each day.

ALLOTMENTS
The Town Council’s allotment sites in Battle Road, Station Road and Harold Avenue remain open to tenants, but people are asked to observe current social distancing guidelines.

HAILSHAM STREET MARKET
The weekly street market which takes place in Vicar- age Field on Saturdays from 8.30am-1.30pm, remains open but with stringent social distancing and hygiene measures in place on-site to ensure public safety.

PARKS, RECREATION GROUNDS & OPEN SPACES
Public open spaces such as Hailsham Country Park, the Common Pond, Western Road Recreation Ground and Maurice Thornton Playing Field remain open to the public, although residents must follow the latest government advice relating to social distancing.

HAILSHAM YOUTH SERVICE
The current opening times for the SquareYouth Cafe are:
Afternoons (3.15-4.45pm): Monday and Tuesday – Year 7 / Thursday and Friday – Year 8
Evenings (6.45-8.30pm): Monday – Year 9 / Tuesday – Year 10 / Wednesday – Year 11 / Thursday – Year 12
The Friday Night Project is expected to be re-launched in January 2021.

FISHING PERMITS
Fishing is currently permitted at the Country Park lake and nearby Wentworth Pond, although current social distancing guidelines must be observed at all times. If you wish to purchase a season ticket, please telephone Karen Giddings on 01323 841702 or send an email, leaving your contact details for a call back and to make a payment.

Please note that, currently, only BACS/electronic transfer payments are being accepted for purchase of the fishing permits.Weekly fishing permits can be obtained from MFC Supplies in Station Road (Monday to Saturday, 9am-5.30pm).

“We are working hard to ensure that vital Town Council services are maintained and that our most vulnerable residents are protected from COV- ID-19,” said Town Clerk John Harrison. “Things are changing at a rapid pace and we thank everyone for their patience.”

Town Mayor and Chairman of Hailsham Town Council, Cllr Paul Holbrook commented: “It is our duty as a town council to look after the health, safety and well-being of members, staff and residents.”

“We are continually monitoring developments concerning COVID-19 very closely in line with Government guidance, and, on behalf of the Town Council, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their understanding of these necessary precautions as we take every step possible to ensure their good health and safety – and that of our members and staff.”

“Please rest assured that we will endeavour to rein- state any of our services which are yet to reopen as early as possible, and will keep the public updated via the local press, on our website and via social media pages.”