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, it is hoped that Council services/facilities which are still 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/coronavirus-postponement-of-council-activities/.

The following Council services and facilities are closed and will be reopened once any relevant risk assessments and planning have been carried out, to ensure the safety of the public and staff – and that the latest government guidelines are met:

COMMUNITY HALLS FOR HIRE

The hire of community hall facilities managed by the Town Council, including the James West Community Centre in Brunel Drive, Fleur de Lys Meeting Room in Market Street and Southview Community Rooms in Western Road.

HAILSHAM YOUTH SERVICE

The Square Youth Cafe and Safehub facilities managed by Hailsham Youth Service, along with Friday Night Project activities and Monday Youth Club sessions. However, young people can join in on discussions, take part in activities and keep in touch with the youth worker team via social media, including their Facebook and new Instagram pages (www.facebook.com/HailshamYouthService/ and www.instagram.com/hailshamyouth/). Additionally, youth workers are now undertaking detached/street-based work in Hailsham.

The following Council services and facilities are currently operating, but with restrictions in place:

BURIALS & CEMETERY

Hailsham Cemetery in Ersham Road remains open for graveside and ashes burials, with services being attended by a minimum amount of mourners, in line with current Government advice. Cemetery grounds are open as usual from dawn to dusk, but the chapels will remain closed until further notice.

POST OFFICE

Hailsham Town Council has moved to assure residents that the town centre post office will remain open during the pandemic, as an essential service to the local community. The post office is currently open from 10am-4pm Monday to Friday. From September, the opening hours will be Monday to Friday (8.30pm-5.30pm) and Saturday (9am-2pm).

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) have recently reopened but with restrictions in place including a limited number of people entering the sites at any one time. Signage providing guidance relating to hygiene and social distancing have been installed at each site.

PUBLIC TOILETS

Following national government guidance, the Town Council has 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 will operate 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 urged to observe current social distancing guidelines.

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 heed government advice relating to social distancing.

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.”

“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 reinstate services affected and reopen facilities as early as possible, and will keep the public updated via the local press, on our website and via social media pages.”