We have detailed some key highlights from the Cabinet meeting, held on Monday 7th October 2024.
Rye Sports Centre Refurbishment
Cabinet agreed for all necessary steps to be taken to ensure improvements to Rye Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre are completed by the end of March next year.
The refurbishment of the centre is benefitting from £650,000 Levelling UP Partnership Funding from central Government.
Members heard that some emergency upgrades and refurbishments have already been completed, but the remaining work would need specialist project management.
Cllr Hazel Timpe, lead councillor for neighbourhood services, said: “It’s superb to have got to this point. The funding will make a significant difference to the look and ambience of the site thus encourage more sport club membership, increase participation rates and improve health and wellbeing in the community. The refurbished Rye Sports Centre will boost local economic growth and improve the centre’s sustainability.
“This project is a win-win for both the community which will benefit from a regenerated sports centre and the sports centre operator who will be able to attract more members.”
Members agreed to delegate authority to the Head of Neighbourhood Services to procure consultants and contractors to complete the work and use the funding by March 31st.
Public Spaces Protection Order
Cabinet was asked to agree a new three-year Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) be implemented to control antisocial behaviour in the district.
PSPOs are conditions and restrictions imposed within an area of the district and Rother’s current controls include aggressive begging, consuming alcohol and sleeping in public places, and parking on beaches.
The current PSPO expires in January 2025, and a consultation was held to get public feedback on the controls included and any controls to consider adding.
Members were asked to agree the new PSPO which will come into effect from February 2025.
Cllr Kathryn Field, lead Cllr for environment, licensing and climate strategy, said: “These PSPOs are a necessary step to allow for effective enforcement against anti-social behaviour. It is important that these are used only when necessary. It is hoped that minimal use of these powers will be needed, particularly in relation to rough sleeping, where compassion, assistance, and support with accessing accommodation and healthcare should be the focus when engaging with these often-vulnerable individuals. In situations where enforcement is unfortunately necessary, it is important that these PSPO powers are made available, so as not to impede the prevention of anti-social behaviour and to minimise any risks to public safety.”
Cabinet members unanimously agreed to implement the new PSPO.
Short-term licence of Sidley Rec football pitch to Bexhill AAC Football Club
Members discussed proposals to grant a temporary licence to allow a local football club to continue to use Sidley Rec.
Bexhill Amateur Athletic Football Club (AAC) requested the licence to allow the club to continue to maintain and use the football pitch when the district council stop maintaining the pitch after December 1, 2024.
It is anticipated that the Heart of Sidley Community Association will take over the licence on a permanent basis once development of the Sidley Hub is completed.
Members discussed proposals to grant a temporary licence to allow a local football club to continue to use Sidley Rec.
Bexhill Amateur Athletic Football Club (AAC) requested the licence to allow the club to continue to maintain and use the football pitch when the district council stop maintaining the pitch after December 1, 2024.
It is anticipated that the Heart of Sidley Community Association will take over the licence on a permanent basis once development of the Sidley Hub is completed.
Members agreed to delegate authority to the Head of Neighbourhood Services to agree terms and finalise the temporary licence at a peppercorn rent.
Published: 10th October 2024
