RINGMER VILLAGE ACTION PLAN

Achievements to date October 2003

1.1 DOCTORS' SURGERY

1.2 HARVARD HOUSE
ESCC have agreed that the home should remain open. The search for funding is ongoing.

1.3 ADVICE/INFORMATION CENTRE.
Wealden Health Partnership is starting a research project including a mapping exercise of existing services and highlighting gaps where needs are currently unmet. They have been contacted, asking for our needs to be incorporated in their research programme.

1.4 SINGLE PARENT HOUSEHOLDS
Provided funding can be arranged, there is a strong possibility that a Young Mums/Dads Group will be arranged within the next few months at the Youth Centre.

1.5 DISABLED FACILITIES
Leaflets are bing distributed in Lewes on the implications of the Disability Discrimination Act. We hope this can be extended to Ringmer. Warren Kingston will speak to the Parish Council on November 13th on disabled access and facilities.

1.6. LIBRARY

1.7. TENNIS

1.8 ANTI -SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Friday evening patrols by Danielle Price and her team continues, greatly assisted by the village's Special Constable, Mike Marchant. Restructuring of the "Specials" in the area is under review, and may be withdrawn by Christmas. We have written to the Chief Inspector of Police expressing support for the current scheme. The Ringmer Neighbourhood Watch Website and email scheme is set up and running, thanks to Janet Skeef.

3.1 TRAFFIC CALMING
The Community Speedwatch has been a huge success. Radar volunteers are out almost every day. Over 500 letters have been sent to speeding motorists. Over 90% do not come from the village. Ringmer is going to purchase its own Speed Meter. The cost of £2200 will be met by ESCC, RPC, and possibly donations from the public.

3.2 STREET PARKING

3.3 CYCLE PATHS
This issue will be linked with building development on the Forges field. LDC have agreed that the Developers will contribute to a cycle path between Lewes and Ringmer. Some additional funds would need to be found. This could happen 2004/5/6.

3.4. ALTERNATIVES TO PRIVATE CAR TRAVEL
A volunteer is needed who could create a data base for this project.

3.5 TYPE AND LOCATION OF HOUSING
The Parish Council has submitted written objections to the plans for the development of The Forges, as being totally unacceptable for a village development. The council is now awaiting a reply from LDC Planning department.

5.1 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Anna May Bridger and Rosemary Colebourn are working to produce a comprehensive directory of Ringmer Businesses for the village web site.

5.2 BROADBAND
We've reached our target for Ringmer individuals signing up for broadband. BT has announced that the exchange will be enabled on December 10th 2003. Well done Rob!

6.1 LISTED BUILDINGS
The History Group is well into putting together a report to send to English Heritage.

6.2 FOOTPATHS AND STILES
A new Ringmer Footpath Booklet will be available next year, thanks to Barbara Cruttenden et al. A number of new signposts are in position and repairs have been made to some stiles.

6.3 WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
This project being carried out by RCC Science Club is ongoing. The winter season will curtail activities until next Spring. The Cheyney Charity is developing a management plan for the conservation area of Cheyney Field.

6.4 TREE PLANTING
There is funding available for the purchase of trees. We are investigating whether a local farmer would be willing to look at planting an apple orchard. This would not only gives trees but also produce food locally.

7.1 RECYCLING
Volunteers are needed for door to door canvassing to improve on the 69% of households in the village already using the Doorstep Recycling facility. Wallands are currently beating us with 78% !! (Neville 77%, Kingston 74%, Winterbourne 73%). We are investigating the possibility of making Home Composting Bins at reduced cost available for sale in Ringmer.

8.1 YOUNG PEOPLE'S FACILITIES
We are currently researching a location, planning permission and funding for a Young People's Shelter.

8.2 CINEMA/FILM CLUB
Ringmer County Primary School Home School Association are organising a family film, The Wild Thornberries, at the Village Hall on the afternoon of Saturday 15th November.