Welcome to this week's newsletter!
With the sun out shining, I hope that everyone has had the chance to make the most of the good weather these past couple of weeks.
I've had a great series of local constituency visits since my last newsletter.
But, before I come to these visits it is important to address the formal decision made by the Post Office to close the last remaining DMBs, including the Devonshire Square branch. The news will be incredibly disappointing for many, especially considering the over 4,000 people who signed the petition to save it. I would like to thank everyone who signed it, and my thoughts are with those staff members of the current branch who must be having a tough time adjusting to the news.
My next steps are to secure a number of commitments from the Post Office to ensure that the replacement franchise branch will be in a convenient location, with the same services and no interruption of operation. I want to make sure that, no matter what happens, Bexhill always has a post office like Devonshire Square.
In non constituency only news I'm pleased to say that the Solicitor General has agreed to my request to refer the sentence of triple murderer Nicholas Prosper to the Court of Appeal after he was not given a whole life order. This was a horrific crime and it is deserving of the most severe penalty a court can give.
On to my visits!
I had the opportunity to visit the British Gypsum Mine in Robertsbridge, a really important local employer who provides skilled jobs and adds to the variety of careers available in our area. Many of the people I spoke with started their careers there and it is clear there are still job real opportunities.
Last week, I spoke with the Colonnade traders about their concerns for the future of their businesses when the Colonnade is closed for repairs and refurbishment. They are understandably worried about where they would locate whilst repairs are being done and the uncertainties over them being able to return. But I have received assurance that they now have a direct line of communication to a senior officer at the Council who will keep them updated as plans progress.
I met with a number of Rother town and parish clerks, who work really hard to support their councillors across the district, to discuss planning enforcement and local development, as well as opportunities which may come about through devolution and local government reorganisation. We are going to explore these opportunities further and look at examples from abroad, and elsewhere in the country, to look at best practice.
My meeting with Sussex Police, National Highways, East Sussex County Council, local councillors and community reps from Hooe, to talk about road safety on the A259, comes following a number of serious accidents late last year, including a tragic fatality. I'm pleased that National Highways will now be carrying out a full route study of the A259 and A27 in East Sussex to look at safety, traffic levels and how the road is being used.
Recently, I met with Henry Kicinski-Mason, Member of Sussex Youth Parliament and East Sussex Youth Cabinet. He explained the work he conducts to gather the views of young people, and how he then communicates them back to local stakeholders and partners. He can be proud of the work he has done to relay young people’s views to local decision-makers.
This week, I visited Eastbourne District General Hospital to hear more about their plans to use geothermal energy to help heat the hospital in a greener way. Whilst not in my constituency is provides care to lots of my constituents. Geothermal energy is heat that comes from deep underground, and across the country 109 NHS hospitals in England and Wales overlie potential geothermal aquifers! I’ll keep working with the NHS and the government to help support practical, ready-to-go projects like this one.
I was a pleased to visit the Sara Lee Therapy Centre in Sidley, where I met with charity CEO, Dan Redsull, and Operations Manager, Jayne Thomas. This local charity provides invaluable free counselling and alternative therapy for those diagnosed with cancer, or other life-threatening illness, and their families. I look forward to working with Sara Lee charity and supporting them as they continue to offer vital support services to the people of Bexhill, Hastings and Rother.
I had the pleasure of visiting The Marketplace at Freedom Church in Sidley to find out more about the community larder, café and debt advice services. With 20+ volunteers who give their time and energy each week to keep The Marketplace running, they have helped to create a vibrant and supportive community initiative. Check out my article for more information.
I visited Etchingham’s Newt Conservation Project, who work to carry out a government-approved approach to conservation of great crested newts. I know some people have shared my frustration at the way we manage protecting species, so it was great to learn more about alternative approaches to protecting newt populations where developers can contribute to schemes in the area run by experts that make a big impact on biodiversity.
It was a great honour to treat Bexhill resident and Royal British Legion volunteer, Mrs Winifred Warner to tea and cake! Winifred has recently been awarded a badge by the RBL for 30 years of volunteering service. Now in her 90th year, she has no intention of retiring from her volunteering – a remarkable lady!
11th April marked World Parkinson’s Day. Parkinson’s UK provides a range of support for individuals and families affected by Parkinson's, from offering a listening ear to specialist guidance on care and employment. As your local MP, I'm also available to offer support to my constituents, so please do contact my office if you need assistance.
And lastly, please see the bottom of this week’s newsletter for information on local road closures, as provided by third parties.
Have a great weekend.
This week's newsletter:
- Future of Bexhill Post Office
- Review of Nicholas Prosper's Sentence
- Visit to British Gypsum Mine in Robertsbridge
- Meeting with The Colonnade Traders
- Rother Parish Clerks Meeting
- A259 Road Safety Meeting
- Meeting with Member of Youth Parliament & Youth Cabinet
- Eastbourne Hospital Geothermal Energy On-site Meeting
- Visit to The Sara Lee Trust Therapy Centre
- Market Place at Freedom Church
- Etchingham Newt Conservation Partnership
- Meeting with RBL Volunteer Mrs Winifred Warner
- World Parkinson's Day
- Local Road Closures
Future of Bexhill Post Office
Last week, unfortunately we learnt that the Post Office has decided to proceed with the closure of all their directly managed branches (DMBs). This news is incredibly disappointing for many, especially considering over 4,000 people signed the petition to save the branch. I’m also mindful of the Devonshire Square branch staff, who must be having a tough time adjusting to the news.
During a Ministerial Statement following the announced closure of the last remaining DMBs, I asked the Minister for guarantees that the replacement branch would provide the same services and requested that he veto the closure if this guarantee wasn't met.
The Minister confirmed that he would expect there to be all the same services. This means that customers should still be able to use all the same services that they had before at Devonshire Square. However, he could not provide a guarantee to veto the closure if we didn't get those same services. So I will continue to push for this.
Though Post Office have committed to delivering a franchise service in the town, we don’t yet have the guarantees we would need to know we aren’t going to be worse off as a result.
Firstly, the location of the new franchised branch – Post Office’s access criteria states the replacement should be within a 1-mile radius of the current branch. I’ve requested it be within a ½ mile to make sure it remains within Bexhill town, but I’ve not received absolute confirmation of this yet.
Secondly, cash deposits – I’ve insisted that current cash deposit services continue, particularly for local businesses and charities that need to deposit large amounts of coins. No guarantees have been made on this yet.
Lastly, no interruption of service – I was assured that a franchisee would be operational when the DMB closes, but I haven’t received clear information on the viability of franchisee applications. Without this, I can’t yet have full confidence in the continuity of service.
I’m also currently working to secure a commitment that if a new franchise were to fail, the Post Office would provide a temporary branch so Bexhill wouldn’t be left without service. I want to make sure that, no matter what happens, Bexhill always has a post office like Devonshire Square.
Thank you again to everyone who signed the petition. We’ll continue fighting for what’s best for Bexhill and its residents, and hold the Post Office accountable. I expect there will be a future consultation about Bexhill specifically.
Also check out the video below of me speaking about all of this on BBC Sussex.
Review of Nicholas Prosper's Sentence
I'm glad that the Government is taking forward my referral of the sentence for murderer Nicholas Prosper. These were the most heinous crimes deserving of the most severe penalty a court can give.
Prosper murdered his mother Juliana Falcon, and his siblings Giselle (13) and Kyle (16), in a brutal attack in their family home. Despite this, the judge declined to impose a whole life order — meaning Prosper could one day be released.
Following widespread concern, I wrote to the Attorney General asking for the sentence to be reviewed under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme. The Solicitor General has now confirmed that the case is being referred.
This was a horrific crime. The original sentence failed to reflect its seriousness and left many people rightly outraged.
There’s a clear gap between what most law-abiding people consider justice and what is too often delivered in court. The idea that someone who commits an act like this could eventually walk free is incomprehensible to many.
The Court of Appeal now has the opportunity to put this right. The victims — and the public — deserve nothing less.
Read more about this story in the link below: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1759wxkg5go
Visit to British Gypsum Mine in Robertsbridge
I had the opportunity to visit the British Gypsum Mine in Robertsbridge – a really important local employer providing skilled jobs and adding real variety to the kinds of careers available in our area.
The construction industry is still a great choice for people starting out or looking for something new, and it was brilliant to see the range of roles on offer at the site. I spoke to several team members who began their careers here and are still going strong years later – it’s clear there are real opportunities to grow and progress.
And not many people can say they’ve been down a mine deep underground!
Thanks so much for having me!
If you'd like to read more details, check out my Sussex World article here.
Meeting with The Colonnade Traders
Last Friday, I met with the Colonnade traders to talk about their concerns for the future of their businesses when the Colonnade is closed for repairs and refurbishment.
They have worked hard to make success of their micro businesses at the Colonnade, some having been there for many years with a loyal customer base. They are understandably worried about where they would locate whilst repairs are being done and there are uncertainties over them being able to return, which makes it hard for them to plan for the longer-term.
I understand the challenges that Rother District Council faces in ensuring that council-owned assets provide best value for money for the taxpayer. However, the traders really need more certainty about the future so they can plan ahead.
Whilst, at this stage, Rother has advised that no long-term commitments can be given, I have supported the traders request that they maintain clear and direct dialogue with them which will allow the traders to make decisions about their businesses at the earliest possible opportunity.
I have received assurance that they now have a direct line of communication to a senior officer at the Council who will keep them updated as plans progress.
Rother Parish Clerks Meeting
I met with a number of Rother town and parish clerks who work really hard to support their councillors across the district.
We met at The Almonry in Battle where we discussed issues of concern, with planning enforcement and local development being key issues for many of them. We also talked about the opportunities which may come about through devolution, and local government reorganisation, to take on and manage more local assets and services for the local community.
We are going to explore these opportunities further and look at examples from abroad and elsewhere in the country to look at best practice.
A259 Road Safety Meeting
Last week, I met with Sussex Police, National Highways, East Sussex County Council, local councillors and community reps from Hooe to talk about road safety on the A259.
This followed a number of serious accidents late last year, including a tragic fatality. I wanted to get everyone round the table to understand what’s been happening and what more can be done.
Police and National Highways shared data showing that, overall, the road isn't classed as high risk but that doesn’t reflect the real concerns I’ve heard from residents, especially those in Hooe and surrounding villages, who deal with the impact of accidents and road closures far too often.
I'm pleased that National Highways will now be carrying out a full route study of the A259 and A27 in East Sussex to look at safety, traffic levels and how the road is being used. This is the first step to securing investment and changes, as we've seen happen on the A21.
I’ll be keeping in touch with the team leading the study and will back any bids for funding to make the road safer.
East Sussex has long been overlooked when it comes to transport. If we’re being asked to take more housing, we need the infrastructure to match — that means safer, more resilient roads like the A259.
If you'd like to read more details, check out my Sussex World article here.
Meeting with Member of Youth Parliament & Youth Cabinet
I was pleased to meet with Henry Kicinski-Mason, Member of Sussex Youth Parliament and East Sussex Youth Cabinet.
Henry explained how he conducts surveys, creative consultations, and workshops to gather the views of young people, before taking time to clearly communicate these back to local stakeholders and partners. This makes sure that young people are represented in the changes made locally.
It was a great chance to hear directly from a representative of young people about the local issues that matter to them. Henry can be proud of the work he has done to ask young people what their views are, and for taking the time to communicate them to local decision-makers.
I’ve agreed to ask Bexhill Town Board if they too will meet with him to hear more.
Eastbourne Hospital Geothermal Energy On-site Meeting
This week, I visited Eastbourne District General Hospital to hear more about their plans to use geothermal energy to help heat the hospital in a greener way. It is one of the main hospitals serving the constituency even though it is located across the boundary.
Geothermal energy is heat that comes from deep underground. In parts of East Sussex, there are layers of warm water and rock under the surface—called hot sedimentary aquifers—that can be used to heat buildings without using gas or oil.
I’ve been a strong supporter of geothermal energy for some time. It’s a clean, reliable source of heat that’s been underused in the UK for too long. One way to help it grow is to group projects together so investors feel more confident.
Starting with hospitals makes sense—they use a lot of heat and the NHS has its own decarbonisation targets.
Across the country, of 210 NHS hospitals in England and Wales that have been prioritised for decarbonisation due to their high heat demand, 109 hospitals overlie potential geothermal aquifers. If we can get projects like this off the ground, it will be good for the environment, help the NHS cut energy costs, and show that geothermal is a safe, smart investment.
I’ll keep working with the NHS and the government to help support practical, ready-to-go projects like this one.
Visit to The Sara Lee Trust Therapy Centre
I was pleased to visit the Sara Lee Therapy Centre in Sidley this week where I met with charity CEO, Dan Redsull, and Operations Manager, Jayne Thomas.
This local charity provides invaluable free counselling and alternative therapy for those diagnosed with cancer, or other life-threatening illness, and their families. Their bespoke services can take place at the therapy centre or at home, depending on need. Patients are referred to Sara Lee via health professionals.
I was given a tour of the therapy centre which has space for group therapies, individual therapy rooms and counselling rooms. The charity has created a lovely calming environment where they provide support and care to local residents during very difficult times.
Whilst there, I met with two of their therapists who told me how much they love their work because they experience firsthand the difference they make to people's lives through their therapy, care and support.
I look forward to working with Sara Lee charity and supporting them as they continue to offer vital support services to the people of Bexhill, Hastings and Rother.
Marketplace at Freedom Church
I had the pleasure of visiting The Marketplace at Freedom Church in Sidley to find out more about the community larder, café and debt advice services which operate from the church at Claremont Road in Sidley.
I met with Maureen Chaseley, who co-ordinates the project, Freedom Church Pastor Sally Sago, and Revd Guy Partridge who is manager of Bexhill Christians Against Poverty (CAP) and leads the debt advice service.
The Marketplace meets from 10.00am -12.00pm every Tuesday and is open to any local resident. For £3.00, residents can enjoy the community café and, if they would like, have a visit to the community larder. The larder stocks a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables along with store cupboard items, some of which would otherwise go to waste. The Marketplace has between 50-60 people attend each week.
The Marketplace café has become incredibly popular with local residents. It has helped alleviate loneliness in the community for all generations - from parents with young children to senior citizens. It is a welcoming place to meet, chat and make friends.
For those experiencing food poverty, sometimes as a result of debt, the CAP team are on hand to help with face-to-face budget and debt management advice. CAP can also take proactive steps with debtors to solve worrying financial problems. In addition, to CAP, the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), Warm Homes advisers, Bexhill Foodbank and local Healthwatch are regular visitors to the Marketplace providing information and support to local residents.
I’m so grateful to the 20+ volunteers who give their time and energy each week to keep The Marketplace running and have helped to make such a vibrant and supportive community initiative.
You can find out more at www.freedomchurchbexhill.com/the-marketplace
Etchingham Newt Conservation Partnership
This week, I visited Etchingham’s Newt Conservation Partnership, who work with NatureSpace to carry out a government-approved approach to the conservation of great crested newts.
I know some people have shared my frustrations that the way we manage protecting species like newts when building is illogical at times. It can be a tick box for developers without much public benefit and certainly not always the best way of spending money to benefit wildlife.
Given this, it was great to learn more about alternative approaches to protecting newt populations, where instead of doing it directly themselves, developers can contribute to schemes in the area run by experts that make a big impact on biodiversity.
The Newt Conservation Partnership, with sites across the UK, works with landowners to deliver wildlife-friendly ponds for great crested newts, creating hundreds of lakes and boasts of having double the number of newts per pond compared with standard bodies of waters.
I will be interested to keep in touch to hear more about the progress of their work.
Meeting with RBL Volunteer Mrs Winifred Warner
It was a great honour to meet Bexhill resident and Royal British Legion volunteer, Mrs Winifred Warner who has recently been awarded a badge by the RBL for 30 years of volunteering service. It was my pleasure to treat her to tea and cake as a thank you!
Many local people will recognise Win who knits poppies to help with RBL fund-raising and joins other volunteers every year outside of Tesco supermarket in Ravenside for the Poppy Appeal collection. Now in her 90th year, she has no intention of retiring from her volunteering. She is a remarkable lady.
Thanks to the Crafty Norman Brasserie for making us so welcome and for the delicious cake selection.
World Parkinson's Day
11th April marked #WorldParkinsonsDay. Parkinson's UK provides a range of support for individuals and families affected by Parkinson's, from offering a listening ear to specialist guidance on care and employment.
You can find out more about their local resources at www.parkinsons.org.uk or by calling their helpline on 0808 800 0303.
As your local MP, I am also available to offer support to my constituents. Please contact my office if you need assistance.
Local Road Closures (please note this information is provided by third parties):
Bexhill
- Cooden Drive: 3 Feb 2025 – 1 Feb 2026
- Arthur Road: 22 Apr – 6 May
- Pear Tree Lane: 23 Apr – 25 Apr
- Sluice Road: 18 Apr – 22 Apr
Pevensey and Westham
- Eastbourne Road: 14 Apr – 22 Apr
Herstmonceux
- Victoria Road: 21 Apr - 25 Apr
- Padgham Lane: 29 Apr (09:30 – 15:30)
Brightling
- Brightling Road: 22 Apr – 2 May
- Goldings Lane: 22 Apr (09:30 – 15:30)
Sedlescombe
- Crazy Lane: 24 Feb – 30 May
Brede
- Cackle Street: 1 Apr – 25 Apr
Ticehurst
- Tinkers Lane: 30 Apr
- Lymden Lane: 28 Apr – 29 Apr
Burwash Weald
- Swife Lane: 28 Apr – 30 Apr
