RESIDENTS raised concerns over anti-social behaviour, empty shops, public services and councillor attendance at Hailsham Town Council’s annual meeting this evening (Wednesday).
Around 60 residents turned out for the meeting, chaired for the first time by Town Mayor Cllr Chris Bryant at the annual gathering.
A lengthy public question session saw residents quiz councillors on a wide range of issues affecting the town, from the future of the high street and youth provision to highways, policing and the financial performance of the town’s Post Office.
One resident challenged the council over councillor meeting attendance, claiming one councillor had attended just three out of 26 meetings, while another recent full council meeting had seen only eight members present.
Responding, Cllr Bryant said: “By law, a councillor only has to attend one meeting every six months. We can’t change that. It’s up to each individual councillor if they attend, or not.”
Concerns were also raised over anti-social behaviour around the war memorial in the town centre, with one resident saying they now avoided the area due to drunkenness and the smell of suspected drug use.
Cllr Bryant said the Town Council had been working with police on the issue, but stressed incidents needed to be reported.
He said: “Drinking in public isn’t illegal, but if there’s an issue with behaviour, then the police need to know.”
Councillors said they had looked into alcohol restrictions in the area, but noted the issue was complex.
The future of Hailsham’s struggling town centre also featured heavily.
One resident questioned how the council intended to achieve its strategic aim of making Hailsham a stronger destination for shopping, leisure and culture, asking how the town could realistically attract new businesses amid growing vacancy rates and the rise of online shopping.
Another raised concerns over the growing number of barber shops and vape or sweet shop-style outlets appearing in empty premises on the High Street.
Cllr Bryant acknowledged the concerns, saying the loss of variety in the town centre had been identified and discussions were taking place with the Chamber of Commerce and Wealden District Council.
He said one immediate initiative would see vacant shop units fitted with display stickers to improve their appearance, while the council also hoped to encourage pop-up shops.
Town Councillor Anne Marie Ricketts said: “I’ve lived in Hailsham 56 years. This town used to have everything in it – fruit and veg shops, shoe shops and much more. My passion is this town, and I really want to encourage businesses to come here.”
Karen Giddings from the Town Council said upcoming events, including Sussex Day celebrations, the Christmas lights switch-on and trial markets, were all aimed at bringing more people into the town centre.
The future of the relocated market was also discussed after newly-elected County Councillor Paul Soane asked why it had been moved from the town centre to the council offices car park, and if the trial had been successful.
Cllr Bryant said the move was part of a trial due to restrictions on what could be offered in the original location.
Ms Giddings said one trial market remained, with the issue due to return to the Communities Committee on June 1 before any decision is made.
Youth services were also defended after questions about their impact and value for money.
Andy Joyes from Hailsham Youth Service said around 600 young people were currently registered, with around 60 attending each drop-in session and approximately 3,000 attendances recorded over the past three months.
He said the service also offers counselling, used by around 30 young people a month, and plans were in place for a family support centre and expanded sports provision.
Questions were also asked about major infrastructure projects, including roadworks expected on South Road and Ersham Road.
County Councillor Neil Cleaver said East Sussex County Council highways officers had assured him that the Ersham Road roundabout project was fully funded and expected to proceed next year.
The future of local services was another concern, with residents raising the loss of Burfield School and a doctors’ surgery.
Cllr Bryant said the Town Council lobbied wherever possible but acknowledged it had no power to force other authorities to act.
On Hailsham Post Office, Chair of Finance and Governance, Cllr Colin Mitchell, said the Town Council had subsidised the service by £303,000 since opening it in 2019, but said finances were improving.
He said: “The banking hub has turned it around and we should be turning a corner this year.”
A resident praised the service, saying the town “wouldn’t know what we’d do without it”.
Questions were also raised over the future of local government reorganisation and the possible move to a unitary authority structure.
Councillors said there remained significant uncertainty, with Mr Soane concluding he thinks the plans will be ‘kicked down the road’.
Cllr Bryant concluded the meeting by thanking all the residents for attending, and reiterating that anyone is welcome to attend the regular council meetings to make their views known.
