Alison Bennett's Monday Mail: News from Burgess Hill
Welcome news for Burgess Hill town centre
Last Wednesday I was so pleased to be amongst the councillors who voted for Mid Sussex District Council to enter into a joint venture with NewRiver REIT to redevelop The Martlets Shopping Centre.
It cannot be overstated how important it is that the town centre is revitalised. I heard it time again on the doorsteps during the general election campaign not just from people who live in Burgess Hill, but from right across Mid Sussex.
Whilst the agreement to enter into a joint venture is only the next step in a long journey, it shows our commitment to not letting the Martlets remain as it is, and it plots a path towards restoring the vitality of Burgess Hill for residents and businesses. Thanks must rightfully go to the officers at the Council who have worked unbelievably hard to bring this deal together, and to colleagues from all parties on the District Council who have supported these proposals.
An update on Woodlands Meed
Recently, the contractors who are responsible for completing the exterior works of the new Woodlands Meed College went into administration. With pupils having finally moved into the new buildings, campaigners had hoped that we were in the home straight of Completing Woodlands Meed. After many years of fighting to get the College built, I understand how much the completion of Woodlands Meed means to pupils, parents, governors and people right across our area.
I am concerned that further delays are inevitable, and I want to ensure that the finished project is completed in full, and the final specification is not watered down.
That is why last week I wrote to the CEO of West Sussex County Council (WSCC) asking for clarity on what the County Council’s next steps will be. I urged them to act at pace to get the outstanding works completed.
I am in dialogue with the Estates Team at WSCC, and whilst it is clear that the County Council agrees with me that this issue must be urgently resolved, I have reiterated that it would be unacceptable for there to be any dilution to the specification of the College campus. Further, I have asked to be kept updated on a weekly basis on how this work is progressing.
Out and about in Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint
On Saturday I enjoyed being the guest at a Q&A session at Holy Trinity in Hurstpierpoint. This was one event of the annual Hurst Festival. The Hurst Festival which has celebrated its twentieth anniversary this year, always offers a real variety of events, and having only ever been a member of the audience in the past, being part of the line up was quite special. I was asked a wide range of questions from the hyper local, to the international. Thank you for the invitation.
In the afternoon I popped into Greener Hassocks and Ditchling’s Party at the Patch at the Hassocks Community Veg patch. I mentioned the group in my maiden speech celebrating the work they have done on community energy schemes, but they do so much more. I love their focus upon local change that is in the hands of individual citizens. I believe though that unless governments create the right framework in which individuals, businesses and the third sector can act, then we won't see the climate action taking place at a pace that is needed if we are to mitigate the worst impacts of global warming.
Getting in touch
My parliamentary email address is: alison.bennett.mp@parliament.uk. If you need my help, please get in touch and I will do my best to help, but whilst I am still recruiting, it will take longer than usual to respond.
Best wishes,
Alison
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