Grounds & Environment Committee

Agenda

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

To:      All Members of the Grounds & Environment Committee (Kristian Berggreen, David Bunting, Frances Gaudencio, Bill Hatton, Sue Hatton, Peter Richardson, Paul Shepherd and Ian Weir) with copies to all other Councillors for information.

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A meeting of the GROUNDS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE will be held on 4^th December 2025 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks.

Parish Clerk 27^th November 2025

1. TO ACCEPT APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

2. TO ACCEPT DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

3. MINUTES. To accept the Minutes of the Grounds and Environment Meeting held on 23^rd October 2025. (Previously circulated).

4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

5. OFFICER’S REPORT. (Appendix 1).

6. GROUNDSPERSON REPORT. (Appendix 2).

7. ALLOTMENTS REPORT – Members are asked to consider approving the removal of a small Oak tree from Allotment plot 2A. (Appendix 3). To view Appendix 3 please click here.

GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE. Verbal report from a member of our Garden of Remembrance Volunteer group.

8.1 GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE TREE WORKS. Members are asked to consider the following quote to lift the crown of the trees along the southern boundary line of the garden by
Keymer Road by approximately 10-15ft.

Quotation: £700.00 (Adastra/Garden of Remembrance EMR £2500.00).

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION: Members are invited to approve the works. The Deputy Clerk will make enquiries as to whether any parking restrictions will be necessary for the works to go ahead.

9. BURIAL GROUND REPORT & FEES REVIEW (Appendix 4).

10. ORCHARD LANE – The clerk has received a request from a resident of Orchard Lane to install a “Private Road – No Parking” sign at the entrance to the lane.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION: If members are minded to agree in principle, the Deputy Clerk would make enquiries to establish the cost of purchasing the sign and installation on a post.

11. FLOOD WORKING GROUP – Following the recent flooding incident in the village members are asked to consider reinstating the flood action group. The attached appendix contains details of the last recorded meeting of the group, on 7^th May 2023. (Appendix 5).

12. GRAND AVENUE PLANTERS. Update (Appendix 6)

13. BUS SHELTERS – Members are asked to consider request from West Sussex County Council regarding the proposed installation of additional bus shelters along the route of 273 bus service. (Appendix 7,8,9).

14. ADASTRA PARK MASTERPLAN.

14.1 ADASTRA PAVILION SURVEY RESULTS. Members should have had an opportunity to read the reports provided by Stuart Radley Associates. Hard copies will be available at the meeting.

Following a meeting on 27^th November Cllr David Bunting to provide an update.  Members are asked to consider the Proposed Maintenance Plan and delivery of the work required. Priority items can be costed and funded through the General Reserve, subject to the approval of Full Council.

14.2 CRICKET NETS UPDATE. (Appendix 10). Please click here to view Appendix 10.

15. PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY (PROW). Verbal Update.

15.1 FOOTPATH 21K FROM GRAND AVENUE TO CLAYTON MILLS – A meeting took place between WSCC to discuss improving this footpath as it is a popular route for Downlands pupils.

15.2 CINDER PATH WORK – The Clerk is investigating whether CIL money is available to improve access to the SDNP.

15.3 DOWNLANDS SCHOOL – Clerk and Chair recently held a meeting with the new Headteacher at Downlands School. The PROW running through the land at the back of the school was discussed.

16. OPERATION WATERSHED. The Clerk is chasing up the contractor to repaint the double yellow lines.

17. URGENT MATTERS at the discretion of the Chair for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda.

18. DATE OF NEXT MEETING. 22^nd January 2026 at 7.30pm.

Please Note:
All members of the public are welcome to attend meetings of the Parish Council and its Committees. Item 4 – a period of 15 minutes will be set aside for the public statements and questions relating to the published non-confidential business of the Meeting.
It may be necessary to consider particular items in confidential session and where this arises, these items will be considered at the end of the agenda.

FILMING, RECORDING OF COUNCIL MEETINGS AND USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA. During this meeting members of the public may film or record the Committee and officers from the public area only, providing it does not disrupt the meeting. The Confidential section of the meeting may not be filmed or recorded. If a member of the public objects to being recorded, the person(s) filming must stop doing so until that member of the public has finished speaking. The use of social media is permitted but members of the public are requested to switch their mobile devices to silent for the duration of the meeting.

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Appendix 1

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

To:      Grounds & Environment Committee                    

Date: 4^th December 2025

Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk                         

Subject: Agenda Item 5 – Officer Report

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The purpose of this report is to update the Committee on (G&E) Matters:

• On Wednesday 19^th November, unfortunately the Groundsman garage was broken into and a number of items of equipment were stolen. The roof was peeled away then the main door was opened from the inside. An insurance claim will be submitted for approx. £3500 with a £250 excess.

Total costs:

1. £2k – replacement tools. Quotes to be obtained
2. £1,500 – roof repairs (Worthing Roof repairs quote)
3. £1k – secure metal storage unit (to include the cost of getting it bolted to the floor)
4. Total: £4,500

The Parish Council will incur costs of £1250.00

• Bench by the Tennis Courts has been refixed in original location. The person that donated the bench expressed her gratitude to the Parish Council and The Monday Group for organising the repairs after the bench was vandalised. Additional bench that is round to the side of Adastra Hall has been refixed to the ground.
• Fencing along the park boundary in the North Field was installed on 30^th
• Enquiries are ongoing to try and install more dog poo bins within the parish. The Deputy Clerk has contacted Burgess Hill Town Council to ask if they can assist with emptying.
• Due to continued vandalism at the toilets in the Adastra car park, the facility has new opening hours:
  10-2pm Monday – Friday
  7am – 6pm Saturday & Sunday
  The disabled toilet is accessible as normal with a radar key.
• Woodland Flora & Fauna Report Talbot Field – The group recently attended the site to undertake the annual clean out and disinfecting of the bird boxes installed around the site. All but one had been used for nesting by blue tits, great tits and nuthatches. These checks and earlier regular inspections have both confirmed what a valuable location Talbot Field is for nature.
• The new bin has now been installed on the southbound side of London Road, at the bus shelter. MSDC have been asked to add this bin to their emptying schedule.

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 Appendix 2

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL                                                                                               

To:      Grounds & Environment Committee                                

Date: 4^th December 2025

Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk                         

Subject: Agenda Item 6 – Groundsperson Report

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• Bins in the Skate park painted with anti-graffiti paint, also the concrete benches.
• All the signs around Orchard Lane, groundsman garage, and children’s play areas cleaned.
• All hedges around the park were cut w/c 2^nd October
• Daily sweep of the tennis courts.
• Tidying of area around the car park entrance for the poppy display
• Annual servicing of machinery. Tightening nuts and bolts etc, sharpening blades.
• Area at the back of the Garden of Remembrance has been grass seeded.
• Orchard Lane – Leaves, acorns and debris cleared from the lane. Four large potholes cleared.
• Allotments – Strimming of the grassed areas. Plot preparation for a new tenant.
• Hedge bordering Talbot Field trimmed by hand.

Groundsperson regular works schedule:

Where	What	Frequency	When
All sites	Report fly tipping, removal of graffiti, broken and damaged items	As required
Adastra Park	Litter pick, remove broken glass – around buildings and undergrowth	Daily
Tennis Courts	Sweep court areas, remove leaves, weeds and bird mess	Daily (if necessary)
Adastra Park	Empty litter bins	Twice Weekly	Tues and Fri
Adastra Park	Main car park – leaf clearance, potholes, gritting and snow removal	Weekly
Adastra Park	Weeding, mowing and strimming	Weekly
Orchard Lane	Road surface inspection – fill potholes, check and maintain undergrowth and hedge on park side of the lane	Weekly
Playgrounds	Playground equipment – general maintenance inspections and minor repairs	Weekly
Grass Pitches	Goal mouth repairs	Weekly (as required)	Tues
Adastra Park	Grass cutting – South Field “surrounds” (i.e. areas not cut by contractor), Garden of Remembrance , children’s playground	Weekly (seasonal)
Grass Pitches	Inspect pitches and liaise with football clubs regarding fitness for use according to weather and ground conditions	Weekly (seasonal)	Fri
Grass Pitches	Pitch preparation and line marking – both fields	Fortnightly (seasonal)	Thurs/Fri
Adastra Park	Stream bank – inspect and clear undergrowth	Monthly
Adastra Park	Wash and clean litter bins	Monthly
Parklands Allotments	Mow / strim path network, general inspection and report	Monthly
Adastra Park	Prune hedges – by benches, in Remembrance Garden and Keymer Road, around tennis courts, Adastra Hall, Sports Pavilion and Parish Office etc.	3x Annually	Oct/Jan/Jul
Parklands Copse	General pathways inspection	2x Annually	Mar/Sept
Adastra Park	Painting – Garden of Remembrance path edges, car park bollards, bins	Annually	Mar/Apr
Orchard Lane	Painting – sleeping policeman	Annually	Mar/Apr
Adastra Park	Bench seats – treat timber as appropriate and maintain bases	Annually
Grass Pitches	Erection and removal of goal posts	Annually	Aug/May
Talbot Field	Hedge maintenance	Annually	Sept/Oct

 

Appendix 4

To:      Grounds & Environment Committee                                

Date: 4^th December 2025

Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk                         

Subject: Agenda Item 9 – Burial Ground fees review

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Members are invited to view a report on the Burial Ground usage and a proposal for the fees increase from 1^st April 2026.

Between April – October 2025:

• 7 grave plots purchased for immediate or future use
• 6 ashes plots purchased for immediate or future use

Budgeted Income: Target Annual Income: £7750 Income YTD – £7142

Budgeted Expenditure: Water £250 YTD: £123 Grounds maintenance £5400 YTD: £2078

 

Fees comparison

Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common

Purchase of Exclusive Right of Burial – burial plot	£475.00 – includes first interment
2nd Interment Fee	£238.00
Installation of Headstone	£177.00
Additional Inscription	£60.00
Purchase of Exclusive Right of Burial – ashes plot	£177.00- includes first interment
2nd interment fee	£120.00
Installation of a memorial tablet	£77.00
Search fee/Grant Amendment	£54.00

 

Non-parishioners are charged at 5x the fees

Ditchling

Purchase of Exclusive Right of Burial – burial plot	£228.50
1st Interment fee	£310 single depth £455 double depth
2nd Interment fee	£299.00
Installation of Headstone	£174.00
Additional Inscription	£60.00
Purchase of Exclusive Right of Burial – ashes plot	£228.50
1st interment fee	£172.00
Additional ashes	£172.00 (up to 3 sets)
Installation of a memorial tablet	£120.00
Search fee/Grant Amendment	£54.00

 

No space available for ashes interments. Non-parishioners charged at 6x the fees

Proposed fees 2026-27   Hassocks Burial Ground	Current Fees from April 2025	Proposed changes – April 2026 Increase by CPI Sept 25 – 3.8%
BURIAL AREA	EROB (50yrs) Non parishioner – 5 x fee	EROB (50yrs) Non-parishioner – 5 x fee
A stillborn child, or a person whose age at the time of death, did not exceed 18 years (Residents and Non-residents)	No Charge	No Charge
A person whose age at the time of death exceeded 18 years.
Purchase of Exclusive Right of Burial Single or double depth	£407.00	£422.00
INTERMENTS
Single/Double plot depth	£220.00	£228.00
Second interment – coffin/ashes	£220.00	£228.00
Memorials – Burial Area
For the right to erect a headstone within the burial ground on a grave in Respect of which the exclusive Right of Burial has been granted.	£151.50	£157.00
For the right to have additional inscription on an existing memorial.	£75.00	£78.00
CREMATED REMAINS AREA
A stillborn child, or a person whose age at the time of death, did not exceed 18 years months (Residents and Non-residents).	No Charge	No Charge
A person whose age at the time of death exceeded 18 years:
SOUTH SECTION Memorial Tablet area Purchase Exclusive Right of Burial – 50 years Single or Double depth ashes plot	£255.00	£265.00
First ashes interment	£130.00	£135.00
Second ashes interment	£130.00	£135.00
Memorial – South Cremation Area
For the right to install a Flat Memorial Tablet	£76.00	£79.00
For the right to have an additional inscription	£41.00	£42.60
NORTH SECTION Memorial Wall Area Purchase Exclusive Right of Burial – 50 years Single depth ashes plot	£127.00	£132.00
Single depth ashes interment	£130.00	£135.00
Memorial – North Cremation Area
To purchase a plaque on the memorial wall and permission for an inscription	£41.00	£42.50
Other Charges
Search Fee	£35.00	£36.50
Replacement, transfer or amendment of Deed of Grant	£58.00	£60.00

 

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION:  Members are invited to approve the burial ground fees for 2026-27

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Appendix 5

Report from Grounds and Environment Working Group on Flooding

May 7^th 2023

Introduction

This Working Group was set up in December 2020 to review the evidence of flood incidence and risk in the parish and the potential solutions and make recommendations for future action.

The members of the group are Parish Councillors Frances Gaudencio (Chair); Claire Tester; Bill Hatton; Alex Simmons and Kristian Berggreen; County Councillor Kirsty Lord; District Councillor Benedict Dempsey; Juliet Merrifield (HKD Transition); and Peter King (Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust).

The Terms of Reference agreed by Grounds and Environment Committee on 3^rd December 2020 included that the Working Group would report its findings back to the Committee within 12 months unless otherwise agreed by that Committee.  The Group has met five times and reported back to the Committee regularly during 2021.  This report summarises all the information the Group has discovered in the last year and makes recommendations to the Committee on future actions.

Findings of the Working Group

Review of Existing Reports

WSCC Hassocks Surface Water Management Plan 2016 was reviewed and the following matters were raised:

• The WSCC report was confirmed as adopted by WSCC, and its absence from the website likely due to technical problems. HKD Transition has an electronic version which it shared with the Group.
• The implementation of the WSCC report has been delayed but is next in the queue (see section on Evidence from West Sussex County Council).
• Many of its recommendations are subject to funding and it will be difficult to secure such funding due to need to provide evidence of effectiveness in moving properties to a lower flood risk.

OART Reducing Flood Risk in Hassocks – Upstream Flow Mitigation Herring Stream and Lagg Stream report 2016 was reviewed and the following matters were raised:

• The OART report had been mostly implemented with the exception of establishing further retention ponds and other natural flood management (NFM) features in Butchers Wood. Butchers Wood is now being managed under a Woodland Management Plan www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/butchers-wood/  and this does not include any NFM measures. There may be an opportunity to have some input to the 2023-2028 plan for the site.

• Anecdotal evidence from last winter and this winter suggests that the implemented NFM measures have been successful in slowing the flow and reducing flooding along Parklands Road.

Both reports indicate that Parklands Copse and Play Area are areas for future investigation into NFM measures, and this potential should be explored further with the landowners Hassocks Parish Council and Mid Sussex District Council.  Further work on other tributaries was needed and HKD Transition is considering this and whether the aims of any of the engineering projects in the WSCC report could be achieved through NFM measures instead.

HKD Transition report on Green Infrastructure was reviewed and the following matters were raised:

• The proposals for verges around Mackie Avenue etc were intended to make these absorb more water through rain gardens and/or tree planting to capture more water before it reached the watercourses or areas of flood risk.
• It was noted that many of these verges were maintained as short grass by adjacent householders and that their support for any measures would be essential.
• It was considered that there was more scope for some of the wider verges, particularly along Ockley Lane and adjacent to the junction with Adastra Avenue, but that WSCC’s position with regard to sight lines and maintenance would need to be understood.
• The potential for tree planting to assist flood management was discussed and it was considered that single trees in verges offered only small benefits whereas larger scale planting for instance in fields alongside streams could be more beneficial.
• Opportunities existed to install ‘tree pits’ – i.e. large holes for water retention with trees planted in them – along the top of Keymer Road near Station Approach to catch water before it goes to the centre of Hassocks / Spitalford Bridge (further research indicates that there are too many services under the pavements to implement this proposal).
• There may also be an opportunity to work with WSCC re the verge/old pond at the entrance to Beaconhurst.
• HKD and OART has produced a table of ‘Flood Mitigation Options for Hassocks’ which has been prioritised according to ease/cost of implementation. (see Appendix A).

Evidence from West Sussex County Council

Cllr Lord obtained input from Richard Speller of WSCC Highways on current and proposed drainage works in the highway.  This included the following information:

• There are two Hassocks locations on Richard Speller’s list of 25 flood hotspots in Mid Sussex and Crawley – London Rd and central Hassocks.
• Work was undertaken in February 2021 at Beaconhurst to investigate the cause of frequent flooding at the junction with Keymer/Ditchling Road. This was established as intrusion of roots and debris into the drainage pipes from Ditchling.  Further liaison needed with ESCC.
• The Community Grants Scheme could be used to fund ‘tree pits’ as they being proposed on new roads around the county, so a precedent has been set. More information is needed about the cost to install and whether a commuted sum would be required to cover maintenance.  There may also be potential obstruction to pedestrians or impact on utilities infrastructure.
• WSCC fully supports wildflower verges and rain gardens / trees within verges where appropriate, Steve Hill leads on this issue.
• Surface water often pools around some drains rather than drains away because the pipes between the drains no longer have the capacity to discharge the volume of rainfall.
• It was confirmed that Spitalford Bridge is in the ownership of WSCC. It was reported that the previous drainage holes in this bridge had been filled in.  Photographs were requested.
• Keymer Road / Parklands Road

• • A basic level survey and inspection has been carried out.
  • This identified i) that all of the existing highway drainage outlets are below water level when the stream is in full flow and ii) when the water level in the stream is above the soffit level (i.e. the top) of the culvert under Keymer Road, water from the stream could flow out of the lowest gulley in Parklands Road, adjacent to the shop. This has indeed been reported by residents during flooding at this location.
  • WSCC proposal to install a number of gullies that would discharge into the stream at a high level, i.e. above full flow level. (work carried out December 2021).

• Keymer Road / Railway Bridge

• • Flooding at the bridge caused by intrusions of roots and debris into gullies;
  • Would resolve these issues after Keymer Road / Parklands works to avoid sending more water into the centre of the village before those issues have been resolved.

• Downs View Road

• • Richard Speller visited site with Christine Ellison and investigated the existing culvert crossing and highway drainage adjacent to ‘Waterside’ and No. 11, Downs View Road.
  • The existing highway drainage is directly connected to the culvert.
  • During periods of heavy rainfall, the stream can flow out of the garden of ‘Waterside’ and across the road putting No. 11 at risk of internal flooding.
  • The culvert is not a straight line under the road which may reduce to volume of water that the culvert can take during times of heavy rain. But this is not considered to be a significate reduction in volume.
  • Discussed with the owners of No. 11 the possibility of lowering the kerb line in front of their property and channelling the water directly into the stream. This has been passed to the ‘Major Projects Team’ and is currently on a list for further investigation and design.

• Lodge Lane

• • Cllr Lord has been raising the longstanding problem of sitting water on Lodge Lane working with Parish Councillor Barton. It was listed as Priority 2 but there has been a backlog of Priority 1 jobs to get through before they could deal with this.  Drainline were out jetting in November so this may be fixed.

• Hassock Surface Water Management Plan proposals

• • Work has yet to start on the proposal to attenuate water within the existing stream network south of Hassocks, although WSCC aware that Peter King is looking at a similar project too. WSP the design and modelling consultants are still working on the Angmering Flood Alleviation Scheme, which is currently at the planning stage. Once this work is complete work will start on the Hassocks modelling.

Evidence from Mid Sussex District Council

The balancing pond between Keymer and Ditchling confirmed as maintained by MSDC but they are resolving a current issue with access.

Cllr Dempsey to liaise with Cllr Lord to set up a meeting with Kevin Macknay (WSCC) and Tony Johnson (MSDC) to discuss flood water retention measures at Parklands Play Area.

Accountabilities for Flooding and Drainage

Emails received from Tony Johnson, MSDC Facilities and Services Surveyor, clarified the accountabilities for flooding and drainage as follows:

• In the event of flooding, where life is at risk contact the Emergency Services on 999
• In the event of flooding to a highway report this online to West Sussex County Council Highways https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/make-an-enquiry-or-report-a-problem-with-a-road-or-pavement/flooding-blocked-drains-and-overgrown-vegetation/
• In the event of flooding from a surface water or foul water sewer contact Southern Water 24/7 on 0330 303 0368

Under Riparian Rights and Responsibilities, it is the landowners responsibility to maintain a watercourse and to ensure it’s free of blockages. The removal of such blockages should be treated initially as a private landowner matter. If the landowner is unknown then the Parish Council may know the landowner and initial reports should be made to them. Alternatively, blockages can be reported to The Flood Risk and Drainage Team as Lead Local Flood Authority delegated officers in writing to drainage@midsussex.gov.uk  Please be aware that this approach follows a formal process and should not be used in an emergency.

Cllr Barton to discuss with Group members leaflets for distribution to houses with adjacent streams advising of riparian rights and responsibilities; asking for volunteers for ditch wardens; and to identify where residents might need extra support.

Rapid (First) Responders

It was noted that HKD had a ‘rapid respondence team’ of volunteers willing to help in flood situations.  WSCC (Richard Speller) has confirmed that they are welcome to rod highway drains if they can do it safely without standing in the highway and a risk assessment is carried out.

The Parish Clerk has confirmed that public liability insurance for the first responders could be included within the Council’s insurance policy.  He also confirmed that keeping records in the parish office of flooding incidences would be achievable within existing resources.

Cllr Simmons is to research equipment needed to help residents help themselves during flooding incidences and provide indicative costs.

Some parishes on the Manhood Peninsula are taking a proactive approach and employing ditch wardens to help ensure that ditches and water courses are properly maintained.  This project was seed-funded with £600k from Watershed.  Hassocks Parish Council may wish to do something similar.

Wildflower Verges

The verge opposite Beaconhurst in Hassocks was included in the WSCC wildflower verges initiative in 2021.  This meant that there was a survey of existing plants and cutting was reduced to once in August.  Other verges (such as in Ockley lane) can be put forward for inclusion in the scheme for 2022.

An area in Adastra Park near the tennis courts was part of the PlantLife NoMowMay initiative in 2021.

Parklands Copse

In March 2021 the Grounds and Environment Committee granted landowner consent for the construction of debris dams at Parklands Copse to mitigate flooding in the centre of the village.   Peter King, Director of the OART, advised that constructing debris dams through this section will de-synchronise the flows near to where the two channels meet (from Butchers Wood and Parklands Copse). Slowing the flow in this location will further reduce the amount of water meeting Spitalford Bridge in the centre of the village, creating additional capacity within the culvert.   This should facilitate additional drainage from the road surface water drains which often back up once the level of water in the channel overtops the invert level of the pipes from the road.

In April 2021 full Council authorised a budget of up to £1,000 for the works and Peter King then obtained Water Course Consent from Mid Sussex District Council.  HKD volunteers installed the debris dams in September 2021.

Communications

An article on the work of the Group and to raise the profile of flood mitigation community projects was placed in Hassocks Life in summer 2021.

HKD organised walks around the various flooding initiatives in September 2021 including the new debris dams and the rain gardens previously installed in Adastra Park.  These were well attended by the public and councillors.

Recommendations for Future Actions

It is recommended that the Working Group be converted into a Flood Action Group.  This would continue to be led by the Parish Council and be attended by representatives of the County and District Councils but would have a wider community membership potentially incorporating or working with the HKD ‘Floods and Suds’ group.  Regular reports would be made back to the Grounds and Environment Group.

Tasks for the Flood Action Group could include the following:

• Take forward the actions in the table of ‘Flood Mitigation Options for Hassocks’
• Meet with Kevin Macknay, WSCC Lead Officer for Flood Risk, to discuss the implementation of the Hassock Surface Water Management Plan.
• Meet with the WSCC Resilience Team and/or assist them in running a community workshop.
• Create a Flood Resilience Plan for Hassocks.  The flood strategy and actions could also be incorporated into the Community Led Plan for Hassocks, being led by the Neighbourhood Plan Committee.
• Set up a Ditch Warden scheme with local volunteers to ensure local ditches and watercourses are maintained.
• Provide equipment for residents to protect their properties, monitors for streams and leaflets about riparian rights and responsibilities (budget proposal of £3,000 through the Parish Council budget setting process).

It is also recommended that the Parish Clerk be given the responsibility of maintaining a detailed record and map of flood incidences within the parish to guide future work on flood mitigation.

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Appendix 6

To:      Grounds & Environment Committee                                

Date: 4^th December 2025

Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk                         

Subject: Agenda Item 12 – Grand Avenue Planters

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The purpose of this report is to update members regarding the Grand Avenue Planters.

At the previous Grounds & Environment meeting held on 23^rd October members were asked to consider taking over the maintenance of these planters (ref GE25/052.1).

Costs were presented as follows:

The planters currently need emptying out, re-lining and this would be a good opportunity to fill with fresh compost. The cost to carry out the works would be £260.00 plus vat. Required only every 3-5 years.

2. To plant up for Summer Bedding to match colour scheme throughout high street £184.00 plus vat
3. To plant up for Winter Display to match colour scheme with Orion planters £184.00 plus vat
4. Maintenance of the planters, to include dead heading, weeding and regular watering through the growing season £336.00 plus vat annually.

TOTAL: £964 ex VAT

It has now been established that the planter on the western side was installed by Mansell McTaggart – Date unknown.

The two planters on the Eastern side were installed by the Parish Council after a request from Hassocks Amenity Association in Sept 2014. They are on our asset register. Hassocks Community Organisation don’t know who owns the wall, the complete history is unclear.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION:

Option 1: Considering the above information the Parish Council can offer to take over the full maintenance of the 4 planters as per the above cost.

Option 2: Hassocks Community Organisation would also be happy for our contractor to just add these planters to their summer watering schedule. Replanting and maintenance responsibility would remain with HCO.

Cost: To provide a watering service from mid-May – September £245.00 plus VAT annually.

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Appendix 7

To:      Grounds & Environment Committee                                

Date: 4^th December 2025

Contacts for this report: Deputy Clerk                         

Subject: Agenda Item 13 – Bus Shelters

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The purpose of this report is to provide members with information regarding a request from WSCC and to inform members of the current maintenance and financial commitments concerning bus shelters within the Parish:

WSCC would like to provide some additional bus shelters on the 273 bus route, using Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding.

To ensure that the location of new shelters meets local needs, they are inviting Hassocks Parish Council to be part of a working group of parish councils on the route. The working group will prioritise locations of new shelters on the route and talk through any other issues that local passengers may be experiencing.

New bus shelters will need to be adopted by the parish council covering the location, so would be taken on as a parish council asset and added to any existing maintenance.

The parish council currently own 7 shelters at the following locations:

• London Road South Little Copse Rd
• London Road Stonepound North
• London Road nr Belmont Close
• Brighton Road Stonepound South
• Hurst Road Stonepound West
• Keymer Road Spitalford Bridge
• Ockley Lane near Ockley Way

Bus shelter maintenance annual budget: £150 for cleaning of the Spitalford Bridge shelter and for any ad-hoc repairs. No other regular maintenance to other shelters.

Ear Marked Reserve: 10K for a new shelter.

Members views are sought.

(Maps attached)

Appendix 8 – current locations (please click here to view Appendix 8).

Appendix 9 – possible new locations (please click here to view Appendix 9).