Hassocks Parish Council

Minutes

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

DRAFT Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 8 July 2025

Attendees: Parish Councillors Maria Angelaki-King, Robert Brewer, David Bunting, Lesley Cruickshank-Robb, Frances Gaudencio (Chair), Sue Hatton, Don McBeth, Peter Richardson, Paul Shepherd, Alex Simmons, Ian Weir

In Attendance: Elaine Langridge (Clerk & RFO)

 MINUTES

 PC25/46        APOLOGIES Cllr Kristian Berggreen, Cllr Bill Hatton

Absent without apologies: Cllr Angus Neil

PC25/47        DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS Disclosure by Councillors of personal interests in matters on the agenda, and whether the Councillor regards their interest as prejudicial under the terms of the Code of Conduct – None.

The Clerk reminded Members to submit any outstanding Declaration of Interest Forms as soon as possible. 

PC25/48        MINUTES The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 10 June 2025 were accepted as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

PC25/49        PUBLIC PARTICIPATION No members of the public were present.

PC25/50        TO ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING MINUTES

Planning Committee – Members NOTED minutes of the meeting held on 16 June 2025

PC25/51        REPORTS

PC25/51.1     Police Report

PCSO Nathaniel Wales who covers the Hassocks area was unable to be present, but he provided a monthly report for May which showed the following:

Vehicle interference:            1

Theft of motor vehicle:        1

Theft- Adastra park:            1 (personal belonging of an individual)

London road:                        1 (road sign)

Shoplifting                             5

Burglary:                                1 (Private garage)

1 (BT exchange)

This headline information is available to the public on the Sussex Police website https://www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area/

The Clerk met with him on 23 June and he highlighted two new local issues of a drone flying near Friars Oak and the ‘Adastra Zoots’ who broke into and graffitied the vacant RBL building.  He also informed members that he holds monthly public surgeries at the Tates Garden Centre and the dates are displayed on the Parish Council noticeboards.

There was discussion about the use of the drone and Members thought it would be helpful if the Police could provide some public guidance regarding the legalities of drone use.

Members mentioned that there has been some vandalism recently in the North Field and the Scouts had organised a litter pick in Adastra Park. The Clerk reported that the Police had attended recently due to a report about youths smashing glass bottles in the Remembrance Garden.

 PC25/51.2     West Sussex County Councillor

 Cllr Erika Woodhurst-Trueman could not be present at the meeting but she provided a comprehensive report which the Clerk read out (Appendix 1).

Members look forward to learning more about the Salvation Army proposals at the next Council meeting.  They also reported that there is a large dip in Keymer Road, near Villa Adastra, that needs to be dealt with by WSCC Highways.

PC25/51.3     Mid Sussex District Councillor report

Cllr Sue Hatton provided an update on behalf of Cllr Chris Hobbs (Appendix 2).

PC25/51.4     Rail matters

Catherine Cassidy, Chair of the Rail Group, was not present but provided an update through the minutes of their latest meeting.  Train services have improved but there were some issues regarding cancellations, signage and access that they are discussing with the train operators.  She asked the Clerk to highlight the event at Hassocks Station on Saturday 27 September 2025 to join in the national Railway 200 events celebrating 200 years of the modern railway.  She also informed Members that they will be considering how they can remember Les Campbell’s contributions to the Rail Group when they meet later in July.

PC25/51.5     Community Initiatives

Cllr McBeth reported that he had been in contact with Age Concern regarding plans for the Telephone Exchange building and understands that it was sold by BT to a Property Management company with a large portfolio and it is likely to be many years before it is no longer required.

The Clerk informed Members that WSCC has approved the locations of two new on-street EV charge points in Hassocks; at Ockley Lane and Brook Avenue.

Cllr Gaudencio told Members that the Council has received an email from the Hassocks Twinning Association requesting a meeting.  The Council has supported exchange visits in the past and is keen to continue the relationship.  Cllr McBeth expressed an interest in becoming a Council representative on this group, if required.

PC25/51.6     Report from Councillors on meetings of outside bodies where the Council is represented

On 2 July, Councillor Weir attended an online webinar run by the South Downs National Park Authority to consider their draft Partnership Management Plan.  The document did not mention Hassocks so he highlighted our importance as a gateway with a station, cycle hire and direct public rights of way providing access to the national park.  The final draft should be amended to address this and they have indicated that they would be keen to set up a meeting with the Parish Council to discuss this further.

PC25/52        FINANCE 

 Members considered the Financial Report and supporting bank statements for the period ending 30 May 2025 as set out in Appendix 1. Cllr Bunting queried the payment regarding Japanese Knotweed inspections and the cost of the memorial bench and base in the burial ground.  The Clerk explained that the inspection was a precautionary measure, as some was removed several years ago, to ensure it is fully eliminated and does not return. The cost of the bench was mostly covered through a donation and it was constructed on a brick base which accounts for the charges.

PC25/52.1     Members APPROVED the payments list totalling £31,631.71 for the period 1-30 May 2025.

PC25/53        CHAIR’S REPORT

Cllr Gaudencio reminded Members of the Protocol for responding to queries from members of the public. Councillors may send a courtesy reply as a holding email and should direct these queries to the Clerk to draft and send a response on their behalf.

If Members are upgrading their computer equipment, as a result of the introduction of Windows 11, and need to reinstall Outlook to access their official hassocks-pc.gov.uk secure email accounts they should contact the Clerk who can arrange installation and setup by CSE, the Council’s IT support provider.

PC25/54        CLERK’S REPORT

 The Clerk informed Members that the office upgrade to Windows 11 had created some technical issues which have been time consuming and difficult to resolve. She will be on leave from 14 – 28 July and Helen Valler will be standing in as Deputy Clerk.  The Deputy Clerk and Groundsperson have both recently been on leave and the Administration Assistant is currently on leave for two weeks so the staff have been working hard to maintain cover.

 PC25/54.1     Standing Orders

 The Clerk explained that the new Standing Orders are based on the NALC model document.  The draft was reviewed by PR&C on 1 July and they have recommended it to Council for formal approval and adoption. 

 It was noted that a minimum of three clear days’ notice is needed for all Committees.  The document has colour coded dots indicating which clause relates to Full Council, Committee and Sub-committee meetings.  Clauses shown in bold are statutory requirements and cannot be amended.

It was clarified that all members of an advisory committee may be non-councillors if required.  Non-councillors do not have voting rights and would have to refer any recommendations to a Committee of the Council to approve or reject.

It was agreed that at least one third of Members (5) must be present at Council meetings for them to be quorate.  For Committees the quorum is one third or no less than three Members present.

 Cllr Gaudencio intends to set up a meeting of the Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs to discuss their responsibilities under the new Standing Orders.

Members RESOLVED to ADOPT the new Standing Orders with immediate effect.

PC25/54.2     Financial Regulations

The Clerk explained that the new Financial Regulations are based on a NALC template.  The draft was reviewed by PR&C on 1 July and they have recommended it to Council for formal approval and adoption. 

She explained that the main changes are in relation to the introduction of internet banking and a reduction in Councillor involvement in day-to-day financial administration. It is proposed that the number of signatories for each transaction is reduced from three to two which will enable payments, under £5k (excl. VAT) and within agreed budgets, to be set up by staff and approved the RFO. This will provide for greater efficiency and negate the need to visit the branch to make payments by BACS.

To ensure ongoing financial scrutiny and transparency:

• Councillors will receive a monthly list of payments made at each Council meeting
• at least once each quarter the Chair of PR&C (or a nominated Cllr) will verify the bank reconciliations and report back to the Committee
• the Unity Bank account signatories will all be able to view statements and transactions online at any time
• PR&C will have responsibility for budget monitoring

There was a great deal of debate regarding the value of checking payments before they are made rather than after the event.  Cllr Simmons stated that there is a double check by two staff in the office before an electronic payment can be processed so this should reduce the risk of error.   There was discussion about the benefits of providing Councillors with a weekly pending payments list which could be approved in advance but it was generally felt that this would add a layer of bureaucracy and should not be necessary if the monitoring is diligently applied.

The Clerk suggested adopting them for a trial six-month period, until after the internal audit in October, and then reviewing them again in light of experience and any feedback.

Members RESOLVED to ADOPT the new Financial Regulations with immediate effect.

PC25/54.3     Operation Watershed

 Members were advised that the works should take approximately one week to complete. West Sussex County Council designed the scheme so the Clerk was asked to contact them regarding signing off on the finished works. Cllr Weir can liaise with Edburtons and Cllr Richardson is willing to get involved on technical matters if he is available; he asked to see a copy of the detailed specification.  Members were pleased that this project should resolve years of issues at the Downsview Road site.

Councillors Members RESOLVED to APPROVE the allocation of £49,027.76 to deliver this project which will is fully funded through a grant from West Sussex County Council.

PC25/54.4     District Plan

The Clerk advised that Mid Sussex District Council is currently reviewing its position with regard to the potential legal challenge and are receiving legal advice.  They are planning a special briefing to all town and parish councils in July and will be able to share more information at that time about how councils can get involve if they wish.

PC25/55        URGENT MATTERS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIR – None

PC25/56        DATE OF NEXT MEETING Tuesday 9 September 2025.

PC25/57        EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS In view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted Councillors will be referred to the Confidential Agenda. If any members of the public or press are in attendance they will be requested to withdraw from the meeting in the public interest.

 CONFIDENTIAL

PC25/58        PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY IMPROVEMENTS – Award of contract.

Discussed under confidential matters.

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APPENDIX 1

PC25/51.2.1 West Sussex County Councillor Report

I met with Highways officials on 26th June to gain an overview of their work and understand how best to engage with them and escalate matters if needed. The meeting was very productive and I’m pleased to say that Jamie Hyde has been out to personally visit some of the sites I expressed concern about. Outcomes include but are not limited to the following:

• Grand Avenue- ensuring the lump is dug down and flattened before re-filling.
• Mackie Avenue – roundabout markings being scheduled for addressing.
• Wilmington Close/private road junction – the WS repair will be extended into the private road to address the huge dip.

I reported back about concerns expressed to me on the quality of some repairs. Head of the section, Ben Whiffen thanked me for raising them and asked that we report any concerns with quality to Highways as they audit and inspect contractors’ work. I am happy to be the conduit for these reports.

There are new contractors for roadworks (Volker since April) and also for drainage (Conway). The Contracts negotiated are demonstrably better for WS and Volker is able to jet tarmac which is quick and effective.

The next deadline for Community Highway Schemes is 31 July with moderation happening after September. However please be aware that new rules are coming in which will mean only one CHS will be considered per Parish.

Drainage works – the original advance information signs were stolen. New signs were put up and Them significantly increased in number following my intervention.

PROW – the ranger is visiting this month to inspect. I have been in touch with the head of section and asked for information regarding the Downlands path and how best to address the Little Copse to tunnel path. Steve Aldridge has advised the simplest way forward on the Little Copse matter is for the PC to install signage and/or paintwork with the landowner’s permission.

He has offered a meeting to discuss the Downlands path more fully later this month and I have invited Cllr Ian Weir and the PC Clerk or Deputy Clerk to attend too. We hope to discuss some potential future projects too. Cllr Weir can elucidate here.

I have offered my support to the Parish Council to seek to use the remainder of the funds (£27k) allocated to improving path 8 to improving paths north of it, which would create a better link to Burgess Hill and the Green Circle by foot and bike.

Villa Adastra – The Salvation Army is considering transferring Villa Adastra to another provider.  At Present The Salvation Army operates 11 care homes across the UK, however a decision has been made to transition from providing residential care for older people in order to grow and better support our community-based model.  The Salvation Army is actively exploring transferring six care homes to alternative providers which includes Villa Adastra. I have asked some initial questions and been offered a meeting on 17 July. I will be taking that offer up. I have invited Alison Bennett MP and Cllr Sue Hatton to join me.

School Crossing – the advert for a lollipop person to help children on Dale Avenue does not mention Hassocks and the recruitment drive therefore is significantly undermined. I have asked that the advert be amended and that, if possible, it should be advertised as flexible i.e. two people instead of one in order that it can be split morning and afternoon if that makes it more attractive to potential applicants. I am working with parents to spread the advert widely within the community.

WSCC Full Council – The full Council meeting is on 18 July, and I will be attending. The committee(s) I will sit on have not yet been determined but will be very shortly beforehand.

WSSC Updates – The Executive Director for Adults and Health has approved a two year contract extension of the Supported Living Framework until 31 July 2027 at an estimated total cost of approximately £150m, with an option to extend by a further two months.

On Thursday the Leader of the Council, Cllr Paul Marshall, will be live on BBC Radio Sussex as he takes part in their ‘Hot Seat’ interview between 9am and 10am. I imagine conversations will largely focus on devolution and Local Government Reorganisation, but he will be taking questions from the public.

Lauren McCann, joins as the new Executive Director of Law, Assurance and Insight. Lauren is starting ahead of Tony Kershaw retiring next month.

The threshold for Key Decisions has changed from 500k to £1m from 1 July 2025. Any decisions that fall under the £1m threshold will be processed as Officer/Cabinet Member non-key decisions.

I hope the Parish Council finds this update helpful, and I will be pleased to answer questions if required at the next meeting.

Erika Woodhurst-Trueman

County Councillor for Hassocks and Burgess Hill South

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APPENDIX 2

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

Full Council Meeting 8 July 2025

PC25/51.3.1        Mid Sussex District Councillor Report

• The ARC Centre for Outdoor Sport’s water connections should be resolved by the end of the month ready for its soft opening in August and official opening in September.  The good news is that all playing surfaces will be playable from the outset as the grass pitches were sewn last September, ahead of schedule.

 

• There have been substantial issues with both pools at The Triangle, with the equipment now starting to show its’ age.  This has resulted in the flumes having to be rebuilt, work on the raised floor of the completion and other works around the building.  The good news is that this should be all resolved next week, when the outdoor Lido area is due to open for the summer season too.
• In regard to homelessness, in June there were 102 new homelessness approaches – up to 25% versus May.  There are 104 households accommodated in temporary accommodation, mainly in accommodation the councils owns as thankfully no families accommodated in B&B (which is all outside the area).
• Finally, the summer playdays will soon be upon us and the Hassocks event is on Tuesday 12^th August here in Adastra Park.

Cllr Chris Hobbs

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure & Customer Services

Ward Councillor, Hassocks