Blog

Please do confirm if you plan to help by emailing hugh@bolney.com . We may need to organise different groups in different areas if the demand is high! We ask that you bring your own gloves, we will provide the bin bags and litter picks.

With more people using the local Public Footpaths around the parish, some farmers and residents have been suffering from inconsiderate walkers who don’t stay on the Public Footpaths or keep their dogs under control. The Countryside Code has recently been updated and a copy is provided here. If you run a local business in Bolney where walkers may stop for refreshments, could you consider printing a copy of the leaflet for prominent display to remind people of their responsibilities when walking in the countryside. Many thanks.

Bolney Parish Council has been fighting very hard to try and get a roundabout agreed for the junction between the A23 London Road and A272, due to the many problems that high volumes of traffic cause to our residents in terms of rat-running through the parish and long queues at peak times.

This junction has been an ongoing issue for many years but with the proposed employment development on the Marylands Nursery site, it was felt that this was our final chance to push for a roundabout before the development takes place and insufficient land would be left to create one.  In past discussions with MSDC Planning the Parish Council had argued for land to be safeguarded at the junction but this was not taken into account.

This junction is due to have traffic lights as part of the Burgess Hill Northern Arc development, to help with further growth and reduce predicted queuing. However this will not happen until the 400th dwelling of the Northern Arc is occupied, which could be many years away.  The Parish Council still felt that a roundabout was a better option and recently attended meetings with Highways England and the Marylands developers to try and progress this. We have also written to both WSCC and MSDC having reviewed all the transport data on this junction. 

Sadly for us, the final outcome is that under the proposed development, a scheme will widen the approach from the London Road down to the A272 to allow for separate lanes for traffic turning left and right.  WSCC is happy that this will be sufficient and Highways England has not raised any objections. As a result, MSDC planners have accepted that this is the best option, although they have confirmed they will approach Homes England to see if the traffic lights can be installed earlier than planned.

We have made every effort to ensure that local voices were heard concerning this issue, but have come up against “received wisdom” at every turn.

Bolney Parish Council is saddened to learn of the death of HRH Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh, who has given such dedicated and distinguished service to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

Owing to the current public health situation residents may sign an e-book of condolence which is available at www.royal.uk It is expected that the Palace’s online book of condolence will be closed at 8am on Sunday 18th April.

The funeral has been arranged for Saturday 17 April and will be broadcast on television, including a minute’s silence at 3pm.

It is with deep sorrow that on Friday, 9th April, Her Majesty The Queen announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen and the family.

As we enter a time of significant national mourning following the death of Prince Philip, St Mary Magdalene Parish Church, Bolney will continue to be opened in daylight hours for public prayer and lighting of candles. The flag of St George is at half mast. The church bells were rung muffled at at noon on Saturday.

Unfortunately the Government has been clear that as a result of Covid restrictions we are not allowed to provide books of condolences.  You can however sign an online condolence book. https://www.churchofengland.org/remembering-his-royal-highness-prince-philip

On the altar is a framed picture of Prince Philip with a  candle lit nearby and tea lights are made available for anyone to light.

Many thanks to the Bolney Volunteers who cleared three fallen oak trees on footpath 36Bo through the Priorbush woodland on Saturday morning.

We have now received confirmation that the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has approved the top-up funding for the Bolney FTTP Broadband project!

The project will now move to the next stage, when you will all receive individual emails regarding your pledges – please respond as soon as you can.

You should check your junk email folder as well – the message will be addressed from:gigabit.vouchers@notifications.service.gov.uk

Message from GOV.UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Titled: Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme – action required


Please click on your individual validation link in their email.
This community project will benefit everyone in Bolney and future-proof the village.

Pledge your vouchers!
This week is your last chance to pledge your voucher for Fibre To The Premises (FTTP) in Bolney.
We are nearing our target but have to have final figures by Monday.
Remember: this is a community project that will benefit and future-proof you, your premises and the village as a whole.
Now is the time to commit your pledge to our project, via the website at https://www.openreach.com/connectmycommunity
Please talk to your friends and neighbours and encourage them to become involved in this community effort.

Envirotech Energy Solutions acquired the land east of Wineham Lane in 2019 with a view to developing battery storage here. Please see further information in their newsletter which includes details of a Public Webinar to be held on Thursday 18th March at 2pm and 7pm.

Please do look at this and their website and respond to the consultation prior to them submitting a planning application to Mid Sussex District Council.