Archive for category: News

We know from recent Sussex Police crime reports that anti-social behaviour, violent and sexual offences and vehicle crime are the most frequently reported issues across the Lewes district.

We’d like to hear from you about any local issues that may be going unreported or overlooked by the police or other agencies.

We would be grateful if local residents could complete the survey to our annual Safer in Sussex programme. : https://forms.office.com/e/iXZt8BCssv

We’re forward to seeing you and your broken stuff as we head into the last 3 Repair Cafés of 2025. But may we make a special request please?

There is a tendency nowadays to when you unpack your new appliance to throw away the instruction manual! We know that nowadays many are online, but if you have kept the instructions, take the time to  read them  because it may well help you solve some of the faults yourself. This applies particularly to any form of vacuum cleaner, notably Dysons where you need  to clean and wash the  filters. Sadly, we are now seeing  many of these where the innards are all bunged up because the filters have never been cleaned since it was new!  Similarly with toasters – and you all appear to eat a  lot of toast! – please clean out the crumb tray and shake out and lumps of frazzled bread stuck inside!

If you no longer have the instruction manual, you’ll find one online which you can print them out and keep close to hand.  Stuff is getting more complicated nowadays and it really does pay to understand how it works – help us to help you and if do you have the instructions, please being them with you when you visit!

Although you can bring as many items as you wish to be repaired, we only permit you to book in one at a time, in fairness to those who will be in the queue behind you. Once your first item has been looked at, you can of course book in the next and join the list – if you’re there early enough, there’s a good chance we can also look at the next one.

Chailey Repair Café is part of a  world-wide movement where volunteer experts repair things free of charge – although a donation towards running costs is invited. Anyone can bring along broken items or clothing needing repair from home, and have a cuppa and a cake and then watch while your repair is done in front of you.

You’ll find us at St Peter’s Church, Chailey on the A275 at Chailey Green on the second Saturday   of each month (11^th October, 8^th November, 13^th December and so on) between 1000hrs and 1300hrs where we have a full Café service including our legendary cakes!

Not sure if we can fix your broken item?  Contact  us at chaileyrc@gmail.com and we’ll see what we can do to help.

See you very soon!!

Bryan McAlley and the Chailey Repair Café team

This is to advise you of a change to the previously published talk on Thursday 11th September and to remind you of other activities planned for this month.

Thursday 11th September – ‘Peatlands: Past, Present and Future’

7.30 p.m. at Chailey Village Hall BN8 4DA Michael Way will present on these precious habitats- how they developed, what treasures they contain, and what the future holds for them.

Examples will be given from Wales, Somerset and Sussex. Michael is an ecologist and our society’s Conservation Officer. This replaces a talk on Lichens as the speaker has unfortunately had to postpone.

Saturday 13th September – Lichens Walk with Sim Elliot

2.00 to 3.30 p.m meet at Romany Ridge Common Car Park, North Common Road, BN8 4EB

Saturday 20th September – Bird Walk with Adrian (approx 1 mile)

8.00 to 10.00 a.m. meet at Romany Ridge Common Car Park, North Common Road, BN8 4EB

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service are offering free electric blanket tests. Please see attached details of dates and venues.

Chailey Parish Council met on Monday 11th August with two members of the Environmental Protection Team from Lewes District Council and a representative from Southern Water to discuss the fly infestation problem that has been affecting North Chailey.

Public complaints about fly infestations in the area have been ongoing since at least 2021, with some residents recalling issues as far back as 2012. The problem appears to be linked to sewage discharges, particularly near Hazeldene Lane, where stagnant water and possible untreated overflows have coincided with outbreaks of flies.

During the meeting, several matters were discussed. Concerns were raised about sewage discharges, including a suspected incident on 7 June 2025 which coincided with reports of flies, although Southern Water has not confirmed this. Previous discharges were recorded in March, but monitoring remains inconsistent and the information provided by Southern Water has often been unclear. Investigations into sewer lines and manholes have not revealed any faults or evidence of flies. Water samples taken near Hazeldene Pumping Station tested free of ammonia, though iron oxide discoloration was observed. It was also noted that rainfall-related overflows and even the presence of dead animals may be contributing factors.

Southern Water’s engagement with the issue has been questioned, as communication gaps persist. Both Environmental Protection officers and parish councillors are pressing for greater transparency on discharges, overflow sites, and checks across the network. The possibility of agricultural links was also considered. Although flies can be attracted to poultry manure, Environmental Protection confirmed that the local chicken farm is managing its waste responsibly following inspection.

Historical issues were also noted. In 2012, fly infestations were linked to sewage discharges, while in 2021 they were traced to a broken manhole cover. More recently, in July 2025, Southern Water cleared another manhole cover on the A275 where waste had been emerging. The role of private drainage systems such as septic tanks and cesspits was also discussed, as poorly maintained systems may cause contamination. Environmental Protection plans to contact private owners to remind them of their responsibilities.

A number of actions are ongoing. Southern Water has been asked to clarify its discharge data and provide timely notifications. Environmental Protection will continue to monitor poultry farm practices, and there may be further checks on reed beds. Residents may also be provided with fly traps and updated guidance leaflets if needed.

In conclusion, the infestation problem in North Chailey is longstanding, multi-faceted, and appears to be centred around sewage discharges, though private drainage, farm practices, and stagnant water may also play a role. Although the issue has recently died down, residents are encouraged to report any recurrence to Environmental Protection, either online at Lewes and Eastbourne Environmental Protection or by calling 01273 471600. Should fly traps be required, residents can contact the Clerk at Chailey Parish Council at clerk@chaileyparishcouncil.gov.uk or by calling 01825 722388.