Archive for category: News

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.

As Chailey Repair Café enters   our   8^th year of repairing broken stuff for the community, you’d be amazed at the different types of items  you have brought  for us to fix. Lined up for August is  a talking Woody from Toy Story, who has lost his voice, a superb vintage Murphy radio, and much more. And we have recently tackled an old Trimphone (remember those?) a  huge garden parasol, a  glass decanter a laptop and a ride-on toy train!

Some things we repair have huge sentimental value, having belonged to a late family member or friend We now have a huge stock of specialist tools and many spares which enable us to tackle some really obscure older items and will be happy to  help  rekindle those memories!!

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 (9^th August, 13^th September , 11^th October  and so on) between 1000hrs and 1300hrs where we have a full Café service including our legendary cakes! We get very busy nowadays, so  please don’t leave it until the last minute to call in !!!!

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