Help prevent wild fires

Help Prevent Wild Fires
Sussex Neighbourhood Watch has shared a message from the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service urging people to take extra precautions outdoors as the risk of wildfires remains very high across both East and West Sussex.
The recent prolonged period of warm, dry weather has left grassland, heathland and woodland areas particularly vulnerable to fire. Even small heat sources, such as discarded cigarettes, disposable barbecues or campfires, can develop into significant incidents that spread rapidly, especially during hot, dry and windy weather.
That not only poses a risk to people, property, wildlife and the environment, it also places significant pressure on emergency services.
The Fire & Rescue Service is asking everyone to play their part in reducing the risk.
Station Manager Matt Gamblen is West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Wildfires Tactical Advisor. He said: “Our firefighters are prepared to respond when fires break out, but preventing a fire taking hold in the first place is always the best approach. We are asking everyone to be extra vigilant when enjoying the countryside and open spaces this summer. By taking a few simple precautions, residents can help protect their communities, local wildlife and our firefighters.
“Here in West Sussex we’re not experiencing the same weather conditions or scale of wildfire activity currently being seen in parts of southern Europe. However, prolonged periods of hot, dry weather can increase the risk of grass, heathland and woodland fires locally.
“It only takes a small spark from a discarded cigarette, barbecue, campfire or machinery to ignite dry vegetation which can have devastating consequences.
“It’s not possible to predict exactly where or when a wildfire may occur, which is why we’re continually monitoring weather conditions and working closely with partners, including landowners and local authorities, to prepare for periods of increased risk.
“I encourage residents and visitors to take extra care outdoors, avoid using disposable barbecues in open countryside, dispose of smoking materials responsibly and report any signs of fire immediately.”
Residents are also encouraged to avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, as hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation, and to keep garden waste clear of combustible materials.
Wildfire safety advice
People can help prevent a fire breaking out by:
Not using disposable barbecues in the countryside or on areas of dry grass.
Avoiding campfires and open flames in open spaces.
Properly extinguishing and disposing of smoking materials.
Taking litter home, especially glass bottles which can focus sunlight and start a fire.
Not parking vehicles on dry grass.
Reporting fires or signs of fire immediately by calling 999.
For further summer safety guidance, visit: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/campaigns/keeping-safe-this-summer/

Help Prevent Wild Fires
Sussex Neighbourhood Watch has shared a message from the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service urging people to take extra precautions outdoors as the risk of wildfires remains very high across both East and West Sussex.
The recent prolonged period of warm, dry weather has left grassland, heathland and woodland areas particularly vulnerable to fire. Even small heat sources, such as discarded cigarettes, disposable barbecues or campfires, can develop into significant incidents that spread rapidly, especially during hot, dry and windy weather.
That not only poses a risk to people, property, wildlife and the environment, it also places significant pressure on emergency services.
The Fire & Rescue Service is asking everyone to play their part in reducing the risk.
Station Manager Matt Gamblen is West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Wildfires Tactical Advisor. He said: “Our firefighters are prepared to respond when fires break out, but preventing a fire taking hold in the first place is always the best approach. We are asking everyone to be extra vigilant when enjoying the countryside and open spaces this summer. By taking a few simple precautions, residents can help protect their communities, local wildlife and our firefighters.
“Here in West Sussex we’re not experiencing the same weather conditions or scale of wildfire activity currently being seen in parts of southern Europe. However, prolonged periods of hot, dry weather can increase the risk of grass, heathland and woodland fires locally.
“It only takes a small spark from a discarded cigarette, barbecue, campfire or machinery to ignite dry vegetation which can have devastating consequences.
“It’s not possible to predict exactly where or when a wildfire may occur, which is why we’re continually monitoring weather conditions and working closely with partners, including landowners and local authorities, to prepare for periods of increased risk.
“I encourage residents and visitors to take extra care outdoors, avoid using disposable barbecues in open countryside, dispose of smoking materials responsibly and report any signs of fire immediately.”
Residents are also encouraged to avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, as hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation, and to keep garden waste clear of combustible materials.
Wildfire safety advice
People can help prevent a fire breaking out by:
Not using disposable barbecues in the countryside or on areas of dry grass.
Avoiding campfires and open flames in open spaces.
Properly extinguishing and disposing of smoking materials.
Taking litter home, especially glass bottles which can focus sunlight and start a fire.
Not parking vehicles on dry grass.
Reporting fires or signs of fire immediately by calling 999.
For further summer safety guidance, visit: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/campaigns/keeping-safe-this-summer/

Help Prevent Wild Fires
Sussex Neighbourhood Watch has shared a message from the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service urging people to take extra precautions outdoors as the risk of wildfires remains very high across both East and West Sussex.
The recent prolonged period of warm, dry weather has left grassland, heathland and woodland areas particularly vulnerable to fire. Even small heat sources, such as discarded cigarettes, disposable barbecues or campfires, can develop into significant incidents that spread rapidly, especially during hot, dry and windy weather.
That not only poses a risk to people, property, wildlife and the environment, it also places significant pressure on emergency services.
The Fire & Rescue Service is asking everyone to play their part in reducing the risk.
Station Manager Matt Gamblen is West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Wildfires Tactical Advisor. He said: “Our firefighters are prepared to respond when fires break out, but preventing a fire taking hold in the first place is always the best approach. We are asking everyone to be extra vigilant when enjoying the countryside and open spaces this summer. By taking a few simple precautions, residents can help protect their communities, local wildlife and our firefighters.
“Here in West Sussex we’re not experiencing the same weather conditions or scale of wildfire activity currently being seen in parts of southern Europe. However, prolonged periods of hot, dry weather can increase the risk of grass, heathland and woodland fires locally.
“It only takes a small spark from a discarded cigarette, barbecue, campfire or machinery to ignite dry vegetation which can have devastating consequences.
“It’s not possible to predict exactly where or when a wildfire may occur, which is why we’re continually monitoring weather conditions and working closely with partners, including landowners and local authorities, to prepare for periods of increased risk.
“I encourage residents and visitors to take extra care outdoors, avoid using disposable barbecues in open countryside, dispose of smoking materials responsibly and report any signs of fire immediately.”
Residents are also encouraged to avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, as hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation, and to keep garden waste clear of combustible materials.
Wildfire safety advice
People can help prevent a fire breaking out by:
Not using disposable barbecues in the countryside or on areas of dry grass.
Avoiding campfires and open flames in open spaces.
Properly extinguishing and disposing of smoking materials.
Taking litter home, especially glass bottles which can focus sunlight and start a fire.
Not parking vehicles on dry grass.
Reporting fires or signs of fire immediately by calling 999.
For further summer safety guidance, visit: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/campaigns/keeping-safe-this-summer/

Important news about the Mountfield Parish Council website

The web address (URL/uniform resource locator) for the Mountfield website has changed. Is is now:

https://mountfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk

Or you can simply type:

www.mountfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk

The .gov.uk suffix is necessary as all local authorities should be using this.

Just bookmark one of the above web addresses to make life easy. Posts will continue to arrive with all subscribers.
If you have any questions, please contact me on:

01424 838414 or at clerk@mountfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk

Irene – Parish Clerk

 

 

Agenda for Mountfield Parish Council meeting on 14.07.26

AGENDA FOR THE MOUNTFIELD PARISH COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD ON 14th JULY 2026

Parish Council Members are summoned to a meeting of Mountfield Parish Council to be held on 14th July 2026, at 7.30pm in Mountfield Village Hall

Members of the press and public are welcome and encouraged to attend

Irene Marchant (Parish Clerk/RFO)

St. Giles, Woods Corner, Dallington, East Sussex TN21 9LA

01424 838414 – clerk@mountfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk

9th July 2026

1. Disclosure of interests

To receive any disclosures by Members of personal interests on this agenda, the nature of any such interest and whether the Member regards the interest as a disclosable pecuniary interest under the terms of the Code of Conduct.

2. Dispensations

3. Apologies for absence

4. Accuracy of the minutes of the previous meeting(s)

5. Open Forum

5.1 County Council report (ESCC) – Councillor K. Field

5.2 District Council report (RDC) – Councillor E. Kirby-Green

5.3 Public Question Time – to receive any questions from members of the public on matters on this agenda.

6. Co-option of 2 new Members

For Members to consider how best to recruit the 2 new Members required.

7. Data Audit and Data Protection training

To consider the Data Audit policy as presented by the Clerk and to action training for Members and Clerk.

8. Devolution

To consider the proposal by RDC – Local Government and NAC’S

9. Dark Skies Project for Mountfield

For Members to consider the scale of this project and the first steps if the decision is to go ahead.

10. Mountfield Parish Profile

For Members to discuss this project and whether or not to go ahead.

11. Full transition to .gov.uk

Mountfield PC has now transferred both website and emails to .gov.uk. The Clerk to brief on any further details. (CLERK)

12. Defibrillator at Solomon’s Lane

The LED display on this defibrillator is not working properly, although, when tested, the defibrillator shows no faults. The Clerk has contacted Wel Medical who are looking into the problem. (CLERK)

13. Village waste collection

To consider the current situation and any further actions.

14. Refurbishment of telephone box

The Clerk is still chasing quotations and will continue to do so. (CLERK)

15. Grit bin replacement and refill

To consider if all grit bins are in the right places and being used. (CHAIR)

16. Southern Water Solar Array

Councillor O’Sullivan to brief Members on the current situation.

17. Duck House

To consider cleaning and any repairs to the duck house.

18. Legionella assessment

To consider if the KGF pavilion requires a Legionella assessment and regular checks.

19. Planning

19.1 Planning applications for consideration

  • RR/2026/0501/HOU – Keepers Cottage, Mountfield Lane

Demolition of modern flat roof side extension and detached rear dual pitched structure, construction of rear addition and complete renovation of the property including internal alterations.

Click on this link to see full details on the RDC planning website

  • RR/2026/0502/LBC – Listed Building Consent for the above application

Click on this link to see full details on the RDC planning website

  • RR/2026/0605/HOU – 9 Eatenden Lane

Proposed single-storey rear extension to replace partially demolished addition.

Click on this link to see full details on the RDC planning website

19.2 Any other planning matters for discussion.

20. Enforcement

20.1 No Mountfield items on RDC’s most recent enforcement list.

20.2 Any other enforcement matters for discussion. MPC are waiting on RDC Enforcement to action the extreme light pollution from the Morrisons store on the A21.

21. Highways/Rights of Way

To discuss any urgent highways/rights of way matters. Battle Ramblers have just published their July-Septembers walks programmes, these are available on the MPC website.

22. Finance

22.1 Bank balances at 30.06.26

  • MPC deposit account – £5,983.34
  • MPC current account – £7,036.22
  • KGF current account – £1,880.18

22.2 To approve the following payments:

  • Clerk salary/home office Jun/Jul 2026 – £1,151.00
  • Uniserve WordPress hosting – £135.13
  • Satswana DPO service l2026-27 – 90.00
  • * H&T Building Services cesspit KGF – £6,960.00
  • * ICO registration 2026-=27 – £52.00
  • * Turtle Medical defibb box – £444.00
  • * Mailpoet premium service 2026-27 – £112.01
  • * Defibb store new pads (Solomon’s Lane) – 81.60
  • * Uniserve email service 2026-27 – £332.64
  • * Cricket match refreshments – 65.57

* already paid

22.3 To approve the first quarter accounts at 30.06.27 as presented by the Clerk.

23. Dates of next meetings

  • 11.08.26 – full council meeting (provisional only)
  • 08.09.25 – KGF meeting (starts 7.00pm)
  • 08.09.25 – full council meeting