Latest News and Announcements

Almonry refurbishment update September 2021

Whilst works are progressing well, there have been some delays and the Almonry is now likely to be available for Officers in mid-October.

It is highlighted that the current climate is causing a general delay in provision of supplies and an increase in cost of materials.  These will have an unavoidable impact on the project.

The revision to electric heating has resulted in an increase in mains power supply which is reliant on UK Power Networks availability.  However, it has been ascertained that Officers can work safely in a reduced area of the Almonry until this supply is installed.

Additional work to the roof has been identified and it is indicated that this is due to the delays in commencement of work and the resultant deterioration of poor quality roof tiles.

Following amendments to the project, the Listed Building Consent requires Yorkstone to be incorporated into the new ramp access.  To attempt to mitigate costs, it has been agreed to order a product that will not be available until after the handover of the Almonry in mid-October.  To ensure safety, the double gates will only be open on request until the access is fully completed and the platform lift is installed.

The current anticipated increase in final account is £51,805.84, which includes £10k contingency and £10k for delayed works. A total provisional cost is now £593,266.68. 

£500,000 of the £600,000 agreed Public Works Loan Board loan has been drawn down and Council agreed unanimously that the additional works identified should be incorporated into the project, taking the revised additional cost from Ear Marked Reserves.  

Council is conscious of the inconvenience caused by the footpath closure during the works and confirm that East Sussex County Council are content with the measures put in place during the footpath closure.  The Contractors are working to remove the hoarding and open the footpath as soon as practicable.

A new Almonry Working Group has been formed to produce a Strategic Plan for the use of the Almonry.  To develop a maintenance plan that ensures the continued use of the building in years to come, this will incorporate:

• the need to respect and enhance the heritage of the building and its environs;
• the need to meet the current and future requirements of the Council and the community;
• the need to cover the running costs of the building;
• the need to review the use of the building and its environs on a regular basis.

 

Battle Civil Parish Neighbourhood Plan referendum 16th September.

Electors opportunity to vote on the Battle Neighbourhood Plan will soon be here as the referendum will be on 16th September. For further information visit the neighbourhood plan website https://battleneighbourhoodplan.co.uk/ or http://www.rother.gov.uk/Battle-Neighbourhood-Plan

Gardens closed

To enable the replacement driveway works to be carried out the Council has closed The Almonry Gardens. We apologise for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming visitors back in September.

Councillor vacancies

Battle Town Council currently has vacancies for councillors in the Netherfield and Watch Oak Wards.

If you live in the Battle/Netherfield Ward and would be interested in helping serve your community we'd love to hear from you.  For more information on becoming a councillor please click here. 

Book a Tennis Court

Courts at the Rec. can now be booked in advance at: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/BattleRecreationGround
Explore Battle

As we are all encouraged to stay local, the challenge of keeping everyone entertained can require a little thinking outside of the box. If you would like to explore all there is to see and learn about the beautifully historic town of Battle then why not try one of Battle Town Councils beautifully designed fun trails. Whether you are a visitor or proud local resident, there is always something new to explore and the Battle Through Time spy trial will set you off on your very own top-secret mission. If entertaining the kids is proving a challenge, why not try the Battle Activity Book, filled with fun for little (and big) ones. For more information please see the Visiting Battle pages.   

Please note: Once published, all meeting agendas and minutes will be available to download from the relevant Committee page of the website.