Category: Member Communications

Travelog Lewes – Latest newsletter

THE £2 BUS FARE

You will probably have heard about the new Prime Minister’s promise of a £2 maximum bus fare from the beginning of 2026. Good news, but not useful if there are no buses. The last Conservative government surprisingly invested a lot in bus fares and more buses. A lot of these buses were funded by central government money. No announcement has been made about these routes, many of which are in the countryside. If we are going to cut down car use in rural roads and towns like Lewes, we need to keep and publicise those routes.

It looks as though transport is going to be the responsibility of the new all Sussex authority, which will be governed by a mayor. This new authority may have devolved powers and a devolved budget for transport which would replace any government money.

USING TRAINS FOR LONGER JOURNEYS

With the school holidays upon us, you may want to make longer rail journeys. So here are some links to useful Travel Log Lewes web pages.

Getting the cheapest rail ticket

Where and how to buy your ticket

Taking your bike on the train

Travelling by train to mainland Europe
 

A NEW PUBLIC FOOTPATH IN LEWES?

Despite strenuous objections from Lidl, which hopes to open a supermarket on the site, East Sussex County Council has decided to make an order to add a new public footpath to the rights of way map.

The path is near the Culfail roundabout, between the former Caffyns site and the 1950s building opposite the roundabout once occupied by the parking shop. The path goes from Malling Street towards Brooks Road. The council will now make an order and it will be possible to make objections, or to say how you have used the path, if you did. Notices will be published in local press.

There will almost certainly be objections by Lidl. This will mean that the issue must be referred to the Planning Inspectorate, which will make a final decision
 

SAIL LINK

Sail Link is continuing to provide a wind powered ferry from Dover to Boulogne

But, as an experiment, they will be operating a new route in September as well. It goes from Shoreham to Fecamp. Tickets go on sale at the beginning of August and are likely to be snapped up.

BRIGHTON BIKE HUB TRAINING

The hub is offering training for novice cycling in August and September in Brighton. Book here

SOME LONG DISTANCE WALKS FOR THE SUMMER OR AUTUMN

Whilst the South Downs way is our nearest long distance path, parts of it can be very boring on foot. Here are some longer distance paths you might enjoy.

The Serpent Way

A 65 mile trail, mainly in West Sussex, traversing woods, heathland and commons. Beautiful scenery and lots of shade, which will be welcome in the current weather. Created by the South Downs National Park Authority and well waymarked. Can be done as one day trips using public transport (although on some days you may spend more time on the train or bus than walking)

The High Weald Landscape Trail

A wonderful 90 mile trip across the Weald starting at Horsham Railway station, traversing all kinds of different countryside between here and London, passing through Bolney, East Grinstead, through the Kentish Hop Country, Tenterden and ending at Rye. Also doable by public transport as day trips, at a pinch, from Lewes.

Plan rail, bus or mixed journeys at https://www.traveline.info/  which will give you a route from your home to your destination.
 

VISITING LOCAL ATTRACTIONS BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

For opportunities for days out without the care see here

Services may not run every day and attractions may not be open every day. Check before travelling. Plan rail, bus or mixed journeys at https://www.traveline.info/  which will give you a route from your home to your destination.

THIS MONTH’S WALKS

Ashdown Forest

Ashdown Forest is one of the great heath lands of Southern Britain. It sits on the highest ridge top of the High Weald and is the largest free public access space in the South East.  Sadly it is infested with cars.  But this walk lets you explore the Forest using frequent buses. 10km, 6 miles.

Rotherfield Ramble

An exploration of the delightful High Weald south of Tunbridge Wells  featuring woodland, streams and the hill village of Rotherfield, using the 29 bus from Lewes  7.5 miles

Telscombe Trail from Southease

A circular downland and riverside walk to  Telscombe  with a visit to the villages of Southease and Rodmell 6.7miles 10.7km

THIS MONTH’S BIT OF HISTORY

Folkington Follies

Being an exploration of the replacement of the land owning class by factory owners, patriarchy, wild parties in improbable place and Elizabeth David.

FLEXIBUS

This is a flexible shared service that can take you to or from places not served by ordInary bus services which are up to 9 miles from your start point. You are now be able to book from a web browser at https://flexibus.eastsussex.gov.uk/. You are also able to book by phone on 01273 078203  (10-3 Monday to  Friday, not Bank Holidays) There is now a new smartphone app which you can get from app stores. It is  called Flexibus. The old one (Ride Pingo) will not work for new bookings.


PUBLICISE TRAVEL LOG LEWES

Travelman would really appreciate it if you are able to help spread the word about Travel Log Lewes. You could do this by:

1) copying this newsletter to your friends.

2) Displaying a poster in your window. There is a link to some suitable posters here.

3) Placing an article in the newsletter of any group or organisation to which you belong.

Email travelman@travelloglewes.co.uk and I can send you something tailored to your group.

Statement regarding Shelleys Hotel

A representative of the Friends of Lewes attended the SDNPA Planning committee meeting on the 16th July 2026 and read the following statement.

SDNPA Planning Committee Agenda item 12. Final.

The Friends of Lewes requests an update on the enforcement situation in respect of two prominent listed buildings in the Lewes conservation area.

The first, Shelleys Hotel, a grade II* elegant listed building, dates from 16th century, with 18th century decoration, 17th century panelling and 16th century wall-paintings, closed at the start of the Covid pandemic and has remained empty and unmaintained since. It has now been put on the SAVE ‘buildings at risk’ register.

The adjacent, 136 High Street, an early 19th century, red and brown brick gabled Grade II listed building, has been boarded up since before 2020.

The need for action on both these properties has been being raised with officers since April 2020.

We were told in December 2025 that a section 215 notice had been served in respect of Shelleys Hotel, as it appeared to the authority that the amenity of a part of the town was adversely affected by the condition of a building and land. We have been unable to obtain details of the notice, or the time for compliance, despite repeated requests. Because of the importance of the fabric of the hotel building, and the condition of 136 High Street, we expressed the hope that efforts would continue, through the warrant process, to gain legal access so that their condition could be assessed, and hopefully confirmation received that were watertight with all the historic features protected.  

The condition of 136 High Street, the adjacent property, remains unacceptable with boarded up windows and doors. We sought a notice to address these matters. Recently, timber sheeting has been fixed to the top of the side gates to Shelleys Hotel, increasing their height to 3.5m, without the necessary planning permission or listed building consent. Both buildings continue to deteriorate to the detriment of the townscape in this part of the conservation area.

We can find no record on public access portals or the enforcement register of any action by the authority, although more than 6 months has elapsed since the 215 notice was apparently served.

Trees are undermining the foundations of the listed building. Urgent action is necessary. Without any answers to emails we are formally raising these concerns, as the situation undermines the role and effectiveness of the authority. The case featured on the front of Lewes News, the community newspaper distributed to every household in the town, because of the considerable public interest. The authority was asked to provide information but declined.

The continued apparent absence of action is considered entirely unacceptable, and is inconsistent with the very high level of scrutiny by officers of planning applications to alter, paint or repair listed buildings and non-listed buildings in the town.

Download Shelleys Hotel statement

launch of The Water Efficiency Campaign

The Campaign focuses on the forecast that if nothing changes there could be a 5 Billion litre shortfall of water per day by 2055 and aims to effect a long term behavioural shift in the usage of water.

This campaign, funded by water companies, aims to reshape the public’s relationship with water and embed water-saving behaviours into daily routines. 

The campaign is a collaborative project involving all water companies in England and Wales, alongside DEFRA, the Environment Agency, the Welsh Government, National Resources Wales, consumer groups representing both households and businesses, and Ofwat.

Ofwat’s role in this work is to provide the regulatory and policy framework that supports and enables the campaign rather than delivering it directly.

A new campaign to help us all save water

Let’s Save Water is a campaign to help everyone use less water by making small, everyday changes.

Why do we need to use less water?

England may seem wet, but many places do not have enough water. The climate is changing, meaning summers are drier and winters bring heavier rain. Both make it harder for rivers and reservoirs to refill.

England has clean, safe tap water. But we often use more water than we realise at home and at work. This means in many areas we are using water faster than nature can replace it.

Taking too much water from rivers, lakes and underground sources harms our environment and wildlife. It can make droughts last longer.

If nothing changes, by 2055 there may not be enough water to go around, and England could face a potential shortfall of 5 billion litres every day. That’s like 25 million people leaving the tap running for 20 minutes, every single day.

What can we do about it?

We need to act now, and everyone has a part to play.

The water industry is investing billions to upgrade the network – from fixing leaks to upgrading infrastructure and increasing supply.

But small changes from all of us at home and at work will make a big difference. Shorter showers, stopping drips in our toilets and taps and using water-saving appliances all add up.

How much water do you use daily?

Most of us don’t realise just how much water we use each day. In fact, the average person in England uses almost 140 litres a day. A lot of the time when we’re using water, it’s as part of daily routines that are so familiar, we don’t think about them.

But to avoid water shortages, we each need to save about 28 litres of water every day. And we need to save this water all year round, not just in the drier summer months or during droughts.

Everyday changes to help you save water:

• Cut your shower by two minutes and you will save 28 litres a day

• Swap a running tap for a washing up bowl, to save 10 litres per minute

• Fixing a leaky loo saves up to 5 full baths of water, 400 litres a day

• Swap regular mode for eco-mode on your dishwasher and washing machine to save 10 litres per wash

Find more information and things you can do at letssavewater.com

Lewes Societies Fair – 5th September 2026

Organised and funded by the Friends of Lewes

The 19th Lewes Societies Fair returns to Lewes Town Hall on Saturday 5 September 2026, offering residents and visitors the chance to discover the wide range of clubs, societies and community organisations that make Lewes such a vibrant and welcoming town.

Whether you are looking to take up a new hobby, meet new people, learn a skill, volunteer, or become more involved in local life, the fair provides an excellent opportunity to explore the many groups and activities available in the area.

Visitors will be able to meet representatives from a diverse range of local societies, clubs and community groups, as well as visit an exhibition about the Battle of Lewes. Refreshments will be available throughout the morning.

Friends of Lewes – policy on development in the floodplain

Following the very successful Friends of Lewes 25th Floods Anniversary Exhibition, we received a considerable amount of feedback that Lewes residents didn’t want any more homes to be built in the floodplain.  In response we have developed a policy position on development in the floodplain, which we have sent to the South Downs National park in response to their latest version of the SDNP Local Plan.  

Read the policy here ….. 

FOL Flood Policy Final _a_17 June 2026 convDownload

Do you have a favourite tree in Lewes? 

The Trees Committee of Friends of Lewes have launched a “Special Trees” Project to celebrate the wonderful trees in our Arboretum Town.

It is a first step towards developing a Tree Charter for Lewes that acknowledges the Rights of Trees.

We are inviting people of all ages to send us a photograph of a tree that they think is special. It could be special to you because of its colour, shape, because it welcomes you home every day, or for any other reason! 

The tree must be in a public space in the town of Lewes – so that we may invite other people to visit it.

Email your photograph with a note of “what makes it special for you” to arboretumlewes@gmail.com

We plan to display the photographs at Lewes Climate Hub, 32 High Street, during Heritage Open Days, 12th-13th September 2026, and publish them on our website and social media.

The photograph shows the Ginkgo biloba in Abinger Place – a favourite tree of Brian Courage, Town Ranger

He told us: “The more I look, the more favourite trees I start to see which is, I suppose, the reason for acknowledging they are all special and need to have their rights acknowledged. The first one that came to mind is the Ginkgo biloba on Abinger Place. The leaves are such a lovely shape and particularly beautiful in the autumn. It’s one of many trees in the town that helps to frame its location and would change the landscape in the area if it weren’t there. The plaque in front of it states that it is the site of the Manor pound, across the road from the Town stocks so it is clearly a historical site despite the tree being a relative newcomer. The Ginkgo biloba can live for 1000 years plus, and I wonder what it might witness in its future.”  

We look forward to hearing from you!

Grant update – Restoration of St. Anne’s Churchyard North Flint Wall – Western Road, Lewes

In 2025 a grant of £2,000 was given by Friends of Lewes to the St.Anne’s Fund Raising Committee to help fund the restoration of the Grade II flint wall on the north side of St.Anne’s churchyard, which separates the churchyard from Western Road, Lewes.

The work was urgently required as flints were falling from the wall into Western Road which could have endangered passing traffic. It was important to protect access to Lewes and safeguard an important part of the heritage of the historic County Town.

FoL are pleased to report that the restoration is now complete.

St Anne’s Church Lewes

E.S.C.C – Lewes Parking Review 3 – Informal consultation

East Sussex County Council are informally consulting on proposed changes to parking and waiting restrictions in Lewes District. They would like to invite your comments on these. The proposals follow requests for changes to existing parking controls or where local residents or businesses want new controls to be introduced.

Plans showing the proposals are available to view on the consultation hub. Please take the time to look at these and tell them your views. You can do this by completing the online consultation at the following link: https://consultation.eastsussex.gov.uk/economy-transport-environment/lewes-3-informal/

Notification of the review is being delivered to addresses in the affected areas this week. The consultation opens on 12 June 2026 and closes on 3 July 2026. All comments need to be received by the closing date. The level of support will determine the outcome of the proposals. If there are a number of suggested alternatives, these will be considered for inclusion in the final proposals.

If the proposals go forward then the draft Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) will be written and advertised allowing 21 days for formal consultation, we expect this to take place in September to October 2026. If there are no objections the restrictions will be introduced and the draft TRO will be made permanent. If objections are received, they will need to consider these and present a report to the Planning Committee.

They will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact them by email to parking.escc@eastsussex.gov.uk or telephone 01323 466244.

Summer Fridays at Fitzroy House

Fitzroy House will be open every Friday during July and September (t.b.c) from 10:00 to 13:00.

Friends of Lewes volunteers will be on hand with the ever-popular tea-towels as well as books and cards produced by Friends of Lewes. Come and say hello and find out what we do and take the opportunity to see inside this unique and historic grade II Victorian building.

Fitzroy House, Lewes, image from C Wycherley
Fitzroy House interior

Fitzroy House, Lewes, image from C. Wycherley

Location: 10 High Street, Lewes, BN7 2AD