Poplar tree is cut down and cobbles badly repaired
We were concerned to discover that a mature poplar tree situated behind the Rye library was cut down. The tree being in the Rye Conservation Area was supposedly protected by a Tree Protection Order which seems to have been ignored.
The presence of mature trees greatly enhances the appearance of the citadel and provides useful shade and habitats for birds and insects. Obviously the tree cannot be replaced, but legal action could be taken against those responsible for what is a criminal offence. It need publicising that trees are protected in Conservation Areas.
A problem with Cobbles
Some years ago the Conservation Society produced a specification for the laying and repair of our cobbled streets. It may be downloaded here:
Quite clearly this guide has not been followed last week in Watchbell Street. Following some electrical cabling work involving the digging of a hole and removal of the cobbles they should have been reinstated as found, but that did not happen. Instead only some of the cobbles were reused and the gaps filled carelessly with cement.
The results can be seen below
The cobbled streets of Rye are listed and thus should be preserved as far as possible. In particular the careless use of concrete should not be permitted. Ironically this work was carried out just after Rye had featured as background to the Jane Austin production on BBC1.
In this instance local residents immediately complained and the Conservation Society has written to East Sussex who are responsible for highways (and cobbled streets) in town, we are hopeful that remedial action will be taken.
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