Town Council Launches ‘Hailsham’s Viewpoint’: A New Community Engagement Initiative

Hailsham Town Council is set to launch a new community engagement programme, ‘Hailsham’s Viewpoint’—a series of residents’ surgeries designed to strengthen the connection between local councillors and the public. These informal sessions will offer a dedicated space for residents to voice their concerns, ask questions, and discuss local matters directly with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

The first surgery will take place this Thursday [21 August], at the Town Council Offices in Market Street, running from 3pm to 6.30pm. Sessions will continue on a six-weekly basis, operating on a drop-in format, so no appointment is necessary.

Residents are invited to come along and raise topics ranging from Town Council services and facilities to broader issues affecting the local area. The aim is to foster open dialogue in a friendly and accessible setting, allowing councillors to listen directly to the people they serve.

“These surgeries are part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, accessibility and open communication with the community,” said the Mayor of Hailsham, Cllr Chris Bryant. “The Deputy Mayor and I want to ensure that all residents feel they have a voice and a direct link to their local council. By creating a regular space for these conversations to happen, we’re making it easier than ever for people to be heard.”

Deputy Town Mayor, Cllr Colin Mitchell, added: “Being available and approachable is at the heart of good public service. These surgeries will give residents the chance to engage with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor face-to-face, ask questions, raise issues or just chat about what’s happening in their area. It’s a vital step toward better community engagement and responsiveness.”

Residents attending are encouraged to be aware of the Town Council’s areas of responsibility, which include maintaining parks, cemeteries, public open spaces, allotments, play areas, and community halls. The Council also operates the Hailsham Youth Service, runs the town centre Post Office, and organises various community events.

By participating in ‘Hailsham’s Viewpoint’, residents will gain a clearer understanding of how the Town Council functions and the impact it has on everyday life in the town.

In order to ensure accessibility for all, future surgeries will be held not only at the Town Council Offices but also at rotating venues across different parts of the town.

Cllr Mitchell added: “By going to the people, rather than expecting them to come to us, we aim to make it easier for everyone to have their say.”

Further details, including the full schedule of upcoming surgery dates and venues, will be published soon on the Town Council website, local press, social media channels, and community noticeboards.

All residents are warmly encouraged to attend and take an active role in shaping the future of their town.