Illegal Activity and Flouting of Social Distancing Rules at the Common Pond

Concerns have been expressed about an increase in illegal activity, antisocial behaviour and social distancing not being observed at the Common Pond site in Hailsham. The Town Council is working with the local police about this issue and is urging the public not to misuse the local beauty spot.

Local police and PCSOs have been informed about recent observations of people flouting social distancing rules at the pond, in addition to reports of drinking on site, injury to local wildlife, the lighting of fires and using the open space as a toilet.

The pond warden employed by the Town Council has expressed his concern over the situation at the Common Pond in recent days. He said: “During routine checks and recent monitoring of the pond, I’ve seen that large groups of people have been assembling on site and in such instances, social distancing is not being practiced. Furthermore, despite not being permitted on site, some people have been seen fishing.”

Town Mayor Cllr Paul Holbrook said: “When visiting the Common Pond, and indeed any other public open space in Hailsham, I urge residents to obey all social distancing rules currently in place. The public are also reminded that fishing is not allowed at the pond, and any antisocial behaviour and illegal activities such as drug-taking or injury to animals will be reported to the police immediately.”

“We are working with local police to clamp down on the recent spate of antisocial and illegal activity on the Common Pond site.”

Public open spaces in Hailsham such as the Common Pond, Country Park, Western Road Recreation Ground and Maurice Thornton Playing Field, remain open to the public for exercise, picnicking, sunbathing and enjoying the fresh air, although residents MUST heed the current government advice relating to social distancing:

• Observe national social distancing guidelines with each other, currently set at 2-3 metres
• Meet ONE other person from a different household – following current national social distancing guidelines
• Exercise outdoors as often as you wish – following current national social distancing guidelines
• DO NOT gather in a group of more than two (excluding members of your own household)
• Minimise contact with each other, e.g. no hand-shaking
• Refrain from using parks or open spaces if you are exhibiting coronavirus symptoms
• Follow all government guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or open spaces
• While on pathways, warn other users of your presence and step aside to let others pass