Working with our Community
For the Community
Welcome to Withyham Parish Council
Withyham Parish is a beautiful parish within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It has approximately 3,000 residents and falls under the local government of Wealden District Council [external link, opens a new window] which, in turn, comes under East Sussex County Council [external link, opens a new window].
There is detailed information about Withyham Parish Council’s financial accounts available including the Notice of Conclusion of audit and AGAR.
Quick Links
The Parish is bordered by Kent and its principle village of Groombridge is split by the River Grom. This results in Old Groombridge being in Kent and New Groombridge being in East Sussex, and therefore in our parish. There are three other villages in the parish with their own identities and requirements – Blackham, Withyham and St John’s. In addition there are a number of diverse settlements including Lye Green, Friars Gate and Balls Green.
For electoral purposes the Parish is divided into two wards: Groombridge (covering New Groombridge and Withyham/Blackham) and Marden’s Hill.
The day to day business of the Council is managed by a Clerk with the support of an Assistant Clerk and Community Engagement Coordinator. They can be contacted during business hours at the parish office.
The Parish Council is made up of thirteen Councillors who are elected every four years and who meet every second Monday of the month as a full Council. They are also required to be members of various committees and sub-committees covering such matters as Planning, Finance, Air Traffic, Road Safety and Rights of Way. Further information about your local councillors can be found on our Who’s Who page. All councillors give their time voluntarily.
Members of the public are welcome at these meetings and the agendas and minutes are posted on the website. We also display information on our noticeboards which are at St John’s Church, Cooks Corner London Road, The Dorset Arms Withyham, the junction of Balls Green and Station Road, Blackham Village Hall, Teasley Mead Blackham, Groombridge Post Office and the Parish Office.
The Parish Council is funded by a Precept, the amount householders of the Parish pay as part of the Council Tax, in order to maintain facilities and to respond to the needs of the community. Further information can be found on our Financial Information and Transparency pages.
Read more about Withyham Parish Council
Civility & Respect Pledge
Withyham Parish Council is signed up to the National Association of Local Council’s Civility and Respect Pledge.
For more information see NALC’s Civility and Respect Project [external link, opens a new window].
Audited Accounts 2023-2024
The audited accounts for Withyham Parish Council for the year 2023-2024 are now available for inspection:
- Notice of Conclusion of Audit for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
- Certified AGAR Year Ended 31 March 2024
- The Exercise of Public Rights 2023-2024
- Summary of Rights
Come along to the December Community Cafe on Saturday 7th December - this month's Cafe is hosted by Groombridge Pre-school, as part of their Festive Fair! ⛄️🎄☕
The Thermal Imaging Camera Project
Residents can book the Thermal Imaging Camera to survey their homes and local buildings.
Contact Stephanie to book your slot on: stephanie@withyhamparishcouncil.org.uk / 01892 864 557.
Find out more on our Thermal Imaging Camera Project page.
Finding and fixing where your home is leaking heat can save you money on your heating bills, and keep your home warmer for longer!
The Climate and Ecology Advisory Group 
The Climate and Ecology Advisory Group meet three times a year, and are finding ways that Withyham Parish Council can address climate change, lower carbon emissions, and support our local wildlife and ecology.
We have a few spaces left – so get involved!
Find out more on our Climate and Ecology Advisory Group page.
The Wild Verge Project 
This is a partnership project between Wild Groombridge [external link, opens a new window] and Withyham Parish Council, taking place on the verge by the Parish Council Offices at The Old Station, Groombridge.
Find out more about the project on the Wild Verge Project page.
The Wild Verge will be looking a bit different, as Wild Groombridge have been preparing the Wild Verge Project for the Yellow Rattle and Native High Weald seeds. These are sown now to overwinter, which will help them grow in Spring and Summer 2025.
