Working with our Community
For the Community
Welcome to Withyham Parish Council
Withyham Parish is a beautiful parish within the High Weald National Landscape [external link, opens a new window]. 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].
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.
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Playground Fence Consultation – Now Open
Withyham Parish Council is inviting residents to share their views on a proposed fence at the play area at Groombridge Recreation Ground.
The consultation is open from 7th April to 25th May 2026 (closing at 12 noon).
To help residents understand the proposal, the possible location of the fence has been marked out on site. Residents are encouraged to visit the recreation ground to view this if possible.
How to take part:
- Complete the consultation online here
- Paper copies are available at the Post Office and Parish Office
- Contact the Parish Office if you would like assistance completing the form
All responses are welcome and will help inform the Council’s decision.
Exciting News – Groombridge Old Station is Now Ours!
We are delighted to announce that Withyham Parish Council have now completed the purchase of Groombridge Old Station.
Thank you for your continued support.
IRP Notice 2026-2027
The IRP Notice for 2026 to 2027 is available to view.
Telephone Switchover Alert
The traditional landline network (PSTN) is being replaced with a modern digital system by January 2027. Most users will see little change, but some may need to update their setup. Contact your provider today to check if you need to take action!
