18 May 2023

New Chairman and Cabinet is announced at Chichester District Council

Chichester District Council has announced its new Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Cabinet, following the recent district elections.

Clare Apel, councillor for Chichester West, takes on the role of the Chairman of the council, and John Cross, councillor for Fittleworth, has taken the role of Vice-Chairman.

Adrian Moss, councillor for Harbour Villages, is the new Leader of the council and will also have responsibility for Regeneration, Estates and Building Services. Jonathan Brown, councillor for Chichester North, is taking the role of Deputy Leader and Cabinet Holder for Environmental Strategy.

Residents were able to watch the Full Council meeting live on the website on Wednesday (17 May) at: https://chichester.nucast.live/, following investment by the council to film meetings to make them more accessible to all. This was the first time a Full Council meeting had been broadcast live from the council’s committee rooms.

Cllr Adrian Moss, Leader of Chichester District Council says:

“I am honoured to have been elected Leader of the council and I am looking forward to working closely with the cabinet, councillors and officers to meet the challenges ahead.

“Our aim is to work closely with all of the other political parties to achieve the best possible outcomes for our communities. You can be sure that we will continue to manage your money wisely and deliver high performance at the lowest possible cost.

“It is also important that we encourage a strong local economy and work closely with our local businesses to support their success and expansion.

“You can be assured that we will strive to do our very best for our wonderful district.”

Jonathan Brown, councillor for Chichester North, has been made Deputy Leader and is Cabinet Member for Environmental Strategy. Jonathan has responsibility for Environmental Protection; Health Protection; Environmental Strategy; Coastal Protection and Foreshores; Air Quality; Building Control; Dog Control; Noise Pollution; Climate Emergency; Biodiversity and Emergency Planning.

Mark Chilton, councillor for The Witterings, has taken the role of Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services and Chichester Contract Services, and is responsible for: Financial Services; Internal Audit & Corporate Investigations; Electoral Services; Land Charges; Facilities; Business Improvement; Democratic Services; Legal; Corporate Policy; ICT; Human Resources and Chichester Contract Services – Waste & Recycling, Street Cleaning, Cemeteries, Park and Open Spaces.

Tracie Bangert, councillor for Southbourne, is the Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing, and is responsible for: Community Engagement; Safeguarding; Partnerships; Community Safety and CCTV; Choose Work; Health and Wellbeing; Grants and Concessions; Voluntary Sector and Customer Services.

David Betts, councillor for North Mundham and Tangmere, is now Cabinet Member for Housing and Revenue and Benefits and is responsible for: Housing Options; Housing Enabling; Homelessness; Temporary Accommodation; Revenue and Benefits; and Housing Standards.

Bill Brisbane, councillor for Chichester East, has been made Cabinet Member for Planning. He is now responsible for Development Management; Conservation and Design; Building Control; Planning Enforcement; Planning Policy and the Local Plan; The Community Infrastructure Levy; and Neighbourhood Planning.

Jess Brown-Fuller, councillor for Midhurst, is the new Cabinet Member for Culture and Events. She has responsibility for: Licensing; Promotion and Events; Markets and Farmers Market; Communications, Marketing, Sponsorship, and Advertising; Leisure and Sports Development; The Novium Museum and the Tourist Information Centre; Cultural Grants; Consultation and the Website.

Harsha Desai, councillor for Petworth, is now Cabinet Member for Growth and Place. She is responsible for: Economic Development; Car Parks; Public Conveniences; City and Town Co-ordination; Chichester BID; Chichester Vision; Manhood Peninsula Partnership; Bus Shelters. She will also work closely with the Leader on regeneration and with the Deputy Leader on sustainable businesses.

The district and parish elections took place on 4 May 2023. Thirty-six councillors were elected to the district council. Of these, 25 are Liberal Democrats, five are Conservative, four represent the Local Alliance; and two are from the Green Party. The full details of all of the district councillors elected can be found at: https://chichester.moderngov.co.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?bcr=1

View Report

10 May 2023

District Dispatch

Message from Diane Shepherd

Chief Executive of Chichester District Council

Last week, the Chichester District Council Elections took place. This resulted in 25 Liberal Democrat, five Conservative, four Local Alliance, and two Green Party councillors being elected. I would like to congratulate all of the elected councillors and look forward to working with them over the next four years.

On 17 May, we will hold the first annual council meeting. At this point, the new Leader and the new Chairman will be chosen. The new Leader will then announce the new Cabinet. The new Leader will shortly take over this column to help keep you informed of our work during the months and years ahead.

Running an election is a huge operation and is reliant upon the assistance of hundreds of people — both staff members and volunteers from our communities. I would like to thank every person who contributed to this process. Without your involvement it would not be possible. You can find out the full results at: www.chichester.gov.uk/electionresults

I also hoped you managed to enjoy the many celebrations that took place over the weekend to mark the coronation of King Charles III and enjoyed the extended weekend. It was great to see so many communities and neighbourhoods coming together to celebrate this historic occasion.

Work is continuing at pace to support businesses and the community in Midhurst following the fire in North Street. A couple of weeks ago, along with another senior colleague, I met with Government officials to lobby them for funding support for Midhurst businesses. Although no official funding sources are currently available, Government officials have said that they will look into this further and come back to the council. If you own a Midhurst town centre business and have not yet applied for one of our grants, please visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/article/37631/Grant-scheme-launched-to-support-Midhurst-Town-Centre-businesses for the full details or email: business.support@chichester.gov.uk

At the end of last week, The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) advised that an Urgent Works Notice has been issued to the owners of the properties affected by the fire. This is legally required to allow work to begin on site. SDNPA is using emergency powers and working with West Sussex County Council and Chichester District Council, to get the listed buildings safely and legally secured to enable North Street to be reopened to vehicles. The procurement process to appoint a contractor is nearing completion and an announcement is expected this week setting out a timetable for the works.

We are constantly updating the Frequently Asked Questions regarding the incident and so I would encourage you to refer to these, and the latest updates, on our website at: www.chichester.gov.uk/latestnews

We are currently reviewing the dog control rules that apply to public spaces within the Chichester District and are asking people to give their views in a public consultation, which has started this week.

Rules around dog fouling, dog exclusion areas, and areas in which dogs must be put on a lead when directed, are all outlined in a Public Space Protection Order. This is in place to help ensure everyone can enjoy the many beautiful open spaces and beaches we have in the district and to help protect wildlife. We’re proposing that the current Public Space Protection Order, which is due to end in October this year, should continue for a further three years.

This consultation is a chance for people — residents, business owners, organisations and visitors — to share their thoughts on our proposal, and we are keen to hear a wide range of views from as many people as possible. It takes 5-10 minutes to complete our quick survey, and people can choose to respond to the aspects that interest them.

You can take part in the consultation at: www.chichester.gov.uk/letstalkdogsinpublicspaces until 5pm on 7 June 2023. People can request a paper copy of the questionnaire by emailing: letstalk@chichester.gov.uk

View Report

10 May 2023

Public Space Protection Order, Control of Dogs 2023

Notification of Consultation

Chichester District Council is reviewing the rules for dogs in public spaces and is asking people to give their views in a new public consultation starting Wednesday 10 May 2023.

The consultation offers the opportunity for district residents, community groups and businesses to have their say on the council’s proposals to continue the current Public Space Protection Order for dogs in public spaces until 2026.

As part of this order, it is an offence in public locations — such as footpaths and verges, parks, playgrounds and the foreshore — to fail to remove dog mess immediately; to not put and keep a dog on a lead when instructed to do so by an authorised officer; and to allow a dog to enter an area from which dogs are excluded.

A breach of the order can result in offenders being issued an on-the-spot Fixed Penalty Notice of £100.

The proposal is to extend the current rules for a further three years from October 2023 until October 2026, with no changes.

Alison Stevens, Divisional Manager for Environment and Health Protection at Chichester District Council, says: “We want to make sure that everyone — with or without dogs — can safely enjoy the many beautiful public spaces we have in our district.

“We know that most dog owners are responsible, but unfortunately some people do not pick up after their dog or do not keep their dog under proper control. This Public Space Protection order means that we can tackle these issues, which can negatively affect our communities, our wildlife, and spoil people’s enjoyment of our beaches and open spaces, while at the same time encouraging responsible dog ownership. This is why we are proposing to renew the order for a further three years.

“This consultation is a chance for people to share their thoughts on our proposals, and we are keen to hear a wide range of views from as many people as possible. It takes 5-10 minutes to complete our quick survey, and people can choose to respond to the aspects that interest them.”

The consultation will go live on Wednesday 10 May at www.chichester.gov.uk/letstalkdogsinpublicspaces and the deadline for responding is 5pm on 7 June 2023.

There is also a list of frequently asked questions to help put the survey into context and explain some of the terms used. People can request a paper copy of the questionnaire by emailing: letstalk@chichester.gov.uk

People who would like to get involved with more consultations and surveys in the future can also join Chichester District Council’s Let’s Talk Panel. By signing up, they will be automatically notified of any consultations by email and can decide whether or not they want to take part. People can join by visiting: www.chichester.gov.uk/letstalkpanel

View Report

10 May 2023

To read the May 2023 edition of the South Downs National Park Newsletter, please click here

If you would like to sign up to receive the SDNP monthly newsletter to get the latest South Downs news, stories, ideas for days out, competitions, hear about their ranger and volunteers’ work and much more, all delivered to your inbox every month you can do so here. 

If you would like to read past issues of the newsletter (as a pdf document) going back to 2017, you can do so here. 

View Report

03 May 2023

The Chichester District Elections will take place on Thursday (4 May). 

Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm. 

If you’re not sure where to vote, then you can find your local polling station at:https://wheredoivote.co.uk/

FOR PLAISTOW AND IFOLD, THE POLLING STATION IS THE YOUTH CLUB BUILDING - BEHIND THE WINTERTON HALL IN PLAISTOW

You will need to show photographic ID to vote. 

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or a Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. The full list can be found on the Electoral Commission website: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id. Voters will be able to used expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo. 

The count will take place on Friday (5 May) and the first results are expected to start coming through around midday. Results will be posted on CDC's Facebook and Twitter social media pages as well as their website:

www.chichester.gov.uk/electionresults 

www.facebook.com/ChichesterDistrictCouncil  

https://twitter.com/ChichesterDC

View Report

26 April 2023

26.04.2023

Press release issued by South Downs National Park

(see attached document below)

06.04.2023

Work continues to help Midhurst recover from major fire

A multi-agency recovery group has today (Thursday 6 April) issued a further update following the major hotel fire at The Angel Inn hotel and neighbouring buildings on the A286 North Street in Midhurst.

The group, which includes Chichester District Council, West Sussex County Council, West Sussex Fire and Rescue; Midhurst Town Council and the South Downs National Park Authority, are committed to doing everything they can to reopen the road to vehicles as soon as possible and support those businesses affected by the incident.

The South Downs National Park Authority, as the local planning authority for Midhurst, has asked the owners and their structural engineers to shore up the buildings as quickly as possible. Currently, it is estimated that the work may take six weeks from 3 April, but it is hoped that it can be completed quicker than this. Once the buildings have been made secure, it will be possible to open the road to vehicles.

West Sussex County Council Highways team have organised a diversion with related signage at key locations. To ease congestion, temporary one-way restrictions have been put in place on the lanes surrounding Midhurst and other options are currently being considered. The diversion and one-way restrictions are also being monitored and adjusted where needed. Drivers are urged to follow official diversion signage, with more information available onhttps://one.network. The county council is also aware that local roads are seeing significantly higher volumes of traffic than usual due to the diversion. They are increasing their targeted inspections and repairs and are also regularly reviewing works in the wider area to reduce disruption as much as possible.The team has also been responding to reports of potholes in the area and are encouraging people to report these at:www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/report-a-pothole-online/ or by calling 01243 642105.

Chichester District Council has been working closely with local businesses through a recovery group, which involves weekly meetings, updates, and plans on how funding should be spent to support the town in its recovery. Chichester District Council has promised to set aside £300,000 to help the town get back on its feet and encourage residents and visitors to support local businesses in Midhurst. A member of the council’s Economic Development team has also been seconded to support businesses in the town for the next two months. The district council is also continuing to offer free parking in its Midhurst car parks until the end of 16 April 2023.

All waste and recycling collections are operating as usual after the council put in plans in place to overcome access issues. The only exception this week, is that changes have had to be made to the collection date for five roads in Midhurst, because the crews are unable to use their access route through Midhurst Rother College on Friday, due to the bank holiday. Instead, the collection date for Lamberts Lane, Orchard Way, Park Crescent, WyndhamPlace and Gilbert Hannam Close was moved to Thursday (6 April) morning. Due to unavoidable changes such as this, the council is encouraging residents to download the Chichester District Council app, which provides personalised notifications on waste and recycling collections. Residents are also urged to follow the council’s social media pages and website (www.chichester.gov.uk/latestnews) where updates are also shared.

Chichester District Council has also arranged two drop-in information sessions for residents and businesses at the South Downs National Park Authority offices. The first one took place on Thursday 6 April and a further one will be held on Wednesday 12 April between 2-4pm. Chichester District Council staff from the Supporting You, Economic Development and Social Prescribing services will be on hand to provide information and help, along with representatives from West Sussex County Council’s Highways team and the South Downs National Park Authority.

All of the agencies involved are committed to doing everything they can to get the road reopened to vehicles as soon as possible and helping Midhurst to recover from this dreadful incident. The agencies would like to thank residents and businesses for their feedback, which is discussed at a multi-agency group every week to be considered and responded to. The partners will continue to keep both residents and businesses closely updated on the situation.

04.04.2023

£300,000 is set aside to help Midhurst recover following hotel fire

Chichester District Council has set aside £300,000 to help Midhurst businesses to recover following the fire at the Angel Inn hotel and neighbouring buildings.

The money will be used in a variety of ways to help the town get back on its feet and encourage residents and visitors to support local businesses in Midhurst.

£200,000 of the funding will be used to create a business grant scheme, which is currently being developed, and a further £10,000 has been allocated to provide training support.

£50,000 will be allocated to support promotion by business groups in the town, including funding any future parking incentives. In addition to this, £10,900 has already been handed over to the Town Team for promotional and marketing purposes.

The remaining funding will be used to deliver a large event in the town later in the year, along with funding towards increased marketing and promotion of the town.

A member of the council’s Economic Development team has also been seconded to support businesses in the town for the next two months and the team has set up a business recovery group involving local businesses from the town.

The council’s revenue team has also been offering advice to those businesses who pay business rates. The majority of businesses in Midhurst do not pay business rates due to their size and because they receive small business rate relief. However, the council has been in touch with those who do, to make sure that they are aware of all available support to them.

Chichester District Council is also continuing to offer free parking in its Midhurst car parks until the end of 16 April 2023 and is urging residents and visitors to show their support for the town.

All of the agencies involved in the recovery process are committed to doing everything they can to get the road reopened to vehicles as soon as possible and helping Midhurst to recover from this dreadful incident. Regular updates are being issued and these can be found atwww.chichester.gov.uk/latestnews

03.04.2023

Multi-agency recovery group issues update following major fire in Midhurst

A multi-agency recovery group has today (Monday 3 April 2023) issued an update following the major hotel fire at The Angel Inn hotel and neighbouring buildings on the A286 North Street in Midhurst.

The group, which includes Chichester District Council, West Sussex County Council, West Sussex Fire and Rescue; Midhurst Town Council and the South Downs National Park Authority, are committed to doing everything they can to reopen the road to vehicles as soon as possible and support those businesses and residents affected by the incident. They have stressed that the vast majority of businesses on North Street are 'open for business' and can all be accessed on foot from nearby car parks.

South Downs National Park Authority and Historic England, who need to approve work on listed buildings, have been urgently assessing the report from the building owner’s Structural Engineer to develop a clear plan of action.

Although there has been major damage to the buildings, at this stage it is believed it may be possible to save some parts of the buildings, which are listed and have historical significance. There is a legal requirement to save what we can of these buildings.

South Downs National Park Authority has asked the owners to temporarily shore up the buildings and has given permission to remove the chimneys from the Angel Inn, which are at risk of collapse. This is supported by Historic England.

The Structural Engineers working on behalf of the owners of the buildings affected has advised that this work is likely to take around six weeks from now. However, South Downs National Park Authority is urging the owners and insurers to move this forward as quickly as possible, with the hope that it could be completed sooner. It is thought that the timeline will become clearer over the next week and further updates will be provided.

Once the building has been made secure, it will be possible to open the road to vehicles.

Chichester District Council has arranged two drop-in information sessions for residents and businesses in Midhurst. These will take place on Thursday 6 April (10am–12pm) and Wednesday 12 April (2pm–4pm) and will be held at the South Downs National Park Authority offices. Chichester District Council staff from the Supporting You, Economic Development and Social Prescribing services will be on hand to provide information and help.

Chichester District Council has also set up a recovery group with local businesses, which involves meetings, updates, and funding for marketing and promotional purposes to support the town. They are also offering free parking in Chichester District Council car parks in Midhurst until the end of 16 April 2023 and are currently working on other forms of support.

Parking restrictions on-street still apply. People are also being urged not to park in front of the section of North Street that is currently closed, because this is needed for emergency vehicle access.

All of the agencies involved are committed to doing everything they can to get the road reopened to vehicles as soon as possible and helping Midhurst to recover from this dreadful incident. The partners will continue to keep both residents and businesses closely updated on the situation.

View Report

25 April 2023

Plaistow and Kirdford Primary School

School governor vacancies

The school has 3 governor vacancies. 

School governors have a varied and important role helping the school run effectively.

They have 3 core functions:

• planning the strategic direction of the school
• overseeing financial performance of the school and ensuring money is well spent
• holding the Headteacher and school leadership to account

The governor role is strategic rather than operational. Being a school governor is a commitment and a responsibility, but offers you the chance to see first-hand the impact you can make in improving education for children in your community.

If you would like to find out more, please contact the Clerk to governors, Jane Cooper: clerk@plaistowkirdford.com

View Report

17 April 2023

Food waste scheme expands across the county

In a bid to tackle food waste, West Sussex County Council is once again teaming up with Sussex-based food rescue charity UKHarvest, and waste management company, Biffa, to run Community Food Hubs. At a time when many people are facing significant cost-of-living pressures, Community Food Hubs encourage residents to take advantage of ‘surplus food rescue services’ in exchange for a small voluntary donation. They also provide education sessions to help residents learn how to reduce the amount of edible food which ends up in the bin. Last year's pilot programme saw Community Food Hubs established in Bognor Regis, Crawley, and Southwick. Within just six months, they prevented over 7 tonnes of food going to waste and provided food to almost 3,000 people. Building on this success, the programme has been extended this year to include seven community hubs, running once a month across every district and borough until April 2024. District Location Venue Adur Southwick Southwick Community Centre, 24 Southwick Street, Southwick, BN4 4TE Arun Bognor Regis Bognor Youth and Community Centre, Westloats Lane, Bognor Regis, PO21 5JZ Chichester Petworth Sylvia Beaufoy Centre, Midhurst Road, Petworth, GU28 0ET Crawley Broadfield Broadfield Community Centre, Broadfield Barton, Crawley, RH11 9BA Horsham Storrington Chanctonbury Leisure Centre, Spierbridge Road, Storrington, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 4PG Mid Sussex Haywards Heath Ashenground Community Centre, Southdown Close, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 4JR Worthing Worthing Sidney Walter Centre, Sussex Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1DS Each area will host a UKHarvest Community Food Hub once a month where, for a small voluntary donation, residents will be able to bring their own bag to pick up a wide selection of surplus foods which would have otherwise ended up as waste from suppliers. All residents are welcome to visit the child-friendly Community Food Hubs and are designed to reduce food waste. Hubs also offer recipes and host information stands on various subjects, including waste prevention, wellbeing, and Citizens Advice. UKHarvest is confident that the programme will make a significant impact. UKHarvest Partnership Manager Sarah Morison said, “We are thrilled to announce the expansion of this successful project with West Sussex County Council and our new partnership with Biffa. We believe that by sharing this rescued produce we can bring the community together to all tackle food waste.” Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “Reducing food waste is central to our council plan, we are committed to rescuing surplus food across the county, and our extended partnership with UKHarvest and Biffa will help us achieve this goal." For information on Community Food Hub locations and dates, click here. https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/land-waste-and-housing/waste-and-recycling/recycling-and-waste-prevention/recycling-news/ukharvest-food-rescue-pilot/

View Report

17 April 2023

Primary school offer day: 91% of children in West Sussex offered their first choice

Today is National Primary Offer Day (17 April) and families across West Sussex are finding out which primary school their children will be attending from September. This year West Sussex County Council’s Admissions Team handled 8809 primary applications, with every child found a primary school place. 91% of those who applied to start primary school will be offered their first preference school, with over 98% offered one of their three preferences. The team also managed 1516 applications for children who are transferring from infant to junior school. Over 99% of those who applied will be offered their first preference school. All offers for places are being sent by email today and should arrive by 5pm. Paul Wagstaff, Assistant Director for Education and Skills said: “Starting school is a very important time for every child and their family. I am pleased that such a high percentage of children have been offered a place at their preferred primary school. For the small number of families who did not get one of the schools they had hoped for this will be extremely disappointing. I would encourage families in this position to contact our admissions team, who are available to discuss their options and provide support with this.” To contact the admissions team please email admissions.north@westsussex.gov.uk or admissions.south@westsussex.gov.uk. If you are unable to use email, please call our customer services team on 0330 0142903.

View Report

11 April 2023

The UK government’s new Emergency Alerts system is now live.

The system will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone when lives are in danger. On Sunday 23 April 2023 at 3pm, there will be a national test of the Emergency Alerts service.

It will be used to warn you in the event of emergencies, such as severe flooding.

Emergency Alerts are sent to all compatible mobile phones within an area of risk. They don’t track your location, need your phone number, or collect personal data. Only the government and the emergency services will be able to send them. If you don’t have a mobile phone, you’ll still be kept informed through other channels.

If you get an Emergency Alert on your phone, you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound. A message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond. You’ll be able to check an alert is genuine at gov.uk/alerts

If you receive an alert, read the alert carefully and follow the instructions.

You can opt out of receiving emergency alerts; for more information on how to opt out please go to gov.uk/alerts

To find out more about Emergency Alerts, visit gov.uk/alerts

View Report

06 April 2023

PARISH COUNCIL UNCONTESTED ELECTION (4th May)

See below for Statement of Nominated Persons

Plaistow and Ifold Parish Council has 3 vacant seats.

Anyone wishing to be considered for Co-Option to become a Parish Councillor is warmly invited to contact the Clerk, Catherine Nutting, for an informal chat about the role and how to apply: 07798 631 410 | clerk@plaistowandifold-pc.gov.uk

The closing date for application is: 4pm, Tuesday 9th May 2023

Co-Option will take place on 17th May 2023

For further information, please visit the following webpage: www.plaistowandifold-pc.gov.uk/vacancies

View Report

30 March 2023

Recycling Centres extend opening hours across West Sussex

Recycling Centres across West Sussex will soon be switching to extended summer opening hours – giving residents extra opportunities to recycle their household waste. As many of us set to work tidying our gardens or clearing out our homes, recycling facilities are often very busy over the summer period. Extending the hours will help us cope with the extra demand. From 1 April Recycling Centres will be open for longer on the following days and times: • Billingshurst: 9am to 6pm - Monday to Wednesday and Saturday to Sunday • Bognor Regis: 9am to 6pm - Monday to Wednesday and Saturday to Sunday • Burgess Hill: 9am to 6pm - Monday to Sunday • Chichester: 9am to 6pm - Monday to Sunday • Crawley: 9am to 6pm - Monday to Sunday • East Grinstead: 9am to 6pm - Monday, Thursday to Sunday • Horsham: 9am to 6pm - Monday, Thursday to Sunday • Littlehampton: 9am to 6pm - Monday, Thursday to Sunday • Midhurst: 9am to 6pm - Monday, Thursday to Sunday • Shoreham-by-Sea: 9am to 6pm - Wednesday to Sunday • Worthing: 9am to 6pm - Monday to Sunday These hours will remain in place until 31 September and will not be affected by the bank holidays. Please remember that you will need to book a slot to attend the following Recycling Centres: • Bognor Regis • Crawley • Horsham • Littlehampton • Shoreham-by-Sea • Worthing Same-day appointments are available through the County Council’s Book to Recycle system, with some appointments available 14 days in advance if needed. There are a limited number of appointments per day and they are booked on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. You can book a slot at www.westsussex.gov.uk/booktorecycle Deborah Urquhart, County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change said: “By extending our opening hours during the warmer weather even more residents will be able to visit their local recycling centre. “Our Book to Recycle system significantly reduces waiting times, it takes less than a minute to book your slot and same-day bookings are available. Recycling all you can reduces waste, saves energy, helps tackle climate change, and is an important part of our environmental commitments in Our Council Plan. I would encourage everyone to recycle as much of their waste as possible.” You can recycle almost anything at Recycling Centres, from plant pots to vacuum cleaners. For a handy A-Z and more information on how to book an appointment, go to: www.westsussex.gov.uk/recycling

View Report

30 March 2023

A29 at Pulborough to partially re-open

West Sussex County Council will re-open the A29 at Church Hill, Pulborough, following prolonged closure due to landslips. The council will start work on opening one lane of the road to traffic, utilising concrete blocks to create a protected, single lane carriageway down the centre of the road. A contractor has been mobilised to start the work shortly with work taking approximately two weeks. A landslide occurred on 28 December 2022 at the narrowest part of the A29, where both sides are flanked by steep embankments, causing the road to be closed for safety reasons. The land either side of the carriageway, which is where engineering works must take place to allow the safe re-opening of the road to two-way traffic, is not adopted highway land but owned by private landowners. WSCC has been engaged in lengthy and detailed negotiations with the two landowners to try and reach a mutual agreement to carry out survey and other works on the land. Regrettably, these negotiations have not been successful and, following careful consideration, WSCC has issued a notice pursuant to Section 151 of the Highways Act 1980 to the landowners, requiring them to remove the debris that has fallen from their property, and which is blocking the road and to carry out works required on their land to prevent a future reoccurrence of the slippage. The Council understands the frustration of residents, businesses and those using this route during this prolonged period of closure and thanks them for their patience. WSCC has done all it can to try and resolve the issue by agreement and WSCC remains hopeful that a negotiated solution may yet be found with the two landowners, but in the current absence of an agreement, has found it necessary to serve a notice to facilitate the re-opening of this vital artery. The Council has engaged and communicated with residents, businesses and Pulborough Parish Council throughout the closure. It was hoped that an agreement could be reached with the landowners that would allow works to be undertaken to open the highway fully, without the use of ‘diversions’, but as this is not currently available for safety reasons, an interim solution which would retain some diversionary measures, is the preferred option. The one-lane solution proposed is a temporary measure, pending a permanent solution. Matt Davey, WSCC Director of Highways, said: “The Council has offered to undertake the works on the private land to reopen the road to one lane of traffic. We have been optimistic about reaching an agreement with the landowners. Unfortunately, we have been unable to reach an agreement with the two landowners and are left with no choice but to utilise our statutory powers to require the landowners to do the works at their expense so that we can open the road.” “As such, Tuesday 28th March, West Sussex County Council served a notice pursuant to Section 151 of the Highways Act 1980 to the private landowners. “The Section 151 notice requires the landowners, within 28 days of receipt of the notice, to execute such works as will prevent soil or refuse from their land from falling, or being washed or carried, on to the street in such quantities as to obstruct the highway. “We are continuing our dialogue with the landowners in the hope that an agreement can be reached and would urge the landowners to be pragmatic in their approach to those discussions” WSCC has previously resisted calls to re-open the road with a single lane, as it was hoped that an agreement with the landowners could be reached quickly, avoiding the need to reclose the road at some point and reinstate the diversion route to carry out the works. However, given the time that has already elapsed, the certainty of further delay and after listening to residents and other interested parties, it was decided to implement a one lane system as an improvement on the current complete closure.

View Report

27 March 2023

Book now!

Easter Holiday Activity and Food Club places available

Free holiday activities are on offer for eligible children this Easter break when West Sussex County Council's popular Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme returns.

A variety of exciting activities are available over the two-week school holiday (from March 31 to April 17), including music production, performing arts, skateboarding, coding computer sessions, beach and forest schools, football, and tech camps.

Places are available for children aged 4 to 16 who receive means-tested free school meals. Families can check their eligibility and book directly with clubs on the HAF website. A nutritious meal will be provided free of charge to all children attending.

With over 90 locations across West Sussex and places for more than 8,000 children, the council hopes that as many eligible children as possible will take part. Every child who attends a session will also receive a voucher for a free toothbrush from the Early Help Family Hub.

Separately to the HAF programme, West Sussex County Council is again providing supermarket food vouchers to every child who receives means-tested free school meals.

Nigel Jupp, Cabinet Member for Learning and Skills said: “I encourage everyone who is eligible to join in. Local groups have come together to help young people learn new skills, enjoy some healthy food, and have fun. It’s an excellent way to help every child fulfil their potential. At a time of great uncertainty and rising costs, supporting families like this is a key priority for our council.”

Free holiday club places across West Sussex

West Sussex County Council has once again teamed up with local groups to offer a host of Holiday Activity and Food places, funded by the Department for Education. In total this Easter, 52 providers are offering clubs for primary and secondary-age children.

Food vouchers

The County Council is also providing a £30 supermarket food voucher to every eligible West Sussex child who receives means-tested free school meals for the two-week period of the Easter holidays. This is in addition to the free meals provided through the HAF programme. Vouchers will be issued to families via schools as part of the Council administered Household Support Fund, provided by The Department of Work & Pensions.

Library activities and further support

West Sussex libraries are also running activities for children of all ages, and regular activities for younger children will continue through the holiday. Find out what’s going on in your local library this Easter.

Those struggling with rising costs can find information and the support available on our Cost-of-Living webpages.

View Report

22 March 2023

NOTICE OF ELECTIONS

4 MAY 2023

CHICHESTER DISTRICT COUNCIL

&

PARISH COUNCIL

Please see attached notices for full details

Nomination papers may be obtained from the person stated on the notices

Nomination papers must be delivered to the Returning Officer not later than 4PM on Tuesday, 4 APRIL 2023

If any election is contested, the poll will take place on THURSDAY, 4 MAY 2023

The last date to register to vote in this poll is Monday, 17 April 2023

View Report

20 March 2023

Electors in Chichester District will now need to bring photo ID to vote at a polling station in May’s local elections

For the first time, residents in Chichester District will need to show photographic ID when they turn out to vote at this year’s local elections in May when voting at a polling station. Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have an accepted form of identification.

Accepted forms of ID include a:

• UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport;
• a UK or EEA drivers’ licence; and,
• some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card.

Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form.

Those that are not able to apply online can request an application form from the Elections Team at Chichester District Council by emailing elections@chichester.gov.uk or calling 01243 521010.

Before sending this in, the individual will need to supply a hard copy or electronic photo to accompany their application. Alternatively, if they are unable to supply their own photo or need further help applying, they can contact the Elections Team for assistance.

The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID

The new requirements have been introduced by the Government as a way of reducing voter fraud.

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance, says: “Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it. You can find information about the new requirement and what to expect at the polling station on the Electoral Commission’s website.”

Diane Shepherd, Returning Officer at Chichester District, said: “With elections taking place across the whole of our district on 4 May 2023, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID. It might seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.

“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to our electoral services team. If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact them by emailing elections@chichester.gov.uk or calling 01243 521010.”

Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote. If you are not registered, it only takes five minutes to do online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.

The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station, is a new requirement, introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year and comes into effect for the first time this May.

View Report

20 March 2023

People encouraged to become a local councillor for Chichester District

People looking to make a difference to their community are being asked to consider becoming a councillor for Chichester District Council.

District council elections will be taking place on Thursday 4 May this year, and nominations will be opening on 23 March, closing at 4pm on 4 April.

The council is made up of 36 councillors (members) who are elected to represent the views and interests of residents across the Chichester District. They make decisions on council priorities, plans, policies, and budgets.

All members represent a ward which involves proactively communicating with and signposting residents if they need more information on particular issues. All members then attend Full Council, which takes place approximately eight times a year.

In addition, there are a number of different roles available when becoming a councillor, including becoming a member of a committee — the mains ones being the planning committee; overview and scrutiny; and licensing, among others.

The Leader of the council is then supported by a number of Cabinet Members who they select. Cabinet members focus on specific key areas known as portfolios, and they also act as spokespeople for their areas of responsibility and are heavily involved in the work surrounding those areas.

Once elected, councillors go through a comprehensive induction programme that provides members with training on the legislation, procedures, and knowledge required to do their job.

People can find out more about becoming a councillor and the requirements they need to meet at:www.chichester.gov.uk/becomeacouncillor andwww.local.gov.uk/be-councillor

Those interested can also contact the council’s Democratic Services team with any questions about the role of a councillor by calling 01243 534684 or emailingdemocraticservices@chichester.gov.uk

View Report

10 March 2023

£5.26 council tax rise is agreed to protect vital services in Chichester District

Chichester District councillors have agreed to increase the average council tax bill by £5.26 a year for a B and D property in order to protect vital services across the district.

The decision was made at Chichester District Council’s Full Council meeting on 7 March 2023, where the (2.99%) rise was agreed for 2023 to 2024. This means that the average B and D council taxpayer will pay £181.07 a year for the council’s 80 plus services. This amounts to less than 50 pence a day.

Councillor Peter Wilding, Cabinet Member for Finance at Chichester District Council, says: “We are keeping council tax as low as we can, and we are still one of the lowest charging authorities in the country, but we need to ensure that vital services continue and that we are providing support to those people in our communities that need it the most.

“The pandemic continues to have an impact on our finances, in particular on some of our income-generating services, and this is in addition to new pressures from inflation, the cost-of-living crisis, and other world events.

“As a council we have a legal duty to deliver a balanced budget, which we have achieved this year without the need for using any reserves, which is an excellent achievement considering the current pressures. However, we will face challenges in over the next two or three years, which may mean having to use reserves in the future.

“Following the immediate aftermath of the pandemic in 2020 and its impact on council finances, we set up the Future Services Framework (FSF) as part of our recovery plan to identify savings. We identified annual savings of £2 million from a mixture of cuts in costs and new income generation ideas. Some of these ideas have had to be put back slightly, but we remain on track to deliver the total identified.

“One of our top priorities is to continue helping those who are most in need across our district. In light of this, we’ve put money towards three schemes in direct response to the cost-of-living crisis. These include discretionary housing payments, which can provide assistance to low-income households who are struggling to meet their housing costs. This funding will allow us to help more households avoid arrears or homelessness. We’ve also set aside money to provide grants to the Food Partnership, as well as continuing the Housing Crisis Fund which is used to help homeless people. And, as in previous years, we’ll also be continuing to provide our Council Tax Reduction Scheme to residents who are eligible.

“We’ve also built brand new short stay accommodation to support families, couples and individuals who are in need of a temporary home while they get back on their feet. We launched our Supporting You Team which was created in direct response to the cost-of-living crisis to help people access the support that they need. In addition, supporting businesses is a top priority for us which is why we’ve just launched the redeveloped St James Industrial estate — the £6 million facility now provides 30 modern industrial units to help businesses in the district grow and thrive.

“I would also urge anyone in the district who is struggling to contact us — our Supporting You Team is here to assist those who are finding times tough at the moment. The team can help people access a wide range of assistance including financial help to pay bills, help with housing, and health and wellbeing support. In addition, the team can also help signpost people to our other partner organisations when they feel this is appropriate, such as Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice, Arun and Chichester Food Partnership and the Community Hub. The team can be contacted by emailingsupportingyou@chichester.gov.uk or calling 01243 534860. Information is also available online at: www.chichester.gov.uk/supportingyoucampaign ”

Chichester District Council collects all the council tax, but only keeps around an 8% share of this. The other 92% is then distributed to West Sussex County Council, The Police and Crime Commissioner, and parish councils. Each of these public service providers make decisions about its council tax increases independently.

For more information, and to read a copy of this year’s budget, go to: www.chichester.gov.uk/budgetsspendingandperformance

Every day, Chichester District Council provides more than 80 different services. These range from emptying bins, checking food hygiene standards, cleaning the streets, looking after the coastline, caring for parks and open spaces and providing support and reassurance to the vulnerable — to name just a few services.

View Report

10 March 2023

Post-16 Transport Policy Statement

West Sussex County Council asks for views each year about the Post-16 Transport Policy Statement. The consultation aims to make sure the information in the Policy Statement is up to date and complete.

The Policy Statement sets out the help that is available through the council, schools, colleges and transport operators for young people of sixth-form age and those who are 19+ with an Education Health and Care Plan to get to school or college.

A consultation is now open and available online here and runs until Sunday 16 April 2023. 

All responses will be considered before the council’s Post-16 Transport Policy statement is published at the end of May.

View Report

10 March 2023

New school for children with special needs coming to West Sussex

A new school for children with special educational needs and disabilities will be built in West Sussex following a successful bid by West Sussex County Council. The Department for Education (DfE) announced the news in a letter to the County Council, saying its application demonstrated the growing need for specialist places. The new special free school will provide 130 full-time places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who have autism spectrum and social emotional and mental health needs. It will be an all-though school for both boys and girls aged from 4 to 18. Nigel Jupp, Cabinet Member for Learning and Skills, said: “We are extremely pleased that the DfE has accepted our application for a new specialist provision free school to be built in West Sussex as part of the government’s free school building programme. This new school will provide much-needed places and an excellent learning environment specifically for children who have special educational needs and disabilities. “Across West Sussex, 18% of all school-age children currently receive some kind of SEND support, which is higher than the national average. So, the need for this new school is great and together with the hundreds of new SEND school places that West Sussex County Council will build over the coming years, it will help us to ensure every child in West Sussex has the opportunity to fulfil their potential, regardless of their needs.” In accepting West Sussex County Council’s application, the DfE praised the ‘commitment and effort’ demonstrated in bidding for one of 33 new special free schools which will be created across England. West Sussex County Council made a bid for two new schools and has had one of these provisionally approved. The Council has formally accepted the offer and will now work with the DfE on the next steps in creating the new school, including where in the county it will be built. Separately to the government’s school-building programme, West Sussex County Council is creating more than 300 new school places for children with SEND. The majority of the new places will be created by expanding the council’s special schools. Extra capacity will also be built at a number of mainstream schools, with the creation of more special support centres, adding to those already in development. Among the new projects, which are at difference stages of development, include: • Expanding Queen Elizabeth II School in Horsham to accommodate up to 60 additional pupils with complex needs on a satellite site at Arun House nearby • Increasing capacity at Fordwater School in Chichester from 144 to 184 places through the use of a satellite site to accommodate an extra 40 secondary-age children with severe and complex needs • Creating new special support centres at six mainstream schools, enabling around 80 extra children to receive specialist tutoring while accessing the same learning as other children In a separate scheme, West Sussex County Council is also over halfway through a major project to rebuild the college facilities at Woodlands Meed special school in Burgess Hill for 100 children with additional needs. West Sussex County Council will fund the creation of these 300 extra SEND places, estimated to be around £13 million, from its existing, approved SEND capital development fund, to meet a growing need.

View Report

03 March 2023

Community Speed Watch 

The CSW Team are recruiting new volunteers. 

Please read the attached leaflet for all the details. 

CSW is a national initiative where, in partnership with the police, trained members of communities use detection devices to monitor local vehicle speeds.

The volunteers report drivers exceeding the speed limit to the police with the aim of educating drivers to slow down.

If the data proves a driver is ignoring repeated warnings, the police can prosecute them. Data is used from all CSW teams in Sussex. The aim is to:

• reduce death and injury on the roads
• improve the quality of life for local communities
• reduce the speed of vehicles to the speed limit
• increase public awareness of inappropriate speed

Further information can be found on Sussex Police's website: 

https://www.sussex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/wsi/watch-schemes-initiatives/speedwatch/community-speedwatch/

Did you know? There are no pavements along Plaistow Road in Ifold and so pedestrians, including children, are at greater risk. The CSW initiative is supported by Plaistow and Ifold Parish Council, although it is being organised and run independently from the Council. Together with lowering the speed limit to 30 MPH along Plaistow Road and installing a Speed Indicator Device, the Parish Council is addressing the concerns of the community regarding speeding traffic in Ifold. It is hoped road users will be more considerate of the village communities they drive through and the adverse impact excessive speed has on those who live in this Parish and elsewhere.

View Report

03 March 2023

CHICHESTER LOCAL PLAN

The Local Plan consultation begins on Friday 3 February 2023. 

To help with this, CDC have created an overview document for the three key sections of the plan area. All three are attached to this notice. The documents provide a brief overview of the challenges facing the Local Plan, how CDC have addressed these and the key points relating to each area. They also explain the consultation process in more detail.

If you wish to take part in the consultation, or read the Local Plan, you can do so by visiting: www.chichester.gov.uk/localplanconsultation (page available from 3rd Feb).

The Local Plan and other information can be found at www.chichester.gov.uk/localplan which provides detailed information and frequently asked questions. These pages are currently live.

View Report

03 March 2023

Unseen Deadly Danger

West Sussex Trading Standards are reminding residents to be careful when buying electrical products online. The safety warning comes after a person suffered a serious electric shock from the metal casing of a device bought on Amazon. The device, a PoE (Power over Ethernet)* switch, was supplied with a standard three-pin cable, commonly referred to as a ‘kettle lead’. A sample lead was found to have the earth wire connected to the live pin, meaning the metal casing of the PoE device became live when plugged in. “The danger of this power lead was hidden inside a moulded plug, and it was inevitable the user would receive an electric shock,” said Peter Aston, Trading Standards Team Manager. “It’s only as a result of luck the reported accident didn’t result in a fatality; although the resident is suffering long term nerve pain and remains under medical investigation.” The power lead was also fitted with an unsafe fuse which could have resulted in injury or fire. Trading Standards Officers took immediate steps to ensure these items were removed from sale and a product recall** was undertaken. Investigations found that the seller was based in China. "Our advice for anyone purchasing electrical products or power leads is to buy them from a reputable business in the UK”, said Peter Aston. “Exercise care when buying something online that appears to be a particular bargain." Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “The dangerous nature of this product is thankfully not something our Trading Standards Officers come across often, but the unseen deadly risk it posed is of great concern.” If you live in West Sussex and have bought an unsafe electrical product, you can let Trading Standards know by calling Citizens’ Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506 or by going online to. www.westsussex.gov.uk/tsreport *Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems allow electricity to pass along Ethernet cabling. A single cable can therefore provide both a data connection and a small electrical supply, sufficient to power and operate a number of CCTV cameras or similar devices. **Recall details can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-recall-nicgiga-11-port-gigabit-poe-switch-2301-0164

View Report

03 March 2023

WSCC thanks all those who attended the public meeting regarding the A29 closure in Pulborough

West Sussex County Council has thanked all those who attended the public meeting about the A29 closure on Monday 27 February. We appreciate those who took the time to engage with our representatives and ask questions about the landslide and resulting closure. It was a useful and insightful meeting which we took a lot away from.

We fully appreciate the frustrations felt by local residents about the ongoing situation and the resulting inconvenience along with the hardship felt by businesses in the area. Please be assured that the County Council is doing everything it can to progress a solution to this issue as quickly as possible.

As outlined during the meeting, the complexity of the issue is not in the engineering, which our technical team advise is relatively straightforward to resolve. The situation is unusual in that the embankments on both sides of the cutting are not within the County Council’s control. They are not adopted highway land and are owned by private landowners, and it is this private land that has slipped with the embankments remaining unstable.

This has resulted in a longer than anticipated timeline as we have had to engage in a period of discussions and negotiations with the landowners to allow us to access their land and undertake the works. These discussions are ongoing and are productive. It is appropriate that before we utilise any statutory powers to enter the land and do the works, we must allow sufficient time for the landowners to fully explore the implications on their property and understand what is required before they come to an agreement with us.

Councillor Joy Dennis, Cabinet member for Highways and Transport said: “We do appreciate how frustrating this is for everyone affected but please be assured we are taking the best technical advice and doing everything we can to expediate the process. Our primary objective is to ensure that the road can be reopened for use safely by all road users.

“When the incident occurred, the County Council acted swiftly to close to road to ensure safety and put into place a temporary diversion. Once it became clear that a solution couldn’t be implemented quickly, our team implemented a more robust road closure and worked with our network coordination team to agree a longer-term diversion route which takes in to account the suitability of the alternative route for all vehicle types.

“We continue to monitor the official diversion along with those local roads being used as unofficial alternative routes, carrying out repairs and implement temporary measures such as parking restrictions as needed.”

The solution presented at the meeting was that once an agreement had been reached with the landowners, which we are hoping for this week, we will immediately implement temporary repairs which we anticipate will take approximately two weeks to complete. This temporary solution, which will reopen the road and allow for two-way traffic under temporary traffic lights, is one which has received support from local residents.

There are a further two phases to resolve this permanently, with the complete repair to be completed once a design and programme has been agreed with key local stakeholders. Our objective is to have the road open to two-way traffic as quickly as possible and maintain that whilst the permanent solution is designed.

View Report

03 March 2023

The Met Office have issued a Level 3 Cold Weather Alert for the South East

There is a 60% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between 00:01 on Monday 06 March and 23:59 on Thursday 09 March in parts of England. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable and disrupt the delivery of services.

View the full warning at the Met Office Cold Weather Alert site.

Cold weather can affect your health. 

The people most likely to be affected are the elderly, the very young, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

If you know or look after someone that may be susceptible to the effects of this cold weather period please help make sure that they stay warm and well, and if possible check in advance that they are prepared for this cold spell. 

· Stay tuned in to weather forecasts

· Check room temperatures and maintain it at 18C or warmer

· Keep warm and active, and if you have to go out dress warmly and wear non slip shoes.

· If you are concerned about your own health or welfare or that of others please alert the emergency services.

For more information:

· Met Office Cold Weather Alert

· NHS Keep Warm Keep Well leaflet

· WSCC Dealing with extreme weather

· WSCC Preparing for emergencies

· WSCC Report a road and footway issue

· Follow WSCC on Twitter for regular updates @WSCCNews @WSCCResilience @wspublichealth.

View Report

02 March 2023

National Trust tree work in Plaistow

Plaistow village Green – Horse Chestnut. 

As I am sure you have noticed, there is a very poorly looking Horse Chestnut on the green on the Common House Lane frontage. The National Trust has got permission from CDC for felling, which will happen on 2nd March. 

Ash trees within the hedge line by Winterton Hall

Due to Ash Dieback these trees will be removed. This work was highlighted by the Parish Council in 2021 within a tree survey. The ADB is advanced enough to meet the NT's threshold for removal and they want to remove their risk, particularly considering the proximity to the Preschool garden. These trees are due to be removed in the next couple of weeks. The NT will liaise with the Preschool directly. 8 pedunculate oaks Quercus robur will be planted within the hedge line as replacements.

View Report

28 February 2023

Council Tax support

In April CDC will be issuing the annual council tax bills to residents across the district.

Message from the Leader of CDC, Cllr Eileen Lintill

"We know that for people on low incomes, paying council tax on top of the cost of living can be a struggle. Our local tax reduction scheme supports those on low incomes with up to 100% of the total cost of council tax. We also have a discretionary scheme to assist those disadvantaged by the banded scheme for those in receipt of universal credit or those who are care leavers.

This year, the Government has also provided some additional funding to councils to pay up to an additional £25 in support of those in receipt of council tax reduction. This will automatically be applied to accounts for those who are eligible as part of the billing process, and this will be credited to council tax bills for 2023-24. This additional funding also means that we can create our own schemes to support those impacted by the rise in the cost of living. Our discretionary scheme will open on 1 April 2023 and our newly created Supporting You team will administer this fund. It is just one of the many ways that the team can provide practical support to those who may be struggling financially and make sure that they are accessing the support that is available.

It's also worth being aware that West Sussex County Council is also awarding up to £25 to those who are working age and are in receipt of council tax reduction. This will also be automatically applied to council tax accounts for those who are eligible.

We are so proud of the work that our Supporting You team is delivering. They are having an incredibly positive impact on the lives of our residents who are struggling with a wide range of issues. The team attend a range of events across the district, and they also work closely with our partners, including Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester; Citizens’ Advice; local housing associations and West Sussex County Council. We meet regularly with these partners to review the impact of the service and the feedback that we are receiving. The team also meets individually with people who have requested help or who have been referred to the service.

The team has supported people who are struggling financially; who have been evicted from their homes; or who just need a helping hand to get back on track. They have seen people who are struggling with their finances, and are also dealing with other challenges, such as domestic abuse, alcohol addiction, terminal illness and eviction. The team have not only been able to help them financially and make sure that they access housing advice, but they are also making sure that they are getting support from a wide range of agencies. This approach has literally changed lives and means that those most in need are getting the support that they need.

We also have a system called TellJo. This sends customers a text message and an email if they have missed a payment asking them if they are okay. In most cases, customers respond to provide us with more details, and this enables us to provide them with the help that they need. This includes: debt advice, housing advice, counselling, payment plans; benefit advice; and access to our social prescribing service.

All of these approaches are making sure that those who need our support the most are accessing it. If you want to find out more, or want to get in touch with Our Supporting You team, they can be contacted by visiting: www.chichester.gov.uk/supportingyou; emailing: supportingyou@chichester.gov.uk; or calling 01243 534860.

Please also don’t forget to have a look at our Supporting You campaign, which highlights the support available to everyone during the cost-of-living crisis. We have a wealth of information at: www.chichester.gov.uk/supportingyou

Best Wishes

Cllr Eileen Lintill"

Leader of Chichester District Council

View Report

24 February 2023

Adult maths and numeracy skills boost for Sussex

Adults across West Sussex who want to improve their numeracy skills can sign up for free courses and activities with West Sussex County Council. It’s thanks to a £3.6 million investment aimed at boosting opportunities for more people to enhance their skills and secure well-paid jobs. The free courses and activities take place online and in person and are available to residents on either a part time or more intensive basis. Around 17 million adults in England, which is half of the working-age population, have the numeracy skills of primary school children. Poor numeracy skills can hold people back from having the confidence to get on in life and into work. West Sussex County Council has been awarded the funding from the government’s £2.6 billion UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is provided to offer courses that meet the needs of local communities as part of the government’s Multiply programme. Multiply is available to adults, aged 19+ who do not already have a GCSE grade C/4 or higher in Maths or equivalent and want to improve their numeracy skills. Nigel Jupp, Cabinet Member for Education and Learning said: “I am very pleased that West Sussex County Council is part of the government’s Multiply programme, and the learning opportunities this will provide to our communities. “Good maths skills are important for everyday life, both at work and at home. They can help you to budget, help you support your children with their homework and help you progress your career. “I would encourage anyone who meets the eligibility criteria to get in touch and find out more.” For further information please visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/multiplyprogramme

View Report

22 February 2023

County Council requests new powers to improve road safety and tackle congestion

West Sussex County Council is planning to use new powers to improve safety and tackle congestion by enforcing moving traffic offences in the county. The County Council has applied to the Department for Transport (DfT) for additional powers to enable it to enforce offences which could previously only be enforced by the police. A public consultation is currently live and we are seeking feedback on the locations where these additional powers are initially proposed to be used. The council has now applied to be allowed to enforce key highway restrictions or prohibitions with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) enforcement cameras. If successful, these powers will be used across the county with the aim of: improving road safety and Active Travel initiatives tackling congestion issues increasing the number of drivers complying with the rules of the road In addition to meeting these aims, this initial approach will complement work currently being undertaken as part of the West Sussex Bus Service Improvement Plan. This plan sets out the council’s ambitions to sustain the bus network and help it flourish through increased passenger numbers, targeted reductions in fares, less pollution, more high-frequency services, improved rural transport and multi-modal ticketing. Should the powers be approved, it is intended that in due course, the council will roll out the use of ANPR to enforce other types of moving traffic contraventions. To comment on the enforcement of moving traffic offences at the two sites proposed, please complete the questions online at: https://yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/enforcing-moving-traffic-offences-in-west-sussex-consultation This consultation will run for a further four weeks, closing on 29 March 2023. If you have any questions about this consultation, or would like to request the information in a different format, please email parking@westsussex.gov.uk or call 0330 222 9303.

View Report

20 February 2023

£200 Alternative Fuel Payment

Households across Great Britain who don’t use mains gas for heating will start to receive £200 towards their energy bills through the Alternative Fuel Payment scheme.

The Government has confirmed that the vast majority, including many homes in rural areas, will get the £200 Alternative Fuel Payment automatically through their electricity supplier as a credit on their bill throughout February.

A small minority of customers, such as those living in park homes or on static houseboats, with no direct energy supplier, will need to apply to receive the payment through an online portal that will launch later this month.

From 8 February, energy suppliers were also able to start making payments to businesses and both public and voluntary sector organisations that use alternative fuels to heat their buildings. A credit of £150 will be provided to eligible customers across the UK through the Non-Domestic Alternative Payment scheme. Energy suppliers will deliver this support up to 10 March, with most customers expected to receive payment in February.

You can find out more at: www.gov.uk/government/news/households-businesses-and-organisations-off-the-gas-grid-to-receive-energy-bill-support-over-the-coming-weeks

Homeowners and landlords of houses which do not use gas for the main heating may also be eligible for funding to make their properties more energy efficient, please visit: www.warmerhomes.org.uk/ for further details.

View Report

20 February 2023

County Council approves council plan and budget to deliver investment and support

A council plan and budget which ensures support, investment and essential services continue for all West Sussex residents has been approved by West Sussex County Council. Cllr Paul Marshall, Leader of the Council, said: “I am delighted that we are going to be able deliver a budget that continues to deliver for those in need whilst also ensuring continued investment in the priority areas set out in Our Council Plan. “As well as the huge task we have of funding day-to-day services for vulnerable adults, children, and families, we have successfully managed our finances so we can continue to fund improvements in our highways and infrastructure for the benefit of our residents, communities, and businesses. “I’m pleased to confirm that this year we will invest an additional £4.5m into our highways and roads that have been impacted so severely by the recent adverse weather." The council’s budget is integrated into the council’s ambitions, captured each year in a detailed Council Plan, which sets out what we propose to do and the specific targets we use to judge our performance during the year. The business planning of the Council continues to be underpinned by a relentless focus on four priority outcomes, underpinned by a cross cutting theme of tackling climate change. The four priorities are: keeping people safe from vulnerable situations a sustainable and prosperous economy helping people and communities to fulfil their potential making the best use of resources A net budget of £708.8m was approved, following debate at a meeting of the full council today (17 February 2023) and forms part of the council’s total spend of £1.86 billion in 2023/24 to deliver day-to-day services to a growing population of 882,676 residents and 37,400 businesses across the county. This spend includes: £883m to support 118,276 children in 286 schools, 6,510 children with education health and care plans, and 2,400 families and young carers £458m to support 8,500 adults through social care, and to help keep people healthy through Public Health support £174m to support 880 children we care for, 760 children on Child Protection Plans, 1,585 children on Child in Need Plans and 2,130 families through early help £84m on waste services, climate change, and our environment £80m on maintaining 4046km of roads & 3,956km of footways The budget includes an increase to the County Council element of council tax of 2.99% - plus an additional 2% for adult social care – making a total increase of 4.99%. This is an increase for an average Band D property of £77.67 per year or around £1.50 per week. Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, Cllr Jeremy Hunt, said: “We know the exceptionally high levels of inflation and increasing costs we are all experiencing have been difficult for our residents. We are also feeling these pressures, alongside an increase in costs due to the complexity of the care required by an increasing number of the adults and children we support. I am therefore pleased that we have been able to deliver a balanced budget during these challenging circumstances. “It is vitally important we spend our funds wisely on the areas which will help people the most, whilst also maintaining continued investment in our services and our infrastructure. For 2023/24 we have been able to achieve this by investing an additional net £60.5m – equal to a 9.5% budget increase - in order to ensure that our key services are not only maintained, but we are also able to continue to improve them, in order to achieve the best outcomes for our residents. A key part of our striving for the best outcomes for our residents is ensuring value for money for every penny we spend." Cllr Marshall added: “Despite the difficulties we are facing with funding our day-to-day services, we are also acutely aware of the need to continue to invest in our county, our local economy, and our communities. “Over the next five years we will invest £747.2 million in the county’s highways, environment, schools, buildings, and IT & digital infrastructure through our Capital Programme.” The Capital Programme spend will include: £110m on highway’s maintenance and local transport improvements £86m on improvements to major roads £109m to provide additional school places including a further £53.5m to build a new ultra-low-carbon secondary school in Burgess Hill £32m to deliver more places for children with special educational needs £18.5m to make our buildings more environmentally friendly by reducing carbon emissions £49m on solar power and battery storage renewable energy schemes £25m to make it easier for people to visit town centres in Crawley, Burgess Hill, Worthing, Arun, and Adur £13m for the roll out of high speed ‘gigabit’ broadband for businesses and residents Find out more about the budget and the council’s priorities at www.westsussex.gov.uk/budget Anyone struggling to pay their council tax is advised to contact their local district or borough council to see if they are eligible for a discount or exemption. Further advice about local and national support available for people struggling with the rising cost of living can be found at: www.westsussex.gov.uk/CostOfLiving

View Report

08 February 2023

Volunteering opportunities with the West Sussex Waste Prevention Advisor Scheme

The West Sussex Waste Prevention Team is looking for friendly and enthusiastic new volunteers to join them to encourage local residents to think about reducing, reusing, and recycling their waste.

The volunteer advisors will engage with a diverse range of people and will need to demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting the environment regarding waste prevention.

Volunteering with the Waste Prevention Team can involve:

• Working with the Waste Prevention Team to deliver initiatives across the county
• Assisting at local events, fairs, festivals, promotions, or writing blogs or newsletter articles
• Speaking to members of the public about waste prevention initiatives and recycling right
• Taking on the challenge of becoming a ‘master composter’ and sharing your skills and knowledge
• Educating primary and secondary school children by delivering the 'Wastebuster' programme

Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “I would encourage anyone who is interested in protecting our environment to look into the Waste Prevention Advisor Scheme. The volunteers do a great job of encouraging residents to reduce, reuse and recycle better. They also provide a crucial link to communities and households and their expertise is a huge asset. A few hours a month from a volunteer can really help to make a difference to what we see going into household bins.”

New volunteers will be provided with complete training on countywide and local recycling and waste services. All that's asked is that candidates are willing to spread message about ‘the three Rs’ (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) and commit to two hours of volunteering each month.

A current volunteer has described their time with the Waste Prevention team as: "A thoroughly enjoyable experience." Another volunteer commented: "Everyone is encouraged to bring their own particular interests and skills to the role... the other volunteers are an extraordinary group of people…who have become close friends."

How to apply

Recruitment is currently open for those interested in becoming either a Waste Prevention Advisor or an Advanced Waste Prevention Advisor Volunteer. More information on the two roles can be found here: www.westsussex.gov.uk/wp_volunteer.

If you are interested, please email your details to waste.prevention@westsussex.gov.uk and include which position you would be interested in applying for. If selected, you will be invited to an informal online chat to discuss the role.

The closing date for applications is midnight 24 February 2023.

View Report

06 February 2023

District Council teams up with local authorities across the South East to demand Southern Water cleans up its act

Chichester District Council is one of more than 40 councils across the South East that have joined together to hold Southern Water to account over pollution and infrastructure failings.

The group was set up in response to issues including flooding; sewage backing up into people’s homes, gardens and roads; the ongoing problem of discharges into rivers and waterways; and the inability to deal with additional development.

The meeting was held on Tuesday 31 January when the group discussed action and experiences to date across the full Southern Water network.

Southern Water is responsible for wastewater across the region and for drinking water in other parts of the southeast.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning, Cllr Susan Taylor and Cllr Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for the Environment, at Chichester District Council both attended the meeting.

Susan said: “It’s not just Chichester District Council which is frustrated at the issues and concerns, which lead back to Southern Water’s failings.

“All of the councils attending the meeting were united in their pledge to hold Southern Water to account and press for immediate action, particularly in relation to upgrading and investing in the sewerage system.

“We have been challenging Southern Water in relation to their engagement with both the planning process and the environmental impacts of discharging sewage into Chichester Harbour for some time. This includes previously filing an official complaint about the company to the Water Services Regulation Authority, Ofwat. We believe the way forward is to work with our local authority partners to apply significant pressure on Southern Water.

“We are also involved in a Three Harbours Summit, whichinvolves Southern Water and representatives from the council and other local authorities, along with relevant agencies such as Natural England, the Environment Agency, Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Langstone Harbour Board and Sussex Wildlife Trust. This is a positive step towards working together to help improve the harbour for future years to come. The aim is that this group will have a positive impact on Southern Water’s five-year investment plan.”

Penny adds: Only recently, senior representatives from Southern Water, the Environment Agency; Ofwat and Natural England were invited to the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting so that they could be challenged on some of the serious problems our residents are facing.

“These include the recent flooding and associated drain surcharging; sewage and subsequent discharges into the harbour and water courses affecting the water quality of Chichester Harbour; delays in upgrades to the sewerage network; and slow responses to planning applications.”

“Our residents deserve better. Unfortunately, we do not have the direct power to regulate Southern Water or require it to address its rather lengthy list of failings. But as local authorities working together, we can do our utmost to apply pressure to seek the required action needed to end this catalogue of failings.”

All councils agreed that regular meetings should continue to take place at the end of the meeting.

View Report

01 February 2023

West Sussex County Council’s budget proposal delivers investment and support

West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet has proposed a budget for 2023/24 that delivers for those in need whilst continuing to invest in priority areas.

Cllr Paul Marshall, Leader of the Council, said: “We have successfully managed our finances to ensure we have the funding to deliver on Our Council Plan priorities. This means we will deliver on our improvements in adults’ and children’s services whilst continuing to fund improvements in our infrastructure, particularly highways.

“Our proposed budget shows how we continue to fund the services our residents rely on, supporting those in need whilst investing where needed for all of our residents, communities, and businesses, and how we have delivered savings where necessary. We have set out our priorities in the Council Plan and this budget enables us to deliver on those priorities.”

Ensuring support and investment continues for all our residents and the essential services the County Council provides is the aim of the budget for the year ahead.

Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, Cllr Jeremy Hunt, said: “The current year has been particularly challenging with exceptionally high levels of inflation impacting the cost of delivering services. Not only that, but the increased demand on our teams supporting those adults, families, and children who need our support, is also adding to the cost of providing those services.

“We know residents have faced a tough year too with rising energy costs and increasing household bills. So now, more than ever, we need to ensure that we are spending their money wisely to help people who, for whatever reason, need our support the most, whilst also ensuring continued investment in our services and our infrastructure.”

Next year (2023/24) the County Council is planning to spend a total of £1.86 billion to deliver day-to-day services to a growing population of 882,676 residents and 37,400 businesses across the county.

Pressure and additional expense is being felt particularly in adults’ and children’s services, where the County Council is supporting people who have an increasing complexity of need.

Next year’s budget will include:

• £84m on waste services, climate change and our environment
• £80m on maintaining 4046km of roads & 3,956km of footways
• £435m supporting 8,500 adults through social care
• £36m keeping 883,000 residents healthy through public health services.
• £174m supporting 880 children we care for, 760 children on Child Protection Plans, 1,585 children on Child in Need Plans and 2,130 families through early help
• £883m on support to 118,276 children in the 286 schools, 6,510 children with education health and care plans which has seen an increase of 90% since March 2015 and support to 2,400 families and young carers

Cllr Jeremy Hunt, said: “The government has announced an additional £16.3m next year for social care. Whilst we welcome this, the rising costs of more and more people needing our support, and the increasing complexity of the support they need, means unfortunately this does not cover the additional costs we are facing.

“We are very aware of the pressures everyone is feeling due to the current cost of living challenge, and we are continuing to look for the most efficient ways to deliver value for money services.

“However, we are in the difficult position of having to recommend a council tax increase. We don’t do this lightly. But this increase in council tax would mean we can balance our budget and protect vital services without drawing on the funds we hold in reserves to manage future challenges.”

The draft budget proposals include a plan to increase the County Council element of council tax by 2.99% - plus an additional 2% for adult social care – making a total increase of 4.99%. This would see an increase for an average Band D property of £77.67 per year or around £1.50 per week.

Leader of the County Council, Paul Marshall, added: “Despite the difficulties we are facing with funding our day-to-day services, we are also acutely aware of the need to continue to invest in our county in order to ensure our local economy and communities can flourish.

“That’s why this year we’re proposing that we invest an additional £4.5m into our highways and roads that have been so greatly impacted by the adverse weather over the last year, particularly flooding and potholes, and £0.5m into delivering on our skills and economic agenda."

This is in addition to a £747.2m rolling five-year programme of capital investment which is planned to focus on the county’s highways, environment, schools, buildings, and IT & digital infrastructure. Next year it is proposed that this should include:

• £12m to invest in environmental projects, reduce the County Council’s carbon footprint, and help it to become carbon neutral by 2030.
• £48m of investment for highways and transport reflecting the importance of the infrastructure for economic growth.
• £34m investment into the County’s schools and early year settings; and
• £5m into our accommodation to support vulnerable children.

The draft budget proposals were endorsed by the Performance and Finance Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on Wednesday 25 January.

Final decisions on the budget and any increase in council tax will be made at a meeting of Full Council on Friday 17 February at 10.30am at County Hall, Chichester.

Find out more about the budget setting process and the council’s priorities at www.westsussex.gov.uk/budget

Anyone who wishes to make a comment on the budget can email budget@westsussex.gov.uk

Anyone struggling to pay their council tax is advised to contact their local district or borough council to see if they are eligible for a discount or exemption.

Further advice about local and national support available for people struggling with the rising cost of living can be found at www.westsussex.gov.uk/CostOfLiving

View Report

01 February 2023

Home Energy Efficiency

Are you eligible for government grants to make your home more energy efficient?

Please read the attached posters. ‘Warmer Homes’ are providing information about these grants and will help you through the application process. West Sussex Keep Warm has useful contacts for anyone facing fuel poverty. 

Improving home energy efficiency helps reduce both energy bills and carbon emissions. Those on the lowest incomes often live in houses with the poorest energy efficiency and can pay twice as much in energy bills as those living in more energy efficient homes. 

To be eligible for the grants, your household income has to be £30,000 or less, or you need to be in receipt of a means-tested benefit. Your home must also have an Energy Performance Certificate of E, F or G. You can check your home's rating at: www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate

People who rent privately should speak to their landlord, who will be required to make a financial contribution and give consent for the improvements. Landlords looking to improve their properties through this scheme are required to seek their tenants’ consent.

View Report

01 February 2023

Chichester District Council provides update on key steps taken to tackle climate change in the district

Chichester District councillors have been updated on the positive progress of a number of key actions that have been completed, or are underway, to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the district.

As part of the council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan, a detailed progress report has been produced. This highlights over 60 actions that the council has taken, or is currently taking, to reduce its own carbon emissions by putting climate change at the heart of its operations, as well as introducing campaigns and projects to help residents, businesses and organisations to reduce their carbon footprint too.

There are a range of actions including the introduction of two new electric vehicles to the council’s refuse collection fleet, which is the council’s biggest source of emissions. The council is producing an inspirational film about climate change made with Chichester school students and a professional film company.In addition, two specialist officers have been appointed: one to provide greater support to small and medium-sized enterprises looking to become more sustainable, and the second to increase engagement with not-for-profit organisations and households to help them reduce their emissions.

These are just a few of the actions that the council has been taking since it declared a climate emergency in 2019 and set a district-wide target to aspire to of 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions every year until 2025. The Government released the 2020 emission figures last year, which showed that the district’s emissions had reduced by 8.7%.

“From investing in electric refuse collection vehicles and working to improve the energy efficiency within council buildings, and increasing tree planting within the district, the council is progressing a number of major projects to help reduce carbon emissions within its own work and across the district over the coming months and years,” says Councillor Penny Plant, Cabinet member for the Environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council.

“While the council’s own carbon emissions equate to less than 0.5% of the district’s emissions as a whole, the council decided to set an ambitious carbon reduction target to act as a call to action and to help unite the efforts of individuals and organisations across the district. Although it was recognised that this would be challenging to meet, the target was chosen to reflect the urgent nature of the current climate crisis and the emission reductions that the council felt needed to be worked towards, rather than what was easily achievable.

“Much of the reduction seen in the 2020 figures will have come from reduced road transport and is likely to be linked with Covid restrictions. The fact that emissions in the district did not reduce further, despite the huge lifestyle changes caused by Covid restrictions, shows the scale of the challenge we face when tackling the effects of climate change.”

The council set a similar 10% reduction target for its own operations. These emissions are estimated by the council so this data is available sooner, but the time period is different. For the first year of the target (October 2019- September 2020), the council is reporting a 12% reduction in its emissions. One of the biggest reductions was achieved at Westgate Leisure Centre, which has a swimming pool and is the council’s second biggest source of emissions.

For the second year (October 2020-September 2021), the council is reporting a further 4% reduction. Emissions for the following year (October 2021-September 2022) will be estimated in the next couple of months. However, it will not be until the year after (October 2022-September 2023) that a number of key projects aimed at reducing emissions will start to make an impact and that the benefit of this work will start to be seen.

Penny adds: “I’m really pleased to say that a major project to reduce emissions from Westgate Leisure Centre will be completed soon. The large pool hall roof has been covered with solar panels that will generate electricity and heat, with further electricity generating panels (PV panels) on other roofs at the centre. These — together with a newly installed air source heat pump — should reduce the centre’s emissions by almost a quarter. Our partners, Everyone Active, which run the council’s leisure centres, are reducing energy use in other ways, for example, through switching to LED lighting and turning lighting off when not needed.

“We have also recently completed a project to improve the energy efficiency of the council’s older block of short stay accommodation, which we anticipate will reduce its energy use by 54%, leading to reduced emissions. We’re looking forward to receiving our two new electric refuse vehicles this spring, which will significantly reduce our emissions over the coming months and years.

“Looking forward, it is difficult to predict future emission figures. Weather and post-Covid lifestyles affect emissions, as well as changes to the services offered by the council. For example, in March 2022, the council expanded its short-stay accommodation for residents facing homelessness. The building has been built with biodiversity in mind and with PV panels and two electric vehicle charge points. However, it is a new facility that will add to the council’s emission consumption.

“The council’s regenerated St James’ Industrial Estate will also re-open this year, which will help support local businesses and boost the local economy. It is important to note that this will impact on the council’s emission figure even though the materials used and the installation of PV panels and electric vehicle charging points will mean that the new site will have a reduced carbon footprint.

“Setting a target that requires the council to make a 10% reduction in the first year, and further 10% yearly reductions, is challenging. Projects and timelines often need to adapt, as the Covid pandemic has clearly demonstrated. Lists of options need to be drawn up, assessed for feasibility, costings obtained, and funding secured. The delivery times for energy efficiency and renewable energy equipment — even common components — can be very long, and installers have to be found. However, it is important to set an ambitious target so that we are focused on what we are striving to achieve.

“Although the council accounts for less than 0.5% of the district’s emissions, we must all play our part, and at the end of last year, we put together a video highlighting some of the many actions that we’ve been taking — you can watch this here:www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmNH9_2g4SY&t=34s.”

Further information on the work that the council is doing on climate change, and to view the council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan, visit:www.chichester.gov.uk/climatechange

View Report

30 January 2023

A29 Pulborough landslide update

Highways teams from West Sussex County Council continue to scope potential solutions to complex issues following the A29 Pulborough landslide, when an embankment collapsed, sending debris onto the road below.

Joy Dennis, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We totally understand the frustration of residents, business owners and other road users, facing a lengthy diversion route, and would like to assure them we are making every effort to re-open the road as soon as possible – but that can only be done once it is safe to do so.

“The issues involved are complex and the landslide occurred at the narrowest part of the A29, where both sides are flanked by steep embankments.

“Geo-technical experts have assessed the embankments and advised it is not safe to reopen the road to vehicles and pedestrians – we must adhere to this expert advice as safety has to be our number one priority.”

Both embankments have moved and worsened since the original road closure. The western side has seen more material join the pile of debris on the highway and the eastern side, which we have significant concerns with, has shown signs of slippage and material deposited on the carriageway.

Joy added: “Sadly, it is not a simple matter of clearing debris – we have been advised that disturbing material from the embankments could further undermine them and make the situation far worse.

“Trees are at risk of being brought down and there is the added complication of a sewer drain in the embankment, which has been damaged in the landslide.

“The land that has slipped is not owned by the County Council and we are continuing to work closely with the landowners involved, so officers and our specialist contractors can complete their assessments and fully design the solution that will enable the road to be reopened.”

Additional inspection assessments are being carried on other local roads, identifying safety issues for repair, acknowledging these roads are regrettably being used as informal diversion routes/cut throughs, despite the signed, official route. Several potholes have already been repaired and more repairs have been scheduled.

Other action taken by highways teams and contractors since the landslide on December 28 includes:

• Establishing the road closure and diversion (please see map, below)
• Improving diversion route signage, including electronic signs at key locations
• Engineers and specialist contractors are scoping potential solutions

Further surveys are being undertaken to assess the damage to the embankments and develop options to resolve the situation.

A dedicated web page has been set up so residents, businesses and road users in general can be kept up to date with the latest information available: www.westsussex.gov.uk/a29-pulborough

Updates, including links to the latest media releases, will also be posted on the County Council’s social media channels, including via @WSHighways on Twitter, and via our residents’ e-newsletter.

Original article 

Hard work continues to find solutions following A29 Pulborough landslide

Highways teams continue their hard work to find solutions to the complex situation following the A29 Pulborough landslide, when an embankment collapsed.

Every effort is being made to ensure the stretch of the A29 impacted by the collapse (on December 28, 2022) is safe so it can be re-opened as soon as possible.

A West Sussex County Council spokesperson said: “Our Highways teams continue to work hard to progress a solution so that this stretch of the A29 at Pulborough can be reopened as soon as possible.

“The landslide occurred at the narrowest part of the A29, where both sides are flanked by steep embankments. Safety is always our top priority and geotechnical experts have assessed the embankments along this section of the A29 and advised it is not safe to reopen the road to vehicles and pedestrians.

“We cannot currently advise on timescales for reopening as the assessments, investigations and solutions are complex and involve our continuing dialog with the landowners involved.

“Meanwhile, we have improved the diversion route signage, including electronic signs at key locations, and would reiterate our appeal to road users to please use the signed diversion route and take heed of the “road closed” signs and barriers which are there for everyone’s safety."

View Report

25 January 2023

Chichester Local Plan – consultation launched

The next round of public consultation on Chichester’s Local Plan will begin shortly, after councillors gave it the green light.

All councillors met to discuss the draft Local Plan on Tuesday 24 January 2023 and agreed that it was now ready for residents and businesses to have their say, before submitting the plan to the Planning Inspectorate.

This consultation is a very specific one, which invites people to comment on three specific questions or tests.

Respondents will be asked if the plan has met the legal requirements; if it has been positively prepared and is justified, effective and consistent with national policy; and if the council has engaged and worked effectively with neighbouring authorities and statutory bodies.

The council is running the consultation for six weeks, between 3 February and 17 March 2023. Once completed, all comments will be packaged alongside the plan for the Planning Inspector to consider as part of the independent examination on behalf of the Government.

The Local Plan identifies development areas for economic growth and locations for new homes in the Chichester plan area over the next 15 years. There is a separate plan for those areas located in the National Park and this is produced by the South Downs National Park Authority.

The current Local Plan was adopted in 2015, but the Government Inspector said that it needed to be reviewed again to make sure that sufficient housing was planned to meet the needs of the area. Since then, a great deal has happened. The number of houses the Government requires the council to build has changed numerous times and due to the issues faced, including roads, wastewater and water neutrality, extensive work and research has been required to test various options. This has involved significant background evidence, as well as consulting with partners and residents.

Cllr Susan Taylor, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning at Chichester District Council, says: “Any council that submits their Local Plan to the Planning Inspector is required to show that they have tried and tested every possible way to reach the housing numbers set by Government. No stone can be left unturned. This means that the work that we have carried out to date has been vital in demonstrating the complex situation we are in.

“We have been very clear that we believe this work shows that the Local Plan is unlikely to be able to meet the full housing targets set by Government due to a lack of external funding for essential infrastructure improvements. Due to this, we’ve revised our housing numbers to what we believe is achievable, based on the evidence we have gathered. We’ve also considered all of the feedback we have received from previous consultations as part of this process.

“We’ve always said that the roads, wastewater and water neutrality are the biggest challenges facing the plan. The Local Plan has to demonstrate that we have investigated all options and solutions before the Government will consider a lower housing target and we believe that we have reached this point.

“We also welcome the Government’s recent announcement to hand greater control back to councils and local communities over the number of houses built. We are a thriving and successful district and need new homes for social and economic reasons. However, we support the Government's view that the decision on how many houses we take should be based on local needs, the environment and local involvement. We're pleased to see that they are adjusting the emphasis from housing need being a mandatory target, to an advisory starting point, and that more allowances will be given for genuine constraints.

“We do not believe it would be of any benefit to our area to delay the Local Plan process any further. If we do, it will put us at risk of further speculative development, which is something that none of us want. By progressing with the plan, we will have far greater ability to defend ourselves from unplanned development.

“The Government has indicated that where a plan is at an advanced stage of preparation it can benefit from a number of changes proposed. These include allowing planning authorities two years to review and revise their plan against the Government's proposed changes if they wish to do so. In addition, to reduce the risk of speculative development they only need to demonstrate a four-year rolling housing land supply, rather than the current five years. The Government has indicated that those considered to be at 'an advanced stage of preparation' will be afforded much greater protection.

"We have been lobbying the Government for years now regarding the challenges that our area faces and so it is really positive that they have listened. We recognise that until these changes are implemented, we must continue to work with the current National Planning Policy Framework. We will respond to the detail of the consultation and look forward to seeing the final changes to the framework as soon as possible.

“The council agrees that it’s important we move ahead with the Local Plan, especially as it is likely that we will have the option to review it under the new proposals if this would be of benefit. Residents, businesses and community groups will soon be able to participate in the next stage of consultation on the Local Plan, which will run from 3 February until 17 March at: www.chichester.gov.uk/localplanconsultation”

People will also be able to read an overview document, which summarises the key areas of the plan and the work that has been carried out since the last consultation. These have been personalised for the different parts of the plan area – and these documents will be available from 3 February at: www.chichester.gov.uk/chichesterlocalplan2035

To find out more about the Local Plan and what it does, and to access frequently asked questions, please visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/chichesterlocalplan2035

View Report

18 January 2023

Level 3 Cold Weather Alert extended

The Met Office has extended the Level 3 Cold Weather Alert from Wednesday 18th January to Monday 23 January.

Cold air is continuing to affect the country and expected to remain through the rest of the working week and much of, if not all, the way through the weekend. This brings widespread overnight frosts with some freezing fog, and daytime temperatures struggling to recover much above freezing. Brisk winds, along with spells of wintry showers are also possible, mainly until Friday, with icy conditions developing as a result. These are most likely where the brisk north to north-westerly winds bring coastal showers inland.

View the full warning at the Met Office Cold Weather Alert site.

Cold weather can affect your health. The people most likely to be affected are the elderly, the very young, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

If you know or look after someone who may be susceptible to the effects of this cold weather period please help make sure that they stay warm and well, and if possible check in advance that they are prepared for this cold spell.

· Stay tuned in to weather forecasts

· Check room temperatures and maintain it at 18C or warmer

· Keep warm and active, and if you have to go out dress warmly and wear non slip shoes.

· If you are concerned about your own health or welfare or that of others please alert the emergency services.

For more information:

· Met Office Cold Weather Alert

· NHS Keep Warm Keep Well leaflet

· WSCC Dealing with extreme weather

· WSCC Preparing for emergencies

· WSCC Report a road and footway issue

· ESCC Report a highways problem

· Follow WSCC on Twitter for regular updates @WSCCNews @WSCCResilience @wspublichealth

View Report

18 January 2023

Residents and landlords reminded to apply for up to £10,000 of home energy efficiency funding

Eligible homeowners, tenants and landlords in the Chichester District are being urged to apply for grant funding to help them install energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in their homes.

Last year, Chichester District Council announced that it had secured Government funding to help residents keep warm and save money through improved insulation; air source heat pumps; and solar PV panels. Funding under the scheme is available until the end of March this year and people are being reminded to check to see whether they are eligible and apply as soon as possible by visiting: www.warmerhomes.org.uk or calling: 0800 038 5737

To be eligible, an applicant’s household income has to be £30,000 or less, or they need to be in receipt of a means-tested benefit. The applicant’s home must also have an Energy Performance Certificate of E, F, or G (with limited funding for EPC D rated properties). People can check their rating at: www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate

People who rent privately should speak to their landlord, who will be required to make a financial contribution and give consent for the improvements. Landlords looking to improve their properties through this scheme are required to seek their tenants’ consent.

“Almost £850,000 of funding has already been awarded for the benefit of residents in the Chichester District over recent years to help make their homes more energy efficient, and I’d urge anyone who thinks that they may be eligible to benefit from the current round of funding to apply as soon as possible,” says Cllr Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council.

“Making your home as energy efficient as possible can have a huge impact on both the environment and your energy bill. Whether you’re eligible for this funding or not, it’s worth mentioning that there are lots of other things that you can do to increase the energy efficiency of your home — these will not only save you money but will also help our local environment. Even small DIY measures, such as fitting a hot water cylinder with an insulation jacket can save you £20 a year in heating and 150kg of carbon dioxide.

“As part of our Supporting You campaign to highlight the range of help available to those struggling with the current cost of living pressures, we have summarised a number of tips and schemes to help people save money on their household bills. Visit our website for videos, Q&As and advice: www.chichester.gov.uk/helpwithhouseholdbills.”

Helping residents and landlords to make their properties more energy efficient is just one of the actions that the council is taking to help tackle the effects of climate change in the Chichester District.

Penny adds: “We are already making great strides with the projects outlined within our Climate Emergency Action Plan. From investing in electric refuse collection vehicles and working to improve the energy efficiency within council buildings, to safeguarding a series of wildlife corridors across the district and increasing tree planting within the district, the council is progressing a number of major projects to help reduce carbon emissions within its own work and across the district over the coming months and years. We’ve put together a video highlighting some of the many actions that we’ve been taking, and you can view this here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmNH9_2g4SY&t=34s.”

Further information on the work that the council is doing on climate change, as well energy saving tips, can be found at: www.chichester.gov.uk/climatechange

To see whether you are eligible for grant funding to make your home more energy efficient, and to apply, visit: www.warmerhomes.org.uk or call: 0800 038 5737.

View Report

18 January 2023

Proposed County Council budget for the year ahead to be examined by scrutiny committee

Proposals to deliver a County Council budget that delivers for those most in need whilst also increasing funding across many Council services will be examined by the Council’s Performance and Finance Scrutiny Committee next week. The Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday 25 January at 10.30am. Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting at County Hall, Chichester, or follow the discussion online via a webcast. The proposals from the Council’s Cabinet set out how the Council intends to deliver its Council plan priorities and support the most vulnerable, whilst continuing to invest to fund improvements in services that are used by all who live or work within the County. The Cabinet is proposing that the Council will spend £1.86 billion next year (2023/24) to deliver vital services to a growing population of 882,676 residents and 37,400 businesses across West Sussex. Chairman of the Performance and Finance Scrutiny Committee, Pieter Montyn, said: “The budget is being set in an extremely difficult economic period, with high levels of inflation alongside increasing demand for services and cost of living pressures. “The Committee’s role is to look carefully at the proposed draft budget to understand how the Council intends to provide essential services for our residents in a cost-effective way.” The draft budget proposals include a plan to increase council tax by 2.99% - plus an additional 2% for adult social care – making a total increase of 4.99%. This would see an increase for an average Band D property of £77.67 per year or around £1.50 per week. The draft budget report explains that the proposed increase in council tax would mean the County Council can balance its budget and protect vital services without drawing on funds that are held to manage future challenges. It also explains where these funds will be spent to ensure the delivery of services expected by residents and businesses. Comments and recommendations from the Performance and Finance Scrutiny Committee will be reviewed by the Council’s Cabinet at a meeting in public on Tuesday 31 January. Final decisions on the budget and any increase in council tax will then be made at a meeting of Full Council on Friday 17 February. This meeting will also take place in public and can be viewed online. Anyone who wishes to make a comment on the budget can email budget@westsussex.gov.uk Anyone struggling to pay their council tax is advised to contact their local District or Borough Council to see if they are eligible for a discount or exemption. Further advice about local and national support available for people struggling with the rising cost of living can be found at www.westsussex.gov.uk/CostOfLiving

View Report

21 December 2022

Chichester District Dispatch

Dealing with damp and mould

Social housing within Plaistow and Ifold

CDC take the standard of Housing in the district seriously. CDC strongly encourage any social housing tenant who has damp and mould issues - or any other concerns regarding their property - to report this to their social housing provider.

Tenants can use these links:

Report a repair | The Hyde Group (hyde-housing.co.uk)

Making a complaint | The Hyde Group (hyde-housing.co.uk)

Private rented housing within Plaistow and Ifold

You should report damp and mould to your landlord in the first instance. If you do not get a satisfactory response, you should make a complaint and can then approach the Housing Ombudsman. You can also approach CDC for action if necessary.

***

Recently, you may have become aware of the heart-breaking death of Awaab Ishak, through the reporting of the recent inquest into this tragedy. The two-year-old died in 2020, after exposure to mould in his house in Rochdale. This is something that has shocked everyone across the country.

Due to this, CDC thought it was really important to remind people how to deal with damp and mould and highlight where you can seek help if the problem persists. During the winter months, our homes can often suffer from damp and mould due to condensation. This is caused by moisture released into the air from everyday tasks, such as cooking, showering, and drying clothes. You can reduce the moisture in the air by ventilating rooms; drying clothes outside; placing lids on saucepans; wiping down surfaces where moisture settles; making sure that air vents aren’t blocked; and keeping your home warm.

However, this isn’t the only cause of damp. Penetrating damp, which can be caused by leaking pipes or overflows; rain seeping through the roof where tiles or slates are missing; or blocked gutters, is another cause. Rising damp, which can be caused by a defective, or a lack of, damp-proof course, also causes mould to appear. CDC have produced a leaflet, which offers more detailed advice on mould and how to tackle it, which you can find at: www.chichester.gov.uk/media/36430/Damp-Leaflet-Nov-2021/pdf/Damp_leaflet_Nov2021.pdf

If you rent your home and are experiencing issues with damp and mould, please report this to your landlord as soon as possible. If the problem worsens, or you don’t hear back from your landlord within the response time indicated when you reported it, please contact our housing team for help and advice by emailing housingstandards@chichester.gov.uk or by calling 01243 534565.

All landlords have an obligation to meet certain housing standards to ensure that their tenants’ homes are safe, secure, clean and in good condition. You can find more information about these expectations and the standards rented properties should meet at: www.chichester.gov.uk/media/32456/Lettable-standards/pdf/Lettable_standard_leaflet_web_accessible_version.pdf.If you do have concerns, please make sure that you take action as soon as you can. It’s important that what happened to Awaab never happens again.

A joint project between CDC with Arun District Council has helped to reduce the number of privately rented properties classed as ‘cold homes’ in both Chichester and Arun districts.

Last autumn, both district councils made a joint bid for government funding so that they could support landlords to carry out works in order for their properties to meet the Government’s new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). The project targeted properties with an Energy rating of F or G because these are properties which are not legally allowed to be privately let. Any property being privately let as a home must be rated at E or above.

Officers identified 139 properties across the two districts which did not meet the new standards and over the past year they have been working with a number of landlords to help them comply. This has involved work such as installing double-glazing, replacing boilers and increasing insulation. I’m especially pleased that this work has been completed in time for the winter, when priority groups, such as older people and young children, are more at risk from the cold. If you are interested in finding out more about the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, please visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-private-rented-property-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-landlord-guidance

Finally, CDC have also agreed to spend £47,500 from a Government grant on a new project to help combat homelessness. As part of the year-long pilot, we will refer up to 20 clients to Beam, a social enterprise organisation, which specialises in helping people who have experienced long-term issues with gaining employment. You can find out more by visiting www.chichester.gov.uk/latestnews

View Report

19 December 2022

Residents reminded of ways to support Chichester District Foodbank this Christmas

With Christmas fast approaching, Chichester District Council is encouraging people across the district to do their part in helping to support others who are struggling because of cost of living pressures.

The council is urging people to donate food items and produce to the Chichester District Foodbank. These items will support others who are finding things difficult at the present time.

Founded by local churches and community groups, the Foodbank is a project that works towards stopping hunger in the local area. To achieve their aims and continue their important work, they rely solely on the local and community support to ensure they continue to stop people going hungry.

To help encourage support during the festive period, the Foodbank have been running an initiative called the Reverse Advent Calendar. This scheme encourages people to donate one type of food item each day leading up to Christmas. For people who are interested and would like donate and follow along with suggestions from Chichester District Foodbank, please visit here to find the calendar, which can also be downloaded and printed out: https://chichesterdistrict.foodbank.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/104/2022/12/Reverse-Advent-Calendar-2022.pdf

“The continuing cost of living crisis is affecting many people across the district,” says Councillor Peter Wilding, Cabinet Member for Finance. “During these difficult times the important work done by Chichester District Foodbank continues to provide invaluable support for many who need it most.

“With donation points at various locations across the district, donating is accessible and easy for many of us. The Reverse Advent Calendar is a great initiative to encourage people to give back in a small, yet meaningful way to help those in need, and we are also encouraging our own staff to donate items too.

“At this time, I’d also like to remind people about the help available through the council as part of our Supporting You Campaign. Launched in the face of rising living costs, our campaign provides a range of support to help people and local businesses. This includes help with finances, housing and household bills, health and wellbeing guidance, and advice for businesses.

“If you or someone you know needs help or is struggling in these difficult times, please direct them to our Supporting You team by emailing supportingyou@chichester.gov.uk or calling 01243 534860. People can also find out more by visiting: www.chichester.gov.uk/supportingyoucampaign

People planning to donate items are asked to follow this advice:

• Festive foods are not recommended as these won’t be able to be distributed in time before Christmas.
• Only food items which are in date and unopened can be taken.
• To comply with laws on allergens, items must also have an ingredients list on their packaging.

For those who would like to take part in the Reverse Advent Calendar scheme, there are a variety of donation points across the district, including Co-op outlets, supermarkets, Chichester Cathedral, and County Hall in Chichester, among many others.

For a full list of locations and their opening hours, as well as a list of the items that the foodbank is in most urgent need of, please visit: https://chichesterdistrict.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food or follow their social media channels:

• Facebook - www.facebook.com/chidistrictfoodbank/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/ChiDistFoodbank
• Instagram - www.instagram.com/chidistrictfoodbank/

View Report

15 December 2022

Free Ancestry access to Sussex electoral registers 

at West Sussex Record Office and Libraries

Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire & Rescue being shown the Ancestry website at West Sussex Record Office

Family history buffs can now access the Sussex electoral registers for free at West Sussex Record Office, following their launch today (Wednesday 14 December) on the Ancestry website.

The registers include more than 8.2million West Sussex records from 1832-1963 and follow on from the launch of the Sussex parish registers which went live in May of this year.

Between 20 May 2022 and the end of September 2022, the parish registers have been viewed over 813,000 times.

Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire & Rescue, recently visited the Record Office at 3 Orchard Street, Chichester to discover the power of Ancestry and how it can help people learn about their ancestors.

After the visit, Duncan said: “Ancestry is the UK’s largest family history site and being shown how to use the system was truly insightful, as it was something I had heard of but never used before. For someone like me it is the perfect tool to help to piece together a family tree, but it can also be used to search births, marriages, deaths and military records and a vast number of other collections. Overall, it was really interesting to see all the ways it could be used to shed a light on all sorts of history, both close to home and across the world.

“The fantastic thing about using Ancestry at the Record Office is that you don’t have to sign up with your own account and pay for a subscription, it is absolutely free to use, and there is support on hand if you’re struggling to find things. For those people who can’t get into Chichester and experience the great space that is West Sussex Record Office, all 36 of our West Sussex Libraries also have Ancestry available for residents to use for free, which means more budding family and local historians can delve into their pasts and find out about their families.”

To use any of the facilities at West Sussex Record Office, including access to the Ancestry website, you will need a free Archives Card. You can start the registration process on the Archives Card website.

To complete your registration, you will need to visit West Sussex Record Office within three months of submitting your form with two forms of identity. A member of staff will check these are valid and, if so, issue your card.

Wendy Walker, County Archivist at West Sussex Record Office, said: “Working with Ancestry to make our records available online means that we can open up access to some of the wealth of historical resources that we hold and share them with people wherever they live and whenever they want to use them. Adding the electoral registers to the parish registers means that people can find out more about the lives of their ancestors and where they lived as well as discovering more about the past residents of their house, town or village. It will also make more people aware of the rich history of West Sussex and its archives, encouraging visitors to find out more about the records that we hold and the stories that they tell us.”

For those who would rather use Ancestry for free at one of our libraries, library members may use the computers for free for a maximum of two hours per day. If you are not a member, you can join at no cost, or chose to pay a small fee as a visitor.

Alongside free Ancestry access at West Sussex Record Office, from January 2023 coffee time workshops will be back on the first Wednesday of each month.

The special mid-morning sessions, all starting at 10am, will give people the opportunity to learn from the experts on a number of different subjects. Tickets cost £7.50 per event (non-refundable).

The first three workshops of the year are listed below and can be booked in advance by calling 01243 753602:

• How to start your family tree - Wednesday 11 January 2023
• Researching the history of your house - Wednesday 1 February 2023
• Getting started with Ancestry.co.uk - Wednesday 1 March 2023

To find out more about West Sussex Record Office, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/recordoffice.

View Report

15 December 2022

Chichester District residents encouraged to recycle as much as possible this Christmas

With the Christmas period approaching, Chichester District Council is reminding residents of the ways that they can keep their waste to a minimum by recycling what they can.

“Waste levels tend to increase over the Christmas period, so the council are keen to encourage residents to recycle as much as possible and help reduce their environmental impact while still enjoying the festive season,” says Councillor Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for Environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council.

“When you’re unwrapping your presents this Christmas, please remember that cardboard boxes, packaging, wrapping paper, Christmas cards and envelopes, can all be recycled.”

“The packaging from our favourite festive food and drink products, such as plastic confectionary tubs, meat trays, packaging and wrapping, foil mince pie cases, glass bottles and jars, can all be placed in your burgundy recycling bin.

“So that we recycle as much as possible, you can help by making sure your recycling is:

• Clean – free from food and drink leftovers (rinse off/out before disposing)
• Dry – keep your recycling bin lid shut (soggy paper and cardboard cannot be recycled and can clog up the sorting machinery)
• Loose – not tied up in plastic bags

“We also want to highlight and make people aware of items that unfortunately cannot be recycled. These items include: shiny or metallic wrapping paper, polystyrene, ribbons and bows, and plastic film and wrapping. If you need to dispose of these, please make sure they in your black waste bin or re-use where possible.”

Residents can dispose of their real Christmas trees by using the St Wilfrid’s Hospice charity collection scheme, which will run from 7–10 January 2023.

“Following the success of the scheme in recent years, we are pleased to be working with St Wilfrid’s Hospice again to recycle as many Christmas trees as we can, all while supporting a brilliant cause,” adds Penny. “If you buy a real tree this year, and you’re not signed up to our Garden Recycling Service, please consider using St Wilfrid’s pick-up service and kindly make a donation to their charity – their friendly team of volunteers will collect your tree and we will ensure it is recycled! You will help raise vital funds for a local charity close to our hearts and help reduce your environmental impact this Christmas.”

People can find out about the scheme by visiting: https://stwh.co.uk/Christmas-trees/ or calling: 01243 775302.

We would also like to advise that there will be some slight changes to waste and recycling collections over the Christmas period. Residents can download and print out their own personalised collection calendar at: www.chichester.gov.uk/wastecollectioncalendar

Residents can also receive bin collection reminders on their phone through the new Chichester District Council app. The app allows residents to receive personalised notifications and updates on waste and recycling collections, set automated bin collection reminders, and to report issues quickly and easily, such as fly tipping or request a new bin. The app is available to download now from Google and Apple app stores. For more information, please visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/ChichesterDCApp

The Garden Recycling Service will stop from Friday 23 December and will resume in the New Year on Monday 9 January 2023. Residents who are signed up can use this service to recycle their real Christmas tree.

Food waste is a large-scale issue, and like other forms of waste, it also increases over the Christmas period. Contrary to what most might think, food wastage goes beyond the food you throw away. When food is waste, so too are the resources that went into producing it. Freezing food is a great way to reduce food wastage — it delays spoilage and keeps food safe from microorganisms, and it also slows down the enzymes that cause food to spoil.

Another way to reduce waste is to only buy what is needed. Writing out a shopping list before doing some Christmas shopping can help people to organise their purchases and avoid impulse buys, cutting down on future waste. In addition, this will keep costs down.

More food-saving tips and advice will be shared through the council’s social media channels during the festive period to help residents enjoy the festivities while reducing waste.

If residents take the opportunity over Christmas to have a clear out of old electricals and small appliances, clothes and textiles, it’s worth them checking whether they are in the trial area to use the council’s kerbside textile and small electrical collection service. This service now also includes used coffee pod recycling collection in partnership with Podback. To find out more and to book a collection, please visit www.chichester.gov.uk/textileandelectricalrecycling.

More information and recycling advice can be found in the winter issue of Initiatives magazine which has been mailing out now and is also available online at www.chichester.gov.uk/initiativesmagazine.

View Report

15 December 2022

- Warning -

Heightened risk of water bursts and leaks

Southern Water briefing 15th December

With temperatures set to rise rapidly this weekend, the frozen ground is likely to rapidly thaw – known as a ‘freeze/thaw’ event.

This can cause a heightened risk of bursts and leaks, so Southern Water will be reminding customers directly to be on alert over the coming days, and offering advice about how to prepare their properties - and how to reach them in an emergency.

Southern Water have produced a briefing note containing the most useful resources for customers: -

In an emergency, customers can Southern Water 24/7 on 0330 303 0368

With a thaw predicted in the next few days, the most important thing is to ensure people know where their stop cock is located, should they need to turn the water off in the event of a burst. Where is my stop tap? (southernwater.co.uk)

With businesses closing for the Christmas holidays, Southern Water are urging business owners to turn off the water if their premises will be unoccupied over the holidays. For more tips on how to prepare for cold weather, visit: Retailer useful information (southernwater.co.uk)

There’s supporting information available at: Prepare your home for winter (southernwater.co.uk) and How to stop your pipes freezing and bursting in cold winter weather (southernwater.co.uk). Southern Water also post regular updates on social media channels – Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Southern Water have put in place a number changes across the business aimed at mitigating risk and improving their response to any incidents:

• Early and frequent communications to customers
• New measures to assess when severe weather is likely to have significant impact on water networks
• A complete overhaul of their incident management system, from identifying the potential for an incident, through preparation stages and actual incident handling to post-event management.
• Major investment to improve the resilience of their networks. In particular, Southern Water added many more remote sensing devices to the water network to better monitor flows and deliver updates in real-time.
• Southern Water are also working more closely with Local Resilience Forums.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Southern Water.

View Report

11 December 2022

Industrial action avoided after GMB members agree to accept council offer

GMB Union members at Chichester District Council have dropped the threat of bin strike action, after accepting the council’s offer.

The council has been in talks with GMB to avoid strike action over the past couple of months. It rejected GMB’s initial demands but agreed to take the environmental factors of the job into account.

“We hugely value our staff and the work that they do and so we are pleased that they have accepted our offer,” says Cllr Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council.

“All staff have already received a pay rise this year through the nationally agreed pay award, which amounted to £1,925.

“While the initial pay demands by the GMB Union were unreasonable and unaffordable, we do recognise that our street cleansing and waste collection teams work in challenging conditions, which is why we felt an allowance to recognise the environmental factors of their job was fair.

“We are very pleased that an agreement has been reached and that our waste and recycling services can continue as normal, without any disruption to our customers.”

View Report

08 December 2022

Chichester District residents reminded of how to contact the council over Christmas

Chichester District Council is reminding residents of the ways in which they can access council services while the contact centre is closed for the festive period.

The contact centre will be closed from 2pmon Friday 23 December, reopening on Tuesday 3 January 2023at 9am. While the contact centre is closed, people will still be able to access a variety of services online at www.chichester.gov.uk. If residents have a district council related emergency during this time, they should call the council’s ‘emergency out of hours’ number on 01243 785339.

Civil Enforcement Officers continue to work through the Christmas closure, however, the council’s parking administration office will be closed. Residents are advised to get in touch with Parking Services using online services, ahead of the closure to arrange permits for parking over the holidays. Digital services for season tickets, parking payments in car parks and some permits will remain available online at https://secure.mipermit.com/chichester/

Parking issues can be reported online at: www.chichester.gov.uk/applyreportpay

To contact Parking Services, customers can call their out-of-hours messaging service on 01243 785166 or 01243 534734.

If residents have any queries about roads, pavements and street lighting, or need to report a fault relating to them, please contact West Sussex County Council by calling 01243 777100 or visiting www.westsussex.gov.uk.

People can keep up to date with the latest news in the district by signing up to the council’s email newsletter atwww.chichester.gov.uk/newsalerts and following the council’s social media channels:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChichesterDistrictCouncil
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChichesterDC
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/chichesterdc
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/chichesterdc
• Nextdoor: https://nextdoor.co.uk/agency-detail/england/chichester/chichester-district-council-1/

“Although we will be closed over Christmas, we want to remind residents that you can still access the majority of our services online, and we have an out-of-hours telephone number in case of an emergency,” says Councillor Roy Briscoe, the council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Culture. “I would like to wish everyone in Chichester District a safe and enjoyable Christmas and a Happy New Year. All of our teams will be back to work in January and look forward to helping you next year.”

View Report

08 December 2022

Festive waste and recycling collection dates confirmed for Chichester District

Residents in the Chichester District are being advised that the waste and recycling collection dates will be altering slightly over the festive period.

Residents can download and print out their own personalised waste, recycling and garden recycling collection dates by visiting: www.chichester.gov.uk/wastecollectioncalendar.

Other changes to collection services include the Garden Recycling Service which will stop on Friday 23 December, starting up again on Monday 9 January 2023.

There will also be some slight changes to the clinical waste collections — all affected residents will be contacted directly.

General waste and recycling collections over Christmas and New Year are as follows:

Normal Collection Day	Pre-Christmas week	Christmas week	New Year week	Post- New Year
Monday	12 Dec 2022	19 Dec 2022	27 Dec 2022 (bank holiday)	3 Jan 2023
Tuesday	13Dec 2022	20Dec 2022	28 Dec 2022	4 Jan 2023
Wednesday	14 Dec 2022	21 Dec 2022	29 Dec 2022	5 Jan 2023
Thursday	15 Dec 2022	22 Dec 2022	30 Dec 2022	6 Jan 2023
Friday	16 Dec 2022	23 Dec 2022	2 Jan 2023 (bank holiday)	7 Jan 2023

Residents can also receive bin collection reminders on their phone through the new Chichester District Council app. The app allows residents to receive personalised notifications and updates on waste and recycling collections, set automated bin collection reminders, and to report issues quickly and easily, such as fly tipping or request a new bin.

Residents can also use the app to more quickly see what materials can and cannot be recycled. Alternatively, they can visit the County Council’s webpage here: www.westsussex.gov.uk/land-waste-and-housing/waste-and-recycling/recycling-and-waste-prevention-in-west-sussex/a-to-z-of-recycling

The app is available to download now from Google and Apple app stores. For more information, please visit https://www.chichester.gov.uk/ChichesterDCApp

Any extra waste from the holiday period will be picked up by collection crews on the first collection after Christmas. If residents have any extra recycling, they need to ensure that it is kept dry in a loosely tied black sack and placed next to their recycling bin on the day of collection.

Please remember to flatten and fold down excess cardboard or cut it down to manageable size for a single crew member to handle and ensure the lid can close. Recycling needs to be clean, dry, and loose, so residents are advised to close the lid to stop rain getting in.

All polystyrene packaging foam and soft, transparent polythene wrapping films should be removed and placed in the waste bin as this cannot be recycled.

If residents take the opportunity over Christmas to have a clear out of old electricals and small appliances, clothes and textiles, they can use our kerbside textile and small electrical collection service. To find out more and to book a collection, please visit https://www.chichester.gov.uk/textileandelectricalrecycling.

This service now also includes used coffee pod recycling collection in partnership with Podback. This is a trial free, kerbside collection service which covers approximately 75% of households in Chichester District. Collections are bookable online and conducted by a designated collection crew. To find out more and book a free collection please visit https://www.chichester.gov.uk/podback

Residents can also dispose of their real Christmas trees using the St Wilfrid’s Hospice charity collection scheme again this year. People can arrange to have their tree collected from their home in January by a volunteer in return for a donation to the hospice. People can find out more about this scheme, and book a tree collection, by visiting: https://stwh.co.uk/support-us/events/christmastrees

“Over Christmas, we tend to generate more waste than usual and so we are keen to help residents recycle as much as possible at this time of year,” says Councillor Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for Environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council. “We have put together some tips for residents about which items can and cannot be recycled. These can be found in the winter issue of Initiatives magazine and on our social media channels.

“Following the success of the tree collection scheme over recent years, we are very pleased to be joining forces with St Wilfrid’s Hospice again to recycle as many Christmas trees as we can, all while supporting a fantastic cause.

“If you are not signed up to our Garden Recycling Service, this is a great way to ensure that your Christmas tree is recycled whilst helping to raise vital funds for the hospice charity.”

For more information, please see the council’s waste and recycling web pages: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling

View Report

06 December 2022

Sussex Police

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne is asking residents to share their thoughts on policing priorities and the precept element of the 2023/24 Sussex Police budget in this survey.

The PCC said: “After five years or restoring neighbourhood policing, I know people don’t want to see visible policing diluted. With the public’s support there will be no cuts to PCSOs and we remain on track to have 3,089 police officers in Sussex by April next year.

The consultation runs until midnight on Tuesday 10th January.

You can also find more information and the link to the survey on the PCC's website.

View Report

02 December 2022

Recycle your real Christmas tree for charity

CDC are partnering with local charity St Wilfrid’s Hospice once again on their Christmas tree recycling scheme. St Wilfrid’s volunteers will collect your tree from your front garden in early January in return for a donation to the charity. Book your slot now: www.stwh.co.uk/christmastrees

View Report

02 December 2022

Warm home / low-cost broadband and phone service packages / Damp and mould

Warm home discount scheme

A new online tool is available to make it easier to check if you’re eligible for the Warm Homes Discount. The scheme is providing a discount of £150 off electricity bills for three million low-income households this winter. Most households will receive it automatically. To check, visit: www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-eligible-for-warm-home-discount

Social tariffs for phone and broadband

The government has worked with a range of internet service providers and mobile network operators to deliver low-cost broadband and phone service packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. For details see: www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/social-tariffs

Dealing with damp and mould

CDC have produced a guide with lots of advice on keeping your home damp and mould free. You can find this at: www.chichester.gov.uk/media/36430/Damp-Leaflet-Nov-2021/pdf/Damp_leaflet_Nov2021.pdf

If you rent your home and are experiencing issues with damp and mould, please report this to your landlord as soon as possible. If the problem worsens or you don’t hear back from your landlord within the response time indicated when you reported it, please contact our housing team for help and advice by emailing housingstandards@chichester.gov.uk or phoning 01243 534608.

View Report

29 November 2022

£7.4million worth of road surface improvements completed in just six months at 197 sites countywide

 

A total of £7.4million worth of road surface improvement schemes were completed at 197 sites countywide in just six months.

From April to October, 138km of road were either completely resurfaced or had surface dressing or micro-asphalt treatments. The three programmes of work comprised:

• Thirty-eight resurfacing schemes, totalling approximately 25km in length, were completed across West Sussex, representing a total investment of £3.4million. A warm mix material was used, with approximately 11 per cent less carbon emissions than traditional methods. The new road surfaces are more durable, making them more resilient to potholes, and smoother, too, which lessens road noise.
• Micro-asphalt treatment was used at 113 sites, with a total of 44km roads treated and representing a £2million investment. This treatment delays the need to do more significant work which would otherwise cause more disruption for residents and road users. With the existing road surface left in place, reduced working times and no need for disposal of materials, less carbon emissions are produced. A cold-lay material is used in this process, again supporting carbon reduction.
• Forty-six sites, totalling 69km of road, received surface dressing treatment, representing an investment of £2million. Surface dressing involves coating the road in bitumen and chippings and utilises the weight of traffic using the road to embed the chippings. It is used as a cost-effective method to prolong the lifespan of suitable roads.

Joy Dennis, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We know how important developing a modern infrastructure is to residents and businesses in West Sussex, which is why there are key targets on road condition in our Council Plan : a £7.4million investment in highway improvements in just six months is testament to the hard work of our highways officers and contractors, and shows our commitment to developing that modern infrastructure.

“Potholes are a big source of frustration for all road users, and in the six months from April this year, approximately 22,000 were filled by our Highways teams and contractor. But we are also taking a holistic approach to the condition of our roads, with whole roads and larger sections completely resurfaced to make them more resilient to potholes, and vastly reduce the need for small-scale, disruptive repairs.

“Micro-asphalt and surface dressing methods have also been deployed on suitable roads as cost-effective ways of improving and prolonging their lifespan.”

Picture montage: clockwise, from top left, ‘after’ photos following resurfacing at: the B2133 Guildford Road, Loxwood, B1267 Spring Gardens, Southwick, A286 North Street, Midhurst, and the A29 Shripney Road in Bognor Regis

View Report

23 November 2022

Up to £1.8million awarded to further spread the West Sussex Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Network

Government funding of up to £1.8million has been awarded to the West Sussex Chargepoint Network, which is providing electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints for residents in areas which have no off-street parking.

The award is to part-fund up to 450 on-street chargepoints and 100 in public car parks. The remaining installation costs will be covered by EV chargepoint company Connected Kerb, one of the UK’s leading providers of EV charging infrastructure solutions.

The new wave of installations will provide a significant boost to the growing West Sussex Chargepoint Network, which is supported by West Sussex County Council and all the districts and borough councils in the county.

Joy Dennis, County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “This extra funding award by the Department for Transport is excellent news and will further boost what is already the UK’s largest rollout of electric vehicle chargepoints by a local authority. We’re working with our district and borough council partners to make even more chargepoints available across the county to encourage people to consider making the switch to electric vehicles."

Deborah Urquhart, County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, added: “Electric vehicles allow travel without exhaust emissions and the associated negative impact on local air quality. Where coupled with renewable energy sources, they also help to decarbonise transport. This dovetails perfectly with our Council Plan, which is underpinned by a cross-cutting theme of tackling climate change.”

Chris Pateman-Jones, CEO of Connected Kerb, said: “We are delighted to be working with West Sussex County Council on this landmark project which will make EV charging more accessible for people without driveways and boost our efforts to support sustainable transport.”

Proposed locations from the initial phase of the on-street chargepoint rollout can be viewed at: https://www.connectedkerb.com/west-sussex-chargepoint-network-residents

The initial 450 on-street chargepoints will be going through the Traffic Regulation Order statutory consultation within the next month.

West Sussex County Council, Adur and Worthing Councils, Arun District Council, Crawley Borough Council, Horsham District Council and Mid Sussex District Council have signed a contract with Connected Kerb to install and maintain thousands of new chargepoints across the county. Chichester District Council has recently joined the initiative.

The project is fully funded by Connected Kerb, meaning zero cost to the councils.

View Report

23 November 2022

Employment support available for friend and family carers

Friend and family carers in West Sussex can benefit from a free service that can help them access and sustain paid employment, after new figures revealed three-quarters worry about juggling work and care.ⁱ

The results of the Carers UK State of Caring survey 2022 also showed 65% of respondents had given up opportunities at work because of caring.ⁱⁱ

This is despite 65% of respondents either agreeing (41%) or strongly agreeing (24%) that work gives them a break from their caring role.ⁱⁱ

Supported Employment West Sussex (SEWS) has been commissioned by West Sussex County Council to help carers who want to return to employment and those already working alongside their caring commitments.

There are around 120,000 people across West Sussex who provide essential unpaid help and support to their family, friends or neighbours.ⁱⁱⁱ In workplaces across the UK it is estimated that one employee in every seven provides care in addition to their work^iv - and this figure is set to increase.^v

Councillor Amanda Jupp, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, said: “It is extremely important that we support carers who are performing a vital role, often making countless sacrifices in their own lives to look after loved ones.

“Employment or working in a voluntary capacity can sometimes provide the opportunity to be part of the wider community and we want to help our residents continue with their caring commitments while achieving their own career goals.

“That is why we have commissioned support to help people discover more about suitable opportunities available to them that can fit in with their busy lives.”

SEWS Employment Specialists are available to offer bespoke support that can help carers access and sustain paid employment in their local communities. There is a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions and answers in relation to carers and employment which is available at www.supportedemploymentwestsussex.org. You can also contact the service directly by calling 01903 730044 or emailing workability@impact-initiatives.org.uk.

The service is being highlighted ahead of Carers Rights Day, which will this year be held on 24 November.

Carers Support West Sussex – a charity which works closely with West Sussex County Council – also has lots of useful tips on its website www.carerssupport.org.uk/carers-rights-day for employers who want to support staff members who also have caring responsibilities.

Sonia Mangan, Chief Executive of Carers Support West Sussex, said: “Many unpaid carers express a reluctance to discuss their personal situation with their employers and might be unaware of the support available to them. This is why as part of the Joint Carer Strategy in West Sussex we are appealing to employers to consider how they can support members of their workforce who may also have caring commitments.”

The Carers Support West Sussex website www.carerssupport.org.uk/carers-rights-day also contains details of free online workshops and drop-in events that will take place during the week of Carers Rights Day, between 22 to 25 November. These cover topics including carers rights, benefits and wellbeing support. Visit the website to see the full schedule and booking details.

ⁱ 75% of respondents to the Carers UK‘State of Caring survey 2022’ said they worry about continuing to juggle work and care.

ⁱⁱFigures taken from the Carers UK‘State of Caring survey 2022’

ⁱⁱⁱ The 2011 Census told us 89,400 people identified as a carer in West Sussex. Trends leading up to 2011 were an extra 1,300 carers per annum. Without new Census data for the 2021 survey, the 120,000 figure is therefore an approximation

^iv Figure fromEmployers for Carers

^vSince the pandemic carer registrations in West Sussex have gone up 20%, which suggests a significant increase in the 1,300 p.a. over the past few years.

View Report

22 November 2022

Could you transform a child’s life by sharing yours? Speak to us about fostering

There are currently over 850 children in care in West Sussex, and an urgent appeal is being made for more people to help support them by becoming foster carers.

While all of the children in the care of West Sussex County Council are in safe accommodation, with many already living with local foster carers, a significant number of children in West Sussex are still waiting to be found a foster family.

Small things make a big difference

Every child deserves to have a safe and loving home, where they can experience all that life has to offer; where they can learn, develop independence, and fulfil their potential.

James Witchell-Towers is one of the amazing foster carers within West Sussex County Council's fostering community. When his foster child first moved in, she didn’t want to tell him that she couldn’t swim because she thought he wouldn’t take her swimming. “I told her, ‘No, if you can’t swim, I’ll teach you’,” James said.

“All these small things that we take for granted that our parents do for us, if you've not been shown, they really stand out. And they're the positives. Taking someone who can't ride a bike to being able to ride, who can't swim to doing lengths. That's amazing.”

Watch videos of James and other carers sharing their fostering stories on our new Fostering West Sussex website.

Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “The children waiting to be fostered are waiting for someone like you. They need your experience, knowledge, guidance and compassion. They need a loving and local place to call home.

“We provide full training and support and competitive allowances, so if you’re over 21, have a spare room and want to transform a child’s life, please speak to our friendly team about fostering.”

Change a life forever

New foster families are needed to care for children of all ages, but currently there is a real need for people to foster secondary school-aged children. Children aged 11 to 17 account for 64% of those in the care of West Sussex County Council, and they desperately need someone like you, who can guide them through this important and uncertain time in their lives; helping them to develop into happy, confident and independent young people.

Receive training, support and a competitive financial package

Foster carers for West Sussex County Council receive comprehensive training and ongoing 24/7 professional support. Carers receive a competitive financial package of up to £26,500* per year to help you look after a child in their care. (*See our website for pay and allowances)

New County Council carers will join a large network of over 230 wonderful fostering families who, along with Council staff, are committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for children and young people across West Sussex.

Could you become a foster carer?

Are you over 21? Do you have a spare bedroom? Could you provide a safe, stable and supportive environment for vulnerable children? You could be a foster carer and we would love to hear from you.

If you are interested in joining the largest network of foster carers in West Sussex, or would like to hear what fostering is like from real foster carers, visit our new Fostering West Sussex website: www.fosteringwestsussex.org.uk or speak to our friendly team by calling 0330 222 7775.

View Report

22 November 2022

More money secured to help rough sleepers in Chichester District

Projects to help support rough sleepers have received a significant boost thanks to a successful funding bid by Chichester District Council.

The council has received more than £765,000 through the Government’s Rough Sleeper Initiative, over the next three years.

The money means that the council’s Rough Sleeper Outreach team will be able to expand on two ground-breaking projects which started last year with council partners, the University of Chichester and Everyone Active (which runs Westgate Leisure Centre, Chichester; Bourne Leisure Centre, Southbourne; and, The Grange Community and Leisure Centre in Midhurst).

“We’re absolutely delighted to have received this funding, as it will enable us to fund four places on a bridging course which has been developed by the university,” explains Councillor Alan Sutton, the council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Licensing, Communications and Events. “This will help support clients’ engagement in training and work, as well as increasing their self-confidence which in turn makes a huge difference in enabling people to move on positively in their lives. It will also enable Everyone Active to continue providing a series of health and wellbeing initiatives to support people at severe risk of homelessness.

“We are incredibly proud of the support that has been put in place over the last couple of years as part of our homelessness prevention work, and this funding means we will be working even closer with the university and Everyone Active to provide a holistic and person-centred approach. Creating these educational, training and employment opportunities will really transform people’s lives.”

In addition, the funding will mean that four new posts can be created at Chichester homelessness charity, Stonepillow, to enable them to deliver more targeted support.

The council’s Rough Sleeper Outreach Team also continue to work with HEART and The Four Streets Project which both play a huge part in helping meet immediate essential needs of vulnerable individuals and rough sleepers, such as hot meals and clothing.

The council is also currently running its ‘Supporting You’ campaign, which aims to highlight the support that is available for those who may be struggling with cost-of-living pressures at www.chichester.gov.uk/supportingyou. It has recently launched its ‘Supporting You’ team to help people access a wide range of assistance and they can be contacted by emailing supportingyou@chichester.gov.uk or by calling 01243 534860.

View Report

14 November 2022

Council updates at your fingertips

Finding out information about local council services has never been easier thanks to the launch of a new free smartphone app from Chichester District Council, in partnership with West Sussex County Council.

The Chichester District Council app enables residents to access council services on their mobile device and keeps them up-to-date with all of the latest council news and information.

The app will enable residents to:

· sign up to receive weekly reminders on recycling or waste collection collections.

· search how and where items can be recycled at home or at the local recycling centre.

· complete 'Report It' forms for issues such as street cleaning, fly-tipping, or to request a new bin.

· find their nearest facilities, such as recycling centres, car parks, and public toilets.

· view local food hygiene ratings for restaurants and cafes.

· read council news stories on important local issues.

“The app offers us the opportunity to provide residents with personalised updates and notifications on their waste and recycling collections. What is particularly useful is that it enables us to let residents know if our crews are running late, and it allows us to notify them of planned changes to collections. The aim is to keep our residents well informed and to provide useful reminders,” says Cllr Penny Plant Member for the Environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council.

“Customers can also report issues on the app directly to us, including fly tipping, and they can even request a new bin. This makes this process much simpler and convenient, whether you are at home or out and about. The app also provides other useful council information, from local news, through to the food hygiene ratings of local restaurants and cafes.”

The app will also provide recycling advice and help people to identify which items should go in which bins.

Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, says: “The app is a great way for people to access information quickly and effectively and will be particularly helpful for those who would like reminders or information about their recycling and waste.”

The free Chichester District Council mobile app is available to download now on the App Store or Google Play.

For more information visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/chichesterdcapp

View Report

08 November 2022

Census 

Latest results released on household and resident characteristics

The second set of findings from the 2021 Census, which focus on demography and migration, have been released by the Office for National Statistics this month.

This follows results released in June revealing total population changes across England and Wales. The new demography statistics focus on distinct characteristics such as age and the relationships between people within a household.

Across the Chichester District, the median age was found to be 48 — eight years higher than the average age across England (40). In Chichester, 38.8% of households were comprised of two people, while one-person households made up 31.1%.

The Census also revealed information on marital status, with those married or in a registered civil partnership dropping from 46.8% in 2011 to 44.6% across England and Wales. Statistics also include, for the first time, the number of married same-sex couples.

The full results can be found at: www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration, along with statistics and information on international migration.

This Census report is the second in a series being released over the next two years. Until the end of the year, further summaries will be released including data on ethnicity, religion, UK armed forces veterans, education, health, the labour market, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

For more information, please visit :www.ons.gov.uk/census/censustransformationprogramme/census2021outputs/releaseplans

View Report

20 October 2022

Applications now open for second round of subsidised trees scheme in Chichester District

More people across Chichester District will have the opportunity to plant trees when a second round of applications for the subsidised tree scheme opens next month.

The council’s Tree Chichester District scheme has already seen 12,118 trees planted across the district since it was launched in January 2021. The subsidised tree scheme aims to expand on this work by helping residents, landowners, farmers, community groups, schools, businesses, and charities, to access 12,000 trees to plant in their communities later this year.

Applications for the scheme will open on 7 November and close on 9 December, or when all available trees have been allocated.

The initiative is funded by HM Treasury’s Shared Outcomes Fund and aims to test different ways to increase tree cover in rural and urban areas. The funding this year will cover 50% of the cost of the trees applied for, with applicants contributing the remaining 50%.

“We’ve seen a good response so far to the subsidised tree scheme and now we are giving even more people the opportunity to help us increase tree planting across the district,” says Councillor Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for Environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council. “By planting trees you are helping to create a lasting legacy by improving biodiversity and helping to reduce air pollution, as well as adding more visual interest to the area.”

To apply for the scheme, applicants will need to ensure that they have the space available to plant the trees, the site is suitable for planting, and that they have someone responsible for planting and maintaining them. The trees can be planted on an applicant’s own land, or on land owned by someone else, as long as they have the landowner’s permission.

The trees will be supplied in bundles of 10, 20 or 25, but not as individual trees. Different trees suit different conditions, and the council has specially selected bundles of trees tailored to specific areas and soil type.

The cost to the applicant ranges from £13.71 to £22.47 per bundle, depending on the types of trees needed. Applicants are also able to purchase biodegradable guards and stakes, also subsidised at 50%, to help protect the trees. More detailed costings and information about the trees that are available, as well as a step-by-step guide to applying, can be found in our guidance notes at www.chichester.gov.uk/treescheme

Although it is not possible to apply for individual trees through this scheme, people can apply as part of a residents’ association or group of neighbours and divide the bundle of trees between different sites. The council’s dedicated Tree Project Officer can also provide guidance on accessing funding and sourcing trees through a range of organisations that may be suitable for smaller projects.

The Tree Chichester District scheme has already supported 115 tree planting projects across the district. These include three mini urban forests planted in Chichester, Midhurst and Selsey and working with landowners and farmers to help them plant trees on their land.

Penny adds: “The scheme is a key part of our work to protect and enhance our local environment and is an integral part of our Climate Emergency Action Plan, which you can find out more about at: www.chichester.gov.uk/climatechange.

“While increasing tree cover is important, we would also encourage people to protect and nurture existing mature trees that are safe and healthy. Trees are a precious natural asset and, as a natural carbon sink, are a vital part of the fight against climate change.”

Applications for the subsidised tree scheme will open on Monday 7 November at www.chichester.gov.uk/treescheme

All applications will be assessed to ensure they meet the criteria, which is designed to ensure the trees thrive, and trees will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Applications will close on Friday 9 December, or when all the available trees have been allocated.

People can find more information about the scheme, along with guidance notes, at www.chichester.gov.uk/treescheme. People can alsocontact the council’s dedicated Tree Project Officer by emailing treescheme@chichester.gov.uk or calling 01243 521161.

View Report

18 October 2022

**UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2021**

On 23rd June 2021, the Parish Council resolved to apply for the 2021/22 New Homes Bonus (NHB) grant funding from Chichester District Council (CDC) to continue the Safer Bus Stop Project (Phase One) of installing a shelter in Plaistow and an improved shelter and entrance rejuvenation at The Drive, Ifold. This was the Parish Council’s successful NHB application in 2020/21 (as detailed below). The Parish Council has three years to spend the grant funding and can apply for NHB funds in relation to the same project over multiple years.

On 15th September 2021, a special meeting of CDC's Grants and Concessions Panel considered the application and were supportive of the bid. Consequently, up to £2,158 will be available to Plaistow and Ifold Parish Council to be used in relation to this project. 

The letter is attached below. The Parish Council will sign the Agreement at its full meeting on 13th October. 

**UPDATE**

The Parish Council is pleased to confirm that the Chichester District Council's Grants and Concession Panel was supportive of its application to the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) and up to £3,924.72 will be available to Plaistow and Ifold Parish Council to build the two bus shelters. The confirmation letter, Agreement and application can be found below, attached to this notice.

This notice will be updated with details of the project as it progresses.

**ORIGINAL NOTICE (Sept)**

Residents of Plaistow village, who use the local bus service regularly, have written to Plaistow and Ifold Parish Council asking that a bus shelter and seating be provided on the grass verge next to the telephone kiosk outside the Sun Inn.

One of the Parish Council’s ongoing projects is to provide safer bus stops throughout the Parish to increase the use of the school and other public bus services. The sites identified for Phase One (1) of the project have been specifically identified by residents as local priorities.

Plaistow village does not currently benefit from any bus shelters whatsoever. The bus to Horsham services the village four (4) times per week and is frequently used by between six (6) and eight (8) elderly residents (80 years or older). The bus uses the Sun Inn car park to pick up and drop off passengers. The only available bench seating is situated on the opposite side of the road from where residents board and alight the bus.

The provision of a bus shelter in Plaistow will enhance the well-being of elderly residents, as it will offer sheltered seating from inclement weather on the correct side of the road. Users of this bus service have been identified by the Parish Council as in greatest need of support, due to age and their reliance on public transport to access vital services which cannot be met within the village itself. Consequently, the Parish Council is prioritising this shelter in Phase One (1) of the wider Safer Bus Stop Project.

Although the designated bus stop is on the opposite side of the road, the bus in fact uses the Sun Inn car park to pull in off the highway, therefore the shelter will be situated near to where the bus stops. This will offer the greatest support to users, as they will not have to cross the road on a blind bend and dangerous junction. The shelter and car park benefit from an existing pathway (there is also a salt bin at the location to ensure the pathway and shelter are not hazardous during the winter months). This element of Phase One (1) dovetails with the Parish Council’s recent adoption (July 2020) of the BT telephone kiosk, also at the location. The community has requested that it is converted into a book exchange, which will be implemented and managed by the Plaistow Village Trust.

The centre of Plaistow village is in a conservation area; therefore, the shelter has been designed, free of charge, by a local chartered surveyor who specialises in historic and conservation buildings. The shelter has been sympathetically designed to emulate the local style and surrounding buildings, incorporating feather edge weather board, green oak bracing, and plain clay tiled roof.

As part of the Parish wide Safer Bus Stop Project, the Parish Council intends to update existing shelters, or install new ones which are all of the same style and design, in keeping with the rural visual amenity and aesthetic of the Parish, to provide community homogeneity without compromising on safety and functionality.

The grass verge identified as the most suitable location for the shelter is owned by the National Trust (NT). The Parish Council is currently working with the NT and a Lease Agreement has been drafted. The Parish Council is also working with the Local Planning Authority and has been advised that it can take advantage of Permitted Development Rights conferred by Part 12 Class A of the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015. WSCC’s Highways Department have assessed the site and deem it safe and suitable for a shelter to be located.

The shelter will be built by WSCC’s Communities & Public Protection Directorate volunteer scheme. This specialist team of trained volunteers support communities who wish to undertake locally identified community led projects. The Parish Council will encourage members of the community to join the team and help build this and other shelters in due course. The building material will be responsibly source from local independent businesses. The team have built other bespoke bus shelters within West Sussex and specifically in conservation areas (Rogate, Easebourne and Findon Valley).

The Parish Council organises two (2) community litter-pick/maintenance days each year. The bus shelter will be cleaned as part of these established community events. Any issues arising at other times will be addressed, as necessary. The shelter will be insured by the Parish Council.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of this project, please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Clerk, Catherine.

Additionally, if you would like to make representations to Councillors, you are invited to join the full Parish Council meeting at 7:30pm on Wednesday 9th September via Zoom. Please refer to the meeting agenda published on the Parish Council website, or public notice board outside the Winterton Hall for more information. Alternatively, please email the Clerk before 4pm on 9th September, if you wish for any written representation to be read out at the meeting in your absence.

To view the shelter design and location plan, please click on the two 'Download Notice' buttons below.

View Report

17 October 2022

Council launches new service to support young people in the Chichester District

A brand new service aimed at supporting the health and wellbeing of young people aged 13-19 has been launched by Chichester District Council.

The Chichester Youth Connections service was set up in direct response to the negative impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on young people. It supports young people who live or go to school in the Chichester District and who are looking for help with: loneliness and isolation, improving self-confidence, and making connections with other people. The team can also help young people find their next steps in education and employment.

As part of this service, young people can access six to eight individual sessions that are specifically tailored to help address the issues that are most important to them. Through practical advice and signposting, the team can connect individuals to the most appropriate support. This could include a counselling service; advice on careers, money or housing; or activities that could lead to a new interest, such as sports or the arts.

This comes at a time when the council has launched its Supporting You campaign, which aims to highlight the range of support offered by the council and its partners following the pandemic and during the current cost-of-living crisis. Details of this campaign can be found at: www.chichester.gov.uk/supportingyou

Councillor Roy Briscoe, Cabinet Member for Community Services at Chichester District Council said: “Sadly, we know that many young people have been adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic because of interruptions to their education, lack of social connections and becoming isolated during national lockdowns.

“We also know that emotional health, including connections with others and support with the next steps in life, is just as important as physical wellbeing, and so this service will play an incredibly important role. I’d encourage any young person who is struggling at the moment to get in touch and benefit from this support. The team offer a friendly and impartial ear and will take the time to listen and understand how they can help. They’ll then work with you to agree a plan to tackle the challenges that you’re facing.

“If you are, or you know of, a young person aged between 13 and 19 who may benefit from the help and support offered by the Chichester Youth Connections team, please visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/chichesteryouthconnections to complete a quick and easy contact form. You can also email the team on: chichesteryouthconnections@chichester.gov.uk.”

Chichester Youth Connections builds on the success of the council’s Social Prescribing service, which has helped over 2,500 people since its launch in 2018. The Social Prescribing team can help where the root cause for physical ill-health is related to issues such as money, debt and benefits, employment and housing, or social isolation. Residents are either referred to this service by their GP or they can get in contact or find out more about the council’s Social Prescribing service at: www.chichester.gov.uk/socialprescribing.

Roy adds: “With the current cost-of-living pressures, many people are finding things particularly challenging at the moment. Whether you’re struggling to pay bills, feel isolated, or are concerned about rising energy costs, we want to reassure you that there is a range of support available to you.

“To help make it easier to find out about the different types of support you can access, we’ve launched a new ‘Supporting You’ campaign in partnership with the Chichester Observer Series and our partners. The campaign is all about trying to simplify important information and advice and bring it all together in one place. All of this information can be found on our website —www.chichester.gov.uk/supportingyou — and includes support on finances; saving money on household bills; housing; health and wellbeing; and help for businesses.”

The council’s designated Supporting You web pages include a range of Q&A videos with in-house experts on a range of topics, including a section on the new Chichester Youth Connections service. Visit www.chichester.gov.uk/supporting and follow the council’s social media channels for the latest advice and support.

View Report

17 October 2022

Supporting West Sussex households with the cost of living this winter

West Sussex County Council is working in partnership to support people and families who are struggling the most with the rising cost of living. The County Council is using its £4.8 million Household Support Fund, from Government, to provide a package of financial and practical assistance to people this winter. Working closely with district and borough councils and charities we will get help to those most in need. Our Community Hub continues to offer direct support to vulnerable households, providing essentials such as food and supplies, as well as grants to those who are eligible. Our 36 West Sussex libraries offer a warm welcome to all visitors. Friendly library staff are on hand to help and advise people on a range of topics, from money management to energy saving, job seeking and benefits guidance. Regular library events like Story Time are free for families of young children. On our ‘Here to help - Cost of living’ webpages, people can find lots of practical advice and information about how to apply for extra local and national support. Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “Families and households across our county are understandably worried about increasing cost-of-living pressures, in the face of rising energy prices, inflation and interest rates. “These are national issues, driven in part by international factors, and in response the government has introduced a range of measures to help reduce the pressures on UK households. “This includes the £4.8m this council has been allocated through the Household Support Fund, which will be going to households most in need and those who support them this winter. “Together with our partners, we are here to help anyone who needs it, so I would urge those who are struggling to seek the support that is available to them.” The Council is using part of the £4.8m Household Support Fund to provide food vouchers for every West Sussex child who receives benefits-related free school meals this October half-term. Over 17,000 children will be given a £15 supermarket voucher through their school, supporting around 10,000 households. Household Support Funds will also be available through a range of different distribution methods, including via district and borough councils, direct support through applications via the Community Hub and also distributed in partnership with other organisations including Citizens Advice and Food and Fuel Banks. Over the Christmas school holiday, the Council will again be running its popular Holiday Activities and Food programme for children who receive benefits-related free school meals. Over the summer, 2,395 eligible children took part, and this Christmas we will be offering a range of free holiday club places where all children will be given a nutritious meal.

View Report

13 October 2022

True grit and determination to be winter ready

Even if there’s no hint of icy weather, gritters will be taking to the county’s roads this Saturday (15 October). West Sussex County Council will be deploying its fleet of 19 gritters to test its winter readiness for when temperatures do drop.

The annual “dry run” prepares the County Council to keep safe main roads and approaches to hospitals, schools/colleges and busy bus routes.

Drivers from contractor Balfour Beatty Living Places check the vehicles and equipment are in good working order and it is an opportunity to familiarise themselves again with the routes.

They also note any problems, such as overgrown hedges, that need attention ahead of severe weather later in the year and see if there are ways to make the runs more efficient.

There is more information online about our winter planning, including our gritting routes and how we decide which roads to grit.

Residents can follow us on Twitter @WSHighways #GritterTwitter to see our daily decision on whether to send the gritters out.

To grit, or not to grit – a daily decision:

• WSCC monitor the weather closely from 1 October to 30 April and will make a daily decision on whether we need to grit (salt).
• The gritting routes cover nearly 1,700km of highway, including all A and B roads, and include routes of local importance such as major bus routes, access to emergency service bases, hospitals and large industrial establishments.
• We start the winter season with around 8,000 tonnes of salt in our stores and monitor stocks carefully throughout the season.
• We support town and parish councils which have local winter plans by topping up grit bins at the beginning of the winter season.
• Whilst we’re out spreading, grit takes time to work on the roads and we always ask drivers to please take their time and always drive to the conditions.

Check out Plaistow and Ifold Parish Council's Resilience webpage for more information and links for support. 

View Report

04 October 2022

Time to apply for West Sussex primary school places

For children starting school in West Sussex next year, it’s now time to apply for places. Applications are now open for children who start in reception at primary and infant schools in September 2023. The quickest and easiest way is to apply online and the deadline for applications is 15 January 2023. Children born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2019 are eligible to start school next September. Children who are currently in Year 2 at infant school will also need to apply for a place to start junior school in September next year. It is strongly advised that parents and carers apply on time, before 15 January 2023, so as to give themselves the best chance of being offered one of their three preferences. Those who apply late are far less likely to get a place at one of their three preferred schools and will still need to apply, as they will not automatically be given a place. Nigel Jupp, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “Helping people and communities to fulfil their potential is one of the key priorities in Our Council Plan and our schools play a significant role in helping to achieve this. “When considering your three preferences, I encourage families to do as much research into the schools as possible. Please look at a school’s website and make contact with schools directly to ask questions and find out about their open days.” All of the information about applying is on the Council website. Free use of computers with internet access is available in all West Sussex libraries, there’s no need to book. Those unable to apply online can request a form through the post by calling 033 301 42903. Parents/carers are advised: to include three preference schools on your application, listing them in order of preference. Parents/carers who want their child to go to their catchment school will need to include that school as a preference for it to be considered. If you apply after the closing date you are far less likely to get a place at one of your preferred schools. County Council admissions staff are available for those who need help with their application. Contact the admissions team by phoning 033 301 42903 or emailing the admissions team north: admissions.north@westsussex.gov.uk or the admissions team south: admissions.south@westsussex.gov.uk Secondary school applications are currently open for September 2023 and close on 31 October 2022

View Report

21 September 2022

Arun & Chichester Citizens Advice Cost-of-Living Survey

Arun & Chichester Citizens Advice have put together a survey to understand the impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on Arun and Chichester residents, including on their physical and mental health.

The survey can by accessed online here: https://forms.office.com/r/eUA5RXC63Y

The survey will close 31/10/2022.

View Report

21 September 2022

October events at West Sussex Libraries and West Sussex Record Office

Thursday 6 October: A Celebration of Poetry with Maggie Sawkins Ted Hughes Award winning poet Maggie Sawkins Celebrate National Poetry Day at Chichester Library on Tuesday 6 October from 7pm with the Ted Hughes Award winning poet Maggie Sawkins reading from her new collection, The House Where Courage Lives. There will also be live music from Linda Kelsall-Barnett on classical guitar and an open mic opportunity for poets, both amateur and professional. Both readers and listeners are equally welcome. Tickets are £6 and can be purchased from Chichester Library or by calling 01243 777351. The ticket price includes a glass of wine (18+), or non-alcoholic alternative. Thursday 13 October: Sue Teddern – The Pre-Loved Club Local author Sue Teddern As part of Shoreham Wordfest, local author Sue Teddern will be at Shoreham Library on Tuesday 13 October from 7pm talking about her latest novel, The Pre-Loved Club, and her career in writing. Sue has over twenty years’ scriptwriting experience, from episodes of Birds of a Feather for TV to Cooking in a Bedsitter for radio. Her debut novel, Annie Stanley, All at Sea, was the story of an unemployed teacher who, on a whim, takes her father’s ashes on a tour of the sea areas of the shipping forecast. Her recently published second novel, The Pre-Loved Club, is set in Brighton & Hove and relates the friendship of two single parents, desperately trying to recover from rejection, so that they can move on with their lives. A book sale and signing will follow the event. Tickets are £8 and can be purchased via Shoreham Wordfest. Tuesday 18 October: Why Is Crime Fiction So Huge Right Now? Acclaimed crime fiction author William Shaw. Photo credit: Kitty Wheeler Interested in the popular genre of crime fiction? Then come to East Grinstead Library on Tuesday 18 October at 7pm to hear acclaimed crime fiction author William Shaw. William’s talk, titled ‘Why Is Crime Fiction So Huge Right Now?’ acknowledges the popularity of crime fiction and questions what is it about contemporary crime fiction that makes people want to read it. William thinks he knows why the genre has such power right now. He’ll talk about the evolution of modern crime fiction and a little about his own books. There will be a Q&A session after the talk and a book signing and book sale by East Grinstead Bookshop. Tickets are £3 and can be purchased from East Grinstead Library, either in person or by calling 01342 332900. Tuesday 25 October: Battle over West Sussex Military historian and author Andy Saunders West Sussex Record Office will be hosting a special talk by renowned military historian and author Andy Saunders on Tuesday 25 October from 7pm. In his talk, entitled 'Battle over West Sussex', Andy will be telling the story of the Battle of Britain as it was fought in the skies of West Sussex during the Second World War. He will be looking at specific events and incidents and describing individual episodes of courage and drama. Dozens of incidents will be brought to life in this illustrated talk - including the story of participants, survivors and local civilians who were caught up in the dramatic events of 1940. The event can be attended in person at West Sussex Record Office, Orchard Street, Chichester or virtually over Zoom. Tickets to attend the talk in person are £8 and can be booked and paid for by calling 01243 753602. To attend online, tickets cost £5 and can be booked via Eventbrite (search for 'battle over west sussex'). Visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/ro for more information. Wednesday 26 October: Two and a Half Questions (special screening) As part of Black History Month, join West Sussex Libraries and Oxygen Arts for a special screening of Two and a Half Questionsat Crawley Library on Wednesday 26 October at 2pm. This new film is an exploration of the lives and aspirations of the Windrush generation and those who came after them. Working with a group of young people, the filmmaker, Clovis Lowe, captured interviews with people of Caribbean and African heritage from all walks of life, from lawyers and dancers to politicians, social workers and entrepreneurs. After the film, join the director, Clovis Lowe and the producer, Marsha Lowe for a Q&A about the issues raised by the film and the challenges of producing a film with young people during Covid. The film lasts 45 minutes and is rated PG. Tickets are free and can be booked through Eventbrite (search for ‘two and a half questions').

View Report

20 September 2022

Could you be eligible for the Warmer Homes programme?

West Sussex County Council is urging residents not to miss out on funding to make their homes more energy efficient.

The Government-funded Warmer Homes programme is offering energy efficiency measures such as insulation, solar panels and air source heat pumps to eligible households on a first come, first served basis.

The funding is available subject to eligibility, technical feasibility and your home’s energy efficiency rating shown on its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

You must meet the following criteria to qualify:

• Your home has an EPC rating of E, F or G (limited funding is available for EPC D rated properties).

And either:

• You have a total household annual income of £30,000 or less (before housing costs/bills)

Or:

• You receive a means-tested benefit or meet additional eligibility criteria specified by your local authority (this is known as the ECO flexible eligibility ‘statement of intent’).

Homes with a mains gas supply could receive up to £10,000 while those that are off gas could receive up to £25,000.

Councillor Deborah Urquhart, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “This is a significant opportunity for eligible residents to make changes at home that will have an impact on the twin challenge of rising energy costs and climate change. We would encourage our residents to take a close look at this opportunity and to pass on the information to friends and family they feel could qualify.”

The Warmer Homes programme is available to owner occupiers and private rental tenants only. If you are a private rental tenant, your landlord will be required to make a financial contribution.

To apply online visit www.warmerhomes.org.uk/programme and click ‘apply now’. You can also call 0800 038 5737 to see whether you are eligible.

View Report

15 September 2022

Residents asked for their views on the topic of future climate change event

Chichester District Council is inviting people to share their thoughts and suggestions on the theme of its next climate change event for residents, as part of a new public consultation.

The consultation will run until 13 October 2022 and residents can have their say by completing the quick survey at: www.chichester.gov.uk/climatechange

This is all part of the council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan and follows the success of its first public engagement event of this type last November, in which people heard from industry experts about the actions they could take to cut energy use and create renewable energy to help save money in their homes.

“We received fantastic feedback about our event last year, with around 70 residents attending from across the district. We’re now looking to organise our next event and have been considering a range of different themes that the event could focus on. We’re really keen to hear which of these themes residents would prefer us to cover and whether they have any other theme suggestions,” says Councillor Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for Environment at Chichester District Council.

“Some of the topic suggestions include: electric vehicles; buying and growing food and reducing food waste; water saving in the home; or to hold another home energy efficiency event for people who weren’t able to make the first one, or who feel they would benefit from attending again. The feedback from this survey will help the council decide on the theme of the new event, which we expect to take place early next year.

“The survey takes five minutes or less to complete and we’re keen to hear a wide range of views from as many people as possible, so please do share your thoughts with us.

“Organising events is one of the ways in which we are working with local residents, businesses and organisations to tackle climate change in our area. From investing in electric refuse collection vehicles and working to improve the energy efficiency within council buildings, to safeguarding a series of wildlife corridors across the district and increasing tree planting within the district, the council is progressing a number of major projects to help reduce carbon emissions within its own work and across the district over the coming months and years. We’ve put together a video highlighting some of the many actions that we’ve been taking, and you can view this here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmNH9_2g4SY&t=34s ”

People can have their say in this consultation by visiting www.chichester.gov.uk/climatechange and the deadline for responding is midnight on 13 October 2022. Also on this page, you can find more information about the work the council is doing to help combat the effects of climate change in the district and for details of how individuals, businesses and organisations can play their part too. People can request a paper copy of the questionnaire by emailing letstalk@chichester.gov.uk

Members of the council’s Environmental Protection team will be joining volunteers from the Women’s Institute Climate Ambassador scheme and Eco Chi at the Chichester Farmers’ Market on 16 September. If you’d like to find out more about the council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan and its progress, or would like to discuss ideas and suggestions, you can find them at the Green Hub stall in East Street between 9am and 2pm. At the stall, volunteers will also be sharing information about local environmental initiatives and will be keen to chat to people about their views and ideas.

The Environmental Protection team will also be attending Transition Chichester's Great Big Green Week Eco Fair at the New Park Centre, Chichester, on 1 October between 2.30pm and 5.30pm.

Anyone who would like to get involved with more consultations and surveys in the future can also join Chichester District Council’s Let’s Talk Panel. By signing up, they will be automatically notified of any consultations by email and can decide whether or not they want to take part. People can join by visiting www.chichester.gov.uk/letstalkpanel

View Report

12 September 2022

Tackling Ash Dieback for road safety: further tree felling works scheduled

Further essential work is ongoing to remove Ash trees which could pose a risk to road users because of Ash Dieback infection and the potential for branches to fall into the road.

Ash Dieback is a highly destructive disease which, sadly, is predicted to kill a high number of Ash trees across the country, and there is no known cure. Removing infected trees is the best way to avoid spread of the disease.

To continue to keep the road network safe, the County Council needs to fell severely infected trees. Their removal will open the area to light and allow natural regeneration of trees from the existing seed source.

Felling works have been ongoing across West Sussex, with new dates now scheduled, all subject to factors such as severe weather:

• A29 Stane Street, Slindon – 13 September (one day) - temporary traffic lights between 9am and 4pm
• A24 Southwater bypass – Northbound 20 to 27 September, Southbound 28 September to 6 October (excluding weekends) - one lane will be closed between 9am and 3pm
• A281 - Eastbound and Westbound, Rudgwick to Broadbridge Heath, 14 September to 8 November: temporary traffic lights at various specific locations between 9am and 4pm

Road users are urged to please allow extra time for their journeys and apologies for any inconvenience caused by the works.

Further details of the County Council's Ash Dieback action plan can be found on our website page.

More information on how we manage and maintain trees on the highway can also be found online.

View Report

09 September 2022

West Sussex County Council

Meetings postponed as a mark of respect following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

With the agreement of the Chairman of the Council and political Group Leaders, all formal County Council committee meetings are being postponed as a mark of respect following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

This will be for the duration of the period of public mourning and affects the following meetings:

• Performance and Finance Scrutiny Committee due to be held this morning, 10.30am on 9 September – to be postponed.
• Governance Committee meeting due to be held at 2.15pm on 12 September – to be postponed.
• Cabinet meeting due to be held at 10.30am on 13 September – relevant business to be rescheduled to the next meeting of the Cabinet on 18 October.
• Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee due to be held at 10.30am on 16 September – to be postponed.

The re-arranged dates and times of postponed meetings will be notified via the Council’s website and email alert system.

View Report

07 September 2022

Action Fraud is warning the public about a sharp rise in reports relating to fake emails purporting to be from Ofgem, the independent energy regulator for Great Britain. The emails claim that the recipient is due a rebate payment as part of a government scheme and provides links for the recipient to follow in order to apply for the rebate. The links in the emails lead to malicious websites designed to steal personal and financial information.

Between Monday 22nd August 2022 and Monday 5th September 2022, a total of 1,567 phishing emails related to this scam have been reported via the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS). All the emails display the email subject header “Claim your bill rebate now”. Offenders are using the Ofgem brand logo and colours to make the emails look as authentic as possible. However, the emails ask recipients to “apply for an energy bill rebate before September 2020”, which is what prompted many recipients to realise the emails weren’t genuine.

You can view examples of the fake emails in our social media posts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

How you can protect yourself and others

· If you have any doubts about a message, contact the organisation directly. Don’t use the numbers or address in the message – use the details from their official website. Remember, your bank (or any other official source) will never ask you to supply personal information via email.

· If you have received an email which you’re not quite sure about, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Send us emails that feel suspicious, even if you're not certain they're a scam - we can check.

For advice on how to stay secure online, please visit: www.cyberaware.gov.uk

View Report

07 September 2022

Supporting people through the cost-of-living crisis

Is the cost-of-living crisis driving people to loan sharks?

Loan sharks are criminals who target vulnerable people, charging them extortionate interest rates and threatening them or their families with violence if they do not pay back their loan. This crime causes severe financial, social and psychological harm to individuals and families.

Sadly, we are now in a cost-of-living crisis and finances are being continually squeezed; this means people are more likely to go looking for loans and fall prey to a loan shark.

Citizens Advice is running a campaign to promote awareness of loan shark schemes, help victims report them and reach support.

We would like you to join us!

Recent statistics show 1 in 5 victims met a loan shark on social media. Loan sharks are using platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to advertise illegal loans and target potential victims. They advertise in online community groups and on local selling pages.

They may seem friendly and accommodating at first, but their behaviour can quickly change.

For more information, visit the ‘Loan sharks’ web page.

Citizens Advice Arun & Chichester is an operating name of Arun & Chichester Citizens Advice Bureau Arun & Chichester Citizens Advice Bureau is a Company

Limited by Guarantee Registered Company No. 4787378, Registered Charity No. 1099640 Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

FRN617491, Registered Address: Town Hall, Clarence Road, Bognor Regis PO21 1LD

View Report

07 September 2022

Residents encouraged to return unwanted walking aids this Recycle Week

Walking aids such as crutches, walking sticks and frames can be returned for reuse or recycling at your nearest West Sussex Recycling Centre during this year's Recycle Week

19 - 25 September

Please see attached poster for more details.

The items can be left with staff or deposited in the dedicated bins at any of the 11 Recycling Centres across West Sussex during Recycle Week.

The items will be collected by NRS, who will be able to clean and check them before reissuing them to those who might benefit so that they can maintain their independence. Any items which cannot be used again will be recycled, preventing them from going into landfill.

Amanda Jupp, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, said: “Having access to a walking aid such as a frame or stick can make a huge difference to some people. It can help them get around on their own and maintain their independence, which we know is very important to people based on what they tell us.

“That’s why I’d encourage anyone with walking aids that are no longer needed to return them please.

“Not only will this reduce the cost and the carbon emissions associated with producing new pieces of equipment, but it will also make a huge difference to someone else who might benefit from using them.”

Reusing a refurbished walking aid, including parts replacement, results in 87% lower carbon emissions on average than providing a brand new walking aid. This includes a generous allowance for a return journey from collection to a refurbishment site."

Please note, Recycling Centres will only be able to accept walking aids during Recycle Week. To return items at all other times, telephone NRS on 0345 1272931 or emailenquiries@westsussex.nrs-uk.net

If you are entering a site and bringing other waste with you, please note you may need to pre-book a slot, if required. Enter your postcode on WSCC's website to find your nearest Recycling Centre.

View Report

07 September 2022

WSCC's latest Annual Report

"A year of progress delivering vital services for communities in challenging times” is the core theme of West Sussex County Council’s Annual Report for 2021/2.

Please take a look at WSCC's focus, progress and challenges.

View Report

07 September 2022

Expect the unexpected from your local library

Did you know that West Sussex's 36 libraries are free to join and offer much more than books?

Our libraries also offer:

• Events for everyone - from family-friendly toddler time to business events, board games, employment clinics and author evenings.
• Digital access – free Wi-Fi in all libraries and whether you want to catch up on the latest issue of Vogue or listen to your favourite book on audio, the library offers a free eLibrary service (Libby) 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Take home toys – families can take home up to three toy bags (for up to three weeks, with no late fees!) from any library.
• Reminiscence packs and more!

View Report

07 September 2022

Warmer Homes funding

You may be eligible for funding towards energy efficiency measures in your homes.

Subject to eligibility, the government-funded Warmer Homes programme could pay for energy efficiency measures such as insulation and solar panels.

There’s more information via this link - www.warmerhomes.org.uk or by calling 0800 038 5737.

View Report

02 September 2022

Shoreham Airshow inquest date set

A date has now been confirmed for the full inquest of the Shoreham Airshow crash victims by West Sussex Coroner Penelope Schofield.

The full inquest will run over three weeks during November and December 2022 and is planned to start on Wednesday 30 November and finish on Monday 19 December.

Additional days may be added at a later date if the inquest overruns.

The dates were announced at yesterday’s pre-inquest review (Thursday 1 September) held at County Hall North (Parkside), Horsham, which is also the location where the inquest will take place.

The 11 men who died in the air crash were:

• Maurice Rex Abrahams, 76 of Brighton
• Dylan Archer, 42 of Brighton
• Anthony David Brightwell, 53 of Hove
• Matthew Grimstone, 23 of Brighton
• Matthew Wesley Jones, 24 of Littlehampton
• James Graham Mallinson, 72 of Newick
• Daniele Gaetano Polito, 23 of Goring-by-Sea
• Mark Alexander Reeves, 53 of Seaford
• Jacob Henry Schilt, 23 of Brighton
• Richard Jonathan Smith, 26 of Hove
• Mark James Trussler, 54 of Worthing

They were killed when a Hawker Hunter jet crashed during a display at the Shoreham Airshow on Saturday 22 August 2015.

View Report

01 September 2022

Essential resurfacing set to start soon in Loxwood

Picture caption: the current surface on the B2133 Vicarage Hill, Loxwood

Essential resurfacing will soon be carried out on two stretches of the B2133 in Loxwood. The surface is showing signs of significant weakening: the new one will be smoother, which will reduce road noise, and will be more resilient to potholes.

Subject to factors such as extreme weather, work will take place in Guildford Road (including a length of Station Road) between Loxwood Place Farm and Merry Hills Lane from 12 to 16 September, and in Vicarage Hill on 19 September. Hours of work will generally be between 8pm and 6am.

Vicarage Hill and Guildford Road will be closed to all through-traffic during the resurfacing operations. Side roads may also be affected.

Through traffic will be diverted via a signed diversion route. Residents with off-street parking may wish to make alternative parking arrangements during the resurfacing operations. Pedestrian access will be maintained.

A West Sussex County Council spokesperson said: “We don’t decide to carry out night-time resurfacing lightly. We have taken into account the wider disruption to communities and road users that would be caused through daytime work on these roads.

“Improvement projects of this nature do cause disruption for both residents and businesses, for which we apologise, but will lead to long-term benefits. Every effort will be made to try to minimise the inconvenience: for example, our contractor will try its best to carry out the noisiest operations in the earliest part of the evening and before 11pm.”

View Report

30 August 2022

Get active this autumn with Chichester Wellbeing’s free exercise classes

A packed programme of free classes is on offer to Chichester District residents (which includes residents of Plaistow and Ifold Parish) who want to increase their exercise levels and improve their overall fitness this autumn.

Chichester District Council is offering Beginners Cardio and Strength classes, as well as Walking with Poles sessions, both of which are led by the CDC's Wellbeing team and run for a 12-week period.

The Beginners Cardio and Strength programme is led by a qualified instructor and aims to gently introduce exercise to help build fitness and to tone the body. Classes are aimed at complete beginners or those who are looking to return to exercise.

The next course will run weekly in a variety of locations across the district from:

• Monday 26 September: 17.30–18.15pm, Hampers Green Community Centre, Petworth.
• Tuesday 27 September: 12:30–13:15pm, Nuffield Health Gym, Chichester.
• Tuesdays 27 September: 17:00–18:00pm, The Grange Leisure Centre, Midhurst.
• Monday 3 October: 10.30–11.15am, Bracklesham Barn, Bracklesham.

The Walking with Poles Beginners course is another free 12-week programme and is led by a qualified Nordic Walking Instructor. Aimed at adults looking to increase their activity levels and confidence through walking, Walking with Poles offers a range of benefits over regular walking. For example, it uses the upper body muscles which propel you along, making it feel easier to work quite hard; it burns 46% more calories than ordinary walking; it’s great for neck, shoulder and back problems and is easy on the knees and joints; and, it is a sociable, safe outdoor exercise, suitable for all levels of ability.

The next course will run weekly in Chichester and Midhurst from:

• Tuesday 4 October: 9.30–10.15am, Oaklands Park, Chichester.
• Wednesday 5 October: 10.45– 11.30am, The Grange Leisure Centre, Midhurst.

Councillor Roy Briscoe, Chichester District Council's Cabinet Member for Community Services and Culture, says: "These free classes are a great opportunity for people to take their first steps towards increasing their fitness levels. As well as being completely free, they are a fun and sociable way to become more active, which can also help boost wellbeing as we head into winter.

"Our Chichester Wellbeing team are always willing to help offer advice and support to those wishing to lead a healthier lifestyle. We know that making smalllifestylechanges, such as increasing physical activity and exercise, can have a lasting positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing."

To be eligible for either course, you must currently do less than 150 minutes of exercise a week, be aged over 18, and live, work or study in the Chichester District (which includes Plaistow and Ifold Parish). Please also check that you are free to attend all 12 sessions before applying.

To apply for Beginners Cardio and Strength, please register at:https://forms.microsoft.com/r/3CFNWQEwkT. To apply for Walking with Poles, please register here:https://forms.microsoft.com/r/3Qas78QDpA

If you have any questions, please contact the Chichester Wellbeing team on 01243 521041 or email:wellbeing@chichester.gov.uk. You can find more information on activities run by the team, at:www.chichesterwellbeing.org.uk/events

View Report

29 August 2022

Revealed: phase one of proposed on-street electric vehicle charging provision for West Sussex

Proposed locations in phase one of the on-street electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint rollout in West Sussex have been revealed.

A leaflet has been distributed to residents and businesses near the sites in 78 locations across the county, inviting feedback on the proposed locations and giving the opportunity to ask questions or share comments.

To view the proposed locations, please go to: https://www.connectedkerb.com/west-sussex-chargepoint-network-residents

This is the first phase in the largest-roll out of electric vehicle chargepoints by a UK council, with subsequent phases taking place over the next decade, making it easier for electric vehicle (EV) users without driveways in West Sussex to charge their vehicles.

West Sussex County Council, Adur and Worthing Councils, Arun District Council, Crawley Borough Council, Horsham District Council and Mid Sussex District Council have signed a contract with Connected Kerb, one of the country's leading providers of EV charging solutions to install and maintain thousands of new chargepoints across the county.

The project is fully funded by Connected Kerb, meaning zero cost to the councils, and will be particularly beneficial to EV users without off-street parking. We will soon be engaging with residents who live near the proposed locations.

HELP US MAP OUT THE NETWORK

Residents can help us plan a network that works for them by sharing their views of where more chargepoints should be located across West Sussex.

Whilst we cannot guarantee that a chargepoint will be installed in the location suggested, it will help us see where there is demand and plan for future EV charging in the county.

To suggest a location,or to find out more about our plans, please visit the Connected Kerb website: https://www.connectedkerb.com/west-sussex-chargepoint-network-residents

Some frequently asked questions:

Will there be enough chargepoints for everyone?
There are plans to roll out a charging network in sufficient numbers which will help you make the switch to electric vehicles with confidence. The aim is to have a chargepoint within a few minutes of residents that do not have access to off-street parking.

Who is funding installation and maintenance of the chargepoints?
The contract with Connected Kerb is a 100 per cent concession contract, meaning that West Sussex County Council and other partners are not required to contribute any funding towards this project.

What energy will be used to power the chargepoints?
Renewable energy sources primarily from wind, solar and hydro (water) sources will power 100 per cent green electricity supplied by Octopus Energy.

How do I find a chargepoint once they are installed?
You can download the Connected Kerb app via the Appstore or Google Play to locate chargepoints near you. You can also find them on Zap-Map (zap-map.com) by using the network filter.

What parking restrictions will apply to the EV bays?
Only electric vehicles that are charging can use the dedicated EV charging bays. Within a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ), CPZ restrictions will also apply during the hours of the CPZ operation, i.e., a permit will need to be displayed in the bays, during the CPZ operation hours.

Picture caption:
June launch: representatives from West Sussex County Council, Adur and Worthing Councils, Arun District Council, Crawley Borough Council, Horsham District Council, Mid Sussex District Council and Connected Kerb joined in celebrating the launch of the largest-ever local authority roll-out of electric vehicle charging points in the UK in June

View Report

29 August 2022

Action to tackle Ash Dieback is set to continue on road network

Picture captions: top photo, a healthy Ash tree and, in the photo below it, an Ash tree (in the middle of the picture) showing signs of Ash Dieback, with its significantly-reduced crown

For the sake of public safety, action continues to be taken to remove trees affected by Ash Dieback along our West Sussex major road network.

Ash Dieback is a highly destructive disease which, sadly, is predicted to kill up to 95 per cent of our Ash trees in this country: leaves start to wilt/die, trees become weak and brittle and have the potential to shed branches or even fall.

Last year, 1,500 Ash trees were felled on A and B roads in West Sussex. Now, on high-speed and high traffic-flow routes, we plan to remove more in the felling season – ie, outside of the main bird nesting season.

A West Sussex County Council spokesperson said: “We are committed to ensuring we have a healthy and diverse tree population to support wildlife and, where practicable, we will do all we can to save trees, for example, those showing resilience which we will monitor yearly when in leaf. We will also, where possible, only remove the risk elements of the tree to retain viable wildlife habitat where it won’t cause a risk to safety.

“However, Ash Dieback is dangerous to our highway network and its users, and we are taking steps to remove severely-infected Ash trees on County Council-owned land that pose a risk, as well as inform the bordering landowners of their own responsibilities.”

In the 2022/2023 felling season (September 2022 to March 2023, dependant on seasonal weather conditions and subsequent bird nesting) we shall be working on the following major roads, amongst other sites and routes within the County:

• A24 – Southwater area
• A281 – Horsham to the county boundary
• A283 – Shoreham Flyover to the Washington Roundabout
• A285 - to be confirmed
• A29 - to be confirmed

Arboriculturists are also currently undertaking surveys on C and D-classified roads.

The spokesperson continued: “Private landowners are strongly advised to check their trees for signs of Ash Dieback. If dark coloured, dead leaves are present among live foliage, this is an indication that Ash Dieback could be taking hold. If the crown of your Ash tree is looking thin and bare, suspect Ash Dieback disease.”

The Tree Council has produced a downloadable Ash Dieback Guide , with pictures, for homeowners and those with Ash trees on their land. For people without online access, the Tree Council can be contacted on 0207 4079992.

If still concerned or unsure, Ash tree owners should seek advice from a qualified arboriculturist. People without online access can contact the Arboricultural Association on 01242 522152 for a list of approved contractors in the local area.

View Report

17 August 2022

Chichester District Council launches new grant scheme to help communities support Ukrainian refugees

Chichester District Council is inviting community groups and parish councils to apply for funding to help support Ukrainian refugees in the district as part of a new grant scheme.

Applications are now open and community groups and parish councils can bid for one-off grants of up to £1,000 per organisation. The grants will be used to help refugees who have come to live in the Chichester District as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The funding has been provided by West Sussex County Council (WSCC), which is administering the Homes for Ukraine scheme in the county. WSCC receives £10,500 per guest from the Government, and up to £150,000 of this funding is now being issued to district and borough councils to fund community support.

Roy Briscoe, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Culture at Chichester District Council, said: “We recognise the generosity of Chichester District residents, many of whom have welcomed guests from Ukraine into their homes. In July, we announced that we were able to passport some funding from the Homes for Ukraine scheme to two important community groups in the district — Voluntary Action Arun & Chichester (VAAC) and Sanctuary in Chichester — to strengthen the support offered to Ukrainian guests who are living in the district.

“We are really pleased to be in the position where we can now extend this support to include community groups and parish councils. The grants can be used for the benefit of Ukrainian refugees in the area in a variety of ways that will help them feel integrated and less isolated.

“Community groups and parish councils will play a vital role in ensuring our Ukrainian guests continue to feel supported and welcomed into our community over the coming months. We know that the Homes for Ukraine scheme is having a significant impact on demand for their services, and we are pleased to be able to offer some financial assistance at this time.”

If you are a local community group or parish council wishing to apply for a grant, you can find more information, and download a simple application form, at:

www.chichester.gov.uk/supportingukrainerefugees. Applicants must have their own bank account to apply.

The Homes for Ukraine scheme was launched in March 2022. Individuals or organisations interested in offering a home to people fleeing Ukraine can become a sponsor as part of this scheme. For more information and to register interest, please visit: www.gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine

View Report

10 August 2022

Message from South Downs National Park Authority

South Downs Local Plan Review – Launch of Call for Sites and Local Green Space nominations

The South Downs National Park Authority launched two Calls for Sites today Wednesday 10 August as follows:

• Call for Sites for development and offsetting
• Call for Local Green Spaces

The Call for Sites is an early opportunity to suggest sites within the National Park for development and offsetting for now and up to 2040. The site suggestions received by us will be used to inform the preparation of the Local Plan Review. The Call for Sites exercise will not determine whether a site should be allocated for development. However, it will help identify a potential pool of sites for further consideration through a range of technical work that will help to inform future decisions on allocations in the Local Plan Review.

The Call for Local Green Spaces is an opportunity to put forward sites for Local Green Space designation, which provides special protection against development for green areas that are of particular importance to local communities. The Local Plan and neighbourhood plans already have a number of designated Local Green Spaces. This Call for Local Green Spaces is seeking new sites which have not previously been submitted for consideration.

Please note, that as well as holding the Call for Sites, we will also be looking for allocation sites through a number of other means. This will include a review of all allocations in the Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plans that have not yet received planning permission.

If you have a site or indeed more than one site to suggest we would like to hear from you.

How to Respond

Further information about the launch, including details of the types of sites being sought, key criteria, and how your suggestions will be considered, is available to view on the SDNPA website for the Call for Sites www.southdowns.gov.uk/CallforSites2022 and for the Call for Local Green Spaces www.southdowns.gov.uk/CallforLGS2022

Suggested sites must be submitted by midnight on Wednesday 28 September 2022.

We recommended you submit your site via our Online Site Submission form. You will be able to provide details about the site and use the online mapping tool to draw the boundary for the site. Instructions are provided within the online form.

You can also download a copy of the relevant Site Submission form to complete and return to us via:

Email to planningpolicy@southdowns.gov.uk

Or by post to South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH

Please follow this link to the Call for Sites page where you access the online site submission form: https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/south-downs-local-plan-review/call-for-sites-2022/call-for-sites-2022-online-site-submission-form/

Please follow this link to the Call for Local Green Spaces where you can access the online site submission form: https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/south-downs-local-plan-review/call-for-local-green-spaces-2022/local-green-spaces-online-site-submission-form/

View Report

08 August 2022

Police Community Support Officer

The monthly rural crime team update for July 2022 can be viewed here.

Below are the PCSO Parish Reports for January, February, March, April and May 2022.

If you would like to view the PCSO Reports for 2021, please contact the Parish Council: clerk@plaistowandifold.org.uk

If you wish to contact the Police, please ensure that you use the correct method:

999- for emergencies only(when a crime is in progress, or offenders are on the scene, or in the immediate area)

101- for non emergencies (when a crime has taken place, offenders are not actually at the scene, but may still be in the wider area)

Website- www.sussexpolice.uk follow the links to online reporting (the incident has finished, no one is around, but the Police still need to know it has happened)

Email- 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk (as for online reporting via the website detailed above)

View Report

08 August 2022

WSCC - Heatwave advice
WSCC - Resilience and Emergencies Team 

There is a 90 % probability of Heat-Health Alert criteria being met between 1200 on Tuesday 09 Aug and 1800 on Saturday 13 Aug in parts of England. High pressure dominating this week, with fine and dry conditions across most of the country, prolonged sunny spells and light to moderate breezes. Temperatures rising from warm or very warm to locally hot in most regions, with a focus of the warmest weather in central-southern England. Headline max temperatures reaching mid 30's by Friday. View the full warning at the Met Office Heat Health Watch site. Hot weather can affect your health. The people most likely to be affected are the elderly, the very young, and people with pre-existing medical conditions. If you know or look after someone that may be susceptible to the effects of this hot weather period please help make sure that they stay cool and well, and if possible check in advance that they are prepared for this hot spell. Please follow this advice to keep cool and comfortable and reduce health risks: Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. If it's safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler. Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don't go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day). Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn't possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter). Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water. Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol. Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need. Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool. Wear loose, cool clothing and a hat if you go outdoors. Also, please don’t forget about the animals in your care and view the top tips for keeping pets cool in hot weather by using the RSPCA link below. For more information go to: UK Health Security Agency Heatwave Plan For England and Guidance Documents Met Office Heat-health watch NHS Choices Heatwave: be prepared WSCC Dealing with extreme weather WSCC https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/campaigns/heat-alert/ WSCC Preparing for emergencies Follow us on Twitter for regular updates @WSCCNews @WSCCResilience @wspublichealth RSPCA Top tips for keeping pets cool in hot weather

View Report

08 August 2022

Updated West Sussex Care Guide 2022/23 out now

The West Sussex Care Guide is now available and provides a wide range of useful information that will enable people to make informed decisions with regard to their preparations for later life as well as maintain their independence.

‘Living well in your community: Your West Sussex Care Guide 2022/23’ outlines options and organisations which can support people with care needs to live well in their own homes.

It also offers details of services including domiciliary care, day services, extra care housing and residential care for when people need more help, as well as a comprehensive list of providers.

Councillor Amanda Jupp, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, said: “There are a considerable number of care options available to suit a wide variety of needs. Our care guide explains the different types on offer and is full of useful information about the many service providers in West Sussex. It is an excellent starting point for those who are thinking about care for the first time, either for themselves or a loved one, or if they are already accessing support but want to know what other options are available to meet their changing needs.

“The care guide reflects the feedback we have received from people, what they have told us is important to them and that most of them would like to continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible.

“That is why one of the key priorities of our adult social care strategy is to give residents the information they need to make decisions that can support their wish to stay independent, living the life they want to lead.”

You can view 'Living well in your community: your West Sussex Care Guide 2022/23' online as an interactive eBook and browse through it electronically.

Alternatively, you can request a printed copy by emailing socialcare@westsussex.gov.uk or calling 01243 642121.

View Report

08 August 2022

Love your local library with FREE ‘Discovery Day’ events across West Sussex

Starting this month, libraries across West Sussex will be holding free events to smash conventional library stereotypes and help people discover what libraries have to offer beyond books.

The ‘Love Your Local Library’ campaign aims to pull back the curtain on West Sussex libraries and let residents see the endless possibilities on offer.

From family-friendly toddler time to board games and author evenings, plus free ancestry history meetings and digital subscriptions, West Sussex County Council is emphasising that the library is a shared social space for all to enjoy.

There are five Discovery Days running throughout August and September which are absolutely free to attend:

• Saturday 20 August at Crawley Library
• Wednesday 24 August at Haywards Heath Library
• Saturday 27 August at Worthing Library
• Wednesday 31 August at Bognor Regis Library
• Saturday 3 September at Horsham Library

All events will be running between 11am and 3pm and are open to everybody.

The first Discovery Day event taking place at Crawley Library will have a range of activities, including Bollywood dancing, a steel band, face painting, a visit from the local fire engine, sensory items and displays, free business development meetings, a cinema room and much more. Just turn up, relax and enjoy.

Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “There is a common misconception that libraries are silent spaces just for reading, but this couldn’t be further from the truth and our library staff and volunteers already do a lot to make sure visitors have a fun and enjoyable time; but our visitor numbers are not yet back to pre-pandemic levels.

“By holding these Discovery Days across the county, we would love everyone to come along, have some fun and be confident that the library is both a safe and sociable environment. Whether you’re a resident, just passing through, or you’re a fully fledged user of one of our libraries, we want you to come along, see beyond the books and expect the unexpected.”

All 36 West Sussex County Council owned libraries are free to join for those who live, work and study in the area. There are also plenty of digital options for members to enjoy 24/7, 365 days a year, choose from books, magazines, audiobooks, comics and newspapers to read and listen to on the go.

For the full list of where and when the free Discovery Days are being held, visit: www.westsussex.gov.uk/discoverydays.

View Report

26 July 2022

Stuck for free things to do this summer? 

Take a look at what the County Council has on offer

If you’re staying local over the summer holidays and are looking for some inspiration of things to do, West Sussex County Council has lots going on across the county for all the family.

A number of the council’s services have organised free events for both adults and children, alongside regular events that run on a monthly basis throughout the year.

July

• Saturday 9 July – Saturday 10 September: Gadgeteers Summer Reading Challenge. This exciting challenge runs throughout the summer holidays and is open to children and young people at all 36 West Sussex County Council libraries.
• Thursday 28 July to Saturday 20 August: Transatlantic Ties travelling exhibition. Starting out at Horsham Library, this exhibition from West Sussex Record Office explores the historical links between West Sussex and the US dating back to the 18th century including the ‘Sussex Declaration’.

August

• Monday 1 August: Medals and certificates will be ready to collect from your local library for anyone who has taken part and completed the Gadgeteers Summer Reading Challenge.
• Wednesday 3 August: Green Watch from Bognor Fire Station will be visiting Bognor Library between 3 and 4pm to show off some of the cool gadgets from their fire appliances as part of the Summer Reading Challenge.
• Saturday 20 August: Libraries Discovery Day. Taking place at Crawley Library between 11am and 3pm, this is a chance for residents to come and discover everything their local library has to offer.
• Saturday 20 August: Alongside the Crawley Library Discovery Day, Blue Watch from Crawley Fire Station will be visiting between 1.30pm and 3pm to show off some of the cool gadgets from their fire appliances as part of the Summer Reading Challenge.
• Monday 22 August to Friday 9 September: Transatlantic Ties travelling exhibition arrives at Crawley Library for three weeks.
• Wednesday 24 August: Libraries Discovery Day. Taking place at Haywards Heath Library between 11am and 3pm, this is the second of five Discovery Days across the county.
• Saturday 27 August: Libraries Discovery Day. Taking place at Worthing Library between 11am and 3pm, this is the third of five Discovery Days across the county.
• Tuesday 30 August: West Sussex Record Office’s Tuesday Talk. Starting at 7pm, this free online talk is called ‘Dialect and heritage: the West Sussex story’. Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite.
• Wednesday 31 August: Libraries Discovery Day. Taking place at Bognor Regis Library between 11am and 3pm, this is the fourth of five Discovery Days across the county.
• Saturday 3 September: Libraries Discovery Day. Taking place at Horsham Library between 11am and 3pm, this is the final Discovery Day.

Other events and handy links

West Sussex Libraries also hold a number of regular monthly events for both adults and children.
Adult sessions include Knit and Natter, friendly reading groups, Computer Buddy sessions and Relax with Colouring, whilst children’s sessions include rhyme time, toddler time, Saturday singalong and multi-sensory story magic. Further information can be found by visiting www.westsussex.gov.uk/libraries and clicking on the ‘What’s on in libraries’ tab.

Families with children who are eligible for Free School Meals can also sign up for free summer holiday clubs to help keep their children entertained over the school break. Eligible families can now book places on the Family Information Service website.

If none of the events above take your fancy, but you like to get outside when the sun is shining, there is plenty to discover by visiting www.experiencewestsussex.com.

As West Sussex is one of the UK’s most diverse counties, encompassing hills, harbours, beach, farmland and market towns, the website allows you to search for places to walk, beaches to visit free to attend events and much more.

If you live in and around Crawley, Buchan Country Park is set in 170 acres of beautiful countryside and is an excellent place for walking, watching wildlife or enjoying a picnic. They also have a number of sculptures dotted around the park which families can have fun hunting for.

Want to leave the car at home and cycle somewhere different? The Cycle Journey Planner lets you plan your own cycling route, with turn-by-turn directions and maps. You can choose where you want to go, find out journey times, distances and how many calories you'll burn. You can also see an elevation profile showing how flat (or hilly) routes are.

Although the summer months can offer a lot of joy and happiness for many, they’re also a good time to stop, reflect and check in with how you and your family are feeling emotionally. For further advice and information on mental health and wellbeing, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/YourMindMatters.

Chichester District Council 

Our Novium Museum is running a variety of events and activities, from summer art workshops through to a family geology day.

All of the events available are listed at: www.thenovium.org/whatson 

The museum also has a number of fascinating exhibitions to visit this summer, including ‘The Art of Chichester: 60 Years of Creativity’; ‘200 years of Chichester’s Canal’; and ‘The Novium Museum at 10.’ Admission to the museum is free. 

For further ideas, it is worth visiting our events calendar at www.chichester.gov.uk/whatson which includes events from across the district. 

And don’t forget to refer to our ‘What’s On’ pages in our magazine ‘initiatives’, which has recently been delivered to all households.

View Report

26 July 2022

 Chichester District Council Subsidised Tree Scheme is now open.

Everyone in the district, residents, landowners, farmers, community groups, business and other organisations, can apply for these trees, as long as the site is suitable. This scheme is funded by HM Treasury’s Shared Outcomes Fund, and covers 50% of the cost of the trees, with applicants contributing the remaining 50%. We have five different bundles available, depending on where the trees are being planted, plus a hedgerow bundle. Each bundle contains 10, 20 or 25 trees and people can apply for up to 20 bundles.

All the information, including the application form can be found on our website: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/treescheme 

View Report

26 July 2022

Council to offer new all-round financial support service for residents

A new holistic service to support residents who are struggling with the cost of living is to be launched by Chichester District Council later this year.

At this week’s Full Council meeting, Councillors approved an investment of £300,000 to deliver the new initiative, which will initially be run as a two-year pilot, with a review after six months.

The new ‘one-stop shop’ service will be delivered by a specialist team of trained advisors who will be able to extensively support people with a range of issues by understanding their individual situation. The team will help people access support through the council, such as financial help to pay bills, help with housing, and health and wellbeing support.

The service will also help people access help from partner organisations, such as Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice, Arun and Chichester Food Partnership and the Community Hub, for debt and energy advice, food support and employment.

“With the spiralling cost of living, the number of households needing help and support is continuing to grow,” says Councillor Peter Wilding, Cabinet Member for Finance at Chichester District Council. “Whether someone is struggling to pay bills, feels isolated, or is concerned about rising energy costs, the council and its partners are here to help.

“A top priority for us is to make sure that people can easily access the support that is available to them. That is why we are creating a specialist team to help residents tackle a range of difficult and challenging issues at once so that we can help make the process as easy and stress-free as possible for them. This initiative will help our officers to be able to provide the level of all-around support that people need, and a helping hand through this process.

“This new service will also form part of the council’s Supporting You campaign, which is due to be launched in September in partnership with the Chichester Observer and Midhurst and Petworth Observer. The campaign aims to highlight the range of support available from both the council and its partner organisations. If you haven’t already, make sure you take a look at our designated web page: www.chichester.gov.uk/helpwithfinances, where you can find a ‘Supporting You’ leaflet, that highlights a number of different schemes that may help you.”

The new holistic support service is due to be launched later this year.

For advice and help with finances, please visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/helpwithfinances

View Report

26 July 2022

Funding will help support refugees from Ukraine

Councillors at Chichester District Council have agreed to passport government funding from the Homes for Ukraine scheme to Voluntary Action Arun Chichester (VAAC) and Sanctuary in Chichester, to strengthen the support offered to Ukrainian guests who are living in the district.

The funding will enable these voluntary organisations to further develop and strengthen their response to those living in the district who have been affected by the war in Ukraine.

West Sussex County Council is administering the Homes for Ukraine scheme in the county and receives £10,500 per guest from the government to cover education, social care, and other costs. Up to £150,000 of this funding will be issued to district and borough councils to fund community support.

Roy Briscoe, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Culture said, “We’ve had an overwhelming response from residents in the district, many of whom have generously welcomed many Ukrainian individuals and families into their homes.

“Our communities are renowned for being incredibly supportive. Recently, this has been evident through both the pandemic and through their response to helping those who have been affected by the war in Ukraine. We would like to thank all of those who have played their part and gone above and beyond to help those who need support.

“As a council we’ve been supporting West Sussex County Council by undertaking home inspections prior to guests arriving, as well as helping Ukrainian families and individuals integrate into local communities. We have also been ensuring our guests receive any council administered benefits and supporting any homeless applications, should the relationship break down between a sponsor and a guest.”

“Voluntary organisations are already working with refugees in the district and the Homes for Ukraine scheme will have a significant impact on demand for their services. This additional funding will enable us to ensure our Ukrainian guests continue to feel supported and welcomed into our community by ensuring they have access to a variety of support and services to help them settle into their new way of life here in the Chichester District.”

The ‘Homes for Ukraine scheme’ allows individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to bring Ukrainians to safety – including those with no family ties to the UK. Individual sponsors are asked to provide homes, or a spare room rent free, for as long as they are able, with a minimum stay of 6 months. Ukrainians arriving in the UK under this scheme are granted 3 years leave to remain, with entitlement to work, and access benefits and public services.

For further information on supporting Ukraine refugees please visit:www.chichester.gov.uk/supportingukrainerefugees

View Report

26 July 2022

Gatwick - Northern Runway Project - Public Consultation

Letter from Stewart Wingate, CEO of Gatwick

Good Morning,

When we shared our Northern Runway Project proposals during the public consultation in autumn last year,we wanted to hearfrom people and interested groups on our plans to bring our existing Northern Runway into regular use alongside our Main Runway. We were very grateful to receive feedback and together with our on-going design and assessment work, this has resulted in some updates to our proposals.

In particular, having listened to feedback on our road improvement proposals, we have revisited our previous designs and considered new possibilities to strike a balance between the needs of local non-airport and airport traffic as well as potential environmental effects. Before taking our plans forward, we are keen to hear your feedback on our updated proposals. We are therefore starting a focused statutory public consultation today on our updated highway design which will run for just over six weeks, until 11:59pm on Wednesday 27 July 2022.

The revised plans for the roads around the airport include proposals to:

• Significantly redesign the original plan for the North Terminal junction
• Add a new lane westbound over the Brighton main rail line
• Add a third lane to the A23 approaching Longbridge roundabout

We would encourage you to participate in our Summer 2022 Consultation and all materials are available at gatwickairport.com/futureplans along with details on how to respond.

Following feedback from our previous consultation, we have refined our proposals for car parking, hotels and offices, the airfield, water management, carbon, and noise. We have also continued to develop plans for reducing the potential environmental effects of the Northern Runway Project. These updates are also on our website.

During the consultation period there will be opportunities to attend a virtual briefing or to book a telephone surgery appointment to speak to technical experts about the proposals and help inform responses to the consultation. These are available to be booked immediately by contacting info@gatwickfutureplans.com.

Stewart Wingate
CEO

View Report

19 July 2022

Improvements made to textiles, small electricals and coffee pod recycling trial

Chichester District Council is introducing improvements to its textiles, small electricals, and coffee pod collection trial, which will enable residents in the trial area to book their free kerbside collection online from Monday 18 July.

The trial, which was launched in July 2021 and covers 75% of the district, offers residents a convenient way to recycle their unwanted textiles, broken small electrical items, and used coffee pods. Following feedback from residents and a review of the trial so far, the council is changing the way it collects items so that people in the trial area can book a free collection quickly and easily online. The frequency of collections has also increased from monthly to fortnightly.

Councillor Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for Environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council, says: “We’re really pleased with the results of the trial so far, which has significantly reduced the amount of material being thrown away as general waste in the district. Over the past year, the council has completed over 4,400 collections and recycled over 11 tonnes of material!

“Throughout the trial we’ve listened carefully to residents’ feedback and we are pleased to be introducing bookable collections, which will make for a better and more efficient service. From 18 July, if you’re in the trial area, you will need to book a collection whenever you have textiles, small electricals, or coffee pods that need collecting. You can check if you are in the trial area at any time and book a collection for textiles and small electricals from 18 July at: www.chichester.gov.uk/textileandelectricalrecyclingand for coffee pods at: www.chichester.gov.uk/podback

“Residents in the trial area no longer need to request a special bag to recycle their textiles and small electricals. Items should be tied up securely in a standard plastic carrier bag, keeping textiles and small electricals separate.

“The aim is to continue to monitor and review how the trial is running with a view to seeing if it could be expanded and rolled out to the whole of the district, and we will keep everyone updated on this.”

The council is working in partnership with Podback to deliver the coffee pod collection element of the trial. Improvements to this service mean that coffee pod users in the trial area can now sign up for a one-off collection or for regular fortnightly collections without the need to book each time they need a collection. Because plastic and aluminium pods must be kept separate and distinguishable, people will still need to request bags through the Podback website to use this service.

Rick Hindley, Executive Director of Podback, says: “Chichester was one of the first local authorities to introduce Podback when we launched in 2021, and we have been delighted with residents’ enthusiasm for the service over the past year. Podback’s mission is to ensure every coffee pod enjoyed is recycled. The plastic and aluminium from the pods we have collected so far have been recycled into new products like garden benches and plastic bottles, while the coffee grounds have been used to create soil improver and renewable energy. We hope that the changes Chichester District Council is making will make it even easier for people to recycle their pods at home”.

More information and a range of frequently asked questions about the textiles and small electrical collection trial can be found at: www.chichester.gov.uk/textileandelectricalrecycling. Further details about the coffee pod collection trial can be found by visiting: www.chichester.gov.uk/podback.

View Report

18 July 2022

On Sunday 24th July, the Plaistow Village Trust will be paining the railings along Loxwood Road, by the pond.

For safety reasons, Loxwood Road will be closed between 10am - 2pm, (please see attached notice). 

A diversion will be in place along The Street and Common House Lane. 

View Report

15 July 2022

Inspirational carbon-cutting stories shared by West Sussex businesses to help other enterprises

West Sussex enterprises are leading the way with carbon-cutting initiatives – and have now told their inspirational stories on camera to help other businesses.

The County Council, in collaboration with all seven district and borough councils in West Sussex, has produced the Low Carbon Business video series so business leaders can hear from other Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) about their carbon-reduction journeys.

Deborah Urquhart, chair of the West Sussex (Councils’) Joint Climate Change Board, said: “With raised awareness on climate change, there’s an increased need for businesses to act if they are to remain competitive.

“Climate change is everyone’s ‘business’ ­and smaller businesses have a vital role to play in reducing collective carbon emissions. 99.6 per cent of West Sussex business are MSMEs, however recent research has found that more than 75 per cent of UK MSMEs do not have carbon reduction plans in place.

“Collaboration and shared learning are key and we have been working with a group of exemplar businesses who are leading the way with cutting their carbon emissions. They have worked with us to identify the best ways to support MSMEs to make changes and realise the business benefits of doing so, which include winning new contracts, satisfying their supply chains’ needs, attracting new talent, accelerating innovation and cutting ongoing running costs.”

The films feature businesses from across a wide range of sectors including tourism, agriculture, transport and logistics, retail, wholesale, construction and manufacturing. Here’s just a taste of the films’ content:

• Laker Builders Merchant, Crawley: Construction is arguably one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise. Laker have completed a series Scope 1 emission upgrade to their business and are working hard to make low-carbon products a default choice for their customers. This is a story about a business that has decided to take sensible, incremental steps to make a big difference and influence the construction supply chain and trade for the better.

• The Adelphi Group of Companies is an award-winning manufacturer of packaging machinery and equipment. Its eco-friendly production facility, in Haywards Heath, includes solar panels, an evaporative cooling system, air source heat pump and rainwater harvesting facilities. The film explains how the Group’s inclusive and sustainability-focussed culture has recently led to another new eco initiative – an innovative idea from the production floor to replace plastic foam packaging with a plant-based, biodegradable alternative.

• HISBE (‘How It Should Be’) Supermarket, Worthing, is proud to be a ‘rebel‘ food retailer that provides green alternatives and stands for “better food and farming”. The supermarket is lowering carbon emissions through reducing waste, sourcing local food and offering hundreds of products without packaging.

To view the films, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHySOrgNym2znyXr3Edxp4o_GbeDhrttD

Deborah added: “There is work to do to support businesses, but there are promising signs of an increase in business spend on sustainability-related activities. The ingenuity and agility of smaller businesses will help the transformation to a greener West Sussex. Decarbonisation is a fast-moving picture but there is already a wealth of support for MSMEs, including grant funding which we are helping to signpost people to through our Business West Sussex website pages.”

Businesses can find out about local and national support available to move towards net zero by visiting: www.westsussex.gov.uk/greenbusiness

View Report

12 July 2022

Plaistow: Public Bridleway No. 637 (part) – Temporary Closure Notice (Issue no. 37955)

Please see attached a copy of the Temporary Closure notice in respect of the above route. The closure is necessary to protect public safety while cable installation works are undertaken.

The route will be closed effective from 12^th July 2022 for 21 days until 1^st August 2022, and may be followed by a short further closure.

Should you have any queries regarding the closure please contact WSCC's Public Rights of Way Officer within the Highways Operations Team:

West Sussex County Council, 1^st floor Northleigh, Tower Street, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1RH

Phone: ext. 25868 (internal), 01243 777620 (external)
lysiane.dallen@westsussex.gov.uk

www.westsussex.gov.uk/prow

View Report

08 July 2022

The census results are in — revealing the population changes in the Chichester District

The first results of the 2021 Census have been released this week by the Office for National Statistics, providing a glimpse of how Chichester District’s population has changed over the past decade.

The population size of the district has increased by 9.1%, from around 113,800 in 2011 to 124,100 in 2021. This is higher than the overall increase for England (6.6%), where the population grew by nearly 3.5 million to 56,489,800 and higher than the increase for the Southeast (7.5%).

Nearby areas like Horsham and Arun have seen their populations increase by around 11.8% and 10.2%, while others such as Waverly saw an increase of 5.5% and Havant saw smaller growth (2.9%).

Chichester District ranked 190th for total population out of 309 local authority areas in England, moving up four places in a decade. The results also show that the district is the least densely populated of the South East's 64 local authority areas.

The results also show that within the district there has been an increase of 20.8% in people aged 65 years and over; an increase of 5.7% in people aged 15 to 64 years; and, an increase of 3.6% in children aged under 15 years.

“These initial Census results provide a fascinating insight into how the population of the Chichester District has changed over the past 10 years,” says Councillor Alan Sutton, Cabinet Member for Housing, Communications, Licensing and Events at Chichester District Council.

“The results are hugely important because they will help to inform decisions and shape what future services will be needed in the future.”

For more information about how the population of the district has changed and the first set of results from the Census 2021, visit:

www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/censuspopulationchange/E07000225/

These population results are the first in a series of Census 2021 data being released over the next two years. From October until the end of the year, further summaries will be released including data on demography, migration, ethnicity, religion, UK armed forces veterans, education, health, the labour market, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

For more information, please visit:www.ons.gov.uk/census/censustransformationprogramme/census2021outputs/releaseplans

View Report

08 July 2022

Woodland Trust - Ancient Tree Inventory

The Woodland Trust has established a database called the Ancient Tree Inventory (ATI), which maps the oldest and most important trees in the UK. 

The ATI is crowdsourced, and depends on members of the public submitting information on the trees they feel are noteworthy to increase the size of the database and help protect our valuable tree heritage. There are already more than 180,000 trees listed, but there are tens of thousands more to add.

Plaistow and Ifold Parish have some trees already listed, including 'Old Man Cecil', the Sessile Oak dated from around 1650 on Plaistow Village Green.

More information on the Ancient Tree Inventory, including how to search the database for notable and ancient trees local to you, along with guides to recording and submitting an entry to it can be found at https://ati.woodlandtrust.org.uk/.

View Report

08 July 2022

Thousands of subsidised trees available for planting in the Chichester District

People will be able to apply for subsidised trees to plant in their communities from Monday 11 July, as part of a Chichester District Council initiative to increase tree planting across the district.

This is all part of the council’s Tree Chichester District scheme, which has already seen 12,118 trees planted across the district since it was launched in January 2021. The new subsidised tree scheme aims to expand on this work by helping residents, landowners, farmers, community groups, schools, businesses, and charities, to access 12,000 trees to plant in their communities later this year.

The scheme is funded by HM Treasury’s Shared Outcomes Fund and aims to test different ways to increase tree cover in rural and urban areas. The funding this year will cover 50% of the cost of the trees applied for as part of the subsidised scheme, with applicants contributing the remaining 50%.

“We are delighted to be running this scheme to support groups and individuals with their tree planting projects and help increase tree cover in our district,” says Councillor Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for Environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council.

“To apply for the scheme, you will need to ensure you have the space available to plant the trees, the site is suitable for planting, and that you have someone responsible for planting and maintaining them. The trees can be planted on your own land, or on land owned by someone else, as long as you have the landowner’s permission.

“The trees will be supplied in bundles of 10, 20 or 25, but not as individual trees. Different trees suit different conditions and so we have specially selected bundles of trees tailored to specific areas and soil type.

“The cost to the applicant ranges from £13.71 to £22.47 per bundle, depending on the types of trees you need for your area. You will also be able to purchase biodegradable guards and stakes, also subsidised at 50%, to help protect your trees. More detailed costings and information about the trees that are available, as well as a step-by-step guide to applying, can be found in our guidance notes at www.chichester.gov.uk/treescheme

“While it’s not possible to apply for individual trees through this scheme, people can apply as part of a residents’ association or group of neighbours and divide the bundle of trees between different sites. Our dedicated Tree Project Officer can also provide guidance on accessing funding and sourcing trees through a range of organisations that may be suitable for smaller projects.”

The Tree Chichester District scheme has already supported 115 tree planting projects across the district. These include three mini urban forests planted in Chichester, Midhurst and Selsey and working with landowners and farmers to help them plant trees on their land.

Penny adds: “The scheme is a key part of our work to protect and enhance our local environment and is an integral part of our Climate Emergency Action Plan, which you can find out more about at: www.chichester.gov.uk/climatechange

“While increasing tree cover is important, we would also encourage people to keep and nurture existing trees that are safe and healthy. Trees are a precious natural asset and, as a natural carbon sink, are a vital part of the fight against climate change. Trees also create habitats for wildlife, improve biodiversity, and aid wildlife corridors.”

Applications for the subsidised tree scheme will open for everyone in the district from Monday 11 July at www.chichester.gov.uk/treescheme

All applications will be assessed to ensure they meet the criteria, which is designed to ensure the trees thrive, and trees will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Applications will close on Friday 9 September, or when all the available trees have been allocated.

People can find more information about the scheme, along with guidance notes, at www.chichester.gov.uk/treescheme People can alsocontact the council’s dedicated Tree Project Officer by emailing treescheme@chichester.gov.uk or calling 01243 521161.

View Report

24 June 2022

Thousands of new electric vehicle charging points to launch in West Sussex

The largest-ever local authority roll-out of electric vehicle (EV) charging points in the UK was launched on Monday (20 June) in West Sussex.

West Sussex County Council, Adur and Worthing Councils, Arun District Council, Crawley Borough Council, Horsham District Council and Mid Sussex District Council signed a contract last year with Connected Kerb, one of the country's leading providers of EV charging infrastructure solutions, to install and maintain thousands of charging points across the county.

The ground-breaking project will deliver transformational improvements to EV provision in the region, providing better access to charging facilities, particularly to those without off-street parking. Residents will be consulted over where they want the charging points located.

Councillors, alongside Connected Kerb representatives, gathered at Hazelgrove Road Car Park, Haywards Heath, on Monday to mark the roll-out, which will take place over the next decade.

Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “This is a milestone moment for the county as these chargepoints are the first of many to be installed across West Sussex, servicing residents’ electric vehicle charging needs.

“They offer people without off-street parking convenient and reliable charging as they will be sited both within car parks and on-street.

“We know that some residents have hesitated to make the switch to electric vehicles because of a lack of public chargepoints: we hope this launch will encourage them to reconsider, make the change and, in turn, have a positive impact on carbon emissions and air quality.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside Connected Kerb and our district and borough council partners to deliver the network of West Sussex chargepoints.”

Chris Pateman-Jones, CEO of Connected Kerb, said: “We are looking forward to starting work on this game-changing project for electric vehicles in West Sussex. The challenge of scale is very real – no other council has undertaken this number of charging points in a single roll-out – but we are committed to ensuring that EV becomes accessible, sustainable and affordable for every EV user in the county. Furthermore, we hope it will encourage further EV uptake as we move towards 2030 and the ban on sales of new diesel and petrol vehicles.”

View Report

24 June 2022

The Community Safety & Wellbeing Service, West Sussex County Council, invite you to see the attached leaflet regarding West Sussex Get Safe Online Digital Ambassadors. 

WSCC have 24 amazing volunteers with a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to help others be safe online. They are able to offer a range of support for residents and communities including attending community events, groups and offering 1:1 sessions.

Any questions please get in touch via DigitalAmbassadors@westsussex.gov.uk

View Report

24 June 2022

Setting it in stone: time capsule to bridge the ages at ancient monument

Above picture caption: Pictured on the slipway beside the ancient bridge are (from left) Michael Taylor, the County Council’s Engineering Project Manager, business owner Helen Johnson with the capsule, and Richard Finn, Director of Principal Contractor Landbuild

A time capsule has been sealed into the Old Swan Bridge in Pulborough – one of ten Scheduled Ancient Monuments owned and maintained by West Sussex County Council.

The idea came from businesswoman Helen Johnson and found support from Michael Taylor, the County Council Engineering Project Manager overseeing essential maintenance at the footbridge.

Helen, who owns The Cornstore Emporium antiques, gifts and tearoom business nearby, explained: “I suppose everyone was talking about the historic Platinum Jubilee and my husband, Adrian, was saying how interesting it would be if an artefact was found in the bridge. We’re surrounded by antiques at the emporium, which must have triggered us to think a time capsule would be something nice for people to open in years to come.

“I spoke to Michael and asked if there was any chance of putting a small capsule into the bridge’s structure. I heard about the opening of a Blue Peter time capsule, the contents of which did not survive well, so I bought a purpose-built capsule online.”

Michael said: “We are strengthening the northernmost arch and Helen approached us to ask if she could place a time capsule within the fill over the arch for somebody to find in many years to come.

“We saw this as a good opportunity for community engagement and gave her the go-ahead to start putting things together. The timing worked well because Helen had time to gather the items that she wanted to put in the capsule before we needed to fill the excavation of the arch."

Contents of the stainless steel cylinder time capsule include a Platinum Jubilee souvenir newspaper, some coins from an earlier jubilee, plus a note with current local information.

Work on the footbridge, which spans the River Arun and links Pulborough and Coldwaltham, started in April after Historic England gave the go-ahead.

Michael explained: “Following the strengthening works we will be undertaking masonry repair and replacement works to the whole structure to ensure that this impressive structure lasts for years to come.

“The footbridge is currently closed to the public while the strengthening works take place but is scheduled to reopen in approximately two weeks as the mason does not require the bridge to be closed to complete his work.”

The project is due to finish in August, subject to unknown factors, such as severe weather.

Richard Finn, Director of Principal Contractor Landbuild, said: “ We are always more than happy to support local ventures such as these and were happy to assist Helen with the installation of the capsule.”

Most of Old Swan Bridge was built in the 18^th century, replacing an old wooden structure. The fourth arch span (southernmost arch) was added in 1834.

The nine other Scheduled Ancient Monuments owned and maintained by the County Council are:

1. Woolbeding Bridge, Woolbeding with Redford
2. Trotton Bridge, Trotton with Chithurst
3. Iping Bridge, Stedham with Iping
4. Habin Bridge, Rogate
5. Durford Bridge, Rogate/Harting (river is boundary)
6. Fittleworth Mill Bridge, Fittleworth
7. Fittleworth River Bridge, Fittleworth
8. Stopham Bridge, Stopham/Pulborough (river is boundary)
9. Greatham Bridge, Parham

View Report

19 June 2022

#WestSussBus – air your views on local bus services

#WestSussBus – the online engagement page about local buses – is now live and will be around for at least the next year. It’s been set up for you to tell us your experiences, comments and ideas about local buses, and to help decide where improvements are needed.

Anyone can post suggestions, ideas and comments on #WestSussBus. You can also celebrate what’s good about local buses and point out what doesn’t quite work.

One of our first areas of interest is to find out your top-five priorities for improving bus services in West Sussex.

#WestSussBus is more than a survey - there are opportunities for debates, being creative with your ideas and making videos to explain how things really are on the buses that you use. You can also send us your ‘bus journal’ - a diary-style contribution building up over time a more complete picture of your experiences as a bus passenger.

If you don’t currently travel by bus, you can still take part by letting us know what improvement to local services would encourage you to ride on the buses.

Most bus services in West Sussex are run commercially, without funding or control from the County Council. However, some routes receive a subsidy from the council to help them run. Later this year the County Council will form an ‘Enhanced Partnership’ with local bus companies which will see us working together much more closely to improve services.

Visit the West Sussex County Council ‘Your Voice Engagement Hub’ to take part in #WestSussBus - https://yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/westsussbus

You can also sign up to the #WestSussBus e-newsletter on the engagement hub and contact #WestSussBus with any questions or suggestions at westsussbus@westsussex.gov.uk

View Report

15 June 2022

Are you a parent or have full time parenting experience? Could you offer a local family your practical and emotional support?

Home-Start Chichester & District is a voluntary organisation that offers support & friendship to families with young children throughout Chichester District. Volunteers are trained and supported to offer valuable personalised support to families in the families own homes, enabling them to give their children the best start in life. Volunteers also support families in our three Family Groups.

JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER TEAM

Our next volunteer training course will start on Tuesday 13th September 2022.

The course will take place one morning a week from 9.30am-1pm (excluding school half term) in Chichester for 7 weeks.

For more information:

t: 01243 773477

e: admin@home-startchichester.org.uk

w: www.home-startchichester.org.uk

View Report

14 June 2022

Rare opportunity to rent or buy affordable homes in new Loxwood development

Residents in the Chichester District are being offered a rare opportunity to secure an affordable new home in Loxwood, West Sussex.

Housing provider Stonewater has built 50 high-quality, affordable and energy efficient houses and flats at Pond Copse Lane, off Guildford Road, in the rural village of Loxwood.

It is anticipated that the homes will be available from September, either for rent, or to buy through one of the government’s home ownership schemes and interested residents are encouraged to register their interest early.

Of these, 30 are affordable rental properties that will be allocated through the council’s housing register. Two one-bedroom flats, four two-bedroom flats, 14 two-bedroom houses, seven three-bedroom houses and three four-bedroom houses are available and applicants with a local connection to the Parish of Loxwood will be given priority for affordable rental properties.

Thirteen three-bedroom houses are also available for shared ownership. Shared ownership is a scheme which offers aspiring homeowners the chance to buy a share of their home and pay subsidised rent on the remaining share. There is the option to buy a larger share later – also known as staircasing – and the rent will reduce proportionally. Through staircasing, residents can eventually own all of their home.

In addition, seven rent to buy properties are available, including four two-bedroom houses, one three-bedroom house and two four-bedroom houses. Rent to buy is a government scheme designed to ease the transition from renting to buying a home by providing subsidised rent. It provides working households with the opportunity to save for a deposit to go on and purchase a house in the future.

“Helping people to get on the housing ladder and access affordable housing is a top priority for us,” says Councillor Alan Sutton, Cabinet Member for Housing, Communications, Licensing and Events at Chichester District Council.

“This new development will provide much needed affordable housing and we want to make sure that local people are aware of this one-off opportunity to live in the beautiful village of Loxwood.

“Residents wanting to apply for the rental properties must first sign up to the council’s housing register before they can apply for a home to rent. Once accepted, applicants will be able to browse and bid for housing, such as the homes at Loxwood. For residents wanting to buy a home the government offers a range of options, including the help to buy shared ownership scheme which helps people get onto the property ladder.”

The Pond Copse Lane development has been built with a range of energy efficiency innovations. The homes are fitted with energy-efficient air-source heat pumps which will help cut residents’ energy bills and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 37 per cent.

The completed development will also feature landscaped communal open space, a play area and wildlife friendly features such as bat boxes, martin nest boxes and swift nest cups.

Pond Copse Lane is also one of five developments that will feature public art designed by the winners of its first national competition – the George Blunden Public Art Prize – for new and existing residents to enjoy.

The picturesque village of Loxwood is a thriving local community which offers a range of shops and amenities as well as a local primary school. The nearest train station is located six miles away in Billingshurst and there is a good bus service running regularly between the neighbouring towns and villages. The village of Cranleigh and towns Haslemere, Horsham and Guildford are within easy reach.

Marie Riordan, Director of Development (South and Central) at Stonewater, added: “We’re proud to be providing these much-needed energy efficient affordable homes at Pond Copse Lane. This new development is giving local people, whether they are aspiring homeowners or individuals and families looking for an affordable rented flat or house, an opportunity to have a place that they can call home.”

For further information on buying a home in the Pond Copse development and to register interest please contact:

Debbie Mancey, Phillip Mann Estate Agent

Tel: 01273 517517 Email: newhaven@phillipmann.com

To apply for the council’s housing register or to find housing to buy please visit:

www.chichester.gov.uk/findingahome

For government information about owning your own home visit:

www.ownyourhome.gov.uk/

View Report

14 June 2022

Have you received your energy bill rebate?

30,000 households have received their energy bill rebate

Over £4 million has been issued in total, to nearly 30,000 households in the Chichester District, as part of the government’s energy rebate scheme.

Of the 34,050 qualifying households, 29,183 have been issued with their payments. Chichester District Council is now urging the 4,867 households that have yet to claim their £150 energy rebate to come forward.

Most householders in Council Tax band A to D properties qualify for this rebate. If someone doesn’t know which band their property is in, they can find it on their latest council tax bill or check it by visiting: www.gov.uk/council-tax-bands

“Our staff have worked tirelessly to issue these payments as quickly and efficiently as they can,” says Cllr Peter Wilding, Cabinet Member for Finance at Chichester District Council.

“As we speak, a further 2,500 letters are being issued offering further reminders for this money to be claimed. Our staff understand how important this support is to residents and have gone above and beyond to issue these payments as quickly as possible and to get the message out.

“It’s really easy to apply and can all be done online at: www.chichester.gov.uk/energybillsrebate2022

“Those who live in households in council tax bands E-H and currently access benefits are also encouraged to apply for support under the council’s discretionary energy rebate scheme.”

The energy rebate scheme has been introduced by the government in response to the significant increase in energy prices. Over the past year, the price of gas alone has quadrupled. Whilst the problem is global, the effect is being felt by millions of households in the UK.

More information on the schemes available can be found at www.chichester.gov.uk/energybillsrebate2022

View Report

02 June 2022