Bognor Regis Herald 6 October 2022
BRH Main Page: http://www.fairplay31.online/brh.html
SIR RICHARD HOTHAM SPEAKS …. ON HIS THREE HUNDRETH BIRTHDAY!
NEWS
HERALD EXCLUSIVE — GOVERNMENT TELLS M.P. THAT ARUN CAN SEEK EXTRA OUTSIDE PRIVATE FUNDING FOR REGIS CENTRE SCHEME IN LETTER
Minister refers to “important question”
REGIS CENTRE SCHEME CHANGES — COST GOES UP £3.75 MILLION, COUNCIL TAX PAYERS WILL PAY — MAXIMUM SEATS REDUCED TO 400
Many Councillors very uneasy — View the full debate on Arun’s latest changes to the Regis Centre proposal here : starting at 48mins
Arun Oppostion Councillors asks searching questions about Arun’s Regis Centre changes via Freedom of Information
Statement by Opposition Groups Leaders & Deputies
Following last week’s Arun Full Council meeting, where councillors were asked to approve an extra £3 million of expenditure without sight of, and full knowledge of a new proposal for the Alexandra Theatre in Bognor Regis (we only found out about it a couple of days before Full Council) we have submitted the following Freedom of Information request to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, in an attempt to find out more about this new proposal.
On Thursday 29th September our council (Arun District Council) was asked to authorise an extra £3 million towards our Levelling Up project in Bognor Regis — to refurbish the Alexandra Theatre (We can’t afford it — but nor can we afford to lose the £12.2 million Levelling Up grant!).
The Levelling Up application (for the Alexandra Theatre) states “Increase seat capacity by 30% to 450 seats”
and “The enhanced theatre will result in a forecast increase in paying audiences from an average of 47,000 to 55,000 per annum …”
and “Investment in the new theatre will also provide the opportunity for it to be used as a conference and event facility to meet an unmet demand locally, including by the University of Chichester who have indicated that they would use the space more if the facilities were both improved and bigger”
This increase in seats was the main reason we supported the Levelling Up application.
(A former London Theatre impresario patient of Cllr Dr Walsh told him that the Alexandra Theatre needed 450–500 seats to attract the bigger, profitable acts, and he was an expert!)
The officer report states that “The council’s consultants Mace have designed and costed a scheme to provide 378 seats …”
According to the theatre’s web site it has 357 seats currently — so this would amount to an increase of 21 seats for £15.2 million. When we challenged officers on this apparent reduction in proposed seating it became clear that there is a new proposal to provide a second, smaller auditorium — which is clearly significant enough for the council to feel the need to agree it with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities — but not its own councillors.
The leader of the council confirmed (on 27th September — only 2 days before Full Council) that the new proposal has been agreed by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities saying;
“So you are correct the original plan was for 450 seats in the auditorium, this is now 386 seats in the latest plans. When Mace looked into it they found that the back wall was of such significance that it was prohibitively expensive to move/remove the wall.
However, Hazel and Arun Arts also concluded they would seldom ever fill a 450-seat auditorium, as they don’t often fill the current one. So, a new solution was reached — with the enthusiastic support of Arun Arts and agreement of DLUHC (who have been consulted) — that a new second auditorium of c 100 seats will be created within the footprint of the building. This will enable two productions to run concurrently, and the possibility of smaller, more inexpensive productions (for e.g. for school groups).”
This is all the information we have. The new proposal may be good or bad — we don’t know. We know of its existence and we know that 100 seats will be delivered. We don’t know if anything has been dropped to accommodate the new auditorium? Is the art gallery still included? Are the five lettable studios still included? We do not know if any feasibility work has been undertaken to establish if two small auditoriums are actually sustainable? No committee of the council has been informed of the details.
How can any responsible councillor approve an extra £3 million of public expenditure without sight of, and full knowledge of, the proposal?
Not surprisingly, a significant number of councillors voted against the extra £3 million.
Would we have been informed about the new proposal if we hadn’t challenged the reduction in seats? Or was the intention to inform us of the new proposal after we had voted?
At the time of writing, and despite protestations before the vote, we have not been provided with any details of the new proposal by the council.
Given that we have been informed that the new proposal has been agreed with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities we assume that you must therefore be in possession of the relevant information.
Therefore, we are requesting all information held by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities relating to the new proposal for the Alexandra Theatre.
FOI law requires public bodies to take account of requestor’s preferred means of communication. Therefore, to ensure transparency and openness would you please publish any response to this FOI request to this WhatDoTheyKnow web site.
Many thanks.
Yours faithfully,
Cllr Tony Dixon — Leader, Independent Group
Cllr Hugh Coster — Deputy Leader, Independent Group
Cllr Dr James Walsh — Leader, Liberal Democrat Group
Cllr Matt Stanley — Deputy Leader, Liberal Democrat Group
Cllr Isabel Thurston — Leader, Green Group
Arun’s Official Statement
SPORT
ENVIRONMENT
LEISURE
FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA OCTOBER 28
Nye Camp hosts spectacular show
https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/bognorregistownfc/news/fireworks-extravaganza-october-28-2733713.html
COMPLETE MADNESS AT SEASONS
https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/bognorregistownfc/news/complete-madness-at-seasons-2733741.html
POLICE & LOCAL COUNCILS
Welcome to our Bus it! special
Routes, timetables, prize draw and free passes for pensioners and disabled
Every day, thousands of people across West Sussex use buses. Buses are a sustainable way to travel and help you…
- Save money on fuel and transport running costs
- Keep in touch with friends and family
- Travel to school, work or the shops
- Maintain your independence
We’ve pulled together all you need to know in this special newsletter, including two fantastic opportunities to win £100 supermarket vouchers and an invitation to let us know what you think about bus travel in West Sussex!
Get onboard for new adventures!
Where will you travel by bus? We have some great tips and ideas of where to visit by bus on our Experience West Sussex website.
Then check your most convenient bus routes and timetables using our handy route planner below. We also have a page with the latest discounts on bus and coach travel.
Pensioners apply for or renew, your free bus pass!
Residents who are of state pension age (currently 66+) can travel off-peak free of charge on local buses anywhere in England as far and as often as they like.
Apply for or renew your pass before 16 December 2022 and you will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win £100 of supermarket vouchers.*
Jaki (73) from Petworth said: “Using my free bus pass has many benefits. I still work twice a week and the free bus pass saves me on car parking costs, petrol and car wear and tear. It’s more relaxing than driving and means I don’t have to travel on my own. It’s also very sociable and you get to meet all sorts of people”.
Apply now online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/buspass or call 0330 222 6222.
Disabled residents can also find information online.
*Your need to be 65+ and living in West Sussex to take part. Winner announced week commencing 19 December.
Apply or renew your pass today
Take part in our ‘Bus It!’ survey and you could win £100 of supermarket vouchers*
We’re seeking feedback from all West Sussex residents aged over 65.
Whether you love traveling on the bus and use them all the time, or perhaps you aren’t a convert yet, we want to hear from you.
Our survey is open until 4 November 2022 and all participants will have the option to be entered into a free prize draw to win £100 worth of supermarket vouchers.
For more information about free bus passes for older people, the survey or the competition’s Terms & Conditions visit: www.westsussex.gov.uk/BusIt
*You need to be 65+ and living in West Sussex to take part. Winner will be announced week commencing 14 November 2022.
Subscribe to our free bus newsletter or share your ideas
We are working with local bus companies to help improve services and await confirmation of funds to deliver the ambitions set out in our Bus Services Improvement Plan
If you have an ideas about how to improve bus services in your local area or would like to feedback anything about your service please join the conversation via our WestSussBus Forum.
Click on the link below to receive regular updates by email on all things buses!
Subscribe to our #WestSussBus newsletter
Arun Police Weekly Bulletin
Weekly Bulletin — Arun District since 19 September
News and appeals
Outstanding individuals recognised at West Sussex divisional awards:
A number of Sussex Police officers and staff, and external partners, have received recognition for their outstanding work at an annual event.
Dozens of employees were commended for their achievements at the West Sussex Divisional Awards ceremony, held at Arundel Castle on Monday 26 September.
Awards were presented for a variety of reasons including proactive work around drugs possession and supply, complex investigations, impactful community engagement and life-saving actions.
See more on this:
Trio convicted of Bognor county lines drugs offences:
Three people have been sentenced following an operation aimed to disrupt drug-dealing in Bognor Regis.
Stephen Lawson, Leon Stanford and Kerry Grzegorz were each arrested on separate occasions in summer 2020 in connection with the possession and supply of Class A drugs.
They came to attention after a local PCSO raised concerns about drug-dealing at hot spots in the town centre.
See more on this:
Crime Summary:
Bognor -
Pryors Green, Bognor — Overnight between Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 September a catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle. Serial 0591 26/09.
Main Drive, Bognor — Overnight between Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 September a vehicle was entered and searched through. Nothing was stolen. Serial 0621 29/09.
The Oaks, Bognor — In the early hours of Thursday 22 September a vehicle was entered and searched through. Nothing was stolen. Serial 0448 29/09.
Durlston Parade, Bognor — In the early hours of Saturday 24 September there was an attempted burglary at a business premises. Serial 0468 26/09.
Bognor Regis Retail Park — On Monday 26 September a brown Honda PCX 125 was stolen. Serial 0976 26/09.
Hawthorn Road, Bognor — In the early hours of Wednesday 28 September a business premises was burgled. Officers attended and made an arrest at the location. Serial 0040 28/09.
Littlehampton, Rustington and surrounding area –
A259, Littlehampton — Overnight between Friday 23 and Monday 26 September a breaker attachment for an excavator was stolen. Serial 0766 26/09.
Windroos Drive, Wick — On the evening of Monday 26 September a residence was burgled. Nothing was stolen. Serial 0738 27/09.
Sea Road, East Preston — Overnight between Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 September a green Peugeot 206 was stolen. Serial 0203 27/09.
Water Lane, Angmering — Overnight between Thursday 29 and Friday 30 September a large amount of fuel was stolen from a site. Serial 0214 30/09.
Arundel, Barnham and surrounding area –
Dial Close, Barnham — Between Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September a garage was burgled. Power tools were stolen. Serial 0585 29/09.
Fontwell Avenue, Fontwell — On the morning of Thursday 22 September an attempt was made to break into a vehicle causing substantial damage. Serial 0025 29/09.
Mill View Road, Yapton — On the evening of Wednesday 28 September a vehicle was criminally damaged. Serial 0322 30/09.
Downview Way, Yapton — Overnight between Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 September the windscreen of a vehicle was criminally damaged. Serial 0171 29/09.
Main Road, Yapton — In the early hours of Friday 30 September a business premises was burgled and stock taken. Serial 0141 30/09.
Neighbourhood Watch
We work closely with Neighbourhood Watch and you can find out more about your local scheme online or by emailing. Visit the Arun Neighbourhood Watch website: arunwestnhw.org.uk and for more info email: info@arunwestnhw.org.uk
Your local teams
Click here to contact your local team, find information about meetings and events in your area and view actions being taken regarding your priorities.
Witness appeal following fatal collision in Bognor:
Police are appealing for witnesses after a single car collision in Bognor in which a man sadly died.
The white Fiat 500 collided with the sea wall on The Esplanade at about 3.50am on Monday September 12.
See more on this:
Crime Summary:
Bognor -
Valentines Gardens, Bognor — Between Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September a catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle. Serial 0904 21/09.
Bulbeck Way, Felpham — On the afternoon of Sunday 18 September a residence was burgled. Jewellery was stolen. Serial 0439 19/09.
Queensway, Bognor — Between Sunday 18 and Monday 19 September a silver Ford Fiesta was stolen. Serial 0391 19/09.
The Esplanade, Bognor — Between Sunday 18 and Tuesday 20 September a site was burgled and a generator was stolen. Serial 0920 20/09.
Hawthorn Road, Bognor — On Monday 19 September a residence was burgled. Documents were stolen. Serial 0948 19/09.
Upper Bognor Road, Bognor — Overnight between Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 September a vehicle was broken into. A Polaroid camera and sunglasses were stolen. Serial 0362 20/09.
Durban Road, Bognor — In the early hours of Tuesday 20 September a business premises was burgled. Stock and equipment were stolen. Serial 0346 20/09.
Bersted Street, Bognor — Overnight between Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 September a silver and blue Yamaha motorcycle was stolen. Serial 0209 21/09.
Pulborough Way, Bognor — Overnight between Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 September a vehicle was broken into. A wallet and sunglasses were stolen. Serial 0184 22/09.
High Street, Bognor — On the evening of Friday 23 September a white Baotian Monza motorcycle was stolen. Serial 1373 23/09
Littlehampton, Rustington and surrounding area –
Dappers Lane, Angmering — Overnight between Thursday 22 and Friday 23 September a large amount of fuel was stolen from a site and criminal damage caused to property. Serial 0504 23/09.
Colebrook Road, Wick — Between Thursday 22 and Friday 23 September a vehicle was broken into. Phones and a wallet were stolen. Serial 0071 24/09.
Beacon Way, Littlehampton — On the evening of Friday 23 September there was an attempted burglary of a residence. Serial 0446 24/09.
Arundel, Barnham and surrounding area –
Buckle Mead, Eastergate — In the early hours of Friday 16 September an attempt was made to enter two vehicles. Serial 0594 22/09.
Yapton Lane, Walberton — Overnight between Thursday 22 and Friday 23 September a large amount of fuel was stolen from a premises. Serial 0228 23/09.
Main Road, Yapton — On the evening of Saturday 24 September a bin was deliberately set alight. Serial 1078 24/09.
Neighbourhood Watch
We work closely with Neighbourhood Watch and you can find out more about your local scheme online or by emailing. Visit the Arun Neighbourhood Watch website: arunwestnhw.org.uk and for more info email: info@arunwestnhw.org.uk
Your local teams
Click here to contact your local team, find information about meetings and events in your area and view actions being taken regarding your priorities.
For the rural crime team monthly update, please click here
You can find the update from the roads policing unit here
The monthly Fraud Newsletter can be found here
You can find the update from the roads policing unit here
Social Media
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArunPoliceUK/
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/_ArunPolice
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chichester_arun_police/
October OUR NEWS — Neighbourhood Watch national newsletter for England and Wales
OUR NEWS — Neighbourhood Watch national newsletter for England and Wales
Last month, we postponed our September newsletter to pay our respects to the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This month we are pleased to bring you a double edition of OUR NEWS for October and September.
In it, we provide expert advice and articles on everything from our crime and community survey, witnessing street harassment, how to stay one step ahead of scams, how to protect yourself from loan fee fraud, our Community Safety Charter, looking after your mental health, hate crime, a survey for young people, and more.
We hope that you enjoy this edition as much as we enjoyed creating it.
Keep safe,
John Hayward-Cripps
John Hayward-Cripps | CEO
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team
Follow us.. ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn
Neighbourhood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF CREATING SAFER, CONNECTED AND ACTIVE COMMUNITIES
raud newsletter — October 2022
“Each month we see many incidents of fraudsters targeting our residents in an attempt to defraud them. We’re working hard to prevent this and support vulnerable victims of fraud or scams. By following our tips and encouraging family, friends and colleagues to do so too, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim.”
T/Detective Chief Inspector Simon Doyle, Surrey Police & Sussex Police Economic Crime Unit
Loan Fraud
With the cost of living rising the need for loans and financial support also increases as many struggle to pay household bills without extra help. Sussex and Surrey Police have seen several reports of loan fraud whereby fraudsters have exploited many victims looking for loans.
In one case, a 28-year-old from West Sussex was looking for a loan online. The victim visited a number of loan websites wanting to borrow £6500. The victim was later called by a supposed loan firm offering to loan him the full amount, but in return he would be required to pay an upfront fee of £125 which would be refunded back to him.
In need of funds, the victim transferred £125 to the firm as requested. The fraudster then cut all contact leaving the victim at a loss.
How to protect yourself:
· When applying for a loan, you should only deal with FCA authorised firms. You can check the Financial Services Register to see if a firm is regulated by the FCA
· Check the firm’s contact details match the details on the Financial Services Register
· Do not be put under pressure, fraudsters may tell you to act quickly
· Be wary of anyone contacting you out of the blue offering you a loan or financial advice
How to use social media safely
Social media has become widely used by us all and social media platforms are ever growing. Whether it is to promote your business, catch up with friends and family, keep up to date on the news and new trends or to meet new people, social media has multiple uses and has become part of everyone’s digital footprint.
However, its important to know how to use social media safely and how to protect yourself from potential fraud risks and opportunities which social media carries such has hacking, impersonation and phishing.
How to keep safe:
ü Think about what you put online — do you need to share this? Who do you want to share this with? Could someone take this information and use it fraudulently?
ü Keeping personal information offline will or restricted to people you know well will reduce the chances of it being used to impersonate you or even guess your password
ü Use 2 Factor Authentication for online platforms to protect yourself from hackers and fraudsters who may want to steal your details
ü Do not click on links in posts, tweets, or messages unless you are 100% certain that they are genuine
Recovering a hacked social media account:
1. Contact your account provider
2. Check your email account
3. Change your passwords (Remember the 3 random words tip)
4. Log all devices and apps out of your account
5. Set up 2 Step Verification
6. Update your devices
7. Notify your contacts
8. Check your bank statements and shopping accounts
9. Report to Action Fraud
Gift Cards
Sussex and Surrey Police are seeing an increase in large amounts of suspicious payments being made using gift cards and vouchers.
Fraudsters will contact their victims, using a range of different fake stories and tactics, urging the victim to make a payment by purchasing vouchers and gift cards from their nearest retailer. Once the cards have been purchased, the scammer accesses the money by asking the victim to share the code on the back of the voucher.
In one case, a 75-year-old Male from West Surrey received an email from a male claiming to be from an investment company. The male offered the victim an investment deal and claimed the victim could receive a return of millions if he sent the firm some amazon vouchers.
The victim was told to act quickly, or he could miss out on the investment deal they were offering. The victim purchased £150 of amazon vouchers and sent the codes on the back of the gift cards to the male. After receiving the codes, the male stopped contacting the victim and the victim never received money in return.
How to protect yourself:
· Be wary of anyone contacting you out of the blue asking you to purchase gift cards in return for a fee, service, as part of an investigation or in an urgent situation
· Do not reveal the code on the back of a gift card to someone you don’t know
· If you have paid a fraudster by gift card, contact the retailer straight away
· Genuine banks or other trusted organisations won’t pressure you to make a financial transaction on the spot. If something feels wrong when its usually right to question it
Suspect you or someone you know has been victim to a scam?
Report it to Action fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
However, where the victim is vulnerable or elderly, please contact Sussex or Surrey Police directly on 101.
If its an emergency, always call 999.
