Bognor Regis Herald — News Update 5 September 2022
News
From Sussex News
Update on Bognor Regis’ £12m levelling-up project to be heard in private
Photo: part of the car park side of the Regis Centre which will NOT be altered by the proposed Levelling-Up scheme worth £12m
Arun district councillors are set to hear details about a £12.1 million levelling up project in private this week.
By Jessica Hubbard, local democracy reporter, Sussex Press
The venue houses the Alexandra Theatre and Brewers Fayre pub.
It is owned by the council but is currently leased to Whitbread Plc and Arun Arts. It is thought that negotiations over the lease — which would allow the improvement works to go ahead — are ongoing. [This probably means stymied with Whitbread BRH Ed.]
Now councillors will hear options for regenerating the venue, along with ‘heads of terms’ for the building. The public and the press will be excluded from these discussions during the Policy and Finance committee on Tuesday (September 6) — but only if members vote to move into ‘exempt business’.
According to the council, this is to protect business or financial information.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked ADC if it would consider discussing the details in public or redacting sensitive information from the committee report. But ADC’s group head of law and governance concluded that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.
“While I and the council acknowledge that there is significant public interest in the regeneration of the Regis Centre site generally, we have concluded that the public interest balance lies in favour of this report being exempt at this stage,” he said. “It is important that councillors are able to consider and debate strategic options at this stage in exempt session in order to consider all options, including any commercially or otherwise sensitive information, before moving to any public phase of options discussion.”
Independent councillor Hugh Coster (Aldwick East) believes that some information should be made public and he has since made a Freedom of Information request to ADC.
“I am becoming increasingly concerned that information relating to the Regis Centre Levelling Up funding and associated projects has been withheld from the majority of Arun councillors,” he said. “Following discussion, some has now been released to councillors beyond the original small number of committee members.
“I also believe that most of that information should be available to the public, but it is not being released. OK, certain financial and personal information should be confidential, but there’s not much of that here. This is all stuff that local people should know about their town and what’s going on in their council.”
Mr Coster expressed concerns that the council could make an unfavourable deal with Whitbread in order to make progress on the Levelling Up project.
ADC did not wish to comment further regarding his concerns. Mr Coster previously criticised a decision to eject him from a meeting where the Regis Centre project was discussed.
But council leader Shaun Gunner (Con, Rustington East) said that all councillors would be able to attend and speak during Tuesday’s meeting, with the details made public in due course. “A very small percentage of the council’s work takes place in public meetings; this does not mean it is ‘secret’,” he said.
Rising costs threaten levelling up schemes in England, councils warn
Ban Water Companies discharging raw sewage into water courses.
Chichester College Statement — Tree Removal
- Following the removal of 27 trees at Chichester College in August, Principal Helen Loftus has shared a statement
- READ MORE
Sport
ROCKS COME FROM BEHIND TWICE TO EARN REPLAY
WHYTE FACES SPELL ON SIDELINES
Leisure
Sussex Police and Councils
Continued appeal for information after a man is found dead in Storrington
Sadly a 49-year-old man was found dead in High Street, Storrington on Sunday (September 4).
Arun Weekly Bulletin 22–28 August 2022
News and appeals
Sussex Police Recruitment:
Aspiring police officers who want to embark on a career like no other are being encouraged to apply to Sussex Police.
New recruits will have dedicated training and support while working out on division and at Sussex Police Headquarters in Lewes, and will have their on-the-job learning underpinned by a degree.
The new intake will join as officers but will develop the skills to become leaders, protectors, mediators — whatever they want to achieve.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: “Anyone who is determined to help others and continually deliver on our three fundamental principles of protecting communities, catching criminals and delivering an outstanding service should submit an application.
See more on this:
Charity collection boxes stolen from Bognor Regis chip shop:
Can you help us identify this man?
We’d like to speak to him in connection with a break-in at Royals Fish and Chips in Central Avenue, Bognor Regis.
Around 2.30am on Tuesday 23 August, two men gained entry to the premises by breaking a window.
Once inside, they stole four charity collection boxes before they fled the scene.
See more on this:
Man subjected to unprovoked attack on Littlehampton beach:
Police are appealing for witnesses to an unprovoked attack on Littlehampton beach.
The victim — a local man in his 40s — was sitting on the beach close to Harbour Park amusements when he was approached from behind by an unknown man who threw sand in his face and punched him to the face.
See more on this:
Crime Summary:
Bognor -
St Johns Close, Bognor — Between Wednesday 10 and Thursday 25 August a black Mercedes C Class was stolen. Serial 0159 25/08.
Sunningdale Gardens, Bognor — Between Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 August a vehicle was broken into and items stolen. Serial 0417 26/08.
Durban Road, Bognor — Overnight between Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 August a vehicle was broken into and tools were stolen. Serial 0138 23/08.
Central Avenue, Bognor — Overnight between Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 August a business premises was burgled. Three charity collection boxes were stolen. Serial 0147 23/08.
The Esplanade, Bognor — On Wednesday 24 August a residence was burgled. Several items were stolen. Serial 1646 24/08.
West Street, Bognor — On the afternoon of Thursday 25 August a vehicle was broken into and property stolen. Two suspects were later arrested. Serial 0775 25/08.
Littlehampton, Rustington and surrounding area –
Blue Cedars Close, Angmering — Overnight between Thursday 18 and Friday 19 August a garage was burgled. Power tools and two pairs of glasses were stolen. Serial 1231 22/08.
Queen Street, Littlehampton — Overnight between Friday 19 and Saturday 20 August a residence was burgled. Two mobile phones were stolen. Serial 0523 22/08.
Manning Road, Wick — On the afternoon of Monday 22 August a residence was burgled. Jewellery and cash were stolen. Serial 0731 22/08.
Cornwall Road, Littlehampton — Overnight between Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 August a black BMW 5 series was stolen. Serial 0280 23/08.
Whitelea Road, Wick — In the early hours of Thursday 25 August a white Yamaha DT250 motorcycle was stolen. Serial 0998 25/08.
Joyce Close, Wick — On the morning of Thursday 25 August a residence was burgled and a silver Ford Focus was stolen. Serial 0301 25/08.
Cornwall Road, Littlehampton — In the early hours of Friday 26 August a residence was burgled and a purse was stolen. Three suspects were later arrested. Serial 0153 26/08.
Arundel, Barnham and surrounding area –
North End Road, Yapton — In the early hours of Wednesday 24 August a construction site was burgled. Tools were stolen. Serial 0092 24/08.
Barnham Road, Barnham — On the evening of Thursday 25 August a business premises was burgled. Tobacco was stolen. Serial 1283 25/08.
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
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/
Don’t watch street harassment in silence — ask ‘Are you Okay?’
Hello Jan
ARE YOU OKAY?
Street harassment is on the rise and is often not an isolated incident. We know the long-term impact can harm mental health and change people’s behaviour. Victims often feel guilty, ashamed, and blame themselves.
Witnessing street harassment and not safely intervening sends the message to those experiencing it that it’s okay and society normalises it. Ongoing acceptance of street harassment contributes to a toxic culture. We want to change this, but we need your help.
Today we are launching a campaign that targets bystanders (those who witness street harassment), be those Neighbourhood Watch members or not.
The campaign encourages those who see someone being harassed in public to ask the victim if they are okay when they feel safe doing so. Those three little words let them know that they stand by them and that street harassment is never okay.
‘This simple action is a delay technique and part of the 5Ds of bystander intervention developed by Right to Be. By asking, ‘Are you okay?’ we become active bystanders and send the message that harassment is not okay. There are further actions that people can take, but our campaign focuses on the simplest step everyone can take.’ Deborah Waller, Head of Communications and Digital, Neighbourhood Watch Network
Watch this short video, or learn more about what we mean by street harassment, what else can be done about it, and reporting and support for victims by visiting ourwatch.org.uk/streetharassment.
Visit ourwatch.org.uk/areyouokay to download all the resources you might need to support our campaign and share this message far and wide.
If you see it, ask it!
ourwatch.org.uk/streetharassment
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
Staying safe online
Being online has fast become integral to people’s everyday lives, and as we do more using the internet, we need to ensure we do so safely. Whether you feel you are digitally savvy or are rather overwhelmed about how to stay safe online, there are a range of resources available for you and your friends and family that you can utilise. It is good to remind ourselves about the ways we can protect ourselves online, and stay up to date with the latest news and scams. Take a look at and please share the following offered by West Sussex County Council:
Scam awareness webinars
Staying Safe Against Scams 23 November
Staying Safe Against Scams 07 February
Stay up to date
Sign up to the Staying Safe Online E-newsletter
Digital Ambassadors
The West Sussex Get Safe Online Digital Ambassadors can support residents to stay safe online.
Schools
There is a Digital Safety Package for schools — request your school take a look if they are not already signed up.
Research
Parents and carers play a vital part of supporting and safeguarding their children when using digital devices and online platforms. This role, especially during recent times, has become even more challenging. West Sussex County Council are keen to understand local views from parents and carers about their child’s digital resilience and what support they may need, in order to better shape and direct online safety support and resources.
The survey takes place 12 July — 14 September 2022. Please share this information with your friends/family/networks, as it would be wonderful to receive as many responses as possible.
Link to the survey: West Sussex County Council Parent/Carer Online Safety Survey 2022 | Your Voice West Sussex
Fraud newsletter — September 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
Energy Rebate Scams
With the cost-of-living rising Sussex & Surrey Police have seen a number of reports relating to Energy rebate scams. Fraudsters are claiming to be from local governments or Ofgem offering rebate amounts due to the energy bills increase.
In one case, an 86-year-old Female from East Surrey received a call from someone claiming they were entitled to an energy help rebate as part of a government scheme. The caller claimed they could get the victim a £500 rebate. The caller then asked for her banking information to be able to claim this money. Thankfully the victim identified this as a scam call and hung up the phone call without passing any information.
How to protect yourself:
- Ofgem will not ask for your banking information or personal details over the phone
- Those that pay for their energy by direct debit will receive their rebate directly, those who pay another way will be contacted by letter on how to claim
- Be wary of clicking links in emails or text messages claiming to need your details in order to make your rebate claim
- Report any suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and forward any suspicious text messages to 7726
Keeping yourself safe online with strong passwords
Creating a unique password is recommended to keep your online accounts safe from fraudsters. It is suggested that to create a safe password 3 random words not associated to you should be chosen so that the password is not easy for fraudsters to guess. However, remembering such a unique password can be difficult!
A great way to think of a safe password that can be remembered is by picking 3 random objects from a room in your home, 3 objects which you will see daily and only you will know you picked out. By doing this, each time you see these objects it will remind you of your password and encourage you to remember the password you chose. It is also recommended you add special characters or numbers within the password to make it stronger.
- Remember to NEVER share your private passwords with anyone.
- Ensure you use different passwords for different accounts.
- Always change and refresh your passwords regularly.
- Remember to also use 2 factor authentication for your accounts and devices to add an extra layer of protection.
Log book scams
The DVLA are warning drivers to be cautious when buying, selling and enquiring about vehicles. The DVLA has seen a rise in fraudsters convincing victims to apply for or share their V5C logbook details for the purposes of identity theft. Fraudsters are using logbook details to clone number plates, rack up driving fines and penalties in the victim’s name and apply for car finance or insurance in the victim’s name.
In one case, a 56-year-old, Female victim from North Surrey enquired to buy a car from a private company. The victim went to the location to test drive the car and was told it does not have a logbook as it was lost by the owner. The seller asked the victim to apply for a new logbook via the DVLA to be able to purchase the vehicle and that it must be provided to them on sale. The victim did this and attended her local bank to withdraw funds to pay for the car. The bank raised their concerns with the victim and explained the victim was being scammed.
How to protect yourself:
- Do not share your log book details online, on selling sites or apply for a log book at the request of someone else
- Never share driving license images or details online
- Be wary when buying vehicles from private sellers or companies
- Only use GOV.UK when looking for DVLA contact details
Family and friends impersonators
Sussex and Surrey Police ask you remain vigilant to fraudsters impersonating family and friends to obtain personal details and financial gain.
Sussex & Surrey Police have seen a high number of reports of fraudsters impersonating family members on WhatsApp, claiming to be a child in urgent need of money asking for the victim to transfer money to a bank account on their behalf. We have also seen several reports of friends Facebook profiles being used to persuade victims to part with personal and financial details with the promise they will be receiving funds as part of a government grant or competition.
How to protect yourself:
- Always contact the friend or family member on a genuine contact number you have recorded for them to check the message received is genuine
- Be wary of transferring funds into a bank account named as someone you do not know
- If an offer of a competition or government grant sounds too good to be true, it probably is
If you or someone you know is vulnerable and has been a victim of fraud call:
Surrey Police on 101 or visit www.surrey.police.uk
Sussex Police on 101 or visit www.sussex.police.uk
Report fraud or attempted fraud, by contacting Action Fraud at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or call 0300 123 2040.
You are subscribed to receive Family Hub email alerts on the West Sussex County Council website.
Calling all parents and carers, West Sussex County Council needs your feedback!
Childcare Survey
We are looking for views from all parents and carers of children aged 0–14 years (and up to 18 for children with SEND) about how they use childcare, how this has changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how this may continue to change in the future.
The survey is running until 30 September 2022. The questions and length of the survey will vary depending on the age of your child/children but should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. Importantly your feedback will help us to shape improvements to the future of childcare delivery in West Sussex and support the availability of childcare provision to meet continuing demand.
Online Safety Survey
Parents and carers play a vital part of supporting and safeguarding their children when using digital devices and online platforms. This role, especially during recent times, has become even more challenging. West Sussex County Council are keen to understand local views from parents and carers about their child’s digital resilience and what support they may need, in order to better shape and direct online safety support and resources.
The survey closes 30 September 2022. Please share this information with your friends/family/networks, as it would be wonderful to receive as many responses as possible.
Thank you in advance for your help!
You are subscribed to receive Family Hub email alerts on the West Sussex County Council website.
Calling all parents and carers, West Sussex County Council needs your feedback!
Childcare Survey
We are looking for views from all parents and carers of children aged 0–14 years (and up to 18 for children with SEND) about how they use childcare, how this has changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how this may continue to change in the future.
The survey is running until 30 September 2022. The questions and length of the survey will vary depending on the age of your child/children but should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. Importantly your feedback will help us to shape improvements to the future of childcare delivery in West Sussex and support the availability of childcare provision to meet continuing demand.
Online Safety Survey
Parents and carers play a vital part of supporting and safeguarding their children when using digital devices and online platforms. This role, especially during recent times, has become even more challenging. West Sussex County Council are keen to understand local views from parents and carers about their child’s digital resilience and what support they may need, in order to better shape and direct online safety support and resources.
The survey closes 30 September 2022. Please share this information with your friends/family/networks, as it would be wonderful to receive as many responses as possible.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Hard plastics
Following a successful trial at several Recycling Centres in the spring, we are pleased to announce that all West Sussex Recycling Centres (with the exception of Midhurst for size reasons) are now able to accept hard plastic items for recycling.
These items, such as garden furniture, plant pots, coat hangers, toys and plastic piping, have been accepted at some sites since February, and following your feedback and changes at the other Recycling Centres we have now extended the scheme.
You can find the location of your nearest Recycling Centre on our website.
Bottle tops
Winter opening hours at Recycling Centres
We have updated our list of items that can be recycled at home to include things you may not be aware of, such as takeaway coffee cups (yes) or polystyrene cups (no).
The list now includes plastic bottle tops — please squash your empty plastic bottles and replace the lid before it goes into the recycling.
Please remember to rinse out any bottles that require it, such as milk bottles.
You can find more information on what is and isn’t accepted in the kerbside collections on our website or by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram where you can see the updated collection list.
From 1 October 2022, winter opening hours will return at all 11 Recycling Centres in West Sussex. The opening times for all Recycling Centres will be 9am — 4pm until 31 March 2023.
Site opening days will also revert to the winter opening schedule, open every day with the following exceptions:
- Billingshurst and Bognor Regis are closed on Thursdays and Fridays
- Chichester is closed on Tuesdays
- Horsham, East Grinstead Littlehampton and Midhurst are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Shoreham-By-Sea is closed on Monday and Tuesday
- Burgess Hill, Crawley and Worthing are closed on Thursdays
Remember that online pre-booking remains in place for Recycling Centres in Bognor Regis, Crawley, Horsham, Littlehampton, Shoreham-by-Sea and Worthing. You can find out more about the Book to Recycle scheme on our website.
Have you got crutches, walking sticks or frames at home you no longer need?
During Recycle Week (19–25 September 2022) walking aids can be returned for reuse or recycling at your nearest Recycling Centre.
Items will be checked and cleaned, ready to be used again by others in the future. Any items which cannot be used again will be recycled. Walking aids can be left with staff at the Recycling Centre gate or deposited in the dedicated bin on site.
If you are entering a site and bringing other waste with you, please note you may need to pre-book a slot, if required.
Recycling Centres will only be able to accept walking aids during Recycle Week (19–25 September). To return items at all other times, telephone NRS on 0345 1272931 or email enquiries@westsussex.nrs-uk.net
Calculations show that reusing a refurbished walking aid, including parts replacement, is on average 87% lower in carbon emissions than a brand new walking aid, including a generous allowance for a return journey from collection to a refurbishment site. We are supporting this initiative, bringing NHS England and partners together to promote the return and reuse of walking aids.
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If you find these emails helpful, why not share it with a friend and get them to subscribe to the West Sussex Recycles newsletter as well.
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