Bognor Regis Herald Round-Up 2nd February 2025
46 Stories (inc 3 Video) and 1 Feature (police)
“Mr Bognor Regis”, friend of our Town — Jim Brooks
by Jan Cosgrove
Anyone who knew Jim, as I did over many years, knew of his dedication and passion for all things Bognor. Also of his doggedness and fight when it came to things he believed in. That included running The Bognor Birdman over many years, being both a Town and District Councillor for Marine Ward, music and arts in the Town, beach access for the disabled, and more.
When one says ‘determined’ you knew when Jim wanted say a change, as he did at the Town Council where he argued for efficiencies as he saw them, or over the beach access issue. In my view, we owe it to his memory to ensure that the heart of his vision is achieved.
Staunchly Independent and Local, he saw local government as no place for national party politics.
Roger Nash, a fellow Councillor, has paid warm tribute to Jim for his ability as a musician, they played often together in pubs etc, Roger would agree that when one said he was on the fiddle, it meant the violin and nothing else …. a deeply honest man.
In his final months, of the cancer that has taken him from us, Jim asked a few friends to help him form The Brooks Family Trust, to encourage artistic endeavour in the Town and nearby parishes. Michael Brooks (his brother), Steve Goodheart, Rachel Searle, Rachel Till are the Trustees, already the Trust helped a talent event at the new Pier venue. (BTW, he also was passionate that this needs support and improvement, of course. ….). I helped by writing the trust document and getting it registered as a charity which I am so glad we completed.
Jim, staunch defender and friend of Bognor Regis, we salute you.
Arun District Council
Tribute to Councillor Jim Brooks
Arun District Council was very sad to hear of the passing of Councillor Jim Brooks.
He had been a district councillor, serving the residents of Marine ward, since 2007, and was Chair of Arun District Council for the 2021/22 civic year. Councillor Brooks also sat on Bognor Regis Town Council for many years and was Mayor of Bognor Regis from 2011 to 2012.
He had lived in Marine Ward, Bognor Regis, since 1960 and had been actively involved in the town for most of that time. He was a keen supporter of local events, theatre and live shows and was very musical, enjoying singing and playing both the fiddle and guitar in local folk groups.
He sat on several committees in his time as a district councillor, including the Policy and Finance Committee and the Audit & Governance Committee and he was Vice-Chair of the former Bognor Regis Regeneration Sub-Committee. He was also a member of the Bathing Water Steering Group.
He will be missed by Arun District Council staff and councillors alike. We send our condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.
Also
Tributes paid to long-serving councillor who had a “huge passion for Bognor Regis” (Sussex Express Tribute)
Yapton Residents See Off Boklok At Last!
On Friday Jan 24 th 2025, Redrow announced that they had
taken over the Boklok Site at Yapton, referred to as Juniper
Place.
This apparently marks the end of the road for the modular
prefabricated houses, that the locals referred to as ‘Swedish
shoes-boxes’.
Over 300 residents made objections over time, but it was a
small group, mainly from the Bilsham area who were the prime
movers.
It was they who initially identified that the Boklok modules were
not made in Sweden, but by a British company, Tophat, in the
North of England, and by bringing their every misstep to the
fore.
Also attending Arun District Council Planning Meetings to make
forceful objections both for the original Landlink application, and
from May 2023 when Boklok took over the site.
One resident from Bilsham, also organised a BBC News
interview with some locals, to highlight the alleged unsuitability
of the style of Boklok houses for Yapton.
Tophat was also reported by residents as being in some
financial difficulty from May 2024.The company finally ceased
production and closed its doors in Nov.2024. This was prior to
the Gov. Inspector Planning Review for Y/52/23/PL on Dec. 10 th
at the Council Offices in Littlehampton.
At the meeting, a Yapton resident exposed the lack of build
materials, which threw doubt on the viability of the site. Boklok
claimed that replacements could be found, but no alternative
supplier was named or indicated.
It appears that doubts about viability were not unfounded, as
further woes for Boklok development in the area soon surfaced.
On Jan. 8 th 2025, their Littlehampton site was sold by the parent
company Skanska to a Global Asset Management Company for
approximately 23 million pounds.
Meanwhile the Inspector decision on the future of the Yapton
site was awaited.
On Jan.24th 2025 two announcements were made
simultaneously as discovered by a Yapton resident. One, that
the Yapton Boklok site had been sold to Redrow, and the other,
that the Inspector had approved the Boklok application for 170
houses.
Every planning application is judged on its submitted details, in
this case, those submitted by Boklok. The preliminary future
plan for the site by Redrow, shows that that it will be
substantially changed in prospect. Not least of which, because
the latter produce brick built, conventional style houses not
modular, pre-fabricated ones.
Although on paper the Gov. Planning Inspector has now
approved the Boklok development, it is apparently a pyrrhic
victory for them as developers, because they have sold the site
to Redrow.
It is to the credit and determination of local residents, that
persistence paid off during a long campaign, which began in
August 2022.
Redrow have indicated that their own new and separate
planning application for the site will be submitted imminently.
How successful any new application will be remains to be seen.
Are Electric Cars Igniting a Fire on Progress Towards Net Zero, Or Too High a Price to Pay to Achieve it?
From our Yapton reporter.
On Sept 28th 2023, The Rt. Honourable Mark Harper MP from the former Government Department of Transport stated: -
’It sets out a path for all new cars to have zero emissions by 2035.A proportionate approach to net zero will enable drivers to benefit from the rapidly expanding charging infrastructure. The installation of 300,000 charging points is anticipated by 2030.
The Gov. has set out the percentage of new zero emission cars that manufacturers will be required to produce each year up to 2030 following the Prime Minister’s proportionate and pragmatic decision to delay the ban on new diesel and petrol cars to 2035.
The drive to electric cars has been backed by over 2 billion investment, supporting economic growth and highly skilled jobs. The path will support manufacturers and families in making the switch to electric, providing flexibility, while also helping to grow the economy’.
So what has happened in the last 14 months?
In April 2024, Reuters advised that car production fell by 27.1% year on year from the previous March as more manufacturers wound down existing models, and more plants transitioned to electric vehicle production. (The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders).
This went hand in hand with a reduction of conventional vehicles to approx. 940,00, a tumble of 6.2% for that year. ( Carbon Tracker Initiatives Jan. 2024).
Current + stated in 2024 . The figures show that BEVs were 19.6% of the market which fell short of the 22% required by the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the automotive industry ‘Has pulled every lever, trying to achieve this target and manufacturer discounting, totalling an unsustainable financial figure of 4.5 billion in 2024’.
The trade association also stated that only 1 in10 private buyers chose an EV in 2024. Petrol engines were 61 % of demand. Hybrid electrics were second in demand taking 16% of the demand. 64% being taken up by businesses and fleets, where tax advantages and other incentives are an encouragement.
The two largest car manufacturers in the UK are foreign owned. Nissan, (Japan), Jaguar and Land Rover (India), followed by BMW and Toyota. At present, all use Lithium-ion batteries routinely, although Sodium -ion and Solid- state batteries are also being produced in some car manufacture.
Lithium -ion batteries were pioneered in Japan, followed by South Korea and then challenged by China, whose take up was 6.1% as largest in the world in 2023.
Geoffrey Owen, Head of Industrial Policy at the Policy Exchange, advised in 2023, that no UK companies, had yet to be persuaded to install a giga factory here to produce batteries.
Charging points are also a consideration:
The Solus Group, May 2024, posed the question as to why so many EV changing points were not working. In a survey produced by JD Power, advised that 28% of users experience problems. Politico Europe noted, ‘That the chargers were installed to satisfy regulators not customers. In result, many were installed in unsuitable locations and may fail to adhere to standards for common software protocols’.
Charging points details as advised by the BBS and The Guardian Newspaper.(Jan 2025).
‘The Gov advised that on Jan1st 2025 there were73,334 public charging points in the UK. That is 19,657 up from Jan 1st 2024.Lord Hendy (Labour) gave out the details on behalf of the Government.’
It was also quoted in response that by 2030, 300,000 will have been installed, but no guarantees have been made.
There appears to be some way to go before anticipated charging points relate to actuality, suitability, and reliability.
BT have recently abandoned its scheme to turn its green street cabinets, used for metal cases to house phone and broadband cables into electric (EV) charging points. Having completed only ONE of the 60,000 it was aiming for.
A Belgian visitor to Yapton was asked about their views on charging points in the UK for their new Tesla. (The second- largest EV supplier in the world). The visitor advised that charging points at home were just down the road in a designated area. The nearest Tesla charging point to Yapton in the UK was observed as in Portsmouth.
His additional comment was, ‘Having an electric car is rather like diarrhoea ……….. you are never sure if you are going to make it!’
A main component of an EV is the battery. Apart from anticipating its distance travelled before re- charging, its lifetime and expense, there are other considerations in battery manufacture which are perhaps less well publicised, as not perhaps fitting the ‘Green’ agenda.
The car batteries require components, Cobalt, Nickel and Lithium to make all Lithium-ion batteries from multiple cells. The same as for mobile phones, calculators, computers, electric bikes and scooters.
As has already been observed in the Press, such batteries can sometimes have a ‘bad hair’ day. One cell becomes overheated and transfers this to others. This effect is called ‘Thermal runaway’. It can cause spectacular, spontaneous and explosive fires without warning. Sometimes, causing householder property to burn down.
Such fires cannot be extinguished with water as conventionally. The source requires to be cooled first. Recently in Texas, it took 30,000 gallons of water to extinguish a Tesla fire. EVs in accidents may not be able to be rendered safe thereafter.
And what of the minerals, Cobalt, Lithium and Nickel, which have to be mined to create such batteries? Details from Leaf, Greenfly, advise that Lithium is mainly mined in Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile, Cobalt in D. R. Congo and Nickel in the Philippines and Indonesia.
Earth.Org have investigated the adverse effects of such mineral mining. The extraction mining processes are energy intensive, and often result in environmental degradation, deforestation, water depletion /contamination and significant damage to human health both to the miners and those in proximity. Animals, and vegetation, are also apparently compromised by the mining. Local health is also suffering ill-effects,in the very young.
For example, children mining Cobalt in D.R. Congo are shown in photos as covered in the blue dust, as if extras from Avatar.
The mining regions have also apparently shown detrimental socio- economic impacts on local communities. They are situated in areas where some of the poorest and underprivileged on the planet reside. This ‘work’ opportunity is quoted as $3 a day in the Congo .
While we are apparently rejoicing in the West about clean and green initiatives, reducing C02 emissions from fossil fuels and saving the planet, on the other side of the world, mineral mining is destroying the lives of those involved, adversely effecting climate change, the environment, and ecology to detriment.
The success of one aspect of Net Zero appears to come at a high price, if it is to be at the expense of the lives of others less fortunate.
Steyning Jazz Club offers “musician to please the most discerning jazz aficionado”
‘Brew Monday is about more than just tea’ says Bognor Regis, Chichester & District Samaritans
Dover deny Bognor Regis Town: the match in 18 photos — Chichester
Chichester Cathedral launches its 950th anniversary with a memorable community-centred photoshoot
Storm Éowyn: Reports of fallen trees in Sussex after video shows waves battering south coast
Police on the lookout for this man after assault in Chichester pub.
FEATURES (1)
Sussex Police Monthly Bulletin Arun — January 2025
SCAM ALERT
Following a rise in courier fraud, we’re sharing some information to spread awareness and remind people to Think Scam!
In most cases of courier fraud, a fraudster phones the victim and claims to be from their bank, the police or other law enforcement authority. They then con the victim into revealing their PIN and credit or debit card details or take out a large sum of cash. A ‘courier’ may then sent to collect bank cards or cash from the victim.
You can read more details on courier fraud on our website — https://www.sussex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/personal-fraud/door-to-door-courier-fraud/
You can find support and report fraud to Action Fraud here — https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
APPEALS
ID appeal after victims in Littlehampton are targeted in banking scam
Officers are investigating two reports of fraud by police impersonators in Littlehampton.
On both occasions, victims in their 80s have been targeted over the phone by a person who states that they work in policing as a Detective Sergeant or Superintendent.
In both cases, the impersonator has known their victim’s name, age, address, and who they bank with.
We are also asking anyone who feels they may have been targeted by this scam to make a report to police immediately.
You can do this online, or by calling 101 quoting reference number 463 of 06/01.
Read more here — https://www.sussex.police.uk/news/sussex/news/witness-appeals/id-appeal-after-victims-in-littlehampton-are-targeted-in-banking-scam/
Appeal for information after pursuit in Bognor
Police investigating a report of dangerous driving are appealing for witnesses and anyone with relevant CCTV to come forward.
The incident in Bognor happened from about 9.10pm to 9.20pm on January 20.
Officers were alerted to the vehicle, a grey Kia Sportage, where the driver to stop for Police initially in Victoria Drive.
Officers from Arun Neighbourhood Policing Team are appealing for anyone in the area with dashcam, CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage of the driver or the Kia Sportage to come forward.
Information can be reported to Sussex Police online, quoting serial 1181 of 20/01.
Appeal for information after woman injured in Bognor collision
Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a collision near Bognor.
Officers were called to a two-vehicle collision on the B2166 in Lower Bognor Road, Aldwick, at about 1.20pm on Saturday, January 11.
Anyone who saw what happened, or anyone with relevant information is asked to come forward.
This includes anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage of the vehicles in the area at the time.
Information can be reported to Sussex Police online or by calling 101 and quoting serial 539 of 11/01.
CRIME PREVENTION
You can find more information on keeping your property and vehicles safe here -
Crime prevention advice | Sussex Police
Secured by Design — Home Security Advice
Secured by Design — Garden Security
Preventing car and vehicle theft | Crime Prevention | Sussex Police
Secured by Design — Vehicle Crime
NEWS
National firearms amnesty launched ahead of new law change
Surrey Police and Sussex Police are joining other forces across the country and holding a four-week firearms amnesty for Turkish-manufactured top-venting blank firers (TVBFs), which from the start of March will be illegal to possess.
The amnesty runs from Monday 3 February to Friday 28 February, after which anyone found in possession of a TVBF could be subject to prosecution and face up to ten years in prison.
Owners of these TVBFs are being forewarned ahead of this law change, however, and will be given the chance to surrender these weapons to the police without worrying about getting into any trouble.
People can hand these blank firers in over the counter at designated police stations between these dates, while anyone unable to travel to one of these locations can call the police on 101 to request it be picked up from their home.
Anyone wishing to take part in the amnesty has been urged to use common sense when transporting their TVBF to one of the chosen stations — by placing them in a labelled bag or box and making their way straight there.
Top-Venting Blank Firers can be handed in at the following police stations in West Sussex:
• Chichester Police Station, Kingsham Road, Chichester, PO19 8AD (open Monday-Saturday 9am- 5pm)
• Crawley Police Station, Northgate Avenue, Crawley, RH10 8BF (open Monday-Saturday 9am- 5pm)
• Worthing Police Station, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1LY (open Monday-Saturday 9am- 5pm)
If you have any information around illegal firearms activity, you can contact us via:
• The ‘tell us about something you’ve seen or heard’ form on our websites for Surrey and Sussex:
• Calling 101
If you don’t want to speak to police, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Every call to Crimestoppers is anonymous and could be vital in preventing or solving serious crimes. Removing an illegally held firearm may just save someone’s life.
You can read more here — National firearms amnesty launched ahead of new law change | Sussex Police
REPORTING A CRIME
For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, click www.sussex.police.uk, (If you report a crime online, we will assess it in the same way as a 101 call).
Call 101 when you do not require an urgent response. In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger always call 999.
Connect with us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team at www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us using TypeTalk on 18000 or by sending a text to 65999.
Crimestoppers
Crimestoppers is speaking up about neighbourhood crimes. Robbery, theft, and burglary harm communities and have a long-lasting impact on their victims. People not only suffer from the loss of their possessions, the invasion of privacy and violation of personal space, but some may experience emotional distress or be left with physical injuries.
Victims of crime may experience long-term adverse effects, from feelings of strong emotions to physical effects including a lack of sleep or falling ill. For some, the trauma can force them to change their ordinary daily routines, out of fear of repeat victimisation.
If you have witnessed an incident of robbery, theft, or burglary, or have information about a crime, tell Crimestoppers and remain 100% anonymous.
Call free on 0800 555 111 or visit the website -
https://crimestoppers-uk.org/news-campaigns/campaigns/speaking-up-about-neighbourhood-crime
SUPPORT
If you have been a victim of crime, you can contact Victim Support who can give you the emotional support and advice you need. It does not matter how long ago the crime took place — they are always on hand to support you. More information is available here https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/
Children and young person support
If you have children and young people in your family or you have friends that do, we are providing information and access to dedicated support services, if they feel they are unable to speak to their relatives or teachers.
Is this OK?
Is This Ok? is a free, anonymous, and confidential service, bringing trained professionals together to provide support to young people through a chat service. You do not need to provide your real name (a nickname is fine for us!), and we don’t need to know your address.
The service is available for children and young people aged 13–18 years old and you can find out more here https://www.isthisok.org.uk/
Fearless — Crimestoppers
It can be a frightening time when children and young people hear of a crime being planned, witness a crime or are being exploited. Fearless enables young people to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously. The Fearless website is available here https://crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless/what-is-fearless
