Bognor Regis Herald Round-Up

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19th May 2025: 23 Stories, also Features from Wesr Sussex Council and Sussex Police

Boy suffers 'critical injury' in Bognor Regis machete attack

No forever home for dog after Sussex speed dating event

Leonard Bernstein honoured by plaque for his Chichester Psalms

Traders' tools tagged to prevent and protect from theft

'Beach clean has been eye opening' - says Brighton volunteer

The brothers who built seaplanes in Brighon city centre

Women's Rugby World Cup trophy comes to Brighton

Food waste collections coming to Brighton and Hove

Littlehampton seafront cordoned off over suspected explosives

Liz Stead had a criminal record for being a lesbian but nobody told her

Horsham mum calls for new young driver rules after son's death

A27 works to finish early after weeks of delays in Sussex

Newly elected councillor Andrew Hamilton-Gray was sacked as police officer

Tandridge District Council rejects plans to merge with Crawley

More than 200 drivers get warning for driving in A259 bus lanes

Shoreham Airshow crash pilot's bid to fly again turned down

Dog beach ban in Arun comes into force

‘Massive’ overhaul of Bognor Regis Town squad set to start after relegation

UK’s worst beaches with raw sewage and dirty water named — see full list

Don’t walk under Bognor Pier say council — V2 Radio

Man who died after Bognor incident was stabbed in chest | The Argus

Live: Emergency crews attend fire in Ockley Road, Bognor Regis | The Argus

Bognor Regis Town Crier makes historic VE Day proclamation — Yahoo News UK

F E A T U R E S from West Sussex Council and Sussex Police

Welcome to the May 2025 edition of our Residents’ eNewsletter, featuring the latest news and updates from your county council.

New bypass will benefit all road users

There were celebrations last week when the new Lyminster bypass opened, as it heralded quicker and more convenient road journeys in the area around Littlehampton.

The new road features a Pegasus crossing so that horse riders, pedestrians, cyclists and farm traffic can all safely cross the road at the same set of traffic lights. This is one of the first of its kind to accommodate all four in the UK.

There is also a shared footpath and cycle lane along the side of the road.

The road will dramatically reduce the volume of traffic travelling through Lyminster and Wick and will make it much easier to get to and from Littlehampton for walkers and cyclists as well as drivers.

SEE ALSO: Figures for the 2024 to 2025 financial year have highlighted the significant progress made by our highways team in improving the condition of the county’s 2,500 miles of roads. Read more.

Lyminster bypass

Could you help give our children the childhood they deserve?

Sam* is a lively, confident, happy five-year-old with three siblings. He loves playing with his toys, particularly his dinosaurs and enjoys being outdoors and riding his bicycle. Sam is doing well at school, engages well in lessons, and has a good group of friends. (*Name and image changed to protect child’s identity).

Could you help a child like Sam to grow and thrive?

There are over 980 children in West Sussex who need someone like you to give them a safe and loving home.

While these children are all in safe accommodation, a number are living a significant distance from their school and friends, or apart from their siblings.

Become a foster carer with West Sussex County Council and receive comprehensive training, ongoing professional support and a competitive financial package of up to £31,338 per year, per child.

Read more about fostering

Local help for unpaid carers

Do you support someone with a long-term illness or disability?

If so, you may be an unpaid carer, and you’re not alone.

Carers Support can help you find the right support, from practical advice to local services, and offers free carer groups, activities, carer hubs, and a helpline.

Find out more and register for free

Beware of the lottery letter scam

Postal scams are getting more sophisticated, and it can be difficult to spot the difference between scam mail, junk mail and offers from legitimate companies.

Recently, the team at Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove spotted a postal scam attempt whilst they were with one of their elderly Home Help customers.

The customer had rung a number from a fake People’s Postcode Lottery letter, which stated she had won £395,000. On the call, the scammer was asking her to pay a £1,800 fee so she could get the money and was asking her to keep the news private.

Luckily, Home Help heard this conversation and stepped in to stop the scam going any further.

To make sure you don’t become a postal scam victim, click on the link below for advice and guidance.

More information

Do you use funded childcare?

Our Early Years Team would like to understand more about the experience of families in the county who have accessed the new childcare funding offers. Last year the government began an expansion of childcare funding support available for eligible working families. This included the introduction of:

• 2 year old Early Years Funded Entitlement for Working Families
• 9 months plus Early Years Funded Entitlement for Working Families

To help assess the impact of this expansion we would like families who have received this new support to complete a short survey.

This will take around 10 minutes and is anonymous. If you have more than one child accessing the funding, please complete one survey per child.

Thank you in advance — we really value your feedback to help shape future planning and support.

Take part in the survey

Head to our Newsroom to find all the latest news.

• Top up your protection against Covid-19 by getting vaccinated this spring if you (or your child) are eligible. You don’t need to wait for an invitation to book your vaccine. Visit the NHS App, the NHS website or call 119 for free. You may also be able to visit a walk-in site which doesn’t require a booking. Remember to get your RSV vaccine if you’re pregnant or aged 75 to 79. Find out more or speak to your GP or maternity service.
• A Worthing kebab shop has been ordered to pay over £11,000 after admitting to serious food safety offences, including failing to protect customers with food allergies.
• Be tick aware in warmer weather as they can carry infections like Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. For more information watch this video. You can also report a tick through the Tick Surveillance Scheme.
• Find out how to contact us over the Late May Bank Holiday weekend if you need to.
• Could you become a volunteer for our Library Service? Find out more.
• Increase your skills and awareness on the road as a biker, pillion rider and/or general road user by attending a free Biker Down course in Horsham on 29 May.
• The Annual Meeting of all West Sussex county councillors takes place tomorrow (Friday) 16 May — read the meeting papers in full and watch the debate live or catch up via the webcast.
• Don’t miss out! We want to hear your feedback on over 35 proposed new electric vehicle chargepoint sites across West Sussex. The consultation will end on Sunday (16 May).

Head along to your local library for some scrumptious stories to tantalise your tastebuds, and some fun craft activities this half term, which runs from 26 May.

The theme of the free activities is Food, Glorious Food!

These sessions are suitable for children aged four years and over and booking is essential. Please contact libraries directly to reserve a place.

Did you receive this eNewsletter from a friend? Sign up here.

PCC’s Safer In Sussex Survey

Have your say in Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne’s survey.

Sussex PCC Katy Bourne has launched her annual survey seeking the views of residents across the county.

The Safer In Sussex Survey seeks to understand if residents have experienced crime, and looks at what measures would make them feel safer in their communities.

Responses to the survey will help Commissioner Bourne to understand where resources within Sussex Police may be better placed, where increased partnership working could help to drive down local issues, and to scrutinise the force on areas requiring improvement.

The survey is open now and will close at 23:00 30th October 2025.

Launching the survey, Mrs Bourne said: “As your elected voice within policing, the survey helps me understand your concerns and informs how I can effectively hold our Chief Constable to account for the performance of her force.

“Please take a moment to give me your feedback. You can also opt in to being contacted in the future to have a more detailed say in a focus group run by my office.”

You can complete PCC Katy Bourne’s survey here: https://forms.office.com/e/iXZt8BCssv

Any questions to the Commissioner or her office should please be directed to pcc@sussex-pcc.gov.uk .

Stand Up Against Street Harassment

With 80% of women in the UK reporting harassment in public spaces and 75% of harassment victims saying no one helped, the need for action is urgent.

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust has partnered with L’Oréal Paris to deliver the Stand Up Against Street Harassment training programme across the UK.

Developed by international NGO Right To Be, this globally approved free bystander intervention training empowers individuals to safely step in and support victims of public harassment.

Join over 18,000 people in the UK who’ve already completed the training by booking one of our May dates:

22nd of May 12:00–12.30

29th of May 12:00–12:30

Sign up now at www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/Events/Category/events

Most people want to help but don’t know how — this training changes that. Together, we can make public spaces safer for everyone.

Tool Thefts

Adur & Worthing Police

We have have seized a BMW X3 linked to a number of tool thefts in West Sussex.

It follows multiple reports of vehicles being broken into across the districts of Horsham, Mid Sussex and Adur & Worthing since 14 April.

The BMW was seized from the Horsham area yesterday after officers executed a warrant.

It was unattended, and our enquiries to identify and locate anyone linked to the vehicle are ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector Kay Hutchings said: “We are aware of concerns in the community regarding a spate of tool thefts from vehicles in the area, and we are thankful to everyone who has come forward with information which has enabled us to gather intelligence and execute a warrant for this vehicle seizure.

“We recognise the detrimental impact tool thefts can have on individuals and businesses, not least to those hard-working tradespeople who rely on their tools to make a living.

“Our enquiries into this investigation are ongoing, and we would urge anyone who has been a victim or witness to tool theft — or anyone with evidential dash cam, CCTV or mobile footage — to please report it online or call 101.”

In an emergency, dial 999.

You can also read our advice on how to protect your vehicle from thieves here: https://orlo.uk/Qdsti

Welcome to the Children, Young People and Learning (CYPL) SEND & Inclusion newsletter. This is a dedicated publication for professionals and parent carers who are champions of SEND in West Sussex.

Please share this newsletter with colleagues and parent carers. If you know of anyone who would like to be added to the distribution list, you can subscribe here.

As we move into the new academic year, we’re reviewing how we communicate with all our partners. A key part of this will be to review the audience for this newsletter. The current distribution list will close on 31 August. We will share more details on this in our next mailing.

Contents

Updates

• A message from Jacquie Russell Cabinet Member
• SEND & Inclusion Strategy
• Thriving in Education grant
• Administration of post-19 transport assistance for young adult learners with an EHCP
• Updated Short Breaks summary
• Autism All Ages Strategy: key findings from consultation
• The Disability Register
• SEND Stay and Play

Working with our partners

• West Sussex Parent Carer Forum
• Sussex Health & Care: SEND training, resources and information for practitioners in West Sussex
• Free online Disability Benefits webinars with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau
• Survey about parent carer experience of using early years services

Spotlight

• Transitions in Education
• Specialist Advisory Teachers for Early Years SEND Transition (EYSATS)
• Transition to secondary school: Top Tips from our Specialist Advisory Teachers for Transition, Year 6 to Year 7
• Finding a job — new information on The Local Offer
• Moving from Children’s Services to Adults Services in Social Care

Events

• SENCO Conference
• Parent Carer Events — “What can be done to support our children aged 4–11 at school”

Message from Cllr Jacquie Russell,, Cabinet Member Children & Young People, Learning and Skills, West Sussex County Council

You may have recently seen stories in the national and local press about the pressures on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services across the country, including here in West Sussex. These stories paint a difficult picture for families requiring SEND support, and I know that many families in the county are understandably feeling frustrated. The scale of the challenge we face at West Sussex County Council cannot be underestimated, and there are no easy solutions. However, we are not shying away from tackling these issues — and while there is still a long way to go, real progress is being made.

Steps in the right direction

Demand for SEND support in West Sussex is rising, needs are becoming more complex, and budget pressures continue to make the situation all the more difficult. But we are rising to these challenges. In our SEND Improvement Plan, launched in partnership with NHS Sussex in September 2024, we set out a framework for improving the quality of services for children with SEND. We’re already seeing areas of progress here, and we’re committed to making sure every child and young person with SEND gets the support they need to thrive.

Making EHCP Assessments Work Better

Since 2019, the number of Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) assessments we’ve completed has increased by over 60%, which shows how demand for support has grown and gives some idea of the kind of pressure on our services.

One of our main goals has been to improve the EHCP assessment process so families can get the right support when they need it, and we are seeing things getting better here. The latest figures show that more EHCP assessments are being completed, and they’re being processed faster. In December 2024 we had 9,254 children with a finalised EHCP, an increase of 1,565 since December 2023. I’d like to praise the hard work and dedication of our staff here, who continue to work exceptionally hard with children, families and schools to undertake assessments to create good quality plans. The number of assessments being carried out within 20 weeks is increasing month-on-month and the average number of weeks taken to complete an assessment is also reducing steadily.

These positive steps are the result of initiatives like better staff training and more streamlined processes; examples of our Improvement Plan in action. By making the system clearer and more efficient, we hope to build trust with families who rely on these essential services.

Expanding specialist education options

Another challenge is the increasing demand for specialist education in West Sussex, which is much higher than the national average. To help meet this demand, we’re working to increase SEND support in mainstream schools, giving them the tools and expertise to better support pupils with SEND. In some cases, special schools will work with mainstream schools to share their expertise, helping to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.

That said, we know that some children need the specialised support that only a special school or independent setting can provide and this will not change. Our priority is not to cut costs, but to always to do what’s best for each child.

Looking ahead: a new five-year SEND & Inclusion Strategy

As part of our long-term commitment to improving SEND services, we’re developing a new five-year Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) & Inclusion Strategy, launching in September 2025. This will set out our vision for SEND services in West Sussex and outline what needs to be done to achieve it. To make sure this strategy reflects the needs of the community, we asked residents to share their views by taking part in a consultation. You can read about the feedback from the survey in an article below.

Staying committed to improving SEND services

Like councils across the country, we’re facing increasing demand for SEND provision. While we’re encouraged by the progress so far, we know there’s still a lot more to do. Our commitment remains strong: every child and young person with SEND in West Sussex should get the support they need to reach their full potential.

We’re always looking at the best ways to tackle these challenges and make the most of our resources. This includes working closely with partners and driving change through initiatives like the Delivering Better Value Programme and the Department for Education’s SEND and Alternative Provision Change Programme.

Being open and honest with families is really important to us, which is why we’re making it easier for people to access key SEND data on our website. Keeping parents and carers informed and involved will help us build a stronger, more supportive SEND system together.

As we move forward with our SEND Improvement Plan, we remain focused on making real, positive changes that benefit children, young people, and families across West Sussex. By working together with partners, such as NHS Sussex and the Parent Carer Forum, we can create a system that delivers the high-quality support our SEND community needs and deserves, giving everybody the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

SEND and Inclusion Strategy

We would like to extend our heartfelt thank you to those of you that supported and responded to our public SEND & Inclusion Strategy consultation in the Spring Term. In total, we had 318 responses to the survey questions, in which we asked for views and feedback on our proposed Vision, Principles and Priorities for the strategy.

Options for both quantitative and qualitative responses were available for participants to share their views, and we have spent a significant amount of time carefully reviewing each and every written response submitted. Due to the sheer number of responses, this has taken us a little longer than anticipated, as we really wanted to capture our stakeholders’ voices through the amendments made to the original proposals.

However, we are now happy to confirm that we have an agreed final version of the Vision, Principles and Priorities. Our partnership will now spend the next few weeks drafting the strategy content across 6 task and finish groups, based on our areas of expertise, to ensure that we can deliver the best possible outcomes for our children, young people and their families across West Sussex.

If you didn’t get a chance to share your views and thoughts during our most recent consultation, please do not worry, as there will be another opportunity to do so when we share our proposed draft strategy for a second consultation in the summer.

Thriving in education grant

Thriving in Education Grant

West Sussex County Council Education and Skills and Public Health departments are offering grants of up to £5000 to support schools and colleges throughout West Sussex to develop their whole setting approach to mental health and emotional wellbeing.

All schools and colleges in West Sussex are eligible to apply. Find out how to apply in this piece.

Administration of post-19 transport assistance for young adult learners with an EHCP

Adults Services will be transferring the administration of post 19 transport assistance for young adult learners with an Education Health Care Plan to the Home to School Transport Team within Children, Young People and Learning Directorate with effect from 1 April 2025.

Anyone wishing to apply for this assistance can do so by completing the online application form available on our website. If anyone needs help in completing the form, the SEND Information, Advice and Support Service may be able to help via the helpline number 0845 075 1008.

Any applicant for whom travel assistance has been agreed must apply again each academic year. It should not be assumed that the same form of travel assistance will be agreed for a further year — each case will be considered against the policy applicable at the time of application. Travel assistance will not be withdrawn in an academic year, except where a programme of independent travel training has been completed successfully.

Short Breaks Statement 2025–2028

The new Short Breaks Statement 2025–2028 has now been published.

Short Breaks are clubs and activities tailored to the support needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The Statement sets out the Council’s Short Breaks offer, detailing:

• how the programme has been developed
• the different types of breaks
• eligibility criteria
• cost
• what families can expect from a Short Break
• details of universal services, the West Sussex Disability Register and other supports that are available for children/young people and their families

We have also produced a Summary Statement, which gives a brief overview of the programme.

We are grateful to the West Sussex Parent Carer Forum who have helped to update the documents and collaborated with us.

The Statement and Summary Statement can be found at the bottom of the Short Breaks page on the Local Offer Community activities and Short Breaks — West Sussex County Council

Autism All Ages Strategy: key findings from consultation in autumn 2024

We want to make West Sussex a better place for autistic people across all ages and for their families and carers. To achieve this, we are working together with autistic people and their families and carers to co-produce an autism strategy and plan. This will be an “all age” strategy and we are working together between adults services and children, young people and learning.

As a first step towards this, we undertook a consultation between October and December 2024. The consultation, included on-line surveys and workshops, focused on finding out how autism-friendly West Sussex is and gathering information about people’s needs and quality of life. We used the findings and the input from people who came to our workshops in February 2025 to feed into developing a strategy. We are now drafting and developing the strategy over the next few months.

We have produced a report on the consultation findings which you can read about in this piece.

The Disability Register

Have you signed up to the Disability Register?

The West Sussex Disability Register is a database that collects information on those living with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) aged 0–25 in West Sussex and is managed by West Sussex Library Service. This information is used by West Sussex County Council and its partners to help plan and deliver services now and into the future.

Anyone aged 0–25 with a disability living in West Sussex can sign up and you do not need to have a diagnosis to sign up.

You can sign up online or the Disability Register team can speak to you over the phone to help complete the form. Those aged 13+ can self-register on their own or with the help of a parent or carer. We have a handy animation which helps explain what the register is which you can watch here.

Sign up now to the West Sussex Disability Register

By joining the Register, you will:

• Help West Sussex County Council and our partners to plan and deliver services for now and in the future.
• Receive a monthly newsletter via email with local information and details of upcoming events and activities, including being the first to know about free SEND friendly activities in your local library.
• Have access to a Library card with additional concessions, such as free reservations and free audiobook loans, as well as access to a range of free sensory resources.
• Resources include free sensory stories, communication devices and switch adapted toys.
• Access to a Max Card — a discount card with local and national offers.

Get in touch with the Disability Register team if you have any questions:

Email: disabilityregister@westsussex.gov.uk

Phone: 0330 222 7725

We are also on socials! Follow us for up-to-date information and to be in the know about events and activities taking place in libraries across West Sussex.

Facebook: WestSussexLibraries Instagram: @westsussexlibraries X (Twitter): @WSCCLibraries

SEND Stay and Play

What is SEND Stay and Play?

Stay and Play is where young children can have fun in a secure, non-judgemental space where parent carers feel supported.

It is for children aged 2–5 with SEND: they do not need to have a diagnosis but need to be starting the process and waiting for a Child Development Centre (CDC) appointment. You can read more about it in this piece by Donna Brigden, SEND Stay and Play Co-ordinator.

West Sussex Parent Carer Forum (WSPCF)

With longer days and fresh energy in the air, we’re excited for the season ahead!

Are you a member of the WSPCF?

Sign up today to receive our exclusive newsletter! Stay informed with updates, professional development opportunities, and insights into the support we offer to families.

Don’t miss out — Become a Professional Member here

We also welcome any enquiries — if you need information or signposting for the families you work with, don’t hesitate to reach out to us on office@wspcf.org.uk We’re here to help!

You may start seeing the Together for Change logo on different documents and services. This means the document or service has been shaped with the help of our panel. It shows our commitment to working together and making a real difference for SEND families.

What is the Together for Change Panel?

It is a space where parent carers and professionals come together to share ideas, give feedback, and help make decisions. The panel focuses on improving services and making sure they truly meet the needs of families.

At the panel, we listen, learn, and take action. By working as a team, we can make real changes that have a positive impact on SEND services.

If you are a professional and have something you would like to bring to the panel or would like to attend as an observer, please email us at tfcpanel@wspcf.org.uk.

Here is a quote from someone who has submitted to the panel:

“Hearing the views of parent carers provides a balanced perspective on the next steps, ensuring we can make a greater impact on more families.”

If you have any questions or would like to know more, please contact us on office@wspcf.org.uk. Or stay updated by heading over to our website, Facebook or Instagram.

Sussex Health & Care: SEND training, resources and information for practitioners in West Sussex

A new central area for Sussex Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) training, resources, and professional guidance has been created online.

This page is designed to support all professionals across Sussex who work with children and young people up to the age of 25 with SEND, as well as their families and carers.

It includes information about the Sussex Training Assurance Framework; training modules (levels one to four); and additional training links and resources on issues such as sensory processing and Ordinarily Inclusive Available Practice.

Free online Disability Benefits webinars with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau

Citizen Advice in West Sussex is hosting regular advice webinars to help parents and carers of young people with disabilities, including Special Educational Needs (SEND), navigate the benefits system.

As a parent or carer of a young person with a disability it can be very hard to understand the benefits system and know what a young person is entitled to.

Support given to a child or young person is dependent on their needs and so Citizens Advice in West Sussex, in partnership with Aldingbourne Trust, is hosting a series of events to provide vital support and information.

These sessions will help people understand how to apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for those under 16 and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for people 16 or over.

The aim of the webinars is to give information about who is eligible for these benefits and learn more about how to the fill in the applications themselves. In addition, participants will also learn about other benefits which could be available to them.

Each webinar is a group session on Zoom, with no more than 20 people.

Please go to Citizen Advice website for all the information about when the events are and to book a place.

Survey about parent carer experience of using early years services

Healthwatch West Sussex is working with West Sussex County Council on a Lived Experience project. This is part of the Right From The Start Early Years and Childcare Strategy (2024–2027). We want to ensure that parents, carers and communities have a say in shaping local services.

We are asking parents and carers to complete a short survey about their experience of using early years services. Their feedback will help us understand what support is working well and what needs improvement. It will also help us track progress in 2027 to see how services have developed.

We would really appreciate if you could share this survey with families at your setting through your usual communications. The survey takes less than 15 minutes to complete and will close on Sunday 18 May 2025. Thank you for your help.

Transitions in education

A child or young person will experience many transitions during their education journey. These changes may take place on a daily basis between their home and setting or between class and break. Other transitions occur less frequently, such as a change in school or year group.

The way in which transitions are managed is central to the child or young person’s development and emotional well-being. This will have a significant impact on the child’s or young person’s capacity to cope with change in the short and long term.

There is a wealth of information on Tools for Schools to help support successful transitions, which has recently been updated and reviewed:

• Transitions in the Child’s Journey section
• Ordinarily Available Inclusive Practice 0–5 years Quality first teaching — West Sussex County Council and
• Ordinarily Available Inclusive Practice, Foundations of universal provision 5–25 years, Foundations of universal provision​ — West Sussex County Council

Specialist Advisory Teachers for Early Years SEND Transition (EYSATS)

In this piece, you can read about the work of the EYSATS, a team managed by Jessica Bubb, which supports schools and settings to enable SEND children to experience a positive transition from home and/or pre-school Reception.

Transition to secondary school: Top Tips from our Specialist Advisory Teachers for Transition, Year 6 to Year 7

Moving from primary to secondary is a significant milestone for any child and their parent or carer.

In this piece, you can read about the work of the Specialist Advisory Teachers for Transition, Year 6 to Year 7. The article also includes some top tips for a successful transition.

Finding a job — new information on the Local Offer

The Local Offer has refreshed its section on preparation for adulthood to include useful information on how to find employment. The pages on ‘preparing for and finding employment’ include information about support from Jobcentre Plus, apprenticeships, supported employment and further study.

The Local Offer website also links to Your Futures. Written for young people with SEND, the West Sussex, Brighton and Hove Careers Hub site ‘Your Futures’ explores different types of work, the skills needed, a salary guide and how to find a local job. It has links to live job adverts in each sector and is a helpful way to introduce the world of work to young people.

Moving from Children’s Services to Adults Services in Social Care

There is a lot to consider when moving on from having support from Children’s Services to Adults Services support.

We call this process ‘transitioning’ and the team who will support you is called the Lifelong Services Transition Team.

We recommend young people are supported to prepare for adulthood as early as possible. Watch the video by Pam, who talks about her experience of becoming a young adult including leaving school, work and moving to a new house.

Guide to Lifelong Services — Transition Team | West Sussex Connect to Support

Pam’s experience of moving on from school In the video, Pam explains about her experience of becoming a young adult including, leaving school, experience of work and moving to a new house.

SENCO Conference

A reminder to SENCOs to book their place at the 2025 West Sussex SENCO Conference, Inclusive Solutions, on 18 June 2025 at Butlins, Bognor Regis.

Tickets are on sale via West Sussex Services for Schools, priced at £120. This includes all refreshments for the day.

We are delighted that Kit Messenger will join us for a second year and will speak on From Fixer to Coach: A strengths-based approach to executive function.

You will be able to choose 2 out of the following 4 workshops in the afternoon:

• Relational Practice: why relational practice matters, and how it can be implemented within the 8 principles of a whole school approach, led by Fran Parker from the Educational Psychology Service
• Working with schools, a parent’s perspective: jointly led by Carina Reid and Sasha Slade from the Autism and Social Communication Team, with the West Sussex Parent Carer Forum
• Therapeutic Thinking, developing emotional literacy to support wellbeing and inclusion: a practical session exploring tools, resources and strategies to develop emotional literacy
  Led by Kate Southgate and Nichola Atkinson from the Learning and Behaviour Advisory Team
• Introducing ENABLE: a solution-focused framework for individual and team coaching, for SENCOs to use with others in school, led by Clare Myall from the Educational Psychology Service

Parent Carer Events — “What can be done to support our children in mainstream school?”

As part of our Delivering Better Value Programme, we have a parent carer-led pilot to deliver four events to parent carers this summer term: two online, one for Under 11’s in Worthing and one for the Over 11’s in Crawley.

These will be an opportunity for parent carers to access clear and accessible information on the type of support that can be offered to their child if they have additional needs.

We have 2 expert speakers at the event, who will be sharing practical help, advice, and guidance for supporting children in the home and at school.

Refreshments will be available at our in-person events, along with a marketplace from other services in West Sussex, so that parents can find out more information about what support is available for their child locally.

We would appreciate schools sharing these event pages with their families, and encouraging them to book via the QR codes or links below, to secure their place at one of the events.

Details of the remaining events can be found here:

• Tuesday 20 May, Field Place, Worthing 4–11's
• Tuesday 3 June, Online Over 11’s
• Thursday 5 June, Over 11’s Charis Centre, Crawley Over 11’s

The Local Offer

The Local Offer website is our gateway to SEND information for families and young people (0–25). Whether you have a diagnosis or not, visit the Local Offer website for:

• A directory of services, community groups and activities
• The SEND support you can expect from childcare and education settings
• Information about NHS SEND services, including assessme

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12th May 2025: 69 stories plus Features from West Sussex and Arun Councils and Sussex Police

Unexploded World War Two bomb found near river in Arundel

Sussex reptile centre needs new home due to growing demand

Dog beach ban in Arun comes into force

Holocaust survivors' stories 'could help' child refugees

Worthing Half Marathon 2025 in pictures

Govia Thameslink Railway to add more services in timetable change

Brighton couple's plan to deliver vital supplies to Ukraine

Travellers in South Downs face injunction banning more caravans

VE Day: 'We were there when Europe's guns fell silent'

Gatwick drop off charges increase - BBC Sounds

Wakehurst nature reserve reopens after ash dieback closure

New Youth Ambassador project to launch in Sussex

Skateboarder riding from Brighton to Africa for charity

New Brighton i360 owner Sarah Willingham reveals purchase price

Horsham Town Community Governance Review

Arrest after attempted Worthing supermarket robbery

Worthing Pride parade could be cancelled over sponsorship

The Lightning Seeds to headline Worthing gig for NHS

Brighton and Hove tree inoculation to tackle elm disease spread

Seahaven fishing initiative to help prevent youth crime

Future of Herstmonceux Observatory looks secure after 'agreement'

Art gallery opens in former Dockerills hardware store in Brighton

Herstmonceux Castle event to share renovation and rewilding plans

Brighton Holocaust memorial synagogue granted listed status

Inside the 'smallest church in Sussex' in the South Downs

Operator bids to run Newcastle to Brighton trains via Gatwick

Gatwick Airport accepts 'stricter' limits on noise for expansion

Instagram hotspot boss faces Seven Sisters rewilding challenges

Worthing runner completes April daily marathon challenge

Chapel Common: Crews tackle wildfire at Sussex conservation area

Brighton & Hove City Council begins elm disease programme

Anger over uncertain future of Whitehawk GP surgery

Brighton man jailed for snatching woman off street in Hove

Pegasus Partnership results in 148 arrests

Bognor Regis Town Council E-Bulletin

Lyminster Bypass finally opened by council after weather delays

Chichester army vet Major Mick to retire from fundraising

Renting costs in Brighton 'out of this world'

Littlehampton Harvester to be rebuilt after fire

Plans deferred for new homes in West Sussex village

Verity - Study: World's Richest 10% Behind 65% of Global Warming

Vaping: Meet the teens going undercover to tackle underage sales

New cancer centre approved at Royal Sussex Hospital

Crawley and Reigate & Banstead: Should two councils become one?

The Body Shop: Demolition work begins on former Littlehampton HQ

Nurse died after being hit by car in Crawley, inquest hears

Sussex Police face IOPC probe over Bognor Regis stabbing

Brighton sea defence scheme to cost £4.5m more than planned

VE Day stamps made to mark 80th anniversary

Veterans 'hurt' after Crawley council paints over war mural

Sixth mural installed in Crawley to complete set

Reported rape in Bognor Regis park sparks Sussex Police appeal

South Downs: Lurgashall field works spark 'outrage'

Stalking Awareness Week

Have your say - complete the Arun District Residents' Survey 2025 | Latest news

The Yellow Fish Campaign comes to Arun | Latest news

Combined Cleansing Services Contract award update | Latest news

By-election results for Marine Ward, Bognor Regis | Latest news

Council employee and Arun veterans project recognised with awards at annual Armed Forces conference…

Warning to motorists - parking payment scams | Latest news

Littlehampton seafront scheme update - 23 April 2025 | Latest news

Did you know? We are tackling fraud! | Latest news

The Blake Cottage Trust secures grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund | Latest news

Alexandra Theatre construction work - progress update | Latest news

Caravans have parked up at West Park in Bognor Regis — The Argus

Woman in her 20s reportedly ‘raped’ in Hotham park, Bognor — The Argus

F E A T U R E S from West Sussex and Arun Councils and Sussex Police

Free online information sessions about a possible career in childminding

Are you considering a rewarding career in childminding? West Sussex County Council is offering a selection of free online events to help you discover if this could be the career for you.

We have designed two free online information sessions to guide you through the first steps and considerations of becoming a childminder. You will also develop your knowledge and confidence in the practice of childminding itself.

The first session, Thinking of becoming a childminder, is perfect for anyone considering this as a career, or curious about what it involves. You will explore key considerations and gain an understanding of the registration process.

The second session is Becoming a childminder: Preparing your business for registration and is for those already in the process of registering. It will explain the process in detail and introduce you to the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Both online sessions are free, and a space can be booked via the links below:

• Thinking of becoming a childminder — Tuesday 10 June — 7.30pm to 9.30pm
• Becoming a childminder: preparing your business for registration — Tuesday 24 June — 7.30pm to 9.30pm

If you have any questions about these sessions or childminding in general, please email us at early.years.training@westsussex.gov.uk and we will be happy to help.

You are subscribed to receive Family Hub email alerts on the West Sussex County Council website.

Impact of Childcare Expansion Survey

Our Early Years Team would like to understand more about the experience of families in the county who have accessed the new childcare funding offers. Last year the government began an expansion of childcare funding support available for eligible working families. This included the introduction of:

• the 2 year old Early Years Funded Entitlement for Working Families (from April 2024)
• 9 months plus Early Years Funded Entitlement for Working Families (from September 2024)

To help assess the impact of this expansion we would like families who have received this new support to complete a short survey.

The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete and is anonymous. If you have more than one child accessing the funding, please complete one survey per child.

Thank you in advance — we really value your feedback to help shape future planning and support.

Impact of Childcare Expansion Survey

Our Early Years Team would like to understand more about the experience of families in the county who have accessed the new childcare funding offers. Last year the government began an expansion of childcare funding support available for eligible working families. This included the introduction of:

• the 2 year old Early Years Funded Entitlement for Working Families (from April 2024)
• 9 months plus Early Years Funded Entitlement for Working Families (from September 2024)

To help assess the impact of this expansion we would like families who have received this new support to complete a short survey.

The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete and is anonymous. If you have more than one child accessing the funding, please complete one survey per child.

Thank you in advance — we really value your feedback to help shape future planning and support.

Sussex Alerts — Community Speedwatch are recruiting new volunteers in your area

Friday 9th May 2025

Sussex Alerts — Community Speedwatch are recruiting new volunteers in your area

Your Community Speedwatch needs you!

We specifically need volunteer operators a few hours a week in areas across both East and West Sussex where we have identified complaints around speeding.

For further details contact Steve O’Connell at the Sussex Police Road Safety Team for further details, by emailing csw@sussex.police.uk or visiting www.communityspeedwatch.org direct.

Community Speedwatch is a national initiative where proactive members of local communities join with the support and supervision of their local police to record details of speeding vehicles using approved detection devices.

Registered keepers of vehicles exceeding the speed limit are contacted — initially with a letter explaining the potential risks and consequences of their dangerous behaviour.

Repeat offenders will receive a visit from the local police, irrespective of where they live. Beyond these friendly gestures, focused enforcement and criminal prosecution follow based on the collated evidence.

This is a vital role in helping to reduce anti-social driving & helps to prevent death & injury on our roads.

The aim of CSW 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

CSW Online works on behalf of the Police and communities to organise and coordinate CSW activity, and all volunteers will receive training and ongoing support from the Sussex Police Road Safety Team.

We continue to thank all of our existing community volunteers for their valued work in keeping the roads of Sussex safe.

Sussex Police Monthly Bulletin — Arun

I hope you are all well. Please find below your monthly Sussex Police bulletin containing the latest appeals, news, and crime prevention advice for Arun.

APPEALS

Appeal for information after woman raped in Bognor

Police are investigating a report of a rape of a woman in Bognor.

Officers were called after a woman reported being raped at Hotham Park between 11.10pm on 20 April and 00.45am on 21 April.

The victim, a woman in her 20s, is being supported by specially-trained officers.

Anyone with information about the incident in Hotham Park on 21 April is asked to report it to Sussex Police online or call 101, quoting Operation Westbeach.

Further guidance on support available for victims of rape and serious sexual offences is available on the Sussex Police website here.

More information about how Sussex Police investigates rape and serious sexual offences is available on the Sussex Police website here.

You can read more here — Appeal for information after woman raped in Bognor | Sussex Police

CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE

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

Man charged with indecent exposure in Bognor

A man has been charged with indecent exposure and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child on Bognor beach on Sunday (27 April).

Officers investigated a report of a man indecently exposing himself on the beach. A suspect was arrested later that day.

Olegas Podolianko, 53, of Longford Road, Bognor, appeared before Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (29 April) and was released on court bail to next appear on 27 May at Portsmouth Crown Court.

Detective Sergeant Dave Bulger said: “We are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the incident, which happened on the area of Bognor beach opposite the fish and chip shop in Lennox Street at about 3.50pm on Sunday (27 April) to come forward.”

If you can help our investigation, report online or phone 101 quoting serial 764 of 27/04.

Man charged with indecent exposure in Bognor | Sussex Police

Man charged in connection with Bognor Regis murder investigation

Tributes have been paid to a young man killed in Bognor Regis, as a suspect is charged with his murder.

Metodi Petrov Ivanov sustained fatal stab wounds in the attack close to the pier, in The Esplanade, at around 9.40pm on Friday 4 April.

Andrii Uzhyk, 31, was arrested at his address in nearby Devonshire Road on Saturday 5 April on suspicion of murder and transported to custody.

The Crown Prosecution Service has since authorised a charge of murder, two counts of possession of a bladed article and two counts of criminal damage.

Uzhyk remains remanded in custody ahead of an initial hearing at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 8 April.

We’re still urging anyone who saw what happened or captured anything on camera to please come forward.

You can report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Rudgwick. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

You can read more here — Man charged in connection with Bognor Regis murder investigation | Sussex Police

UPDATES AND EVENTS

Officers are continuing patrols across the district, working alongside partners.

Please do say hello if you see us out and about. We are here to listen to any issues or concerns you have about your community.

Our ask to all communities, is to keep reporting! All reports help to build a clear picture as to what is going on, and enables us to direct our patrols where they’re needed most.

PCSO Lane and PS Gawley also had the pleasure of visiting a local nursery as part of our ongoing community engagement work. The visit included a creative fingerprint bookmark activity, and the children and staff also had the exciting opportunity to explore the police car and learn more about the important role police play in the community.

Building positive relationships from an early age is a key part of what we do, and we’re proud to support and inspire the youngest members of our community through visits like these.

We have a number of community engagements coming up, so keep an eye on our local social media pages for more details.

Officers from your Neighbourhood Policing Team will be holding a street briefing:

- Monday 12 May, 10am, Bognor Regis High Street (outside RSPCA shop)

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

We’re supporting Counter Terrorism Policing’s campaign to encourage everyone to help keep each other safe this summer. Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Report anything that doesn’t feel right to security or report online in confidence at gov.uk/ACT. In an emergency call 999.

Our News May 2025 is here!

Here’s the latest edition of our newsletter for Neighbourhood Watch supporters across England and Wales.

This month we’ve got…

- Our meeting with Crime and Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson

- The Youth Council are recruiting, find out what they’ve been doing

- An exciting new partnership with Future Proof Estate Planning

- Secure your outside spaces with essential tips from Patlock

- Community news

Also — we really want your views on how we can improve our newsletter, please tell us what you think in the survey.

Read the May edition of Our News

We hope you enjoy this issue — do share it with your neighbours, friends, and professional networks.

What do the different recycling logos mean?

According to last year’s recycling survey, 43% of respondents wanted to learn more about what the different recycling logos mean. Triangular recycling logos (like the ones pictured above) are called plastic resin codes. These codes indicate to manufacturers which type of plastic a product is made from.

Despite popular belief, they do not indicate whether or not an item can be recycled at home in West Sussex. To keep things simple, we ask residents to disregard the logos on the back of packaging and to recycle only:

• plastic bottles (with their lids), pots, tubs and trays
• cartons (Tetra Paks)
• foil
• glass bottles and jars
• paper and card
• metal cans and aerosols.

Everything else should go into the general waste bin, or to a Recycling Centre.

If you’re unsure whether something can be recycled at home, check out our A-Z recycling guide or download your local district or borough’s app where available (see more later on in the newsletter).

You can watch our video below for more information on recycling logos:

The Big Fix returns to West Sussex

This May, we’re encouraging West Sussex residents to help reduce waste by repairing and reusing items rather than throwing them away.

The Big Fix is all about promoting local repair cafes and reminding us that when we throw something away, we’re also wasting the land, energy, and other resources it took to make it. By repairing broken items, you’re not only saving money but also helping protect the planet.

Launched by Recycle Devon in 2019, The Big Fix has grown into a national movement — in May 2024 alone, an impressive 3,177 items were repaired across the UK, including 132 items right here in West Sussex!

West Sussex County Council is proud to support The Big Fix by sharing details of local repair cafes, hosting an online forum for repair tips and tricks, and helping more people embrace a repair-and-reuse lifestyle.

Find out more about local repair cafes and tips for repairing at home on our website.

Reuse more at our Recycling Centres

At West Sussex Recycling Centres, we prioritise reuse wherever possible. Did you know we have two reuse shops? Biffa, on behalf of West Sussex County Council, operates reuse shops at both Billingshurst and Worthing Recycling Centres, as part of our commitment to reducing waste and encouraging reuse.

The reuse shops provide residents with the opportunity to purchase preloved goods, and can also accept items for donation. Not all items are suitable for donation, so it’s always best to check with a member of staff. For example, shop staff cannot repair or clean items, so anything donated must be in good, clean, working order. You do not need to book an appointment to visit the reuse shops; however, you will need to book if you are looking to donate.

We have also joined forces with Community RePaint (sponsored by Dulux) to offer opportunities for donating and collecting unwanted paint, helping to reduce waste and benefit individuals and families. This service is available at all of our Recycling Centres. Residents can donate paint for reuse as long as it is in good condition (for example, it has not dried up) and the container at the centre has capacity to accept it.

For more information on Recycling Centre reuse, visit our website.

Does your local district or borough council have an app?

Did you know some districts and boroughs in West Sussex have a free council app? These apps help you check what can and can’t be recycled, and they can send helpful notifications to remind you when to put your bin out!

They can also notify you of changes to your bin collection days, such as during bank holidays or in the event of last-minute disruptions. The apps offer a range of other useful council services too, including local news, reporting features, and a find my nearest tool.

Download the app from your local council’s website (where available):

• Adur & Worthing Councils
• Arun District Council
• Chichester District Council
• Horsham District Council

Connect with us!

Here at West Sussex Recycles, we are passionate about reducing waste and encouraging recycling! That’s why over on our social media channels, we post multiple times a week, featuring fun facts and the latest updates. Why not join our community, keep up to date, and share your top tips on waste prevention and recycling?

• Facebook
• X (Twitter)
• Instagram
• YouTube

Upcoming waste prevention events

Throughout West Sussex, we are proud to work alongside a team of passionate recycling and waste prevention volunteers. They attend public and private events to promote waste prevention, reuse, and recycling, and are eager to answer questions about the county’s recycling services and waste reduction initiatives.

In addition to the public events listed below, we are participating in numerous privately hosted talks and events for local community groups, schools, and other organisations. If you would like our team to give a talk, visit your school, attend an event, or if you would like more information, please contact us at: waste.prevention@westsussex.gov.uk.

We also support our partners at the district and borough councils with community outreach in selected areas, engaging residents on both recycling and waste prevention topics.

May/ June events:

• Friday 2 May (9.30am-11am) — Waste Prevention Information Stand at Haywards Heath Community Food Hub, Ascension Church, Haywards Heath, RH16 4JS
• Sunday 4 May (11am-4pm) — Vintage Revival Festival, Waste Prevention Information Stand, Steyning High Street, BN44 3RD
• Saturday 10 May (10am-1pm) — Waste Prevention Information Stand at Burgess Hill Repair Cafe, The Kiln, Burgess Hill, RH15
• Saturday 17 May (11am-4pm) — STEM in the Park 2025, Waste Prevention Information Stand, Memorial Gardens, Crawley
• Saturday 17 May (2pm-4pm) — Waste Prevention Information Stand at Partridge Green Repair Café, Partridge Green Village Hall, High Street, Partridge Green, RH13 8HX
• Friday 23 May (10am-12pm) — Mid-Sussex Science Week Finale, Waste Prevention Information Stand, Kings Centre, 33–35 Victoria Road, Burgess Hill
• Saturday 24 May (12pm-4pm) — Barnham & Eastergate May Fair, Waste Prevention Information Stand, Barnham Community Hall, Yapton Road, Barnham
• Monday 26 May (11am-4pm) — Steyning Country Fair, Waste Prevention Information Stand, High Street, Steyning
• Saturday 31 May (12pm-5pm) — Lindfield Village Day, Waste Prevention Information Stand, Lindfield Common
• Saturday 31 May (12pm-4pm) — Yapton & Ford May Fair, Waste Prevention Information Stand, Yapton & Ford Village Hall & Village Green
• Saturday 7 June (10am-12pm) — Waste Prevention Information Stand at Adur Repair Café, The Circular Space, Ham Road, Shoreham-by-Sea
• Saturday 7 June (1.30pm-4.30pm) — Durrington Festival, Waste Prevention Information Stand, Pond Lane Recreation Ground
• Sunday 8 June (10.30am-3.30pm) — Lancing Green Dreams, Waste Prevention Information Stand, Clothes Swap and Make Do and Mend, Lancing Beach Green
• Friday 13 June (2pm-4pm) — Clothes Swap and Information Stand at UKHarvest Community Food Hub, The Chapel, Graylingwell Drive, Park, Chichester
• Saturday 21 June (10am-6pm) — Chilli and Cheese Festival, Waste Prevention Information Stand, Oaklands Park, Chichester
• Sunday 22 June (10am-5pm) — Chilli and Cheese Festival, Waste Prevention Information Stand, Oaklands Park, Chichester
• Sunday 22 June (11am-3pm) — Burgess Hill Summer Fayre, Waste Prevention Information Stand, St John’s Park, Burgess Hill
• Friday 27 June (10am-12pm) — Clothes Swap and Information Stand at Haywards Heath Community Food Hub Multi Agency Support Event, Ascension Church, Haywards Heath at Food Hub

Sign up for our newsletter

Finally, we know that if you receive this email, you are passionate about waste prevention and recycling.

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.

Help us spread the message and get more people on board to make West Sussex a strong, safe, and sustainable place to live.

StreetSafe

ADUR & WORTHING POLICE

StreetSafe is an online tool where you can anonymously tell us of locations where you feel unsafe.

You can use StreetSafe to pin areas on a map where you feel or have felt unsafe, even if a crime hasn’t happened. It’s an online tool that you can access via the Sussex Police website here https://orlo.uk/Ado6s

We’ll use this information to assess measures, actions and initiatives to improve public safety and your feelings of security.

Please note that StreetSafe isn’t an alternative tool to report crime. If you wish to report a crime for non-emergencies either report online or call 101. In an emergency always call 999.

DOORSTOP CRIME

ADUR & WORTHING POLICE

Please be aware that there has been an increase in Doorstep crime and Rogue trader reports across Sussex,

Adur/ Worthing and Horsham have been identified as one of the areas, where incidents of cold calling to repair roof tiles and gutters have occurred.

Doorstep criminals will use excuses to enter your home to steal or charge inflated prices for “repairs” Offer overpriced or substandard home maintenance or improvements.

They will often say that the work is urgent and normally ask for immediate payment, even offering to go to the bank with you if you do not have cash to hand.

Please pass this message on to any vulnerable family member / friend

To report fraud to us either go on line

https://orlo.uk/sUxTE

or call 101 and in emergency situations call 999, if there is an immediate danger to life, someone is using violence or is threatening to be violent, and if the fraud is happening right now and the suspect is still at the scene.

Welcome to the Bus it! special edition newsletter

Good news is rolling in for travel in West Sussex as we introduce more buses and make bus travel more efficient to improve your journey. Learn about what we’ve been doing to make taking the bus better for you and your family. Get inspired to explore our beautiful county affordably and more sustainably by hopping on the bus.

Make the most of West Sussex this spring

Experience West Sussex and the vibrant culture the county has to offer. From food festivals and open air performances to local craft markets and garden shows, there’s always something happening across the county.

With single fares capped at £3, it’s more affordable to travel by bus. Whether you’re heading out solo, travelling with friends or taking young children, local operators offer extra discounts to help you save.

If you’re of state pension age or have an eligible disability, don’t forget you can apply for a free bus pass anytime.

We’ve partnered with bus operators to improve bus services across the county.

• Better links to Crawley, Horsham, Worthing, East Grinstead, and improved to connections to Brighton are happening with Metrobus.
• The introduction of a new 24-hour Stagecoach Coastliner 700 service connecting Chichester, Bognor Regis and Hotham Park.
• The Stagecoach Bus 500 service linking Littlehampton, Yapton, Barnham, Tangmere and Chichester.
• In rural areas surrounding Aldingbourne, Barnham, Bepton, Chichester, Lavant, Lurgashall, Midhurst, and Plaistow, try our flexible bus service, Book-a-Bus.

Why not leave the car at home, hop on the bus and enjoy a day out that’s affordable and better for the planet?

Plan a day out

Faster, more reliable, and better buses for you

Since 2022, we’ve worked with local bus operators, partners, and the Department for Transport (DfT) to improve bus services across the county through our Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

This year, we’ve been granted additional funding from the DfT to continue improving the county’s bus services.

We’ve already improved 153 bus stops across the county and have 195 more stops scheduled to receive an upgrade in 2025/26.

Other enhancements include introducing more bus lanes in Crawley, and the “Traffic Light Priority” programme along the coast including Bognor Regis, Rustington and Worthing. This programme gives priority to buses meaning more reliable journeys for you.

With these upgrades, we can continue to connect you with your communities, provide you with a more attractive and eco-friendly way to travel, and support a sustainable and prosperous economy for all in the county.

More on BSIP

Book-a-Bus it

It’s been nearly two years since we launched Book-a-Bus. Since then, you’ve booked over 21,700 journeys.

Book-a-Bus doesn’t follow a specific bus timetable and route. Instead it operates within set zones and collects you from your nearest pick-up point.

We introduced this flexible bus service for people living in more rural areas with limited or no traditional bus service.

Check out our interactive map and see where you can travel with Book-a-Bus.

If you plan to travel in any of our Book-a-Bus zones and haven’t tried the service yet, you can use the code “BusItFree” to get your first ride free.

Book-a-Bus

Young & on the move? Use the 16 to 20 Bus Saver

We work with local bus operators in the county to provide cheaper bus fares for young people in the county aged 16 to 20.

Young people have already saved money on over 400,000 journeys using the 16 to 20 Bus Saver scheme. We are on track to help young people make a whopping half a million cheaper trips by the summer.

This means many of our young residents are saving on bus fares and helping us reach our ambitious Climate Strategy targets.

It’s easy to get the discount, there’s no need to apply. Simply ask for the 16 to 20 Bus Saver discount from the bus driver or get it on the bus operator’s app. You may need to show a valid proof of age ID (e.g. CitizenCard).

Know anyone that can benefit from the cheaper discount? Encourage them to use the 16 to 20 Bus Saver when travelling.

Try the discount

More to discover

• 421 Real Time Passenger Information Displays installed, with 125 more to come. These displays are installed on bus stops allowing you to keep updated with your bus times, leaving you with better journey planning. Join our installation journey and check our improvement map for our upcoming works.
• Improved public transport satisfaction. We’re proud to share that satisfaction with bus services in West Sussex has improved to 86% following the results of the 2024 Transport Focus survey. And Compass Travel were the second most highly rated bus operator of the 61 included in the survey.
• In the 2024 National Highways and Transport Network survey, West Sussex bus passengers have reported increased satisfaction with bus safety, bus accessibility and cleanliness.
• Over 600,000 journeys on the Bus 500: In July 2023, we partnered with Stagecoach to introduce the Bus 500 route. We’ve seen noticeable growth in ridership and are looking forward to reaching our next milestone of one million journeys — keep an eye out.

There’s always something new to learn about the county. Keep updated and head to our newsroom for the latest information.

On to the newsroom

Fraud News Letter April 2025

1st May 2025

Dear Resident/Business Member

Please find the April 2025 edition of the Surrey Police and Sussex Police Fraud Newsletter attached. In this month’s edition, the focus is on ‘Quishing’, ticket fraud scams and community fraud awareness events.

Kind regards

Trisha

Attachments

Fraud Newsletter April 2025 .pdf

23rd April 2025: 62 News Stories and 4 Features

New funding to 'save' William Blake's cottage

Arrests made after Easter illegal rave shut down near Chichester

Emergency services battle large wildfire in Horsham

One WW2 Spitfire engine's 'fascinating story'

The Sussex replica of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling

More than £8m allocated to improve roads in Brighton and Hove

Southern Water customers 'disgusted' by bill hike

Tribute to 'extraordinary' Sussex veteran of WW2 campaign

Shorts campaigning hockey player from West Sussex collects an MBE

Brighton Pride: Concerns street party plans will cause 'bedlam'

Sussex warm weather means strawberries will be ready for Easter

Man arrested after reported sexual assault in Crawley park

Gatwick Airport north terminal access suspended due to car fire

Secret Sussex - The most secluded beach in Sussex - BBC Sounds

WW2 munitions handed in at Worthing police station

Fire at West Sussex pub for second time in two months

Sussex student to run London Marathon after spinal injury

Three men arrested after suspected stabbing in a Crawley park

Crooks used foie gras to smuggle cocaine into Newhaven

Brighton man due in court charged with rape

Romesh Ranganathan criticises West Sussex council over son's school place

Tarring fire heroes react 'in split second' to save man

Gatwick Airport downplays effect of Easter weekend strikes

Ikea opens pop-up shop in Brighton

Child jumping on moving model train sparks safety fears

Mayfield community hub and health centre plan approved

Bognor Regis Town Council E-Bulletin

Neighbourhood Policing Success in Hastings

Goring cardiac arrest survivor calls for more CPR training in schools

Campaign to save 'critically-endangered' Sussex trug industry

Burglar hits six Bognor Regis businesses in 24 hours

Man jailed for manslaughter after fatal punch at Chichester pub

Brighton Marathon: Hungover bride-to-be comes third in race

Smoke warning issued after fire engulfs Shoreham property

Bid to cut roadwork disruptions in East Sussex with extra charges

Man pronounced dead in car after police are called to 'concerns for welfare' incident

New business park set to bring 200,000 square feet of space to town

Panattoni names agents at 205,000-square-foot Bognor Regis logistics hub

Calls for beach to get boardwalks so disabled people can access them

BOGNOR REGIS TOWN V HORSHAM - MATCH REPORT - Horsham Football Club

Brighton and Hove bus fares to be subsidised, council says

Gatwick Airport worst in UK for flight delays for second year

I'm standing for Mayor of Sussex

Brighton's Madeira Terrace steps close as restoration continues

'I thought he loved me - but he was my stalker' - Sussex woman

Funding decision due on Exceat Bridge replacement plans

One dead, two badly hurt as car hits pedestrians in Crawley

Brighton's Preston Manor reopens with Edwardian Easter party

Empty Crawley town hall offices cost council more than £1m

Police release picture of man after businesses burgled

Plans unveiled for Edwardian Arcade building in Bognor

Butlin's opens biggest ever soft play centre with new puppetry zone

Famous UK seaside resort opens £1.8m attraction at holiday park loved by Brits

Chance to have your say on plans to rejuvenate The Arcade in Bognor Regis

Man arrested on suspicion of murder after Bognor Regis stabbing

Plans for 'disastrous' new traveller caravan site prompts fury from residents

Celebrating Volunteer Police Cadets

Man arrested for arson following ‘suspicious’ property fire — Yahoo News UK

You could soon be heading to Bognor Regis on holiday, and it’s all Trump’s fault

Football stadium revamp to go ahead — Yahoo News UK

‘I needed heart surgery after swimming in polluted water’: Health warning as sewage spills …

Man, 40, found dead in his car in Bognor Regis — MSN

Emergency services rush to Bognor Regis as fire spreads over three properties — Sussex Express

F E A T U R E S — Local Councils and Sussex Police

You are subscribed to receive Family Hub email alerts on the West Sussex County Council website.

Help us shape early years services

Healthwatch West Sussex is working with West Sussex County Council on a Lived Experience project. This is part of the Right From The Start Early Years and Childcare Strategy (2024–2027). We are inviting parents, carers and communities to help shape the future of local early years services.

Please complete a short survey to share your experience of using early years services. Your views will help ensure services reflect the real needs of local families.

Your feedback will help us understand what support is working well, what could be improved, and how we can better support families. It will also help us track progress in 2027 to see how services have developed.

The survey takes less than 15 minutes to complete and will close on Wednesday 30 April. We would really value your input and want to thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts.

Still time to have your say on devolution

There’s still time to have your say on proposals for a Mayoral Combined Authority in Sussex and Brighton.

The government consultation closes at the end of the day this Sunday (13 April).

It seeks views from everyone who lives and works in our county, and asks about:

• The proposed geography
• Governance arrangements
• Supporting the economy
• Improving social outcomes
• Local government services
• Improving the natural environment
• Supporting the needs of local communities and reflect local identity.

Find more information about devolution and local government reorganisation here.

Complete the consultation

Do you love reading?

Discover which authors are the favourites among West Sussex residents — including several with local links.

Our library service has compiled a list of the top 100 favourite authors voted for by local people.

2025 is a special year for libraries as they celebrate 100 years of being in the heart of the community, and there’s lots happening that you can join in with.

And if you are not already a member of the library, and would like to join in with the celebrations, it’s quick and easy to sign up if you live or work in the county. Visit your local library or join online.

Read more!

Improved reablement service

A greater proportion of West Sussex residents will soon be able to access reablement care to enable them to live independently for longer. This includes those with learning disabilities or mental health needs as well as older people.

We have re-commissioned our Community Reablement Service as part of a significant investment and expansion of the service and awarded the new contract to Essex Care Limited (ECL).

The contract will almost double current provision to deliver 2,000 hours of support each week to enable more people to benefit and regain independence.

It is envisioned that demand for the service will grow through the four to six-year contract, which has the potential to deliver 5,000 hours of support each week.

More information

Book your vaccines

Top up your protection against Covid-19 by getting vaccinated this spring if you (or your child) are eligible.

Those at increased risk from severe illness can get the vaccine if they:

• are aged six months or over and have a weakened immune system
• live in an older adult care home
• are aged 75 or over (on 17 June 2025).

You don’t need to wait for an invitation to book your vaccine. Visit the NHS App, the NHS website or call 119 for free. You may also be able to visit a walk-in site which doesn’t require a booking.

The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that can make babies and older adults seriously ill.

It’s recommended during pregnancy and for adults aged 75 to 79. The RSV vaccine is given all year round.

The vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy (from 28 weeks onwards), older adults only need one dose, which should protect them for several years.

Find out more or speak to your GP or maternity service.

Community Food Hubs for all

Working in partnership with Sussex-based food rescue charity UKHarvest, our Community Food Hubs redistribute surplus food from suppliers while educating residents on food waste prevention.

The scheme has already successfully prevented over 94 tonnes of food from going to waste since it started in April 2023, with hubs taking place once a month in each district and borough across West Sussex.

For a small voluntary donation of £5, residents can access a wide selection of surplus food. No referrals are needed and all residents are welcome to visit the child-friendly hubs.

Food waste prevention

Have your say on health and wellbeing

The West Sussex Health and Wellbeing Board is seeking residents’ views on its draft five-year strategy (2025 to 2030), which sets out the overarching plan for improving health and wellbeing and reducing inequalities across the county.

The draft strategy uses the latest evidence to identify the challenges and needs of people and communities in West Sussex and presents the board’s vision and five priority areas:

• Food and nutrition
• School readiness
• Transitioning to adulthood — children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing
• Tobacco control
• Health and wellbeing in temporary accommodation.

A public consultation on the draft strategy is now open until 11.55pm on Sunday 27 April 2025.

Everyone in West Sussex, including young people, professionals, and local organisations, is invited to take part on the link below.

If you would prefer to complete a paper copy of the survey visit your local library where copies are available. The survey is also available to download and print and can be returned to any West Sussex library. Find your local library on our website.

Take part in the consultation

Supporting economic growth in Worthing

Residents and visitors are enjoying a more attractive and better-connected approach to Worthing railway station, thanks to major investment by the county council and Active Travel England.

Improvements have been designed to support the town’s economic growth with better and safer walking and cycling routes.

New rain gardens, which are flower beds that absorb excess water to prevent the road and pavement flooding during heavy rain, have been added to create an urban habitat for birds, butterflies, bees and other insects.

More information

Helping children and young people to stay safe

We know that staying safe is a concern for many young people, this can be especially so when they are out and about in town centres.

The Children First Board have worked with young people and a range of partners, including the county council’s community safety team and Sussex Police to review the information and advice we provide to help young people to feel and stay safe.

We would ask all parents and carers to share the information on the link below which we hope you and the young people in your life find helpful.

Staying safe

Head to our Newsroom to find all the latest news.

• Serial offender prosecuted for selling illicit tobacco and alcohol to child in Littlehampton following a trading standards undercover operation.
• Rap music is being used to help parents and children improve their maths skills as part of an innovative partnership between West Sussex County Council and musicians, educators, nursery schools and families.
• Our Record Office has retained its Archives Accreditation, which sets the standard for archive services across the UK.
• Be tick aware in warmer weather as they can carry infections like Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. For more information watch this video. You can also report a tick through the Tick Surveillance Scheme.

Thursday 8 May is the 80th anniversary of VE Day — Victory in Europe Day, which marked the end of World War II in Europe. Find out what events are taking place in your local area, and information on how your town and village can become a ‘Tip Top Town’.

Did you receive this eNewsletter from a friend? Sign up here.

New Opportunity: Youth Strategy Workshop at Neighbourhood Watch Network

Neighbourhood Watch Network (NWN), the overarching national charity for the Neighbourhood Watch movement across England and Wales, would like to invite you to their first-ever Youth Voice Strategy Workshop.

What’s the workshop about?

Part of a series of strategy development workshops with varied stakeholders, NWN is looking for 10 young people to join a 90-minute Youth Voice Strategy Workshop to help develop the future of the charity over the next 5 years (2026–2031).

In line with the charity’s commitment to amplifying youth voices in communities, this workshop is a chance for you to have your say on how NWN can best support neighbourhoods to be safer, happier, better places to live for all. The charity is keen to ensure the next 5-year strategy is relevant and representative of as many people (especially young people!) as possible, so we want to hear your thoughts and opinions.

Date: Monday 28th April 2025

Time: 3 pm — 4:30 pm

Location: Online via Teams

Brief reading material will be sent before the workshop.

What’s in it for me?

This workshop is an exciting opportunity to input into the future direction of Neighbourhood Watch and the national crime prevention charity that supports it. It’s a chance to have your say on critical topics like personal safety and wellbeing, cybercrime (social media), the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, and much more!

Interested? Reply to this email, and we will send you the Teams link to join the workshop.

We hope that you can attend

ATM Theft — Adur and Worthing Police

Protect yourself from ATM theft.

- It’s a good idea to scan the area around ATMs before you use them.

- Be aware of anyone standing close by and always check the machine to see if it’s been tampered with before you use it.

- If it doesn’t look right, steer clear and go inside a bank where possible

- Keep a regular check on your transactions

- When you’ve left the ATM, put your card aware immediately!

6th April 2025: 39 Stories and 4 Features

Man (20) stabbed to death near Pier — man (38) arrested

Man arrested on suspicion of murder after Bognor Regis stabbing

FIRST-EVER ARTS NETWORK MEETING IN BOHNOR

On Thursday 3rd March, The Regis School of Music in Sudley Road hosted a successful first meeting of people involved in the arts in Bognor, organised by Steve Goodheart, Rachel Searle and others. It brought together a large number of local arts activists, including theatre, music, pottery and much else. A wide range of issues was discussed including a need for exhibition space, a web site, further action. Kate Bennett from Arun Arts, described progress at the Alexandra Theatre, warning that it could not be all things to everyone. A steering group of 7 was estbalished to take issues further. Contact Rachel Searle at rachelmsearle@gmail.com

Brighton and Paris marathon runner to walk between cities

Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Southampton: Saints relegated in record time

Brighton marathon and 10k take place in the city on Sunday

Scams: Dog groomer says she was targeted by social media fraud

Plans to expand windfarm off Sussex coast given green light

Reform UK: Stephen Hartley suspended after pro-Jimmy Savile tweets

Sussex scheme continues to tackle anti-social behaviour

Arlington Bluebell Walk opens for 52nd year

Migrant and refugee running club prepares for Brighton Marathon

Father to run Brighton Marathon in place of son Robbie Fitzgibbon

Brighton funeral for David Raven 'Britain's oldest drag queen'

Brighton teen appears in court charged with father's murder

UK's first kelp conference held in Brighton

Approval for 101 homes in Hove's 'last green lung'

Brighton teenager charged with murder after man dies at house

Worthing man held after teen sexual assault in Steyning graveyard

Gatwick Airport announces change in liquid rules for passengers

Brighton Pride street party moves to new location

Six boys arrested after rape of girl, 15, in Chichester

Brighton teen murder arrest after man, 57, dies at house

Local currency the Lewes Pound to end after 17 years

Developer's appeal to build on Goring Gap is rejected

'I was too fat for NHS cancer surgery appointment' - patient

Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson launches Gozzle in West Sussex

A Solar Eclipse on the Moon | Galaxy Hopping with a 2" Telescope

Crawley recycling centre fire prompts warnings of smoke

Hospitals to save £360k with new solar panels

Brighton & Hove City Council discusses holiday let controls

'I was really lucky to lose my leg', says Sussex motorsport racer

Yoga teacher loses planning battle over garden yurt in Brighton

Latest pictures of £1.3m seafront project as it nears completion

Injured seal rescued from beach - then given adorable new name

'Hero' officer who tackled 'feral' e-bike riders 'forced out of police'

All systems go for 3G pitch to replace grass at Bognor Regis Town FC — Mid Sussex

Dad dies five days after son’s final wish for him came true

‘Boring’ Bognor Regis Town must do more in attack — says frustrated boss Birmingham — Mid Sussex

‘I’m nuts’: British man buried in Snickers-themed coffin as final wish fulfilled — KTUL

F E A T U R E S [4]

UKHarvest Community Food Hubs extended until April 2026

We are delighted to announce that our award-winning Community Food Hubs, run in partnership with UKHarvest, have been extended! Since April 2023, the scheme has prevented over 94 tonnes of food from going to waste — and it will now continue for another year, running until April 2026.

The Community Food Hubs redistribute surplus food from suppliers while educating residents on food waste prevention. They take place once a month in each district and borough across West Sussex.

For a small voluntary donation of £5, residents can access a wide selection of surplus food. No referrals are needed, and all residents are welcome to visit the child-friendly hubs.

For a full list of Community Food Hub dates and locations, visit our website.

Do you have a little one in nappies?

If you have young children in nappies and want to reduce your waste, why not give reusables a try? Reusable nappies often have a bad reputation, and we understand that busy parents may not be able to give up disposables entirely. That’s why we’re supporting Reusable Nappy Week this month by encouraging those who can to use them whenever possible. Even switching part-time can make a big difference — the equivalent of saving at least 17 plastic bags per day!

It’s not just about reducing waste (though the impact can be huge), reusables are also better for babies, as they’re gentle on sensitive skin. Plus, opting for reusable nappies could save you up to £1,000 over the first 2.5 years of your child’s life!

If you’re considering making the switch, our blog has everything you need to get started — from an easy washing and drying guide to helpful advice. Check it out here!

Even if full-time use isn’t practical, why not use reusables when you can? They’re easy to clean and can significantly cut down your general waste. Of course, we understand that when you’re on the go or on holiday, disposables may be the better option — and that’s okay! Every little change helps, and even a part-time switch makes a difference.

Reduce your waste this Easter

Easter is right around the corner, and while it’s a time for celebration, it can also lead to unnecessary waste. This year, why not take a few simple steps to reduce it?

Think about your decorations, switch to reusable options where possible and store them for future use. If you’re hosting an Easter egg hunt, consider using reusable plastic toy eggs instead of chocolate ones to prevent them from melting or getting lost. Once all the eggs have been found, they can be traded in for real chocolate!

Instead of buying Easter eggs, why not make homemade treats for loved ones or give an experience-based gift instead? If you do purchase eggs, opt for those with minimal packaging.

If you have Easter egg packaging, get creative! Junk modelling is a fun way to reuse materials while teaching children about sustainability. Once you’re done crafting, remember to recycle clean, dry materials.

And don’t forget to recycle all you can! Here’s a quick guide:

• Easter egg boxes — Clean, dry cardboard can be recycled at home! Bonus points if you squash it to make more room in your bin.
• Plastic Easter egg packaging — All colours of plastic pots, tubs, and trays can be recycled at home, including the plastic trays inside your Easter egg box!
• Foil wrapping — Clean foil can go in your recycling bin at home (as long as it stays scrunched)
• Sweet wrappers & soft plastics — Soft plastics cannot currently be recycled in West Sussex and should go in your general waste bin. However, they can be taken to participating supermarkets for recycling as part of their soft plastic recycling scheme.
• Flowers — Compost or use garden waste bins where available.

Finally, check your bin collection dates, as they may change over Easter. Visit your local district or borough councils website for the latest updates.

Recycling Centre opening hours extended for spring/summer

From 1 April 2025, Recycling Centre opening hours have switched to extended spring/summer hours. As the weather warms up, Recycling Centres tend to be busier, so these longer hours give residents more opportunities to visit.

The extended hours will remain in place until 30 September 2025 and will not be affected by bank holidays, including the Easter bank holidays at the end of April.

If you’re planning a visit this weekend, don’t forget to book an appointment before you arrive! Bookings can be made on the day or up to two weeks in advance, with 15 or 30 minute slots available depending on the site.

The booking system helps visitors make the most of their time by ensuring items are properly sorted and recycled rather than ending up in general waste. It also allows staff to offer more recycling advice and assist residents during their visit.

For more information and to book a slot, visit our website.

Upcoming waste prevention events

Throughout West Sussex, we are proud to work alongside a team of passionate recycling and waste prevention volunteers. They attend public and private events to promote waste prevention, reuse, and recycling, and are eager to answer questions about the county’s recycling services and waste reduction initiatives.

In addition to the public events listed below, we are participating in numerous privately hosted talks and events for local community groups, schools, and other organisations. If you would like our team to give a talk, visit your school, attend an event, or if you would like more information, please contact us at: waste.prevention@westsussex.gov.uk.

We also support our partners at the district and borough councils with community outreach in selected areas, engaging residents on both recycling and waste prevention topics.

April/ May events:

• Tuesday 8 April (10am–5pm) — Weald and Downland Museum Eco-Easter Information Stand, Town Lane, Singleton, Chichester, PO18 0EU
• Wednesday 9 April (9:30am–11am) — Food Waste Action Week Information Stand at Food Hub, Southwick Community Centre, Southwick Street, Southwick BN42 4TE
• Friday 11 April (10am–5pm) — Weald and Downland Museum Eco-Easter Information Stand, Town Lane, Singleton, Chichester, PO18 0EU
• Wednesday 16 April (10am–5pm) — Weald and Downland Museum Eco-Easter Information Stand, Town Lane, Singleton, Chichester, PO18 0EU
• Saturday 19 April (10am–5pm) — Weald and Downland Museum Eco-Easter Information Stand, Town Lane, Singleton, Chichester, PO18 0EU
• Saturday 26 April (from 10am) — Lindfield Spring Clean, King Edward Hall, Lindfield, RH16 2HH
• Saturday 26 April — (10am-2pm) Midhurst Rother College Community Day, Midhurst Rother College, North St, Midhurst, GU29 9DT
• Saturday 26 April (10am–4pm) — Plant to Plate Festival, Sussex Green Hub, United Reformed Church, 45 Springfield Road, Horsham RH12 2RG
• Saturday 17 May (2pm-4pm) — Information Stand at Partridge Green Repair Cafe, Partridge Green Village Hall, High Street, Partridge Green, RH13 8HX
• Saturday 24 May (12pm–4pm) — Barnham & Eastergate May Fair Information Stand, Barnham Community Hall, Yapton Road, Barnham, PO22 0AY
• Monday 26 May (11am-4pm) — Information Stand at Steyning Country Fair, High Street, Steyning BN33 3RX
• Saturday 31 May (12pm–5pm) — Lindfield Village Day Information Stand, Lindfield Common, RH16 2LD
• Saturday 31 May (12pm–4pm) — Information Stand at Yapton and Ford May Fair, Yapton & Ford Village Hall & Village Green, BN18 0ET

Sign up for our newsletter

Finally, we know that if you receive this email, you are passionate about waste prevention and recycling.

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.

Help us spread the message and get more people on board to make West Sussex a strong, safe, and sustainable place to live.

Sussex Police Monthly Bulletin — Arun

Good morning Residents,

I hope you are all well and are enjoying the sunshine. Please find below your monthly Sussex Police bulletin containing the latest appeals, news, and crime prevention advice for Arun.

APPEALS

Appeal after two-vehicle collision on A27 near Slindon

Police are appealing for witnesses after a two-car collision on the A27, junction with Mill Road, Slindon, on Tuesday afternoon (11 March).

The driver of an Audi, an 80-year-old man, was taken to hospital for treatment, while the driver of a Toyota Hilux was treated at the scene, after the collision which happened at about 2.30pm.

Police are appealing for witnesses, and anyone with dashcam footage, to email collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk, quoting serial 877 of 11/3.

Appeal after two-vehicle collision on A27 near Slindon | Sussex Police

CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE

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

Boy, 16, charged with theft and assault on shop worker

Four teenagers were arrested after officers swiftly responded to an incident at the Co-Op in Barnham.

Police were called to the store in Barnham Road at 5.44pm on Thursday 13 March, where a group of youths were reported to be stealing.

After a member of staff challenged one of the suspects, he was pushed and punched to the face, causing bleeding.

The youths then fled the scene. Two of them ran across open fields and were pursued by officers for approximately one mile, where they were detained and arrested.

The other two suspects returned to the scene and were also arrested.

You can read more on this story here — Boy, 16, charged with theft and assault on shop worker | Sussex Police

Disqualified motorcycle rider sentenced over fatal collision

A disqualified motorcycle rider has been sentenced for causing a fatal collision.

Kieran Shaw, 21, failed to see pedestrian Janet Jacob crossing the B2140 Worthing Road at East Preston.

He collided with the 81-year-old, who sustained critical injuries and later died in hospital.

At Lewes Crown Court on 28 February, he admitted causing the death of Mrs Jacob after driving while disqualified.

Shaw, formerly a roofer of Trinity Way, Littlehampton, was jailed for three years and nine months. He was further disqualified from driving for six and a half years.

You can read more about this here — Disqualified motorcycle rider sentenced over fatal collision | Sussex Police

Bognor man convicted of rape and other serious sexual offences

A Bognor Regis man who attacked two people in the town centre has been convicted at court.

At Portsmouth Crown Court on Wednesday (12 March), Lis was convicted of rape, two counts of attempted rape, two counts of causing actual bodily harm, two counts of sexual assault and one count each of intentional suffocation and assault by penetration.

He has been remanded in custody to await sentencing on 2 May.

You can read more about this here — Bognor man convicted of rape and other serious sexual offences | Sussex Police

Shoplifters given prison sentences and Criminal Behaviour Orders: BCRP week

A week-long campaign to prevent and detect retail crime has resulted in multiple successes across Sussex.

The inaugural Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) week was held nationally between 17–21 March, aimed to raise awareness of offences which impact shop keepers and workers.

Locally, policing teams conducted high visibility patrols to provide reassurance to retailers and to target offenders — particularly those who continually commit crime and cause harm to the business community.

You can read more here — Shoplifters given prison sentences and Criminal Behaviour Orders | Sussex Police

Arun Neighbourhood Policing Team undertook proactive patrols and engagements with local business and partners, speaking with retailers about the issues they’re facing, as well as handing out important crime prevention advice in stores across the district.

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

Stay Safe from Courier Fraud

Stay safe from courier fraud.

Courier fraudsters will pose as police officers or bank officials in order to gain your trust.

To gain the trust of the victim, the visitor or caller will likely have obtained basic details about the victim such as their full name and address — an effective tactic in deceiving vulnerable individuals.

Fraudsters will go to great lengths, insisting that they are genuine and can be trusted.

Remember:

The Police or your bank will never call and ask you to verify personal information over the phone.

Your bank and the Police will never visit your home and ask you to hand over cash.

Neither the Police or your bank will never ask you to send your bank card, or cash via the post.

Please share this with any family and friends and help us to keep everyone safe from fraudsters.

If you have been a victim or noticed a fraud, you can report to Police on 101/online, or to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Free Mental Health Services

Mental health struggles can touch anyone, anytime.

Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling you are not alone, help us spread the word by sharing this posts.

Free, confidential Sussex support services are available 24/7.

You’ll be listened to & heard, so spread the word and support those who might need it.

30th March 2025: 50 Stories and 3 Features

Your Local Councils — what will emerge over the next 2–3 years?

The Editor

We can be sure almost certainly of one thing- Arun Council will disappear, replaced by a Unitary Council which will do all the things it and West Sussex County Council currently do for this area.

This is as a result of two side-by-side operations. One is to create a Combined Mayoral Authority covering the Counties of East and West Sussex and Brighton & Hove. Each of those Councils will be represented on the CMA which will bring a deal of financial and other devolution from Central Government. The three have a period to convince the Government they can deliver.

The other task is to create an acceptable reorganisation of local government across the three areas, total population 1.7 million, with a Unitary outcome for each area and an average opulation size of 500,000.

On this issue, only East Sussex ‘fits the bill’, West Sussex is 850k+ and Brighton and Hove under 280k. It is unlikely West Sussex wil survive, and B&H also has quite a task to convince the Government it can stay at its present size.

So, there are various scenarios, one being that the County area covering Chichester, Crawley, Horsham and Mid-Sussex would create what I will call ‘Sussex Downs Unitary Authority’ (around 550k) and Brighton & Hove would join with Adur, Worthing and Arun to create South West Sussex Unitary Authority, pop around 600k.

The SWSA makes quite a bit of sense in terms of communication (A27, A259, Rail) with Gatwick and Southampton airports easily accessible.

One idea has been advanced by Crawley, to go in with Reigate and Bancroft in Surrey, though that would be too small in all likelihood. Also the Downs authority would surely want to keep he Gatwick Hub.

The ‘untold’ story of Parish Councils, who have not (as yet) been considered in this scenario of change, could be of considerable interest as things unfold in terms of their capacity to work with the CMA and Unitaries to deliver services ‘most locally’. Some areas like Horsham, Crawley, Worthing, Shoreham, Brighton and Hove do not have parish-level councils, though we’re aware of interest at Horsham.

If any should be formed they are likeley to cover larger areas that the parish councils of Arun District, many of which struggle to attract enough councillors to function at the likely required levels re CMA/Unitary interaction. The Herald has pointed out these issues on previous occasions, so far, at least at Bognor Regis Town Council there is reluctance to look much forward. In my view, as matters are progressing rapaidly (too fast say some at BRTC), poor old Bognor might get left befind (again, some might say)

Why the Grand National was held at Gatwick

Brighton 0-0 Nottingham Forest (3-4 on penalties): Visitors win shootout to reach first FA Cup…

Police officer charged with controlling behaviour

Students call for clarity over university free speech rules

Hercule Van Wolfwinkle: 'Rubbish' pet artist raises £400k

Man arrested after sexual assault in Steyning church grounds

Sussex Police officer found not guilty of corruption

Brighton composer's cancer treatment inspired music

Sussex boat funded by recovered criminal assets

Residents of West Sussex care home at risk - CQC

Southwater: 'Relief' as land secures village green status

Big drop in child surgery for objects swallowed or stuck up nose

Cat tied up in bag and abandoned in Angmering sparks appeal

Eastbourne to get an observation wheel on town's seafront

Four arrested over disturbance on TUI flight to Gatwick

M23 underpass in Crawley 'impassable' when it rains, say residents

University of Sussex to challenge £585,000 fine by regulator over transgender free speech case

University of Sussex fined £585,000 in transgender free speech row

Natalie Imbruglia and Will Young to perform at Brighton Pride

'Our brother's death inspired us to help others'

Free writing workshops for sharing cancer stories in East Sussex

Large crack appears in Beachy Head cliff near Eastbourne

Ex-Sussex police officer jailed over driving offences

Dirt bikes 'terrifying' Brighton green space users

West Sussex wheelchair fundraiser for sheep which 'keeps falling over'

Second homes to be taxed double by most councils - a 'naked cash grab' or not far enough?

Taxi fares in Horsham set to increase due to cost of living

Ikea advertises jobs for future city centre store in Brighton

Raising awareness of child exploitation

Kelp forest project in West Sussex having 'remarkable results'

Brighton man receives first cornea transplant at hospital

Brighton park playground equipment destroyed in suspected arson

Gatwick Airport warns of rogue car parking operators

'It feels like my life isn't worth paying for', Brighton campaigner

Worthing seafront big wheel given green light

Bognor Regis celebrity football match raises funds for hospice

Car crashes into level crossing barriers

Sweet treat-loving man granted dying wish to be buried in a Snickers-inspired coffin: ‘Nuts’

Video, picture special and report: Rockettes put five past Three Bridges — Chichester

New court date for two teens after Bognor Regis stabbing — Brighton & Hove

Bognor man convicted of rape and other serious sexual offences | Sussex Police

Travellers camped out in Bognor Regis forced to move on, county council says — Chichester

Santander closures: West Sussex village to lose another bank branch — Littlehampton

Baseball comes to Bognor Regis! — Bexhill & Battle

Car fires in Bognor Regis spark emergency response — Sussex Express

Clowns brought colour and comedy to the streets of Bognor Regis for many years — Chichester

Mayor of Bognor Regis’ Weekly Briefing: Volunteers needed for the ‘Great British … — Chichester

Bugged Out Weekender to return to Bognor Regis in 2026 — News — Mixmag

Lockdown in Bognor Regis: looking back five years on — in pictures — Sussex Express

F E A T U R E S

These are useful and important news stories from your Police and Councils about matters that affect you, your family and community

Welcome to the March 2025 edition of our Residents’ eNewsletter, featuring the latest news and updates from your county council.

Future options for West Sussex councils

Councils in West Sussex are setting out options for how local authorities in the county can be organised in the future.

The government wants to create a single tier of councils in places where there are currently two.

West Sussex County Council and the seven district and borough councils have written to ministers with our initial proposals.

There are several options on the table for government to consider, which are outlined in the submission..

Everyone will get the chance to comment on the options over the coming months before a more detailed proposal is submitted in September.

Read the story in full.

Devolution: At the same time, the separate but related process of devolution is underway and the government’s consultation for a Mayoral Combined Authority for Sussex & Brighton is open until Sunday 13 April. Have your say.

Future of local government in Sussex

Take up the offer of breast screening — it could save your life

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Breast screening aims to detect thousands of cancers earlier and saves around 1,300 lives each year in the UK.

Anyone registered with a GP as female aged from 50 up to their 71st birthday will be invited for NHS breast screening every three years. You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you.

Breast screening can detect cancer long before you can even feel it. Or more likely, put your mind at rest.

So, when you’re invited, save the date, it could save your life. If you missed your appointment call your local NHS breast screening service on 01903 239757 or email: uhsussex.westsussexbreastscreening@nhs.net

Check your breasts/chest by regular self-examination (around once a month), to get to know what is normal for you. The NHS provides a ‘How to check your breast or chest guide’, which includes a helpful video showing how to do so.

Search ‘NHS breast screening’ to find out more and please share with friends, family and colleagues.

Achieving better outcomes for SEND children

Our SEND Improvement Plan is making progress and achieving better outcomes for more children and families, across the county.

Notably, new figures show that more Education and Health Care Plan assessments are being carried out within 20 weeks, and the average number of weeks taken to complete an assessment is reducing.

Cllr Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children & Young People, Learning and Skills said: “I know that many families in the county are understandably frustrated when it comes to SEND support. However, although there is still a long way to go, real progress is being made.”

Read more

Spotlight on children’s oral health

Every child deserves a bright, confident smile, and World Oral Health Day (20 March) is the perfect reminder to refresh your family’s brushing routine.

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, watching out for sugary snacks, and making regular dental check-ups part of your schedule are all simple ways to help keep tooth decay at bay.

Whether you’re a parent, carer, or professional wanting to share useful resources, you can explore ideas inspired by the Better Health Start for Life campaign.

By building these small habits, we can support children across West Sussex to maintain healthy teeth now and as they grow.

Visit our campaign page

Careers in early years and childcare: getting it right from the start

Did you know that children’s brains develop faster in the first five years than at any other time in their lives? This critical early brain development has a lasting impact on a child’s ability to learn and succeed — not just in school, but in life too.

By choosing a career in early years and childcare, you can directly influence the life chances of children and help to shape their futures.

Our Early Years Team has created a new website which is full of useful information for anyone interested in working with young children.

You can also sign up to our Jobs in Early Years and Childcare Newsletter to receive the latest local jobs straight to your inbox every week.

Rewarding careers in early years

Help represent residents with low digital confidence

Our Digital Strategy sets out a clear vision for the use of technology to create a more connected and inclusive future for West Sussex residents and communities.

As part of this, the Digital Inclusion, Access and Safety Partnership is working to make the digital world more accessible for residents.

We’re creating a testing panel to review our digital products and ensure they work well for everyone — especially those who may lack digital skills or the confidence to use technology.

If you’d like to join the panel please email communitysafety.wellbeing@westsussex.gov.uk or telephone 01243 777100.

Take a look at the latest news about the environment and climate change, including advice on how to reduce carbon emissions associated with food waste, and how our active travel efforts have been recognised.

Head to our Newsroom to find all the latest news.

• We’ve produced a new Economic Strategy for West Sussex in conjunction with our partners, business representatives and the newly formed West Sussex Economic Growth Board (WSEGB).
• We’re working with community and voluntary groups to help transform a small number of otherwise redundant public buildings into vibrant and thriving hubs for local residents to enjoy.
• A rogue builder from Worthing has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court for defrauding an elderly victim in Storrington, following an investigation by our Trading Standards service.
• Increase your skills and awareness on the road as a biker, pillion rider and/or general road user by attending a free Biker Down course on 24 April at Shoreham Fire Station.
• Visiting farms can be great fun for the whole family but contact with farm animals carries a risk of catching infections from some bugs they carry naturally. Find out how to stay safe during and after farm visits.
• Visit Smokefree West Sussex or call 0330 222 7980 to get free, non-judgemental support and the right quit aids from specialist advisors to help you quit smoking for good. Support is available face-to-face, over the phone or by downloading the new Smokefree app.
• Our Trading Standards are reminding West Sussex bird keepers that they must register their birds on the Kept Bird Register. This applies regardless of how many are kept, even if they are pets. Click here for more details and to register online.

There is help and support available with your home finances or budgeting.

For advice and guidance on paying your council tax, contact your local district or borough council to see if you are eligible for a discount or exemption.

Further advice about local and national support can be found on our cost of living pages.

Did you receive this eNewsletter from a friend? Sign up here.

ARUN NEWSLETTER 51 — March 2025

Littlehampton welcomes exhilarating zipline adventure!

Adventure seekers will be delighted to hear that a new outdoor attraction is coming to Littlehampton this Easter — a thrilling zipline experience.

Skyfall will feature dual ziplines running in parallel along a 60-metre stretch and offers great views, high-speed excitement and a safe family-friendly activity for ages of four and above.

A first for the town, and located at Caffyns Field, the attraction will be running throughout the whole Easter school holidays from 5 April to 21 April, operating from 12pm — 6pm daily.

Read more here

https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/prepare-to-dare-littlehampton-welcomes-exhilarating-zipline-adventure-9526

Quality streets: Improved crime reduction services for businesses

On behalf of the wider partnership, Arun District Council has announced the launch of the Arun Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP).

The initiative is one of a number of actions partners are working on together to deliver quality streets across the district’s town centres.

The BCRP provides reporting tools and in-person support to reduce the gap between the number of incidents businesses say are taking place in their premises and the town centres, and reports sent to the police in a way they can follow up on or use to evidence the need for more resources.

While crime reduction services have been available to businesses in Littlehampton and Bognor Regis town centres for several years, this is the first time the initiative has been formally staffed or covered both areas. Membership of the scheme is provided at no additional cost to businesses.

Follow this link to learn more

https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/quality-streets-improved-crime-reduction-services-for-businesses-9555

Planning on having a street party to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day?

With this very special occasion approaching, it is likely that people will want to hold events to remember and respect those who served in World War II.

If you are thinking of celebrating with a street party — you have until Monday, 14 April 2025 to submit your application.

Please click here for more information or to apply

https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/planning-on-having-a-street-party-to-celebrate-the-80th-anniversary-of-ve-day-9566

Bigbelly boost for Littlehampton seafront

Seven new Bigbelly bins have been introduced along Littlehampton Promenade, funded by Arun District Council’s allocation from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The project, which includes the installation of Bigbelly bins and redistribution of existing bins to other high litter areas, aims to improve cleanliness and appearance along the seafront, Pier Road and the Oyster Pond. The new bins feature the design celebrating Littlehampton’s unique attractions created by local artist Ben Cavanagh.

Read more here

https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/bigbelly-boost-for-littlehampton-seafront-9553

Are you struggling to pay Council Tax?

If you are on a low income and have less than £16,000.00 in savings you may be able to get some Council Tax Reduction (CTR).

For pensioners, any entitlement will depend on your household income including money from state and private pensions.

Working age claimants may be able to get help if they have less than £6,000 savings and a household income of less than £470.99 per week (working age claimants are people in receipt of benefits claimed by people of working age, e.g. Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance). You must be over 16 but under 66 to claim these benefits.

To find out more, follow the link

https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/are-you-struggling-to-pay-council-tax-9530

News updates

Latest on the Littlehampton Seafront Scheme -

https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/littlehampton-seafront-scheme-update-21-march-2025-9572

Did you know about our Customer Services team support? –

https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/did-you-know-about-our-customer-services-team-support-9571

Local Land Charges team win national award for best customer service –

https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/local-land-charges-team-win-national-award-for-best-customer-service-9552

Recycling Centres to extend opening hours from 1 April 2025 –

https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/news/recycling-centres-to-extend-opening-hours-from-1-april-2025

Fraud Newsletter March 2025

Friday 28th March 2025

Dear Resident,

Please find the March 2025 edition of the Surrey Police and Sussex Police Fraud Newsletter attached.

In this month’s edition, we focus on the benefits of 2-Step Verification in preventing fraud, setting it up and how to sign up for scam alerts.

Have a good weekend

Kind regards

Trisha

Attachments

Fraud Newsletter March 2025 .pdf

20th March 2025: 34 Stories and 5 Features

Sussex: £24k raised for pensioner who lost limbs in dog attack

Brighton & Hove City Council could shut three libraries

Bognor Regis celebrity football match raises funds for hospice

Voice coach to Laurence Olivier becomes 'UK's oldest podcaster'

Midhurst hotel owner's frustration two years after Angel Inn fire

Predator who plied women with drugs in Brighton jailed

Tackling Retail Crime and Abuse

Measure to support small businesses unveiled in Shoreham-by-Sea

Future of Brighton city centre tower block in question

Sussex PCC says 'number of warnings for shoplifters is crazy'

Chichester rape accused blames injuries on rough sex - court

Britain's oldest drag queen Maisie Trollette dies aged 91

Does cutting benefits work?

Drink-driving Brighton bus driver avoids jail

Political opinion with Alison Griffiths MP: Why the Government’s employment legislation will …

• My arm was ripped off by rottweilers… council is REFUSING to help — Daily Mail
• The pensioner, who, before the attack, cared for his ill wife, Sheila, 73, at their house in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, has been denied support to …
• I lost THREE limbs in horror attack by 2 Rottweilers who charged at my dog Peggy — The Sun
• He accused his local council in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, of denying him much needed help after losing most of his leg, his arm, and a part of his …
• West Sussex woman could have died in dog attack | The Argus
• “Anyone with information about the incident can report it to Sussex Police online, quoting serial 135 of 22/02.” People · Bognor Regis. Share. 8 …
• RICAY NEAR THE SUMMIT AFTER WIN OVER ROCKS — The Non-League Football Paper

BOGNOR REGIS 0 BILLERICAY TN 3. By Liam Goodley. BILLERICAY TOWN scored three goals and three points in this top versus bottom clash, …

• Beyond temporary: The pioneering construction approach at Butlin’s resorts — PBC Today
• Dennis Hillyer Obituary (2025) — Chichester, Sussex — SussexWorld
• New bike repair Stations boost cycling in Bognor — V2 Radio
• The funding was secured to promote healthy and active lifestyle choices and encourage active tourism. Councillor Claire Needs, Mayor of Bognor Regis, …
• New court date for two teens after Bognor Regis stabbing — Brighton & Hove
• Two teens charged with wounding with intent after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed in Bersted, near Bognor Regis, are due to appear in court again on …
• Celebrity football match in Bognor raises funds for charity — BBC
• Actors, reality TV stars and TikTok influencers were due to play in the match in Bognor Regis.

Sweet send-off: Bognor man honoured with chocolate-themed coffin

• As a final tribute, the funeral procession passed by Paul’s favourite café in Bognor Regis, where friends gathered outside wearing custom tribute t- …

Dizzy Ducklings preschool children brings joy to others in Bognor Regis — Your West Sussex

• On Saturday 15th March some of the children from Dizzy Ducklings preschool visited the residence of Woodbine Manor in Upper Bognor Road .
• Butlin’s Bognor Regis opens £15 million activity centre | The Argus
• A £15 million activity centre offering birthday parties and nights out has officially opened at Butlin’s Bognor Regis. The brand-new PLAYXPERIENCE …
• Rotary Club of Bognor Hotham reward volunteers for their efforts — Worthing
• If you are local to Bognor Regis and in need of support as an individual, family, project or to support a charity then please get in touch by …
• Bognor Regis Men’s Probus Club members enjoy fascinating talk — MSN
• Point at Chatham is creditable for Bognor Regis Town — but it doesn’t help ever-tougher bid to stay up

Red-hot Rocks marksman Tommy-Lee Higgs rescued a point for Bognor in a battling 1–1 draw at Chatham Town in the Isthmian premier division.

• Car park in Bognor Regis reopens after collision with height barrier — Sussex Express

Highlights: Bognor Regis Town 1 Folkestone Invicta 2 — Isthmian League

Folkestone Invicta made the long trip to face second bottom Bognor, the Rocks ten points from safety despite some much improved performances of …

• More very successful social events for Bognor Regis Twinning Association
• Over 60 people, all members and friends of Bognor Regis and Angmering Associations, joined together to make up eleven teams for the annual Joint Quiz …
• locals start fundraiser for Bognor Regis pensioner who lost limbs in savage dog attack — MSN

F E A T U R E S

You can help us shape the future strategy of Neighbourhood Watch

As a valued Neighbourhood Watch Supporter, Member or Volunteer, we want to invite you to share your views. Our current 5-Year Strategy comes to an end in December 2025 and we are in the process of developing a new strategy.

We are really interested in your thoughts, views and opinions about Neighbourhood Watch and what you think the movement should focus on over the next 5 years. The survey should take about 10 minutes and will give us a good insight into what you think and want.

By analysing the survey results we will be able to hold more in depth and detailed workshops and consultation events with stakeholders develop a new strategy that is ambitious, relevant and reflective of the views of supporters, members, volunteer, the public and other stakeholders. Please complete the survey so we can hear your voice and views.

Please click here to complete the survey

Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustee Opportunity

Neighbourhood Watch Network is the national umbrella charity for the thousands of local crime prevention and community strengthening schemes across England and Wales. We represent the movement at a national level and provide tools and services that help our volunteers, supporters and local Associations drive our work forward.

As a charity, our trustee board provides strategic oversight, direction and guidance to our CEO and staff and is accountable for the charity delivering impact and public benefit, and using its resources effectively and efficiently. We are a small, friendly and professional group who meet 4–5 times a year, with about half of these meetings held online. We estimate the average time commitment at around 6–8 hours per month and we aim to be as flexible as possible so that trustees can manage the role alongside other commitments.

We would be pleased to hear from people who have experience of serving on, or reporting to, a board but we are also keen to provide training and support for colleagues taking on their first trustee role. Previous experience is less important than a commitment to our mission (to help people build stronger communities where people are less likely to experience crime), alignment with our values, and the ability to work collegially as part of a team.

We are seeking to strengthen skills available to the board in the areas of financial oversight, strategy development, marketing and income generation and also welcome applications from people regardless of background or professional discipline who can contribute to discussions on future opportunities and challenges for Neighbourhood Watch. These include the changing policy environment around policing and crime, the importance of tackling anti-social behaviour, hate crimes and violence against women and girls, and the rapidly evolving digital and online landscape.

Details of how to apply for a trustee role, or to request an informal chat to find out more about it, are on the Charity Jobs website at Trustee volunteer roles in the community development sector | CharityJob Please submit your application by 18th April 2024.

You are subscribed to receive Family Hub email alerts on the West Sussex County Council website.

Careers in early years and childcare: getting it right from the start

Did you know that children’s brains develop connections faster in the first five years than at any other time in their lives? A 2 year old’s brain wires up to 2 million synapses every second. And by the time a child is 3 years old, their brain has already grown to 80% the size of an adult’s brain.

This critical early brain development has a lasting impact on a child’s ability to learn and succeed — not just in school, but in life too. By working in early years and childcare, you would be directly influencing the life chances of children — literally shaping their futures.

The West Sussex County Council’s Early Years Team has created a Careers in Early Years and Childcare website, which is full of useful information for anyone interested in working with young children. Working in early years is a profession for everyone — regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or experience. Explore the site today and discover how you could start a rewarding career.

We have also developed a free Jobs in Early Years and Childcare Newsletter for you too. Simply subscribe and the newsletter will bring the latest local early years and childcare jobs straight to your inbox every week.

Food Waste Action Week

Welcome to our special edition Residents’ eNewsletter, celebrating Food Waste Action Week (17 to 23 March)! We’re supporting Love Food Hate Waste by sharing our top food waste prevention tips as part of our #FightAgainstFoodWaste campaign.

Around a third of the average rubbish bin in West Sussex is food waste — most of which is avoidable. In fact, 70% of this could have been eaten at some point prior to being thrown away; of that, 41% is just not used in time and 25% is binned because too much has been cooked.

Saving food from going to waste is good for the environment, as when you throw food away, you’re not just wasting the product but also the energy, water and other resources that have gone into producing and transporting it. Reducing your food waste can also save you money; waste food is the equivalent of £20 per month per person, or £80 for a family of four.

Read on for practical tips to help you reduce food waste and save money!

Buy loose fruit and vegetables

Research shows that if all apples, bananas and potatoes were sold loose, 8.2 million shopping baskets’ worth of food waste could be prevented every year. That’s simply because when fruit and vegetables are sold loose, people can buy only what they need and will use.

So next time you’re at the shops, skip the pre-packaged bags of potatoes or bananas and choose loose produce instead. Bonus points if you bring a reusable bag to put them in!

We know that buying loose fruit and veg is a great way to prevent overbuying and reduce food waste, but Love Food Hate Waste wants to hear what you think! To help them understand public opinion on this issue, they’re running a quick poll during Food Waste Action Week. Click on the button below to take part between 17 and 23 March.

Take part here

Be a smart shopper

Planning a menu for the week and making a list is essential and will help you buy only what you need and save you money. When writing your shopping list, make sure you check what you have at home and how much extra of an ingredient you will need.

Shops also frequently promote BOGOF (Buy One Get One Free) deals and ‘loss leaders’. This is where a number of products will be considerably marked down in price, generally close to the store entrance, to attract your immediate attention. Before adding those extra items to your basket, ask yourself:

1. Are these items actually on your list?
2. Will you definitely use them?
3. Do you need to change your plans or list to accommodate them?

Try to only go to the shops once a week as this helps to avoid buying extra food you don’t need and reduces the temptation from other offers. Also, avoid going shopping when you’re hungry and in a rush as it’s difficult to shop wisely in those conditions.

Love your leftovers

Got leftovers from dinner? Save them for lunch the next day instead of throwing them away. Not enough for a full meal? Combine small portions with other ingredients to create something new. They can usually be frozen to make a quick and easy meal as well.

Try to clean out your fridge monthly to make use of any leftovers you have lying around. If you’re struggling for inspiration or recipes that make the most of your leftovers, visit the Love Food Hate Waste website or BBC Good Food for fun, tasty leftover recipes that help you make the most of what you have.

If you are noticing that you always have leftover bread, try freezing your loaf to keep it fresh. You can defrost it slice by slice to ensure you never need to throw away any bread again. Most toasters even have a defrost setting so you can defrost your bread and toast it at the same time.

Freeze with ease

One of our favourite tips for keeping food fresher for longer is to make sure you are storing it correctly. When you buy food at the supermarket, check the packaging to see how it should be stored for maximum freshness.

Did you know for your fridge to work effectively it should be at 5 degrees Celsius or below? From time to time, you should check your fridge’s built-in thermometer against a freestanding one to ensure accuracy. As with your fridge, your freezer needs to be at the right temperature to work effectively. Your freezer should be set at -18 degrees Celsius or below.

Want to make the most of your freezer? See our top 10 tips for freezing food online.

Get composting!

Composting is a fantastic way to make use of your food waste, from coffee grounds to vegetable peelings. You can also add in garden waste like lawn clippings, annual weeds, and even paper and cardboard.

Not only does composting reduce waste, but it can also save you money by reducing the need for garden products like soil improvements, fertilisers and mulches. Composting is also great for the environment as it encourages garden biodiversity, in the form of worms, slugs and woodlice. This then provides food for valuable wildlife like birds and hedgehogs.

If you’re interested in home composting, visit our waste prevention page for information on how to get started and details on how to get a subsidised compost bin.

Food waste prevention events

To mark Food Waste Action Week, West Sussex Recycles will be attending various food waste prevention events, including a stand at all of the WSCC funded UKHarvest Community Food Hubs. These hubs are designed to educate residents on how to prevent food waste and reduce surplus food from suppliers that would have otherwise gone to waste. All residents are welcome to visit the child-friendly community food hubs and fill up a bag with delicious, rescued food. You don’t need a referral, just pop along and bring a reusable bag to fill with fresh fruit and vegetables.

Drop by for waste prevention tips, giveaways and a chance to win a compost bin!

• Monday 17 March 10am–4pm, Horsham Library, Lower Tanbridge Way, Horsham, RH12 1PJ
• Tuesday 18 March 10am–11am, Oving Community Food Hub, Oving Jubilee Hall, High Street, Oving, PO20 2DG
• Wednesday 19 March 9:30–11:00am, Broadfield Community Food Hub, Broadfield Community Centre, Crawley, RH11 9BA
• Thursday 20 March 9:30–11:00am, Worthing Community Food Hub, Sidney Walter Centre, Worthing, BN11 1DS
• Friday 21 March 10am–4pm, Crawley Library, Southgate Ave, Crawley, RH10 6HG
• Saturday 22 March 10am–4pm, Worthing Library, Richmond Rd, Worthing, BN11 1HD
• Wednesday 26 March 9:30–11:00am, Storrington Community Food Hub, Chanctonbury Leisure Centre, Storrington, RH20 4PG
• Wednesday 2 April 9:30–11:00am, Bognor Community Food Hub, Bognor Youth and Community Centre, PO21 5JZ
• Thursday 3 April 9:30–11:00am, Petworth Community Food Hub, Sylvia Beaufoy Centre, Petworth, GU28 0ET
• Friday 4 April 9:30–11:00am, Haywards Heath Community Food Hub, Ascension Church, Haywards Heath, RH16 4JS
• Wednesday 9 April 9:30–11:00am, Southwick Community Food Hub, Southwick, BN42 4TE

Alongside the above events, the Waste Prevention Team also attend various public and private events to promote waste prevention, reuse, and recycling, and are eager to answer questions about the county’s recycling services and waste reduction initiatives. A full list of events can be found on our website here.

Find out more about Food Waste Action Week

Interested in waste prevention and recycling? Subscribe to the West Sussex Recycles newsletter here for monthly stories, hints and tips on waste prevention, recycling and reuse. You could also follow @WSRecycles on social media to keep updated!

9th March 2025: 14 stories and 4 Features

Government launches Consultation on Local Government in West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove — your chance to take part

Following the recent bid by the Sussex and Brighton Authorities for Establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority across East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton and Hove, the Government’s Levelling-Up Department has now published a paper and a Consultation for local residents.

The link below enables readers to access this publication and also to take part in the Consultation which closes on 13th April 2025.

Sussex and Brighton devolution consultation

Following the recent death of Jim Brooks, The Herald has come across the Obituary for his father, Hal Brooks, from The Telegraph in July 2018

Hal Brooks, clown - obituary

Brighton Pier boss warns that the city needs more tourism

Brighton's i360 reopens with new owners after two-month closure

Georgina Gharsallah: Fresh appeal after woman's disappearance

The overseas staff serving the South East NHS

Crawley memorial trees to be planted to honour Covid-19 deaths

Bognor Regis Town Council E-Bulletin

Brighton: Proposed changes to school admissions approved

Highlights: Bognor Regis Town 1 Bowers and Pitsea 0 — Isthmian League

Mayor of Bognor Regis’ Weekly Briefing:Be a ‘litter hero’ and join in the Great British Spring Clean

Squad tweaks can help keep Bognor Regis Town’s survival hopes alive

Appeal for information as police hunt for booze bandits who stole alcohol from Butlin’s Bognor Regis

In pictures: Looking back at the Bognor Birdman, almost a decade on from the last event

F E A T U R E S

Sussex Police Monthly Bulletin — Arun

NEWS

Bognor stabbing: Two teenage boys charged

Two teenage boys have been charged with wounding with intent after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed in Bersted, near Bognor, on Monday evening (24 February).

The pair aged 16 and 14 were arrested shortly after emergency services were called to the incident in Frandor Road at 7.35pm. The victim was found with stab wounds and taken to hospital. After undergoing treatment, he is now in a stable condition.

The 14-year-old boy has also been charged with possession of a knife in a public place.

They have been remanded to appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (26 February).

A further 16-year-old boy has also been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and assisting an offender initially. He remains in custody.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident and are asking anyone with information, CCTV or dash cam footage to report online or phone 101 quoting Operation Cornflower.

https://www.sussex.police.uk/news/sussex/news/news/bognor-stabbing-two-teenage-boys-charged/

Bognor man jailed after smashing car windows

A man has been jailed for 21 months after wielding a metal motorcycle chain to smash numerous car windows in Bognor.

Inde Sneddon, 24, of no fixed address, was sentenced when he appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on 13 February.

He had been remanded in custody since 20 December when he shouted homophobic abuse at a bus driver and smashed the bus window, before stealing a motorcycle chain and smashing windows of a number of parked cars in the Nyewood Lane area.

When police responded he continued to wield the chain, threatening to kill a police officer and kicking a police dog.

Sneddon was charged and pleaded guilty to 14 counts of criminal damage, resisting arrest, causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, theft from a motor vehicle, possession of an offensive weapon, threats to kill, and a public order offence.

You can read more here — https://www.sussex.police.uk/news/sussex/news/court-results/bognor-man-jailed-after-smashing-car-windows/

Burglar sentenced over Rustington and Littlehampton break-ins

A burglar who targeted businesses in Rustington and Littlehampton has been jailed.

John McCarthy smashed windows to gain access to a café, a barber shop, a restaurant, and two charity shops.

McCarthy, formerly of East Street, Littlehampton, was charged with three counts of burglary other than a dwelling, one count of burglary other than a dwelling with intent to steal, and one count of attempted burglary other than a dwelling with intent to steal.

At Crawley Magistrates’ Court on January 27, he was sentenced to a total of one year in prison for the five offences.

You can read more here — https://www.sussex.police.uk/news/sussex/news/court-results/burglar-sentenced-over-rustington-and-littlehampton-break-ins/

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

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

Reduce your food waste this Food Waste Action Week

We are proud to support Love Food Hate Waste’s Food Waste Action Week from 17–23 March 2025. Food Waste Action Week is the flagship annual event delivered by WRAP’s Love Food Hate Waste campaign, helping residents reduce their waste at home.

This year’s focus is on buying loose fruit and vegetables, which helps reduce waste and saves shoppers money. On average, wasted food costs £20 per person per month — or £80 for a family of four. Buying loose means purchasing only what you need, cutting waste, and reducing plastic use. WRAP’s research suggests that if more fruit and vegetables were sold loose, it could save 100,000 tonnes of food and 13,000 tonnes of plastic waste per year.

In West Sussex, around a third of the average rubbish bin is food waste — most of which is avoidable. In fact, 70% could have been eaten at some point prior to being thrown away. Of that, 41% is just not used in time and 25% is binned because too much has been cooked. By shopping smarter and storing food correctly, we can make a real impact.

To mark the occasion we will be hosting a variety of waste prevention stands across West Sussex where you can get free waste prevention tools, advice and enter our raffle to win a free compost bin. For full event details, please see the upcoming waste prevention events section at the bottom of this newsletter.

For our top tips on how to reduce your food waste, visit our website, or watch our video below:

Spring/summer opening hours return to Recycling Centres next month

From April 1 2025, Recycling Centres across West Sussex will switch to their extended spring/summer opening hours. As many of us begin tidying our gardens or clearing out our homes, Recycling Centres can become very busy over the summer period. Extending the hours helps manage this increased demand

Don’t forget, to visit any of the Recycling Centres you will need to book an appointment online. Bookings can be made on the day or up to two weeks in advance and are for 15 or 30 minutes, depending on the site. The booking system provides visitors with more time and opportunity to recycle, by ensuring items are disposed of in the correct area, rather than just being put into general waste.

It also enables staff more time to offer recycling advice and divert more materials to recycling. For more information and to book a slot, visit our website.

Reduce your waste this Mothers Day

This month marks Mother’s Day (30 March). This year, why not celebrate in a way that also cares for the planet? By making a few simple choices, you can reduce waste while still making the day extra special. Here are some thoughtful, low-waste ideas to consider:

• Rather than giving material gifts, opt for experiences that create cherished memories.
• Handmade gifts are not only heartfelt but also help reduce waste. Use materials you already have to craft something special, such as a scrapbook of shared memories, or a homemade treat.
• Traditional wrapping paper often contains plastic making it non-recyclable. Instead, try wrapping gifts with reusable fabric, old maps, or newspaper for a unique and sustainable touch.
• Flowers are a classic Mother’s Day gift, but they often come wrapped in plastic and have a short lifespan. Consider gifting a potted plant instead — there are lots of lovely nurseries and plant shops right here in West Sussex!

If you receive gifts this year, check if the wrapping paper is recyclable by doing the scrunch test — if it stays scrunched, it can go in the recycling bin! Remember, envelopes and cards can also be recycled, and once flowers start to wilt, they can be composted rather than thrown away.

It’s Repair Week…

It’s currently Repair Week and we are encouraging residents to ask themselves: can you give your broken electricals a second chance? Many of the electricals that are dropped off for recycling are still in working condition or could be repaired. And here’s the kicker: it’s often cheaper to have something fixed than to buy new! Plus it’s better for the planet too.

So, if your old toaster is in need of a new part, or your phone needs a new screen, why not learn to repair it yourself, or take it to your local repair cafe? You could also reach out to the manufacturer to make use of their repair services! Find your closest repair cafe using the West Sussex Community Climate Action Map.

And remember, if you can’t repair, sell or donate it, recycle it! Anything with
a plug, battery or cable can be recycled. Use the Recycle Your Electricals
Locator to find your local donation and recycling drop-off points.

Upcoming waste prevention events

Throughout West Sussex, we are proud to work alongside a team of passionate recycling and waste prevention volunteers. They attend public and private events to promote waste prevention, reuse, and recycling, and are eager to answer questions about the county’s recycling services and waste reduction initiatives.

In addition to the public events listed below, we are participating in numerous privately hosted talks and events for local community groups, schools, and other organisations. If you would like our team to give a talk, visit your school, attend an event, or if you would like more information, please contact us at: waste.prevention@westsussex.gov.uk.

We also support our partners at the district and borough councils with community outreach in selected areas, engaging residents on both recycling and waste prevention topics.

March/ April events:

• Saturday 1 March (10am–3pm) — Handmade Craft Market, The Kiln, 30–32 The Martlets, Burgess Hill, RH15 9NN
• Friday 7 March (10am–12pm) — Food Waste Action Week Information Stand, East Witterings Library, 38 Oakfield Ave, East Wittering, Chichester, PO20 8BT
• Thursday 13 March (10am–12pm) — Food Waste Action Week Information Stand, Chichester Library, Tower Street, Chichester, PO19 1QJ
• Monday 17 March (10am–4pm) — Food Waste Action Week Information Stand, Horsham Library, Lower Tanbridge Way, Horsham, RH12 1PJ
• Wednesday 19 March (9:30am–11am) — Food Waste Action Week Information Stand at Food Hub, Broadfield Community Centre, Broadfield Barton, Crawley RH11 9BA
• Thursday 20 March (9:30am–11am) — Food Waste Action Week Information Stand at UKHarvest Community Food Hub, Sidney Walter Centre, Sussex Road, Worthing, BN11 1DS
• Friday 21 March (10am–4pm) — Food Waste Action Week Information Stand, Crawley Library, Southgate Avenue, Crawley, RH10 6HG
• Saturday 22 March (10am–3pm) — Food Waste Action Week Information Stand, Worthing Library, Richmond Road, Worthing, BN11 1HD
• Wednesday 26 March (9:30am–11am) — Food Waste Action Week Information Stand at UKHarvest Community Food Hub, Chanctonbury Leisure Centre, Storrington, RH20 4PG
• Saturday 29 March (10am-6pm) — Waste prevention stand at Chichester Good Food for All Feastival. North Street and East Street, Chichester City Centre. Chichester.
• Wednesday 2 April (9:30am–11am) — Food Waste Action Week Info Stand at Food Hub, Bognor Youth & Community Centre, Westloats Lane, Bognor Regis, PO21 5JZ
• Thursday 3 April (9:30am–11am) — Food Waste Action Week Info Stand at Food Hub, Sylvia Beaufoy Centre, Petworth, GU28 0ET
• Friday 4 April (9:30am–11am) — Food Waste Action Week Info Stand at Food Hub, Ascension Church, Haywards Heath, RH16 4JS
• Friday 4 April (1pm–4pm) — Clothes & Book Swap, The Chapel, Graylingwell Dr, Park, Chichester, PO19 6BZ
• Wednesday 9 April (9:30am–11am) — Food Waste Action Week Info Stand at Food Hub, Southwick Community Centre, Southwick Street, Southwick BN42 4TE
• Saturday 26 April (from 10am) — Lindfield Spring Clean, King Edward Hall, Lindfield, RH16 2HH
• Saturday 26 April — Midhurst Rother College Community Day, Midhurst Rother College, North St, Midhurst, GU29 9DT
• Saturday 26 April (10am–4pm) — Plant to Plate Festival, Sussex Green Hub, United Reformed Church, 45 Springfield Road, Horsham, and various other locations, RH12 2RG

Sign up for our newsletter

Finally, we know that if you receive this email, you are passionate about waste prevention and recycling.

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.

Help us spread the message and get more people on board to make West Sussex a strong, safe, and sustainable place to live.

Welcome to the Children,Young People and Learning (CYPL) SEND & Inclusion newsletter. This is a dedicated publication for professionals and parent carers who are champions of SEND in West Sussex.

Please share this newsletter with colleagues and parent carers. If you know of anyone who would like to be added to the distribution list, you can subscribe here.

Contents

Updates:

• Scrutiny Committee
• SEND and Inclusion Strategy — survey on proposed vision, principles and priorities for action
• Delivering Better Value — update on our linchpin projects
• Alternative Provision specialist taskforce
• Pilot of the Department for Education template for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP)

Working with our partners:

• West Sussex Parent Carer Forum
• Support while you wait for an assessment — new page on the Local Offer
• NHS Sussex SEND page on Sussex Health & Care website
• Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS)
• Reaching Families NDP Navigation Service
• SIBS — for brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults

Spotlight: Supporting children and young people to Thrive in Education

Events:

• West Sussex SENCO Conference 2025 — Inclusive Solutions, 18 June
• Therapeutic Thinking training

A message from Vince Clark, Interim Director for Children, Young People and Learning

Dear Colleagues,

I would like to welcome you to our refreshed SEND and Inclusion newsletter, which is one of the keys ways that we communicate important information and updates from our SEND and Inclusion Service.

Last month, the Public Accounts Committee published the ‘Support for children and young people with special educational needs’ report. This is an important document which, if you haven’t already done so, I would encourage you to read. The report summarises the key challenges around increased demand for SEND support nationally, and the need to create sustainable and long term support for local authorities to manage their spending on SEND, which is currently a significant financial challenge and risk.

For us in West Sussex, we know too well the challenges facing our children and young people with SEND and their families. Our team of professionals continue to work exceptionally hard to provide the best help and support. Whilst improvements and progress are being made, we must acknowledge we are working within a system which is widely acknowledged as broken.

As our teams work within this system everyday, it was important for us to help support the development and recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee report. I would like to share the link to our written evidence and recommendations, which you can find here.

I am hopeful that the drive from central government to make long lasting and impactful change for SEND children, young people and their families will result in positive systemic changes. I will ensure any developments are communicated as part of our regular newsletter to you.

Best wishes,

Vince

SEND & Inclusion Strategy — survey on proposed vision, principles and priorities for action

We are developing a new 5 year Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Inclusion Strategy for West Sussex County Council, to launch in September 2025.

We would like your comments on what should be included, what needs improving and what’s most important to you. The consultation is now live until 3 April 2025, and we hope that you will be able to join us in further shaping and developing the Strategy.

SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2025–2030 survey

Delivering Better Value — update on our linchpin projects

We were asked at the November Children’s and Young People’s Services Scrutiny Committee to provide a summary report on the projects under the Delivering Better Value (DBV) programme.

DBV aims to support local authorities and their partners in improving the delivery of SEND services for children and young people while working towards financial sustainability. You can read more about the Scrutiny Committee on the WSCC website.

Our linchpin projects under the DBV programme are: Local Inclusion Solutions (L-INCS), Ordinarily Available Inclusive Practice guide (OAIP), Maintained Special Schools Outreach, Specialist Support Centre Offer and Special School Funding.

Local Inclusion Solutions pilot (L-INCS)

L-INCS is now up and running in the Lancing, Shoreham and East Grinstead areas. Led by the Educational Psychology Service, teams across Education and Skills and Early Help are working collaboratively with schools to support inclusion at the whole school and targeted level. All schools in the pilot have completed their action plans and have prioritised areas for development.

In the Spring term, the pilots will begin to implement the support from across the teams. The pilot is being closely evaluated to identify impact and different ways of working, and plans for sustainability are being considered.

As part of L-INCS, there is also a focus on supporting children displaying emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) behaviours, supporting schools to implement the assess, plan, do and review processes and offering group and individual based interventions. Some L-INCS schools are also involved in a pilot to explore how AI, in the form of AV1 Robots, can support children to access their learning.

Ordinarily Available Inclusive Practice guide (OAIP)

This month we publish the third edition of our co-produced West Sussex Ordinarily Available Inclusive Practice Guide 2025 (OAIP). This important publication reflects our commitment to and focus on inclusive practice.

Funded by the Department for Education’s (DfE) Delivering Better Values (DBV) in SEND programme, we will provide copies to every setting responsible for the education and inclusion of our West Sussex children and young people.

The additional needs of most children and young people can be met by inclusive quality first teaching and reasonable adjustments from the funding and resources that are already or ‘ordinarily’ available in their mainstream school or setting. This is known as ‘Ordinarily Available Provision.’ To embed sustainable changes in practice, and improve the SEND system, we felt strongly that funding copies of the OAIP into settings where our West Sussex children and young people are being educated was a key step forward.

This revised guide has been produced in partnership with our education settings, parents and carers, professionals, and services to highlight the range of support and expectations that settings can ordinarily provide for a child or young person, without the need for additional support from an Education Health and Care Plan, that is, children at ‘SEND support’ or with no identified SEND.

The SEND Code of Practice (2015) links high quality teaching with ordinarily available provision: “…higher quality teaching ordinarily available to the whole class is likely to mean that fewer pupils will require such support.” (Para. 6.15).

We acknowledge that adapting practices to meet the needs of all children and young people does bring challenges. This accessible resource will prompt discussion and facilitate planning to create more inclusive learning environments and experiences.

• We’re aware that many schools like to have additional copies for classroom teachers, and these will be available to purchase via the ‘Stores’ function on Services for Education
• The refreshed OAIP is uploaded on Tools for Schools as chunked web pages
• The next stage of this project is to develop a training programme for the OAIP with school SENCOs, and we will continue to update you on the progress of this

Maintained Special Schools Outreach

We have co-produced a model with special schools to develop a ‘Reactive Outreach’. This will target the mainstream schools where approximately 80 pupils have been placed because a specialist placement wasn’t available.

Teachers from 8 special schools will work with the mainstream school and offer support, advice and guidance, to ensure these children are supported appropriately and their education sustained in the mainstream setting. This team is working in collaboration with the Specialist Advisory Teaching Service to ensure a coordinated offer of support. Most pupils involved in the pilot are in reception, but we are expecting to include KS2 transition pupils in the summer term (moving from Y6 — Y7).

Specialist Support Centre (SSC) Offer

Service Level Agreements (SLAs) have been signed and are now being followed up with quality assurance visits. A Speech and Language Therapist is working with us to further develop the SSC offer. The project is also looking to commission an Occupational Therapist for further advice and guidance on developing and embedding the SSC offer.

Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce

The Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce (APST) is a pilot project sitting within our transformation workstream that we are running as part of the SEND and AP Change Programme.

We are trialling a specialist taskforce of multi-disciplinary professionals made up of: an APST manager; speech and language therapists, specialist advisory teachers, substance misuse worker, youth justice worker, children and family worker and a YES worker (mental health), to work directly with students who may be at risk of permanent exclusion, across Crawley secondary schools.

Much work has been taking place in the Local Authority behind the scenes for several months, in preparation for getting the pilot project up and running. We are now approaching a place where we will have our team of multi-disciplinary professionals to start working with identified learners across Crawley. This has been no mean feat due to challenges with recruitment, establishing referral working practices and referral methods as well as a requirement to re-scope and change direction. We are now just focussing on Tier 1 pupils, so that with schools, we are identifying needs earlier and able to deliver early interventions of support.

Following a successful questionnaire with Crawley secondary schools, where together, we identified descriptors for pupils who were at Tier 1, and who may require APST support, would include:

• Students who have been involved in multiple lower level incidents
• Behaviours, e.g. defiance/refusal to follow instruction, truancy, disruption, harmful behaviours towards others.
• School has exhausted support options and not seeing changes.

In addition to this, we have identified that these pupils may also be at risk of or actively engaged with/experiencing/have:

• Exploitation (or risk of)
• Substance use (or distribution)
• Family history of permanent exclusion (PEX)
• Gang involvement
• Special education needs (SEN)
• Children’s social care/Early Help involvement
• Difficult school-home relationship

We are very excited about this project, as the impact of APSTs that have been seen in other local authorities is very impressive, with some areas noticing a reduction in violent youth crime, better support and access to neurodiverse services and a reduction in the overall number of exclusions of pupils. Of course, we understand that each local area is different and has their own unique set of needs, but we are proud to be rolling this pilot out in Crawley very soon.

Pilot of the Department for Education template for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP)

Many of you will be aware that we have been taking part in the Change Partnership Programme (CPP) pilot of the DfE Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) template.

The pilot has now ended and we are pleased to be adopting identified good practice from this in the West Sussex EHCP form.

West Sussex Parent Carer Forum (WSPCF)

We had a very busy autumn term here, including some new projects and events.

Introducing the Together for Change Panel

This panel is a new collaborative space, bringing together West Sussex County Council, NHS Sussex, parents/carers, and other stakeholders to share ideas, provide feedback, and make decisions, with the goal of enhancing services through teamwork using a co-productive approach.

The panel has already been very busy with submissions, such as short breaks, alternative provisions and many more. If you would like to know more, or come along and join us for a panel you can contact us on tfcpanel@wspcf.org.uk

Our events for parents/carers

We have had some new events this term too, including our wellbeing courses for parents/carers, we have completed a course already, and have a fully booked spring course starting soon! We will be gathering feedback to report how this has impacted parents/carers’ wellbeing and will share the results with you all soon. This course runs alongside our regular events, such as parent/carer chat sessions, encouraging peer to peer support.

We were delighted to invite Claire Hayes, Assistant Director of Education and Skills, and Claire Prince, Head of SEND and Inclusion, to join our latest chat session, which was extremely well received. Parents/carers found it encouraging, and felt heard and valued. We are still receiving feedback from this session, so will give further updates shortly.

Are you a member of the WSPCF?

Please sign up here to keep updated, both for your professional development, and to see what we are offering the families you work with. We often get enquiries seeking information and signposting on behalf of the families, so please feel free to get in touch with us. If you have any questions, or would like to know more, please contact us by emailing office@wspcf.org.uk, or stay updated by visiting our website, Facebook page or Instagram page.

Support while you wait for an assessment — new page on the Local Offer

NHS Sussex have been working with colleagues across West Sussex to support SEND inclusion.

In partnership with West Sussex County Council and the WSPCF, we have developed a dedicated “support while you wait for an assessment” page on the West Sussex Local Offer which has detailed guidance, resources and links to a wide range of condition-specific information. This includes Neurodevelopmental Pathways, Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Dental, Community Paediatrics and child and adolescent mental health services.

The “Support Whilst Waiting” work will continue to be developed through a newly established Task and Finish Group. NHS Sussex recognises the importance of this work and is committed to improving the journey of the child, young person and their families whilst they wait for a specialist health assessment.

NHS Sussex SEND page on Sussex Health & Care website

The NHS Sussex SEND page has been refreshed, with additional guidance and information relating to Right to Choose, ADHD medication and support whilst you are waiting for a specialist health assessment.

Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS)

Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) continues to offer a wide range of support and services to schools.

This includes a one day workshop on communicating well with parents/carers, in which schools can create their own communication strategy.

Support webinars covering: ‘Neurodivergence and Mental Health’ with a psychotherapist, ‘Auditing and Adapting the Sensory Environment of Primary Schools’ with occupational therapists, ‘Unmasking Hypermobility and Neurodivergence’ (SEDS Connective), ‘Understanding Children’s Strengths and Skills’ (Changing Chances), and ‘Using a Relational Approach to Supporting Dysregulated Children’ (Changing Chances).

Reaching Families NDP Navigation Service

We are very pleased to have received funding from NHS Sussex to continue providing this much-needed navigation service for parents/carers of children and young people who are waiting on, undergoing or have completed an assessment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions on the West Sussex Neurodevelopmental Pathway.

This service is accessed via referral from a professional working with the child/young person and can support parent-carers in the following ways:

• Initial telephone support to establish the needs of families accessing the service
• Information and resources on your child’s condition and needs
• Training workshops and courses on neurodiversity
• Access to a specially trained parent-carer befriender with a similar lived experience
• Access and support in attending one of our parent-carer support groups
• Access to other Reaching Families services
• Signposting to other relevant projects and services

For further information, including the eligibility and referral process, please visit the Reaching Families website.

Sibs — For brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults

Sibs exists to support people who grow up with, or have grown up with, a disabled brother or sister. It is the only UK charity representing the needs of over half a million young siblings and over one and a half million adult siblings.

Have you thought about running group support for young siblings?

Our sibling group leader training session will give you all the information you need to plan, run and evaluate your own local siblings group. It is taking place online via Zoom on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 09:15–13:15. For more information and on how to book, please click here.

Supporting children and young people to Thrive in Education

In West Sussex, we describe our approach to supporting mental health in schools under the umbrella of Thriving in Education.

The best way to find out more is to visit our website, which takes you through our evidence based approach to supporting mental health and wellbeing in schools. In this piece, you can find out about Thought-Full, WOWSI and the Thriving in Education Grants Programme.

West Sussex SENCO Conference, 18 June 2025, Butlins, Bognor Regis

Bookings are now open for the 2025 West Sussex SENCO Conference, Inclusive Solutions. We look forward to welcoming you for another inspiring and motivational day, on 18 June 2025 at Butlins, Bognor Regis.

We are delighted that Kit Messenger will join us for a second year and will speak on From Fixer to Coach: A strengths-based approach to executive function.

You will be able to choose 2 out of the following 4 workshops in the afternoon:

• Relational Practice: why relational practice matters, and how it can be implemented within the 8 principles of a whole school approach, led by Fran Parker from the Educational Psychology Service
• Working with schools, a parent’s perspective: jointly led by Carina Reid and Sasha Slade from the Autism and Social Communication Team, with the West Sussex Parent Carer Forum
• Therapeutic Thinking, developing emotional literacy to support wellbeing and inclusion: a practical session exploring tools, resources and strategies to develop emotional literacy
  Led by Kate Southgate and Nichola Atkinson from the Learning and Behaviour Advisory Team
• Introducing ENABLE: a solution-focused framework for individual and team coaching, for SENCOs to use with others in school, led by Clare Myall from the Educational Psychology Service

Tickets are on sale via West Sussex Services for Schools, with an early bird price of £100 available until the end of March. Thereafter tickets will be priced at £120. This includes all refreshments for the day.

Therapeutic Thinking training

Therapeutic Thinking is a school based and led approach, developed by Angela Wadham.

The Therapeutic Thinking approach helps senior leaders to develop policies and plans that support staff in implementing a therapeutic approach, using a train the trainer model.

To date 40% of all West Sussex schools have attended the 3-day training and have tutors in their schools.

“It was such a beneficial course that will help me explain behaviours and justify responses to my team. I have come away feeling confident and less than a week on it has already informed my practice.”

“Staff have a better understanding of behaviour being communication. Teachers and staff are empowered to use strategies in class for themselves, which has reduced the amount SLT are asked to support with.”

Quotes from teachers

More information on the Therapeutic Thinking approach can be found here.

The next 3 day training is on 6 June, 13 June and 20 June 2025, and can be booked via West Sussex Services for Education.

One day training

You do not need to have done the 3 day course to access this training. Places can be booked via West Sussex Services for Education.

• Principles of Emotional Literacy: a professional development day to explore the development of emotional literacy as part of a therapeutic approach in schools. Book your place here on Wednesday 7 May 2025
• Principles of a Behaviour Curriculum: a professional development day to explore the creation of a behaviour curriculum aligning with the principles of Therapeutic Thinking. Book your place here on Monday 16 June 2025

The Local Offer

The Local Offer website is our gateway to SEND information for families and young people (0–25). Whether you have a diagnosis or not, visit the Local Offer website for:

• A directory of services, community groups and activities
• The SEND support you can expect from childcare and education settings
• Information about NHS SEND services, including assessments and support while you wait
• Signposting to financial support, including grants and benefits
• Help with navigating Education, Health and Care Assessments, Plans and Reviews
• Support for preparing for adulthood, employment, and transitioning to adult social care

Tools for School

Tools for School is where you will find resources and information to support the inclusion of all West Sussex children and young people in early years, schools, post 16 and other education settings.

Family Information Service

The Family Information Service (FIS) is provided by West Sussex County Council. We offer free, impartial, up-to-date information to all families on childcare, as well as activities and services for 0–25 year olds.

SEND Improvement

As a council we are working together with our partners across education, health and social care, and importantly our families, to secure the best possible outcomes for all our children and young people. Here you will find more information about how we plan to improve our SEND services.

West Sussex SENDIAS

West Sussex SENDIAS, provides impartial information, advice and support to children and young people who have SEND (special educational needs and/ or disabilities) for those aged 0–25 and their parent carers.

Thriving in Education

Thriving in Education is where you will find support and information for children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Some of the services listed in this newsletter or on the Local Offer site are provided by private service providers and not by West Sussex County Council. These do not have a recommendation or endorsement from the local authority. If you decide to use a service / provision, you should be aware that you are responsible for doing your own checks to ensure they are suitable and fit for purpose. West Sussex County Council will not be liable for any damages or losses suffered by anyone who relies on the information in this newsletter.

4th February 2025: 42 stories and 1 Feature

Two teens charged after Bognor Regis stabbing

Brighton Half Marathon: Thousands take part in city centre race

Brighton stabbing sees two injured and three arrested

Couple to run Brighton Half Marathon as newly-weds

Gatwick: Why is it so hard to move a runway 12 metres?

Brighton and Hove City Council to raise council tax by 4.99%

Tacking Rural Crime

Sussex GP surgeries deliver record number of appointments

West Sussex pub fire closes Oving high street

Take a look at one of the most complex renovation projects ever seen in Brighton

Kent: Lottery winners mark 10 years of hosting Sea Scouts

Son loses High Court case against parents over move to Africa

Sussex charities 'at risk' from National Insurance hike

Gatwick Airport second runway backing sparks mixed reactions

'I'm not a flight-shaming eco warrior' says transport minister

New career at 50 for trainee EasyJet cabin crew

Eastbourne: Police officer attacked woman in alley, court told

Worthing Museum: Ukraine exhibition to hold minute's silence

Brighton: Whistleblower alerts police over woman's spinal surgery

Sussex: Primary schools to pilot government breakfast club scheme

Sussex: RNLI appeals for new volunteers on and off the water

Horsham: Capitol Theatre refurbishment to begin in 2026

Holidaymakers thought they saw Coleen Rooney at resort

Popular holiday resort launches all-inclusive deals for less than £100 a night

Man smashed car windows and kicked police dog in drunken spree

Littlehampton Seafront Design Scheme

Hospitality businesses in Arun urged to make crucial electrical safety checks | Latest news

Did you know? We donate old laptops - helping pupils and the planet | Latest news

Alexandra Theatre Construction Work - progress update | Latest news

More West Sussex schools and other buildings to benefit from solar power - West Sussex County…

Extra protection for rivers and streams | Latest news

Ferring green public conveniences - refurbishment complete | Latest news

Did you know? We offer FREE Bike Security marking events | Latest news

Man who collapsed at parkrun backs ambulance campaign to learn CPR — Yahoo News UK

Ben Wyeth Obituary (2025) — Chichester, Sussex — SussexWorld — Legacy.com

“Drunk” man who kicked dog and threated to kill officer jailed — Portsmouth News

Robin Cox Obituary (2025) — Chichester, Sussex — SussexWorld — Legacy.com

Police seeking to identify woman in relation alleged hate crime in Chichester shop

Everything we know so far as major fire at village pub in West Sussex brought ‘under control’

Albion renew partnership with train company to provide travel for fans

It will now cost more to enter popular pier in Sussex as owners double admission fee

Developers launch fight to build 247 new homes in South Downs village

FEATURE

Nominate Your Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator for the BBC Make A Difference Awards 2025!

We are excited to announce that the nominations for the BBC Make A Difference Awards 2025 are now officially open! This is your opportunity to celebrate and show appreciation for the incredible individuals and groups who make a positive impact in our communities.

We invite you to nominate your Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator for any of the following categories:

• Community Group
• Fundraiser
• Animal Award
• Green Award
• Active local volunteer
• Young Hero
• Volunteer
• Great Neighbour Award

Please click on the various individual categories to find out more about that award and the criteria and access to the nomination form for that category.

These prestigious awards are a fantastic way to say thank you and recognise the hard work of those who go above and beyond to improve the lives of others. The winners in each category will be selected by a panel of judges, and awards will be presented across each local BBC radio station.

The Make A Difference Awards 2025 were officially launched on Monday, 24th February 2025 on BBC’s One Show. Could one of our amazing Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators be the next local hero to be recognised?

Last year, our very own Cheryl Spruce, Head of Membership and Community Engagement, was nominated and proudly won in her local region in London. Could this be your year to shine?

Nominations are now open and it’s time to put forward those who deserve to be celebrated! If you know someone who fits the bill, we encourage you to submit a nomination. Together, we can help amplify the wonderful work being done in our communities. The link can be found HERE.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to showcasing our wonderful volunteers in their local regions.

Best wishes

Central Support Team | NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK

22nd February 2025: 45 stories and 1 Feature

JIM BROOKS FUNERAL WAS HELD ON THURSDAY

Council hiding longer waits for the Fire & Rescue Service

by Tony Morris

The West Sussex consultation on fire & rescue response standards is not about benchmarking, as claimed by Cabinet Member Duncan Crow, it is about covering up lengthy response times to critical incidents.

The proposed switch to average times is a significant lowering of response standards. Data from previous freedom of information requests show that, under these proposals, around two thirds of failed response times would in future be excluded. This is a blatant attempt to gaslight the public by moving the goal posts to hide worsening performance.

Response times for the first fire engine of more than 8 to 14 minutes, dependent on type of incident and risk area, fail the current response standard. However, in future, only responses of more than 16 minutes will be classed as failures. The proposals will also do away with a standard for the often vital second fire engine.

In a further effort to cover up worsening response times for critical incidents, West Sussex has now refused to provide recent data. This information was provided in 2018 and 2021, when the figures showed that failures had increased by 89%. With no legitimate justification for the refusal, it suggests the latest results are even worse. This Information Commissioner is now investigating this refusal.

Previously, County Councillors were assured that every failure to meet the response standard was investigated. Now it emerges that they have secretly stopped doing that. It is not known if this was kept from the Cabinet Member, or if he initiated this cover up?

It is important to realise that the response failures are not failings on the part of firefighters who always do their best, but the consequence of County Council cuts. Despite an increase in population and incidents, since 2010 the Conservative run County Council has removed a quarter of frontline fire engines and there are now over 30% fewer firefighters.

Evidence of the damaging effect of cuts has been reinforced by last year’s figures for assistance to and from neighbouring fire and rescue services. Compared to five years ago, they show that assistance given to others by West Sussex has fallen by a third, whilst assistance needed from others has increased by 37%.

West Sussex residents are being failed by the County Council. They should reject the proposals, as they are a blatant attempt to cover up even longer waits for help to arrive.

Fact checking of misleading information given to the Full Council meeting, on 14 February 2025, by Cabinet Member Duncan Crow:

We have made fantastic progress in our fire & rescue service

Some progress has been made thanks to the very hard work of dedicated staff. However, the inadequate resources provided by the County Council have made that task incredibly difficult. Difficult and limited progress is not ‘fantastic’.

We have provided additional investment

The limited additional investment was only provided after HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services rated the County Council’s fire & rescue service “Inadequate” in 2019.

We have added firefighters

The very small addition to extend day crewing from five to seven days a week at Burgess Hill, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and Shoreham, is a drop in in the ocean compared to the Council’s firefighter cuts. Home Office data shows that, even with that addition, West Sussex still has 30%+ fewer firefighters (full time equivalent) than in 2010.

We have strengthened the service

Four fire stations have been closed, and eleven frontline fire engines have been removed (a 24% cut). That is a very much weakened service, which is less able to respond quickly and effectively.

We have improved performance

Performance has deteriorated. During the day, two thirds of the County’s fire engines are dependent on Retained Firefighters, and at night that increases to three quarters. Yet from being available for around 90% of the time, these fire engines are now only available for less than 45% of the time.

Sussex town named as UK's 'shoplifting capital' in new study

Four councils in South East may borrow £97m to close budget gaps

Worthing: Legionella bug delays £41m health centre opening

Brighton: Road near Royal Albion Hotel to close due to safety risk

History lovers invited to go back in time for medieval festival

Brighton i360: Date announced for tower's reopening

Chichester Observer

Safer streets in Sussex

Staffordshire: Green light for £50m programme to improve schools

Lancing: Hundreds of homes without power after fault

Brighton: 'Vaping myths stop smokers quitting', says study

Brighton: 'Sussex's community sauna has created magic'

Brighton: Albion promote railway safety in new campaign

Brighton: Proposed changes to school admissions to be decided

Worthing: Suspected bomb on beach found to be a gas canister

Arundel: Court resolves error after £90k sent to wrong person

Man who murdered young mum in Crawley car park jailed

Brighton & Hove: Ten roads earmarked for safety works

Brighton Pride 2025: Sugababes to join Mariah Carey as headliners

Network Rail: Gatwick to Guildford trains resume after closure

Brighton: Hundreds of trees to be felled due to disease

South East Coast Ambulance service returns to Gatwick airport

Brighton: Lap dance club to have licence reviewed

Worthing: Work to begin on £3 million Montague Place project

Worthing: Taxi fare increase requested by drivers approved

Brighton students to run 24-hour CPR marathon for air ambulance

Worthing: Beach cordon in place for second day after bomb found

West Sussex: New flats demolished after storms damage structure

Tackling crime in your community

Bognor Regis apprentice helps Amazon announce 1,000 new UK apprenticeships

Mayor of Bognor Regis’ Weekly Briefing: plenty on offer during February half term

Tree planting event in Bognor Regis gives residents a chance to make a difference — Chichester

Howell: One win can give Bognor Regis Town the momentum they crave — Eastbourne

Bognor Regis man, 30, wanted on recall to prison — have you seen him? — MSN

Bognor Regis, Chichester & District Samaritans take part in Fun Run

Bognor Regis man, 30, wanted on recall to prison — have you seen him? — MSN

Howell: One win can give Bognor Regis Town the momentum they crave — Eastbourne

Tree planting event in Bognor Regis gives residents a chance to make a difference — Chichester

Mayor of Bognor Regis’ Weekly Briefing: plenty on offer during February half term — Crawley

Outline planning applications for hundreds of homes at West Sussex village

Independent adjudicator finds in favour of Chichester University students left in ‘academic limbo’ after African history course axed

First glimpses of colour at Borde Hill as estate reveals spring season plans

Self-taught metal artist from West Sussex village has ‘surreal’ experience starring on popular TV show

FEATURE

Welcome to the February 2025 edition of our Residents’ eNewsletter, featuring the latest news and updates from your county council.

Our balanced budget with no cuts to frontline services

We have agreed a balanced budget for the year ahead which provides support for the most vulnerable, without cuts to frontline services.

In the coming year, we will spend more than £2.2bn on vital services, including:

• £1,284m for schools, education, and children’s social care
• £553m to care for adults and keep people healthy
• £98m to protect the environment, recycling and waste disposal
• £87m to maintain roads and provide transport
• £65m for Fire and Rescue services and support for communities
• £5m to support the local economy

The pressures facing us outweigh the funding we receive from government, and we were able to achieve a balanced budget by reducing spending by £12.3m, and an increase in council tax of 4.99% (2% for adults’ social care and 2.99% for general fund services).

The increase in council tax for a Band D property is £85.59 per year or approximately £1.65 per week.

WATCH: Council Leader Cllr Paul Marshall said: “We approved our budget to spend on essential services to support Our Council Plan, and that’s about keeping people safeguarded, protecting our communities, focusing on our economy, and of course underpinned by protecting the environment.”

More information

Devolution: have your say on plans for Sussex

Sussex has moved a step closer to gaining new powers and investment for local communities.

The government has approved a joint bid between West Sussex County Council, East Sussex County Council, and Brighton & Hove City Council to be a priority for devolution.

It means the county as a whole will have an elected mayor to lead on big issues such as transport, public safety, health, housing, the economy and the environment.

Now is your chance to have your say on the plans for a Mayoral Combined Authority for Sussex and Brighton.

Take part in the government consultation.

Cllr Paul Marshall said: “A mayoral authority will give our communities greater influence in the big decisions that affect the region. I’m pleased the government has accepted us onto its priority programme, meaning we can unlock these benefits sooner rather than later.”

Read more on devolution

Get involved in our libraries’ centenary year

It’s 100 years since the county council adopted the Public Libraries Act and established a county-wide library service.

A special event was held last week at Burgess Hill Library, the service’s newest library which opened in 2019.

The celebrations included the launch of the service’s exciting Library of Possibilities and Wonders virtual reality (VR) experience, created especially for the centenary.

You can try out the VR headsets as they tour libraries across the county, as well as take part in a whole host of activities including special events for adults and children, a history webinar, and much more. Click on the link below to find out more.

Photo shows left to right: Cllr Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council, Russell Allen, Head of Libraries and Heritage, and Cllr Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue.

Join the celebrations!

Welcome to Experience Sussex

We’re excited to introduce Experience Sussex — your ultimate guide to discovering the best of Sussex!

Formerly Experience West Sussex, the website has been transformed to offer even more ways to explore, experience, and enjoy the area.

If you’re looking for fun days out our Things to Do section is packed with ideas, from family attractions and historic sites to thrilling activities for all ages.

Check out What’s On for the latest events, festivals, and theatre in Sussex, or if you are planning a visit for friends and family our Trip Builder makes it easy to create a tailor-made itinerary, just click the heart icon on your favourite places to start.

If you need inspiration, explore our Ideas and Inspiration section, where you’ll find blogs, news, and discover new places right on your doorstep.

And you can use our Food & Drink search to find great dining spots, hidden gems, and dog friendly pubs in your local area.

Start exploring via the link below or follow @experiencesussex. Share your own adventures with us using #ExperienceSussex.

Experience Sussex

Have your say on fire service emergency response standards

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has launched a public consultation to review its Emergency Response Standards.

Emergency Response Standards refer to the time it takes us to attend incidents such as fires and road traffic collisions in West Sussex.

The proposed changes will not affect the location of any fire stations or fire engines within West Sussex or change the time it takes for a fire engine to attend an incident but will bring the way the service measures its performance in line with other fire and rescue services to allow for greater transparency.

You can review the proposals and share your views as part of the public consultation via the link below until February 27.

Take part in the consultation

More local buildings to benefit from solar power

More schools and other buildings across West Sussex will soon be able to generate and use their own renewable energy thanks to the expansion of a county-council solar project.

We are growing our Solar Photovoltaic (PV) & Battery Storage programme and plan to install new renewable energy systems at 60 further sites across the county, including libraries, fire stations, and schools.

Excess energy will be stored in batteries for later use or exported to the national grid depending on the set up and needs of each site.

Read more

Take a look at the latest news about the environment and climate change, including progress with electric vehicle chargepoints, how to tackle food waste, and a podcast from the reuse shop and repair cafe.

Head to our Newsroom to find all the latest news.

• We are seeking views on how you use pharmacies to help us understand how local residents and communities use them. Take part in the survey which is open until Monday 3 March. Your feedback will help to inform a draft West Sussex Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment, which we’ll be asking for further public comment on later this year.
• Sunday 9 March is the national Covid-19 Day of Reflection, which marks the fifth anniversary of the pandemic. It’s a time to remember and commemorate those who lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. Click here for help and support or ways to commemorate the day or here for local bereavement support.
• Anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support. HIV testing is free, quick and easy and you can get tested at a sexual health clinic, your GP practice, or by ordering a test online. Order a free test for HIV and other STIs online.
• Our West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is urging people to close their internal doors and shut fires out following a fire in Chichester.
• It’s National No Smoking Day on 12 March and it’s never been easier to quit smoking in West Sussex, as there’s now even more support available. Visit Smokefree West Sussex or call 0330 222 7980 to get free, non-judgemental support and the right quit aids from specialist advisors to help you quit smoking for good. Support is available face-to-face, over the phone or by downloading the new Smokefree app.
• If you’re looking to start a rewarding career where you can make a difference to children, young people and their families then come along to our Children’s Services recruitment event on 12 March. Sign up here to attend.
• A campaign has been launched to help tackle the growing problem of drivers using their mobile phone behind the wheel.

West Sussex schoolchildren enjoyed a special visit to the Houses of Parliament in recognition of their inspirational efforts in helping young people have their voices heard.

14th February 2025: 32 Stories and 4 Features

Herald seeks clarity on Council Devolution Proposal

A Freedom of information request has been submitted to West Sussex County Council. We will publish the result when it becomes known.

“Dear West Sussex County Council,

Please clarify whether the recent successful bid re Mayoral status and 3 Councils (WSCC, ESCC, B&H Council) allows for outcomes other than 3 Unitary Councils (West Sussex, East Sussex, and Brighton & Hove), for example, splitting West Sussex into 2 unitaries (eg Coastal and Northern)? If so, how would this be progressed? What further consultation will take place on the main proposals, or is it all a ‘done deal’?

Yours faithfully,

Jan Cosgrove”

LINK:

Unitary Council for West Sussex under recent proposal - a Freedom of Information request to West…

Sussex: Elections postponed as fast-track devolution gets go-ahead

Rampion 2: Decision on West Sussex wind farm expansion postponed

Ex-PC found not guilty after 'nudging' e-bike and knocking men off

Sussex: Families back NHS hospital trust manslaughter probe

National Grid: Works to improve overhead Sussex-Hampshire line to begin

New measures introduced to protect victims

Third Dutch-style roundabout in UK set to open in Chichester

Brighton & Hove: Freeze on parking charges amongst budget plans

Brighton i360 to reopen in March, says former Dragon's Den star

Brighton i360: Buyer confirms takeover of viewing attraction

Bognor Regis Town Council E-Bulletin

Crawley: Coroner's warning after veteran's PTSD death

West Sussex: Firefighter honoured by King for her work

Steyning: Veteran fundraiser plans 'wacky' cross-India drive

Portslade cub scout leader jailed for decades-long abuse of boys

Steyning: Veteran fundraiser plans 'wacky' cross-India drive

Sussex: Loneliness charity launches letter writing scheme

Southwick: Tributes for 'beautiful' swan that was run over

Sussex: Five men arrested on suspicion of rape in Brighton

BBC Sussex

Brighton Palace Pier: Tourist attraction to double admission fee

Crawley: Bus station and town improvements given approval

Fire breaks out at holiday resort

Mum jailed after savage dog attack left pensioner without arm and leg

Historical photos show UK's 'fourth worst seaside town' in its heyday

Survival looking ever more distant as Bognor Regis Town lose to Billericay Town

Bognor Regis woman calls for change after garden wall destroyed twice in seven months

Sussex Police officers appeal for information after dangerous town-centre pursuit in Bognor Regis

Decision to revive Bognor Regis Carnival ten years ago proved fantastic success — Your West Sussex

VIDEO: Victim recalls horror dog attack as owners are sentenced — Sussex Police

Chichester: Police increase presence to tackle youth crime

FEATURES

Our library service is celebrating its centenary! This special edition Residents’ eNewsletter showcases all the exciting things happening during 2025 that you can get involved in.

Celebrate with us

Our libraries are celebrating a century of being at the heart of communities across West Sussex and we want you to join in!

During our centenary year you can come along to author talks, a murder mystery evening, a quiz night, tea party and family fun day among others. Check out what’s happening in your local library here.

All our public libraries are free, open spaces where you can borrow books, learn new skills, keep warm, access free Wi-Fi, entertain your child, join a reading group or board games club, research your family history or learn to use a computer, to name just a few.

County council cabinet member for community support, fire and rescue Duncan Crow said: “This is such a special year for the Library Service. Our libraries are an integral part of the community, providing valuable services which support residents and help them fulfil their potential, which is one of the priorities in Our Council Plan.”

Celebrate the centenary

Reading books — but not as we know it!

Escape into the world of virtual reality (VR) in your local library and enjoy books in a completely different way.

All 36 libraries in West Sussex will be hosting VR headsets during the centenary year, so you’ll be able to pop along to your local library and try out an immersive adventure and be transported into a magical world of virtual books.

The Library of Possibilities and Wonder unique VR project has been made possible thanks to National Lottery money awarded by Arts Council England.

Step into a virtual world

What does your library mean to you?

Perhaps you have memories of visiting the library as a child, sitting in the children’s section and sorting through the wooden boxes of picture books, or searching for your favourite author on the shelves and looking forward to delving in?

Maybe you recall borrowing videos from the library when they were introduced in the 1980s, or researching information on one of the computers that were available to use free of charge from the 1990s?

Or do you remember when the county’s first purpose-built library in West Sussex opened in Horsham in 1957?

If you would like to reminisce about your favourite books or library memories, you can write on special memory walls and books available in all our libraries, or send them through to us on the link below.

Send us your memories

Half term birthday fun!

There is always lots going on for children and young people in our libraries — and next week we have some special half term centenary themed story and craft sessions.

Join in the 100-year birthday fun from 17 to 21 February at libraries across the county.

Places are limited and pre-booking is required for all half term activities.

Please check the individual event listings via the link below for more details.

Check what’s on and book now!

What were our libraries like in times gone by?

Take a magical history tour with us as we look back at some of the fabulous memorabilia we have in the West Sussex archives.

You can find out about the first county librarian Henry Twort, who chose the books for customers, piled them into his Morris car and then travelled round the county delivering them!

Or learn more about rebel librarian Marian Frost, who was a pioneer in her field at Worthing Library and Museum in the early 1900s. She persuaded a steel baron to give the town the equivalent of £500,000 to fund a new library.

There’s also a video that you can watch showcasing some of the best photos from days gone by. You might spot someone you know!

A free talk on the history of West Sussex libraries will be held on 25 March in Chichester, or you can join online. Click here to reserve your space.

Step back in time

Not a library member yet but want to join in the fun? It’s simple and easy to join the library. And it’s completely free if you live, work or study in West Sussex.

Love your plastics this February

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on plastic recycling in West Sussex. Recycled plastic can be transformed into new products, such as fleeces, pillows, or new plastic bottles.

In West Sussex, we can recycle plastic bottles, pots, tubs, and trays of any colour, as long as they are empty, clean, dry and loose, including:

• Milk and drink bottles (squashed, with lids replaced)
• Bathroom bottles, including roll-on deodorants (squashed, with lids replaced)
• Laundry and detergent bottles and tubs (squashed, with lids replaced)
• Washing-up liquid bottles (squashed, with lids replaced)
• Yoghurt, cream, and soup pots
• Ice cream and margarine tubs
• Cosmetic pots and tubs
• Food and ready-meal trays
• Fruit and vegetable punnets
• Squeezy toothpaste tubes
• Plastic container lids (about the size of a coffee jar lid or larger)

Items such as carrier bags, crisp packets, bread bags, and other soft plastics are not suitable for home recycling bins. However, many supermarkets offer soft plastic recycling schemes for this type of packaging. If you cannot access these facilities, please dispose of soft plastics in your general waste bin.

To better understand what can and cannot be recycled in your household recycling bin, and to learn more about the recycling process, we encourage you to watch our informative video series. These videos explain the importance of proper recycling practices and provide insights into the journey of plastic recycling.

You can also find out more information on recycling in West Sussex on our website.

Reduce your waste this Valentines Day

It’s almost Valentine’s Day! While Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to express love and affection, it doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment. By making mindful choices, we can celebrate while minimising waste. Here are some of our favourite ideas:

• Thoughtful experiences over material gifts — Instead of purchasing physical items, consider gifting experiences that create lasting memories without generating waste. This could include a romantic walk, a homemade candlelit dinner, or a visit to a local art exhibition.
• Low waste cards and messages — Traditional Valentine’s Day cards often end up in the bin. Opt for digital e-cards or, if you prefer a physical card, choose ones made from recycled materials. Better yet, craft a handmade card using materials you already have at home for a more personal touch.
• Rethink flowers — While flowers are a classic Valentine’s gift, they often don’t last long and come wrapped in plastic. Consider giving a potted plant that can be enjoyed for years or skip the flowers altogether.
• Recycle and compost — Once you’ve reduced your waste as much as possible, don’t forget to recycle everything you can! Items that can be recycled in your household bin include cards and wrapping paper (unless they are glittery, metallic, or foil-based), clean takeaway containers, empty wine and beer bottles, and plastic sweet and chocolate containers. Items to avoid include balloons, teddy bears, and plastic wrapping. You can also compost flowers once they start to wilt.

Visit our blog post for more of our top tips on a low waste Valentines day.

Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund — applications now open

The Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund is now open for applications. The application portal will close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 2 March 2025.

This fund is designed to empower local community groups, schools, charities, and social enterprises to take innovative steps toward reducing household waste. With grants of up to £5,000 available, this is a fantastic opportunity to bring new waste prevention ideas to life and help reduce waste in West Sussex!

In January, we hosted a webinar to answer any questions and guide participants through the application portal and process. If you were unable to attend, the webinar recording is now available on our YouTube channel here.

For more details on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund webpage.

Get the latest updates

Here at West Sussex Recycles, we are passionate about reducing waste and encouraging recycling! That’s why over on our social media channels, we post multiple times a week, featuring fun facts and the latest updates. Why not join our community, keep up to date, and share your top tips on waste prevention and recycling?

• Facebook
• X (Twitter)
• Instagram
• YouTube

Upcoming waste prevention events

Throughout West Sussex, we are proud to work alongside a team of passionate recycling and waste prevention volunteers. They attend public and private events to promote waste prevention, reuse, and recycling, and are eager to answer questions about the county’s recycling services and waste reduction initiatives.

In addition to the public events listed below, we are participating in numerous privately hosted talks and events for local community groups, schools, and other organisations. If you would like our team to give a talk, visit your school, attend an event, or if you would like more information, please contact us at: waste.prevention@westsussex.gov.uk.

We also support our partners at the district and borough councils with community outreach in selected areas, engaging residents on both recycling and waste prevention topics.

February/ March events:

• Saturday 8 February (10am–1pm) — Burgess Hill Repair Café, The Kiln, opposite New Look, Burgess Hill, RH15 9NN
• Saturday 15 February (10:30am–1pm) — Volunteer Recruitment Fair, Rustington Methodist Church, Claigmar Road, Rustington, BN16 2NL
• Saturday 15 February (1pm–3pm) — Cats Protection Charity Bazaar, Millennium Hall, Roffey, Crawley Road, Horsham, RH12 4DT
• Tuesday 18 February (9am–11am) — UKHarvest Super hub, Oving Jubilee Hall, High Street, Oving, PO20 2DQ
• Tuesday 25 February (7pm-9:30pm) — Waste prevention talk for Steyning Green Drinks, Saxon Room, Steyning Centre, Fletchers Croft, Steyning BN44 3XZ.
• Monday 17 March (10am–4pm) — Food Waste Action Week Information Stand, Horsham Library, Lower Tanbridge Way, Horsham, RH12 1PJ
• Wednesday 19 March (9:30am–11am) — Food Waste Action Week Information Stand at Food Hub, Broadfield Community Centre, Broadfield Barton, Crawley RH11 9BA
• Thursday 20 March (9:30am–11am) — Food Waste Action Week Information Stand at UKHarvest Community Food Hub, Sidney Walter Centre, Sussex Road, Worthing, BN11 1DS
• Friday 21 March (10am–4pm) — Food Waste Action Week Information Stand, Crawley Library, Southgate Avenue, Crawley, RH10 6HG
• Saturday 22 March (10am–3pm) — Food Waste Action Week Information Stand, Worthing Library, Richmond Road, Worthing, BN11 1HD
• Wednesday 26 March (9:30am–11am, setup from 8am) — Food Waste Action Week Information Stand at UKHarvest Community Food Hub, Chanctonbury Leisure Centre, Storrington, RH20 4BG

Sign up for our newsletter

Finally, we know that if you receive this email, you are passionate about waste prevention and recycling.

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.

Help us spread the message and get more people on board to make West Sussex a strong, safe, and sustainable place to live.

Sussex Police Crime Alert — Arun

Good morning residents,

Following a recent spate of shed/outbuilding/garage break-ins in the Arundel area, we would like to remind residents of the following crime prevention information for keeping your home and property secure.

Secured by Design — Sheds & Outbuildings

Secured by Design — Garage Security

Keeping your shed or garage safe and secure | Crime prevention | Sussex Police

The February 2025 edition of OUR NEWS is here

We are pleased to bring you the latest edition of our newsletter for Neighbourhood Watch supporters across England and Wales.

Highlights from the February 2025 edition of Our News include:

* Guidance on spotting Romance fraud and scams

* SimpliSafe demonstrates the importance of Professional Monitoring when it comes to home security

* Phonely provides answers and information on how to prevent scam calls with their services

* We celebrate a decade of partnership with Patlock!

READ THE FEBRUARY EDITION OF OUR NEWSLETTER

We hope you enjoy this edition of Our News — please share with your neighbours, friends, and professional networks.