Bognor Regis Herald Latest Round Up
Main page: http://fairplay31.online/brh.html
11th December 2024: 35 new stories and features
Seagulls soak up the sunshine on the beach — Yahoo News UK
Blocked outfall pipe caused flooding in Bognor Regis, council confirms — Sussex Express
Highlights: Bognor Regis Town 1 Chatham Town 7 — The Pitching In Isthmian League
Sussex Police ‘urgently’ looking for missing 17-year-old from Bognor Regis — Chichester
‘We are in a much better position than last year’ — Environment Agency tells Bognor Regis …
3G pitch plans a ster closer at Bognor Regis Town
Mayor of Bognor Regis’ Weekly Briefing: a festive weekend! — Sussex Express
Report: Worthing U18s 3–0 Bognor Regis Town U18s — Worthing FC
New mural celebrates Bognor’s rich cultural history — PressReader
Lifesaving NHS team reunited with Bognor cardiac arrest survivor — Littlehampton
FEATURES
Think Before You Buy
As this is the final edition of our newsletter before Christmas, we’d like to take a moment to wish you all a merry Christmas and encourage everyone to continue to reduce waste wherever possible this December.
For example, you could consider using reusable crockery when hosting parties, or organise a clothes swap with friends to refresh your wardrobe for the party season. For more ideas and to see how our team is embracing waste prevention this Christmas, check out our website for inspiration.
We understand that some waste is unavoidable, so we’d also like to remind everyone to recycle as much as possible. Many holiday items can be recycled, including:
- Christmas cards
- Wrapping paper (if it passes the scrunch test — no glitter or foil!)
- Paper and cardboard gift bags
- Glass bottles and jars
- Plastic bottles (with lids on)
- Plastic pots, tubs and trays (including sweet and chocolate tubs)
- Flexible toothpaste tubes
- Tins and cans
- Foil
- Pringles tubes
Remember to keep items clean, dry, and loose and close your bin lid to keep the rain out. If you have more than will comfortably fit, check with your local district or borough council for their excess recycling policy, or take it to one of our Recycling Centres — don’t let that good recycling go to waste!
Finally, it’s easy for food waste to build up over the festive period. Instead of letting those leftovers go to waste, why not turn them into something delicious? Watch our video below for tips on making the most of your Christmas leftovers:
Exciting news! New Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund announced
We are thrilled to announce in partnership with Biffa, the launch of the Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund, opening for applications on 13 January 2025.
This grant fund is designed to empower local community groups, schools, charities, and social enterprises to take innovative steps in reducing waste. With grants of up to £5,000 available, this is a fantastic opportunity to bring your waste prevention ideas to life and reduce waste in West Sussex!
Applications to the fund should focus on one or more of the following areas:
- Reducing waste at its source
- Reuse and repair
- Food waste prevention
- Community waste prevention engagement
Applications open Monday, 13 January 2025 and close Sunday, 2 March 2025. For more details on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund webpage.
GIVEAWAY at our UKHarvest Community Food Hubs
We’ve got something special for everyone visiting our waste prevention stands at the December Community Food Hubs! As part of our FREE raffle at each hub, we’re giving away two slow cookers and one air fryer along with some great recipes that help reduce food waste.
Don’t miss out — rescue some food and visit one of our stands at any of the December Community Food Hubs to enter. Good luck and see you there!
Dates, times and locations of our UKHarvest Community Food Hubs can be found on our website.
Christmas bin collections and Recycling Centre opening hours
Due to the bank holidays, some collection days may change over the Christmas period. It is important to check with your local district or borough council for more information on how you may be affected:
- Adur & Worthing Councils
- Arun District Council
- Chichester District Council
- Crawley Borough Council
- Horsham District Council
- Mid Sussex District Council
If you live in Adur & Worthing, Arun, Chichester or Horsham districts why not download their apps and stay up to date on any changes with your bin collections?
Alongside collection changes, all the Recycling Centres will close at 2pm on 24 December and will be closed on the 25 and 26 December. They will also be closed on 1 January 2025. For more information on Recycling Centre opening hours, please 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.
December/ January events:
- Saturday 7th December (9am–2pm) — Waste prevention stand at Midhurst Market, Church Hill, Midhurst GU29 9NJ
- Saturday 7th December (10am) — Lindfield Repair Café, United Reform Church, 52 High Street, Lindfield, RH16 2HL
- Wednesday 11th December (10–11am) — Waste prevention stand at UKHarvest Community Food Hub, Southwick Community Centre, Southwick Street, Southwick, BN42 4TE
- Thursday 12th December (10–11am) — Waste prevention stand at UKHarvest Community Food Hub, Chanctonbury Leisure Centre, Storrington, RH20 4BG
- Friday 13th December (10–11am) — Waste prevention stand at UKHarvest Community Food Hub, Ascension Church, 110 Vale Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 4JS
- Wednesday 18th December (10–11am) — Waste prevention stand at UKHarvest Community Food Hub, Broadfield Community Centre, Broadfield Barton, Broadfield, Crawley, RH11 9BA
- Thursday 19th December (10–11am) — Waste prevention stand at UKHarvest, Sidney Walter Centre, Worthing, BN11 1DS
- Saturday 21st December (11am–3pm) — Waste prevention stand at the Holiday Activity Fund Play Day, The Regis School, Bognor Regis, PO21 5LH
- Friday 10th January (2pm–4pm) — Clothes and Book Swap, The Chapel, Graylingwell Drive, Chichester, PO19 6BZ
- Monday 15th January (10:30am–12:30pm)- Waste prevention stand, Horsham Unitarian Church, Worthing Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1SL
- Wednesday 24th January (10am–6pm) — ‘Reach Out’ Face-to-Face Community Engagement Roadshow, County Mall Shopping Centre, Crawley, RH10 1FP
- Thursday 25th January (10am–6pm) — ‘Reach Out’ Face-to-Face Community Engagement Roadshow, County Mall Shopping Centre, Crawley, RH10 1FP
Take part in our Cybercrime Survey!
Hello Jan
Along with our Cyberhood Watch partner, Avast, we are launching the latest Cybercrime Survey which will help us understand the impact of online crime and scams on our members. There’s also the opportunity of winning some very useful M&S vouchers!
The findings of the survey will be used to inform the ongoing Cyberhood Watch awareness initiatives and help our Cyberhood Watch Ambassadors. It will also draw attention to important topics which will help everyone protect themselves — and their loved ones — from cyber criminals.
The survey will close on Friday 15 December — we’d really love to hear your views and of course, we will load the report onto our website once it is available so you can take a look for yourself!
Thanks in advance for your support in the fight against cybercrime in the UK.
Can you contribute to the business of policing?
Do you have skills that can contribute to the business of policing, in relation to governance, risk, financial arrangements, internal audit and external audit, and how these services are being managed? If so, then the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) would like to hear from you.
The PCC and the Chief Constable for Sussex (CC) are recruiting a new independent member for their Joint Audit Committee.
This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in independent oversight and high-level focus on the adequacy of the governance, risk and control arrangements for Sussex Police and the Office of the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner. The role supports the PCC and CC and other Statutory Officers in gaining confidence as to the existence of effective governance, by reviewing the comprehensiveness of assurances to meet the needs of Statutory Officers in respect of reliability and integrity.
Your duties as a member of the Joint Audit Committee are expected to typically take up to fifteen days per annum, including time to read papers in preparation for meetings, and a programme of activity to keep you in touch with the organisation’s activities and priorities. This is a paid role and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
For more information please visit SPCC — Independent Joint Audit Committee Member Vacancy, or if you prefer, please visit the PCC’s website www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk and scroll down to Vacancies.
The December 2024 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.
Before you read our newsletter, here are a few notes to remember…
* The Central Support Team office will be closed from Monday 23rd December — Thursday 2nd January, and so you might not receive an immediate reply to your phone call or email. However, you will still be able access our website and all of our crime prevention and safety resources over this period.
* Thank you to everyone who attended our webinars in November — we were joined by the London Borough of Newham, Resolve ASB & the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, who all provided opportunities for meaningful discussion & knowledge sharing. You can view recordings from the session on this page of our website. If you attended one of these sessions, your feedback would be hugely appreciated! Please click here to complete this anonymous feedback form.
* We will soon be launching our 2024 Cybercrime survey — please keep your eyes peeled for this! You will receive a link to complete the survey via an Alert message, and we will also share the survey link via our social media channels.
Here are some highlights in December’s Our News newsletter:
* Remember the NW Shop when buying your Christmas gifts
* Enter ERA’s prize draw to win a home security bundle over £200
* We’re proud to introduce our new partnership with Phonely, working together to keep you protected from scams
* Making your lists and checking them twice… cybersecurity with Avast
* SimpliSafe offer advice on keeping your home secure this Christmas, and how to have fun at the same time
* LockLatch share recipes for festive homemade dog treats — don’t forget to check out their PetLatch product!
* The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) help us stay safe over the festive period
READ THE DECEMBER NEWSLETTER HERE.
Sussex Alerts — Sussex Police launch winter crackdown on drink and drug drivers
Monday 2nd December 2024
Sussex Police launch winter crackdown on drink and drug drivers
Operation Limit launches
There will be increased drug testing of motorists on our roads as part of Sussex Police’s annual crackdown on drivers over the limit.
Additional patrols will be in place as part of the nationwide campaign to tackle drink and drug driving called Operation Limit.
The focus on drug-driving follows a rise in the number of drug-driving offences detected across the country, and officers will also be continuing their efforts to catch drink-drivers as well.
Motorists are being warned that there are no excuses for drink or drug-driving as Sussex Police launch the annual winter crackdown campaign today.
Being over the limit can have fatal consequences, with drink and drug-driving being one of the the main reasons why people are killed or seriously injured on our roads.
But it also has consequences for those who are caught while over the limit, such as losing their driving licence and potentially losing their job as a result.
The campaign runs from December 1 to January 1, and appeals to the public’s sense of shared responsibility to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured.
Officers will carry out additional patrols and stop checks, above the regular patrols which take place 24/7, every day of the year. There will also be more drug-testing of drivers being carried out.
During last year’s campaign, Sussex Police made a total of 261 arrests, of which 56% were for drug driving related offences.
Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner, who also is the roads policing lead for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said:
“Driving while intoxicated through alcohol or drugs destroys lives, but tragically every day we still see reckless drivers getting behind the wheel.
“They are putting themselves and all other road users at risk. People who consume alcohol or drugs and then drive need to be stopped.
“Our campaign aims to save lives by deterring people from drink and drug-driving, and to deal robustly with offenders.
“We urge the public to persuade friends and loved ones not to get behind the wheel if they have consumed alcohol or drugs, and if that fails, for them to report those drivers to the police so they can be stopped before they cause a needless fatality.”
Many motorists may not realise that they are still over the limit for alcohol the morning after Christmas parties or a night out with friends.
Meanwhile those who consume drugs may not realise that the chemicals stay in their bodies for a long time, which means they can be over the drug-drive limit for a considerable period after taking them.
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Each year, Sussex Police’s winter crackdown to tackle drink and drug driving results in hundreds of people being arrested.
“Whilst it’s good news that those who are committing these dangerous crimes are being taken off our streets and facing the consequences, these results show that there is still a selfish minority that do not understand the severity of getting behind the wheel under the influence.
“The repercussions can be tragic and fatal. There are many other options and methods of transport to use across our county, it simply isn’t worth it. I know it can be difficult to report someone you know for drink or drug-driving but it could be life-saving.”
Superintendent Rachel Glenton, Head of Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “Our officers will be joined by officers from across the force to carry out increased patrols and stop checks on the road networks.
“This is in addition to our existing patrols which we carry out 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
“Through education, engagement, and enforcement, we aim to reduce the devastating impact of drink and drug-driving.
“We will deal robustly with offenders. So while our officers can’t be everywhere, they could be anywhere and there really is no excuse for drivers who put their own safety and the safety of everyone else at risk.”
In keeping with previous campaigns Sussex Police will be publishing the names of some of those convicted to raise awareness of the issue and to act as a deterrent to others from committing the same offence.
The consequences of drink or drug-driving could include:
• Killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else;
• A minimum 12-month ban;
• An unlimited fine;
• A possible prison sentence;
• A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment;
• An increase in your car insurance costs;
• Difficulty travelling to countries such as the USA.
If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online www.crimestoppers-uk.org
The campaign is being supported by the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership and Surrey RoadSafe.
26th November 2024: 65 new stories and features
Student, 19 found dead at Sussex hospital had been told her apology was ‘insincere’ by psychologist
Bognor Regis Town Hall temporarily closed due to suspected gas leak — Sussex Express
Former Rock Smith exposes Bognor Regis Town’s defensive weaknesses — Sussex Express
Bognor Regis Town Women knock down Villa — report and picture special — Crawley
Man arrested over alleged assault of woman in Bognor Regis — Sussex Police
Heritage at Risk | Historic England
Punters get their skates on as ice rink returns to Bognor Regis in time for Christmas
250 children and parents pile in for Rotary Club’s 23rd Music Festival in Midhurst
Sussex Police investigating Bognor Regis seafront exposure — The Argus
Multi-million pound youth centre relaunches in Bognor Regis — MSN
Sussex Police: Increase in numbers waiting for DBS checks — BBCCouncil receives 120 extra support applications for SEND children a month, MP says
Dad of four saved after heart attack at Parkrun finish line — Wales OnlineBognor Regis and Littlehampton MP’s ‘grave concerns’ for budget — MSN
Police search for woman after Bognor Regis disturbance | News — Rayo
Bognor Regis Remembrance 2024: town pays tribute to fallen troops — Sussex Express
Five star Bognor see off Selsey — Sussex County FA
Lewes ease past Bognor with late masterclass
Mayor of Bognor Regis’ Weekly Briefing: poignant Remembrance commemorations — Sussex Express
Court results round-up for Chichester area from October 31 to November 4, 2024
FEATURES
Arun District Council
In this news update
Remembrance Day video 2024
- Arun Business Awards 2024–25th anniversary
- Council supports further funds for Alexandra Theatre
- Two-hour virtual parking disc 2025 live
- Book-a-Bus comes to Barnham
- Friday Night Project — Littlehampton Wave relaunch
- New fostering film ‘Everything’ launches
Remembrance Day video 2024
Hundreds of people gathered at Remembrance Day services and ceremonies across the district on Sunday to pay respect to the men and women lost to war worldwide and to remember the service and sacrifice made by so many.
On Monday, crowds gathered at war memorials in our Arun towns for a two-minute silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month.
We have made a video to mark this important occasion. Please view it here
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/remembrance-day-video-2024-9240
Arun Business Awards 2024–25th anniversary
A glittering awards ceremony was held on Friday 1 November to announce the winners of the 25th annual Arun Business Awards.
Launched in 1999, the awards attracted more than 130 entries showcasing the wide variety of businesses within the district.
Held at Fontwell Park Racecourse, the special anniversary ceremony was compèred by Miriam Nicholls, who runs the very successful Arun Business Partnership and is Business and Economy Manager at Arun District Council.
Find out who the winners were here
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/arun-business-awards-2024-25th-anniversary-9236
Council supports further funds for Alexandra Theatre
Councillors have voted to allocate a further £3 million to support the delivery of the Alexandra Theatre project in Bognor Regis.
Work to rejuvenate the theatre is progressing well with appointed contractor Neilcott Construction currently setting up the site and starting work.
Read more here
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/council-supports-further-funds-for-alexandra-theatre-9239
Two-hour virtual parking disc 2025 live
Our 2025 virtual two-hour free parking disc is now live.
The virtual town centre parking disc, accessed via the MiPermit app, costs just £4 for the whole of 2025.
It will allow customers two hours of free parking, once per day, in any of the six participating town centre car parks.
The 2025 virtual parking discs are available to purchase via the MiPermit website using this link
Read more here
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/twohour-virtual-parking-disc-2025-live-9230
Book-a-Bus comes to Barnham
Book-a-Bus is West Sussex County Council’s flexible, on-demand, bus rideshare service being trialled in areas around the county with limited or no traditional bus services.
The Book-a-Bus 97 Flex zone serves Barnham and its surrounding areas. You can travel anywhere within the zone, from Monday to Friday between 9.30am to 4.30pm and Saturday from 7.00am to 7.00pm.
There is also a commuter route on the 97 Flex zone servicing specific stops in Slindon, Walberton and Barnham railway station from Monday to Friday between 6.45am to 9.30am and 4.30pm to 7.00pm.
To book a seat, download the Book-a-Bus Barnham app on the Google Play Store or Apple Store, or call 01243 858854.
For more information visit
Friday Night Project — Littlehampton Wave relaunch
Friday Night Project will be returning weekly to Littlehampton Wave from Friday 8 November.
Freedom Leisure will manage the sessions with the support of Arun Youth Projects via funding from Arun District Council.
The one-and-a-half-hour supervised multi-activity session for young people will include the option of swimming and sports hall activities, including table tennis, football, badminton, dodgeball and the large multi-play park inflatable.
Find out more here
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/friday-night-project-littlehampton-wave-relaunch-9207/
New fostering film ‘Everything’ launches
“What you do with your life could forever change someone else’s”.
That is the message of a new film, which aims to raise awareness of the need for more foster carers.
There are over 900 children across West Sussex who need a safe and loving home. Could you consider becoming a foster carer yourself, or start conversations with family and friends? In return, foster carers for WSCC receive comprehensive training, ongoing support, and a financial package of up to £30,393 a year (per child).
Want to find out if you could change a child’s life? Visit the link below to watch the film.
News updates
Littlehampton Seafront Scheme latest news -
https://www.arun.gov.uk/littlehampton-seafront-design-scheme
Sussex Resilience Forum Local Risk Perception Survey –
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/sussex-resilience-forum-local-risk-perception-survey-9208/
Early medieval (Anglo-Saxon) gold ‘plate’ dated to c. 570–630 AD now on display at Littlehampton Museum –
Police volunteer vacancies
Dear Residents,
Sussex police are recruiting for Independent Advisors.
Independent Advisors are members of diverse communities from across the Force area who provide advice and make recommendations to the Police on how policy and services affect different groups.
The role of an adviser is to:
- Assist the police in shaping service delivery to meet the needs of diverse communities, and create an anti-discriminatory police service.
- Provide guidance and feedback about the potential and actual impact of policing on different groups, and act as a ‘critical friend’ challenging conventional thinking and offering an independent perspective on issues.
The role is a volunteering role. Independent Advisors are committed to improving relationships between the police and communities by using their expertise and life experiences to objectively appraise policies, procedures and operational activities. Advisors are individuals who live in Sussex and who are able draw on their knowledge and experience of the county when providing advice.
Members are able to communicate the culture and practices of their communities to the police force and make unemotional assessments of situations on which they are asked to provide an independent perspective and act as a critical friend.
Want to know more? You can find the application here — Independent Advisor (lumesse-engage.com)
November 2024 West Sussex County Council eNewsletter
Welcome to the November 2024 edition of our Residents’ eNewsletter, featuring the latest news and updates from your county council.
Let us know what you think
Have you taken part in our budget consultation yet?
Our budget for 2025–2026 amounts to over £2 billion which will be spent on services for our 900,900 residents and more than 42,500 businesses.
We’d like to hear your opinions and views on how and where we should spend that money.
Better Roads — what are we doing?
Almost 40,000 safety related defects on highways across West Sussex have been repaired between April and September as we retain our commitment to better roads.
This year the council invested an extra £13 million to actively tackle the problem of our deteriorating roads and keep the county moving.
This was in addition to the base budget for the year of £42.8 million and £2.1 million received from the Department for Transport’s Road Resurfacing Fund.
We ask Secretary of State to see first-hand the importance of the A27
We have written an open letter to the government raising concerns about the decision to cancel planned improvements to the A27 and offering support to work together to find a solution to the problems.
The letter, from county council Leader Paul Marshall and the Chair of Transport for the South East (TfSE) Keith Glazier invites the Rt Hon Louise Haigh MP to see first-hand why the road is so important to our communities.
The A27 is a strategically important route that links towns and cities along the Sussex and Hampshire coast. It has long been considered sub-standard and unreliable, suffering specifically from congestion at Chichester, Arundel and Worthing, as well as to the east of Lewes.
The letter outlines the leaders’ concerns that the decision to cancel the A27 improvement schemes will further harm opportunities for growth across the Sussex region and impact on local businesses and trade in the region.
Supporting families to live independently
Our Meals on Wheels provider, Health & Independent Living Support (HILS), joined forces with West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service recently to demonstrate how we’re helping people live independently in their homes.
While on a special visit to customers Michael and Audrey, Rural Engagement Officer Ben Applin carried out a safe and well check, gave advice on making their home safer, and fitted two smoke alarms for free.
Ben said: “For our officers and crews, knowing they can easily refer residents to one of our partner services such as HILS, ensures that we continue to take a joined up approach to community safety and make sure those who are most at risk have professional, ongoing support.”
Visit the HILS website or call 0330 2000 103 for more information. Every visit includes delivery of a hot meal and dessert, along with a caring wellbeing check from their Community Team Members.
Extra support:
Are you aged 66 or over? Pension Credit could give you extra financial support such as the Winter Fuel Payment and access to other benefits such as free NHS prescriptions. The importance of claiming was highlighted recently by our councillors. Find out more, including eligibility and how to access the benefits
It’s Carers’ Rights Day on 21 November. If you or someone you know is an unpaid carer you can:
- Ask your GP practice to identify you as a carer on your patient record.
- Request a free flu jab — if you’re the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be put at risk if you became ill, or if you are in receipt of Carer’s Allowance.
- Request a carers assessment if you’re over 18 and provide regular unpaid care for someone.
- Register with Carers Support West Sussex to find local support and use their Smart Search tool to find information most relevant to you. Find support and information for young carers aged under 18 here.
#NoExcuse for violence
16 Days of Activism is an international campaign which calls for action to end violence against women and girls around the globe.
It runs from 25 November in the UK, marked by White Ribbon Day, and ends on 10 December which is World Human Rights Day.
This year our Community Safety Team will be raising awareness on the different forms of violence each day, working alongside local support service providers.
Find more information and where to access help and support on the topics highlighted during the campaign by following WS Community Safety (@WSxCommSafety).
Violence and abuse can affect anyone of any gender. If you are affected by these issues, you can find information on the link below.
Pick up a pre-loved paint pot!
You can now donate unwanted paint or pick up a pre-used pot for your own DIY at designated Recycling Centres across West Sussex.
In collaboration with Biffa and Community RePaint (sponsored by Dulux), we have launched this initiative which is aimed at reducing paint waste and encouraging reuse of partially used pots.
To donate or collect paint, you must book an appointment to visit a Recycling Centre in advance.
Change someone’s life forever
We are highlighting a new film which raises awareness of the need for more people to step forwards and foster. We are urgently seeking more foster carers to change a child’s life forever.
Sam, pictured above, from Horsham has been a foster carer for over 23 years said: “We welcomed our first foster child into our family in 2002 as a tiny newborn, when my twins were five. He lived with us for two and a half years and my children still consider him a brother. He and his mum live abroad now, but I speak to his mum all the time. He is amazing and watching him continue to grow has been such a gift and benefits us all.”
The number of children and young people cared for by the county council stands at over 900 across the county, with 20 currently waiting for a foster home.
Our foster carers receive comprehensive training, ongoing professional support and a competitive financial package of up to £30,393 per child per year, with additional fees for specialist roles.
Head to our Newsroom to find all the latest news.
- If you are eligible, protect yourself and your loved ones from winter bugs by getting your Flu, Covid-19 and RSV vaccines. Find out more about winter vaccinations and how to get them on the NHS website.
- We’ve recently completed over £1million worth of transport improvements outside primary schools as part of active travel to school schemes to encourage families to leave their cars at home and choose active, sustainable travel options for the school run.
- Public sector leaders and chief executives from the water companies have held a summit to discuss progress on water issues in West Sussex including flooding prevention.
- People living and working near their local fire station are urged to join the ranks as a retained firefighter as the fire service faces one of its biggest challenges since the Second World War. Retained firefighters — otherwise known as on-call firefighters — make up almost half of West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s operational workforce, but it is becoming increasingly harder to recruit people into the role.
- Come along to Edes House in Chichester on Sunday 1 December from 11am to 3pm for an open house and mini market. See the house decorated for Christmas, listen to some live festive music and visit our story grotto.
- As members of the Sussex Resilience Forum (SRF), we’re supporting its Local Risk Perception Survey to identify current levels of risk awareness and preparedness across Sussex, in relation to extreme weather conditions. Take part in the survey by 8 December.
Worthing Library is hosting a free start-up business help and information event on Tuesday 19 November from 10.30am to 4pm. Watch live screenings of chats with food brand founder Charlie Bigham, network with local business experts and explore the new business offer from Worthing Library as a Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC). Book your free ticket here.
Sussex Police Monthly Bulletin — Arun
Good Afternoon Residents,
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.
Your voice matters.
Help us to continue to improve ASB in Sussex by taking a few minutes to complete our anonymous survey Sussex Police Hotpot Policing Survey 2024
Since hotspot patrols were introduced in April we’ve:
- Carried out over 10,000 hours of patrols in these locations where we know the highest harm is likely to occur.
- Engaged with over 60,000 people
- Searched over 200 people
- Arrested over 190 people
These may sound like just numbers, but each of these things means something to someone who works, lives or visits Sussex.
It means less harm and ASB on our streets, and people feeling safer in their community.
APPEALS
Appeal following attempted burglary in Houghton
Police are appealing for information following an attempted burglary in Houghton.
At around 10am on 1 September, police were called following a report of an attempted burglary, where damage was seen on garage doors in the village.
The incident is believed to have taken place at 2am.
Officers would like to speak with those seen in the images to assist with their enquiries.
If you recognise them or have any information or footage of the area, you are asked to contact police online or call 101 quoting serial 486 of 01/09.
Appeal following attempted burglary in Houghton | Sussex Police
Man arrested over alleged assault of woman in Bognor Regis
Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed an alleged assault in Bognor Regis town centre.
The incident involving a man and a woman, who are known to each other, occurred in the High Street around 11.30pm on Saturday 16 November.
The couple are reported to have exited the William Hardwicke pub shortly before it happened. They then travelled home in a taxi, where their argument continued.
Following enquiries, a 54-year-old man from Bognor Regis was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He has been bailed with conditions not to contact the woman as the investigation continues.
In the meantime, officers would like to speak to the taxi driver who escorted the couple and anyone who witnessed the incident or intervened.
You can report it online or call 101, quoting serial 35 of 17/11.
Man arrested over alleged assault of woman in Bognor Regis | Sussex Police
CRIME REPORTS
Burglary and vehicle crime
Over the last month, there have been a number of reports of burglaries, in particular, break ins to sheds and outbuildings, with bikes and tools stolen. You can help to keep your property safe by keeping valuable items out of sight, and securing sheds/outbuildings with good quality locks. Vehicle crimes have included van break ins, where tools have been stolen. Please ensure that all valuables and tools are removed, and that vehicles are locked. Particularly in the lead up to Christmas, please ensure that shopping or bags are not left on show in vehicles, presents and valuables are hidden out of sight at home, and that any boxes and packaging from expensive gifts are thrown away discretely!
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
Three arrested following series of tool thefts in Sussex
Three men have been arrested following a series of high-value tool thefts across Sussex and other counties.
On Tuesday, November 19, a vehicle that was driving at speed towards Pewsey in Wiltshire was stopped by officers in connection with the investigation.
Three men, aged 20, 24 and 25 from London and Buckinghamshire, were detained and arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal from motor vehicles in Sussex between September and November.
The men have been bailed for the offence while further necessary enquiries take place.
Reports can be made online, or by calling 101 quoting Operation Kansas.
Three arrested following series of tool thefts in Sussex | Sussex Police
Crime falls in Sussex’s Hotspots
Crime has fallen in Sussex’s hotspot areas after six months of targeted action.
More than 10,000 hours of extra patrols, tens of thousands of public engagements and relentless enforcement action has seen crime in hotspots fall by over 14% in the six months from April, 2024 — compared to the same time last year.
April was the official launch of Sussex Police’s Hotspot Policing Team — a unit dedicated to tackling anti-social behaviour and serious violence in 29 areas with relatively high concentrations of crime.
Alongside enforcement and engagement, the team has also been working with our partners to tackle the root issues that underpin criminal behaviour.
In that time, anti-social behaviour crime has reduced by 17.9% and reports of grievous bodily harm have fallen by 29.1%.
Knife-related offences have increased by 10.3%, driven by increases in two new hotspots in the Brighton area. In the 27 other hotspot areas, knife offences have fallen by 22%.
In November, new community pods were opened to give a presence in each area with hotspots — Hastings, Eastbourne, Brighton, Crawley, Horsham, Worthing and Chichester.
You can read more here — Crime falls in Sussex’s hotspots | Sussex Police
Lorry driver sentenced for dangerous driving while over the limit
A lorry driver who crashed his vehicle while over the alcohol limit has been sentenced.
Janis Rimovics, 50, was driving a 44-tonne articulated lorry when he struck a parked vehicle in Church Lane, Pagham.
He then drove into a nearby holiday park which was busy with families and children on a busy Saturday evening during the summer holidays.
Despite there being pedestrians, Rimovics continued to attempt to manoeuvre the lorry before members of the public persuaded him to give up.
Rimovis smelt of alcohol and the police were called. When officers arrived, they found Rimovics too intoxicated to stand.
Rimovics was arrested and charged with dangerous driving and driving over the alcohol limit.
At Portsmouth Crown Court on October 18, he was sentenced to four months in prison. He was disqualified from driving for 18 months.
You can read more here — Lorry driver sentenced for dangerous driving while over the limit | Sussex Police
Bognor man convicted of sexual offences against a child
A Bognor man has been convicted of sexual communications with a child.
Between 10 November 2021 and 22 November 2021, Sacha Dixey engaged with a child profile of a 13 year old girl on a popular social media platform.
The profile stated the girl’s age as 13 on multiple occasions during their conversation.
Dixey posed as a 39-year-old man from London and sent several selfies of himself, including a sexual image. He pleaded not guilty to the offences.
Following a four-day trial which began on 28 October at Lewes Crown Court, he was found guilty by the jury.
Dixey, 47, is due to be sentenced on 12 December at Lewes Crown Court.
Bognor man convicted of sexual offences against a child | Sussex Police
REPORTING A CRIME
For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, click www.sussex.police.uk, (If you report a crime online, we will assess it in the same way as a 101 call).
Call 101 when you do not require an urgent response. In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger always call 999.
Connect with us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team at www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us using TypeTalk on 18000 or by sending a text to 65999.
Crimestoppers
Crimestoppers is speaking up about neighbourhood crimes. Robbery, theft, and burglary harm communities and have a long-lasting impact on their victims. People not only suffer from the loss of their possessions, the invasion of privacy and violation of personal space, but some may experience emotional distress or be left with physical injuries.
Victims of crime may experience long-term adverse effects, from feelings of strong emotions to physical effects including a lack of sleep or falling ill. For some, the trauma can force them to change their ordinary daily routines, out of fear of repeat victimisation.
If you have witnessed an incident of robbery, theft, or burglary, or have information about a crime, tell Crimestoppers and remain 100% anonymous.
Call free on 0800 555 111 or visit the website -
https://crimestoppers-uk.org/news-campaigns/campaigns/speaking-up-about-neighbourhood-crime
SUPPORT
If you have been a victim of crime, you can contact Victim Support who can give you the emotional support and advice you need. It does not matter how long ago the crime took place — they are always on hand to support you. More information is available here https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/
Children and young person support
If you have children and young people in your family or you have friends that do, we are providing information and access to dedicated support services, if they feel they are unable to speak to their relatives or teachers.
Is this OK?
Is This Ok? is a free, anonymous, and confidential service, bringing trained professionals together to provide support to young people through a chat service. You do not need to provide your real name (a nickname is fine for us!), and we don’t need to know your address.
The service is available for children and young people aged 13–18 years old and you can find out more here https://www.isthisok.org.uk/
Fearless — Crimestoppers
It can be a frightening time when children and young people hear of a crime being planned, witness a crime or are being exploited. Fearless enables young people to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously. The Fearless website is available here https://crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless/what-is-fearless
We’re supporting Counter Terrorism Policing’s campaign to encourage everyone to help keep each other safe this winter. We ask you to help by staying alert and trusting your instincts.
If something doesn’t feel right, tell staff, security or police straight away, and they will do the rest. You won’t be wasting our time.
In an emergency, call 999. Let’s keep each other safe.
Free UK-wide service which provides extra advice and support, including when there’s an interruption to your electricity, gas or water supply
As Storm Bert is affecting the UK, if you have not already done so this is a good time to consider registering for extra advice and support, including when there could be interruptions to your electricity, gas or water supply.
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is free to join. It helps utility companies, including energy suppliers, electricity, gas and water networks, to look after customers who have extra communication, access or safety needs. It helps tailor services to support households who need extra help in the event of a power cut, gas or water supply interruption.
Your energy supplier (the company that provides your electricity and gas) and your network operator (the company responsible for the pipes and wires that carry electricity and gas) will both keep a Priority Services Register.
To find out who these organisations are in your area please visit www.thepsr.co.uk and enter your postcode. Your electricity and gas suppliers will be shown; you just need to click the sign up button there to join their PSR. Electricity companies are, where possible, sharing PSR information with water companies, so you can get vital help and support from them too if there’s a break in your water supply.
Please also consider helping others to join the PSR, for example, elderly relatives, friends or neighbours, people with serious medical conditions, or people who may struggle with the internet.
Who can join
You can ask to join your supplier or network operator’s Priority Services Register if you:
- have reached state pension age
- are pregnant, or have young children
- struggle with speaking or reading English.
You can also join if you’re living with a disability or a long-term medical condition, including:
- mental health conditions
- conditions affecting your sight, hearing or sense of smell
- conditions that mean you need to use medical equipment that requires a power supply.
Help is also available if your circumstances have recently changed, for example if you:
- are recovering from an injury, or need support after a stay in hospital
- have been bereaved
- have lost your job.
What help is available?
Joining the Priority Services Register means you’ll be able to get a range of extra help when you need it. This could be all the time, or for a short period due to something that’s happened in your life. Some of the help you can get includes:
- priority support in an emergency
- wherever possible, advanced notice of scheduled power cuts
- an identification and password scheme if someone needs to visit or contact you, helping you feel confident they are genuine
- the ability to nominate someone to receive communications and bills from your supplier, for example a family member, carer or someone you trust
- the chance to move your prepayment meter if you can’t safely get to it to top up
- regular meter reading services
- account info and bills in large print or braille
- assistance reconnecting your gas supply, if you need it.
What help should I expect from being on the Priority Services Register during a power cut?
- A priority number that you can call 24 hours a day
- Text and voice message alerts, letting you know when they are aware of a large power cut in your area
- Tailored support if needed such as home visits, hot meals, advice and keeping your friends and relatives updated
- Where possible, text and voice messages when severe weather is expected, to help you prepare
- In certain scenarios they may also offer a free hotel overnight and transport to the hotel
- For complex power cuts their community welfare teams provide on-site support which includes hot drinks, hot meals, a Wi-Fi connection and charge points.
Additional information can be found at UK Power Cut? Call 105 For Free | Find Your Electricity Provider and Join your supplier’s Priority Services Register | Ofgem
12th November 2024: 32 new stories
Bognor Regis Remembrance 2024: town pays tribute to fallen troops
Winners of the Arun Business Awards announced as traders celebrate another successful year
Lots to look forward to as Multi-million pound youth centre relaunches in Bognor Regis
Surprise operation disrupts criminal activity in Bognor Regis and Hastings
In pictures: newest Midhurst museum exhibition showcases town’s wartime history
Lifeguards retrieve abandoned inflatable between Selsey and the Isle of Wight
Bus fare hikes will cost commuters across Chichester area
Dad had cardiac arrest after Bognor Regis Parkrun — and was saved by CPR from off-duty paramedic
Step back in time with 80s themed events at The Novium Museum
Local GP appointments at risk due to national insurance hike, say Chichester Lib Dems
When Dolly Parton turns up as your fairy godmother … Chichester Festival Theatre
Arun planning applications: Here’s the latest list of submissions across the district
5th November 2024: 41 new stories and features
Is this the end of the Boklok development in Yapton or just a serious blip?’
Earlier reports have already outlined concerns about the trading
position of Tophat over time. The latter, as the contracted
suppliers of the volumetric modules for Boklok developments in
the UK until Aug. 2025. Including the Yapton development in
prospect. Less than encouraging updates regarding Tophat, have
appeared in conjunction, in several build publications in recent
weeks, from Oct.20th 2024.
Read Full Story EXCLUSIVE HERE
EDITORIAL — Bognor Theatre Costs soar to £26m after Arun Council takes loan
The original Government Grant to improve the current Regis Centre site was £12m, Arun had to add a further £3m as costs increased. But now, for hadl any extra seats, Arun has borced to take on a 50 year loan, final cost over £8m, to bring the delayed project to completion. That will mean a staggering £26 million of which half will be paid by Arun taxpayers.
In 2015, Arun was offered a major redevelopment Project by the Sir Richard Hotham Project which would have included a £26 million 1100 seater modern venue on Hothampton Car Park at no cost to local tax payers. Arun officers and leading Tory Councillors did all they could to block it even after the Planning Inspector allowed it.
The Herald challenges the Council to take a fresh look at this current scheme to see whether a developer might want to offer better and more.
‘Triple launch’ in three supermarkets kickstarts Bognor Regis poppy appeal
Poppy cascade for West Sussex village grows way beyond expectations after yarnbombers’ plea
Intrepid traveller Susan Calman will be seen sailing on the River Arun in the first episode of Season 8 of her popular TV show Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out on Channel 5. We can’t wait to watch
Holovis’ 360Golf installed at Butlin’s Bognor Regis resort
Rod Stewart praises Littlehampton RNLI after fan club’s generous donation
Bognor Regis couple convicted after shocking neglect of pony and horse
Work on Bognor Regis Theatre ‘progressing as programmed’, council says
Toilet block on Littlehampton seafront successfully demolished and seafront regeneration continues
Government Employment Rights Bill is a threat to tourism, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP says
Sussex Police ‘concerned’ for missing Bognor Regis teen with links to Horsham — MSN
Police issue appeal following assault in Bognor Regis which hospitalised 64-year-old woman
Railway journey back in time celebrates 160th anniversary of Bognor Regis railway station
FEATURES
Are you confident about what can and can’t be recycled at home in West Sussex?
Here at West Sussex Recycles we’re here to help you make the most of your recycling efforts while ensuring that the right materials are collected and processed correctly. Here is a quick reminder of what you can and can’t put into your recycling bin at home:
What CAN go in your recycling bin at home:
- Plastic bottles (with lids on), pots, tubs, and trays (all colours)
- Paper and card
- Glass bottles and jars
- Cans, tins, and foil
- Cartons and TetraPaks
What CAN’T go in your recycling bin at home:
While we’d love to recycle everything, some things can’t be recycled in your bin at home for various different reasons. Below are the top non-recyclable materials found in recycling bins across West Sussex:
- Crisp packets and plastic film (e.g., cling film or plastic wrapping) — these items should be placed in your general waste bin or taken to your local supermarket for recycling as part of their soft plastic recycling scheme.
- Food waste or greasy packaging — please keep recycling clean and dry. Any leftover food should go in the general waste bin.
- Wet paper and card — when paper and card get wet, their fibres become weaker and can no longer be recycled. They also stick to other materials, making separation harder at our Materials Recycling Facility. Please put wet paper and card in the general waste bin and remember to close the lid on your recycling bin to keep the rain out.
- Batteries, electrical items and vapes can cause fires during collection and disposal, meaning they require alternative disposal methods. Check our website for details on where you can take these items for recycling.
Remember, if you’re unsure, don’t just chuck it in the recycling bin and hope for the best. Visit our A-Z of recycling and waste for more information.
Learn more about the recycling process
Curious about what happens after your recycling is collected? Want to see how plastic, paper, and other materials are sorted and processed? Check out our YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes animations on how recycling and waste are handled in West Sussex or book a visit at the Materials Recycling Facility and see for yourself.
Thinking about your plans for Christmas?
As Christmas approaches, we’re excited to share our top tips for reducing waste while still enjoying all the festive fun! Whether it’s thoughtful gift-giving, eco-friendly wrapping, buying party outfits second hand, or hosting a low-waste party, there are plenty of ways to celebrate sustainably this year. Here are some of our favourites:
- Start with a list: Before you hit the shops, talk to your loved ones about what they actually would like or need, and make a list. This helps avoid panic buying and reduces the chances of buying unnecessary items that are thrown away.
- Shop second-hand: Why not explore thrift or charity shops for pre-loved party outfits and gifts? Not only is this cheaper and better for the planet, but your money could also support a good cause.
- Wrap low-waste: Get creative with your gift wrapping! Use scarves or cloth that can be reused or repurpose old cards to make festive gift tags. You can also use reusable bags or craft gift boxes from recycled materials.
- Host a party without the waste: When planning your Christmas party, ditch the disposables! Use reusable cups, plates, and cutlery instead of single-use alternatives. It’s an easy way to cut down on unnecessary waste.
- Reduce food waste: Be mindful about food planning during the holidays. Get creative with leftovers and avoid overbuying festive food items that might go to waste.
Stay tuned for more waste prevention tips
For more ideas on reducing waste this Christmas, keep an eye on our social media channels over the coming weeks. From sustainable gift ideas to creative ways to cut down on festive waste, we’ve got you covered!
Be safe this Guy Fawkes Night
With Guy Fawkes Night just around the corner, it’s important to celebrate responsibly and ensure that you dispose of your fireworks and other waste safely. Follow the instructions below to keep your celebration safe.
How to dispose of used fireworks:
- SOAK IT — Collect spent fireworks and soak them in water overnight to ensure they are completely extinguished and can’t reignite.
- BAG IT — Place the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag.
- BIN IT — Put the bagged fireworks in your general waste bin. Never place fireworks or sparklers in your recycling bin.
Important safety tips:
- Never put anything hot in your general waste bin, such as fireworks, sparklers, bonfire/BBQ ashes, or disposable BBQs. Wait until they have completely cooled before disposal.
- To safely dispose of sparklers, place the hot end down into a bucket of sand or water to fully cool them. Soak them overnight, then bag them and put them in your general waste bin. Fireworks and sparklers are not recyclable and should never be placed in your recycling bin at home.
More information can be found on our website here.
Don’t forget about the plastic free poppies
In April 2023, the Royal British Legion announced the plans for their all-new plastic-free poppy which launched last year.
These new poppies are made from 100% paper and are available again this year as part of their Poppy Appeal.
We would like to remind residents that these poppies are recyclable in recycling bins at home. The Poppy Appeal will continue to sell the old plastic poppies (pictured) to use up the remaining stock and to reduce waste. Old-style plastic poppies cannot be recycled at home. More information can be found on the Royal British Legion 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 organizations. 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.
Throughout November, our team will be supporting Mid Sussex District Council and Crawley Borough Council with community outreach efforts in selected areas, engaging residents on both recycling and waste prevention.
November/December events:
- Saturday 2nd November (10am — 11:30am) — Kids Reuse Workshop at Southbourne Library, First Avenue, Southbourne, Emsworth, PO10 8HP
- Saturday 2nd November (1:30pm — 3pm) — Kids Reuse Workshop at Bognor Library, London Rd, Bognor Regis PO21 1DE
- Saturday, 16th November (from 9:30am) — Energy workshop, The Stand Up Inn, High Street, Lindfield, RH16 2HN
- Saturday, 23rd November (10am — 2pm) — Waste prevention stand at Hurstpierpoint Craft Fayre, Hurstpierpoint Village Centre, Trinity Road, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9UY
- Saturday, 23rd November (11am — 4pm) — Waste prevention stand at Burgess Hill Christmas Fayre, Church Walk, Burgess Hill, RH15 9AS
- Saturday 7th December (10am) — Lindfield Repair Café, United Reform Church, 52 High Street, Lindfield, RH16 2HL
West Sussex County Council eNewsletter
Welcome to a special Budget 2025–2026 edition of our Residents’ eNewsletter
Prioritising our services to support communities and vulnerable people
We’re working hard to balance our budget for the year ahead to ensure we make best use of resources and can continue to invest in and deliver services that support our communities.
Our budget for 2025–2026 amounts to over £2 billion which will be spent on services for our 900,900 residents and more than 42,500 businesses.
We reported in July that we were facing a budget gap of £60m in 2025–2026. This figure has now reduced to £38.5m, and projections show the figure could be brought down further to £8.2m if a decision is made to increase council tax.
The county council provides around 80% of local government services and touches the lives of every resident and business in West Sussex, as well as the tens of thousands of visitors we welcome to the county each year.
Services provided by the county council include adults’ and children’s social care, education, public health, fire and rescue, roads, libraries, trading standards, economic development and waste disposal and recycling.
Our focus is to deliver services that support our communities and vulnerable people.
We have key priorities which shape the way we deliver services.
They are:
- keeping people safe from vulnerable situations
- a sustainable and prosperous economy
- helping people and communities fulfil their potential
- making the best use of resources.
These priorities are all underpinned with a cross-cutting theme of protecting the environment.
Watch our animation
Press ‘play’ to view a short video to explain why we’re running a budget consultation.
Tell us what you think
We want to hear your views about our budget and priorities and how we spend taxpayers’ money in the coming year 2025–2026.
Getting the views of our residents is a vital part of the budget setting process, so please take part by filling in our budget survey.
Anyone without access to the internet can visit a library or family hub to complete the consultation.
EasyRead surveys are also available online and in print.
If you know anyone who would like to receive a printed copy of the survey and a freepost return envelope, please call our customer services team on 01234 777 100.
The consultation closes on Sunday 15 December and all comments will be considered as part of the budget setting process for 2025–2026.
The Cabinet is due to consider feedback from the public consultation at a meeting in January before recommending the Council Plan and budget to Full Council in February for a final decision.
Transforming the ways we work
Our latest Annual Report outlining how the county council performed against the priorities in Our Council Plan is now published.
Between April 2023 and March 2024, we continued our proud track record of transforming the ways in which we work to make the best use of resources and deliver effective services.
The full report summarises what we delivered during this time and links to further details in our performance dashboard.
The November 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.
Here are some highlights in November’s edition:
* Registration now open for our November webinar series: click here to visit the registration page on our website
* ERA shares advice on how to secure your home ahead of winter
* Guidance and resources on harassment and stalking, ahead of White Ribbon Day on 25th November
* Don’t forget to claim your exclusive Neighbourhood Watch member 60% discount with SimpliSafe — available only until 6th November!
* Remember to play our Funding Communities Lottery and win big prizes, while supporting our charity’s work!
READ THE NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER HERE.
It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a year since we teamed up with SimpliSafe to help enhance safety in homes and communities for everyone.
In the last 12 months, we’ve achieved so much together: sharing safety tips, sponsoring the Volunteer Recognition Awards, donating systems to those in need, and raising the profile of our charity’s work as a result of the feedback from our Crime & Community Survey — just to name a few highlights!
Jonathan Wall and John Hayward-Cripps, presenting awards to the 2024 Volunteer Recognition Award winners.
On Tuesday, SimpliSafe took over the Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page to host a live Q&A, showcase home security products, and give advice and tips on how to secure your home — we hope you found the content both enjoyable and helpful! If you missed anything from the day, you can catch up on our Facebook page.
In celebration of our one-year anniversary, Neighbourhood Watch members can take advantage of an exclusive early access Black Friday offer — save 60% on security systems! Just click the link below, and your discount will be automatically applied at checkout.
Click here to access your exclusive 60% discount!
Don’t miss out, this limited-time offer is only available until 6th November.
A quick personal note from both of our teams…
Jonathan Wall, VP, Managing Director at SimpliSafe UK:
“As we mark the first anniversary of our partnership with Neighbourhood Watch, I want to express how proud I am of what we’ve accomplished together during this time. As SimpliSafe sponsored the National Volunteer Awards, I had the privilege of serving as a judge and witnessing first hand the incredible work that volunteers are doing. It’s truly heart warming to see their dedication. This partnership has allowed us to help make a real difference in local communities across the UK, and work towards a common goal, of which SimpliSafe’s mission is “every home secure”. I’m excited to continue this journey and look forward to even greater achievements in the coming year!”
John Hayward-Cripps, CEO at Neighbourhood Watch:
“We are so pleased with what we have achieved in this first year of partnership with SimpliSafe. From donating security systems to vulnerable households, to sharing joint messages of home security with our supporters, this has been a brilliant year. To top it off, we were delighted to have SimpliSafe host this year’s Volunteer Recognition Awards ceremony, a huge event in our charity’s calendar, and a great opportunity to celebrate the positive impact of our volunteers in their local communities. As a charity, we are always keen to work with partner organisations who place community at the heart of what they do. It’s clear to see that SimpliSafe prioritise the safety of families and communities, and we have loved working with them to support the hard work of our volunteers. Neighbourhood Watch is really excited to see what we can achieve together in the next year and beyond!”
Sussex Police Monthly Bulletin — Arun
Good afternoon Residents,
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
Man arrested in connection with Littlehampton sexual assault
Police have arrested a 21-year-old local man on suspicion of sexual assault, following an incident on Friday 25 October in the area of Maltravers Leisure Park in Littlehampton. He is in police custody.
The victim, a 14-year-old girl, continues to be supported by specialist trained officers.
Police are appealing for a man and a woman who may have seen the suspect and victim together, and two teenage girls who may have checked the victim’s welfare, to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting crime reference 47240208787.
Man arrested in connection with Littlehampton sexual assault | Sussex Police
Appeal for fire watchers after Littlehampton Marina arson
Police investigating an arson attack on a yard at Littlehampton Marina would like to speak to three people who were seen watching from a nearby bridge.
Three vans were completely destroyed and two other vehicles were badly damaged following the breakout of the fire at 12.14am on Tuesday (October 15). As fire crews arrived, three people in high-vis jackets were seen on the A259 bridge that crosses the River Arun just north of the marina near Tesco.
Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area shortly after midnight or who may have captured anyone on dash cam on or around the bridge at that time is asked to report online or call 101 quoting serial 225 of 15/10.
Appeal for fire watchers after Littlehampton Marina arson | Sussex Police
Appeal for information following store robbery in Littlehampton
Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery in Littlehampton.
It was reported a woman entered Farmfoods, Wick Street around 6.50pm on 24 August, stole items and threatened staff to let her leave the store.
Officers would like to speak to the woman in the image, who they believe will be able to help them with their enquiries.
Witnesses or anyone with any information or footage is asked to contact police online or call 101 quoting serial 1072 of 24/08.
Appeal for information following store robbery in Littlehampton | Sussex Police
CRIME REPORTS
Burglary and vehicle crime
There have been a number of reports of valuables stolen and break-ins to vehicles that have been accidentally left unlocked. Please remember to lock your vehicles and remove all valuables and tools. For home security, please also remember to keep valuables out of sight and hidden, and remember to lock all doors and windows in your property.
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
New Sussex Resilience Forum (SRF) Survey
A new survey is set to reveal how prepared Sussex residents are for emergencies.
The survey, which will also indicate how aware residents are of risks such as flooding, wildfires, and utilities disruption, will be open for eight weeks and aims to identify current levels of risk awareness and preparedness across the county. The results will be used to ensure residents have the information they need to help them become more resilient.
You can read more here — Survey asks how prepared Sussex is for emergencies | Sussex Police
You can access the survey here — sussexpolice.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/srf
Tips for a safer Halloween
Hallowe’en has become an increasingly popular celebration over the past few years for children, families and young people especially, but it is important not to have fun at the expense of others.
To make it easy to see who’s welcoming of trick and treaters and who doesn’t wish to be disturbed, we have produced trick or treat posters that you can download and print at home.
If you see someone displaying a ‘no trick or treat’ poster, please be considerate and do not call at those homes. You can read more here — Tips for a safer Hallowe’en | Sussex Police
Fireworks
Everyone should be able to enjoy fireworks safely, whether at an organised display or in their back garden. Here you’ll find out the law around using fireworks as well as how to stay safe, and report those using fireworks in a dangerous or threatening way. Please be respectful when using fireworks, and refer to the guidance here — Fireworks | Sussex Police
REPORTING A CRIME
For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, click www.sussex.police.uk, (If you report a crime online, we will assess it in the same way as a 101 call).
Call 101 when you do not require an urgent response. In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger always call 999.
Connect with us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team at www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us using TypeTalk on 18000 or by sending a text to 65999.
Crimestoppers
Crimestoppers is speaking up about neighbourhood crimes. Robbery, theft, and burglary harm communities and have a long-lasting impact on their victims. People not only suffer from the loss of their possessions, the invasion of privacy and violation of personal space, but some may experience emotional distress or be left with physical injuries.
Local crimes can stigmatise the community, creating negative perceptions of safety both within and outside the area. This intensifies feelings of fear and concern and adds to the trauma, both for the victim and for the people around them.
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 here
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 winter. We ask you to help by staying alert and trusting your instincts.
If something doesn’t feel right, tell staff, security or police straight away, and they will do the rest. You won’t be wasting our time.
In an emergency, call 999. Let’s keep each other safe.
23rd October 2024: 34 new stories and features
Mayor of Bognor Regis’ Weekly Briefing: New additions to the town centre! — MSN
Bognor Regis expert storms to the top of the bestseller charts with book — PressReader.com
New picture shows piles of broken fittings as Worthing Pier repairs continue
West Sussex family business named ‘best restaurant of the year’ in prestigious awards ceremony
Arun district has rich and surprising film history, organiser says ahead of new Bognor Regis event
Have you seen Henry, 17, who is missing from Chichester?
High hopes as new value store opens in former Wilko site in Bognor Regis — Chichester
Bognor Regis: Four arrested following criminal damage incident — Sussex Express
Battleground Bognor returns to the south coast — Sussex Express
Assistant boss and striker leave struggling Bognor Regis Town
Bognor Regis restaurant The Landing Place named ‘Best Oceanfront Restaurant’ as it snags …
Bognor Regis Home Rallies In Community Support And Manages To Raise Over £1400 …
Police on the lookout for 13-year-old missing from Bognor Regis with links to Brighton …
Features
We still need your input — have your say today!
Dear Jan,
About a week ago, I emailed to invite you to take part in this year’s Neighbourhood Alert survey. I have noticed that you have not yet completed it, and wanted to personally reach out to stress how much impact your feedback will have.
Last year, over 108,000 members contributed, and those insights actively shaped how police forces across the UK engage with the public. By taking a few minutes to share your thoughts, you’ll be directly helping us to improve the system and ensure the messages you receive are even more relevant and useful to you. Your feedback will truly make a difference.
Please click here to complete the survey
Rest assured, the Neighbourhood Alert system is rigorously security-audited, and your data is always protected. We never sell your information, and your input is only used to enhance your experience and support effective community policing.
Thank you for your time and for making your voice heard. Your support is what makes this system better for everyone.
In this Arun news update
- FloodSmart — Prepare now for tomorrow
- Littlehampton seafront update
- Funding secured to help students reach their potential
- Letter to Angela Rayner MP
- Have your say on fire and rescue service in new questionnaire
- Southern Water Community Centre Grant Initiative
FloodSmart — Prepare now for tomorrow
Starting from this month, you will see us sharing information about flooding in the district, what you can do to prepare if you feel at risk and what to do if it happens to you.
We will be providing information on what to put in a ‘grab bag’, who to sign up to for flood alerts, insurance, information on sand bags and much more.
Read more about our FloodSmart campaign here
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/floodsmart-prepare-now-for-tomorrow-9163
Littlehampton seafront update
We are now at a point in the Littlehampton Seafront Scheme where you will start to see things happening and we will be sharing regular updates in our newsletters, on our website and on social media.
Boundary fencing has been set up to mark out the construction site and cabins have been delivered to Banjo Road. Contractor Neilcott Construction is now installing the utility connections needed to carry out the work.
The next stage will involve carefully removing asbestos, as well as fixtures and fittings, from the toilet block before the building is demolished. This building is now closed and nearby temporary toilets are open.
Harbour Park and the Windmill Entertainment Centre are open as usual, so please head down and support your local businesses.
For more about the scheme, visit
https://www.arun.gov.uk/littlehampton-seafront-design-scheme
Funding secured to help students reach their potential
A new course is being launched at the University of Chichester to provide students with a pathway into further or higher education, thanks to an Arun District Council grant.
The ‘bridging courses’ are being funded by £25,000 from the council’s allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will support those looking to increase their skills and employability with access to higher education courses and apprenticeships.
The 12-week course provides a foundation in personal, professional and academic knowledge and skills and is aimed at those who have previously disengaged with education.
Find out more here
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/funding-secured-to-help-students-recognise-their-potential-9146
Letter to Angela Rayner MP
A letter has been sent to The Right Honourable Angela Rayner MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing and Communities and Local Government.
Sent by the Leader of Arun District Council on behalf of, and signed by, the Group Leaders of Arun District Council regarding consultation on proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
To read the letter, follow this link
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/letter-to-angela-rayner-mp-9140
Have your say on fire and rescue service in new questionnaire
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) has launched a new questionnaire to gather views on the risks that concern people living and working in the county the most.
The results of the survey will help the service plan the resources it needs to continue to help ensure West Sussex remains a safe place to live, work and visit.
Find out more on the WSFRS website
Southern Water Community Centre Grant Initiative
On behalf of Southern Water, we are sharing the news that Community centres across Sussex, as well as other regions, can apply for funding from Southern Water to help keep people warm this winter.
They are offering 30 grants, worth £1,000 each, to support hubs providing vital services, with their cost of energy bills and essential running costs.
Further information can be found here
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/southern-water-community-centre-grant-initiative-9162
News updates
Angmering Sports Hub update -
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/angmering-sport-hub-update-15-october-2024-9174
Bigbelly Bin Boost for Bognor Regis –
Did you know? Recycling facts –
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/did-you-know-recycling-facts-9144
Sussex Resilience Forum — Local Risk Perception Survey
A new survey is set to reveal how prepared Sussex residents are for emergencies. It will only take 5 minutes to complete.
The survey https://sussexpolice.welcomesyourfeedback.net/srf will also indicate how aware residents are of risks such as flooding, wildfires and utilities disruption, and aims to identify current levels of risk awareness and preparedness across the county. The results will be used to ensure residents have the information they need to help them become more resilient.
The top risks that Sussex faces are contained in the Community Risk Register for Sussex, which provides an assessment of how likely these risks are to happen and the impacts if they do, so that local people can be better prepared in their homes, communities and businesses.
The Community Risk Register is produced by the Sussex Resilience Forum (SRF), whose membership covers the Sussex Police force area and includes the emergency services, local authorities, Environment Agency, health agencies, and voluntary and private sector organisations such as Neighbourhood Watch and utility companies. The SRF provides a formal structure for these organisations to work together, to identify potential risks and produce and test emergency plans to either prevent or reduce the impact of any incident on local communities.
Survey responses will help to inform and shape future public engagement across Sussex, to help further build community resilience.
Commenting on the launch of the Local Risk Perception Survey, SRF Chair Assistant Chief Constable Steve Rayland, Sussex Police, said: “I urge residents to complete the local risk perception survey and share their views with us. The responses will help us identify what further support and information our communities require so that we can help them to be more resilient.”
Please click here to complete the survey.
If you need support to complete the survey please E-mail SussexResilienceForum@sussex.police.uk.
Welcome to the October 2024 edition of our Residents’ eNewsletter, featuring the latest news and updates from your county council.
Positive Ageing Month free events at our libraries
Selected libraries across West Sussex are hosting free events and health checks during October and there’s still time to check out what’s taking place.
East Grinstead, Shoreham-by-Sea, Bognor Regis, Worthing, Crawley and Broadfield are among libraries that have events.
There are talks on ageing well, hearing checks, wellbeing assessments (which need to be pre-booked), drop-ins where you can speak with local organisations, and of course plenty of books on ageing well.
You can pick up a free pair of non-slip slippers (while stocks last) to help reduce slips, trips and falls at:
- Bognor Regis Library 22 October
- Worthing Library 23 October
- Broadfield Library 25 October.
Find all event details and booking information here.
Could you Be A Councillor?
Are you passionate about local issues and want to make a difference in your local community?
West Sussex County Council will be holding elections on 1 May 2025 and is inviting people to find out more about becoming a councillor.
County councillors are elected by the people of West Sussex to represent their interests and ensure they have a voice when decisions are being made around vital services such as social care, roads and transport, education, waste and recycling, and libraries.
We’re holding an information session on 13 November 2024 at County Hall, Chichester, from 6pm to 7.30pm, or you can join online.
To request a place, or a link to join online, email democratic.services@westsussex.gov.uk
Have your say!
- As part of our Bus Service Improvement Plan, we introduced the “16 to 20 Bus Saver” discount on bus fares for young people across the county. As we continue to enhance bus services, we’re calling on people aged 16 to 20 to take part in a passenger survey to share their views on the bus journeys they take. Five respondents will win a £50 gift voucher in the survey’s prize draw. Survey closes on 31 October 2024.
- We want to hear from autistic people, their families and carers and professionals to help us make the county a better place for those with lived experience of autism. The consultation is open until 16 December and will be made up of in-person workshops and online surveys.
- Our West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is asking for views on the risks that concern people living and working in the county the most. The questionnaire is part of the planning process for the service’s next Community Risk Management Plan which will run from 2026 to 2030. The results of the survey will help the service plan the resources it needs to continue to help ensure West Sussex remains a safe place to live, work and visit. You can complete the questionnaire online, or if you would like a printed survey call 01243 786211. Survey closes 15 December 2024.
Family and friends’ needs at heart of new court
Attending an inquest can be daunting and stressful for friends and family.
To ensure the best possible environment is available for those attending an inquest a new West Sussex Coroner’s Court has officially opened in Horsham.
The location of the new court has been chosen as it is well served by public transport and reasonably central within the county.
The new facilities include a private family room where families can take a break away from the two court rooms.
‘Spooktacular’ half term fun!
Our libraries have a full programme of free activities planned for families during October half term, including recycling workshops, ‘spooktacular’ storytime and craft sessions, and events specially for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Places are limited and pre-booking is required for all half term activities. Check the individual event listings for more details.
Don’t forget — regular library activities continue to run throughout the school holidays too, so you won’t miss out on the usual Storytimes, Construction Clubs and more.
Vaccinations update
Anyone eligible for flu and Covid-19 vaccinations can now book via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free if they can’t get online. Find out if you’re eligible for Covid-19 vaccination and flu vaccination.
For the first time, the NHS is also offering vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds which can be dangerous to older people and young children. The jab is available to those aged 75 to 79, and is being offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks, to protect their child. Find out more about RSV.
For those adults eligible for both flu and Covid-19 vaccines, the NHS will make them available at the same time, giving the option to get protection from both viruses in one visit.
However, it is more effective for people to have the RSV vaccination on a different day from any flu or Covid-19 vaccinations.
Support available for kinship carers
Are you caring for a family member or friend’s child who is aged under 18?
Kinship care is when a child lives full time, or most of the time, with a relative or friend.
Our Kinship Care team provides a range of support, including advice regarding family contact time and guidance around education and health.
They also provide training and specialist therapeutic intervention workshops, peer mentoring and regular coffee mornings.
If you, or someone you know, might benefit from speaking to the team, or would like more information, click the button below.
Get help with the digital switchover
Our libraries, in partnership with Neighbourhood Watch and BT Group, are hosting free drop-in events to help residents understand the Digital Switchover.
By 2027, all telephone providers will switch from analogue landlines to fibre, which may affect telecare devices and landline use during power cuts.
Volunteers and experts will be available to explain the changes and offer advice on online safety at the free sessions, which will take place at the following libraries:
- Billingshurst: Wednesday 30 October, 10am to 12.30pm
- Rustington: Tuesday 5 November, 10am to 12pm
- Littlehampton: Tuesday 5 November, 2pm to 4pm
- Burgess Hill: Friday 8 November, 10.30am to 1pm
- Midhurst: Monday 11 November, 10am to 1pm
- Steyning: Wednesday 20 November, 10.30am to 1pm.
Your phone provider should be in touch with details specific to your area.
If you are unsure or want further information, please contact your phone provider directly, who will be able to explain the necessary steps to maintain service after the switchover.
Head to our Newsroom to find all the latest news.
- Following an invitation from central government, we have submitted to the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, an expression of interest on devolution. The council says in the letter that it has enthusiasm and openness for the opportunities that devolution can offer, such as additional local decision making on budgets and funding for the area rather than them being made by central government.
- Inspectors have highlighted the improvements our West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) has made in the latest report published today by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services. The report has rated the service as ‘good’ or ‘adequate’ in all areas, with inspectors removing any previous causes for concern. This is the first report WSFRS has received with no causes of concern or any grading judgements of ‘inadequate’ or ‘requires improvement’ since the inspectorate obtained responsibility for fire and rescue services in 2018.
- Our Recycling Centres across West Sussex have switched to autumn and winter opening times, which will last until 31 March 2025.
- Low income households without gas central heating can get funding to help improve their home’s energy efficiency. Register your interest before 31 October 2024.
- Are you aged 66 or over? Pension Credit could give you extra financial support such as the Winter Fuel Payment and access to other benefits such as free NHS prescriptions. Check your eligibility here.
- 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 October in Shoreham.
- Are you looking to kickstart your career in Children’s Services or looking for a change or promotional opportunity? If so, come along to our Children, Young People and Learning recruitment event on 14 November to learn more about what our incredible teams across our services are all about and the career opportunities they have across West Sussex. Book a space here for this free event in Southwick.
- Applications are now open for children born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021 who are eligible to start school in September 2025. The quickest and easiest way to apply is online and the deadline is 15 January 2025. If you need help with the application call 033 301 42903 or send an email.
It’s Flood Action Week (14 to 20 October) this week which aims to increase awareness of the risk of flooding and what you can do to prepare.
14th October 2024: 32 new stories and features
Northern Lights: Stunning photos show the Aurora Borealis in the Sussex skies
This newsletter is for champions of SEND across education, health and social care. Please share with colleagues and parent carers. If you know of anyone who would like to be added to the distribution list, please let us know.
The next edition will be on 13 November 2024, copy deadline 8 November 2024. We welcome your ideas for articles — please contact Kathryn Kellagher.
Welcome from Claire Prince
Welcome to the first edition of the SEND & Inclusion Newsletter for the new academic year!
This is all set to be another busy but exciting year. You may remember that back in May, we told you about a number of pilots that are starting this autumn. These are part of our SEND Improvement Journey and we’re grateful to be working closely with schools as we trial and evaluate them.
One of these projects is the introduction of the Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce (APST) and we’re delighted to welcome Connie Dunnill who will lead on this. You can find out more about the APST in the article below.
We’re also refreshing our SEND & Inclusion Strategy this term and have arranged a number of stakeholder workshops across the county in mid-October. Thank you to the 40 schools who have signed up to contribute to these workshops, we very much appreciate your support. We will use the feedback from the workshops to produce a draft strategy which will be open to a public consultation in January, so there will be a further opportunity to feed into our vision then.
We know September can be a challenging time for our children and young people with SEND as they navigate their way in a new school year. We have a wealth of information on Tools for Schools around transition which is found in the Child’s Journey section. Below we have information about our EBSA offer to schools for 2024/2025, and there are a number of other articles which offer support to families, including the refreshed Local Offer, West Sussex Mind, Reaching Families, Thriving in Education and the Anti Bullying Alliance.
Finally, we’ve repeated our article about the reconfiguration of the SEN Assessment team, to remind you of how this vital team is now structured.
Thank you for working with us on our improvement journey to better support our children and young people with SEND.
SEND Improvement Journey: pilot updates
Delivering Better Value (DBV)
The new academic year has seen an exciting start for the majority of our 15 pilot projects across West Sussex.
We have 5 linchpin projects that we believe will provide the biggest drive for change and improvements for children and young people across the County. We believe these will instill greater confidence in our system for parents and educators alike, whilst ensuring that the majority of our children and young people can have their needs met at a universal level across our mainstream schools.
Our Local Inclusion Solutions pilot (LIncS) is now up and running in the Lancing, Shoreham and East Grinstead areas. This is led by educational psychologists who are planning systems level engagement with individual schools. To compliment this work, we will also be delivering enhanced EBSA support, with the roll-out of a toolbox to support pupil focus and resilience. LIncS schools will receive bespoke support and intervention for the school or pupil as part of the systems approach. They are also exploring how to use AI robots.
In addition to this, the refreshed and coproduced version 3 of the Ordinarily Available Inclusive Practice guide (OAIP) has now been agreed and approved. A full launch is being planned for January to coincide with the SEND Outcomes Framework. These are both fundamental to support practice and will be the cornerstone of how we work in supporting children and young people across the County. We are developing a training programme for the OAIP with school SENCOs.
SEND & AP Change Programme Partnership (CPP)
We are now entering our second year of the SEND & AP Change Programme Partnership (CPP).
We have been busy testing and refining key areas of change for the DfE, as recommended in the SEND Green Paper, 2022. We work closely with DfE advisors and meet as a local partnership on a weekly basis.
To date, we have:
- created and embedded a well-attended and independently chaired SEND and AP Board
- tested out new EHCP templates
- written our Local Area Inclusion Plan (LAIP)
- held focus groups with our Parent Carer Forum to gain their views and feedback on Advisory Tailored Lists
- further strengthened our mediation process.
Our focus is now on ensuring that local mainstream schools feel supported in rolling out and delivering Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP), or OAIP as it is known in West Sussex.
An area of work under CPP that we are incredibly excited about is the creation of an Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce (APST). This will see us deliver a pilot project until December 2025 in the Crawley area of the County. A small group of multi-disciplinary professionals, co-located at the Alternative Provision College in Crawley, will deliver a range of support to local secondary schools, to support children and young people who have been identified at risk of exclusion, have been excluded or are receiving off site provision at the APC. The multi-disciplinary team will support in embedding the three-tier model for inclusion, by supporting children and young people at an earlier stage to improve educational outcomes. We are very pleased to have Connie Dunnill onboard as our APST Manager, and we are currently recruiting the multi-agency professionals for the specialist taskforce itself. We look forward to working closely with our colleagues and educators at APC Crawley and local Crawley secondary schools.
Introduction to Connie Dunnill
Hello, my name is Connie Dunnill. I am new to West Sussex and will be managing the new Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce, in Crawley.
The Taskforce is an exciting new initiative, offering multi-disciplinary support to students in the Crawley area with the aim of helping more of our students who have experienced (or are at risk of) permanent exclusion to successfully access a mainstream education. We feel hopeful that this will be a successful model and that we can expand it in the future.
As Taskforce Manager, my job will be to work closely with the West Sussex APC and mainstream schools to set the direction of our work (including upskilling staff dependent on school needs), establish our working practices and manage these throughout the pilot, to report on our progress and outcomes, and to co-ordinate and manage our caseload.
I’m really excited to have moved from Bristol to be a part of this new project and that the Local Authority, Alternative Provision College, and local schools are so positive about this new offer of support we are launching!
Parental Preference Governor Consultation (PPCG)
As part of our SEND Improvement Journey, we are planning a workshop to review the current PPGC process and engage with key stakeholders to understand common themes and challenges.
We would very much value input from SENCOs and headteachers.
The workshop will be on 3 December from 9.30 am to 12.30pm in the Goodwood Room, County Hall North, Horsham. If you would like to register interest in the workshop, please contact Kathryn Kellagher.
Review of the Ordinarily Available Inclusive Practice Guide (OAIP)
Thank you to all the schools, parents and other key partners, for attending the stakeholder workshops on reviewing the OAIP which were held over the summer term.
Your views and knowledge have been incorporated in the new version of the OAIP, which will be published in January 2025.
In the meantime, copies of the current edition can be purchased for £2 via the Stores function on Services for Education. Or you can access a chunked web version on Tools for Schools.
Interested in helping us plan the SENCO Conference 2025?
We are delighted that Kit Messenger will once again headline our SENCO Conference on 18 June 2025!
We’re in the early stages of planning but the conference theme will be around relational practice and moving towards independence.
We are putting together a small planning team and would very much value input from schools. It would involve attending the initial on-line planning meeting on 7 November 10.00–11.00, when we will discuss ideas for workshops, plus a follow up meeting in early January. Please contact Kathryn Kellagher if you would like to join us!
SENAT reconfiguration
Before the end of the last academic year, we shared details relating to organisational changes in the SEN Assessment Team (SENAT). These changes have been introduced in recognition of the increase of Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs) and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs); the complexity of work and additional duties being carried out by the service.
Our summer update included reference to a new name for the service. However, having received and considered feedback relating to a potential name change, we have decided to remain with the service being called the SEN Assessment Team (SENAT) for now. Parents, carers, schools, and partners will continue to be supported by a service that provides children and young people with critical support in West Sussex.
These changes will support the service in meeting its statutory requirements, achieving parity with the current national standard in the delivery of SEND services, enhancing outcomes for children and young people and overall improve satisfaction with those using the service.
Should you require further information, or have any questions, please contact kim.clayton@westsussex.gov.uk, aaron.swain@westsussex.gov.uk or karen.spencer@westsussex.gov.uk.
As a reminder, the following organisational changes took effect from 1 September 2024:
EHC Needs Assessment Team
This team is responsible for:
- The requests and referrals process for all ages until the assessment is allocated to the appropriate team: EHCNA; Preparation for Adulthood (PfA); Education Other Than at School (EOTAS); or Elective Home Education (EHE). Further information on these teams can be found below
- Coordinating the EHC needs assessment process up to and including finalising an EHCP for children and young people up to the end of year 9
Review and Monitoring Team
This team is responsible for reviewing and monitoring functions for children and young people with an EHCP up to the end of year 9, including the age-phased transfer process and moves into West Sussex. The team has been split into three areas, instead of four:
- South 1 and South 2 have merged to become South-East
- West has become South-West (and includes Littlehampton)
- Mid and North have merged to become North
Key Stage 4 and Post-16 Support
Preparation for Adulthood Team
This team is responsible for the EHCNA and reviewing and monitoring functions for young people in years 10 and 11 attending mainstream schools and independent non-maintained special schools (INMSS), and post-16 attending sixth form and specialist colleges (not further education colleges).
College Team
This team is responsible for EHCNAs and reviewing and monitoring functions, including arranging and chairing the annual review for young people post-16 attending further education colleges.
Service Wide Teams
Operational Team
There is no change to the current team with responsibilities remaining the same as they do today. Special needs officers (SNOs) will also continue to support the requests and referrals process in relation to the EHCNA panel. They will also hold Inclusion Planning meetings with parents, carers and schools following a refusal to assess.
Dispute Resolution Team
This team is responsible for oversight and work relating to complaints, including Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) and Judicial Review (JR) mediation requests and appeals to the First Tier SEND Tribunal Service, in liaison with Operational Lead and Team Managers.
Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) and Elective Home Education (EHE) Team
This team is responsible for EHCNAs and reviewing and monitoring functions (including age phase transfers) for children and young people in receipt of EOTAS and EHE and those not on a school roll who are accessing alternative provision (AP) whilst awaiting school provision.
Launch of new process to support Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and Educational Psychology Service (EPS) EBSA offer to schools 2024/2025
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) is a broad umbrella term used to describe a group of children and young people who have severe difficulty in attending school due to emotional factors, often resulting in prolonged absences from school.
The impact of EBSA on young people and schools is far reaching. Outcomes for young people who display EBSA include poor academic attainment, reduced social opportunities and limited employment opportunities. EBSA is also associated with poor adult mental health.
We know that the earlier difficulties are identified and support put in place, the more successful we are at developing children and young people’s ability to cope with their anxiety and develop their resilience to cope with life’s challenges, resulting in improved attendance and ongoing life opportunities.
- A new process to support school staff and others working on EBSA is available here on the Thriving in Education web pages. The emphasis of the process is on identifying EBSA as soon as possible and in working with the child or young person and their parent or carer to understand their difficulties and to make a plan.
- The EBSA process links to the West Sussex Educational Psychology Service EBSA offer for 2024/2025, found on the Services to Education website along with the EBSA guidance, and a Return to School Planning tool.
Thriving in Education website
Schools and colleges play a key role in helping children and young people to thrive in terms of their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
This autumn, the Thriving in Education online guide has been launched on the WSCC website. The new guide has been co-produced with schools and others following feedback from school staff that they find it difficult to navigate content on mental health and emotional wellbeing available on other WSCC web pages and often resort to Google instead.
As with all West Sussex support for schools on mental health and wellbeing, the Thriving in Education online guide is underpinned by two national frameworks; the i-Thrive Framework for system change, and the 8 principles for developing a whole school approach to mental health. The guide is a rich source of information for school staff and others as to evidence based best practice in the development of whole school approaches to mental health. It also provides information on how to access targeted support for those that need it, and content to support children and young people experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance.
The Thriving in Education online Guide will continue to be updated and we are particularly keen to include examples of exciting practice from our West Sussex schools. Please contact vik.machin@westsussex.gov.uk to learn more about how you can contribute.
Early Years and Childcare Strategy
We want all children, regardless of their ability, background or personal circumstances, to have the best start in life.
The Children, Young People and Learning directorate is pleased to launch the ‘Right From the Start: Early Years and Childcare Strategy’. The strategy has been produced following extensive consultation and research and will take us from now until the end of 2027. It sets the vision and strategic priorities for Early Years and Childcare in West Sussex and underpins how West Sussex County Council will work with our partners to ensure our services are fully coordinated.
The strategy outlines eight priorities aimed at improving the well-being of young children, reducing inequalities, and ensuring all children have the best start in life. It will also support families to access timely support, including them at the heart of planning so their needs are met.
The Early Years and Childcare Strategy will also contribute to the four priorities of the Council Plan 2021 to 2025.
We know that for the strategy to make the biggest difference, we need to work in partnership with colleagues and families, and will share opportunities to get involved via upcoming communications. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the strategy, which you can find here.
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, 13th November 2024, 9.15am — 1.15pm. For more information and how to book, please visit the section on workshops on our website.
West Sussex SEND Local Offer
Have you seen the new Local Offer website?
It’s full of information for families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Find out more about:
- Early years, childcare and education
- Education, Health and Care assessments and plans
- Preparation for adulthood and work
- Health, social care and family support
- Discounts and benefits
You can also search a directory of SEND-focused groups, services and activities in and around West Sussex.
SENCOs, is your SEND information up to date on your school, academy or college website?
Families are now able to find SEND information for most education settings from the ‘Find a school, academy or college’ listing at westsussex.gov.uk. Each entry has a new bullet point with ‘Special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) information’ linking to the setting’s own website.
Please check that your setting’s SEND information and policies are current and that any SEND contacts are correct on your website.
If you would like the link to go to a different page on your website or notice that your setting’s SEND information is missing, please contact localoffer@westsussex.gov.uk.
West Sussex Mind — training to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing
Did you know that West Sussex Mind have various training courses, webinars and resources to help you support young people’s mental health and wellbeing? Whether you are a parent or carer of a child struggling with their mental health, or you are working as a professional supporting young people, there are lots of training sessions and resources available to help.
For parents
Our parents and carers service aims to increase your knowledge and awareness of mental health and boost your confidence in coping with and addressing your child or young person’s mental health. The service includes online and in-person peer support meetings, where you can discuss your concerns, build strategies to help you support your child and meet other parents and carers.
Our parenting support team also offers a range of free training webinars to help parents and carers support their young person’s mental health. Topics include attachment, aggressive behaviours and emotionally based school avoidance.
Self-harm Learning Webinars
Whether you’re a professional or volunteer who supports a young person who self-harms, these free one-hour webinars are perfect for you. The aim of the webinars is to increase your confidence and reduce fear when it comes to the topic of self-harm, especially when working with children, young adults, and individuals. They will cover the basics of self-harm, what it means, and who it affects, and will also provide valuable strategies, resources, and signposts to support those who self-harm and the people around them.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA®) courses are for everyone who works with, lives with or supports young people aged 8–18. They will teach you the skills and confidence to spot the signs of mental health issues in a young person, offer first aid and guide them towards the support they need. The course won’t teach you to be a therapist, but it will teach you to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis — and even potentially stop a crisis from happening.
Bespoke training
We can also create bespoke training courses for your staff team, on whatever area of mental health you would like to learn more about. These can be delivered in-person, at your place of work, or virtually. Get in touch with us today to discuss your needs.
If you would like to find out more about any of these services, or other support that is available from West Sussex Mind, please see our website: https://www.westsussexmind.org/. You can find all our upcoming courses on our Eventbrite listing: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/west-sussex-mind-8288439768. Or get in touch with us via email: training@westsussexmind.org.
Reaching Families Benefits Advice Service — Supporting parent-carers with information and advice on Carers Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment
We offer 1–2–1 advice sessions for parent-carers making applications for Carers Allowance, DLA and PIP. Our advisor can answer questions around eligibility, the application process, evidence required or other concerns parents may have regarding a claim. We can also support parents via our claim checking service if they have completed a draft application. We will check the form against DWP criteria and provide feedback with suggested ways of strengthening the application.
Parent-carers can self-refer to the service and book an appointment via our website here: Reaching Families Benefits Advice Service
Information on benefits can also be accessed via our factsheets and our Making Sense of It All guidebook available on our website, along with details of our training workshops on DLA, PIP and Universal Credit.
We would advise parents to book their appointments well in advance of submission deadlines as demand for the service is very high. Statutory and voluntary agencies can also refer parent-carers to the service by emailing: benefits@reachingfamilies.org.uk
For information on all of our services please visit our website here: Reaching Families
Anti-bullying alliance
School resources: everything you need to prepare for Anti Bullying week, 11–15 November
Parents and Carers Pack: A tool to help parents and carers have conversations with their children about bullying.
Alert Card Schemes
An autism alert card or passport is a document you can carry to help communicate your needs as an autistic/neurodivergent individual to police officers or other officials when you are away from home.
The card typically contains your details and advice for the officer you are speaking to. Alert card schemes are run in most police areas across the UK.
Alert Card Schemes | National Police Autism Association (npaa.org.uk)
Disability Register — for sharing with families
Have you discovered 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.
Sign up now: https://yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/disability-register-0-25
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
West Sussex Parent Carer Forum
We hope you are well and have had a positive start to the 2024/2025 academic year!
Do you know about the West Sussex Parent Carer Forum (WSPCF)?
Click here to have a look at our website to find out more.
“Parent Carer Forums are representative local groups of parents and carers of children and young people with disabilities who work alongside local authorities, education, health and other service providers to ensure the services they plan, commission, deliver and monitor meet the needs of children and families”.
Para 1.13 SEND Code of Practice 2015
Join us
You can sign up to WSPCF as a professional member — Complete our short sign-up form HERE.
We will keep you updated both for your professional development and also regarding what we can offer the families you work with.
We often get enquiries from professionals seeking information and signposting on behalf of the families they work with, so please feel free to get in touch with us by emailing office@wspcf.org.uk.
Meet the team
- Our Participation Officers make sure parent carers’ voices are heard. They do many things including: collecting feedback from parent carers, organising all our events, building strong community relationships with professionals and attending SENAT panels.
- Our Coordinators play a vital role in shaping the services that impact our community. They do many things including: supporting all our projects, running workshops and attending meetings from a solution focused perspective to improve local services based on our parent carer feedback.
- Our Board of Trustees and CEO play a crucial role in guiding our charity. They do many things including: ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, managing and protect the charity’s resources, strategic planning and goal setting, safeguarding the organisation’s values and attending meetings to bring strategic oversight to commissioning and service development.
Head over to our WEBSITE, FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM for more information, including how we started, what we do and our current events.
Please Help Us Improve Your Messaging — Your Feedback Matters
I am a Director of VISAV limited and the national Data Controller for the Neighbourhood Alert system which we built here in the UK and which powers and secures Sussex Alerts.
Last year, 108,322 members contributed and the insights have been shared with police forces across the UK. This survey makes a huge difference to the improvement of the system and messages and I am politely asking you to contribute this year and take this year’s survey.
Please click here to complete the survey
Please be assured that the Neighbourhood Alert system is regularly and rigorously security audited to the highest standards. Your data is not for sale and is exceptionally secure on our systems. Your responses are only used to improve the service you receive.
Thank you for participating last year and in anticipation of your continued support.
Welcome to the Recycle Week 2024 special edition of our Residents’ eNewsletter
Welcome to our special edition Residents’ eNewsletter for Recycle Week! This year’s theme is Rescue Me, focusing on saving those commonly missed recyclables from the general waste bin and making sure they end up in the recycling bin!
Follow West Sussex Recycles on social media to find out more about what’s going on during this year’s recycle week.
New recycling animations just released
Got questions about recycling? West Sussex Waste Partnership has launched an exciting series of short videos to help answer all your questions. From why your recycling needs to be loose to handling old batteries, these informative videos have the answers!
Think Before You Throw and check out the new videos on YouTube.
Thinking about redecorating?
We’re thrilled to be partnering with Biffa and Community RePaint (sponsored by Dulux) to introduce an exciting new paint reuse initiative.
Residents can now donate or collect surplus paint at designated Recycling Centres across West Sussex.
Autumn/Winter recycling centre opening hours
Our Recycling Centres have now switched to their Autumn/Winter hours. All 11 centres will be open from 9am to 4pm until 31 March 2025.
Remember to book your slot online before heading to the centre. Appointments can be booked up to 14 days in advance or even on the same day if there’s availability. If you no longer need your slot, don’t forget to cancel it so someone else can use it!
Full opening hours can be found on our website.
Are you making the most of additional kerbside collections?
Did you know that some items can’t go in your regular home recycling bin but might still be recyclable at the kerbside? Your local district or borough council may offer additional kerbside collections for small electricals, batteries, and even textiles for free!
Don’t miss out! Visit the West Sussex Recycles website to discover which collections are available in your area and start recycling even more today.
Halloween recycling tips
Getting ready for Halloween fun? Whether you’re hosting a party or going trick-or-treating, remember to recycle what you can!
- Cans, plastic bottles, tubs, trays, and glass bottles — all recyclable at home.
- Sweet wrappers — these can’t be recycled at home but can be dropped off at participating supermarkets.
Looking to reduce waste? Try using reusable crockery and decorations or get creative with second-hand costumes!
Free Halloween reuse workshops for kids
This month, the Waste Prevention Team will be hosting a series of fun, Halloween-themed reuse craft workshops at various West Sussex libraries. All materials will be provided. These events are free, but booking is required. More information can be found on the West Sussex Library Services website.
- Monday 28th October, 1:30 to 3pm — Lancing Library, Penstone Park, Lancing, BN15 9DL
- Tuesday 29th October, 09:30 to 11am — Hurstpierpoint Library, Trinity Road, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, BN6 9UY
- Tuesday 29th October, 1:30 to 3pm — Broadfield Library, Broadfield Place, Crawley RH11 9BA
- Wednesday 30th October, 10:00 to 1:30pm — Durrington Library, Salvington Road, Worthing, BN13 2JD
- Wednesday 30th October, 1:30 to 3pm — Wittering’s Library, Oakfield Avenue, East Wittering, Chichester, PO20 8BT
- Thursday 31st October, 10 to 11:30am — Billingshurst Library, Mill Lane, Billingshurst, RH14 9JZ
- Thursday 31st October, 1:30 to 3pm — Henfield Library, High Street, Henfield, BN5 9HN
- Friday 1st November, 1:30 to 3pm — Selsey Library, School Lane, Selsey, Chichester, PO20 9EH
- Saturday 2nd November, 10 to 11:30am — Southbourne Library, First Avenue, Southbourne, Emsworth, PO10 8HP
- Saturday 2nd November, 1:30 to 3pm — Bognor Library, London Road, Bognor Regis PO21 1DE
Are you scam savvy?
‘Are you scam savvy?’ sessions are back for the autumn
After a very successful run of scam savvy sessions earlier this year, West Sussex County Council experts are visiting more West Sussex libraries before the end of 2024.
The free 1.5-hour sessions are open to anyone who wants to stop themselves falling victim to different types of scams, including telephone, courier, and romance fraud.
Each session can be attended either in-person or online, and the sessions will be held as follows:
- Worthing Library: Monday 14 October 10am — 11.30am
- Chichester District Council: Thursday 24 October 10am — 11.30am
- Bognor Library: Tuesday 12 November 10–11.30am
- Willowhale Library: Friday 15 November 10–11.30am
- Crawley Library: Wednesday 11 December 10–11.30am
- Broadfield Library: Wednesday 11 December 1–2.30pm
Whether you choose to attend in-person or online, it is essential you book a free ticket via Eventbrite.
Reader’s pictures: Northern lights shine over Chichester and Bognor Regis
“To us, he was a gentle giant” — tributes paid to Chichester community warden after unexpected death
Pedigree pig breeders in Bognor Regis closes down after ’17 successful years’
Community centres in Sussex invited to apply for Southern Water grant this winter
Nearly twenty more big belly bins introduced to Bognor Regis Town Centre
Police on the lookout for 17-year-old girl missing from Crawley, with links to Barnham and Yapton
New beach huts in Littlehampton: Council preparing to offer them on ‘daily hire basis’
Bognor Regis restaurant The Landing Place named ‘Best Oceanfront Restaurant’ as it snags major award
7th October 2024: 27 new stories inc 1 video
The Boklok Housing Saga in Yapton, Now Under Review by the Secretary of State Government Inspector Sept- Oct 2024
EXCLUSIVE: from our Local Correspondent
At the webcast ADC Planning Committee Meeting on Nov.
15th 2023, Cllrs. refused the Boklok Housing Ltd. planning
application for 170 modular houses for Yapton, as part of a
hybrid application Y/3/22/OUT ( earlier approved), with Y/52/23,
as phase 2 , to now seek full approval for the latter. The
meeting was also attended by our local reporter and many local
residents.
Immediately after the meeting, the ADC Group Head of
Planning Neil Crowther wrote to Sam Sykes, agent for Boklok
Housing Ltd. (details on the planning website).
The former stated that he had not been given the opportunity to
make his recommendations about the application to the Cllrs.,
before they voted. Citing Sections 12.5 and 12.7 of the ADC
Constitution, in support of his claim.
This is allegedly in direct contrast to the details taken down
verbatim by our reporter from the meeting.
At which, it was allegedly stated by Neil Crowther, in
recommendation to the Cllrs., that if they voted to refuse the
application, their stated objections would be likely to be thrown
out by the Inspector, if it went on appeal to the Secretary of
State. Cllrs. voted to refuse the application anyway.
A review of the *webcast of the meeting, would confirm
whether any such recommendations were made.
On the basis that no recommendations had been made, Neil
Crowther arranged for a second webcast ADC Planning
Committee Meeting on Dec14th 2023.
3 out of 4 objections were withdrawn by Cllrs.
Some of the Cllrs. who voted at the second meeting were
substitutes, who had not attended to the earlier meeting. The
application remained refused.
The application refusal allowed for a formal appeal to the
Secretary of State for a review by the Inspector. The last day
for additional information and objections to be submitted was
Sept.16th 2024.
A planning application request to the Inspector must be made
within 6 months of a planning decision, otherwise, it is not
considered for review. Doubt has been cast regarding timelines,
so it will be for the Inspector to confirm or refute ref. dates.
At the time of the original application in association with
Y/3/22/OUT as a hybrid with Y/52/23, the entire site was owned
by Landlink Developments 4 Ltd. They stated an intention to
sell the land to Boklok as developers.
As land ownership is crucial to an S106 obligation and
developer contributions, this was a subject of local investigation
as relevant to the Boklok subsequent application for the same
overall site.
Enquiries were made to Simon Davis, Principal Planning Officer
as of ADC in August 2024 to seek confirmation about the
current ownership of the land in question. Responses were not
considered conclusive, but he suggested to contact Land
Registry.
Subsequent enquiries of Land Registry by a resident confirmed
that the land transfer had taken place on March 28 th 2023.
(approx.16months earlier). Those owning land relative to an
S106 obligation are required to inform the local authority of any
change in land ownership ‘ as soon as possible’.
This alleged ‘oversight,’ flagged up to planning by a resident,
was passed to the ADC Planning Contributions and Data
Department. They confirmed in response that the alleged lack
of action by Landlink was a breach of Clause 6.2 of the S106
for Y/3/22/OUT in association with the land for Y/52/23 as a
legal document. Also advising that the required form in
confirmation, would now be obtained from Landlink.
The form was received by ADC on Aug. 29th 2024. Confirming
the date of land transfer was March 28th 2023, in relation to the
S106 agreement made with ADC on Jan. 9th 2023.
No reason or explanation has been given for any delay. Nor
whether Boklok Housing Ltd. will continue to uphold that earlier
S106 document content, or whether it will be rescinded in
association with the planning application for Y/52/23.
*Residents wishing to voice additional concerns to the
Inspector, sought to review the webcast meeting again of
Nov.15th 2023, to verify details in their reports. In particular, the
exact wording of Neil Crowther in contention. They were unable
to do so because the ‘link’ had been removed. Also allegedly
denying the Inspector a review of that evidence.
When questioned to the ADC Committee Services Law and
Governance office, they advised that they remove links
routinely to webcast planning meetings after 6 months. This
action would not appear to be universal, as at time of writing,
the link for the second relevant ADC Planning Committee
Meeting on Dec.14th 2023 was still on the lists. (8 months later,
not 6).
As the request for this information was denied being supplied, it
is currently the subject of an FOI request to ADC, as recorded
meetings are required to be made public on request according
to the ICO. The timeline for a response has yet to be achieved
and will be too late for the Inspector review.
Although the appeal review is not a ‘legal proceedings’ the
following is considered an interesting point, in generality only.
‘‘Doctrine of Spoliation,’ Donald Lange barrister and solicitor: ‘In
legal context the term ‘spoliation’ refers to the destruction,
mutilation, alteration or concealment of evidence.’’
It is understood that residents of Yapton have submitted
additional and robust objections to content submitted in report
by Boklok to the Inspector as indicative, but not conclusive as
follows: -
1. No date of exchange of land ownership stated.
2. Allegedly agreeing with the Neil Crowther statement that
no recommendations were made to Cllrs., before they
voted on Nov.15 2023.
3. Allegedly indicating that the S106 payments for travel for
schoolchildren out of area had been settled. WSCC
indicted otherwise in their updated report now, (planning
website).
4. Allegedly indicating that the ADC Drainage Engineers had
withdrawn their objections. This was not the whole picture
as can be seen in their response on Nov.21st. 2023, after
the Nov.15th meeting, (planning website details).
5. No mention of the considerable resident /Cllr. objections
to an NMA to change from conventional build to
prefabrication change for Y/3/22/OUT, which was denied
being consulted before Committee. (Y/15/24/NMA).
6. No mention of concerns relating to the alleged non-
compliance of ASHPs because of accumulative noise
levels in terraced, semi- detached houses and flats.
7. No mention of the financial position of the suppliers of the
modules by Top Hat to Boklok, and how a lack of supply
may adversely affect any future development.
Published details in Trade journals indicated that Top Hat is
between 20 and 25 million in the red. Their new- built factory in
Corby covering approx.11 football pitches is ‘on ice’ indefinitely.
The team there have been ‘laid off’ and approx. 70 due to be
laid off out of approx. 200 from their original factory in Derby.
The 59 robotics due to manufacture the modules in the new
factory remain in Germany.
In 2023, Persimmon, Aviva and Homes England (Gov.
involvement) loaned Top Hat 25, 20 and 15million respectively.
Persimmon ‘wrote off’ their loan this year.
A winding up petition through the High Court in Leeds in Aug.
2024 by Harworth Residential Development Ltd., towards Top
Hat Communities Ltd. was avoided on that day in court.
It is understood that the sale/ purchase of the entire site by
Boklok from Landlink in 2023 was for 17.4 million. (Land
Registry information).
There are no up- to- date records for the financial position of
Boklok, but this is anticipated to also be under review with
reference to this proposal. The contract with Top Hat to supply
Boklok with modules runs out in Aug .2025.
It remains to be seen from available published information, how
Boklok Housing Ltd./ Top Hat Communities Ltd. or associated
companies, are intending to supply modules for Yapton and any
of their other sites presently under development, and for the
future.
The October 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.
Here are some highlights in October’s edition:
*Enjoy photos and stories from our National Crime and Community Conference, and celebrate the winners of this year’s Volunteer Recognition Awards
*You’re invited to complete our 2024 Crime and Community Survey before 31st October (click this link to complete the survey)
*The MLA shares tips on keeping your home secure as we approach winter
*SimpliSafe gives guidance on home security during the darker nights
READ THE OCTOBER NEWSLETTER HERE.
A reminder — Request for your feedback on the policing service you receive
This is a reminder that Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has launched a survey asking Sussex residents for their feedback on the policing service they receive.
Now in her fourth term as Sussex PCC, Mrs Bourne is eager to understand residents’ concerns and ideas in order to inform the priorities in her new Police & Crime Plan.
Speaking about the survey, PCC Katy Bourne said: “As your Police & Crime Commissioner since 2012, I’ve been asking you, as local residents, to tell me what makes you feel safe or unsafe.
“I am elected to be your voice within policing so it is my responsibility to ensure that the Chief Constable is delivering efficient and effective policing across our county.
“As I develop our new Police & Crime Plan, I’d like to know if issues that mattered to you before have changed. Please do complete my short survey — I look forward to hearing your thoughts and value your feedback”.
The survey can be accessed online and only takes a few minutes to complete. If you have not already completed the survey please click on the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/9f9hYFVAFA
If you have any questions related to this survey then please contact the Office of the PCC directly — their E-mail address is pcc@sussex-pcc.gov.uk or you can phone the office on 01273 481561.
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 following the sudden death of man in Littlehampton
Police are appealing for witnesses following the sudden death of a man in Littlehampton.
Officers were called to River Road around 4.45pm on Friday 13 September following concerns for the welfare of a 33-year-old local man.
He was taken to hospital for treatment, where he sadly later died.
His next of kin were informed and have been supported by specialist officers.
A 20-year-old man from Littlehampton and a 40-year-old woman from Wick were arrested on suspicion of supplying a Class A drug.
Both suspects have been released on conditional bail as enquiries continue.
In the meantime, police are urging anyone with any information about the incident to report it online or call 101, quoting crime reference 47240178904.
Appeal following sudden death of man in Littlehampton | Sussex Police
Appeal for witnesses following assault in Littlehampton
Police are appealing for information following an assault in Littlehampton.
Officers were called to River Road at around 8.15pm on 5 August.
A 27-year-old local man was reportedly attacked by an unknown man. The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He has since been discharged.
The suspect was in a group of six or seven others, who all left the scene via Surrey Street.
Witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to contact police online or call 101 quoting serial 1303 of 05/08.
Appeal for witnesses following assault in Littlehampton | Sussex Police
CRIME REPORTS
Burglary and vehicle crime
Please remember to keep valuables out of sight and hidden, and remember to lock all doors and windows.
You can find information on keeping your property and outbuildings safe here:
Crime prevention advice | Sussex Police
Secured by Design — Home Security Advice
Secured by Design — Garden Security
There have been a number of incidents of people trying car door handles, and valuables taken. Please remember to lock your vehicles and remove all valuables and tools. You can find information about keeping your vehicles safe from theft or damage here:
Preventing car and vehicle theft | Crime Prevention | Sussex Police
Secured by Design — Vehicle Crime
NEWS
Warnings issued to anti-social drivers in Yapton
Police are tackling issues with anti-social driving in Yapton. Over the last month, calls have increased across the area of young people driving mopeds on pavements loudly and recklessly.
It is believed that this is happening frequently between 12pm and midnight, particularly 6pm until 9pm. Two Section 59 warnings have been issued to a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy, both from Yapton. The warning means that if the driver is given another warning within 12 months, their vehicle will be seized.
If the original vehicle is stopped, regardless of the driver, it will also be seized.
If you have any information or would like to report a crime, contact police online or call 101 quoting Operation Precinct.
Always dial 999 in an emergency.
Warnings issued to anti-social drivers in Yapton | Sussex Police
Action day to tackle crime in Barnham and Chichester
Police, alongside partners, conducted a full day of action to tackle serious violence and anti-social behaviour in Barnham and Chichester.
Operation Parkside took place on Monday (23 September) alongside Arun District Council, Chichester District Council, West Sussex County Council, NHS, Govia Thameslink Railway, British Transport Police and others to facilitate a multi-agency day of action at the train stations.
Officers and partners interacted with the community, local businesses, children and young people and others to not only provide reassurance, but take on feedback in the village and city centres.
This comes after reports of an increase in crime and across the rail network over the summer period.
You can read more here — Action day to tackle crime in Barnham and Chichester | Sussex Police
Zombie knives and machetes surrendered as part of national scheme
More than 150 items were surrendered at police stations in Sussex as part of a nationwide surrender of ‘zombie’ style knives and machetes.
Sussex Police joined forces across the country as part of the ongoing effort to tackle knife crime and serious violence.
A surrender and compensation scheme was in place until September 24. But now, the new law has come into effect which makes it illegal to possess, sell, manufacture, and transport these dangerous weapons, marking a major step forward in making our communities safer.
You can read more information here — Zombie-style knives and machetes surrendered as part of national scheme | Sussex Police
REPORTING A CRIME
For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, click www.sussex.police.uk, (If you report a crime online, we will assess it in the same way as a 101 call).
Call 101 when you do not require an urgent response. In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger always call 999.
Connect with us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team at www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us using TypeTalk on 18000 or by sending a text to 65999.
Crimestoppers
Crimestoppers is speaking up about neighbourhood crimes. Robbery, theft, and burglary harm communities and have a long-lasting impact on their victims. People not only suffer from the loss of their possessions, the invasion of privacy and violation of personal space, but some may experience emotional distress or be left with physical injuries.
Local crimes can stigmatise the community, creating negative perceptions of safety both within and outside the area. This intensifies feelings of fear and concern and adds to the trauma, both for the victim and for the people around them.
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 here 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
Watch our new animations and learn to #ThinkBeforeYouThrow
We’re excited to announce the next phase of our Think Before You Throw campaign with the release of a new series of animated videos! These short, engaging animations address common recycling questions, such as:
- Why does my recycling need to be loose?
- Why can’t I put shredded paper in my recycling bin at home?
- What are additional kerbside collections?
- What should I put in my recycling bin at home?
- What do I do with batteries?
and more.
Brush up on your recycling knowledge and watch the first set of new animations over on our YouTube channel.
Autumn/winter opening hours return to all West Sussex Recycling Centres
From the 1 October 2024 autumn/winter opening hours returned to all 11 Recycling Centres in West Sussex.
The opening times for all Recycling Centres will be 9am — 4pm until 31 March 2025. Site opening days also reverted to the autumn/ winter opening schedule:
Before visiting any West Sussex Recycling Centre, don’t forget you must book a timed slot online through our website. Bookings can be made up to 14 days in advance or even on the same day if there is availability.
If a booked slot is no longer needed, please cancel the appointment so that someone else can make use of the available slot. Cancellations are easy and can be done online here.
A handy A-Z guide on what can and can’t be recycled at the West Sussex Recycling Centres is available on our website.
Rescue your recyclables with Recycle Week
One third of us miss opportunities to recycle at home! Based on our recent survey, we found that common household items are not being recycled at home across West Sussex. Items such as clean pots, tubs, and trays, plastic bottles with their tops on, and aerosols are being missed despite being recyclable.
This month, Recycle Week (October 14–20) focuses on rescuing recyclable items from heading to the general waste bin. We will be supporting Recycle Week across our social media channels by reminding residents of all the items that can be recycled at home and across the network of Recycling Centres in West Sussex.
Keep an eye on our social media pages or head to our website to make sure you’re recycling all you can.
Don’t let Halloween become a waste nightmare
Every year, millions of pumpkins are wasted but pumpkins aren’t just for carving! Pumpkins are tasty and super nutritious. This year, we’re encouraging our residents to think about some of the recipes they can make using their pumpkins. Help us in our Fight Against Food Waste and get inspired. Check out our video (produced in collaboration with UKHarvest) for some top tops:
This video was produced as part of the Veg While You Wait series. Videos are also available at our Community Food Hubs and will be updated with a new theme each month until April 2025. To find your nearest Community Food Hub visit our website here.
If you are having a Halloween party or going trick or treating, don’t forget to recycle all you can. Most sweet wrappers aren’t recyclable at home, so if they aren’t, please put them in with your general waste or recycle them at your local supermarket with other plastic bags and wrapping.
Cans, plastic bottles, pots, tubs, and trays, as well as glass bottles and jars, can be recycled at home.
Bonus tip: Reduce your waste this Halloween by buying your costume second hand or making one using materials you already have at home. You could also sell last year’s costume online using sites like Vinted or Facebook Marketplace!
Upcoming waste prevention events
Throughout West Sussex, we’re proud to be working 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 keen to answer questions on the county’s recycling provision and waste prevention.
Alongside the below public events, we are attending numerous privately hosted talks and events for local community groups, schools, and other organisations. If you would like our team to provide a talk, visit your school, attend an event, or for more information on the above please contact: waste.prevention@westsussex.gov.uk.
October/November events:
- Monday 28th October (1:30pm — 3pm) — Kids Reuse Workshop at Lancing Library, Penstone Park, Lancing, BN15 9DL
- Tuesday 29th October (09:30am — 11am) — Kids Reuse Workshop at Hurstpierpoint Library, Trinity Road, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, BN6 9UY
- Tuesday 29th October (1:30pm — 3pm) — Kids Reuse Workshop at Broadfield Library, Broadfield Place, Crawley RH11 9BA
- Wednesday 30th October (10:00am -11:30pm) — Kids Reuse Workshop at Durrington Library, Salvington Road, Worthing, BN13 2JD
- Wednesday 30th October (1:30pm — 3pm) — Kids Reuse Workshop at Wittering’s Library, Oakfield Avenue, East Wittering, Chichester, PO20 8BT
- Thursday 31st October (10am — 11:30am) — Kids Reuse Workshop at Billingshurst Library, Mill Lane, Billingshurst, RH14 9JZ
- Thursday 31st October (1:30pm — 3pm) — Kids Reuse Workshop at Henfield Library, High Street, Henfield, BN5 9HN
- Friday 1st November (1:30pm — 3pm) — Kids Reuse Workshop at Selsey Library, School Lane, Selsey, Chichester, PO20 9EH
- Saturday 2nd November (10am — 11:30am) — Kids Reuse Workshop at Southbourne Library, First Avenue, Southbourne, Emsworth, PO10 8HP
- Saturday 2nd November (1:30pm — 3pm) — Kids Reuse Workshop at Bognor Library, London Rd, Bognor Regis PO21 1DE
- Saturday, 16th November (from 9:30am) — Energy workshop, The Stand Up Inn, High Street, Lindfield, RH16 2HN
- Saturday, 23rd November (10am — 2pm) — Waste prevention stand at Hurstpierpoint Craft Fayre, Hurstpierpoint Village Centre, Trinity Road, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9UY
- Saturday, 23rd November (11am — 4pm) — Waste prevention stand at Burgess Hill Christmas Fayre, Church Walk, Burgess Hill, RH15 9AS
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.
In pictures: Bognor Regis Puppet Party celebrates generations of puppeteering talent
Sunken Gardens play area closed in Bognor Regis due to ‘local power supply issue’ — MSN
It will now cost more to pay for a car parking disc in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
Rotary Club honour for former Bognor Regis MP Nick Gibb — Chichester
29th September 2024: 34 stories inc 2 video, + 9 photos
Southdowns Folk Festival 2024 Great Success
See more photos below
Speaking with The Herald, organiser Roger Nash described last weekend’s 3 day festival on Bognor’s Place St Maur as a “great success” and that they were already thinking to next year. Steve Goodheart also said ROX’s stage proved there is life ahead for them too.
Chichester is one of the best areas to live in West Sussex, according to data
This is why Chichester luxury car maker is stopping local school children’s boots getting muddy
Sussex named one of the UK’s top 10 out-of-season staycation destinations
New research names area in Sussex as the best place to go hiking in England
The Cure announce new album at Sussex pub where they played their first gig
I went to Bognor’s newest cocktail and charcuterie bar — this is what it’s like — Sussex Express
In pictures: Music and merriment in Bognor Regis as South Downs Folk Festival
More Southdowns and ROX photos
22nd September 2024: 37 new stories inc 4 video
Dolphins greet East Sussex RNLI volunteers returning from training in Brighton
Dolphins spotted in Chichester Harbour
West Sussex TV show The Repair Shop hits the road for theatre tour
FA Cup clash proves disastrous for Bognor Regis Town as Margate win 4–0
Hit and run victim from Bognor Regis backs campaign to protect law on compensation
Bognor Regis seafront improvements to include speed limits and new gardens
These are the cheapest areas to rent in West Sussex, according to new report
Goodwood Revival 2024: Highlights — vid
Police launch appeal to identify man in connection with assault in Chichester
Bersted Green Primary School celebrates ten year anniversary
‘I am deeply honoured’ — New Dean of Chichester Cathedral installed
Hit and run victim from Bognor Regis backs campaign
Robbie Blake on the Bognor Regis Town slump — and how to get out of it
Mayor of Bognor Regis’ weekly briefing SussexWorld 4d
Important amendment
Important amendments to the ‘Sepsis: Know the Signs, Save a Life’ campaign featured in last week’s newsletter.
Last week we issued information in our newsletter for Sepsis Awareness Month on how to spot the signs of Sepsis and the actions to take. This missed vital information. The version below aligns with the UK Sepsis Trust advice. Please take the time to read this vital life-saving information. We apologise for any confusion this may have caused.
Sepsis: Know the Signs, Save a Life
As part of Sepsis Awareness Month this September, we are highlighting the importance of recognising the symptoms of sepsis.
In the UK alone, there are at least 245,000 cases and up to 48,000 deaths of sepsis every year. That’s more deaths than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined.
There is no single sign or diagnostic test, and sepsis is indiscriminate: while it primarily affects very young children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions, it can sometimes be triggered in those who are otherwise fit and healthy.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition.
How to spot sepsis in adults:
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Extreme shivering or muscle pain
- Passing no urine (in a day)
- Severe breathlessness
- It feels like you’re going to die
- Skin mottled or discoloured
A child may have sepsis if they:
- Are breathing very fast
- Have a ‘fit’ or convulsion
- Look mottled, bluish, or pale — on darker pigmented skin, colour changes may show on the inside of the forearms or palms
- Have a rash that does not fade when you press it
- Are very lethargic or difficult to wake
- Feel abnormally cold to touch
A child under 5 may have sepsis if they:
- Are not feeding
- Are vomiting repeatedly
- Have not passed urine for 12 hours
If you or another adult or child develop any of these signs, it is important to seek urgent medical attention.
Call 111 or contact your GP if you are worried about an infection.
Call 999 or visit A&E if you or another adult or child has one of the sepsis symptoms.
Just Ask: Could it be Sepsis?
For further information on sepsis please click on this link: FAQs — The UK Sepsis Trust
15th September 2024: 43 new stories
PS Waverley visits Sussex — see story below
POST-MATCH COMMENTS: FA CUP — Bognor Regis Town FC (A) — 14th September 2024
PS Waverley: Last seagoing paddle steamer visits Sussex — in pictures
Paddington and Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville awarded an Honorary Doctor of Theatre
From the Downs to the Dunes is new Chichester exhibition
Changes to business waste disposal regulations
Highlights: Chichester City 2 Bognor Regis Town 1 — The Pitching In Isthmian League
Highlights: Aylesbury Vale Dynamos 0 Bognor Regis Town 3 — Isthmian League
Key Bognor Regis Town player may miss whole season
A West Sussex school has gained praise — and the highest Ofsted rating
Neighbourhood Watch September 2024 Newsletter
Arun News updates
Latest news on the Alexandra Theatre project -
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/alexandra-theatre-august-update-9052
Progress report on the Arcade in Bognor Regis –
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/the-arcade-bognor-regis-august-update-9053
Residents to have say on location of EV chargepoints –
Welcome to the September 2024 edition of our Residents’ eNewsletter, featuring the latest news and updates from your county council.
Positive Ageing Month: free events at our libraries
Selected libraries across West Sussex will host free events and health checks to raise awareness for Positive Ageing Month next month.
Throughout October, you can listen in to talks on ageing, book a wellbeing assessment, attend a drop-in, speak with local organisations, and of course pick up plenty of books on ageing well.
One of the first events is at Littlehampton Library on Tuesday 1 October. Arun Wellbeing will be offering free wellbeing checks and blood pressure checks. No appointment is needed for blood pressure checks, but full wellbeing checks must be booked in advance. Email wellbeinginfo@arun.gov.uk or call 01903 737862 for more information and to book.
For details of events in all libraries, click on the ‘ageing well’ tag on our Library What’s On pages.
Have you got high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and strokes.
We’re encouraging everyone over the age of 40 to have their blood pressure checked and take control of their health. Find out more about blood pressure here.
You can pop into your local pharmacy to ask about getting a free blood pressure check and some GPs have machines in their waiting rooms. You can also buy a monitor to check yours at home.
Blood pressure measurement is also part of the NHS Health Check. If you’re aged between 40 and 74 years old with no pre-existing conditions, this free 30-minute check will tell you your level of cardiovascular risk and what you can do to ensure it stays low.
Best start in life for our children
Our new ‘Right from the Start: Early Years and Childcare Strategy’ sets out our vision and priorities for supporting children in West Sussex.
The four-year strategy aims to improve the wellbeing of young children, reduce inequalities and support positive choices for families.
This strategy will be embedded across all our services supporting young children, to help every child in West Sussex achieve their full potential.
Ensuring we work together with families and other services to implement the strategy and shape what happens next is a high priority for us.
Please look out for opportunities to get involved through our upcoming communications.
Our plan to reduce emissions and increase climate resilience
We’ve set out the first phase of a six-year plan to become carbon neutral and climate resilient by 2030.
A Climate Action and Adaptation Plan for 2024 to 2027 has been published which identifies 20 priority actions to be taken across the council and in partnership with key stakeholders in the county.
The actions are broken down into six pathways focusing on issues such as buildings and energy, transport, and nature and environment.
‘Money muling’ on the rise
Money muling is a type of money laundering, where a person receives money from a third party into their bank account and then transfers it on to another one, keeping a commission.
Money mules may not be directly involved in crime, however they are an accomplice as they are laundering the proceeds of crime.
At this time of year, criminals may try to take advantage of students studying in the UK by offering them quick ways to make money.
You may think it’s an easy way to increase your cash flow, but the reality is you could end up with a criminal record and a hefty prison sentence.
If you think that you or someone you know is a victim of money muling, stop communication with the criminals, stop transferring money and report it to the police and Action Fraud.
Sepsis: Know the Signs, Save a Life
In the UK, sepsis affects at least 245,000 people annually, with up to 48,000 deaths, more than breast, bowel, and prostate cancer combined. Sepsis is indiscriminate: while it primarily affects the very young, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions, it can also strike those who are otherwise fit and healthy.
Our county councillors unanimously supported a Notice of Motion to raise awareness of sepsis across West Sussex, emphasising the urgency of recognising the signs and spreading life-saving information.
How to spot sepsis:
For adults:
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Severe breathlessness or shivering
- Mottled or discoloured skin
- No urine passed in a day
- Extreme pain or the feeling that you might die
For children:
- Breathing very fast
- Blue, pale, or mottled skin (check forearms or palms)
- Rash that doesn’t fade under pressure
- Unusually cold to the touch
- Difficult to wake or very lethargic
For under-fives:
- Are not feeding
- Are vomiting repeatedly
- Have not passed urine for 12 hours
If you spot any of these signs, call 111 or your GP immediately.
In urgent cases, call 999 or visit A&E and ask: “Could it be sepsis?”
Head to our Newsroom to find all the latest news.
- Applications for secondary school places in West Sussex for September 2025 are now open. It’s vital applications are made on time for the best chance of being offered one of your preferred places. Applications close on Thursday 31 October 2024.
- Low income households without gas central heating can get funding to help improve their home’s energy efficiency. Register your interest before the end of October 2024.
- You could get the Winter Fuel Payment if you are receiving Pension Credit. Check your eligibility here or call 0800 99 1234.
- People in Arun, Adur and Worthing can have their say on proposals for new electric vehicle chargepoints on 15 streets throughout the local area.
- An annual report issued by the West Sussex Director of Public Health focuses on children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing in a changing world, and provides a retrospective snapshot of the services and work undertaken.
- We’re developing a new Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and we’d like you to complete this survey and share your local knowledge of flooding issues.
9th September 2024: 24 new stories
It’s Zero Waste Week!
This week is Zero Waste Week, and it’s the perfect time to take action towards reducing waste in our everyday lives. Whether you’re just starting your zero-waste journey or looking to take your efforts to the next level, there’s no better time to get involved. Not sure how? Give some of our easy swaps a go:
- Don’t forget to invest in some reusable shopping bags to take with you when picking up groceries or other household bits. All shops now charge for plastic carrier bags, so you can save some money and keep waste to a low, by building up a stash of reusable bags and keeping them somewhere you won’t forget them — for example, on a coat hook by the front door.
- If you’re heading out and know you’ll want a coffee, make sure you take your reusable coffee cup. Reusable coffee cups are a great way to reduce your waste and most coffee shops will reward you for using one. This could be by taking some money off or offering you extra reward points — saving you money in the long run.
- Ditch the soap dispenser and switch to a soap bar. Bars of soap usually come in cardboard, which means no plastic packaging, unlike liquid soap. Soap bars typically last longer and take less materials to make too.
- If you have leftovers, instead of wrapping them in cling film or foil, pop them in a reusable Tupperware instead. You can even use Tupperware to store sandwiches. These can be washed and reused loads of times which means you’re not constantly throwing away plastic film. You could also use reusable pot covers or beeswax wraps to keep your food fresh.
- If you have a little one, why not try switching from disposable nappies to reusable ones? Reusable nappies are better for the environment, gentle on soft skin and could save you some money. Why not look online for easy alternatives that will suit your family?
- Each year more than 3 billion single-use period products are disposed of in the UK. That’s the same weight as just over 900 blue whales each year in tampons and period pads! Reusable period products can be a great option for menstruators looking to reduce their plastic waste. There are lots of different options available and could save you money in the long term.
SummerOfSport
With a week left of the Paralympic games, it’s the perfect time to remind ourselves to keep our recycling game strong! Whether you’re enjoying a takeaway or just snacking while cheering on Team GB, let’s make sure we’re doing our part and recycling as much as possible by following our tips:
- Did you know that many takeaway containers can be recycled in West Sussex? Clean pizza boxes, plastic containers, and more can go straight into your recycling bin. So, as you enjoy your meal, be sure to be a #RecyclingWinner!
- Remember to recycle your plastic bottles (tops on), pots, tubs, trays, fruit punnets, and meat trays in your recycling bin at home.
- For soft plastics like carrier bags, crisp packets, and bread bags, head to your local supermarket’s soft plastic recycling scheme. You can find your nearest participating store online here. If you can’t make it to a supermarket, these items should go in your general waste bin.
- You can recycle even more at your local West Sussex Recycling Centres. These centres offer a wide range of recycling options. Don’t forget to book your appointment before you go — it’s quick and easy, and you can book on the day or up to two weeks in advance. Visit our Recycling Centre page for booking information and to check opening days and times.
- Keep your recycling game strong with the foil scrunch test! To recycle foil, scrunch it into a ball. If it stays scrunched, it’s good to go in the recycling bin, it it springs back, it will need to go in the general waste bin.
As the Paralympics and our #SummerOfSport campaign come to a close, we want to thank everyone for their recycling efforts. Whether you’ve been sorting your plastics or recycling your foil, your actions have made a big difference. For more information on what can be recycled across West Sussex, visit our website.
We are currently organising a range of events across Sussex to coincide with the BT Digital Switchover which will be happening across the country and affecting some of our most vulnerable in our community.
Neighbourhood Watch is currently looking for people to come forward to help run these events. You would receive FULL support and training and it is a fantastic opportunity to help others within your community to feel well informed and confident to know what will be happening, what it involves and what is expected of them. This helps reduce the likelihood that they will be scammed and confused with mis-information.
If you live around the following areas and are free on the dates stated, YOU could be that key person who could be a volunteer for us in this project. All of the venues are already booked and the essentials are all covered, you would get travel expenses too.
Your local events are:
- Billingshurst Library, Wednesday 30th October 10.00am — 12.30pm
- Rustington Library, Tuesday 5th November 10.00am — 12.00pm
- Littlehampton Library, Tuesday 5th November 2.00pm — 4.00pm
- Burgess Hill Library , Friday 8th November 10.30am — 1.00pm
- Midhurst Library, Monday 11th November 10.00am — 1.00pm
- Forest Row Community Centre, Wednesday 13th November 10.00am — 1.00pm
- Steyning Library, Wednesday 20th November 10.30am — 1.00pm
- Battle Library, Thursday 21st November 1.00pm — 4.00pm
If you feel that you would like to take part in this exciting partnership between NHW and BT in helping to support local meetings across Sussex, do get in touch with me to find out more
Emma Drozd | Regional Digital Voice Volunteer Coordinator — South East Region
You can also find out more about the project by visiting our website
Our Digital Voice Project with BT | Neighbourhood Watch Network (ourwatch.org.uk)
Request for your feedback on the policing service you receive
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has launched a survey asking Sussex residents for their feedback on the policing service they receive.
Now in her fourth term as Sussex PCC, Mrs Bourne is eager to understand residents’ concerns and ideas in order to inform the priorities in her new Police & Crime Plan.
Speaking about the survey, PCC Katy Bourne said: “As your Police & Crime Commissioner since 2012, I’ve been asking you, as local residents, to tell me what makes you feel safe or unsafe.
“I am elected to be your voice within policing so it is my responsibility to ensure that the Chief Constable is delivering efficient and effective policing across our county. As I develop our new Police & Crime Plan, I’d like to know if issues that mattered to you before have changed? Please do complete my short survey — I look forward to hearing your thoughts and value your feedback”
The survey can be accessed online and only takes a few minutes to complete. Please click on the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/9f9hYFVAFAWest Sussex road closed for eight weeks to repair wall that supports River Lavant
More news
In pictures: An ‘afternoon of great music’ with Bognor Regis concert band goes down a treat
Barrels of laughs in Bognor Regis as Zaz the Clown visits Bognor Regis
Bognor Regis woman becomes first British woman to complete world’s toughest footrace three times
Bognor Regis Town skipper apologises after below-par display in loss at Chichester City
1st September 2024: 23 new stories
Paris Paralympics: Sussex 14-year-old makes history with bronze medal
With Neilcott Construction as the main contractor for the next stage of the Alexandra Theatre rejuvenation, progress is being made.
Neilcott is currently finalising detailed design work together with the Arun District Council regeneration team. Special attention is being given to planning the construction programme and minimising disruption to the Regis Centre car park and Place St Maur. The council will share more information about the construction schedule in the coming weeks, ahead of work starting in autumn 2024. Based on the current programme, the theatre is anticipated to welcome audiences in the first quarter of 2026.
Sussex Police is supporting a nationwide scheme to allow owners of zombie-style knives and machetes to surrender them as part of the force’s ongoing efforts to tackle knife crime and serious violence.
Forces across England and Wales will be holding the surrender and compensation scheme ahead of changes in legislation which are due to come into force from September 24.
It will become illegal to possess, sell, manufacture, and transport these dangerous weapons, marking a major step forward in making our communities safer.
Taking zombie-style knives and machetes off our streets | Sussex Police
Hotspot policing sees a significant fall in anti-social behaviour
Earlier this year, Sussex Police introduced its Hotspot Policing Team — a unit dedicated to tackling anti-social behaviour and serious violence in 29 areas with relatively high concentrations of crime.
The team works with partners and other agencies to identify the issues in each area and put the specific measures in place needed to address them.
That targeted approach has seen reports of anti-social behaviour fall by 17.6% in hotspot areas between April and July, compared to the same period last year. Comparable data for serious violence is being collated.
Additional patrols, paid for primarily by extra Home Office funding, are the cornerstone of hotspot policing. They provide a reassuring presence, a visible deterrent and clear points of contact for engagement with the public.
The Hotspot Policing Team have carried out over 5,000 hours of high visibility patrols in hotspots since April.
Hotspot policing sees significant fall in anti-social behaviour | Sussex Police
Bognor Regis Town skipper apologises after below-par display in loss at Chichester City
Barrels of laughs in Bognor Regis as Zaz the Clown brings the fun to Hotham Park
Opening date for Bognor Regis pier’s exciting new venue revealed — Sussex Express
Sussex weekly round-up: 17 August — 23 August 2024 — BBC
Bognor Regis Sailing Club celebrates 75 years of seafaring success — MSN
Workshop helps prepare to Illuminate Bognor Regis for holiday weekend — Sussex Express
Bognor Regis Town battle back from 2–0 down to claim point — for second week in row — Eastbourne
Bognor Regis woman becomes first British woman to complete world’s toughest footrace three times
26th August 2024: 28 new stories
Part 1. Planning NMA Latest for Yapton Leading to an FoI Expose — EXCLUSIVE
Celebrations at St Philip Howard as students excel in GCSE exams
Opening date for Bognor Regis pier’s exciting new venue revealed
Top GCSE results for students at The Regis School
Burpham Big Dig: Secrets of West Sussex villages uncovered
GCSE results day 2024: Exam boards told to grade three subjects ‘more generously’ — here’s why
Excellent results lay strong foundations for students’ chosen pathways — Ormiston 6 Villages Academy
20th August 2024: 33 new stories
600 music lovers flock to Bognor Regis Park for free concert
400 people turn out for smash hit community fun day in Bognor Regis
Northbrook College campus in Worthing could become police station if new plans get the greenlight
Photos show ‘strange garden visitor’ across Sussex — ‘Appearance of a cartoon’
A-level results 2024: another successful year for students at Chichester High School
Felpham College Year 13 students celebrate results
Two students at The Regis School secure place at Oxford
Fabulous pictures show the Northern Lights over Sussex
Why Winnie the Pooh’s home in Sussex is one of the top 20 destinations for nature loving home buyers
Worthing passes for New York in Knopfler music video
Worthing swimmer strikes Gold at English Nationals
Fagin’s “care in the community with a misguided twist!” — Oliver! in Chichester
Hastings United and Bognor Regis Town share spoils — the match in pictures
Fundraiser takes off after rough sleeper’s belongings torched in Bognor Regis
Beloved Bognor Regis restaurant to close after seven years in the town
30 years since IRA bicycle bomb left Bognor Regis residents shocked:
Sunken Gardens play area closed in Bognor Regis due to ‘local power supply issue’
Bognor Regis car park reopens after ‘vital repair works’ — Littlehampton
11th August 2024: 26 new stories
Sussex Alerts — Sussex Police statement on recent criminal disorder across the country
Tuesday 6th August 2024
Sussex Alerts — Sussex Police statement on recent criminal disorder across the country
Sussex Police statement on recent criminal disorder across the country
We are aware of growing public concern following the recent criminal disorder seen across the country.
Protecting the public is our priority and Sussex Police is mobilised and fully prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to any incidents.
This includes an ongoing, visual presence within our communities for reassurance, alongside robust, well-rehearsed plans to allow us to respond to local incidents.
There are unverified reports circulating online about potential activity across Sussex.
We are constantly reviewing information and working with partners to identify any emerging concerns, and will keep local communities updated with known facts.
The public are urged to challenge what they see online, report where appropriate and consider the source of the information.
Follow updates in local news or Sussex Police social media channels for the very latest updates.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Court said: “We recognise that recent events across the country have left our communities feeling unsafe, particularly people of colour and our Muslim communities.
“Please be reassured that racist, criminal behaviour will not be tolerated and we are working hard to keep you safe and ensure anyone involved in criminal disorder is held to account.
“To those thinking about taking part in disorder, be in no doubt that we will make you regret your actions. We will use all powers at our disposal to make sure you are held to account for your actions.
“Our neighbourhood officers are out and about, actively engaging with our local communities — please do speak to them directly if you have any concerns.
“We are asking residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity or concerns to us immediately online, via 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency, quoting Operation Skylark.”
We are pleased to bring you the latest edition of our newsletter for Neighbourhood Watch supporters across England and Wales.
Here are some highlights in August’s edition:
* #RightToFeelSafe: tools for safe intervention and tackling harassment
* We’re celebrating two years of our Funding Communities Lottery, and you can be part of it
* Enter SimpliSafe’s prize draw to win big holiday prizes and support our Volunteer Programme (enter from 6th — 26th August)
* Spotting and reporting loan sharks with the England Illegal Money Lending Team
READ THE AUGUST NEWSLETTER HERE.
We hope you enjoy this edition — please share it far and wide with your communities!
A summer on the Chichester stage at the age of nine — in Oliver!
The future looks bright for Blake’s Cottage as support finally added to long-endangered roof
Watch drone footage of Lyminster bypass work progress
A very successful visit to Bognor Regis by German twin town visitors — Sussex Express
Irizar i6 integral coach joins Woods Travel of Bognor Regis fleet — routeone
In pictures: Bognor Regis bookshop unleashes the magic of fiction, with talk from New … — Horsham
Rustington dad celebrates 100th birthday with afternoon tea
4th August 2024: 42 new stories + 2 pics
All new live music venue set to arrive in Bognor Regis later this year
A27 Arundel bypass plans scrapped by government after review
Details of the Arundel Alternative are on
www.ArundelAlternative.org
New logo for Bognor Regis in Bloom — Sussex Express
Chance to meet Sunday Times best-selling author at ‘Magic of Books Day’ in Bognor Regis bookshop
Call for Bognor Regis town centre HMO use to be retained — Chichester
ROX returns to Bognor Regis seafront! — Sussex Express
Hottest place in UK likely to be tiny Sussex village which time forgot
The South Downs Link is crowned the ‘most beautiful gravel cycling trail in Britain
Revealed: These are the most and least expensive Littlehampton streets to live in
Two Sussex towns named among the most eco-conscious in the UK
Worthing Lions celebrate roaring success of summer festival after weekend full of sunshine
Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise docked at Shoreham Harbour
Arun Council has several public consultations currently running and would welcome your views. To let us know your thoughts on our proposed Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and our Housing Strategy before it ends on 4 August, follow this link
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/housing-consultations-8-july-to-4-august-8938
Follow this link to have your say on parking scheme costs
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/parking-disc-scheme-costs-what-do-you-think-8985
If you know of any sites that have potential for development, please share them in our Call for Sites consultation
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/local-plan-update-20232041-call-for-sites-8983
Your views are being sought on two draft conservation areas
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/draft-conservation-areas-consultation-8950
Follow this link to share your views on the Angmering Sports Hub project
https://www.arun.gov.uk/news-archive/have-your-say-on-angmering-sports-hub-project-palmer-road-8943
27th July 2024: 42 new stories
‘It’s all changing’ says Bognor Regis nightclub owners as ‘big things’ teased for pier
A Bognor Regis nightclub is closing down permanently, but ‘big things’ are on the way to replace it, owners have said.
From the wider world ….. Climate change and the unexpected
Jazz and Blues concert brings Bognor Regis park to life
76-year-old shop manager praised for her commitment to West Sussex charity
Excitement builds as date is set for unveiling of Midhurst’s beautiful new Dante statue
In Pictures: hundreds turn out for Middleton Village Fete 2024
Worthing coastal defences: Plans being finalised for ten-year project
Five things to do in Bognor Regis as heatwave continues — Sussex Express
Littlehampton summer holidays: Programme of free family events in high street announced
21st July 2024: 36 stories
Cost-Savings at Arun Council: How Councillors could help
The Herald suggests Councillors voluntarily giving up Allowances could save hundreds of thousands a year!
Williams and Yengi strike to beat Bognor — but Pompey don’t have it all their own way
Six parks and gardens in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton retain Green Flag Awards
Heritage Trust Awards — Bognor Regis winners announced
Warning to motorists in Sussex as seagulls get ‘drunk’ eating flying ants
Bognor Regis man charged with two counts of rape, Sussex Police say
In pictures: Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024 was a petrolhead’s utopia
‘Urgent’ hunt for missing man, 29, from Bognor Regis — can you help?
Comedy night set to raise money for storm-damaged sea cadet facilities in Bognor Regis
Essential works to reconstruct river wall to start in Chichester
Man arrested on suspicion of GBH after altercation in Bognor Regis town centre
