Crawley Borough Councillors have recommended savings of £670,000 for 2010/11 after asking residents what their priorities are.
Councillors on the Budget Advisory Group (BAG) met for the final time on Thursday evening (December 3) to put forward their recommendations on savings and growth options for the next financial year.
This is an important part of the annual budget process, which began with the council asking 250 residents about possible budget options.
One of the savings proposals put forward by many residents was a change to the programme mix at The Hawth, moving towards a higher ratio of commercial productions bringing in more income. The BAG has recommended a £50,000 increase in The Hawth’s income for next year.
Residents also indicated that they would like to see parks and open spaces improved and a growth proposal was put forward for £110,000 to be added to the tree maintenance budget. This also follows recommendations of the Trees Scrutiny Panel earlier this year.
Other savings will come from better management of the new community facilities in Bewbush, a management restructure in the Venture Play Service and various internal restructures and general running costs.
The BAG also earmarked a further saving of £100,000 for 2011/12.
Councillor Sally Blake, Chair of the BAG, said: “I’m delighted that residents played such a major role in identifying savings and helping the council to understand what residents want.
“They have helped inform decisions as to how the council spends its money in the next financial year.”
The recommendations from the BAG go to Cabinet on January 13 2010. Final decisions on the 2010/11 Budget will be agreed by the Cabinet on February 10 2010 and by the Full Council on February 24 2010.
If you have any comments or questions on the BAG call 01293 438263 or email finance@crawley.gov.uk
Crawley Borough Council’s work to improve Ifield Parade has started.
The improvements will be carried out in four phases to make life easier for traders, shoppers and residents.
The first phase will see the majority of paving slabs replaced, new seating and cycle racks installed and trees and shrubs planted.
Work will then stop from the second week in December until after Christmas to keep disruption to a minimum. Phase two will modernise the car park next to the pub, install a CCTV camera in Linchmere Place and create a new bin store for residents.
Phase three will see improvements made to the other car park and phase four will see the installation of a new public toilet and the replacement of the remaining paving.
Councillor Bob Lanzer, Leader of the council, said: “These improvements are part of the council’s longstanding commitment to bring our neighbourhood parades up to scratch.
“Residents have told us they want to see more modern, cleaner and better maintained parades and we have listened.
“As well as Ifield we have completed work at West Green and Northgate, have major projects ongoing in Langley Green and Bewbush and have a plan to improve all of the parades we own by 2013.”
A nationwide talent search for Paralympic athletes has been launched to tie in with the 1,000 day countdown to the 2012 Paralympics.
Thursday December 3 marks 1,000 days to go to the start of the London 2012 Paralympics.
UK Sport, in partnership with ParalympicsGB, has launched a nationwide talent search for Paralympic athletes for sporting programmes in 2010.
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “As a county West Sussex has many talented athletes and I would encourage potential Paralympians to sign up – it could lead to a place in the Great Britain 2012 squad.”
Newick House School in Burgess Hill, a special school for children with learning difficulties, is marking the 1,000 day countdown with a series of challenges.
Headteacher Gill Perry said: “We are having a special day with several classes taking part in 1,000 metre runs and other physical challenges. Pupils will have lots of fun as they join in the countdown to the opening of the Paralympic Games in 2012.”
Thursday December 3 also marks the launch of Accentuate, the 2012 Legacy Project for the South East region. It features Blue Touch Paper, the West Sussex project for a fully accessible carnival in the run up to the 2012 London Games, which has been awarded a £10,000 grant from Accentuate.
Deborah said: “Blue Touch Paper is one of our flagship projects. The carnival website has been shortlisted for a prestigious JODI award (Museum, Libraries and Arts) as the most accessible website in the country and work is progressing to create the most accessible, integrated and friendly carnival experience the world has ever seen!”
The Carnival is one of many projects under ‘West Sussex – Ahead of the Game’, the countywide initiative to help West Sussex make the most of the 2012 Games.
To find out more about the nationwide talent search for Paralympic athletes visit the UK Sport website at www.uksport.gov.uk. The last date to sign up is Friday January 15, 2010.
Occupational Therapist Josephine Brown has proved she goes the extra mile in her job by winning a national award.
Josephine, who works for West Sussex County Council Adults’ Services, and is based in Crawley, was presented with the Extra Mile Award on Wednesday November 25 at the St Catherine’s Hospice.
The award was given by the Motor Neurone Disease Association and recognised the support and care Health and Social Care professionals provide to people with the disease.
Josephine was nominated by Kate Pottinger, Regional MND care development advisor.
Peter Catchpole, County Council Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, said: “Our Occupational Therapists do a fantastic job helping people with physical impairments to live more independently.
“They focus on making the most of people’s abilities and working closely with clients and carers to make their lives better.”
Henry Smith, County Council Leader, said: “Congratulations to Josephine, it’s always fantastic for our staff to get recognised for their hard work.”
Josephine has been working as an Occupational Therapist since 2006 and works with adults and children. Previously, she worked on an Acute Neurological Ward at Epsom Hospital.
She said: “I am very pleased to receive the award, and really enjoy being an Occupational Therapist. I have a very supportive team who help me to go the extra mile for my customers and their carers. I feel the MND Association does great work, especially the volunteers who provide exceptional support.”
To find out more about Adults’ Services, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk and type in Adults’ Services.
West Sussex County Council Leader Henry Smith has called on the Government for more funding for a successful project for older people.
The Partnership for Older People Project was funded as a pilot scheme in May 2007 for two years. When Government funding of the scheme ceased, West Sussex County Council and NHS West Sussex funded the project for a further year.
Henry has written to the Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham, calling on the Government to give further funding to allow it to continue its good work.
His letter says:
“In May 2007 the West Sussex Partnerships for Older People Project Pilot was started with a government grant of £3.4 million for a period of two years from the Department of Health. The pilot aimed to promote health and wellbeing for older people in West Sussex in need of ‘that little bit of help’ to stay independent in their own homes.
“The pilot was highly successful, improving health and wellbeing and perceived quality of life of most older people referred or self referring to the Community Partnership Teams, and building capacity in the Volunteer and Community Sector to deliver co-ordinated health and wellbeing services.”
The letter continues:
“As with many other organisations, we are considering in detail our spending plans for 2010/11 in order to cope with the growing pressures on our budget. Our problem is compounded by the fact that we are bottom of the league table in terms of grant from the Government towards services for residents.
“Whilst we are confident that we can continue to deliver the preventative services required by older people I would ask you to reconsider the funding which is provided to communities to enable them to invest in early intervention and prevention.”
The Project has to date developed a number of services across West Sussex including the introduction of six Community Partnership Teams, that provide a single point of contact for advice, information and support.
Also the development of seven Neighbourhood Networks, that bring together voluntary and community organisations who provide services for older people to help share expertise and training.
Explaining why he has written to the Health Secretary, Henry said: “I know in my own home town of Crawley the project has made a positive impact.
“As a result, countywide, more than 270 volunteers have been recruited; about 600 people have been linked to neighbourhood support; 74 intergenerational events have been held with 45 new community support groups established.”
Put memories of Christmas past at the top of your shopping list with seasonal gifts from Crawley Library.
A variety of locally themed presents such as books and photographic prints are on sale in a special Christmas promotion at the Library.
A selection of the gifts on offer include:
· Books – ‘Crawley’s History: a Guide for Residents and Researchers’ is available for the bargain price of £7.95
· Stunning quality prints from the Walter Gardiner collection – the Library will take orders for the photographic prints of Victorian and Edwardian West Sussex. Just £10 each
Brad Watson OBE, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Communications with responsibility for Libraries, said: “It’s often hard to think of original presents to buy each year, but you now have many new ideas in one place. Beautiful pictures to books on your hometown, it’s all available at Crawley Library.”
Henry Smith, County Council Leader, said: “Crawley Library was the County Council’s gift to the Borough last Christmas. It has enjoyed a packed schedule since then.
“A modern Library is not just about borrowing books but somewhere for the community to come, mingle and make use of the range of services.”
There will also be Bag a Book Bags available for 99 pence.
Take a trip to Crawley Bandstand in December to find out more about adult learning.
The West Sussex Adult and Community Learning Service is holding an information event at the Bandstand in Crawley town centre on Monday December 14, from 11am to 2pm.
Leader of West Sussex County Council Henry Smith said: “Adult learning offers a range of courses to suit everyone and all abilities – come along to the information event to find out more.”
There will also be free face painting for children at the event from midday onwards, courtesy of staff from Bewbush Children and Family Centre.
Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services Peter Catchpole said: “Whether it’s wanting to learn for fun or to develop job skills with courses such as maths, English or IT, adult learning offers a solution.”
For further information contact 01243 752813, or visit the County Council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk.
Women in Crawley have been attending inspirational and motivational free courses designed to turn their creative flair into a business opportunity.
The courses are funded by the West Sussex County Council under the ‘Keep West Sussex Working’ project, and are run by non-for-profit organisation Women’s Wisdom.
Womens wisdom
Deborah Urquhart, County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy met with some of the women at Crawley Library.
Deborah said: “It was encouraging to meet with people who have attended these courses, and see what they have achieved. Many told me they found the courses an inspiration, giving them the confidence they needed to start up a business.
“The courses discussed how to overcome challenges and barriers to business start-up and employment in West Sussex, and how to develop skills in business planning, marketing and accounting.”
Women have the chance to explore creative skills and talents, such as painting, sculpting or designing, through hobbies and workshops. The courses consist of workshops and coaching sessions designed to help women to take this a stage further, and establish creative enterprises that will work for them.
Catherine Tafft, who runs a knitting pattern design business, has been on the course.
She said: “This course has made me focus more on the fact that I can and will make a success of my business.”
Henry Smith, Leader of the County Council, said: “The courses could turn passion and enthusiasm of a creative skill into a driving force for local economic renewal in the county.”
More courses are scheduled to run from spring 2010 to encourage other home based business women to get their businesses firmly back on track.
If you’re interested and want to find out more email enquiries@womenswisdom.co.uk or call them FREE on 0800 781 8597.
Women’s Wisdom runs a variety of workshops to support the personal growth of people in all stages of life, and believes that ‘artistic exploration naturally brings greater self-knowledge’.
West Sussex County Council has been presented with an award from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) for its work in promoting the ‘buy local’ message.
The award came from the FSB’s South East Local Authority Small Business Awards 2009, which recognise excellence and innovation in public sector initiatives supporting small businesses in the economy.
The awards panel praised the County Council for its commitment in supporting the aims of the ‘Keep Trade Local’ FSB campaign and said the Council ‘clearly championed the promotion of local small businesses to both residents and visitors’.
The County Council was also praised for its promotion of local produce, including through the magazine ‘Taste West Sussex’ and the new ‘Sussex Foods’ initiative, in which the Council aims to use 60 percent of local produce as part of the ongoing support for local business.
County Council Leader Henry Smith said: “I am delighted the County Council’s work has been recognised. Our work to support West Sussex businesses is more important than ever during the recession and forms the basis of our ‘Keep West Sussex Working’ initiative that aims to help both businesses and residents.”
Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “Our work to help local business continues, with our latest initiative being the West Sussex Sustainable Business Network. This will enable businesses from across the county to network with each other, and provide a series of workshops to help them reduce energy costs and become more environmentally friendly.”
To find out about County Council initiatives visit the County Council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk and click on ‘Keep West Sussex Working’.
Around 850 people attended a special service held by St Catherine’s Hospice on 6th December to remember someone special in their lives who is no longer with them.
The Tree of Light service at the K2 Leisure Centre included readings, time for reflection, and songs performed by Crawley’s Holy Trinity School senior choir, and solo artist Richard Sidaway.
As well as attending the service, people were invited to remember a loved one by sponsoring a light on the St Catherine’s tree outside the hospice. This tree was lit up after the service and it will shine continuously until Twelfth Night.
In addition to the K2 event, there were smaller, additional St Catherine’s services on the same day at:
• Our Lady & St Peter’s Church, East Grinstead
• St Bartholomew’s Church, Horley
• Trinity URC (with St Mary’s C of E Church), Billingshurst
• St Mary’s Church, Oxted
• St Phillip’s Church (with St Mark’s, Reigate Methodist and St Mary’s Churches), Reigate
• Redhill URC, Redhill
• St Paul’s Church (with Dorking Churches Together), Dorking
• Trafalgar Road Baptist Church (with Holy Trinity), Horsham
• Christ Church URC (with Trinity URC, Ifield), Pound Hill
• St Mark’s Church, Horsham
The final St Catherine’s Tree of Light service for 2009 will take place at St John’s Church in Felbridge on 13th December at 6.30pm.
St Catherine’s Tree of Light event organiser, Jen Wickham, said: “We’re really pleased that so many people have taken the opportunity to gather together at our services and remember those who have meant a lot to them. We’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of this year’s services, particularly Freedom Leisure at K2; the vicars and congregations at all of the churches who’ve taken part; Powerite Electrical Services; AVC Productions; Holy Trinity School senior choir; Richard Sidaway, and Crawley Borough Council.”
Did you attend this service? Would you like to mention the names of the remembered loved ones with a message to celebrate their life? Please write to us or comment below.
On Thursday 26th November, the community of Crawley came together to see some of the most remarkable youngsters within our community receive awards and medals.
Organised by Crawley Borough Council in partnership with West Sussex Council for Voluntary Youth Service, Sussex Police, West Sussex County Council and Crawley School Sports Partnership, more than 400 under 25′s were recognised for the difference they’ve made to Crawley and its community.
Twelve outstanding young people received awards under four categories; Community, Sport, Art and Personal Achievement, all sponsored by local organisations, voluntary groups and businesses.
We had the pleasure of talking to three of the judges and sponsors. Martin Stone of Topsy Turvy, sponsor of the Dance and Drama Award, Jim Hayton of Crawley Metals Supplies, sponsor of the Visual Arts Award and Michael Langley, Deputy District Commander for West Sussex Fire & Rescue, sponsors of the Music Award. This is what they told Shelley…
Compared competantly by Kirk Campbell and Sophie Campbell, the night was full of emotion and pride, both from the parents of the nominees and winners, also from the awardees.
With great performances by Young-B, The Divas, Thomas Bennett Community College and Euphoric Dance.
Euphoric Dancers perform at the Youth Awards 2009
As we sat listening to the reasons why these young individuals were being rewarded, we felt quite humble in their presence.
Last years winner of the Laser Hub Music Award was Billy Delaney who performed at this years ceremony.
Daniel Horwood, from Bewbush, won the Sussex Police Courage Award. Daniel was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in October 2008, a few months before he was to sit his GCSE’s. Daniel, just seventeen, suffered countless blood transfusions, lumbar punctures, injections and various cocktails of drugs as his exams approached. Daniel even suffered a suspected stroke which left him paralysed for days. Through his pure determination and support from friends, family and school tutors, Daniel sat his exmas and passed with flying colours. He even got a standing ovasion at the school leaving party.
Other personal achievement awards were also given to Gilberto Silva and Charlotte Schillinger.
Gilberto’s autism and severe learning difficulties did not stop him achieving the highest possible exam marks for his age group at maths, winning the West Sussex Youth Service Education Award.
Charlotte is a dedicated member of the scouts who has been an inspiration to adults and children who have met her through the 2nd Ifield Scout Group. For this and many other achievements, she won the Apollo Group Inspiration Award.
Community
Lena Finch, who cares for her disabled mum, was honoured at the awards. Lena has been helping care for her Mum for ten years, taking more and more responsibility over this period. Lena is her Mum’s main carer.
Other community awards were won by Reniece Robinson and Luke May.
Reniece collected the Let’s FACE It Environment Award for her conservation work, which included helping launch a paper recycling scheme at her school.
Luke deservadly won the Crawley Young Persons Council Volunteer Award for his dedicated work at Dormans Youth Arts Centre.
Arts
Footloose were presented with the Topsy Turvy Dance and Drama Award
Footloose, a dance group for young people with learning disabilities won an arts award. Footloose creates high-quality contemporary dance which members then perform at venues around the south east. The group meets every week at Manor Green Primary School.
Awards organisers said Footloose members treat each other with respect and compassion and new members are always welcome.
Jamie Friday was awarded The West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Music Award for his tireless support and help running music events whic then gave other performers the chance to perform. Jamie used to visit Dormans Youth Club as just another member but soon made his presence known as a helpful and resourceful individual.
Bewbush Youth Centre was awarded the Crawley Metal Supplies Visual Arts Award for its graffiti art project in Dorsten Square. Youngsters took part in a six-week project to design art for the boards around the old community centre and Dorsten pub, which has helped brighten the area during the current regeneration project.
Sports
At the young age of just ten, Jack has won more than 150 trophies. Jack, from Furnace Green, trains four times a week with the Crawley Black Belt Academy, helping train the young members as well as his own training.
Jack collected the Eezehaul Sports Person Award on crutches, having broken his foot falling off his bike. Jack has won a host of competitions and has been doing martial arts since the age of four, achieving a second dan black belt. Jack is also a member of Team Fusion, a group of Britain’s best young martial artists and dance performers.
At the awards, Jack was described as a “confident and well grounded” person and a “role model for others”.
The Freedom Leisure Sports Team Award was won by a group of talented young gymnasts.
Hawth Gymnastics Teamgym (junior) members gave up shopping trips and time with friends to train for thirteen hours a week and are ranked third in the country.
Tessa Stokes won the Crawley School Sports Partnership Sports Volunteer Award for her work with the young sports ambassador project.
FULL LIST OF NOMINEES
ARTS AWARDS
Aidan Daniel
Adison Austin
James Newman
Callum Johnston
Callum Thompson
Ali Mehmood
Michael Bennett
Shakim Salim
Anthony Brikell
Tegan-Rose Newman
Louise Carpenter
Adrienne Hall
Jamie Friday
Ginah Wamulo
Lucy Muyanga
Charlotte Chorley
Liam Jenkinson
Josh Martin
Lucy Dorkings
HSM ‘Oaks Edition’ Dance and Drama Club
Awa Sarr
Charlotte Wadmore
Sabreen Ibrahim
Footloose Dance Group
Thomas Bennett Free 2 Dance Company
Stages Performing Arts
Kirsty Ayling
Usman Aslam
Sumera Hussain
Kyranne Barrett
Nikesh McHugh
Rikesh McHugh
Clayton Lear
Reece Hanslow
Ky Harper
COMMUNITY AWARDS
Reniece Robinson
Ryan Dawson
Jonathan Harrold
Keiran Joseph
Lena Finch
Becky King
Dani King
Jodie Hutchinson-Purcell
Keiran Pledger
Ashley Pledger
Lisa Cooper
Maddie Smith
Josie Fryers
Charlotte Goswell
Amy Davis-Dwan
Laila Hussain
Rhea Kneafsey
Katie Cleary
Ali Mehmood
Pravin Sanasy
Luke Taylor
Jamie Friday
Michael Hobbs
Sapna Shah
George Bick
Jamie White
Kara Mason
Michael Murphy
Eloisa Gordon
Sana Ghafoor
Leslie Edwards
Kennedy Mutongerwa
Vicki Elston
Billy Delaney
Lewis Fletcher
Tariq Khawaja
Ant Heron
Paige Sayers
Zahid Akram Khan
Sarim Qamar
Adil Hussain
Luke May
George O’ Keefe
Lauren Thynne
Adam Wanstall
Leanne Woods
Daria Czekajska
Stuart Bayliss
Ellis Payne
Emily Bartlett
Alexandra Armstrong
Frank Alfoldi
Owen Lumley
Lisa Brackpool
Michael Bond
Ben Freer
Kelly Halifax
Jasraj Nothay
Erin Witton
Chibs Ngona
Ramone Walkes
Reema Nawaz
1st Northgate Brownies
1st Ifield Brownie Pack
Cnetral Sussex Students
7th Crawley Beavers
Love in a Box Team
New Wybourne Youth Club
SPORTS AWARDS
Elizabeth Eves
George Penfold
Rebecca Potteton
Billy Hatcher
Chris Brownlee
Ross Mist
Gavin Brownlee
Charlotte Poole
Grant Goode
Poppy Weekes
Kirsty McAleney
Hayley Wise
Harry Phelps
Nathan Amin
Lee Tilbury
Isobel Sutherland -Basson
Leanne Penn
Jack Foyster
Sanjay Amin
Marcus Jones
Yasmin Mills
Keanu Kellett
Tessa Stokes
Tyler Whale
Thomas Bennett Free 2 Dance Company
The Oaks Girls Football Club
Hawth Gymnastics Team Gym (Junior)
St Margarets Multi-Sports Squad
Maidenbower Junior Y6 Footbal Team
PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Allunay Bossoni Da Silva
Shazad Ali
Rafiullah Sharafyar
Sandrine Permal
Jema Assonne
Iiona Bartocha
Anam Ahmed
Waqas Akthar
Hassan Butt
Mohammed Mnili
Mariam Ahmed
Tom Parsons
Abigail Mott
Callum Macleod
Charlotte Schillinger
Danielle James
Jamie Friday
Zartaashia Khan
Stuart Bayliss
Sherri Devlin
Harry Ford
Nicole Thomas
Jade Carter
Joshua Arnold-Crews
Claire Arnold
Goerge Pollard
Daniel Horwood
James Foster
Luke Foster
Sian-Marie Keeping
Aazaz Rehman
Gilberto Junior de Sousa Silva
Leila Draude
Charlotte Devalmency
Lois Cook
Claire Anscomb
Nona Buckley-Irvine
Billy Delaney
Ramone Walkes
Ben Freer
Ant Heron
Paige Sayer
Erin Wilton
Tang Khawaja
James Sturkey
Liam Harris
Satheesan Nagendran
Ali Mehmood
Pammas Njie
