Come along and discuss crime and anti-social behaviour in Crawley at the Civic Hall at 7pm on Thursday March 11.
Residents and business people are invited to the Safer Crawley Partnership’s annual public meeting.
Have your say on Crawley’s Community Safety Partnership Plan for 2008-11, which sets out its priorities for tackling crime, disorder, drugs and anti-social behaviour and which are revised annually following consultation with residents and people who work in Crawley.
Councillor Nigel Boxall, Cabinet member for Community Engagement, said:
“It’s important that we know what residents’ priorities are when it comes to tackling anti-social behaviour.
“Events like these, and the recent anti-social behaviour questionnaire sent to residents, help us to ensure that the work we do is targeted at these priorities.”
Pound Hill and Maidenbower residents will have a chance to meet their ward councillors at two events in March.
Councillors from Pound Hill North and South wards will be at St Barnabas Church, Worth Road, and on Pound Hill Parade, Worth Road, on Saturday March
6 from 10am-12 noon.
And Maidenbower ward councillors will be in Maidenbower Square on Saturday March 13 from 10am-12 noon.
At both events residents will have the chance to ask questions, find out what their councillor does, have their say on council spending priorities and neighbourhood issues and meet their local police officers. There will also be a chance to win family tickets to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Hawth.
The Pound Hill event will also include information on Worth’s heritage, with a photography exhibition, as part of the Road to Crawley history project.
Pound Hill and Maidenbower residents will have a chance to meet their ward councillors at two events in March. Read More here…
Get your nominations in
The search is on for new members of Crawley Young Persons’ Council.
Thirty-six seats are up for grabs when the full membership comes up for election in March. And each one needs to be filled by someone aged 13 to 25 who wants to get involved in the future of the town.
The CYPC represents the needs and interests of young people in Crawley and makes sure their voice is heard. Members get to talk directly to the town’s decision makers and to help improve services for young people.
Last year, the Young Persons’ Council helped to organise many events including the Outset Volunteer Awards night at Liquid Envy, sponsored the Community Award for the Crawley Youth Awards, had an awayday at Blacklands Farm, the Band Stage at the Event in Southgate Playing Fields and supported Crawley Battle of the Bands. Members also launched their new DVD and redesigned the website – at www.cypc.co.uk – along the way.
The Crawley Young Persons’ Council elections take place from Monday March 15 to Saturday March 20. Candidates must nominate themselves. They must live in Crawley and be aged between 13 and 25.
Pick up a nomination form from schools, youth centres, Crawley Borough Council or the Connexions Centre in Queens Square. The closing date for nominations is Thursday March 4. For more information call Vikki Jacobs at Crawley Borough Council on 01293 438565 or email vikki.jacobs@crawley.gov.uk
Crawley Borough Council will have Private John Brackpool’s name etched into a war memorial following a request from his mother.
Pte Brackpool, 27, died while on duty in July last year with the Prince of Wales’ Company, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
John’s mother Carol has asked the council if it could commemorate her son’s life. The council has instructed a stonemason to etch Pte Brackpool’s details into the memorial at St John’s Church in the High Street in the spring.
Councillor Bob Lanzer, Leader of the Council, said: “Mrs Brackpool approached us with this idea of remembering her son. We are pleased to be able to help with this fitting memorial.”
Mrs Brackpool said: “John was a Crawley lad through and through and proud to be so. Honouring my son this way is something he would have been proud of just like we are very proud of him. I think it is very important that we honour and remember all our heroes who have died serving their country.”
The memorial currently has names of those members of the armed forces from Crawley who died in the First and Second World Wars. The remaining two sides are empty.
The council would like to hear if anyone else from Crawley has died during conflict since World War II. If you do contact Nicky Shaw, PA to the Chief Executive, on 01293 438393 or nicky.shaw@crawley.gov.uk
Crawley Happy Times have been invited to the launch of the new Zumba dance class, so decided to take a look at what we were letting ourselves in for.
What is Zumba?
Zumba is a latin inspired dance fitness class.
The Zumba program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away. Our goal is simple: We want you to want to work out, to love working out, to get hooked. Zumba Fanatics achieve long-term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in one exciting hour of calorie-burning, body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate for life.
The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. Add some Latin flavor and international zest into the mix and you’ve got a Zumba class.
In the past years, the Zumba program has become nothing short of a revolution, spreading like wildfire, and positioning itself as the single most influential movement in the industry of fitness.
As of July 2009, the Zumba program is being taught at over 50,000 locations in 75 countries, has sold millions of DVDs, and has changed the lives of Zumba fanatics worldwide with an astonishing six million participants taking Zumba classes every week.
Participants pump there legs, windmill there arms, gyrate their hips, clap their hands,dip,slide and spin – all to a frenzied beat.
Who will be teaching us?
Joanne Cooper and Sarah Cubitt are old friends who share the passion for dance and fitness. Sarah teaches Body Pump, Body Jam with qualifications in lots of other areas (aerobics, aqua etc). Sarah works as a primary school teacher in Horley during the day. Sarah has a two children. Her daughter attends classes and wishes to gain her Zumba qualification like her mum. Joanne also works during the day and looks after two children but feels running the Zumba classes fits nicely around her lifestyle. Joanne and Sarah have never taught together but felt this would be a perfect opportunity to do so.
What should we wear?
Wear your trainers and bring plenty of water. You will need it to drink, but more importantly to throw over your feet when they are set on fire!
Where and when are the classes being held?
The launch is at Maidenbower Community Centre on Tuesday 2nd March 7.45pm ’till 8:30pm and is FREE to all who attend. The usual cost is £5.00 per session. The classes will run on a weekly basis.
Bring some friends and join the party!
Come for a fab cardio workout to infectious music!
Be apart of the biggest fitness craze!
You will find the enthusiasm contagious the moves simple and fun and become addicted to Zumba as we both are!
This is an adult class designed for EVERYONE! Participants of any fitness level, any background can start to Zumba straight away!
You can see more about this latest dance craze here.
Come and join us at a free breakfast networking event on Friday February 19 from 8.15-10.30am at K2 Crawley to find out how your business can make those all important cash savings by adopting sustainable business practices.
The breakfast is hosted by Crawley Borough Council’s Green Business Programme (GBP) and the West Sussex Sustainable Business Network in association with Cadia.
It will include three short presentations from local businesses that have made financial savings, won awards and increased business through their improved green credentials as well as time at the end to network with businesses from the Gatwick Diamond area.
The Green Business Programme will also be providing information, advice and support for those businesses interested in joining the 10:10 campaign, by pledging to cut their carbon emissions by 10 per cent in 2010. Visit www.1010uk.org for more details.
For more information and to reserve a place, contact Dorinda Kealoha on
Crawley Borough Council’s mobile advice unit is based in Langley Green and Bewbush until March.
The unit visits Langley Green Community Centre in Langley Drive every Monday up to and including March 8 from 11.15am-1pm and Bewbush Children and Family Centre in Dorsten Square on Thursdays from 12.30-4pm until March 11.
The centres will be staffed by our experienced and friendly Customer Services representatives who will be able to answer all council related enquiries and signpost to other agencies if needed.
Information and advice about the following council services is being
Residents have another two weeks to air their views about crime and disorder in Crawley by completing an online questionnaire.
The Crawley Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) questionnaire can be filled in at www.crawley.gov.uk/communitysafety. Alternatively, it can be completed in the current issue of Crawley Live and sent freepost to the Town Hall.
The CDRP has a Community Safety Partnership Plan for 2008-11. The plan sets out its priorities for tackling crime, disorder, drugs and anti-social behaviour and its priorities are revised annually following consultation with residents and people who work in Crawley.
This questionnaire gives residents the chance to tell us what their community safety priorities are, so that we can make sure we are tackling the issues that most concern them.
Residents need to complete the questionnaire by Sunday February 28.
Artwork adorning the revamped Langley Green Parade was all suggested by residents and Langley Green Primary School pupils to represent themselves and their cultures.
The patterns, which were chosen from carpet designs, drawings, textiles and household decorations, give a glimpse of the customs, traditions, heritage and lives of the people of the neighbourhood.
The international range of designs reflects the enormous cultural and ethnic diversity of the area and depicts many of the cultures which have settled in Langley Green from across the UK and around the world.
The patterns and decorations, normally hidden in everyone’s homes, are brought out into Langley Parade on seats, banners and lampposts, to celebrate the variety of people in the local community.
The countries featured include Barbados, China, Diego Garcia, England, France, India, Italy, Lithuania, Mauritius, Northern Ireland, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Scotland, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka and Wales. The patterns have been developed from many sources including woven, knotted and printed textiles, ceramic tiles, architecture, counters, embroidery, henna, toys, badges and crests.
Other improvements taking place as part of the Langley Green regeneration scheme is:
• The Primary Care Centre. Work began on time in July and the building should be completed by March 2010
• The Langley Green Centre, which will provide new community facilities, the Children and Family Centre as well as improvements to the entrance to Langley Green Primary School. The new centre is scheduled to open in summer 2010
• A new hard play area has been installed at Langley Green Primary School to compensate for the area that the Primary Care Centre is occupying
• West Sussex County Council’s Youth Services will move from their site in Larks Rise into the current Community Centre once the new community building has been completed.
• The parade façade improvements were the first element of this multi-million pound improvement scheme to be completed, significantly enhancing the look of the shopping parade and accommodation above.
All of this work is being carried out to improve Langley Green. It will enhance the environment, community facilities, parade, open spaces, recycling, roads and parking.
On Saturday the 20th February Shelley went along to the Kung Fu School based in Spindle Way, Crawley to see the Chinese perform.
A large number of people turned out to watch this truly wonderful event. A troupe of professional performers sent by the Chinese government came to celebrate The Kung Fu School being awarded the title of “Confucius Institute Classroom”… the Confucius Institute represents the Chinese government for promoting Chinese health, wellbeing & culture. The Kung Fu School is the only martial arts school in the world to receive this title. “It’s due our professionalism, knowledge and constant focus on developing & moving forward” says Master Paul Hawkes, Chief Instructor.
Paul went on to say “I really enjoyed the afternoon. It was so rewarding watching everyone enjoying themselves so much. It puts a smile on my face just thinking about it. That’s what I dreamt of when I pictured my Kung Fu School, a safe, friendly, professional martial arts school for the whole of the family to enjoy. I feel that we are on the right road, however there’s still plenty of room for improvement”.
Lots of people came to see this amazing event
The day was full of entertainment, dance from the Confucius Institute and some of the young Kung Fu School members. Also present to introduce each performance was Lara Martin, Project Manager for the Confucius Institute based in London South Bank University. Lara told us “it is a privilege to be here and we are very proud of Paul and his staffs achievement with the award. It’s great to see so many people here for this event”.
Lara Martin - Project Manager Confucius Institute
Mayor Brenda Burgess and Councillor Bob Burgess also attended this monumental occassion. Mayor Burgess and Councillor Burgess quite happily interacted with the proceedings, even taking part in some of the challenges set by Lara, which included showing how to use the fans and some very difficult handkerchief twirling and much more. Mayor Brenda Burgess told us “this is a wonderful event and we commend Paul and his staff for their achievement of being awarded the Confucius award”.
(L-R) Councillor Bob Burgess, Master Paul Hawkes and Mayor Brenda Burgess
Anita Parker of Crawley has a young son, Callum, who attends the Kung Fu School. Anita told us “Callum, who is six, has balance problems which he was getting physio for. Then I heard about the school and thought it might be a good thing for Callum. After only twelve weeks Callum’s balance has dramatically improved. I have even noticed a change in Callum’s attitude and school work, which is great. I would recommend the Kung Fu School to anyone”.
Callum and Mum, Anita Parker
Paul said they have lots planned for 2010 so we look forward to keeping you abreast of all forthcoming events.
Crawley Happy Times would to say a big well done to all involved in this truly spectacular event
Did you attend this event? Please feel free to comment below.
On Saturday 20th February Shelley went along to the Running Club at K2 to see Iain Stevenson training in preperation for running three marathons over three consecutive weekends.
Iain Stevenson is preparing to run over 78 miles over three marathons
Who is Iain and why is he doing this?
Iain, 35 from Northgate had never run before, until last year when he ran the London Marathon to raise funds for research into a rare form of cancer. Sadly Iain and his wife lost their young son, Ben to this form of cancer in 2007. Ben was only two when he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer. Ben lost his struggle just after his third birthday. Unfortunately there is no funding available for the research into this devastating illness.
(L-R) Graham Eaton (Manager of the Running Club) and Iain Stevenson
What is Neuroblastoma?
Fewer than 100 children are diagnosed each year with neuroblastoma in the UK. Most children who get this cancer are younger than five years old. Neuroblastoma is the second most common solid tumour in childhood and makes up 8% of the total number of children’s cancers.
Neuroblastoma is a cancer of specialised nerve cells, called neural crest cells. These cells are involved in the development of the nervous system and other tissues.
Neuroblastoma can occur anywhere in the body, but it most often occurs in one of the adrenal glands in the abdomen (tummy). The adrenal glands are specialised glands which are found above the kidneys. They release hormones to maintain blood pressure, and enable us to respond to stress.
In some children, the neuroblastoma can occur in nerve tissue alongside the spinal cord in the neck, chest, abdomen or pelvis.
Source: – Macmillan
Iain (far left) in training at the Running Club at K2
What Iain has already accomplished and his future goals
Iain raised £5,500 by running the London marathon last year. His goal is to beat that this year by running marathons in Paris, Brighton and London on three consecutive weekends. This is a massive feat for anyone, especially someone who before last year had never run, let alone run a marathon. Iain told us a friend of his ran the London marathon to raise awareness on their behalf and when he went to support his friend and saw him running, he had an overwhelming urge to get involved, feeling it would be a great way to raise awareness and funds for such a worthy cause. Iain’s first marathon will be in Paris on the 11th April.
We hope the weather is this nice on all the marathon dates
We would like to wish Iain all the best and will keep you up-to-date with his progress. If you would like to support Iain, why not attend and cheer him on. Alternatively you can show your support by donating here.
VIDEO
Are you running any marathons? Please feel free to comment below.
Something special is happening in Crawley this weekend. For any sport or fitness fanatic, this could be an unmissable event. Paul Hawkes told us all about it.
Children from the Kung Fu School demonstrating at the National Portrait Gallery
Who is Paul Hawkes?
Paul Hawkes has been studying martial arts for almost thirty years, specialising in Wing Chun Kung Fu since 1986. During this time Paul has trained students in Karate, Judo, Muai Thai, Eskrima and various styles of Wing Chun. Paul opened his first class in 1991 and was awarded his Master grade in 2007 by Grand Master Kernspecht, the European Chief instructor for the largest Kung Fu organisation in the world.
Weapons demonstration at the National Portrait Gallery
Paul told us “In 2005 I realised my dream of having the finest full time Kung Fu School in the country when I opened The Kung Fu School at 1a Spindle Way. The facility is truly outstanding and fully equipped with everything that you would ever need for your training”.
The flaming torch dance
Who can learn?
“We teach children & adults although not within the same classes because they learn very differently and their needs are often very different. We have classes for 4 – 6 year olds, 7 – 12 year olds and 13+.
We have classes Monday – Thursday & Saturdays. We also offer Kung Fu birthday parties on Friday & Saturday afternoons which are very popular”.
Tai Chi sword
What is happening with The Kung Fu School this weekend?
Paul told us “Last Saturday twelve of our children performed at the National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square for the Chinese New Year. They were superb and what’s really great is that quite a few of them joined the school because they were shy and certainly would never have volunteered for anything. Next thing, they’re on stage at one of the most famous Galleries in the world, performing in front of hundreds of people including VIP’s from the Chinese Embassy”.
Chinese papercutting dance
Paul went on to say “This Saturday we have a troupe of professional performers sent by the Chinese government to celebrate The Kung Fu Schools being awarded the title of “Confucius Institute Classroom”… the Confucius Institute represents the Chinese government for promoting Chinese health, wellbeing & culture. We are the only martial arts school in the world to receive this title. It’s due our professionalism, knowledge and constant focus on developing & moving forward”.
The event
There will be Lion dancing, traditional Chinese dancing, tai Chi, Wu Shu and then have mini workshops where the children can have a go at the various activities.
Chinese handkerchief dancing
They event is FREE and open to anyone over four years old and is from 2.00ish to 4.30. If you wish to attend this fantastic event please call on 01293 544333 to reserve your place. If you would like more information about the Kung Fu School please check out our website www.kungfuschools.org
Acrobatic Wu Shu
The Kung Fu School are offering one month’s FREE membership to children and adults… so if you’d like to see what it’s like and why they are so unique call 01293 544333 to arrange your tour of the school and your first lesson.
On Saturday 13th February Shelley & Sharon from Crawley Happy Times were invited to the Hawth to see some amazing talent perform for a crowded arena.
Organised by the team of youngsters who make up ViYC (Vision in Youth Collective) and headed up by Ben Freer, Chairman of ViYC, the evening was a massive success.
What is ViYC?
Vision in Youth Collective (ViYC) is a group of young people aged 14 to 25 years old who advise Crawley Borough Council’s Arts Service on events for young people. ViYC play a vital role in selecting artists for gigs like Urban Sensations and open-mic sessions Unsigned.
ViYC members have recently worked alongside Crawley International Mela Association promoting and organising a Sukshinder Shinda gig as part of the Mela festival. Over 400 young people attended the event.
ViYC are always looking for new members. For more details contact liz.hart@crawley.gov.uk or phone 01293 438156.
Urban Senations 6
Ben told us this is the 6th event in three years. They have also been involved with Mela UK last year and will be more involved with this years event. Ben, who is the longest member of ViYC and still only sixteen told us “I really want to do this type of work for a living so am really enjoying the opportunities ViYC has given me. Everyone works very hard so we hope it is a successful evening and enjoyed by all. We can not thank the Hawth and the staff enough for allowing us this great opportunity.” The staff were wonderful including Liz Hart and Dave Watmore who were quietly watching over the evening in the wings. Liz told us “the members of ViYC have once again done an amazing job of putting this together and have arranged some great headliners too. We are very proud of their achievements”.
Performers
On arrival back stage, we bumped into our young friend Rishi Sharma aka KK. We first met KK at Connect ’09 where he stole the show with his rapping. Only fourteen, KK has ambition, drive and oodles of talent. Last year we suggested keeping an eye on KK, we would like to reiterate that! KK told us he was performing with his good friend Nathan Maxwell aka Bandit. It was our first encounter with Bandit but we are sure we will see him again. Also present was Tom Jordon, KK’s manager. Tom told us he has his own set up for producing and writing music which included his own studio. Although very young Tom seems to have a good head on his shoulders, telling us he also helps out Amy and Billy Delaney. Tom went on to say he is always looking for new local talent.
Next we had a quick chat with Billy Delaney and his friends Jason Hazel aka Souljh and Callum Hopkins aka Flash. Billy told us they were performing together for tonights event. Billy has just been signed and is on his way to great things. We are very happy for Billy who has worked extremely hard over the last couple of years.
In the next room we met Lady C and the Sillouettes who gave a wonderful performance of modern day chart music. They came from all over the place except for the drummer, Lisa, who is from Crawley. We really liked their sound and hope to see them again some day.
Next we met the truly delightful gentlemen who made up Goodfoot Boy Band. These four young individuals from London came to perform their very dramatic dance moves. Bringing theatre, music and dance together, they raised the roof. We really hope to meet these amazing performers again.
In the next room we spoke to our Amy Othieno and her team comprising of Zeth Hockenden, David Simon, Jamie McGraw aka Jzida and for one night only Chelsea Mandizha was the dancer for the evenings performance. Amy has just released her second album and is now looking for a good record label to sign to. Amy is very big in New Zealand with her songs being played on a regular basis on the radio. We feel Amy would make a great addition to any recording company and we would like to wish her luck.
Oli Davis aka Phantom performed with Bandit, KK, Brutz and Alex for one night only making up a group they named Versitile. We spoke to Oli about this special performance. Please see the video for further infomation.
Last of the local performers came in the very tall gentlemanly form of Jerrone Daley aka Snooze. On stage Snooze held the audience in the palm of his hand. A very talented rap artist who we also advise keeping an eye on.
Later that evening the headliners arrived amongst a flurry of young fans. We were privileged enough to speak to all three who were very happy to give a quick interview. First we spoke toDaniel Gomez aka Saint. Saint told us he is curerently the UK battle champion (like Eminem in 8 Mile). Saint has just released a song featuring with Ndubz which you can listen to here. We were very impressed at the amount of time Saint spent out the back with some young lads, listening to them rap in turn. We wish Saint all the best for a successful future.
Saint is the UK battle champion
Next on our hit list for an interview was Jermaine Scott aka Wretch 32, who was adorable. As you will see in the interview, Shelley and Wretch hit it off straight away. It was a pleasure to speak to Wretch 32 and we wish him all the success. You can see some of Wretch 32′s music here.
Wretch 32 was a pleasure to meet
Last but not least we spoke to Tayo Jarrett aka Scorcher. Poor Scorcher had a terrible headache so we didn’t hold him up for long. Scorcher and Wretch 32 mingle in the same circles and are both grime, rap artists. Scorcher told us “I lived in a house with a big family and there was always different types of music coming from each room, so you get a good knowledge of music and rhythms which has helped me in my musical career”.
Scorcher listened to all sorts of music when he was young
Enigma Security were on hand, donating their services. Ifti Haq, Director, told us they are always happy to donate their services where the young people of Crawley are involved. They also donate their time and services for the Mela event and have done so year on year since it started.
(L-R) Jamal, Vitor and Ifti from Enigma Security
All in all, it was a wonderful evening full of great music, great organisation and great people. Well done to all who were involved. We look forward to attending Urban Sensations 7!
You can view previous Urban Sensation performances here,
Yesterday, amongst the flurry of snow that covered the ground, Crawley Happy Times went to visit Acacia Florist on Tilgate parade.
There, Shelley met Alison Rich, proprietor of Acacia. On arrival the beautiful fragrance of the flowers hits you and the friendly welcome from Alison just adds to the lovely relaxed atmosphere.
Acacia have gifts for many occasions, including Anniversary’s, Congratualtions, Sympathy or just to say I love you! Gifts range from a small teddy bear to large beautiful bouquets, Champagne and hampers.
Alison has been a florist for twenty years now but told us it was by pure accident, although she has never looked back.
Alison is very keen on helping young budding florists. By accepting day release graduates from College, Alison can give them hands on experience.
Acacia ‘a florist offers deliveries within Crawley and surrounding areas. National and International deliveries with Interflora. Corporate arrangements, wedding flowers, funeral tributes and flowers for all occasions.
For as little as £17.50 you can buy your loved one a beautiful arrangement of Roses for Valentines. For Mother’s Day from as little as £5 you can put a smile on Mum’s face. Priceless!
You can visit Acacia’s website for further info here
More than 100 people came to Crawley’s Fourth State of the Borough debate on Tuesday January 26.
The debate, which was held in The Studio at The Hawth, began with a short presentation by Councillor Bob Lanzer, Leader of Crawley Borough Council, on the council’s priorities, the key issues facing the town, what is being done to address them and the progress made to date.
Councillor Lanzer was joined by a panel of councillors and representatives from the PCT and police.
Audience members asked many questions and raised many views with the panel, including:
• The protection of trees
• Violent extremism
• Youth employment opportunities
• A new hospital
• Future development of the town centre
• Building on green spaces
• Connexions
• Controlled Parking Zones and Civil Parking Enforcement
• Parking on grass verges.
The views and comments expressed will help the council to plan its work on improving its services and the town in general.
Councillor Lanzer said: “These debates are a great opportunity for politicians to hear what residents and business people think of the town and help inform our decision making.
“This debate was the best yet and it has given us another opportunity to find out what audience members think is important when it comes to council services, as well as those of the Sussex Police and NHS Sussex. I’d like to thank everyone who came along.”
Shelley from Crawley Happy Times was present and asked Bob Lanzer what he felt was the greatest achievment of the past year. Bob told Shelley “on behalf of the community of Crawley, I feel the award for ‘Crawley in Bloom’ was the greatest achievement. It was a true team effort by the people of Crawley, and showed in the results”.
IN A bid to reduce the number of sick days taken by the town’s workers Crawley Borough Council is set to give local businesses a wellbeing workout.
After teaming up with West Sussex NHS, the council will offer its advice and support to local companies to help them set up wellbeing programmes for their workforce.
Around 32 million working days are lost through illness in the UK each year and about 2.3 million people say they suffer from ill health caused by work; this results in huge costs to businesses through issues such as lost production, missed deadlines and overtime payments.
Crawley Council’s Debbie Gomez, Senior Healthy Workplace Officer, Said: “There are lots of ways we can help to improve the health of a company’s workforce which will not only help to reduce sick days but will increase motivation and productivity too.
“We’ll visit businesses and speak to staff to find out what the main issues are before creating a tailored wellbeing programme. It will also work to help promote the health of Crawley’s community generally.”
The programmes will help companies introduce healthy eating options, provide information on smoking cessation groups, provide weight loss workshops, get staff more active and offer advice on stress and mental health issues.
Sustainability is the buzz word in the construction industry so Sussex Building Control is inviting developers, architects and builders to a seminar about greener homes.
To help local businesses work with the Government’s Code for Sustainable Homes Code, Sussex Building Control is hosting ‘Cracking the Code’.
Sussex Building Control provides building control services on behalf of Crawley Borough Council and Horsham District Council.
Presented by Celotex, manufacturers of sustainable insulation, the seminar addresses the environmental issues that affect everyone involved in the built environment through current and future legislation.
Energy conservation in buildings is central to the Government’s climate change strategy and this seminar will discuss the possible changes to building regulations over the coming years.
Design solutions and practical recommendations will be provided to overcome typical problems designers and installers face as a result of the Code’s requirements.
The free session is open to architects, builders and contractors as well as staff and councillors from both Crawley Borough and Horsham District councils. It takes place on Tuesday February 23 from 12 noon at Horsham District Council’s offices at Park North, North Street, Horsham.
The Leader of West Sussex County Council Henry Smith has called on the Government to provide more funds for road maintenance.
The recent severe weather has caused considerable damage to the county’s roads including a dramatic increase in the number of potholes.
The County Council is already putting £2.35 million towards the cost of repairs. However, early estimates suggest considerably more cash will be needed.
In a letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Adonis, Henry says: “It cannot have escaped your notice that following the recent extreme weather local authorities up and down the country are now battling to deal with the damage to highway surfaces that the snow and ice have caused.
“In West Sussex, we have prioritised highway conditions for many years and the results of our investment have been obvious. At the end of last year the Audit Commission data for NI168 (condition of principal roads) showed that roads in West Sussex are the best in the country.
“All that hard work and investment is being undone by the impact of the winter weather.”
The County Council is working hard to repair potholes and currently has 30 teams repairing approximately 500 holes per day. Once a pothole is reported the County Council aims to repair it within 28 days and for urgent defects on A and B roads within three working days.
The repair teams are being directed to the routes where the greatest numbers of dangerous holes exist. Repairs are listed and worked through in the order they are reported, however, potholes that have reached a depth of 100mm and holes on A and B roads are prioritised as they carry a greater flow of traffic.
In his letter Henry goes on to say: “West Sussex has remained grossly underfunded. For nearly a decade we have received the minimum increases in grant and our capital investment programmes have been equally badly treated when it comes to Government support. It is now time for the Government to recognise our plight and to provide additional much-needed funding to help us deal with the impact of the extreme weather conditions.”
The County Council is advising motorists to drive with extreme caution whilst the potholes are being repaired.
People can report potholes using a phone line 01243 642105 or our website www.westsussex.gov.uk
BUSINESSES across the town will be inspected this month to make sure they are hitting health and safety standards.
Crawley Borough Council has joined forces with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to promote and encourage safe working practices.
And in a bold new move, Crawley’s Environmental Health Team will also take enforcement action wherever necessary in premises normally dealt with by the HSE.
Flexible warrants now allow inspectors from local authorities to check sites traditionally covered by the HSE.
The new countywide initiative, named CASE (Common Approach to Sussex Enterprise), will focus mainly on businesses in industrial sites where there is a higher risk of accidents or ill health.
The priority areas will include work transport, manual handling, work at heights and asbestos.
Crawley Council’s Tony Baldock, Regulatory Services Group Manager. Said: “It’s a great new move to ensure Local authorities across Sussex work effectively with the HSE to make sure workplace hazards are monitored and controlled.
“Businesses across the town will have received a letter from the HSE and they really ought to be looking at their health and safety measures to make sure they’re sufficient.
“We will be offering advice and support during our visits but if we think health and safety standards are particularly poor then we won’t hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action.”
