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.

For more information contact Debbie Gomez on 01293 438207 or email her on Deborah.gomez@crawley.gov.uk

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.

For more information about Sussex Building Control visit http://www.sussexbuildingcontrol.org/

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.”

For more health and safety information log on to http://www.crawley.gov.uk/healthsafety or further information can be found on the Health and Safety Executive’s website http://www.hse.gov.uk/ or by calling HSE’s Infoline on 0845 345 0055

JOB seekers are being warned by West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service to look out for sits vac scams – bogus work ads that are designed to rip-off unwary people seeking employment.

Bruce Treloar, Principal Trading Standards Officer, said: “On a number of recruitment websites aimed at attracting multiple applicants, the consumer is required to respond to premium rate telephone numbers.

“Most recruitment websites are genuine. But there are some that prey upon the unsuspecting. Candidates who forward their CVs are approached by the advertiser who explains they have a good chance of securing the job – but recommend using a professional CV writing service to enhance their chance of success before they can be put forward for interview. 

“In some cases it has been found that the job opportunities are bogus and the websites have been set up to encourage applicants to pay for potentially unnecessary CV rewrites – in one case this was £99.”

Bruce reminds job seekers they can get their CV updated for free.

“Local Jobcentres can assist them by referring them to a Government funded body locally. It’s called First Steps and will – free of charge, subject to certain criteria – suggest any amendments necessary,” said Bruce.
Trading Standards has drawn up the following pointers for those using the online recruitment market:
· Beware of sites that redirect you to others. You might start out with a ‘.co.uk’ and be moved to a ‘.com’, which could emanate from anywhere in the world!
· Be suspicious if details of the employer are vague while details of the job are very precise.
· Be concerned about salaries that are higher than you might expect.
· Look out for a list of impressive skills required followed by ‘no experience needed’.
· Read the small print – bad grammar or spelling should cause suspicion.
· Only give your first and last name – middle names can help scam operators identify your details.
· Be wary of giving out your postal address. It is not needed with email services – a general location will do.
· Be wary if the email address does not contain the name of the company, but just the name of a service provider such as Yahoo! or Hotmail.
· Look out for disclaimers, such as ‘these firms are now recruiting’ if you see impressive corporate logos. It does not mean they are recruiting through the website in front of you. These logos are almost always unauthorised.
· Always check with your local Jobcentre for advice and contact details of your nearest First Steps office.
Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “The continuing problems of job security in the recession means there are many people who may be tempted by these fake ads.

“The underlining rule is: If it looks too good to be true – it probably is.”

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.

TOWN residents are set to benefit from the lowest council tax rise in Sussex if councillors accept an increase of less than one per cent.

The rise will mean an increase of three pence a week, or about £1.60 a year, for a band C property.

Crawley Borough Council’s cabinet will make a decision on the budget at its meeting next Wednesday; the decision will then go before full council on Wednesday February 24.

Councillor Bob Lanzer, Leader of Crawley Council said: “The past year has been tough for many people and I hope this small increase goes some way to helping those who are struggling financially.”

He added: “We try hard to balance our budgets to avoid dipping into our savings. This means we are clear about our priorities for spending and ensures the services we deliver represent excellent value for money.

“The reserves we have can then be spent on making significant improvements in Crawley; for example the programme of neighbourhood parade improvements will be complete by the end of 2011 and major projects at Bewbush and Langley Green are moving forward fast.”

Crawley residents’ council tax bills are made up of three elements – Crawley Borough Council, West Sussex County Council and Sussex Police Authority.

Last year, for every pound paid in council tax, Crawley Council received 13p, West Sussex County Council received 78p and Sussex Police received 9p.

A total of £967,000 of savings has been identified in the next financial year as well as £122,000 of additional expenditure on tree maintenance and CCTV.

A new capital expenditure budget of £4.4m is set to be spent on priorities like affordable housing, flood prevention, neighbourhood improvements, grants – particularly those for disabled facilities, and children’s playgrounds.

TWO new repairs contracts will save the council more than two and a half million pounds.

Crawley Borough Council’s renewed contract with Mears and a brand new contract with MITIE is set to save more than £280,000 every year for 10 years.

Starting on April 1, Mears will carry out responsive repairs work and refurbishments to empty council properties for Crawley Homes in the south of Crawley, while MITIE will carry out the same work in the north.

The tendering and procurement process lasted six months and included extensive consultation with tenants, councillors and council officers.

Councillor Jennifer Millar-Smith, portfolio holder for Housing said: “Both MITIE and Mears really impressed us with their bids which showed the values and experience we were looking for.

“We’re confident they will provide an excellent service to Crawley Homes tenants as well as investing in the local community through training and employment opportunities and supporting community events and initiatives.”

The 10 year contracts are worth £30 million each to Mears and MITIE and MITIE is also set to take over planned maintenance works from April 2012 worth a further £67 million.

Crawley Homes tenants will see more information on the council’s contractors in the next edition of their newsletter, Homelink.

A £26,500 pavement resurfacing scheme in Sycamore Close in Langley Green, Crawley, will start from Monday February 15.

Henry Smith, Leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “The scheme will involve removing the pavement slabs and replacing them with a black surface.

“New timber edgings and Tarmac over vehicle accesses to properties will also be put down, to make it a smoother surface for pedestrians.”

The work is scheduled to take up to four weeks to complete, weather permitting. It will be carried out Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, and occasionally on Saturdays from 7.30am to 1pm.

On-street parking may be restricted during the scheme, to help traffic flow.

COUPLES who may be romancing by candlelight this Valentine’s Day are being urged by firefighters to make sure it’s just their passion that gets ignited!

Candles and tea lights are widely used on Valentine’s night for candle-lit dinners or to set a romantic mood – but if not used properly, they can become killers, warns West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service.

Jackie Boyle, Community Fire Safety Officer, said: “We don’t want to throw a bucket of cold water over anyone’s passion.

“But we would ask people not to put themselves at risk – the flame from a candle can quickly ignite a nearby curtain or clothing if it’s placed too close, or gets knocked over.

“Candles that are forgotten about and left unattended can also cause fires if not placed in proper candleholders.”

Tea lights, in particular, have become increasingly popular in recent years to create a relaxing or romantic atmosphere in the home.

“But many people are still unaware of the dangers they can present,” said Jackie.

“Because tea lights come with a flat metal base many people think it is safe to place them directly onto any surface without a candleholder or a heat resistant saucer.

“However, they reach extremely high temperatures. That means if they’re placed directly on a plastic or combustible surface – for example an acrylic bath or the top of a television set – they quickly melt into the plastic and can cause a potentially fatal fire.”

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service tea light and candle safety advice is:

· Always burn in a non-flammable holder on a heat resistant surface.
· Don’t let anything fall into the hot wax, including used matches.
· Never place tea lights directly on plastic surfaces such as TVs, computers or baths.
· Never leave them unattended.
· Remember to extinguish before going to sleep.
· Keep well away from draughts, curtains, furniture or clothes.
· Keep away from children and pets.
· Check your smoke alarm is working – an early warning can save lives.

Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “By following this straightforward and timely advice from our firefighters, couples will ensure they don’t become Valentine’s victim.”

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service carried out a controlled test on a tea light candle at its Chichester HQ – the results can be viewed at: http://www.wsfb.co.uk/newsitems/video/tealights.mpg

Fire safety advice is free and easy to access from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service. For advice or information, please contact the Community Safety Team on 01243 642878 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire

From your nearest samba band classes to finding out where you can join a recorder orchestra…it’s all listed in a new easy-to-read leaflet.

The ‘Menu of Music’, created by West Sussex Music Service, is out now and available from schools, Libraries, music shops and from the West Sussex Grid for Learning website at http://wsgfl.westsussex.gov.uk/youthmusic. 

It lists the vast range of music lessons and groups available to young people in the county.

Peter Griffiths, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Schools, said: “This leaflet shows all lessons and groups available, where they take place, and how you can join them.

“There really is something for everyone of all abilities. There are also some great special offers, such as the first half-term being free for most groups.

“If you join a group, you will learn how to play and perform together. There will be opportunities to perform in regular concerts.”

The Music Service runs ten Music Centres throughout the county, where lessons and groups outside of school are taught.

For more information, email music@westsussex.gov.uk or telephone 01243 642361.

BEREAVED residents unable to drive could soon have no public transport to the crematorium unless more people use the service.

Bus route 11 started running in June last year after Councillors Carol Eade and Keith Brockwell lobbied Metrobus for a service to the Surrey and Sussex Crematorium on the Balcombe Road.

But despite councillors receiving many requests for the new route, not enough people are travelling on it and the service is currently running at a loss to Metrobus.

Councillor Eade, Furnace Green representative, said: “Lots of people asked me about the possibility of a new route before Metrobus kindly put one in place. It’s disappointing that numbers aren’t high enough to sustain it but I’m not sure enough people are aware of it.

“The cemetery is difficult to get to if you can’t drive. It means people have to pay for a taxi or rely on someone else to take them which takes away their ability to visit a loved one when they feel they need to.”

And Councillor Brockwell, ward councillor for Pound Hill North, added: “We think the demand is there from the comments we received but it really is up to the public to use it. Metrobus have not stated they intend to cut the route but if it is running at a loss then it makes no business sense to persevere with it.

“Carol, I and the council commend Metrobus for acting so quickly to our request for the service; it really is a very generous public gesture.”

Route 11 operates one return journey on weekdays, except public holidays. The service leaves Crawley Bus Station at 12.15pm and arrives at the crematorium at 12.22pm. The return journey leaves at 1.45pm and arrives at Crawley Bus Station seven minutes later.

The cost for a single journey on the new route is £1.60. Over 60s with National Bus Passes travel for free.

Crawley Council is warning residents to be on their guard after reports of cold callers offering cavity wall insulation on behalf of the authority and Warm Front.

A number of residents have called the council’s Contact Centre. But no cold calling will happen in relation to council-backed Warm Front or cavity wall insulation.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “I had a cold caller who said his firm was working in partnership with the council. He also mentioned Warm Front.

“Then, a few days later a different man cold called and said they were working in partnership with the council. My wife told him she wasn’t interested but he persisted. When she went to close the door he put his head through to prevent it being closed.

“By this time, I’d heard the exchanges and I said that we weren’t interested and asked him to leave. He did after one more attempt to continue the conversation.”

The council is asking residents who receive unexpected visits from people saying they are from the council to call the Town Hall on 01293 438000 before letting them in.
 
All council workers visiting people at home have ID and residents should inspect this even if the visit has been arranged in advance.