Volcanic ash delays – top tips from Trading Standards Service

TRAVEL experts at West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service have drawn up five top tips for volcanic ash victims. They are also stressing the importance of travel insurance.

The top tips are:

ONE: Do not assume all accommodation and flight combinations will always provide security.

“There may be an issue on some websites whether the online seller was acting as a Principal or Agent to the consumer,” said Graeme MacPherson, Head of Trading Standards.

TWO: Beware if it states anywhere on the website, ‘we do not sell package holidays’ – you will get little help resolving your problems.

“If you have, for example, bought a flight and a hotel separately, the flight will be cancelled, but the hotel will still be available and will unlikely offer any refund,” said Graeme.

THREE: Check the terms and conditions of your travel insurance.

FOUR: If you have any concerns contact Trading Standards – via Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

FIVE: Consumers can seek support and advice from the UK European Consumer Centre for disputes over holidays, timeshares and holiday clubs with traders based in a European country outside the UK. For more information, go to www.ukecc.net

The volcanic ash phenomena has, said Graeme, highlighted the importance of travel insurance.

“We’re continuing to stress the importance of travel insurance because natural disasters are covered in a number of policies.

“However, travel insurance is not mandatory and it still appears consumers are unwilling to pay this extra expense,” said Graeme.

Trading Standards is also reminding people that even if they booked using a credit card (over £100), it does not mean they can expect any compensation for missed flights.

There is still confusion about the rights of consumers who have paid for package holidays and those trying to save by buying the individual components separately.

Graeme said: “If consumers choose a package holiday and they find themselves stranded abroad, the tour operator is required to provide ‘prompt assistance’ to any consumer in difficulty.

“The operator will not be liable to the consumer as the problems are classed as ‘unforeseen circumstances’. Many operators have already arranged redirection of cruise ships, chartering ferries and hiring coaches to help consumers get repatriated.

“Consumers on ‘flight-only’ arrangements should be aware that the regulations regarding delayed or cancelled flights state:

• Consumers are entitled to a refund or re-routing if the flight is cancelled.

• In the event of re-routing the consumer is entitled to meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation if overnight, two free phone calls, faxes or emails.

• If the flight is delayed more than two hours, the consumer will not only be entitled to the above. If it is over five hours, they will be entitled to cancel and get their money back.

• Compensation is payable as the cancellation was caused by, ‘extraordinary circumstances’.”

Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “Over the last few days a dream holiday has turned into a nightmare for many people. But is this timely advice from our travel experts shows, they do have a range of rights.”

10:10 BOOST TO BRITAIN IN BLOOM

SCHOOLS are set to take on a 10:10 challenge that will also brighten up the town.

Crawley Borough Council has asked local schools to create works of art with an eco theme, representing the council’s 10:10 pledge to cut carbon emissions by 10 per cent in 2010, and fit for display across the town.

As well as raising awareness of the international environmental campaign and Crawley’s Council’s efforts to make a difference, the artwork will mark the route for Britain in Bloom judges who are set to take to the streets in June.

Ruth Growney, Crawley Council’s Lets FACE it! Coordinator, said: “I’m hoping 10 schools will take up the challenge and each design some artwork based around one of the ways to save 10 per cent.

“It’s fantastic that Crawley has been shortlisted for Britain in Bloom and shows all the hard work that council staff and communities all over town have put in to make Crawley a greener, prettier place to be. The 10:10 artwork will go a long way in helping the town express how committed we are to the environment.”

The eco art will be judged and 10 winning artists will receive an environmentally themed prize as well as their work displayed in high profile areas on lamp posts during June and July.

Brett Hagen, Crawley Council’s Environment Manager, said: “The council has found a number of ways to cut its carbon emissions even further over the coming months, and we’re really keen to help residents achieve it too.

“I think this art project will definitely help raise the profile of the 10:10 campaign locally, which is a fantastic step toward reducing the town’s carbon emissions.”

“A Walk in the Park – Family Fun Day Fundraiser”

Location: Grattons Park, Pound Hill, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 3BA.

Date: Sunday 4th July 2010.

Time: 11am – 4pm.

Refreshments: We will supply hot and cold beverages and fresh fruit for a small fee. We ask that you bring a picnic to enjoy on hopefully a warm and sunny day!

All ages and abilities are welcome. (I have personally pushed a buggy around the park so it can be done!)

Theme: Pirates and princesses, but any fancy dress outfits are welcome.

Activities for the day:

•The Euphoric Dance company will be coming to help us warm up before the walk and show us one of their dance routines.

•Our children’s entertainer will be providing face painting, doing animal balloons, magic shows, puppet shows and dancing competitions.

•Try to get a goal past Mitchell Walker from Brighton and Hove Albion Football team with our Beat the Goalie game.

•Take part in a fun scavenger hunt searching for items around the park

•And if you still have any energy left, join us for a family game of rounders with a difference.

FINDING OUT MORE ABOUT COUNCIL’S ECO-HOMES

GREEN thinking council staff, tenants and contractors gathered at The Hawth last week to find out more about Crawley’s seriously eco-friendly homes.

Retrofit for the Future seminar

The Retrofit for the Future seminar saw guest speakers explain the exciting plans to turn four aging Crawley Borough Council homes into social housing of the future.

Mark Elton, ECD Architects

The properties in Furnace Green, Langley Green, Pound Hill and Three Bridges will be fitted out with innovative materials rarely used in regular house building to create the ultimate environmentally friendly home.

Neil Morgan from Technology Strategy Board’s Retrofit for the Future competition

Funding for the scheme was won through the national Retrofit for the Future competition run by the Technology Strategy Board and was awarded in January.

Simon McWhirter, Campaign Director of the Great British Refurb

Karen Dodds, Head of Crawley Homes, said: “Only 87 properties across the UK will receive a green makeover, making Crawley Council’s successful bid for four properties a big success.

“The seminar was very useful in putting everything into context for all involved, ranging from our contractors, consultants, the lucky tenants and our involved tenants who do a lot to help shape our service.”

Among the speakers was Mark Elton from ECD Architects, working on behalf of Crawley Council, who described the design for each home, while Simon McWhirter, campaign Director of the Great British Refurb, explained the importance of sustainable and zero carbon homes.

Work on the properties is set to start in four months and includes a range of insulation like Spacetherm insulation, Nanogel insulation and under-floor insulation. The work will also include LED lighting, solar panels, combined heat and power boilers and triple glazing.

The modifications will be carried out by Crawley Council’s Decent Homes contractors, Apollo and Wates, and should take about three months.

Energy use and temperatures in the homes will be constantly monitored to show how successful the work has been and which materials are most effective.

The green homes are expected to save the tenants hundreds of pounds (reducing annual combined gas and electricity bills of £800 to around £100, for example) – as well as tonnes of carbon emissions.

Furnace Green tenant, Wendy Carpenter, is delighted to have been picked for the ‘experiment’, she said: “I’m so excited, it’s going to make such a big difference. We really do try to do our bit for the environment; we recycle everything we can. Just knowing that when I turn my heating on it’s not all seeping out the house straight away will make me feel a lot better.”

The move towards seriously eco-friendly social housing will take Britain a step closer to its target of an 80 per cent reduction in household energy use by 2050.

Crawley New Town framed in local exhibition

A free exhibition capturing the early years of Crawley New Town, from the 1940s to 1970s, is on display at the town’s Library throughout May.

More than 300 photographs from the Roger Bastable Collection will be on display, including pictures of most neighbourhoods, town centre, and the planning process. A large-screen digital slide show features topics such as childhood, events, the old High Street, schools, transport and even a ‘mystery photograph’ section.

Born in 1950, Roger Bastable spent most of his life in Crawley, teaching at Holy Trinity Church of England Comprehensive School in Gossops Green, and was Chairman of the Crawley Museum Society.

Following his death in 2007, Roger left his local history collection to Crawley Library, and the collection has more than 9,000 photographs and pictures, plus articles, books, maps, newspapers, pamphlets and his unpublished PhD thesis.

In 2009 the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded the West Sussex Library Service £45,600 to preserve old pictures for the Crawley Digital Heritage Project. More than 8,000 items from the Bastable Collection were digitised, meaning they will be preserved for all time.

The exhibition includes:

Children’s Quiz – Spot the dog, spot the cat and count the prams in the photographs. Do the quiz for fun or hand it in for a chance to win prizes.

• Local History Articles – Enjoy over 100 articles on Crawley’s history written by Roger Bastable and published in the Crawley Courier in the 1980s.

• Timeline and Bookmark – There will be a banner featuring a timeline of key dates in Crawley New Town’s development. Pick up a free bookmark with the timeline and list of books you can borrow on the town’s history.

The exhibition is from Saturday May 1 until Saturday May 29, from 9am-5pm (closing on Monday May 3 and Tuesday mornings).

Brad Watson OBE, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Communications, with responsibility for the Libraries, said: “This treasure trove of Crawley history, collected by one of its well-known residents, is a real treat for all locals and schools to come and see.

“We are grateful for the generous grant given last year, and were determined to put it to good use.”

You can help by bringing along your old photos of Crawley on Wednesdays and Saturdays in May and staff will scan a selection for the library collection. Bewbush in the 1970s and Maidenbower in the 1980s are particularly needed.

Enjoy more than 1,000 photographs and pictures from the Roger Bastable Collection and around 1,500 for Crawley on the West Sussex Past Pictures website at www.westsussexpast.org.uk/pictures .

View the whole exhibition online at www.flickr.com, from the Crawley Library pages, and view the whole exhibition online.

MEET CRAWLEY REPAIRS TEAM

TOWN tenants and leaseholders can meet their repairs team at the town hall all week (April 19 to April 23).

Crawley Borough Council recently renewed its repairs contract with Mears and awarded a brand new contract to MITIE; they now carry out responsive repairs work and also refurbishments to empty council properties.

Mears work in the south of the town covering Broadfield, Furnace Green, Maidenbower, Pound Hill, Southgate, Three Bridges and Tilgate; while MITIE work in the North and cover Bewbush, Gossops Green, Ifield West, Langley Green, West Green and Northgate.

Representatives from Mears and MITIE will be in the town hall between10am and 12pm all week to answer any repairs related questions.

For more information call 01293 438434. If you need to report a repair call

01293 438592

Challenge yourself before London 2012

The two-year countdown to the London 2012 Games will be celebrated in West Sussex this July with a weekend of events.

Arts, culture and sporting organisations are invited to challenge people to try something new, or take an existing interest to a new level, from Friday July 23 – Sunday July 25 2010. The events will be part of the nationwide Open Weekend activities.

West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “Last year hundreds of people across West Sussex enjoyed taking part in events put on by many organisations including leisure centres, libraries, museums and galleries.

“Highlights included meeting Olympic and Paralympic athletes Sascha Kindred OBE, Ben Quilter, and Nick Buckfield at sports centres, the Blue Touch Paper Carnival and activities at libraries across the county.

“This year will build on that success with the theme of ‘challenges’.

Organisations are encouraged to get involved. If you’re putting on an event you need to register it with the London2012.com website. Also please email info@westsussex-aheadofthegame.com so it can be added to the list of events we will be promoting across the county.

Deborah added: “The London 2012 Open Weekend has been developed to help people get involved in new things to spark interest and enthusiasm in the run up to the 2012 Games.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what events organisers come up with as we approach the two years to go countdown on 27 July this year.”

Supported by BP and launched in 2008 with the start of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, more than a million people from around the UK have taken part in Open Weekend activities in the past two years.

Notes for editors – See all the latest news at www.twitter.com/wsccnews

The London 2012 Open Weekend created by London 2012 is supported by BP, the Premier Partner of the Cultural Olympiad. London 2012 Open Weekend will take place every year in July.

London 2012 Open Weekend enables everyone to share in the excitement of the Games, be inspired to get involved, unleash their creativity and try something new by accessing excellence at events across sport, art and culture taking place over the weekend.

A national events listing and further details are available at www.london2012.com/openweekend

The events are being supported by West Sussex-Ahead of the Game, the countywide initiative to help the county make the most of the 2012 Games.

It is coordinated by a working group made up of West Sussex County Council, Adur District Council, Chichester District Council, Crawley Borough Council, Horsham District Council, Mid Sussex District Council, the Sussex Learning & Skills Council, West Sussex Arts Partnership, Sussex County Sports Partnership, Sussex Tourism Partnership, West Sussex Primary Care Trust, the University of Chichester, Northbrook College, and two pre-games camps consortia: Chichester Gold and Gatwick Diamond Venues.

VOLCANIC DUST IN CRAWLEY

VOLCANIC dust from Iceland saw an impact on air quality on Sunday with a spike in readings three times higher than normal.

Particles detected in the air in Crawley reached a near 100 micrograms per cubic metre per hour on Sunday afternoon, a huge increase from the 20 to 40 micrograms usually recorded by Crawley Borough Council.

Other monitoring systems across the South East have also detected a spike in readings. It’s thought some dust from Eyjafjallajökull dropped from high altitude and reached ground level.

Karl Bock, Environmental Health Group Manager for Crawley Council, said:

“Similar readings were found in the local air for a couple of hours after the Buncefield oil terminal explosion in December 2005.

“This sort of level is not considered dangerous for short periods, although the Health Protection Agency has advised that it would be wise for people suffering from existing lung problems such as asthma, to limit their activities outdoors if they start to notice symptoms such as itchy eyes.”

Air quality in Crawley will continue to be monitored closely and updates can be found on the council’s website. For more information and links to the Met Office and Gatwick flight information log on to www.crawley.gov.uk/weather

Pic cap: Air quality monitoring graph showing results between Friday April

16 and Monday April 19.

Cutting down on congestion at the school gates

Fewer mums and dads are using the car to take their children to school according to the findings of the national school census.

Figures show a steady five per cent reduction in car use for school trips over the last four years in West Sussex.

Nearly three quarters (73 per cent) of journeys to and from school are now being made by ‘greener’ travel choices.

Half of all children get to school on foot, with 14 per cent using the bus or train. A further five per cent share a car journey while four per cent use a bike to get to lessons.

The shift is thanks to the work West Sussex County Council has carried out with its schools to develop travel plans. Over 95 per cent of schools now have a plan in place to encourage more environmentally friendly ways of getting to and from school.

Derek Whittington, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “Schools are a real local hub for many communities and School Travel Plans are specifically designed to help identify travel, safety and access issues that we might encounter on a daily basis.

“By gaining a better understanding of local accessibility issues, we can work with our communities to help remove the barriers that discourage us from travelling more sustainably.

“This approach is an important part of children’s learning and can help to develop independence, confidence, social and road safety skills, as well as an awareness of the impact growing car use can have on our environment including noise and air pollution and congestion.”

Some of the ways the County Council is working with schools include:

• Safer Routes to School schemes such as cycling and pedestrian improvements and School Safety Zones.

• The County Council’s 3in1 card, which gives young people in West Sussex reduced bus fares.

• Car Share Schemes.

• Walking Buses and Park n’ Stride initiatives.

• Walk to School Week events.

• Supporting initiatives that seek to improve local air quality through a reduction in car use.

• Cycle training (Bikeability) and pedestrian training to help support independence of young people and reduce the likelihood of child casualties.

• Working with developers to secure funding to make necessary safety and accessibility improvements for West Sussex residents.

• Improving perception of safety around schools by introducing advisory 20mph speed restrictions at drop off and pick up times.

St Catherine’s Hospice Midnight Walk – Saturday 19 June 2010

Join women of all ages and fitness levels in our half marathon walk through Horsham starting at midnight!

Starting and finishing in Horsham Park, this sponsored 13 mile walk will raise money in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice. Entry is £15 and every walker will receive a special Midnight Walk t-shirt, refreshments along the way plus a well-deserved medal and breakfast at the finish line!

So why not get together with friends, family and colleagues to do something that is not only a bit of a challenge but also means that they can support a great local cause

For more details have a look at our website www.stch.org.uk/midnightwalk or contact Jen Wickham on 01293 447364 / jenwickham@stch.org.uk

Many thanks,

Jen

Jen Wickham

Events Fundraiser

St Catherine’s Hospice

Malthouse Road

Crawley

W Sussex RH10 6BH

Charity registration number: 281362

Company registration number: 1525404

www.stch.org.uk/howyoucanhelp

01293 447364 (direct)

01293 447333 (switchboard)

01293 447352 (fax)

jenwickham@stch.org.uk

FREE COACHING FOR FOOTIE FANATICS

FOOTBALL mad youngsters can make the most of free football coaching on Saturday 17th April.

Crawley Borough Council is running the free session for four to 10-year-olds at the 3G pitch in Broadfield between 9.30am and 11am.

The session is aimed at beginners and improving players who are keen to receive more coaching and training.

The footie freebie leads into a new five-week coaching course starting on April 24. The course costs £18 if paid in advance or £4 per session.

For more information contact Simon Pearce, Active Crawley Officer (Football), on 01293 585350 or email simon.pearce@crawley.gov.uk

Gluten-free school food is top of the class

 WEST Sussex is top of the class for providing gluten-free food in its schools, says the Public Analyst, which tests the description and safety of food.

 The verdict follows a survey carried out by West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service and its Children and Young People’s Services.

 A growing number of people in catering are providing gluten-free options.

 However, there are strict European rules on the food that can be served for people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance in catering establishments, which includes schools. 

 The survey was carried out at Oak Grove College, Worthing, in March.

 The results from the Public Analyst stated: “Eighty per cent of the meals did not contain any detectable gluten, a remarkable achievement in a compound food product produced in a school kitchen.

 “Overall the meals were clearly suitable for schoolchildren wishing to follow a gluten-free diet.”

 Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Safety, said: “The sampling results highlights the continuing West Sussex commitment to ensuring all children will be able to benefit from hot and nutritious food, and that children are receiving the correct diet.”

Stroke and Health Awareness Day 2010

Date: 17th April 2010

Venue: The Bandstand, Queens Square, Crawley

The event: Gatwick Diamond Rotary Club Stroke and Health Awareness Day

Gatwick Diamond Rotary Club have joined forces with the South East Coast Ambulance Service for this Year’s Event.

High Blood Pressure can affect people of ALL AGES and most do not know they have a problem till it is TOO LATE.

It is better to be safe than sorry so please come along for your FREE Blood Pressure Test between 10am and 4pm.

In 2008 when we did the same event during the two hour event 35 men and woman of all ages had a blood pressure check carried out by medical professionals. Five had higher than usual blood pressure and were encouraged to visit their GP for further checks. This equates to nearly 15% of those tested.

Rotary Know Your Blood Pressure Day 2010 will see over 400 Rotary clubs taking to the high streets to take the public’s blood pressure.

On average, the awareness day sees around 13,500 people step up to have their blood pressure taken, with just under 3,000 being advised to see their GP for more tests and a further 196 urged to seek medical advice immediately. It’s fair to say that over the years, this event has prevented thousands of people suffering the sometimes fatal and often disabling consequences of a stroke.

Rotary Know Your Blood Pressure Day is run in partnership with The Stroke Association to help people better understand the relation between high blood pressure (hypertension) and stroke. It is estimated that 40% of the 150,000 strokes suffered by people in the U.K each year could be prevented. This condition can easily be controlled.

Rotary recognizes that one of the biggest challenges is to help people understand that strokes don’t just happen to other people. They can happen to anyone, at any age and the biggest single risk is high blood pressure. Rotarian volunteers play an invaluable role in reaching out to people, encouraging them to have regular checks and take action when needed.

Rotary clubs run their blood pressure check events in church halls, supermarkets, shopping centers, libraries and leisure centers, usually assisted by a small team of health professionals, perhaps a GP or practice nurse.

To find out more, visit www.gatwickdiamondrotary.org and click on past projects.

Telecare-ing across West Sussex

A new service to help vulnerable people remain safe in their own homes has been launched across West Sussex.

Called Telecare, it enables vulnerable people to live longer using technology, such as community alarm and pendants, fall detectors, movement sensors, medication dispensers and bed and chair sensors.

The equipment can raise an alert to a call centre if a person presses a button, monitor a person’s wellbeing and environment and trigger a warning if this changes, and can provide immediate feedback to help with memory problems.

Wealden and Eastbourne Lifeline – WELbeing is the chosen provider for the service, which will provide temporary 13-week packages of telecare for residents.

West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services Peter Catchpole said: “Telecare is vital as it helps residents remain in the comfort of their own home. This landmark contract will provide Telecare across West Sussex for our vulnerable residents.”

The equipment will help prevent hospital admissions and help support residents discharged from hospital to return home safely. The 13-week period will help identify if Telecare is suitable and helpful for residents.

For further information about the service contact Neil Pettitt, Telecare Manager, on 01243 382053, e-mail neil.pettitt@westsussex.gov.uk or visit the West Sussex County Council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk.

Crawley Library in line for top architectural award

The new Crawley Library has been shortlisted for a prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects Award. The regional awards, made every year, celebrate the best examples of new architecture across the UK and Europe, designed by RIBA members.

Twenty-four entries were received for the South East region, and Crawley Library is one of nine selected. The results will be announced on Thursday May 20.

“We are very proud of Crawley Library, and delighted to learn it has been nominated for a top award,” said Brad Watson OBE, West Sussex County Council Member responsible for the Library Service.

The new Crawley Library, designed by architectural firm Penoyre and Prasad, is three times the size of its 40-year-old predecessor, is now the biggest in West Sussex. It is part of a new £15million complex which includes a new register office and a suite of offices.

Among its low energy design features are windows allowing good levels of daylight to control power consumption and regulate temperatures across the seasons.

A biomass boiler and solar thermal panels have been installed for heating and hot water, and a naturally-growing sedum roof provides insulation and a wildlife habitat. Rainwater is harvested to irrigate planting.

Crawley Library’s technological innovations include pioneering the use of self-service terminals, now being introduced to other Libraries around West Sussex, and a nine-screen video wall. It also has a franchised café attached.

Free advice for landlords

Landlords who own property in Crawley can take advantage of a free advice service from Crawley Borough Council.

The council hosts pre-bookable 20-minute appointments with staff from the Private Sector Housing Team who can provide advice and information on property management.

Chris Modder, Crawley Borough Council’s Private Sector Housing Manager, said: “We launched our free advice service to help landlords with common issues they encounter. Day to day property management can throw up some unexpected issues – we’re here to help landlords address them.”

The appointments take place on the first Wednesday of each month in the Town Hall from 5-7pm and can cover issues including tenancy, rent arrears, possession, eviction, grants and loans, repairs and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

To book a slot visit www.crawley.gov.uk/psh, click on Private Sector Landlord Forum and fill out the online form. Alternatively, you can call 01293 438418.

New lighting to save money and energy

LED lighting in the Town Hall car park is being installed and will save money and energy.

The new lights, which are replacing 627 5ft and 6ft fluorescent tubes, cost £37,000 and installation will be completed by April 12. They will save 3,000 kg of carbon dioxide emissions each year and will have paid for themselves within three years.

After the initial three-year payback, annual savings of about £9,000 will be made through reduced energy consumption and lower maintenance costs.

Additional savings will be made in the first year as a number of the lights removed from the Town Hall car park will be used to replace faulty lights in the council’s Orchard Street car park.

Overall lighting levels in the car park will be unaffected by the change.

The work is taking place outside of normal hours so there is no disruption or loss of parking spaces.

Tilgate Park’s new play area

Tilgate Park’s fantastic new play area will be officially opened on Friday April 16 with a great Easter holidays event.

The opening, which runs from 11.30am-3pm, will see the exciting new play equipment unveiled as well as Easter inspired competitions, prizes, music and lots of fun.

The new equipment includes a 2.2m-high tube slide, rope tunnel and bridge, sliding pole, monkey bars, basket swing, snake swing, boulders, giants causeway steps, cradle seats, play net, rotating and rocking bouncer, swinging steps and a balance log.

Crawley Borough Council’s Play Rangers will be on hand to organise games and fun for children.

Bring a picnic and stay all day in beautiful Tilgate Park, the council’s flagship park. Entry to the park and the open day is free (although there is a charge of £3 per car in the main car park).

Photo shows artist’s impression of new play area