Motorists warned: “Beware of new car swappage offers”
MOTORISTS are being warned by West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service to beware of misleading ‘car swappage’ offers advertised by dealers of new cars.
Dealers have introduced the offers to maintain sales, following the former Government’s ‘car scrappage’ scheme coming to an end earlier this year.
The warning follows Trading Standards officers going undercover and posing as customers to see if the swappage offers were value for money.
Said Graeme MacPherson, Head of Regulatory Services: “In one case, the dealer’s advert for car swappage appeared to be open to all new cars. But in reality it was only available on certain models.
“Another dealer was advertising £3000 for your old car under their swappage scheme. But on its website it was offering some new cars at prices after swappage that were less than £3000 below their recommended retailers price.
“Both were told to correct their advertising.
“A dealer also advertised £3000 off the list price of a new car under their swappage scheme. But it was also selling cars at £2000 off the list price of exactly the same vehicle. So in truth you would only be getting £1000 for your old car rather than the £3000 you think you are getting.”
Trading Standards advice is:
• Before visiting a dealer, make sure you know the precise list price for the exact specification of any new vehicle you are thinking of buying. New car prices and all the costs of extras are often on the manufacturer’s website.
• Check how much your existing car is worth selling privately or in a trade in before considering a swappage offer.
• Before entering into a car swappage deal, find out how much discount you could actually get off the same new car without swapping your existing car.
Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “We all like a bargain and a fair deal, so take the advice of our Trading Standards, which is do your homework and shop around first.”
For consumer advice on all Trading Standards matters contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
Fakes dealer caught three times by Trading Standards
ROGUE London trader Tajammul Ali was caught three times selling fake mobile phone accessories by West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service officers.
They first swooped on Ali at Worthing market where he was selling counterfeit mobile phone covers, lanyards, headsets and speakers carrying well-known brand names such as Nokia, Samsung, Nike, Adidas, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Moschino and Lacoste.
The counterfeit goods were seized and Ali was told he would face court action, which eventually led to him being sentenced to 160 hours of community service after being found guilty of selling fake items at Chichester Crown Court.
However, before he appeared in court he was caught selling similar items at a stall at Ford Market. He tried lying about his identity to avoid any further action, but Trading Standards officers were able to link him to the original swoop.
Trading Standards officers visited Ali for a third time when he again had a stall at Worthing Market. This time he was caught selling:
• Fake Apple iphone mobile phone covers.
• Illegal games console devices to allow the playing of copied games.
This led to him appearing at Chichester Crown Court for a second time when he was sentenced to six months in prison suspended for 20 months.
Ali was also placed under a curfew with an electronic tag for six months between the hours of 9pm and 5am and ordered to pay £1500 costs.
Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “Our Trading Standards will take action against rogue traders wherever possible.
“Counterfeit goods being sold at West Sussex markets can harm legitimate local businesses selling genuine items. They can cost local jobs, fund crime and can be dangerous.”
If you suspect anyone of selling counterfeit goods then contact Trading Standards at Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk. You can remain anonymous.
Crawley Happy Times went to meet Jill Horrocks from Gemini Hairdressers in Brighton to find out what happened when a fire broke out in the salon.
Jill, owner of Gemini Hairdressers in The Drove, Brighton has run her business safely for many years. Unfortunately Jill, like many other business owners had not purchased new fire extinguishers for some time and was concerned for the safety of her premises. Jill decided to invite a reputable company to give a free survey of her old extinguishing units. Andy of Fire Prevention Services offered such a service, so Jill asked Andy to pop along to her premises.
Andy advised Jill she really should replace her old units with the more up-to-date reliable units. As with most purchases the cost was of course something that concerned Jill, but Andy saw the importance of the new units and decided to give Jill more time to settle the account if she decided to go ahead.
The new units were installed efficiently on the Friday. On the Wednesday the following week, Jill came down from upstairs to find the sink on fire and flames licking the ceiling of her salon. Caused by some plastic strip from an aromatherapy candle which had not been extinguished properly. Jill leapt into action and grabbed the new extinguishers to put out the fire. Jill told us if it had not been for the new units her business may well have gone up in flames. The firemen who attended congratulated Jill on her bravery but gave a warning that the fire extinguishers are only there to help get people to safety and not to make them into ‘firefighters’ risking their lives.
Fire Prevention Services are based in Crawley. Andy told us “we are very happy to give any premises requiring fire extinguishers a free risk assessment and a quote. They are not obliged to come to us for the equipment. We are just pleased they would have taken the initiative and time to get it looked at, especially for their own safety”.
Jill, originally from Tilgate, Crawley said “I would like to thanks Andy of Fire Prevention Services for taking his time to come and see us and for giving us extended terms so we were then able to afford the extinguishers. If it had not been for that, I may have put it off for a while. Thank goodness I didn’t! It just goes to show the importance of having a survey and being up to date on your fire safety requirements. I would highly recommend any business have this free survey as I did”.
For a free, no obligation survey please do not hesitate to contact Fire Prevention Services on 0800 9545147 or visit their website for further information. Fire Prevention Services are happy to give any business a 10% discount off all purchases when quoting CHT-FPS xx
Your chance to quiz Fire and Rescue Service chief about plans for Crawley Fire Station
The draft improvement plan drawn up by West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service will be one of the headline items at the next public meeting of the East Crawley County Local Committee.
The meeting, which is being held in the Longley Exhibition Room, Crawley Library, on Tuesday September 28, starting at 7pm, will feature a presentation from Max Hood, County Fire Officer.
The draft plan is designed to update the Fire and Rescue Service and ensure it has the right resources in place to make sure West Sussex is a safer place in the 21st century. It proposes:
• Changes to some fire stations, personnel, and appliances.
• Significant investment in training and facilities for firefighters.
• Faster response in parts of the county pinpointed by sophisticated ‘risk mapping’.
• Strengthening the Service’s wide-ranging work in the community to prevent fires in the first place.
• Making efficiency savings whilst also protecting essential frontline services.
The draft plan’s proposals also include removing one of the fire engines from Horley Fire Station after discussions with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and Gatwick Airport – which has its own Fire Service – to ensure appropriate emergency cover is maintained. This will free up resources that can be used more effectively in West Sussex.
It also says the Fire and Rescue Service still wants to progress the building of a new Fire Station in Crawley, incorporating facilities for Incident Command training.
Richard Burrett, Committee Chairman, said: “No decisions have been made at this stage and the County Council has been consulting throughout the summer about the draft plan.
“The presentation will inform the meeting about the proposed organisational changes that match resources to risk and the implications for the Fire and Rescue Service in our area.”
The meeting will also include:
• A discussion on proposed parking regulations and junction protection on the south side of Worth Park Avenue, Pound Hill, and surrounding roads.
• A ‘talk with us’ session that will enable residents to raise local issues they are concerned about.
Members of the Barbados Netball squad have been meeting school children in Crawley.
Crawley Happy Times went along to their first visit held at Maidenbower Junior School.
The Bajan team are training at K2 Crawley ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi next month.
They will be playing a warm up game at K2 on Sunday and at The Triangle in Burgess Hill on Friday, which the public can watch for free. Under 16’s must be accompanied by a supervising adult.
Every year Crawley Black History Month gets bigger and better and this year is no exception with sixteen events across the town, many of which are free so there are plenty of reasons to celebrate.
The fun gets started in Queen Square on Saturday 2 October between 11am and 4pm with Crawley Black History Month Kick Off, a day of music, dance, fashion and food for everyone to enjoy. On Saturday 16 October Crawley Library will be holding Word From Africa, full of events based around some of the 2000 African languages, a number of which are spoken in Crawley.
The month of events is rounded off with one big celebration at The Hawth. On Saturday 30 October The Grand Finale will hit the stage at 7.30pm with professional acts alongside community performers. The fabulous band Baraka will have audiences up and dancing as they combine dance African highlife, South African Township, Calypso and Reggae music to create a sound your feet won’t be able to resist.
To really get into the spirit of the evening you can come along and sample delicious African dishes at the Arts Café at The Hawth and why not come along in traditional dress? Whatever you wear make sure you come ready to party!
These are just some of the highlights of the month, other events at The Hawth include Island Life, an evening of Diego Garcian Culture (13 Oct) offering an uplifting night of song and Sega dancing in The Studio, Wild Dog (14 Oct) a new dance show from Tavaziva Dance combining African dance and music with Western theatre and
The Day The Waters Came (19 Oct) a drama exploring the effects of Hurricane Katrina on thousands of black American citizens in New Orleans.
Little ones have plenty to enjoy too with Handa’s Surprise (16 Oct) returning to The Hawth Studio to transport them on a magical journey to Kenya, The Jingle Dress
(30 Oct) will enthral ages 3-5 with it’s dance narrative and colourful costumes and for 9 to 14 year olds who love sport why not sign up for the 6-a-side Football Tournament at the 3G pitch at Broadfield Stadium (30 Oct).
This year also sees the launch of the Crawley Black History website with full details of the programme, great pictures from last year and the opportunity for you give us feedback and contribute any of your own images.
If you would like to find out more about how you can get involved with any of the events above please visit www.crawleyblackhistory.co.uk or call The Hawth on 01293 553636 and ask for a flyer.
Find out about hedgerow fruits and seeds at Buchan Country Park in Crawley this Saturday September 25.
The ‘Hedgerow Harvest’ event runs from 10.30am to 12.30pm, with activities including apple pressing, storytelling, a treasure hunt and fruit and seed collecting.
The event costs £3 per person, or £10 for a group ticket (four people). An adult must accompany children. Meet in the Countryside Centre.
Booking essential. Contact 01293 542088, e-mail buchan.park@westsussex.gov.uk or visit the website at www.westsussex.gov.uk/buchan.
Crawley Library is hosting a free learning day for all the family on Saturday September 25.
‘Learn in Libraries Day’ will be packed with taster sessions, demonstrations and information stalls covering topics for all ages.
There is an advice workshop for parents with Sue Atkins, author of ‘Raising Happy Families,’ baby and parent yoga, and a session in how to use computers to get better family photos.
Younger visitors can meet children’s writer Gareth Jones, author of the Dragon Detective Agency series of books, or join in a singing session featuring puppets.
There’s also an informal session on the internet for online beginners, a creative writing group and a belly-dancing workshop.
Brad Watson OBE, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Libraries, said: “This event really does have something for everyone.
“The Library is not just a place to borrow books from, it hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from author visits to live bands.”
• 9.45am -10.30am: Storytime + activity
• 10.30am: Advice shop for parents, with Sue Atkins, author of Raising Happy Families
• 11.00am: Creative writing group – adults only. ’Family Snap’ – using PCs to get better family photos
Places are limited on some activities, book to avoid disappointment. To find out more, call Crawley Library on 01293 651751. Alternatively email crawley.library@westsussex.gov.uk
When Arundale School, a small independent school in Pulborough, was forced to close due to a falling roll, it was the beginning of a windfall for Gossops Green Community Primary School. In line with Arundale’s charitable status, and unable to find a buyer, they donated their new outdoor play equipment to Gossops Green Community Primary, where the School Council had been asking for large, fixed play apparatus for some time, but the school premises budget has been swallowed up with mainitaining 50 year old buildings, leaving very little for resources that the pupils and staff can see.
This left the challenge of finding a way to remove the equipment from its Pulborough site, before the site was handed over to its new owners in July, and relocating it in Gossops Green. The Apollo Group, which is refurbishing bathrooms and kitchens in local council properties, came to the rescue and Divisional Manager, Mr James Dickens, agreed that the company would relocate the equipment as a community project, overseen by Mr Tim Skiggs, Apollo Project Manager and Mr Adrian Nind, Apollo Site Manager, and assisted by sub-contractors, Pilon Construction.
Gossops Green pupils now have a height chart, shop and chime bars in the Reception outdoor classroom and a large play area beside the upper playground. In recognition of the level of voluntary community contributions which have enabled the project to be successful, the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, Mrs Susan Pyper, and the Mayor of Crawley, Councillor Lee Burke attended the formal opening ceremony on Monday 20th September, along with Mrs Kay Lovejoy, Headmistress of Arundale School and Mrs Claire Gilks, Arundale’s Business Manager and the key people from Apollo Construction. ‘My favourite bit is the monkey bars’, said one excited pupil. ‘We are overwhelmed with the generosity of the support that both Arundale and the Apollo Group have provided to make our pupils’ dreams come true’, said Dawn Martin, Headteacher of Gossops Green. ‘Thank you to everyone who has made this possible – happy playtimes are a feature of our school culture, with children acting as Play Managers and Play Leaders. The new equipment will enable us to add another dimension to what we are able to offer’. Source: Gossops Green Community Primary school
Crawley Happy Times were invited to witness this wonderful occasion and where privileged enough to interview the main participants in the opening of the play area. Not enough time to watch the video right now? Then see the journey through the pictures instead.
Still time to take part in Fire and Rescue Service consultation
THERE’S still time to take part in West Sussex County Council’s consultation on the proposed improvement plan drawn up by its Fire and Rescue Service following extensive research.
The draft is designed to update the Fire and Rescue Service and ensure it has the right resources in place to make sure West Sussex is a safer place in the 21st century.
The consultation, which has been running throughout the summer, will end on Friday October 8.
The draft proposals include:
• Changes to some fire stations, personnel, and appliances.
• Significant investment in training and facilities for firefighters.
• Faster response in parts of the county pinpointed by sophisticated ‘risk mapping’.
• Strengthening the Service’s wide-ranging work in the community to prevent fires in the first place.
• Making efficiency savings while protecting essential frontline services.
Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “The draft improvement plan drawn up by our Fire and Rescue Service is designed to make it even more effective in the long term.
“No decisions have been made yet and we want to hear from as many people as possible. So if you haven’t yet given us your views on the draft, please make sure you don’t miss the October 8 deadline.”
The proposals are contained in the draft Service Plan for 2011-12 and copies are available in all libraries, District and Borough Council offices, and on request from Fire Service HQ on 01243 753706.
The draft and all its supporting documents can also be viewed on the County Council website www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire.
You can also submit views by:
• email: fire.redesign@westsussex.gov.uk
• Telephone: Fire Redesign Team 01243 753706.
• In writing: Ian Coleman, Fire Redesign Team, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service HQ, Northgate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1BD.
The 2 Crawley sides locked horns again in the 1st round of the league cup. Oakwood again got off to a confident start – our stand in goalkeeper Christina Brown not having to make a save in the 1st half mainly due to our outstanding back line Brionie, Chloe, Georgia and the super impressive Casey Gunning-Shaw, who had her best game in an Oakwood shirt. She was strong, precise and cleared every apparent danger with vigour. In the first half Oakwood could have been more than just the 1 goal up. This was scored by the mighty impressive Elese Bajada who’s brace won the game for the Oaks in the end.
Maidenbower proved a much harder proposition this time around and the game could so easily have taken a different path had they made their chunks of possession count. Alas, especially in the second half Christina made a good save and Casey was constantly clearing her lines. This frustrated the oposition up to the point Elese Bajada again finished neatly. A good performance again and particulary Elese Bajada and Casey Gunning-Shaw, who will share player of the match this week.
Players of the match : Elese Bajada & Casey Gunning-Shaw
Christina Brown, Brionie Scarratt, Chloe Hedger (capt), Casey Gunning – Shaw, Georgia Coxhall, Lucy Halliday, Tayla Hill, Hayley Grinham, Chloe Chesworth, Mia Fenton, Elese Bajada, Tiffany Johnson, Lana Kelly
Quarter final tie versus is away versus Worthing Town Girls setting up a home semi final game if we come through that.
A Council task force set up to scrutinise West Sussex mental health service proposals has endorsed a series of changes, but on condition that better services are provided.
The West Sussex County Council Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) task force was set up in March to carry out a detailed investigation into the changes put forward by NHS West Sussex and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
The proposals focused on changing the balance of services with a reduction to inpatient beds and improved community services.
The Committee received the task force final report at its meeting on Thursday September 16. In the recommendations agreed, the Committee recognised that there was a case to change and improve the full range of mental health services.
Committee and task force Chairman Christine Field said: “On balance, the Committee agreed that the proposals to change mental health services are in the best interests of residents.
“But we will be keeping a close watch on the changes as they happen to make sure promises made to improve services are carried out.
“While we understand residents’ concerns over the reduction of inpatient beds, we welcome the NHS commitment to improve community mental health services, working to avoid people needing to be committed to hospital.”
The Committee agreed that before there is any change to inpatient beds, improvements to community services have to be made.
Christine added: “We want a commitment that NHS West Sussex will show that any financial savings from a reduction of inpatient beds will be redirected to improving community mental health services.
“We need to act as a critical friend to all organisations involved in improving and developing mental health services. There is still a stigma attached to mental health and we need to work together to break down this attitude.”
The task force will meet next year to monitor and review progress and is aiming to work with East Sussex and Brighton and Hove HOSCs for an overview of mental health services in Sussex.
Crawley Wellbeing as transformed the lives of 75 children through its MEND programme.
MEND is a programme for overweight and obese children aged between seven and 13, plus their families. It places equal emphasis on mind, exercise, nutrition and do it (MEND) and helps reduce obesity through better nutrition and exercise.
It combines all the elements known to be vital in treating and preventing obesity in children, including family involvement, practical education in nutrition, increasing physical activity and behavioural change.
With an emphasis on practical, fun learning the programme is designed to deliver sustained improvements in families’ diets, fitness levels and overall health.
Crawley Wellbeing has now run 10 MEND courses in the past two years, helping
75 children and 150 parents live healthier lives. It’s compulsory for parents to attend.
Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Cultural Services,
said: “This programme empowers children and their families with the knowledge and skills to beat obesity.
“It has already helped many overweight children and their families to lead much healthier and active lifestyles. This, along with the swimming referral programme, demonstrates that Crawley Borough Council and our partners are committed in helping to improve the lives of the residents who need it most.
“More courses are planned so if you have concerns about your child’s weight, get in touch with Crawley Wellbeing.”
The next MEND programme launches on Monday October 4. For more information call Matt Laird at Crawley Wellbeing on 01293 585350 or visit www.crawley.gov.uk/active and follow the link to the MEND page.
Auditionees (From left to right) Kelsey Walkes,14, Erin Witton,15, Hollie Witton,13, Alex Marshall,17, Oli Davis,16, Nathan Maxwell,17, Rishi Sharma,14 and Kristy Bertrent, 16.
There’s just two weeks left to nominate an inspirational young person from the town and see their efforts recognised at this year’s Youth Awards.
Now in their sixth year, the awards aim to celebrate and recognise children and young people who have made a real difference to Crawley and its community.
20-year-old Luke May from West Green won the volunteer award for his work at Dormans Youth Centre at 2009s event and was delighted to feel so appreciated for his efforts.
Luke said: “I really didn’t think I’d win to be honest but when I did I was absolutely elated. The youth leader, Kenny Glasspool, nominated me and that was brilliant because he’s not just the youth leader he’s my friend too.”
Luke, who’s been living at the Crawley Foyer since he was 17, helps out at the centre two to three days a week, setting-up, tidying-up, repairing instruments and even giving bass guitar lessons to some regulars.
Luke added: “Dormans has been great for me because it really helped my confidence grow and taught me independence when I moved out of home, so it’s right to give something back.
“I’d really urge people to nominate because it means a lot to the young people who are doing something positive and I think it will encourage others to do the same too.”
The Youth Awards are organised by Crawley Borough Council, in partnership with, members of the community, West Sussex County Council Youth Service, Sussex Police, Crawley School Sports Partnership, West Sussex Council for Voluntary Youth Services, Crawley Wellbeing and Crawley Young Persons Council.
Anyone can nominate a young person and the only criteria for nominees are that they are under 25 years old and they live in Crawley, or the reason for their nomination occurred within the town.
Those nominating young people under 16 must also get permission from the nominee’s parents or guardians first.
There are 12 awards in four categories: Community Awards, Sports Awards, Arts Awards and Personal Achievement Awards.
For more information and to nominate online log onto www.crawley.gov.uk/yaa Or pick up a nomination form from schools, youth centres, the Town Hall, County Mall, K2 Crawley, The Hawth, Crawley Library, Arora Hotel (Southgate Avenue), Topsy Turvy (town centre hairdresser) and Connexions.
The deadline for Youth Award nominations is October 2, 2010.
Show stopper auditions for a talented group to wow the crowds at November’s Youth Awards ceremony were held at the beginning of the month and have been a big success, proving there’s a lot of talent in the town.
Vikki Jacobs, Crawley Council Community Development Officer, said: “Everyone who auditioned was amazing and it’s going to be difficult to choose just one act for the final show stopper, although we now can’t wait to see what’s in store at the final auditions.”
Final show stopper auditions will be held on Monday September 27 in The Hawth’s Studio at 6pm.
For more information or to register your interest to audition contact Vikki Jacobs on 01293 438565 or email vikki.jacobs@crawley.gov.uk
Every parent hopes their child will be born healthy and grow up without serious injury or illness. Tragically sometimes these expectations are shattered: children are born with disabilities or become disabled as a result of an accident or illness. The Children’s Trust based in Tadworth, Surrey, is here to help these children and their families.
Where and what time?
The circular walk will start and finish at the Pavillion in Priory Park, Reigate Surrey at 10pm on Saturday 25th September. The route will take you through the surrounding areas of Reigate and Redhill. We expect Sleepwalkers will finish between 1am-3am as people walk roughly 3miles an hour.
Journalist and BBC news presenter Nicholas Owen is officially starting the event off!
Who can take part?
Unlike other walks this one is open to men and women of all ages. Children are welcome but under 16′s must be accompanied by an adult
Why not wear your pyjamas or nightwear?
Why not enter into the spirit of Sleepwalk and pop on your pj’s or fancy dress. It will look great to see Sleepwalkers in their blue sleepwalk t-shirt (which you will collect on the night) and pyjama bottoms!
Registration Prices:
For those registering 10 or more you will automatically be entered into the draw to win a pamper package.
For more information
Please contact Bryony or Emma: sleepwalk@thechildrenstrust.org.uk or call 01737 364323
On Saturday 18th September a new charity shop is opening in Crawley. Shelley went along to have a chat with the organiser Debra Dowding to see what is all about.
Debra has worked tirelessly to get the shop in the High Street (next to Santander). Debra who is a member of the Crawley Community Church told us “it’s a charity shop with a difference. We had to wait a year to get it, but we are very glad we did”. We asked Debra the reason for opening Revive. Debra said “it’s to help raise funds for the church. Currently, we do not have enough money to do all the different types of ministries such as debt counselling, pregnancy counselling and many more. We are here to help others but it all takes money”.
The Crawley Community Church has been helping and assisting the community of Crawley for the last thirty years. Debra went on to say the shop will be much more than just a charity shop. It will include crochet and knitting lessons, story telling mornings for the children and much more. Debra told us “we want people to enjoy coming into the shop”.
Revive has a friendly and welcoming feel to it and it’s retro theme is very quaint and attractive. Please put Saturday 18th September in your diary to pop along in support.
If you have any goods or clothes you would like to donate to Revive, please take it to the shop and leave round the back if closed. Please also only donate goods that can be re-sold as Revive have to pay for goods to be taken away, which defeats the object if they have to do so. Thank you
We would like to thank Debra for inviting us down and we wish them all the success for the future
Get one of your five a day at the Low Weald next month with the annual Apple Day taking place on Sunday October 3.
The free family event will be at West Grinstead Old Station Orchard, on the A272, from 11am to 3pm.
Bring along apples and take part in pressing to make apple juice, get advice on pruning your apple tree and visit local craft stalls.
Other attractions include children’s activities such as making nest boxes and face painting. There will also be free refreshments and wildlife gardening tips.
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, Deborah Urquhart, said: “This is a brilliant day out for all the family with a healthy theme. Learn more about a traditional British fruit whilst joining in fun activities.”
There’s limited parking at West Grinstead Old Station, so people are encouraged to use sustainable transport, for example walking, cycling or horse riding.
A map of the Downs Link can be found at www.westsussex.gov.uk. For further information contact the Low Weald Rangers on 01403 864001.
YOUNG people in West Sussex who have come up with ideas to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhood still have time to see if they are eligible for a grant of up to £1000.
Grants are available from the West Sussex Safer Place Awards, which are organised by the West Sussex Strategic Community Partnership.
In the past, Safer Place Awards cash was given to initiatives that had captured the attention of judges at an annual event designed to showcase projects devised by young people throughout West Sussex.
Greg Ockwell, of West Sussex County Council’s Community Safety Unit, said: “We want to encourage and support young people to help tackle the issues that matter most to them. So now we are offering the money upfront.
“The Safer Place Awards are designed to empower and equip young people to tackle crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhoods by becoming a confident and responsible citizens.”
A short-list of the most outstanding projects will be invited to a final event at Slaugham Manor on the 13 May 2011.
“This will give them the opportunity to present their project and also a chance to win the West Sussex High Sheriff’s Crimebeat Award and go forward to the national finals – last year, we came third.”
“All you need to do is submit an application form which can be downloaded from The Safer Places Awards pages on the County Council website: www.westsussex.gov.uk. The closing date is November 15.”
Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “The Safer Place Awards highlight the benefit of initiatives that reach out and involve the communities. In the past they have covered a wide range of issues – from misusing drugs to encouraging social cohesion.
“I am confident we will again see another wide range of exciting and imaginative projects from our young people.”
A trainee from Crawley Down has swapped hi-tech printing for electricity cable maintenance as part of his new career.
Andy Skam, 25, of Burleigh Lane, is among 10 successful candidates joining EDF Energy Networks’ training programme to become jointers and fitters, working on the underground electricity distribution network, selected from a pool of nearly 400 people who applied.
Over the next two years they will prepare to join the skilled team of field staff who keep a quarter of the UK’s electricity networks running.
Andy, who will be based at the company’s Gatwick depot, said: ”I completed my A-levels and then became a pre-press operator. Then I became a proper printer involved in travel brochure production. I then moved into screen printing but I didn’t find it was a secure job.
“Not many get an opportunity like this with EDF Energy Networks. There are major opportunities to grow in your career and move forward. I’d like to get to a management level.”
EDF Energy Networks managing director Laurent Ferrari said: “We are committed to maintaining a reliable supply of electricity for our customers by ensuring the people who manage our networks meet the very highest standards.
“The quality of the service we provide for our customers in the future depends on us having the right people with the right skills. Our apprenticeship scheme is enormously popular and is helping us attract and train new employees to what is an exciting industry to work in. This apprenticeship scheme is important for us because a number of people will retire in the coming years – we want to prepare for the future!”
Once their apprenticeships are complete, the new recruits will become part of the full workforce keeping electricity flowing to 7.8million customers.
The apprenticeship scheme restarted in 1996 to address a shortage in the number of electrical craftsmen joining the industry. Since then dozens of apprentices have been through a structured programme of training and many of them are now fully-fledged members of the workforce, keeping the power network in good working order.
The apprenticeship scheme includes a mixture of formal training, together with on-the-job experience in the field, to put their skills into practice. The formal training will be carried out at EDF Energy Networks’ training centre at Sundridge, Kent.
Veteran cars will be joined by the greenest, most energy efficient vehicles on a weekend of motorised fun in November.
The annual RAC London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which makes its traditional stop in the High Street, takes place on Sunday 7th November .
And the first ever RAC Brighton to London Future Car Challenge takes place a day earlier, with a halfway stop at Central Sussex College. The college will act as a refuelling stop for the cars, motorbikes and commercial vehicles as well as their drivers, with electric recharging and refreshments available.
To coincide with the challenge, Central Sussex College will also host The Power of Green on Saturday 6th November, an event based around green transport and energy products.
The Future Car Challenge will feature the latest electric, hybrid and low-emission (under 110g/kg CO2) internal combustion engine vehicles. The challenge is to have the lowest energy impact, within a given time, on the 57-mile route from Brighton to London.
Already Delta, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Smart, TATA, Tesla and Vauxhall have entered vehicles into the challenge, along with green vehicles belonging to Transport for London and the Energy Saving Trust.
A day later 550 cars built before 1905 will park up in the High Street for a well-earned rest, giving visitors a great chance to view them at close quarters. Vehicles arrive from around 8.30am until 1.30pm.
The run includes more than 100 overseas entries and the total value of all 550 cars is more than £60 million. But the day is not just about gleaming paintwork, flat caps, hot flasks of tea (and even the occasional broken down vehicle). A jazz band will play in the High Street all day to help to create a special atmosphere.
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