Archive for December, 2011

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Family crisis during the festive season – help is at hand with the Fostering Emergency Support Programme

Friday, December 30th, 2011

For some families the festive season is a stressful time, which can heighten underlying tensions that may then escalate out of control. West Sussex County Council has established a specialist, intensive fostering scheme when children need to come into care as a result of a crisis in the family.

The Fostering Emergency Support Programme (FESP) works intensively with the family, the child in care and the foster carer to resolve family difficulties to return the young person to their family within three months. The programme has seen a 30 per cent increase in demand for its work with West Sussex families over the last year.

FESP foster carer, Candy Warner, says: “I really enjoy being a FESP foster carer because I feel very much part of a professional team. We all work together for the common aim – solving the issues so the child in my care can return to their family.

“Most of the children I’ve looked after are aged 10+. Although there are certain issues between themselves and their parents, I have never experienced them when they stay with me. Through the tools and skills learnt on the programme you do see a change in both the family and the child. That’s fantastic to see and know you have been played a part in getting the family back together.”

Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Peter Evans, said: “The economic climate we live in does mean that, for some families, the festive season can be a very stressful time.

“Family crises do happen but West Sussex County Council’s FESP means that families can resolve their difficulties and prevent young people remaining in care unnecessarily. The intensive work done by the FESP with the family and young person means that relationships are improved so a family breakdown in the future can be averted.”

West Sussex County Council makes sure a full package of training and support is provided to all its foster carers to meet the needs of the children and young people.

Anyone who’s interested in fostering West Sussex children and young people can call the Fostering Recruitment Team on 01403 229333 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fostering

 

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Treasures Unearthed in Crawley

Saturday, December 24th, 2011

A team of workers from Crawley Homes unearthed an old treasure while clearing an empty property in West Green.

The clearance team stumbled across what appeared to be part of an old steam engine in the back garden of the council property.

As the engine looked old and not like a typical piece of junk, team manager Gary Calnon did some online research. He contacted Ray Hooley who has a website dedicated to Ruston & Hornsby engines with some photographs of the engine to ask him what it was and if he could find a home for it.

Gary Calnon (right) and Dave Burgess with the Ruston & Hornsby engine

Ray informed him that the machine was a Ruston & Hornsby petrol-paraffin engine, 4.5 or 6.5hp, produced around1940. He thanked Gary for not scrapping it and made some enquires with the curator at Amberley Museum.

Staff at the Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre were interested to have a look at the engine and on Monday 12th December Dave Burgess from the museum turned up with his trailer, loaded the engine onto it and took it back to the museum.

Councillor Lee Gilroy, Cabinet Member for Housing at Crawley Borough Council said:

“It’s not every day that the clearance team find such an interesting object in the garden of a council property.

“Hopefully the museum will be able to make good use of this find.”

The engine may become a restoration project for the future if it doesn’t have too many missing parts. If it can’t be restored it will be preserved as it is and used if necessary for spare parts.

 

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The gift of giving by Extech

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

(L-R) Andrew Hookway, Extech, Shelley CHT, Matt Turner Creative Pod

One day a few weeks ago Crawley Happy Times experienced what alot of business’ sadly experience….a virus infecting the computer, losing all it’s important data and pictures. The computer has now sadly expired.

Extech IT

Extech IT Solutions, Support, Products and Advice

While we sat with head in hands wondering what we would do without this everyday tool we take so for granted, we received a call from Matt Turner of Creative Pod, a Design, Promotional and Marketing Company based in Crawley. Matt told us about a company he works with called Extech. They had seen our post on twitter about the computer. They loved what we did and felt compelled to help, so offered to donate a computer to replace the infected one. Well, what could we say!

We would like to share some information about both these companies who have gone above and beyond being helpful and very generous.

Extech IT 

Extech is an award winning IT solutions, support, product and advice specialist passionate about providing comprehensive, pro-active, fixed price IT services and solutions to small, medium and enterprise sized businesses.

Extech are the Gatwick Diamond Business Award Winner 2011

Headquartered in the heart of Sussex with a northern office in Cheshire, Extech adopt a consultative approach through a team of highly skilled and Microsoft Gold partner accredited IT professionals.

Extech work alongside your business in order to understand your industry sector, the culture of your organisation and most importantly, the needs of your business both now and in the future.

Extech believe that success is achieved through exceeding clients’ expectations, not just meeting them.

For over 20 years, Extech has worked tirelessly to build a trusted and valued reputation with a portfolio of clients ranging from single users to corporate blue chip companies.

In 2008, extech was purchased by Andrew Hookway and Paul Estep, who between them have over 50 years of combined experience gained at the highest level of Global Corporate IT.

Since taking over, Andrew and Paul have taken Extech to a new level in IT Solutions, achieving hugely significant levels of organic growth as well as growth through acquisition.

As you would expect, the team at Extech are extremely customer focussed and driven to being the best they can be for every one of their clients.

Because Extech partner with the most respected brand names in IT, their motivated technical team carry all of the necessary skills and qualifications ensuring they keep ahead of technological developments that occur in an ever changing environment.

Many see IT as just a cost, however at Extech, they give you the most from your investment through improving processes and adding value to your business.

Creative Pod

Creative Pod are an award winning Sussex based design lead creative agency. They work with a multitude of clients ranging from entrepreneurs to SME’s and global blue chips. Their mission is to provide excellent service, great design and valuable advice at affordable prices. Whether you’re looking for design & marketing solutions or print and promotional gifting Creative Pod has the necessary skills and expertise creating the perfect partnership with our clients.

Matt Turner is a specialist in his field

Matt, Managing Director said “We cherish ´the design process´ and accordingly offer our clients´ advice, support and inspiration in a fun but focused manner. We insist on providing the reliability and production capability of a big expensive, shiny ´Soho´ agency, but with the personal touch of a boutique Sussex agency”.

We spoke to Andrew Hookway at Basepoint in Crawley to thank him for his generous donation.

We would like to thank Andrew and Paul of Extech for their very generous donation and Matt for his kind thoughts on our behalf.

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FIREFIGHTERS ISSUE CHINESE LANTERN WARNING FOR FESTIVE SEASON

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

With the festive season now in full swing firefighters in West Sussex are reminding people of the dangers posed by releasing Chinese lanterns.

In recent years Chinese lanterns have become an increasingly popular choice to mark special celebrations like Christmas and New Year, but they can pose a potential fire risk to homes, animals and agriculture.

The sky or wish lanterns as they are sometimes known are made of paper usually supported by a wire or bamboo frame and powered by a flaming fuel cell.

Jackie Boyle, Community Risk Reduction Officer for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, said:

“Chinese lanterns are now used quite regularly at celebratory events, but people are often unaware that there are a number of different risks associated with them. Once the lanterns have been released into the air there is no way of controlling where they go or any guarantee that they are fully extinguished when they land.

“Our main concern is obviously the risk of a smouldering lantern sparking a serious fire and potentially putting people’s lives and properties in danger. They are also extremely hazardous to livestock – if the lanterns fall in fields and are consumed by an animal the metal wires used in them can lodge in their throat and cause very serious injury.

“Another area of concern, raised by the Coastguard, is the increase in the number of rescue teams being called out to false alarms where the lanterns have been mistaken for distress flares. We advise anyone planning to organise a mass sky lantern launch in a coastal area to inform the relevant local authorities in advance.

“If people are determined to use these lanterns they should also ensure they come with full safety and operating instructions and are 100% biodegradable. Please think very carefully about where you release them – they should only be released in a clear open space avoiding farmland, buildings with thatched roofs or areas of dense woodland.”

 

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Celebrating the completion of Crawley’s first Prince’s Trust Team

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

On a chilly December Thursday evening friends, families and supporters of a special group of young people gathered at the Charis Centre, Crawley for the celebration of the successful completion of their 12 week long Prince’s Trust Team. This was the first team run by Guildford YMCA in the Crawley area, and its 27th in all!

Guildford YMCA ran its first Prince’s Trust Team in 2003. This grew to two a year in Guildford. In recent years it has mushroomed to now include Egham, Reigate and most recently Crawley. More importantly, 83% of Team participants go on to find training or employment – well up on the national average for the Prince’s Trust.

YMCA youth worker Andy Hall led the Team. He said, “We had a fantastic group of twelve young people who had all come to Team for different reasons – from wanting to gain skills to find a job through to wanting to face their fears and build their self confidence. It has been fantastic to see the young people grow and develop over the three months, and I know that they will go on to achieve great things in their lives. I can hardly recognise some of them from when they first came to Team.”

Over their three months together the young people experienced all sorts of challenges. These included a visit to Crawley Fire Station to learn about road safety, a cooking session with celebrity chef Momma Cherri, and a range of other sessions on CV writing, leadership, drugs awareness, sexual health and interview skills. The group also went to a local nursery, Tykes Pre School in Bewbush, where they ran three days of activities including healthy eating, arts and crafts and a Christmas party. A residential week on Dartmoor took them well out of their comfort zones and firm friendships were formed.

During the evening each of the young people shared what a difference the Team experience has made to them – ranging from the benefits of getting up early and having a routine to the unexpected pleasures of doing things for other people and being appreciated. Henry Smith MP congratulated the young people for achieving so much at a time when young people are facing such difficulties in finding employment. He told them how much completing this course would help their chances, and how impressed he was to hear about all they had done.

The Mayor of Crawley, Cllr Carol Eade commended the group for staying the course to the end, and presented them with their Certificates of Achievement and other qualifications they have earned. Police Inspector Zahid Khan was also in attendance.

Andy added, “We have been very fortunate to have the support of local groups and organisations including the Foyer, Southwell Lodge, Connexions, the Probation Service, West Sussex Police and Crawley Fire Service. They have all helped to make this team a success, and we’re grateful too for the support of other YMCA staff in Guildford.” He will continue to offer support to Team members although the course has officially ended. Some are applying for further training, others are looking for employment. This course has given them a valuable springboard, which, despite the current gloomy outlook for young people, will stand them in good stead for the future.

If you are, or know, a young person aged 16-25 who is looking for direction and purpose, call 01483 888122 to find out details about Prince’s Trust Teams and other courses available to help build a future.

 

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Crawley Charity Scoops £7K Lotto Grant

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

Relate North & South West Sussex Ltd has been successful in its Big Lottery funding bid and been awarded £7,060.

Welcoming the news, local MP Henry Smith said:

“I’m delighted that this local community action project has been acknowledged for their dedicated work with lottery funds.

“The charity, whose services include relationship counselling for individuals and couples; family counselling; counselling for young people and sex therapy, will use the funding to install a web based appointment and management information system. This will increase the administrative efficiency of the organisation and offer better customer service by reducing waiting times and providing an ‘out of hours’ response.

“I encourage local voluntary groups to bid as support is out there and waiting. I am always happy to help them make the right connection with the Big Lottery Fund on behalf of Crawley charities.”

Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp; www.youtube.com/user/HenrySmithMP; or www.henrysmith.info.

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Sponsor Football Ltd – “The home of sponsorship in Grass-Roots Football”

Monday, December 19th, 2011

Sponsor Football Ltd, the leading specialists in helping grass-roots football teams to find sponsorship, have opened a new office in Crawley, West Sussex, just in time for a few xmas decorations to go up to add an extra sparkle to the fresh paintwork.

Newly appointed Sales Director Sam Harvey said, “We are delighted to be moving into our new office. Grass-roots football teams are finding it harder than ever to find sponsorship from local businesses, and our recent expansion will enable us to help even more football teams in these tough economic times”.

The business, which has been trading since 2008, is causing a wave of excitement throughout grass-roots football with their pioneering concept to help local football teams find football sponsorship. “We charge no finder’s fees or commission, grass-roots football is close to all of our hearts, in fact we can’t wait to launch our own 5-a-side football team in one of the Crawley leagues” laughed Harvey.

The office celebrated its official opening on December 2nd 2011 and the official website is located at www.sponsorfootball.co.uk

 

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Second phase of bus subsidy reductions announced

Monday, December 19th, 2011

West Sussex County Council has announced which bus subsidies are to be reduced in the second phase of a three-year savings plan.

The County Council announced earlier this year that it would be reducing the level at which it subsidises non commercial bus routes.

This is part of a drive to reduce County Council spending by £79 million over three years following significant grant reductions from central government.

The bus subsidy reductions are being introduced in three phases. The first phase was announced in July and is in the process of being implemented.

The changes announced in phase two will be implemented in two stages during 2012 – some in April and some in September.

The decision was endorsed by a majority of members of the Strategic Environmental Services Select Committee at its meeting on Wednesday November 30.

The list of affected subsidised routes was recommended by the Bus Support Working Group. This cross-party group of councillors has undertaken detailed research into bus usage, and has considered information gathered from the public during an impact assessment in May and June of this year.

The decision to stagger phase two means some subsidised Crawley and Mid Sussex services will continue as they are to the end of August 2012. This will allow all subsidised services in those areas to be tendered in a single revised arrangement to start September 2012.

Pieter Montyn, County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Decisions to reduce spending are never easy to make but we are in a position where changes must be made.

“We are continuing to work with bus operators and the local community to look for ways to keep services running where possible. We have already seen some example of routes continuing on a commercial basis and we are hopeful that more opportunities can be identified.”

A bus user survey is currently being held regarding the third phase of bus subsidy reductions. People can find out more by visiting www.westsussex.gov.uk/buses

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Worth Park to be restored with £2.4m Lottery support

Sunday, December 18th, 2011

Crawley Borough Council has received a grant of £2.42m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and The Big Lottery Fund for the Worth Park restoration project.

The money from the Funds’ joint Parks for People programme will be used to return the area to its former Victorian glory and ensure that more people visit and enjoy this historic park. The council, which is also contributing £975,000 towards the five-year project, expects work to begin early in 2012.

Worth Park covers eight hectares and consists of formal gardens, recreational parkland and a lake area, which is a site of nature conservation interest. It was originally a medieval deer park and formed part of the Forest of Worth, which stretched from Slaugham in the south to Worth in the north.

The park hides the remnants of a high status late Victorian pleasure garden and landscape, constructed by James Pulham and Son.

Worth Park was also the site of Milton Mount College, which is why the park was formerly known as Milton Mount Gardens.

Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “This has been a long process but it’s a great feeling to finally have this funding from HLF and BIG to be able to restore this lovely park. This is another illustration that Crawley Borough Council is committed to protecting, restoring or enhancing the town’s heritage if possible.

“I’d like to congratulate the council officers, Worth Park Friends, ward councillors and both Lottery distributors for all their work in making this possible.”

Explaining the importance of the HLF/BIG support, Stuart McLeod, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South East said on behalf of the two distributors:

“Today’s Lottery support will help give Worth Park a new lease of life by restoring the park’s historic features and vastly improving visitor facilities. These vital restoration works will have real benefits for the local community, rejuvenating this much-loved green space for everyone to spend time in and enjoy.”

Kate Oliver, Chairman from Worth Park Friends, said: “This is brilliant news for everyone connected with the park. I’m delighted that the HLF and BIG have approved our application. The committee and the Friends are looking forward to seeing at last the beginning of the restoration.”

For more information visit www.crawley.gov.uk/worthpark

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Snow Force volunteers are prepared for severe weather

Saturday, December 17th, 2011

Crawley Borough Council’s Snow Force volunteers have received their snow clearing equipment in preparation for any severe weather that may hit the town.

To ensure that Crawley is prepared in the event of severe weather, the council has set up a Snow Force, made up of volunteers from the local community.

Snow clearance is the responsibility of West Sussex County Council on highways land with Crawley Borough Council assisting.

In the event of significant snow fall, the county council will grit and plough all main roads. The borough council will clear snow and spread grit at priority locations.

However, there are still gaps in coverage and this is where the council has asked volunteers to help.

Councillor Ken Trussell, Cabin Member for the Environment at Crawley Borough Council said: “We are grateful to the residents who have kindly volunteered to help when it snows.

“There are volunteers in each neighbourhood who are encouraged to work together to clear snow from public paths. They have each been given snow clearing equipment and training on how to use it.”

In the event of snowy weather, the council will keep its website www.crawley.gov.uk/weather , Facebook page www.facebook.com/crawleycouncil and Twitter page twitter.com/crawleybc fully updated with information about any disruption to services. Anyone who doesn’t have access to the internet can call the council’s snowline on 01293 438215.

 

Councillor Ken Trussell and Andrew Morris from Maidenbower

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No council tax rise in West Sussex next year is on the cards

Saturday, December 17th, 2011

West Sussex County Council looks set to be asked to approve a budget for 2012/13 that will mean no increase in council tax for the second year running.

A full meeting of the Council was told today (Friday) by Michael Brown, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, that he was ‘minded to propose no increase in the County Council’s element of council tax next year’.

That would mean the average Band D taxpayer continuing to pay £1,161.99 for the 80 per-cent of local government services that are delivered by the County Council.

However, if finally approved at the budget meeting in February 2012, residents will have to add to that figure any sum needed by their District or Borough Council as well as Sussex Police, and precepts charged by individual town and parish councils.

Michael said today that his statement followed confirmation from the Government that it will give West Sussex a one-off payment of around £9.6 million – equivalent to a 2.5 per-cent tax rise.

“I think this will be welcome news for hard pressed families across our county, and, at this stage, I cannot see any reason why we should be blown off course,” he said outside the meeting.

The final pieces of a complicated jigsaw that will determine next year’s budget are starting to fall into place.

The Government’s provisional finance settlement for local authorities, announced on December 8, has been described by Michael ‘as another very tough one for the County Council.’

He said: “In 2012/13 we will receive £10.8 million less than in the current year – a cut of 8.4 per cent in our core formula grant.

“But, this is exactly what we expected as a result of the Government’s austerity package and we have planned for it, although we will as usual be making representations that it is unfair compared with other local authorities.”

Michael also spoke today about the £50 million infrastructure package that has been proposed designed to support the economy of West Sussex – consisting of £15 million worth of new projects with a further £35 million worth of schemes in the capital programme that will start earlier than originally planned.

He said: “The Government is proposing to change the current funding system in April 2013 for one that will allow local authorities to retain a proportion of the local business rates, and to benefit to some extent from growth.

“That means the more we do to support our economy and businesses the better because what we get in future to run day-to-day services such as adult social care, children’s services, and highways, is going to depend on local economic prosperity.

“The Government has said the proposals will deliver direct financial incentives for authorities that promote economic growth, and help many councils break free from a dependency on grants from central government.

“I hope that clearly demonstrates the wisdom behind our economic growth package because everything it contains, from major spending on Broadband to improving shopping centres, is designed to boost business and create jobs.”

Full details of the infrastructure package can be found in Press Release number 4685 available from the newsroom section of www.westsussex.gov.uk

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Moving film highlights the work of the Specialist Day Services

Friday, December 16th, 2011

A heart warming film showing how West Sussex County Council Specialist Day Services helps people with complex social care needs has just been released.

The services are provided for people with a physical, sensory or memory impairment, or with an acquired brain injury including dementia, who meet the County Council’s eligibility criteria for adult social care.

The film features staff and volunteers who run the services along with the customers and their carers who use them. It also tells the story of people who have been helped to become more independent within their own community.

Peter Catchpole, Cabinet Member for West Sussex County Council’s Adults’ Services, said the film offers an opportunity for audiences to see behind the scenes and view some of the invaluable work carried out.

He added: “It also shows that the staff who run our Specialist Day Services Centres are truly remarkable people. The care they give is second to none. The story is told in their own words by our staff, our customers and their carers.”

The day services are provided at eight centres spread throughout West Sussex. Each offers a wide range of support to help adults to live as independently as possible and be part of their own community.

The film can be found online at: www.westsussex.gov.uk by clicking on ‘West Sussex videos’.

 

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Sussex Bootcamps Beat Last Years Homeless Food Collection Record!

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Crawley based fitness company Sussex Bootcamps have had a great turnout for their annual free week of Turkey-Busting Bootcamp. Crawley Bootcampers raised a record amount of food for Emmaus Homeless Charity Brighton and Crawley Open House Homeless Shelter. Ben Davis, co-owner of Sussex Bootcamps, dropped a van full of food donations off at Crawley Open House and had a chat with Manager Pam to find out more about what they do over Christmas. “Over Christmas we have 48 people for Christmas Dinner and up to 60 people a day in our day centre for buffets all over the Christmas period. We are usually lucky enough to get more than enough donations but it all tends to be last minute so often we don’t know what we have until the day. As well as food, we provide hot showers, warm clothing, bedding and advice workers. We have a wonderful team of staff who always offer a non judgemental friendly environment for anyone who needs us. Thank you Sussex Bootcamps for your generosity.”

Steve Cork, Ben’s business partner, says the business feels very strongly about giving back to the community. “We want to celebrate the success of our Fitness Bootcamps, feel it is important to appreciate all we have, especially our health, and to help those less fortunate by collecting food from everyone who attends.”

Sussex Bootcamps are taking a well earned rest over Christmas before starting the next round of Bootcamps on January 3rd 2012 in Crawley. If you are interested in losing those Christmas pounds and starting the New Year off well, please visit our website www.sussexbootcamps.co.uk, email us at info@sussexbootcamps.co.uk or call 01444 340 030. We look forward to helping you improve your life!

Sussex Bootcamps co-owner Ben Davis with our pasta tower and room full of food

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TEST IT TUESDAY COMPETITION WINNER ANNOUNCED!

Friday, December 16th, 2011

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has announced the winner of their Test It Tuesday poster competition.

The competition invited Primary School pupils from across the county to design a poster to promote the Fire Service’s current smoke alarm campaign ‘Test It Tuesday’ which aims to get everyone in West Sussex testing their smoke alarms as part of their normal weekly routine.

With a £250 IKEA voucher up for grabs for the winning pupil to spend on a bedroom makeover and £1000 IKEA voucher for the winning school the competition attracted over a thousand entries from schools all around the county.

L-R) Luke's class teacher Corinne Wooff, District Commander Dave Benham, winner Luke Wells and head teacher David Etherton

The lucky winner was 9-year old Luke Wells from St Nicolas & St Mary CE Primary School in Shoreham-By-Sea. West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s District Commander for Worthing & Adur, Dave Benham, presented Luke with his prize and certificate at a special assembly at the school on Thursday (December 15). Dave said:

“We hope that running this competition has helped to raise awareness of the importance of testing smoke alarms in thousands of homes across the county. It was wonderful to see so many schools taking part and the standard of the entries was certainly exceptionally high. Luke was a thoroughly deserving winner – his poster looked fantastic and had such an effective and memorable slogan.”

Luke's winning poster

David Etherton, head teacher at St Nicolas & St Mary, said afterwards:

“We are thrilled that Luke has won the prize – it’s great for him and great for the school and was a lovely surprise just before Christmas. Raising awareness of testing smoke alarms and imbedding fire safety at this early age is really important and a message that will be taken back home to parents and guardians.”

Kate Penfield, from IKEA Southampton‘s Business Navigation Team, added:

“The Test It Tuesday smoke alarm campaign is a great idea and this competition was a really engaging way to get children interested in fire safety so we are delighted to support it. We now look forward to welcoming Luke and his family and, of course, the school to our store to choose their prizes.”

 

District Commander Dave Benham presents Luke with his winner's certificate

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The Mill Pond – 550 tell the council what they want

Friday, December 16th, 2011

More than 500 residents responded to Crawley Borough Council’s consultation on the future of the Mill Pond – and most want to keep it like it is today.

The dam at the Mill Pond is in a bad state of repair so the council asked for residents’ views on what to do with the dam and the Mill Pond due to the scale of the work and the cost.

Most of the 550 respondents to the consultation, which was carried out in October at events, on the council’s website, on Facebook and in Crawley Live, and face-to-face in the three neighbourhoods which border the Mill Pond – Bewbush, Gossops Green and Ifield.

And the vast majority, 89.1 per cent, supported spending between £5m and £8m to upgrade the dam (option C). The main reasons given by respondents were to maintain the natural area and wildlife as it is and to retain the volume of the water to ensure the workings of the restored mill.

If this option is chosen by councillors, trees close to the dam will be felled. However, once work is completed the Mill Pond, including the Bewbush Water Gardens, would look very similar to how it does now.

The uses at the Mill Pond, including angling and water for Ifield Mill would also remain.

At the same time, the council also asked the public what they would prefer to see happen with the large amount of silt that would be displaced by the works.

Although 59.3 per cent opted for the silt to be taken off-site, comments suggest as long as the use of the silt on-site was aesthetically pleasing and added value to the area, respondents would possibly consider both options.

The results of this consultation will help councillors to decide which option to choose. Depending on the option chosen, the area would probably have restricted access for up to two years.

Councillor Ken Trussell, Cabinet member for Environment, said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in our surveys. It’s encouraging to see so many people interested in their local area taking the time to have their say.

“We’ll make sure we keep residents informed of any future decisions.”

The council is likely to make a final decision in the spring.

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Council welcomes housing subsidy review

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Crawley Borough Council has welcomed the Government’s change to the housing subsidy system.

The Government’s announcement in November will see the council pay back its housing debt of around £260 million but in return manage its own housing account.

The current subsidy system sees the Government work out how much we need to spend on our council homes and if rental income is more we have to pay back the difference to them.

Last year we paid more than £14.5million to the Government from council rents. This year it has jumped by 12.7 per cent to £16.4 million.

Under the new system, a substantial one-off repayment sum will be calculated and paid on March 28th 2012. This figure is £261,383,000 – or £32,546 for each of the 8,116 homes the council owns.

The council will need to borrow to cover this amount, with a repayment term of up to 30 years. The interest on the debt will be significantly lower than the amount currently paid to the Government. This will provide an opportunity for the council to increase its investment in housing over the coming years.

The ending of annual payments of tenants’ rental money to the Government is a welcome shift in policy that the council has previously argued for. It will enable a more confidently funded programme of housing maintenance for customers of Crawley Homes.

Councillor Lee Gilroy, Cabinet member for Housing, said: “For years we have campaigned and lobbied the Government to keep council rents in Crawley.

“We have now been given an opportunity to buy ourselves out of this scheme with a low interest loan from the Public Loans Board. This will mean that we will keep the £16 million of council rents that currently goes to the Government every year.

“This will allow us to improve all of our housing stock in a more flexible way, which has been previously restricted due to budget constraints, and will enable us to undertake regeneration projects, fixing up areas that we couldn’t previously due to a shortage of money. We have budgeted £4 million per year for future social and affordable housing projects.

 

“We will be able to use the money to improve the lives of all tenants and free ourselves of the previous unfair system. After completing a £30 million decent homes programme the council is committed to giving tenants a fair deal by keeping Crawley rents in Crawley.”

 

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Crawley Borough Council service retains Customer Service Excellence

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

Crawley Borough Council’s Amenity Services division has maintained the prestigious Customer Service Excellence Award.

An inspector from Customer Service Excellence visited the council on Tuesday December 13 to make his assessment.

The assessor looked at new evidence and talked to staff and customers as part of the follow up inspection and was satisfied that the council are continuing to do well.

In his observations, the inspector noted that the work that the council does with community groups through the Let’s FACE it! projects, is one of its key strengths. He also commented that sports clubs are extremely pleased with the transformation of this part of the service over the last twelve months.

The assessor praised the council for its increased use of social networking, such as Facebook, for keeping customers in the know.

Councillor Ken Trussell, Cabinet Member for the Environment at Crawley Borough Council said: “This is an excellent achievement for the service that is always in the public eye.

“Members of staff have been working hard to keep Customer Service Excellence and it’s great to see their efforts rewarded.

“The assessor was pleased that our partners, such as Veolia, also train their front-line staff to understand good customer service.”

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CRAWLEY MP ‘ENCOURAGED’ BY CRAWLEY UNEMPLOYMENT FALL

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

Henry Smith MP was pleased at the news that unemployment in Crawley has continued to fall with the latest figures showing the number of unemployed has dropped to 3.9%.

Commenting the Crawley MP said:

“I am encouraged by the news that unemployment has continued to fall in Crawley. This trend of decreasing joblessness is to be welcomed but as someone who in the past has been previously unemployed, I appreciate it is 100% of a problem if you are one of those 3.9%.

“Youth unemployment has been rising since 2004 so the news that apprenticeship numbers in Crawley have risen by 70% over the course of 2011 is testimony to the Government’s drive to increase such positions and to those employers who are part of the scheme. Especially due to the fact that this apprenticeship rise is 20% more than the national average.

“I believe apprenticeships play a very important role in preparing young people for the job market as they can learn important skills and experience a working environment. The fact that the number of apprenticeships in Crawley has increased from 450 to 760 will continue to make our young people more employable for the future, which in turn will help reduce unemployment further.

“Combined with the start of higher education courses at Central Sussex College the outlook for young people in Crawley is improving.”

Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp; www.youtube.com/user/HenrySmithMP; or www.henrysmith.info.

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Still time to enter Social Enterprise Award

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

There’s still time to enter the 2011-12 West Sussex Social Enterprise Award, for a share of the £50,000 prize fund on offer.

The annual award is run by the West Sussex Social Enterprise Network, together with West Sussex County Council, and supports social enterprises in the county.

The 2011-12 award was launched in November. The deadline is fast approaching (Wednesday 4th January), and people are being urged to make sure they enter in time.

County Council Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources Michael Brown said: “There is a total of £50,000 to be awarded this year, thanks to the West Sussex Social Enterprise Fund. This can make a real difference in helping to launch an innovative idea or product, and I would encourage people to submit their entries before the deadline.

“Social enterprises form an important part of our communities and provide a variety of services.”

There are awards of £5,000 for the ten best social enterprise ideas that will see an income generated from selling a product or service, and will benefit the community and/or environment in West Sussex. The award can be used to start up a social enterprise or to help grow an existing organisation.

The deadline for entries is Wednesday 4th January, 2012. For further information visit the website at www.wssen.org.uk.

 

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Winter weather advice from Sussex St John Ambulance

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

Sussex St John Ambulance staff and volunteers are busy making preparations to support the emergency services in case the county is hit by snow and freezing temperatures in the run up to the festive season.

Last year and in 2009 heavy snow fell across the region just days before Christmas leading to increased pressure on the NHS ambulance service.

To help ease some of the pressure St John Ambulance staff and volunteers took to the roads in 4×4 ambulances enabling them to reach patients in remote areas and provide immediate emergency care and transport to hospital where needed.

During the seven days and nights of the most severe weather in November and December, Sussex St John Ambulance deployed its entire 10-strong fleet of 4×4 ambulances some of which were out continuously with crew changes. The county provided 31 extra ambulance shifts – 29 with 4×4 vehicles – over and above its normal workload during that period.

This year the team is on standby to once again provide support and is urging members of the public to equip themselves with some basic first aid knowledge so they can treat minor injuries at home or at least help someone while an ambulance is on the way.

County Commander Paul Dedman said: ‘St John Ambulance is a vital part of the nation’s emergency response system. Our volunteers are on hand whether it’s to reduce the strain on the ambulance service or respond to an individual medical emergency.

‘In times of crisis, emergency first aid support from St John Ambulance is the difference between lives lost and lives saved. Last year we were out in 4x4s helping and in some cases rescuing the vulnerable and the stranded. Fortunately we have an action plan in place for these kinds of emergencies and this year will be no different.’

Sussex St John Ambulance has more than 1,000 volunteers who last year devoted 168,000 hours of their spare time to the charity. Their voluntary work included providing first aid training in local communities, providing first aid cover at local events and supporting the NHS.

Here are some of their top first aid tips for dealing with conditions commonly associated with winter:

Sprains and fractures

Casualties with fractures need to go to hospital, but beforehand you should make sure the injured person is kept still and the break supported with your hands or by being bandaged – in a sling in the case of an upper limb break, or bandaged to the uninjured leg if it’s a lower limb break.

In the case of a sprain the injured part should be rested and supported and, if a recent injury, a cold compress should be applied to reduce swelling. Apply a comfortable support to the injured part with soft padding held in place with a support bandage, finally support the limb in a raised position to help minimise bruising.

How to spot signs of hypothermia

Hypothermia develops when the body temperature falls below 35°C (95°F). Symptoms include:

• Shivering and pale, cold, dry skin

• Disorientation, apathy or irrational behaviour

• Impaired consciousness or lethargy

• Slow, shallow breathing

• Slow and weakening pulse. In extreme cases the heart may stop.

If someone has been brought in from outside, replace wet clothing with warm, dry garments. The casualty should be re-warmed gradually, put them to bed and ensure that they are well covered. Give them warm drinks or high energy foods such as chocolate but do not give alcohol.

First aid advice can be downloaded by members of the public via St John Ambulance’s iPhone application available free from iTunes. For more information about first aid advice or courses please call 08700 10 49 50 or visit www.sja.org.uk

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