Posts Tagged ‘News Bulletins’

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Crawley MP Backs Action To Protect Local Nature

Monday, June 13th, 2011

Crawley MP Backs Action To Protect Local Nature

Henry Smith MP has backed the Coalition Government’s ambitious new plan to protect the natural environment in England.

Last week, the Coalition published The Natural Choice – the first White Paper on the natural environment in over 20 years. The document sets out a series of innovative proposals to protect the environment:

• New ‘Local Nature Partnerships’, to coordinate action to protect nature across local authorities and other local organisations.

• Creating ‘Nature Improvement Areas’, to ensure targeted action to protect the environment in areas where there is the potential to restore nature on a significant scale. The Government has promised £7.5 million of initial support for 12 projects.

• Protecting the natural environment in the planning system, including a presumption in favour of sustainable development and proposals for ‘biodiversity offsetting’, where conservation actions ‘offset’ the negative impact of development.

• A new Green Area designation, which will allow local people to protect the green spaces they value.

• Action to phase out the use of peat, in order to protect lowland peat habitats and significant carbon stores.

The package of proposals has been welcomed by respected organisations such as WWF, the Wildlife Trusts and the RSPB.

Henry said:

“These proposals won’t just help protect nature across the country, they are great news for local residents.

“The measures in the Government’s innovative plan would give local people more power to protect the green spaces they value and encourage the local authority and other local bodies to work much more closely together.

“Although there is much to do to put these ideas into practice, they offer a fantastic opportunity to protect and enhance the natural environment in Crawley.”

Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp

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Crawley MP Welcomes National Crime Agency

Monday, June 13th, 2011

Crawley MP Welcomes National Crime Agency

Henry Smith MP welcomed Government plans to introduce a new National Crime Agency (NCA), which will come fully into operation by 2013.

Henry said:

“Organised crime costs the UK public between £20 billion and £40 billion each year and affects the everyday lives of individuals. The NCA will be responsible for tackling these crimes which include child abuse, drug and people smuggling, illegal immigration, fraud, cyber crime and many other serious and organised crimes.

“Until now there has been no national overview or means of co-ordinating and focusing the law enforcement response to get to grips with the scale and complexity of the problem. This has led to too many of the 6,000 groups involved in organised crime in the UK escaping justice.”

The NCA will be made up of four distinct commands which will come together to work more efficiently and effectively:

• The Organised Crime Command will address organised crime groups across local, national and international borders.

• The Border Policing Command will co-ordinate law enforcement agencies, ensuring illegal goods are seized, illegal immigrants are dealt with and networks of organised criminals are effectively disrupted both overseas and at our ports.

• The Economic Crime Command will improve the capability to deal with economic crimes, including those carried out by organised criminals.

• The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre will retain its vital national role, unique identity and capabilities, while benefiting from shared intelligence across the NCA.

At the heart of the NCA will be an intelligence hub which will build and maintain a national intelligence picture of the threats, harms and risks to the UK from organised criminals. This information will be used to prioritise criminals and task police and law enforcement agencies to ensure there is an appropriate operational response.

Henry continued:

“This Government has a clear plan to fight crime with the new National Crime Agency. The impact of serious and organised crime is felt in the everyday lives of people in Crawley.

“The NCA will make sure crime-fighters work together to more effectively address serious and organised crime.

“Organised crime, economic crime, cyber crime and child exploitation are real problems, for real people across Crawley. The NCA will better defend our borders, protect children and tackle the drug trade and many other crimes.”

Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp

 

 

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An Olympic challenge for West Sussex

Sunday, June 12th, 2011

An Olympic challenge for West Sussex

Inspirational people from West Sussex are being sought to help carry the Olympic torch in the relay across the country next year, in the run up to the London 2012 Olympics.

London 2012 is asking for nominations of individuals whose personal stories will inspire the millions of people watching the Olympic Torch Relay.

West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “London 2012 is looking for inspirational people to take part in the relay as torchbearers. We have many amazing people in West Sussex and I hope residents will take part and nominate their special person to join in this exciting event.”

The Olympic flame arrives in the UK on Friday 18th May 2012. The Olympic Torch Relay starts on Saturday 19th May 2012, and lasts for 70 days, finishing on Friday 27th July 2012.

The flame represents peace, unity and friendship and will be carried by 8,000 torchbearers during the relay.

To nominate someone, visit the website at www.london2012.com. Nominators will need to write up to 150 words explaining why they are nominating someone and why that person is so inspirational. Nominations close on Wednesday 29th June.

For the latest news on the London 2012 games and what’s happening in West Sussex, visit the West Sussex – Ahead of the Game website at www.westsussex-aheadofthegame.com.

 

 

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Family Fun at The Hawth

Friday, June 10th, 2011

Fantastic Mr Fox

Wed 3 August 6.30pm, Goffs Park

Following their highly acclaimed production of James and the Giant Peach last year, Illyria returns with an even bigger Dahl classic! All Mr Fox wants from life is to feed his family and farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean have an ample supply of chickens, geese and ducks. But they are also the cruellest, meanest and most ruthless farmers you could ever meet, and they are determined to put a stop to Mr Fox once and for all.

Come with the family and bring a picnic along to enjoy before the show!

The Wind In The Willows

Sat 20 & Sun 21 August, Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sun 2.30pm, Amphitheatre

Crawley’s community theatre present Kenneth Grahame’s classic following the adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger and of course, the jovial but big-headed Mr Toad!

A great family favourite performed in a woodland setting, bring along a picnic and thrill to tales of the river bank.

A Bird In Your Ear

Sat 24 September 2pm, Studio

A chance to enjoy stories you won’t find anywhere else – because each one has been born in the minds of children. Genies in teapots and hat-munching squirrels are just a few of the characters joining boys and girls on fantastical exploits, brought to life with puppetry, song, and opportunities to jump on stage and join in!

‘encapsulates everything that a child’s imagination should be… wondrous’ The Stage

Suitable for children aged 3 plus

The Way Back Home, Adam Carpenter as Boy, Charlotte Cooper as the Alien

The Way Back Home

Sun 2 October 2pm & 4.30pm, Studio

Award-winning author Oliver Jeffers’ intergalactic tale about a little boy seeking adventure.

Finding a plane in his cupboard, he takes it out for a go right away! He flies higher and higher until he lands on the moon. He’s lost and alone until a passing Martian lands. Can they really be friends? And how will they find their way home?

An exciting new production from the team behind the hit show Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! with original music produced by the composers of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom.

Suitable for children aged 3 plus. Running time: 50 minutes

High School Rocks

Sun 9 October 3pm, Theatre

An amazing high energy, foot stomping show featuring all the hits from High School Musical, Hannah Montana, Camp Rock and Glee!

Join the superb cast on a rollercoaster ride of fun, the ultimate party to celebrate all of these awesome teen sensations in one fantastic night.

Don’t forget your dancing shoes and be prepared to rock out!

Suitable for ages 5 plus

Circle of Tales

Sat 22 October 11am & 2.30pm, Studio

One of UK’s most acclaimed puppet companies bring you a mythical African tale.

Nozindaba sets out to search for stories, asking friendly and fierce animals if they could help. After meeting many funny creatures she’s told by a wise elephant where to find the secret of wonderful tales…

Told with African and English language, puppets, video and the sweet, sweet sounds of live music played on traditional instruments.

Suitable for ages 4 plus. Running time: 50 minutes.

After the show, children are invited to play musical instruments, meet the puppets and chat.

BOX OFFICE: 01293 553636 ONLINE:WWW.HAWTH.CO.UK

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Fathers Day Giftspiration at County Mall Crawley

Friday, June 10th, 2011

County Malls

Very own Fathers Day Giftspiration event where tenants will be out in the mall promoting the top products and gadgets for Fathers Day.

For the low down on 2011′s key Fathers day presents and advice on how to avoid choosing the wrong wooly jumper. This will equal one happy Dad and one gleeful you.

Thursday 16th June  - Saturday 18th june

Bar Med

have organised a mass charity collection in County Mall for Great Ormond Street Hospital – there will be lots of the uniforms taking part including Police, Ambulance and Fireman – please come down and support this brilliant cause.

Saturday 18th June

YMCA

will be in County Mall on a recruitment drive promoting their training programmes and work placements

Wednesday 22nd June

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Tilgate Parade improvements

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

Tilgate Parade improvements

Tilgate Parade will be the next neighbourhood centre upgraded as part of Crawley Borough Council’s programme of parade improvements.

The council has had a programme of investment in the environment and facilities at Crawley’s neighbourhood parades since 2003 and will begin improving Tilgate Parade in the spring of 2012.

A public exhibition for retailers and residents and will be held on Monday June 20 from 12 noon until 5.30pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to find out more about the project by viewing and commenting on the plans and speaking to the council officers involved.

The council is seeking views on the following:

• How can the pedestrian area in front of the parade be improved?

• How easy and safe is it to walk to the parade?

• Have you experienced anti-social behaviour when visiting the parade?

• Is there adequate parking for cars and cycles?

• What do you think about the parade recycling and toilet facilities?

• Is there anything else that should be part of the improvements scheme?

Councillor Bob Lanzer, Leader of the Council, said: “The council’s neighbourhood regeneration programme has toured much of the town now and delivered big environmental and/or facility improvements in Bewbush, Furnace Green, Gossops Green, Ifield, Langley Green, Northgate, Pound Hill, Southgate and West Green.

“The consultation event in Tilgate will ensure residents have their say on what they want to see improved at their parade. I urge residents to attend or view the information on the council’s website and tell us their views.”

If you can’t make it to the exhibition on June 20, visit www.crawley.gov.uk/tilgate to view the plans and give your views via the online form.

 

 

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New museum for Crawley moves a step closer

Monday, June 6th, 2011

Crawley Borough Council and Crawley Museum Society’s plan for a new museum for the town moved a step closer with the submission of a Heritage Lottery Fund bid on Friday (June 3).

Crawley Museum Society’s bid for £998,555 covers the fit out and alterations, including specialist display facilities and equipment, to The Tree and The Tree Annexe in the High Street to make it a suitable location for a museum.

An extra £763,000 has already been earmarked by the council to refurbish the listed building and bring it up to standard. Crawley Museum Society will operate the new service with financial support from the council.

The Tree has great potential to improve heritage in Crawley, with its central location, architectural quality and greater size. The building is well worth preserving, originating around 1280.

Greatly increased exhibition space will allow for detailed coverage of local themes, using interactive elements and lively displays, with input from the wider community. More room will allow for better storage and facilities for a workshop and meeting rooms.

The bid document details these specific outcomes:

• Develop and restore The Tree so that it is fit for purpose as the new location for the museum of Crawley, in a way that recognises and celebrates its heritage as a medieval building and its role in Victorian Society

• Relocate the Crawley Museum collection and service to The Tree

• Use the new location to illustrate Crawley’s past as well as its present and future

• Establish an outstanding education service for both formal and informal education both onsite and as outreach work

• Develop a programme of both temporary exhibitions and community-based projects establishing Crawley Museum as a heritage centre ‘of the people for the people’.

The bid document states: “As anyone can testify who has seen the team looking after a group of 30 schoolchildren plus their helpers in the galleries, Crawley Museum has almost reached saturation point in its use of the existing premises.

“There is an overwhelming desire to move to larger premises so that services and facilities can be expanded to meet the needs of the wider community, which underpins the rationale for the bid that follows, for the move to The Tree.”

If the bid is successful, it’s hoped that the museum could be open in 2013.

Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “We are determined to deliver a new museum for Crawley to celebrate our rich heritage.

“The museum’s current premises in Goffs Park House are far too small, with only about 10 per cent of artefacts on display at any one time.

“If we are fortunate enough to be successful in our bid to the Heritage Lottery Fun we will be able to provide Crawley Museum Society with a bigger, better base for a museum, nearer to the town centre – something they have asked us for.”

 

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Celebrating West Sussex carers during national week

Monday, June 6th, 2011

Celebrating West Sussex carers during national week

Carers Week, which highlights the vital role of carers, will be marked in West Sussex this June with a series of events.

The national week, promoted by Carers UK, runs from Monday 13th June to Sunday 19th June. It recognises and celebrates the contribution the UK’s six million carers make for those they care for and to their communities.

Carers are people who help a relative, child, partner or friend who is either frail, has a mental and/or physical illness, learning difficulty, is disabled, or affected by substance misuse.

The theme this year is ‘The True Face of Carers’.

The Carers Support Services in Regis, Chichester and Rural, Worthing and District, and North and Mid Sussex, who provide support right across West Sussex, have a number of events planned for the week, including:

• Regis, Chichester and Rural Carers Support Service: On Monday June 13 at 11am – 3pm, there will be an information session at Arundel GP Surgery, Green Lane Close, Arundel (BN18 9HG). Contact 01243 537011

• Worthing and District Carers Support Services: On Tuesday June 14 at 10.30am – 4pm, wander among the buildings dating from the 13th to the 19th century at Weald and Downland Museum, Singleton, Chichester, (PO18 0EU). Walk amongst the 40 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside, enjoying period gardens, animals and woodland. Bring your own picnic. Event is free, but places are limited. Call 01903 536378.

• North and Mid Sussex Carers Support Services: Wednesday June 15 at 2.30pm – 4pm will see Horsham Carers Support Group visit Blue Jays Garden, Chesworth Close, Horsham. Costs £5, including refreshments. Booking required, call 01293 657040

• North and Mid Sussex Carers Support Services: On Thursday June 16 at 9.30am – 5pm, a coach trip to South Kensington, London, museum and parks. Leaving from Horsham railway station. Tickets cost £5 and booking is required. Call 01293 657040.

• North and Mid Sussex Carers Support Services: The Mental Health Carers Support Group will be holding a trip to the Sea Life Centre in Brighton on Friday June 17 at 11am. Call 01293 657040. Tickets are £2 and booking is required.

Peter Catchpole, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, said: “Carers rarely have time to themselves as they are so busy looking after loved ones. This national week helps to highlight the importance of supporting carers and giving them some time to themselves.”

There are many more events planned. To see events near you, visit http://carersweek.org/organising-events/find-an-event or contact your local Carers Support Service at:

o Regis, Chichester and Rural – 01243 537011

o North and Mid Sussex – 01293 657040

o Worthing and District – 01903 536378

For further information please contact:

Laura Waller, Media Assistant

Tel: 01243 382 090

Email: Laura.Waller@westsussex.gov.uk

 

 

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Your Chance to Inspect the County Council’s Accounts

Monday, June 6th, 2011

Your Chance to Inspect the County Council’s Accounts

Members of the public can take a look at West Sussex County Council’s accounts for the year ending March 31 2011.

The accounts, including those of the pension fund, will be available at County Hall, West Street, Chichester, from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday from Friday, June 24 to Friday, July 22.

People can make copies of the accounts and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers and receipts relating to them. There is a charge for photocopying.

Anyone wishing to examine the accounts during the inspection period should telephone the Chief Accountant Tim Stretton on 01243 777100 (ext 77868) on weekdays between 9am and 4.30pm to arrange an appointment.

 

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Firefighters Host Community Information Day

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

Firefighters Host Community Information Day


West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service will be hosting a Community Information Day in Findon next Tuesday (June 7th).

The event, which is being held at the Village Hall from 9.30am until 2pm, is an opportunity for local residents to come and talk to crews about fire safety, as well as pick up useful advice and information from a range of other local support agencies.

The Older People’s Information Centre (TOPIC), a mobile information service that has been ‘touring’ the county over the last 12 months, will be there offering advice on issues that affect older residents including health and well being, pensions and benefits, support for carers, information on local activities and days out, as well as information on specialist smoke alarms and equipment for those with a disability or mobility issues.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Community Information Bus will also be available throughout the day with firefighters and specialist advisors on hand for people to chat to informally and pick up lots of simple and practical tips on how to stay fire safe in their homes, including advice on safer cooking habits and preventing kitchen fires.

Arun District Commander, Dave Benham, who has organised the information day said:

“We are always trying to find ways of making home fire safety advice more accessible, particularly for some of our more vulnerable residents, so hosting an information day like this is an important part of our ongoing campaign to reduce the number accidental fires that occur in the home.

We also hope by that by teaming up with other local support agencies and creating this ‘one stop shop’ of advice and information right in the heart of the community, we are making it easier for people to access a broader range of support that can make a huge difference to their lives.”

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service offer FREE Home Fire Safety Checks – simply call 0800 328 6487 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire to find out if you are eligible.

 

 

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Could you become a rights of way volunteer?

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

Could you become a rights of way volunteer?

An event on becoming a West Sussex public rights of way volunteer ranger or parish path inspector takes place on Sunday June 12.

It’s being held at Dial Post Village Hall, Old Worthing Road, Dial Post, RH13 8ND, from 2pm to 4pm.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer will be able to find out more about the role and speak to officers from West Sussex County Council to learn how they can help to keep rights of way accessible for everyone to enjoy.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “Volunteers play a vital role in the maintenance and upkeep of the county’s rights of way network.

“In West Sussex we have 2,530 miles of public rights of way, allowing access into some fascinating, unspoilt and diverse landscapes.”

Volunteers are being offered various opportunities to be involved as they wish, by helping with inspections of paths, or undertaking supported practical tasks to improve access and address problems identified by residents and visitors.

The County Council runs an ongoing inspection and maintenance programme to ensure the rights of way network stays as safe, open and usable as possible. Every right of way is inspected every nine months, followed by the completion of any identified maintenance.

Volunteer Parish Inspectors receive full training and have an input in the prioritising of works as well as providing vital local knowledge.

Practical tasks are planned well in advance so volunteers can choose which practical sessions they would like to be involved with.

Deborah added: “Volunteers can be involved with installing bridges, signposts, gates and steps, as well as clearing vegetation.”

For further information about the event or volunteering for parish path inspections or practical tasks, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Darren Rolfe on 07793 187893 or e-mail darren.rolfe@westsussex.gov.uk

 

 

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Online petitions

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

Online petitions

An online system for creating and taking part in petitions is now available on Crawley Borough Council’s website.

The council’s e-petitions service enables Crawley residents or anyone who works or studies in the town to create, view and manage the progress of petitions online.

E-petitions make the information available to a much wider audience, giving local people the opportunity to gather more names to support the e-petition.

A petition may gather signatures in both forms – you can have a paper version and an online version, although repeat signatures will be removed.

Councillor Duncan Crow, Deputy Leader of Crawley Borough Council, said: “We welcome petitions which can help inform debate and potentially result in changes that can have a positive impact on local people.

“It is also a good way to highlight an issue that matters to you where the council has responsibility or influence.

“This new online system is a simple and convenient way of bringing an issue to the attention of the council for it to consider and gives residents another way of letting us know their views, whether they support or object to something the council is doing.”

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

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Benefits promotion

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

Benefits promotion

Are you claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to? If not Crawley Borough Council has a new officer who can help you claim more money.

 

Fay Power, Benefits Promotion Officer at Crawley Borough Council

Fay Power, Benefits Promotion Officer at Crawley Borough Council, identifies people who could be entitled to a range of different benefits including Housing and Council Tax Benefit, Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Carer’s Allowance.

If you are on a low income, or already in receipt of benefits, Fay will be able to let you know if you’re claiming all that you should be.

Fay is also running weekly drop-in sessions at the Crawley Advice Shop in County Mall every Wednesday between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

The aim of the drop-in sessions are to help people with Housing and Council Tax Benefit claims, and to offer benefit ‘health checks’ to make sure people are claiming all that they are entitled to.

Councillor Lee Gilroy, Cabinet member for Housing, said: “These sessions are a great way of helping more people claim the benefits they are entitled to.

“Residents who are able to claim more are often on low incomes so even a few pounds can make a big difference.”

Nationally, the Government estimates pensioners and people on low incomes are failing to take up almost £6 billion of benefits they are entitled to, including Housing and Council Tax Benefits.

If you are unable to make a Wednesday morning session at Crawley Advice Shop you can call Fay on 01293 438695, email fay.power@crawley.gov.uk or visit www.crawley.gov.uk/benefits

 

 

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Crawley Folk & Beer Festival 2011 – The Perfect Summer Weekend

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

Friday 24th – Sunday 26th June

The Hawth, Crawley

What could be better on a warm summer’s day than sitting outside in beautiful woodland surroundings listening to great music and enjoying a pint! Crawley’s 20th annual Folk and Beer Festival offers all this and more from Friday 24th – Sunday 26th June at The Hawth.

All ages will find something to entertain them at this family friendly fest. There are free performances from Spare Parts who play fiddle and concertina, blues from Cajun Dawgs, alternative folk from 4Square, contemporary Irish music with Ciarog plus free workshops in music, song and dance all leading up to the Festival Bal (ticketed event) on Saturday evening. Everyone will enjoy the free colourful dance displays in traditional styles and Morris dancing and then how about enjoying food from around the world at one of the many refreshment stands.

For those who love to shop, the festival market offers the chance to pick up unique pieces of clothing, beautiful craftwork and jewellery, fresh herbs and flowers and much more.

The Copper Family

For older visitors there is also the Beer Festival offering ales, ciders and perries from the beer tent all weekend. There are 45 different drinks to choose from, all from small, local breweries. Sample a pint of Rip Tide from Littlehampton or Brighton Blonde. For those who find themselves over indulging at the weekend there’s also Guilt Complex from Surrey Hills Co and Shooting Star from the Hammerpot Brewery. There will even be a beer from Maidenbower Brewery, you can’t get much more local than that!

Don’t forget to book for the ticketed events too, which this year include the Polish Pogues Warsaw Village Band (Fri 24 June 7.30pm), blues from The Elevators (Fri 24 June, 8.15pm), local folk legends The Copper Family (Sat 25 June, 7.15pm) and The Demon Barbers – Time Gentlemen Please (Sun 26 June 5pm), fresh from winning Best Live Act at the 2011 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

The Demon Barbers Roadshow

If you really want to get into the festival spirit, we have great on-site camping facilities from just £10 and as always, under 12s go free. So why not bring the whole family along!

For more information on the festival line up, blogs and music tasters visit www.myspace.com/crawleyfolkfestival

Warsaw Village Band

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County mobile libraries will be reduced from three to two

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

County mobile libraries will be reduced from three to two

Mobile libraries in West Sussex are to be reduced from three to two vehicles from June 6. It follows a year-long review of the mobile service, which was ordered to cut costs by £65,000 as part of an overall £1m saving for the library service. A further £1m saving must be made by March 2014.

The findings come after a consultation involving more than 1,000 customers, and extensive talks with District, Borough and Parish Councils, plus a community consultation workshop facilitated by Action in Rural Sussex . A survey showed that more than 30% of people also used a static library. Many actually drive to the mobile stop.

The decision to reduce the county mobile library service has been taken by Deborah Urquhart, County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, who oversees Libraries.

“That survey showed the mobile service was convenient but not vital for a large number of people,” she said. “We have held meetings with communities, parish and town councils, and taken advice from our staff who operate these mobile routes. They have helped us to identify the less well used stops, but also ensure that particularly vulnerable customers are not missed out. We have already planned alternative services for those individuals who have been brought to our attention.

She added: “In some cases we have amalgamated several nearby stops into a smaller number. In some instances visits will be fortnightly instead of weekly, or monthly instead of every two weeks.

“This has not been an easy process, but I am sure we now have a fair schedule of stops which maintains the service to those in need and achieves the required financial savings. I am pleased that we haven’t had to withdraw a stop from a community other than where it simply was no longer viable. In the case of three communities currently not being served we have actually been able to start services – in Bignor, Burpham and Bury.

The mobiles are currently off the road for a week to enable stock to be moved. Details about the new schedules are now available on our website and printed copies will be available in libraries as well as on the mobile libraries themselves after June 6.

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Crawley Festival 18th June – 3rd July 2011

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

The Crawley Festival is very much a community event offering over seventy events during 2 weeks, and is made possible through the tireless efforts of event organisers, sponsors and Management Committee.

Friday 1st July

MUSIC IN THE SQUARE BY LOCAL SCHOOLS

Queen’s Square

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

A chance for Crawley’s schoolchildren to perform for you. Come along and be entertained.

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BABY RHYME TIME

Crawley Library

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. + 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

FREE

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YOUTH CAFE

Crawley Library

7:00 p.m.

Activities led by Youth Services.

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ANIMAL TRACKS AND SIGNS

Buchan Park Countryside Centre

9 p.m – 10:30 p.m

Get up close to rodents! We will be setting live traps to catch small mammals and learning how to look for animal signs. Please bring a torch and insect repellent.

£3 per person/group ticket (4 persons) £10 (Children must be accompanied by adults)

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Saturday 2nd July

CRAWLEY AND NORTH SUSSEX RAMBLERS

Crawley Railway Station

9:00 a.m.

8 mile walk. Cars to Limpsfield Common NT car park – Golf House Rd – LimpsfieldChart – Westerham Lunch – The High Chart – Moorhouse Bank – Limpsfield Common.

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CRAFT FAIR

Queen’s Square

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Come and see and buy local crafts, pottery, art etc.

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SATURDAY STORYTIME

Crawley Library

9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Listen to a selection of stories and join in an activity.

Free

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BOOKSALE

St Peter’s Church, West Green

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Hundreds of second hand books, proceeds to Church funds.

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BABY RHYME TIME

Broadfield Library

10:30a.m. – 10:50 a.m.

FREE

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SUMMER FETE

Manor Green Schools, Lady Margaret Rd, Ifield

12 noon – 3 p.m.

The Friends of Manor Green present a Summer Fete, supporting Special Needs Children. There will be Live Music from Sound Investment Dance Band, Thomas Bennett African Drum Group, Children’s Fancy Dress, Inflatable Slide, Medieval Stocks, Crockery Smashing, Goff’s Park Miniature Train, Italian Ice Cream Trike, BBQ and much, much more. Come along and give the schools some much needed support.

Free Entry

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MAIN STAGE

Crawley Festival’s Finale Event


There will be live bands performing on the stage, street theatre, workshops and the Cultural Kitchen with cookery demonstrations and food tasting from different cultures including Portuguese, Polish, Afro-Caribbean and English

12:00 to 17:00  FREE

Crawley Memorial Gardens

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WEALD MUSIC SOCIETY

Hawth

7:30 p.m.

Weald Music 40th Anniversary, including Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana.

Tickets: Adult £14.00, Senior Citizens £10.00, School Age £6.00

Further details 01293 553636

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AMERICAN INDEPENDENTS

St Andrew’s Church, Furnace Green

7:30 p.m.

To celebrate American Independence Day in the new St Andrew’s Church Centre, welcoming the Ifield Community College Choir.

Tickets Adult – £12, Senior Citizen – £10, School Age – £6

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Sunday 3rd July

THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF AND OTHER FURRY TALES

Hawth Studio

2 p.m.

Theatre of Widdershins

Suitable for ages 3 plus

What really happened between the wolf and his three porky friends? Why was Goldilocks wandering in the woods? How did the goats overcome a mighty troll?

Let the wonderful Theatre of Widdershins explain with the help of fun, laughter, some gorgeous puppets and a soundtrack that will stick in your head long after you’ve left the theatre.

Tickets: £6.50. Family of four: £24

Further details phone The Hawth – 01293 553636.

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EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL

Painting Exhibition by Brambles Respite Care (MS Society)

20/06/10 – 03/07/10

Hawth Foyer and Upstairs

A collection of art works either donated by local artists or created by multiple sclerosis sufferers. All works are available for sale with proceeds going to support MS Society sponsored Respite Care

Admission: Free

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Crawley Bike Week

18thJune – 26th June

Sunday 26th June – Oriel School Maidenbower, 10.00

Crawley Family Bike Ride is part of Team Green Britain’s Bike week 2011.

More information and participant registration can be found at http://www.bikeweek.org.uk/event_search.php?pagemode=display&event_id=281

This free ride is for all riders, including children provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

This will be a great opportunity to discover something of the local Cycling facilities in Crawley including part of the National Cycle Network, that you may not previously have been aware of, while visiting the National Trust at Nymans by your own steam.

Riders should arrive at Oriel school from 10.00am to register – registration is free. The ride will be lead by experienced CTC (CTC the National Cycle organisation) leaders and will follow parts of the National Cycle Route (NCR) 20. We will go on road via Furnace Green, Tilgate and Broadfield to Handcross and Nymans gardens. If the weather is good we will return along Parish Lane and off-road through Tilgate Forest (suitable for all bikes except road (racing) bikes).

The route should be lightly trafficked and suitable for all riders including inexperienced ones. We will travel at a very slow pace suitable for riders of all abilities and physical condition.

We aim to arrive at Nymans gardens around 12 noon.

The return ride will leave Nymans gardens at 1pm and aim to be back at Oriel school at approximately 3pm.

Bike Dr – Queens Square

Crawley Borough Council and Ahead Cycles are partnering up to offer a Bike Dr service in Queens Square Crawley. The Bike Dr stall will be located beside the Band Stand in Queen’s Square between 11:30am and 1:30pm on Monday 20th, Wednesday 22nd and Friday 24th June. Bring your bike for a free health check, then take it with your Dr Bike checklist to Ahead Cycles on The Broadway to get 10% discount on any recommended repairs and services!

Bike Buddies Scheme

During bike week we will have two Bike Buddy rides. These will start on Monday to Friday at 08.00 at Three Bridges station. One will go to Manor Royal and one to K2. If you would like to learn the best route to work and/or to gain confidence by riding with others then this is your opportunity! All welcome.

Further details Lucy Adams 01293 585350

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Grass verge cutting

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

Grass verge cutting

Crawley Borough Council is updating residents on its plans to cut grass verges this spring and summer.

The exceptionally warm spring has brought about a great deal of grass growth and also encouraged a lot of wildflowers to grow in the verges.

As the grass has grown very quickly, it is taking longer for council staff to cut it. However, in the past week we have caught up with most of the growth.

The council will cut the grass as often as necessary to ensure verges remain neat and tidy. Cutting rounds will begin when there has been sufficient grass growth. The number of cuts will depend on the weather through the growing season.

Council officers undertake regular quality inspections and will decide when a new round of cutting needs to start.

Every attempt will be made to make sure cut grass is removed from pavements and all litter is removed from grass before cutting. These are the issues that residents have been most concerned about in previous years.

Staffing changes mean that more resources can be deployed to help cut grass verges at times of high growth.

Councillor Ken Trussell, Cabinet member for Environmental Services, said: “It’s important to stress that we are working towards a better quality of cut, removing litter before the grass is cut and ensuring that cut grass is removed from pavements.

“In November we’ll review all feedback we receive during this pilot year.”

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Cabinet change at Crawley Council

Thursday, May 26th, 2011

Cabinet change at Crawley Council

A new Cabinet member has taken on the portfolio for Environmental Services.

Maidenbower councillor, Cllr Ken Trussell, has taken over Gossops Green councillor, Cllr Keith Blake, as of May 27th.

Cllr Blake has stepped down from his Cabinet position to be Deputy Mayor during 2011/12 but spent five years making key environmental decisions for the town.

 

Cllr Keith Blake

Cllr Blake said: “I became Cabinet member in 2006 and I’ve found the role thoroughly rewarding. There have been some difficult decisions to make along the way but we’ve made some fantastic progress too.

“As a council we’ve managed to reduce our carbon emissions by 25 per cent since 2005, we’ve won a host of awards and recognitions for our clean, green town and recycling has improved.”

Cllr Trussell, who has lived in Crawley on and off since the age of five, is looking forward to playing his part in continuing to make Crawley a clean, green and happy place to live.

 

Cllr Ken Trussell

He said: “I have a keen interest in environmental issues and I’m determined to carry on the good work we’re delivering as a council. There are some challenges and opportunities ahead and I am looking forward to playing my full part in them”

Cllr Trussell lives in Pound Hill and was elected to the council for the first time last year. Ken previously sat on the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Commission and Development Control; He is also a trustee of the Crawley Community & Voluntary Service (CCVS).

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Music in Goffs Park

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

The Friends of Goffs Park are holding two musical events in June.

Music in the Park, on the top lawn behind Goffs Park House, begins at 3pm on Sunday 12th June. Harpist Margaret Watson will entertain visitors in the beautiful surroundings.

If the weather is poor the event will relocate to St Peter’s Church in Ifield Road, West Green.

The following week, on Sunday 19th June, Poems and Pints takes place in the garden of the Goffs Manor pub from 3pm. Visitors can also bring along their favourite poem to read out.

Come and enjoy readings of poems by local celebrities while enjoying a drink from the local pub.

These events are organised by the Friends of Goffs Park. Everyone is invited.

For more information call Tony Coles on 01293 527402 or Andy Rogers on 01293 537257.

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Pease Pottage Service Station Staff are Batting for Charity

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

Pease Pottage Service Station Staff are Batting for Charity


Local Service staff are playing cricket @ Southgate playing fields today (Wednesday 25th May )from 3.30pm to help raise money for Breast Cancer care. All are welcome to pop along to watch the fun.

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