School Closures in Crawley on Monday 6th Feburuary - Updated – 18:20 – 5/2/12
Currently there are no reported school closures.
Schools have been asked, where possible, to keep their own websites updated.
If you know of any schools that are not on the above list please Facebook Crawley Happy Times or email bry@crawleyhappytimes.co.uk
L-R Claire Brown, Apprenticeship Coordinator at MITIE, Natasha, Kim Smith, Administrator for Construction Apprenticships at Central Sussex College and Viv Brown, Training Coordinator for Construction at Central Sussex College
Crawley Borough Council is pleased to welcome a new apprentice plumber to the Crawley Repairs Team with its partner company MITIE.
Natasha Bartlett, aged 19, has been taking a plumbing course at Central Sussex College and is now in her third year of training.
The trainee plumber started with the Crawley Repairs Team in October and is exclusively site based. She will be attending jobs with a mentor. Natasha is the fourth apprentice welcomed to Crawley Homes in the last year.
As part of her apprenticeship, Natasha will be working towards her NVQ in plumbing and will be assessed and observed by a representative from Central Sussex College while on the job.
MITIE is currently working in partnership with Crawley Homes to provide responsive repairs work to council houses and refurbishment to empty council properties in the north of Crawley.
Speaking of her apprenticeship, Natasha said:
“I have really enjoyed my last two years training at college at I am now looking forward to getting some hands on experience. I feel really lucky to have been offered this apprenticeship.”
Councillor Lee Gilroy, Cabinet Member for Housing at Crawley Borough Council said:
“It’s really good news that we’ve welcomed an apprentice plumber to the Crawley Repairs Team. I hope Natasha enjoys furthering her experience with the council.”
Crawley’s MP has welcomed the latest proposal to increase the connectivity and capacity of Gatwick through the idea to construct a high speed train linking the West Sussex airport to Heathrow with a journey time of just 15 minutes.
Henry said:
“I believe this proposal would help increase the Airport’s capacity without the need to build a new runway at Gatwick. Trains would travel between the airports at 180mph along a 35 mile line and would largely follow the M25 and in place travel underground to minimise disruption.
“Though this is just one of several options being considered by the Department of Transport under the current aviation review, I believe it has the potential to really benefit the Gatwick Diamond economic area with Crawley at its centre. It’s a real concern that, in the future, the UK could lose its competitive edge due to a lack of capacity compared to rival European airports. This proposed plan would go some way to tackling this problem.”
A new world-class London super-hub known as Heathwick would be created and, under the current proposals, passengers would not need to go through separate arrival systems or check-in twice. This is because both airports would be regarded as connected centres. The Gatwick to Heathrow high speed rail line would also link to the London to Midlands and the North HS2 line which the Government are committed too.
Henry continued:
“Gatwick Airport’s owners have invested £53 million in improvement works to Gatwick train station’s facilities and £1 billion in improvements to services and conditions for passengers. This work has shown the owners real commitment to the future of the Airport and its continued success bodes well for our local economy. These proposals would allow capacity to increase whilst maintaining the commitment not to enlarge the Airport further which I hope will reassure local residents.
“I welcome further discussions and ideas on how to increase our airport capacity under the aviation review and am pleased that innovative options are being considered.”
Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp or visit: www.henrysmith.info for further details.
Gales Drive Parade, Three Bridges, will be undergoing some improvements as part of Crawley Borough Council’s programme of parade improvements.
The council will be holding an exhibition at the parade on Monday 3rd October from 12 noon to 6pm where it will be displaying its final plans for local residents and retailers to view before work begins
The main part of the parade improvements will see the car park get a new entrance and exit, which will help to improve safety, accessibility and the number of parking spaces.
Improvements to street furniture will include the installation of new paving slabs, replacement seating, additional street and under canopy lighting and new cycle stands. The footway leading to the parade between LB1 and New Lotus House is to be updated and a shallower gradient created to eliminate the steep ramp.
Construction will take approximately four months and will be completed in two phases. Phase one will start on 17th October and will finish on 16th December allowing a two week shut down for the Christmas period. Phase two will start on 2nd January and finish on 17th February.
Updates to the parade building itself have already taken place including the replacement of high performance felt on flat roofs, the decoration to the canopy, communal staircases and timber cladding to window boxes and the replacement of gutters and drainpipes.
Councillor Bob Lanzer, Leader of Crawley Borough Council said: We are pleased to continue the improvement programme for the Council-owned neighbourhood parades. With each project we have received favourable feedback from residents, which is one of the reasons that we accelerated the whole effort, even during the recession.
West Sussex County Council’s TravelWise team is encouraging residents to get on their bikes and save money during TravelWise Week (September 19-23).
The week coincides with European Car Free Day on Thursday September 22.
Commuters could save more than £700 a year by switching from car to bike. A seven-mile cycle ride which takes around 30 minutes will also improve fitness at the same time.
As a further incentive, a number of local cycle shops are offering special Travelwise Week discounts until the end of September. For further details visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/travelwise.
Car sharing is another way to reduce commuting costs. Sharing a journey just once a week could save a person more than £100 a year.
The County Council’s car sharing website, www.westsussexcarshare.com helps people that live or work in West Sussex to find a car sharing partner.
Buying a bus or rail season ticket can be much cheaper than driving and parking, particularly if bought online. A monthly rail ticket from Bognor Regis to Chichester is currently £61.10 and a monthly bus ticket for the same journey costs £70, compared with the costs of around £100 in petrol and parking fees.
The County Council’s 3in1 card for young people offers cheaper bus travel and discounts to a range of shops and local attractions, as well as acting as proof of age. The card costs £50 – but is free to those receiving free school meals – and is valid for up to three years. Further information is available at www.yourspacewestsussex.co.uk.
Pieter Montyn, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Travelwise Week is all about raising awareness of the benefits that more sustainable modes of transport have to offer. The week also provides a good opportunity for people to try greener and healthier ways of travelling. Small changes in your travel behaviour really can make a big difference.”
Henry has welcomed Government proposals for tougher community sentences that will see offenders forced to spend longer in their homes, keeping the streets safer.
Extending the maximum daily curfew time from 12 to 16 hours, and the period for which they can be imposed from six to 12 months, will better protect communities and ensure offenders face meaningful punishments that help stop them reoffending. Curfews not only restrict liberty but they can bring order to chaotic lives.
These new proposals are part of the Government’s plans to reform sentencing and tackle the root causes of offending.
Henry commented:
“After last week’s sickening disturbances in London, I’m pleased that the Government has reacted swiftly and effectively to curtail the freedoms of those who continually flout the law by extending curfew penalty sentences. I firmly believe that with rights come responsibilities and this is a message which needs to be rammed home with some people!”
“These tougher curfew conditions will keep offenders in Crawley off the streets for longer, stop them socialising in the evenings and keep them away from situations that could land them in trouble again.
“This is part of the Government’s proposals to reform the Criminal Justice System and will help to keep communities safe whilst important work is done with offenders to turn them away from a life of crime.”
Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp or visit: www.henrysmith.info for further details.
A new scheme from Southern Railways that offers three new types of support for passengers with learning difficulties, is being backed by West Sussex County Council.
The first, which is also for people whose first language is not English and passengers who often find communicating difficult, is an easy to read accessibility guide.
It gives information in easy to read information and pictures, on travelling with a wheelchair or mobility scooter, station and train accessibility, access on board trains and using Southern’s ‘Priority Seat Card’.
The second is a ‘Travel Support Card’, which is pocket sized and has details of the holder’s name, home station, where they travel to and from, contact numbers and a section stating how train staff can help them. This will allow passengers to travel more independently with confidence.
The third is an A4 sized pictorial card where passengers can point to a picture to indicate to a member of Southern staff what they need help with.
Graham Tyler, West Sussex County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, said: “Some of our adults with learning difficulties worked with Southern Railway in the development of this scheme, advising what would be helpful to them when travelling on public transport.
“These forms of support will enable vulnerable adults to travel independently with confidence.”
All three types of assistance are available to download from www.southernrailway.com/accessibility or by calling 08451 272920.
Crawley Borough Council’s noise experts carried out free MP3 headphone checks in County Mall yesterday (Thursday 4th August) – and were shocked at what they found.
Of the 30 tests carried out, six people were playing music at volumes above 100 decibels, which should only be listened to for a few minutes each day. They admitted to playing music this loud for at least an hour every day – at this level they are likely to be damaging their hearing.
Fifteen people were playing music at volumes above 90 decibels for more than an hour each day, which is above recommended guidelines.
The council’s Environmental Health Team urges MP3 owners to take three simple steps to protect their hearing:
1. Avoid volume levels that completely block out other background noise
2. Take regular breaks from using your headphones
3. Use the ‘smart volume’ feature if you have one.
For more information visit www.crawley.gov.uk/noise and www.noiseactionweek.org.uk
The Bluebird Pub in Tilgate Park is set to reopen as an American-style family restaurant after Smith & Western signed a lease to take over the building.
Smith & Western’s Tilgate Park restaurant will be the company’s sixth in Sussex, Surrey and Kent and is expected to reopen in the winter.
The iconic, chalet-style building has been empty for more than 18 months.
Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “I’m delighted that Smith and Western have signed up to bring a new restaurant to Tilgate Park.
“This, along with all the other improvements and new activities we’re looking to bring in, will make a visit to Tilgate Park better than ever before.”
Improvements and potential new activities at Crawley Borough Council’s flagship park include:
The Environment Agency work on the new dam at the northern end of Tilgate Lake should be completed this month. The lake is refilling naturally with rainwater and fencing around the lake will be removed soon
The council will encourage family-friendly fishing when the lake is full, while carp fishing will continue in the adjacent Silt Lake
The council is looking into providing a wider range of leisure activities on Tilgate Lake, for example boating, canoeing, windsurfing, etc.
The council will also be working with partner organisations to provide a range of exciting land-based leisure facilities in the park and its woodlands, such as aerial walkways in the trees and more activities for children
The fisherman’s car park, behind the new dam, is being improved with better surfacing and more parking spaces
The council is aiming to update the animal enclosures in Tilgate Nature Centre and improve the café and gift shop facilities. The animal collection will be reassessed to include more animals popular with children, while maintaining a strong conservation focus
The council could help with the creation of a Friends of Tilgate Park group, similar to those already established for Goffs Park and Worth Park.
With more than 40 miles of coastline, West Sussex is well placed for fish-lovers, with many places to buy direct from fishermen. The latest edition of Taste West Sussex looks at some of the varieties of fish available.
The magazine for West Sussex foodies has a range of articles, special offers and dates for the diary focusing on local food and produce.
Other articles include:
• The British Tomato Growers Association, based in West Sussex, and squashing some of the myths around the tomato.
• The appeal of orchards and their history in West Sussex.
• Gluten-free food and diets, and how to bring out the best in food.
• The revival of the alpaca in West Sussex, and where to visit and see them.
• Where to find samphire on the West Sussex coastline, how to cook it and what it goes well with.
West Sussex Leader Louise Goldsmith said: “Taste West Sussex supports our many local food and drink producers, as well as having handy recipe ideas and details of what’s in season. Buying local is good for the environment and benefits our local businesses and economies.”
Taste subscriptions are available for just £8.50 for three issues, delivered direct to your door. All subscribers get a free ‘Bag of Taste’ environmentally friendly jute bag (while stocks last).
Subscribers become a member of the Good Taste Club and receive a regular ‘Tastemail’ electronic newsletter with discounts, offers, recipes and foodie dates.
Taste West Sussex is available from a number of outlets including local food retailers and can be read online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/taste.
For further information contact 01243 777431, e-mail taste@westsussex.gov.uk or visit the website. The next issue of Taste West Sussex is due out in the autumn.
Looking for a family day out with a difference? Then why not join firefighters in Crawley as they host their mid Summer Open Day on Saturday 30th July.
The Fire Station on Ifield Avenue will be throwing open its doors to the public for what should be a great day combining exciting firefighting and rescue displays, fun activities as well as tips and advice from fire crews including staying safe in the kitchen while cooking and how to plan an escape route in the event of a fire.
There will be an opportunity for people to chat to the firefighters, get a rare up-close look at the fire engines and specialist equipment and learn more about the work the Fire & Rescue service do in the community. Partner organisations Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service will also take part in the day and be on hand to offer safety advice to residents.
The day runs from 10.30am until 3.30pm and admission is free.
Watch Manager at Crawley Fire Station, John Convey, said:
“Our aim is to put on an enjoyable, exciting day packed with lots of activities, drills and demonstrations, while at the same time raise awareness of some really important fire and road safety messages.
“We don’t want the only time people see their local fire crew to be if they dial 999 in an emergency so this is a great opportunity for them to get to know us better and ask questions in an informal setting. If people leave with a smiles on their faces as well as with extra knowledge that helps keep them safe, then the day will be a success.”
For information on other upcoming Open Days and for fire safety advice visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire
Henry Smith MP was delighted to announce earlier that the Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox MP, will be visiting Crawley on Thursday July 28.
Henry said:
“It’s great to welcome the Defence Secretary to Crawley. Our town has quite a connection with the Armed Forces. Many local households have family members serving, Crawley is home to an active Territorial Army centre as well as major defence companies, such as Manor Royal based Thales UK and Boeing.“
“I welcome the opportunity to discuss with the Defence Secretary and local residents the phased withdrawal of our troops from Afghanistan and the significant equipment developed right here in Crawley such as the high-tech Watchkeeper unmaned drone aircraft.”
Follow Henry daily via: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp or visit: www.henrysmith.info for further details.
An Olympics inspired weekend offering hoards of free activities attracted hundreds of visitors.
Open Weekend, organised by Crawley Borough Council, K2 Crawley and Crawley Schools Sports Partnership, celebrated a year to go to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games.
Featuring free demonstrations, lessons and all kinds of dance, the weekend saw the launch of Crawley in Motion, the name for sporting, cultural and community projects taking place in the town in the next 18 months; while it also drew a close to Dance in Motion, a month-long festival of dance.
The weekend kicked off on Friday (July 22) with the help of an impressive Flashmob of all ages, shape and sizes.
Made up of adults and children from local schools, Crawley Council, Ginger Moo, K2 Crawley, Healthy Balanced Generation (HBG) Gym at Oriel High School and SA Academy (dance school), the mob wowed the Town Centre with their impromptu dance display in Queens Square.
Shaun Angel, owner of SA Academy, dedicated many free hours to teaching the active mob their moves before the launch.
Along with the Flashmob the event rolled ahead with interactive theatre Run Turtle Run; karate taster sessions and the Lazy Town Sports Club.
On Sunday, K2 Crawley played host to Dance in Motion’s finale day with lessons in Latin, ballroom and street as well as a children’s dance party, Michael Jackson workshop and a grand ball.
Dancers of all abilities were invited to join in the fun, which included an exciting cabaret from top ballroom amateur couple Ian Sharpe and Victoria Lawrence, with music from top London dance DJ, Mr Wonderful. More than 300 people visited the centre for Dance in Motion activities alone.
For more information about Crawley in Motion visit www.crawley.gov.uk/inmotion
Take a trip into the past at Record Office
Schooldays were very different for Victorian children in West Sussex. You can find out what lessons were like by taking a trip into the past at the County Record Office in Chichester.
The Record Office, in Orchard Street, holds mid-morning sessions on the first Wednesday of each month, for people wanting to learn about family history in a relaxed atmosphere over a cup of tea or coffee.
Next week’s session, for an hour from 10am, will be focusing on old school records, with information on Victorian school life and archive sources such as head teachers’ log books, admission registers, punishment books and school photographs.
Deputy Leader Lionel Barnard, with responsibility for the Record Office, said: “In recent years family history has become one of the fastest growing recreational interests in the country. If you’ve watched celebrities unravel their past on BBC’s ‘Who do You Think You Are’, now is your time to join in the fun.
“The coffee time sessions at our County Record Office are a chance for you to speak to professionals who will help you discover your past in an informal manner.”
Sessions so far have included army records and dating old photographs. Future sessions include introducing computer sources and quarter sessions court records.
The County Record Office is nationally assessed as one of the top 10 local record offices in the country.
Tickets are £7.50 and need to be booked in advance. Call the Record Office on 01243 753602 or email, records.office@westsussex.gov.uk
Economic plan for town is launched
A new economic business plan for Crawley was agreed by Crawley Borough Council last night (Wednesday July 20).
The plan, titled Crawley’s Economic Plan (2011-16) In support of prosperity, sets out the council’s vision, role and purpose. It’s designed to be a short-term plan with a range of priority areas and activities which the council has a role in delivering.
The plans priorities are:
¢ Revitalise the town centre
¢ Enhance Manor Royal Business District
¢ Support the development of a sustainable Gatwick
¢ Encourage new business and local supply chain opportunities
¢ Contribute to the development of skilled and enterprising people and businesses
¢ Support housing supply and sustainable transport improvements
¢ Develop an economy noted for its environmental excellence.
The council is committed to supporting the economy and the plan is focussed on the next few critical years. To demonstrate that commitment the council is committed to reporting progress in public and inviting interested parties and the community to comment and contribute to the ongoing development and delivery of the plan.
The plan is also practical and focuses on areas where the council can make an impact.
Councillor Claire Denman, Cabinet member for Planning and Economic Development, said: Delivering the plan against a challenging economic backdrop will not be easy. The plan tries to balance ambition with realism.
Its an action-focussed plan and already the council is making progress in key areas including Manor Royal, the town centre and in housing and delivering important infrastructure.
The Local Economic Action Group has been a key partner in the development of the plan, letting the council know what’s important to the Crawley business community.
John Stapleton, Chair of the LEAG, said: delighted that the Crawley Economic Plan has been agreed. The LEAG and Crawley Borough Council are committed to working jointly to support the delivery of the plan over the next five years.
We will play an active role as a critical friend to the council and provide oversight to support the delivery of the plan.
For more information about the LEAG visit www.crawley.gov.uk/leag
Henry Smith MP has welcomed the announcement by Network Rail of improvements to be made at Three Bridges train station which will enhance accessibility, facilities and the overall station environment for passengers.
Henry said:
“Three Bridges train station is a vital transport link for Crawley, with a large number of residents travelling to work from the station every morning. Therefore I’m delighted that these improvements have been announced by Network Rail.
“It’s essential that a commuter hotspot like Three Bridges station is accessible and comfortable for all passengers. With these improvements, I expect that frequent users of the station will see their commute improved, whilst also attracting new customers who will be eager to take advantage of the enhancements made.
“Today’s announcement comes on top of last October’s decision by Gatwick Airport to jointly fund with Network Rail a £53 million project of much needed improvements to Gatwick Train Station.”
Developing upon the first phase of improvements completed at the station last year, the recently started second stage will see enhancements including the creation of new waiting areas for passengers, relocation and refurbishment of the ticket gates and surrounding area, along with upgrading drainage to reduce the chances of standing water during wet weather.
Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp
Henry Smith MP is highlighting Cancer Research UK’s work in the South East and backing the charity’s bid to make Crawley a thriving environment for medical research.
Henry met Cancer Research UK’s doctors, scientists and supporters from London and the South East at a special reception at Westminster recently.
Around five people are diagnosed with cancer every hour in the South East* but the good news is that thousands of mums, dads, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters across the region are alive today thanks to research into cancer.
Henry said:
“I was keen to find out more about work funded by Cancer Research UK in the South East. I feel proud that research in the South East makes such a significant contribution to the fight against cancer. It’s heartening to know that by supporting Cancer Research UK’s work local people could be making a big difference to cancer patients here on their doorstep.
“I am pleased that this Government has committed to investing an addition £200 million into to cancer drug research and to provide the funding needed to deliver 1,200 additional specialists involved in cancer services by 2012. Despite opposition, the national health fund will be boosted by £11.5 billion over the next four years which will go some way in supporting the work of organisations such as Cancer Research UK.”
Harpal Kumar, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, thanked Mr Smith for his support, saying:
“Cancer Research UK is working hard in every region of the UK to beat cancer. Ninety per cent of the population live within 30 miles of a laboratory or hospital where we’re funding life-saving research.
“We welcome the Government’s recent commitments that will help us with the research we fund in the NHS. We now want the Government to involve Cancer Research UK in planning for the future of medical research in the UK.”
People in the South East who take part in Race for Life make a huge contribution to Cancer Research UK’s work by raising vital funds.
As the Race for Life series draws to a close for 2011, Cancer Research UK is asking participants to make all the fun and emotion of the big day count – by returning the money they have raised to the charity, where it will be used to fund research which saves lives.
To find out more about Cancer Research UK’s work and how to support the charity please visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.
Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp
• *All cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) diagnosed from 2006-2008 in the South East Government Office Region
• For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 0203 469 6699 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org
Young people aged between 8 and 15 can take advantage of free athletics taster sessions at K2 Crawley on 21st August.
The Aviva Startrack event is a great way for children to have their first taste of athletics in a fun environment.
The free sessions, from 10am-1pm, will include all aspects of athletics with children encouraged to run, jump and throw – the three main skills required of any athlete.
Participants should come appropriately dressed for physical activity and be prepared in case of bad weather and bring a drink. Still water and juice are good but fizzy options are not recommended.
Aviva Startrack has been running for more than 10 years, offering thousands of children the chance to try out athletics with trained athletic coaches.
World heptathlon champion, Jessica Ennis, joined the Aviva Startrack scheme as a 10-year-old and credits it as one of the key experiences that led to her passion for athletics today.
Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture Services, said: “This free athletics session at K2 Crawley will give youngsters a great opportunity to have fun while doing exercise.”
The free session is limited and places will go quickly. To book your place Please Register via the Aviva Athletics Academy website www.uka.org.uk/academy.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the session start time.
Sign up for Crawley Landlords’ Forum
Private landlords are being encouraged to sign up to attend the Crawley Landlords’ Forum and take a free place at the next meeting.
The Crawley Landlords’ Forum will meet in the Exhibition Room at Crawley Library on 4th August from 6-7.30pm.
The evening will feature expert speakers offering advice and information on credit unions, insulation grants and making property suitable for renting in the private sector. There will also be an update from the National Landlords’ Association.
The forum, which was set up in 2009, is held twice a year and is a partnership between Crawley Borough Council, private landlords and agencies working in the private rented sector.
Councillor Lee Gilroy, Cabinet member for Housing, said: “The Crawley Landlords’ Forum provides a great opportunity for landlords to network and share experiences, meet Crawley Borough Council officers and learn more about the role the council plays in supporting the private rented sector.”
Places are limited. Please confirm your attendance by contacting Becky Gostick on 01293 438939 or emailing rebecca.gostick@crawley.gov.uk
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