Posts Tagged ‘County council’
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.”
Tags: Cabinet member for Environmental Services, Chichester, Community, Councillor Ken Trussell, county, County council, crawley happy times, Grass verge cutting, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex
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Tuesday, May 31st, 2011
West Sussex to receive funding for better broadband by July
West Sussex County Council will be awarded an allocation of funding to improve the county’s broadband network within two months, the Government has said.
While the County did not receive money for its bid in the second allocation of Government funding announced on Friday 27th May, the Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt MP, said that every local authority would be allocated funding by July.
The decision for the second allocation was announced by Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) the body established by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to allocate the £530 million earmarked by the Government to improve the broadband network.
Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt MP said: “Although some local authorities will be disappointed by the announcement, they will soon have certainty as to the funds available to them. Rather than run any more competitions for pilots or projects, I intend by July to announce the allocation for every English local authority.”
Leader of the Council Louise Goldsmith said: “Although we haven’t received funding immediately, we’re pleased that this isn’t the end of the story. We will now be working with BDUK to strengthen our Plan and look forward to the Secretary of State’s announcement in July.”
The County Council has been lobbying internet service providers to help get faster broadband in West Sussex, and tackle the ‘not spots’ where people are unable to get broadband at all.
A successful summit looking at broadband provision – ‘West Sussex: Better Connected’ – was hosted at County Hall this month by Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert and the County Council. The keynote speaker was the Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt MP who was full of praise for what the summit had achieved.
Nick Herbert MP said: “The summit was an important part of planning for West Sussex’s superfast future. We’re now in a very strong place to improve the county’s bid and secure a good slice of the remaining money in July.”
Louise added: “We are committed to the need to improve broadband access in West Sussex and will continue working with internet service providers and local communities to achieve this.”
Tags: Chichester, Community, County council, crawley happy times, West Sussex County Council, West Sussex to receive funding for better broadband by July
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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.
Tags: County council, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, Music in Goffs Park, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor
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Tuesday, May 24th, 2011
Go-ahead for Three Bridges parking zone extension
A PROPOSAL to extend the Three Bridges Controlled Parking Zone has been given the go-ahead by the East Crawley County Local Committee.
The proposals, drawn up by County Hall highways experts, include The Birches and the surrounding roads, along with a small change to the Northgate Controlled Parking Zone relating to Northgate Road and Dyers Almshouses.
Richard Burrett, Committee Chairman, said: “The limitations of the existing waiting restrictions and inconsiderate parking by
non-residents in unrestricted roads such as The Birches have been major concerns for many local residents.
“Following extensive consultations with residents, the County Council Highways Team recommended that the current parking arrangements in Three Bridges be amended.
“This will allow on-street parking for residents, visitors and short-stay shoppers to take place where road width permits.
“At the same time, yellow line restrictions will be introduced where necessary to enable the free movement of vehicles and to prevent obstructions.”
Tags: Chichester, County council, crawley happy times, crawley library, Go-ahead for Three Bridges parking zone extension, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex County Council
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Tuesday, May 24th, 2011
County’s bid to save Jubilee Oak
One of the town’s most significant trees will be cut back in a bid to save it following the discovery of disease.
Crawley’s Jubilee Oak, a West Sussex County Council owned tree which can be found in the High Street, is suffering from a heartwood decay fungus which can also affect the roots.
Unfortunately the disease is in its advanced stages which means the tree will need to be cut back to make sure it stays safe and stable.
Marcus Brooke, a West Sussex County Council Arboriculturist, said: “The tree needs to be reduced now and will need further reductions in future years.
“It will be inspected regularly and if the decay reaches a certain level, the tree may one day need to be replaced.”
The Jubilee Oak was planted in 1887 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
Work is due to start on Monday 18th July when the permanent Christmas lights are removed.
On Tuesday19th July and Wednesday 20th July , county council tree surgeons will be reducing the crown of the tree between 9am and 4pm.
Barriers will be in place during the working hours which will reduce some pedestrian access. Four parking bays below the tree will also be closed
Tags: County council, County’s bid to save Jubilee Oak, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, Information, West Sussex
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Friday, May 20th, 2011
Henry Smith has teamed up with TV presenter Angela Rippon to support this year’s Carers Week (13-19 June) and recognise the contribution made by those people in Crawley and throughout the UK who provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled.
The theme for Carers Week 2011 is ‘The True Face of Carers’. It calls for greater recognition for the diverse range of people who have caring responsibilities. The work they carry out is vital for their families and friends, and for their communities.
Henry and Angela have joined together to pay tribute to carers, and to urge that they receive more support in their caring roles. Henry said:
“Thousands of people in Crawley sacrifice not only their time, but also their money and their health in order to care for a loved one. Together, carers save this country an incredible £119 billion every year. They deserve to be recognised for their contribution to both our local community and to wider society.
“I am taking part in Carers Week to show my respect and appreciation for our carers. Having met locally with carers ranging from their young teens to their mid-80’s, I have seen firsthand the great sacrifice that these people make selflessly for loved ones and even in cases complete strangers. I want them to know that there are services out there to help them and I want others to share in the example they set to their local community.
“Caring can be so incredibly demanding. It’s important that carers know that they don’t have to struggle on alone. These people need to know that Crawley is with them and willing to support.”
Angela Rippon has personal experience of being a carer. She explained:
“For a number of years now I’ve become aware of the extraordinary job that carers do throughout this country. I feel that it’s important that anybody who has any knowledge at all stands up and be counted for them and make the job that they do public, because they should not be invisible, they should be out there and being seen as the heroes and heroines that they are.
“It’s a strain that people accept willingly and lovingly, and if they’re prepared to do that, I think that as a civilised nation we should be prepared to do something in return.”
Other celebrities supporting this campaign include Dame Judi Dench, Sir David Jason OBE, Jack Charlton OBE and Martin Lewis.
Carers Week is organised by a partnership of 9 national charities: Age UK, Carers UK, Counsel & Care, Crossroads Care, Dementia UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Parkinson’s UK, and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.
For more information about local events and activities taking place as part of Carers Week, visit www.carersweek.org.
Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp
Tags: CHT, Community, County council, Crawley MP Calls For Greater Recognition For The UK's Six Million Carers, Deborah Urquhart, Henry Smith MP
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Tuesday, May 17th, 2011
From the Antarctic to Ireland – Polar author to visit Library
Come and explore at Crawley Library on Tuesday 24th May, when bestselling author Michael Smith will discuss his books on Ireland’s Antarctic explorers.
In association with The Celtic and Irish Cultural Society, Michael’s visit will be a chance for people to find out more about the story behind his two books, ‘An Unsung Hero’ and ‘Great Endeavour’.
‘An Unsung Hero’ is a biography on Tom Crean, an Irish explorer who took part in three major voyages, including Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition in 1911-1913, where he saw Scott die just before reaching the South Pole. He also walked 56km alone to save someone’s life, and this led to him receiving the Albert Medal.
‘Great Endeavour’ is about Ireland’s Antarctic Explorers, spanning 200 years of exploits and featuring exclusive stories and photographs.
Michael Smith has written books on Polar history for adults and children and contributed to a wide range of television and radio programmes, newspapers and websites.
The talk starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £3.
To book your ticket call Crawley Library on 01293 651751 or email crawley.library@westsussex.gov.uk
Tags: charity, CHT, Community, county, County council, crawley happy times, crawley library, From the Antarctic to Ireland – Polar author to visit Library, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex County Council
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Tuesday, May 17th, 2011
West Sussex businesses confirm need for faster broadband
Just 10 percent of West Sussex businesses feel their internet connection is fast enough for their current needs, a survey carried out by West Sussex County Council has shown.
A total of 621 businesses from across West Sussex took part in the survey, which was carried out earlier this year to understand business views on broadband and how it helps, or hinders their work.
The County Council’s been lobbying BT and internet service providers to help get faster broadband in West Sussex and tackle the ‘not spots’ where people are unable to get broadband at all.
Initial results from the business survey show:
• Just 10 percent of businesses feel their internet connection is fast enough for their current needs.
• A further 32 percent say their internet connection is just about acceptable.
• 80 percent of businesses say the internet is vital to them, with an additional 18 percent saying it is very useful.
• Businesses in rural areas suffer from poor broadband access in particular, with just five percent of those surveyed saying their internet is fast enough. This is compared to 21 percent located in urban areas who said their broadband speed was fast enough.
Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “The survey results show that the internet is vital for many businesses and that there is a lot to be done to ensure the network in West Sussex can meet all business needs.
“We want to help local businesses and the local economy to benefit from the opportunities a fast broadband connection can bring.”
The survey provides evidence for bids for funding, including from Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) – part of the Department for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, for investment in broadband improvements. West Sussex County Council has submitted a bid to BDUK for funding, and is expecting to hear whether the bid has been successful by the end of May.
A summit on broadband provision organised by Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert, together with West Sussex County Council, takes place on Friday 20th May at County Hall, Chichester.
The survey results will be available over the next week on the County Council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk/broadband.
Tags: children, CHT, Community, County council, crawley happy times, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Times, West Sussex, West Sussex businesses confirm need for faster broadband, www.westsussex.gov.uk/broadband
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Monday, May 16th, 2011
Coffee Time for the curious at County Record Office
It was said, at one time, that a person could walk right across West Sussex going from one great estate to another.
Now anyone can find out more about the county’s great estates, from manorial accounts to servant’s photographs, at the County Record Office Coffee Time Session on Wednesday 1st June.
The Record Office, in Orchard Street, Chichester, holds the sessions on the first Wednesday of every month, from 10am – 12pm, for people wanting to learn more about family history from experts, in a relaxed atmosphere over a cup of tea or coffee.
Sessions so far have included learning how to read old handwriting and introducing computer sources for family historians. Future sessions include reading old school records and general advice for beginners.
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Record Office, Deborah Urquhart, said: “Many West Sussex residents will have ancestors who lived or worked for one of the great estates in the county, such as Petworth, Goodwood or Cowdray.
“The estate records held at the Record Office may be a treasure trove of information on someone’s family history.”
There are records on servants who worked in the big houses, including wage books, which show how much they earned and how long they worked for.
There is also information on some of the major landlords, such as their accounts and bills from local and London shopkeepers, lists of charities they supported, and information on their tenants and workers.
Deborah said: “The records of the great estates are well kept and have a good survival rate, especially when the estate has been in the same family for centuries.
“The Record Office has a host of experts who will be on hand to help anyone with their research, giving advice and tips.”
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
Tags: CHT, Coffee Time for the curious at County Record Office, Community, County council, Crawley, Happy, Information, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Updates, West Sussex County Council
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Monday, May 16th, 2011
Rainbow flag to fly at County Hall
THE multi-coloured Rainbow Flag, the international symbol of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community, will be flown at County Hall, Chichester, by West Sussex County Council for the first time on Tuesday May 17.
It will be marking IDAHO – International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, which was founded in France seven years ago with the aim of creating a global community sharing the ideal of a world without homophobia.
Hundreds of associations in more than 50 countries have used the day to raise public and political awareness of LGBT rights.
It is held on May 17 because that is the anniversary of the World Health Organisation decision in 1990 to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders.
Louise Goldsmith, Leader of the County Council, said: “This was a historic step towards considering freedom of sexual orientation and gender identity as a fundamental basic human right.
“Flying the Rainbow Flag at County Hall is a highly visible demonstration of our continuing commitment to developing LGBT initiatives, tackling discrimination in the community and to eradicating homophobia and homophobic crime.
“We are also determined to tackle discrimination within the workplace and in those organisations that deliver services on our behalf.
Mike Coleman, Chairman of the County Council, said: “This commitment was acknowledged by the charity Stonewall, which campaigns and promotes equality for LGBT people. It said West Sussex County Council is one of the UK’s top 100 LGBT-friendly employers.”
Tags: CHT, Community, county, County council, crawley happy times, Happy, Henry Smith MP, Information, Rainbow flag to fly at County Hall, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Times, West Sussex, West Sussex County Council
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Friday, May 13th, 2011
Crawley’s local MP, Henry Smith, has today backed a Bill put before Parliament to introduce St George’s Day celebrations for England.

Henry Smith MP
Henry explained:
“I feel that, as a country, we are all too quick to point out the divisions and difficulties and far too slow in celebrating our commonalities and our heritage. I believe that our English national holiday, St George’s Day, should be officially established in a similar way to the fact that St Patrick’s Day is celebrated in Ireland and elsewhere.
“Last month I took part in St George’s Day community events, including the Scout and Guides parade from the Memorial Garden to Queen’s Square and the Shakespeare reading. Next year I would like to see the parade extended to the High Street too.
“It is time that we celebrate what it is to be English, Welsh, Irish or Scots. It is right that the English public reclaim the symbol of patriotism from some extremist groups and use it for purposes of union and not of division”
Nadhim Zahawi MP, who introduced the Bill to Parliament said:
“I am very lucky to have had the opportunity to introduce this Bill. It is not every day that you get to deliver on a promise to your constituents and to do something that helps us to celebrate our great nation.
“The show of support from the public has been enormous and I’m also very grateful to fellow Parliamentarians like Henry who have supported the Bill throughout the Parliamentary process.”
Follow Henry daily on Facebook by visiting: www.facebook.com/henrysmithmp
Tags: Chichester, county, County council, Crawley, Crawley MP Backs Bill To Create St George's Day, Happy, Henry Smith, Henry Smith MP, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, West Sussex
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Friday, May 13th, 2011
Sensory Day for people with sight or hearing loss
Find out more about sensory impairment and equipment that can help people with visual or hearing loss at a Sensory Day in Crawley this month.
The event takes place on Tuesday 24th May, from 10am to 3pm, at the Friary Hall, Haslett Avenue West, Crawley, RH10 1HR. It has been organised by 4SIGHT, the West Sussex Association for the Blind, and will be attended by the West Sussex County Council Sensory Services Team.
Admission is free. There will be information available, and displays and stands including:
• Equipment for visually impaired people such as talking clocks and watches, devices that bleep to prevent overfilling a cup, and frames to aid writing letters.
• Scanners to read documents and letters, together with demonstrations of computer aids.
• Equipment for people with hearing loss, such as flashing doorbells and listening devices (excluding hearing aids).
For further information contact 4SIGHT on 01243 828555, e-mail enquiries@4sightsussex.co.uk or visit the website at www.4sightsussex.co.uk.
Tags: Allan Hambly, children, County council, Crawley, crawley happy times, Sensory Day for people with sight or hearing loss, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Times, Updates
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Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS SAFELY

The last few weeks of sunshine have been great for people getting out and about to make the most of the good weather but the recent wildfires across the countryside in Berkshire, Lancashire, Wales and Yorkshire, are a reminder of how important it is to take care when enjoying the great outdoors.
In the UK, fire statistics show that on average 74,000 fires are started on grass and heath land every year and While the Met Office is predicting some showers in coming weeks, the fine weather is set to continue for most.
With this in mind, Fire Minister, Bob Neill has issued some top tips on staying fire safe in the warm, dry weather, he said: “We’ve just seen the warmest April on record and despite the rain this weekend, the good weather is set to continue. So it’s important to stay fire-aware when out and about in the sun.
“Fires can be as devastating to wildlife and habitats as they are to people and property, and some simple steps, from taking care with your barbeque, to disposing of cigarettes and matches responsibly, can help ensure you can enjoy yourself in safety – a few moment’s thought could save lives and land.”
By following the Fire & Rescue Service’s common sense advice you can ensure people and the countryside stay safe from the effects of fire:
Wildfires
- be careful not to drop a match or smouldering cigarette in the countryside at any time of year. Dispose of cigarettes and matches carefully and responsibly
Open Fires
When camping in the countryside, if you must have an open fire, remember:
- camp fires should be set downwind
- do not leave fires unattended
- make sure that fires are fully extinguished after use
Grass and forest fires spread rapidly
- never throw cigarette ends out of a car window – they could start a fire and ruin surrounding countryside
- don’t leave bottles or glass in woodlands as sunlight shining through glass can start a fire. Take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin.
Barbeques
- take care to follow any local rules about using barbeques in the countryside
- never leave a barbeque unattended
- take great care when disposing of the ashes
- always keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies
Fire safety advice is free and easy to access from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Community Safety Team on 01243 642879 or at www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire
Tags: 01243 642879, Allan Hambly, Berkshire, Bob Neill, Chichester, CHT, Community, county, County council, Crawley, crawley happy times, Deborah Urquhart, ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS SAFELY, Fire & Rescue Service, Fire Minister, Happy, Information, Lancashire, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Times, Updates, Wales and Yorkshire, West Sussex, West Sussex County Council, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service's Community Safety Team, www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire
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Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
Calling organisations to help disabled young people ‘Access All Areas’
West Sussex County Council is helping services ensure they offer facilities and activities to young people with disabilities.
A special event called ‘Access All Areas’ is being hosted by the County Council’s Short Breaks for Disabled Children Team on Thursday 26th May.
The team is interested in meeting organisations that can offer facilities for learning or physically disabled young people, and also for those with disabilities such as autism.
The event is aimed at organisations such as:
• Community services
• Specialist schools
• Arts and leisure services
• Horse riding schools and sports centres
• Libraries
• Uniformed youth services such as Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts
• Activity centres
• Cinemas and theatres
• Clubs
The information morning will include workshops, information zones and grant funding packs.
Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “Organisations can find out what grants they can apply for to ensure our disabled young people are given the best opportunities in West Sussex.
“We want to provide funding to enable organisations to deliver experiences and short breaks for our children and young people.”
“The series of workshops and presentations on the day will give organisations the opportunity to talk to others that applied for grants last year and find out how they used their money and what was achieved with it.”
The event is being held at Hilton Avisford Park, Yapton Lane, (BN18 0LS), from 9.30am ending with a networking lunch at 1pm.
Tags: (BN18 0LS), Allan Hambly, Calling organisations to help disabled young people ‘Access All Areas’, charity, Chichester, children, CHT, Community, county, County council, County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families, County Council’s Short Breaks for Disabled Children Team, crawley happy times, Deborah Urquhart, Happy, Hilton Avisford Park, Information, Peter Evans, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Updates, West Sussex County Council, Yapton Lane
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Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

The Celtic and Irish Cultural Society as part of Crawley Fleadh 2011 welcomes best selling author Michael Smith to Crawley Library to talk on the remarkable adventures of Irish explorer, Tom Crean.
This lecture, illustrated with many outstanding historic photographs, is based on Smith’s No 1 best-selling book An Unsung Hero, which has has sold almost 90,000 copies worldwide and resulted in a statue being erected in Tom Crean’s honour in Kerry, Guinness theming a TV advertisement on the explorer-turned publican and Crean’s story being taught in Irish schools for the first time.
Lecture on Tom Crean ‘The Ice Man’ at Crawley Library, Tuesday 24th May @ 19.30
Tags: Allan Hambly, children, CHT, Community, County council, Crawley, Crawley Fleadh 2011, crawley happy times, event, Guinness, Happy, Information, Irish explorer, Kerry, Lecture on Tom Crean ‘The Ice Man’ at Crawley Library, Michael Smith to Crawley Library, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, The Celtic and Irish Cultural Society, The remarkable adventures of Irish explorer TOM CREAN, Times, Tom Crean, Tuesday 24th May, Updates, West Sussex County Council
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Monday, May 9th, 2011
Youth Awards 2011
THE YOUTH Awards 2011 is underway and anyone can nominate an inspirational young person from the town.
Now in its seventh year, the awards aim to celebrate and recognise young people who have made a real difference to Crawley and its community.
Organised by Crawley Borough Council, in partnership with West Sussex County Council Youth Service, Crawley School Sports Partnership, West Sussex Council for Voluntary Youth Services, Crawley Young Persons Council and Crawley Wellbeing, the young people will be awarded for their achievements in November.
The sell-out event last year saw around 500 young people recognised for their impressive achievements across the town.
Anyone can nominate a young person and the only criteria for nominees are that they are under 25 years old and they reside in Crawley, or the reason for their nomination occurred within the town.
Those nominating young people under 16 must also get permission from the nominee’s parents or guardians first.
There are 12 awards in four categories, these are:
Community Awards:
Let’s FACE It! – Environment Award
Crawley Lions Club – Carer Recognition Award
Crawley Young Persons Council – Volunteer Award
Sports Awards:
EEZEHAUL – Young Sports Person of the Year Award
Freedom Leisure – Sports Team Award
Crawley School Sports Partnership – Sports Volunteer Award
Arts Awards:
Safer Crawley Partnership – Music Award
Topsy Turvy – Dance and Drama Award
Crawley Metal Supplies – Visual Arts Award
Personal Achievement Awards:
Apollo Group – Inspiration Award
Sussex Police – Courage Award
West Sussex County Council – Educational Achievement Award
If you would like to see an inspirational young person recognised then log onto www.crawley.gov.uk/yaa Or pick up a nomination form from schools, youth centres, the Town Hall, K2 Crawley, The Hawth, Crawley Library, Topsy Turvy (town centre hairdresser) and Connexions. The deadline for nominations is September 14, 2011.
Tags: Allan Hambly, Apollo Group, charity, children, CHT, Community, county, County council, Crawley, crawley happy times, Crawley Lions Club, Crawley Metal Supplies, Crawley School Sports Partnership, Crawley Young Persons Council, Crawley Young Persons Council and Crawley Wellbeing, Crawley Youth Awards 2011, EEZEHAUL, Freedom Leisure, Let’s FACE it, News Bulletins, Safer Crawley Partnership, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Sussex Police, the hawth, Times, Topsy Turvy, West Sussex Council for Voluntary Youth Services, West Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council Youth Service.
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Monday, May 9th, 2011
Music in Goffs Park
The Friends of Goffs Park are holding a musical event on Sunday 15th May.
Music in the Park, on the top lawn behind Goffs Park House, begins at 3pm. The Martineau Brass Quintet will entertain visitors in the beautiful surroundings with ‘St Peter’s Church in Ifield Road, West Green’.
If the weather is poor the event will relocate to St Peter’s Church in Ifield Road, West Green.
For more information call Tony Coles on 01293 527402 or Andy Rogers on 01293 537257
Tags: 01293 527402, 01293 537257, Allan Hambly, Andy Rogers, charity, children, CHT, Community, Councillor Lenny Walker, county, County council, Crawley, crawley borough council, crawley happy times, Goffs Park House, Information, Music in Goffs Park, News Bulletins, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, St Peter’s Church in Ifield Road, The Martineau Brass Quintet, Tony Coles, West Green, Youth
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Friday, May 6th, 2011
West and East Sussex Fire & Rescue Services will be hosting a high profile road safety day at the M23 Pease Pottage Services next Wednesday (May 11th).

This special event has been planned to support the official launch of the United Nations Decade of Road Safety Action on May 11th, which is being marked simultaneously by countries worldwide.
To show their support on launch day, Fire Services from around the UK will be staging their own road safety events at motorway service areas right across the country.
In 2010 in Sussex, 1726 road traffic collisions were recorded for occupational road users, of which 252 people were either killed or seriously injured. This figure alone represents 30% of the overall number of incidents recorded on the county’s roads last year where people suffered serious or life threatening injuries.
Firefighters from both West and East Sussex, alongside colleagues from the County Council’s Road Safety Team and Sussex Police, will be raising awareness of a range of road safety issues. They will also be promoting ‘COSTS’ – the Company Operator Safer Transport Scheme – which has been specifically developed to address the dangers faced by business drivers, including the effects of fatigue, exceeding designated business vehicle speed limits and the dangers of distraction through mobile phone use.
A crashed car display will give drivers a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of collisions and safety demonstrations will be given using the seatbelt sled. There will also be fire and rescue equipment displays, short road safety films, voluntary eyesight testing, as well as road safety professionals on hand to chat informally to drivers.
West Sussex Deputy District Commander for Crawley and Mid Sussex, Richard Davy, who has organised the Pease Pottage event, said:
“Unfortunately, firefighters often see first hand the devastating aftermath of road traffic collisions and this event is part of our continuing campaign to drive down the numbers of people losing their lives, often needlessly, on the county’s roads.
“It is also an opportunity to join Fire and Rescue Services around the UK in supporting an important global road safety campaign. The emphasis of the day is on education, not enforcement – so if, as a result of speaking to us or seeing the demonstration, people stop one bad driving habit or start one good one, then lives could well be saved.”
The road safety day will be held from 9am until 2pm. Public access to the motorway services will not be affected.
Tags: Allan Hambly, children, CHT, Community, county, County council, County Council’s Road Safety Team and Sussex Police, Crawley, Crawley & Mid Sussex Deputy District Commander Richard Davy (West Sussex FRS), crawley borough council, crawley happy times, Deborah Urquhart, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Gary Walsh (East Sussex FRS), Deputy Chief Fire Officer Sean Ruth (West Sussex FRS), Henry Smith MP, Information, Mayor Lee Burke, News Bulletins, online, Pease Pottage Service, Richard Davy, Shelley Fagence-Traynor, SUSSEX FIREFIGHTERS SUPPORT GLOBAL ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN, Times, United Nations Decade of Road Safety Action, Updates, West and East Sussex Fire & Rescue Services, West Sussex County Council, West Sussex Deputy District Commander for Crawley and Mid Sussex
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Friday, May 6th, 2011
A cold warning from Trading Standards
DESPITE the recent warm weather, West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service is issuing a Cold Warning.
Pete Bradbury, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “When the weather is warm, dodgy doorstep dealers and rogue traders traditionally step up their cold calling activities.
“We are more relaxed at home than in a shop where we have actually gone out to buy something – door to door traders frequently exploit this.
“Older people are often a particular target and can be very vulnerable. If you have elderly neighbours, relatives or friends please warn them to be careful, and keep an eye out for unexpected callers.”
Favourite cold calling products and services include:
• Mobility aids and products, including stair lifts, bath aids, scooters and buggies.
• Disability aids, including hearing aids.
• Home improvement, repair and maintenance services, including the construction of extensions, conservatories, driveways, patios and the supply and/or fitting of double-glazing.
• Gardening services.
• Personal items, including cosmetics, toiletries, jewellery.
• Household items, such as kitchenware, decorative and household cleaning items.
• Nutrition and health products.
Graeme MacPherson, Head of Trading Standards, said the service’s advice is:
• Never get involved with uninvited callers at your door – say ‘NO’.
• If the caller says they are from the Council or other public body, ask to see their authority and check it – they will be PLEASED to show it.
• If you should be subjected to threats or intimidation call the Police at once on 999.
• Seek advice from West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service before agreeing to anything, if you are unsure of your position. Call consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Graeme added: “If you do enter into a contract in your home, in many instances you do have the right to cancel a contract for goods or services made during a visit by a trader.
“You should by law be given a cooling off period and cancellation notice.
“But the best advice is not to enter into a contract in the first place. Unless you are absolutely certain that it is right for you – SAY ‘NO’.
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Wednesday, May 4th, 2011
Celebrating the best of West Sussex buildings
The 2011 West Sussex Design and Sustainability Awards have been launched, promoting and celebrating the construction and restoration of buildings and open spaces.
West Sussex County Council has run an awards scheme since 1978. In 2007 the categories changed to reflect the increasing need for construction to be sustainable, both in terms of materials and energy use.
The award categories are:
• The New Building Award: for new buildings that best show the principles of good design.
• The Sustainable Building Award: for buildings using the principles of sustainable design and which are designed to minimise their impact on the environment for the life of the building.
• The Restoration Award: for the best conversion or restoration of an existing structure which gives new economic life to a redundant or underused building or structure.
• The Public Realm Award: for the best landscaping around an individual building or group of buildings, a public open space, new public art or an example of a quality street scene design and layout.
County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “The awards celebrate the rich variety of new and restored buildings in our county.
“It’s a tough job for the judges to choose the winning nominations, taking into account many factors including whether it makes a positive contribution to the surroundings, and whether sustainable materials have been used.”
The deadline for entries is Friday 3rd June. For further details contact 01243 642119, e-mail designawards@westsussex.gov.uk , or visit the County Council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk/designawards, to enter online.
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