Posts Tagged ‘West Sussex’

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Crawley MP Hits Out At ‘Absurd’ Gatwick Airport ‘Congestion Tax’ Suggestion

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

Crawley MP Hits Out At ‘Absurd’ Gatwick Airport ‘Congestion Tax’ Suggestion

Henry Smith MP has criticised suggestions from a consortium of regional airports that Gatwick, as a London airport, should additional charges through a congestion tax.

Earlier this week, Henry sought assurances from the Treasury Secretary on the floor of the House of Commons by asking:

“Last week, a consortium of regional airports called for a congestion tax on London airports such as Gatwick in my constituency. Will the Treasury rule out such an absurd and, frankly, anti-free trade measure?”

Speaking to local Airport representatives, Henry explained:

“The recent suggestion made by a group of regional airports that London airports should pay an additional ‘congestion tax’ is absurd and would damage the Gatwick economy and jobs. I am pleased, therefore, that the Treasury confirmed to me that Gatwick will not be unfairly burdened by taxes.

“There would simply no plausible rationale behind penalising Gatwick for its success and proximity to London. The Government is right in encouraging companies to establish here in the UK, particularly in the Crawley/Gatwick area with it’s uniquely ideal location, and is also right in not taking the advice of those regional airports whose recommendations would jeopardise this.”

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

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in News Bulletins | No Comments »

Trade Skills 4U Opening An Honour For Crawley MP

Monday, June 20th, 2011

Crawley MP, Henry Smith has spoken about how “honoured” he was to officially open the new Manor Royal based Trade Skills 4U centre along with Falklands veteran Simon Weston OBE.

Henry said before unveiling a plaque at the new centre:

“The company specialises in re-training injured military service personnel in renewable energy product installation. A fantastic initiative which helps over 3,000 people a year as a result of an idea of the company’s inspirational Managing Director, Carl Bennett.

“Offering apprenticeships, promoting green energy and helping those to re-skill, especially injured members of the armed forces, achieves so many positive outcomes. I am delighted this is happening right here in Crawley.”

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

 

 

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Community, Events, News, News Bulletins | No Comments »

MP Pays Tribute To Regiment At Crawley Homecoming Parade

Thursday, June 16th, 2011

MP Pays Tribute To Regiment At Crawley Homecoming Parade

Crawley MP, Henry Smith, said this morning:

“I am very proud that Crawley is hosting the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment for their homecoming parade.

“We owe our very freedom and security to those service personnel who risk their lives to defend us. I am delighted that Crawley residents recognise that and have gone out of their way to welcome our troops with respect and affection.”

The Regimental homecoming parade begins noon starting at Territorial Army Centre then moves west on to The Boulevard before moving south along the High Street.

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

 


Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Community, Events, News, News Bulletins | No Comments »

Latest guide to approved traders now available

Monday, June 13th, 2011

Latest guide to approved traders now available

THE latest Approved Traders Directory, which is free and lists more than 350 local traders that have been comprehensively vetted by West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service, is out now.

The directory is produced by Trading Standards to support its Buy With Confidence scheme, which was launched in 2005 to protect consumers, particularly older and vulnerable residents, from dodgy dealers.

Every trader featured in the directory has been vetted by Trading Standards officers, including a Criminal Records Bureau check when applicable. They are regularly monitored to make sure they continue to offer a high quality service.

Pete Bradbury, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “The directory gives consumers peace of mind because all businesses listed have agreed to provide a trustworthy and high standard of customer service.

“It is particularly valuable for older and vulnerable consumers who need to know who they can trust and it will help protect them from becoming victims in their own homes.”

The Approved Traders Directory is available from Buy With Confidence traders, Libraries, Register Offices, Help Points, Tourist Information Centres, District and Borough Council offices, doctors and dentists surgeries and selected DIY stores across West Sussex or by calling 01243 642124.

It can also be viewed on line www.westsussex.gov.uk/tradingstandards

West Sussex County Council Trading Standards Service is always seeking reputable businesses to join Buy With Confidence.

Pete said: “Buy With Confidence is another example of the way West Sussex County Council is backing local businesses in a challenging economic climate.

“It is a valuable resource for all local legitimate businesses because membership tells residents you’re a trader to be trusted, particularly at a time when people are being cautious about where they spend their money.

“It is independent recognition of your business’ standards and tells consumers you have demonstrated a high level of commitment to fair trading and provide a quality service.”

Buy With Confidence membership entitles traders to:

• A free listing in the Approved Trader Directory and the opportunity to advertise their business.

• A place on the ‘Buy with Confidence’ website, including a link to their website.

• Certificate of membership to display in premises.

• Use of the Buy with Confidence logo on premises, stationery and transport.

• Regular newsletters.

• The opportunity to advertise through West Sussex County Council media at discounted rates.

For further information about how to become a member call 01243 642124, email: buywithconfidence@westsussex.gov.uk

 


Tags: , , , ,
Posted in News Bulletins | No Comments »

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

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in News Bulletins | No Comments »

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

 

 

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in News Bulletins | No Comments »

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

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Community, Events, News, News Bulletins | No Comments »

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

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Community, Events, News, News Bulletins | No Comments »

Vote now for pioneering Hastings Homeless Service!

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

Vote now for pioneering Hastings Homeless Service!

Sussex residents are being urged to cast their vote for the ground breaking St John Ambulance Homeless Service which provides first aid and vital health care to some of the most vulnerable people in Hastings.

The service has reached the South East semi-finals of the National Lottery Awards and is now relying on local people to see it crowned with the coveted ‘Best Health Project’ title.

The project is competing against nine others in its category. The first round of public voting runs until midday on 20th June – vote by visiting www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards/best-health-project/123/ or call 0844 836 9703.

The three projects with the most votes in each category will go through to the final round of public voting later in the summer.

St John Ambulance set up its Hastings Homeless Service in 2003 with the help of a £152,701 Lottery grant. It received another £181,498 worth of Lottery funding in 2007.

Hastings podiatrist Sue Rains is pictured tending to the feet of a homeless client

The charity’s 14-strong team of dedicated volunteers provides a unique service to homeless and vulnerable people who, for a variety of complex reasons, find themselves excluded from GP and other mainstream health services.

The service ranges from emergency first aid in life or death situations to ongoing support designed to help desperate people turn their lives around.

The team includes five nurses, a mental health nurse and a podiatrist. Together they provide four daytime health clinics a week at the Seaview Project day-centre in St Leonards and a fortnightly Saturday evening clinic at Hope Kitchen in Hastings.

The free drop-in clinics enable homeless people to receive treatment for a range of serious illnesses and conditions common among those who live at the margins of society – they include bronchitis, trench foot, skeletal injuries and mental problems linked to alcohol and drug abuse. Last year the service had more than 1,400 contacts with clients.

Along with professional health care, the charity also provides a wide range of support services designed to help people tackle their problems and turn their lives around.

A homeless man with trench foot

A pioneering partnership between the Homeless Service and the Conquest Hospital has been successful in reducing repeated readmission to hospital because St John Ambulance ensures patients are given the support they need when they are discharged after treatment.

The project has reduced the burden on the NHS while ensuring that discharged patients don’t simply return to their desperate lives on the streets with all the associated health risks.

Homeless Service Manager Markie Barratt said: ‘It’s easy to vote so I hope as many people as possible will support us.’

‘Gaining a national award would be a great boost for the project which relies on public donations and Lottery funding to provide vital health care to people who most need it. In many cases the service is quite literally the difference between a life lost and a life saved.’

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in News Bulletins | No Comments »

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

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News Bulletins | No Comments »

Exciting times at Tilgate Park

Friday, June 3rd, 2011

Tilgate Park, Crawley’s jewel in the crown, is getting even better.

Improvements and new activities at Crawley Borough Council’s flagship park will make a visit even more enjoyable this summer.

Environment Agency work on the new dam at the northern end of Tilgate Lake should be completed in July. The lake will then refill naturally with rainwater.

Fencing is likely to remain around most of the lake for safety reasons until the lake is full, although the crest above the new dam will be open next month.

Once the lake is full, the council will encourage family-friendly fishing, while carp fishing will continue in the adjacent Silt Lake. The council is also 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 within the park and its woodlands, such as aerial walkways in the trees and more activities for children.

The pub in the park, formerly The Bluebird, is expected to reopen as a pub/restaurant in the autumn.

Changes to parking this summer will see the fisherman’s car park, behind the new dam, improved with better surfacing with 210 marked spaces.

We are aiming to update the animal enclosures 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.

A potential membership scheme for Tilgate Park will also be investigated, which could provide a range of benefits for local people.

Councillor Lenny Walker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “Tilgate Park is rightly regarded as one of the best parks around and this is why it’s important to improve the facilities with the investment being made.

“We are determined to make Tilgate Park and its facilities better, with boating and family fishing on the main lake, a new pub/restaurant opening, aerial walkways, more car parking spaces and an improved Nature Centre.

“We know people come to Tilgate Park from far and wide but our priority is Crawley residents. This is why we are looking into the possibility of a local membership scheme for the park that rewards frequent visitors, especially local Council Tax payers.”

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Community, Events, News, News Bulletins | 4 Comments »

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Community, Events, News, News Bulletins | No Comments »

Call-in agreed on grants decisions

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

Call-in agreed on grants decisions

Two decisions related to the allocation of prevention and wellbeing grants to County Local Committees have been called-in at West Sussex County Council.

A special meeting of the Adults’ Services Select Committee will consider the call-in on Friday 3rd June, at 10.30am, at County Hall, Chichester.

The decisions, taken by the Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, were on the delegation and the approval of prevention and wellbeing grants. Countywide grants would be decided by the Cabinet Member while grants for local areas would be decided by the relevant County Local Committee.

The call in focuses on the process of the allocation of the grants by County Local Committees at local level.

Funding of £174,000 is available for the Prevention and Wellbeing grants in 2011/12. The grants are available for organisations to help provide community-based activities that promote independence and social inclusion.

Chairman Irene Richards said: “The scrutiny committee will fully examine the process for the allocation of the grants, and will then make our recommendation to the Cabinet Member.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in News Bulletins | No Comments »

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.”

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News Bulletins | No Comments »

Bank holiday collection changes in Crawley

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

Rubbish and recycling collections will move from their usual days due to the Spring Bank Holiday next week.

The bank holiday on Monday 30th May  means that residents’ collection days will be a day later than normal. Collections will return to normal on Monday 6th June.

To check if your recycling collection is week 1 or week 2, visit www.crawley.gov.uk/recycling or call 0800 5875 888.

Collections may be made at a different time of day during holiday periods so please ensure your rubbish, recycling container(s) and GREENbin(s) are available from 7.15am and are clearly visible.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Community, Events, News, News Bulletins | No Comments »

County’s bid to save Jubilee Oak

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: , , , , ,
Posted in News Bulletins | No Comments »

Bus service subsidies to be reduced by County Council

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011

Bus service subsidies to be reduced by County Council

An ‘impact assessment’ to find out how reductions in bus subsidies will affect passengers is being launched by West Sussex County Council.

The County Council announced in February that it would be reducing the subsidy it gives to bus companies in West Sussex by £2 million, leaving a budget of £2.7 million per year.

Of the 24 million bus journeys made every year in West Sussex, reduction could affect just two million trips.

The savings, which will be phased over a three-year period, are necessary as part of the County Council’s need to reduce its overall spending by £79 million.

The County Council is asking passengers on the selected services to explain how the changes are likely to affect them.

Details of the routes that might be affected from September 2011 will be available online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/buses as well as in local libraries and Help Points.

Sunday and evening services will be most affected but passengers may also see a reduction in the frequency of services on some routes during weekdays. A small number of routes used by school children who are not eligible for free transport are also included in the proposals.

Lionel Barnard, West Sussex County Council Deputy Leader with responsibility for Highways and Transport, said: “We very much regret having to reduce these subsidies but I must stress that although the County Council is withdrawing some subsidies it may not mean an end to the service.

“We are working with the bus companies to look at all possible alternatives. In some cases it might be possible for services to continue running with a fare increase, or a reduced number of buses if the bus operators find a way to absorb the cost themselves.

“We are also keen to work with local residents and community transport schemes to look at alternative ways for people to make their journeys.”

Recommendations on which subsidies to reduce have been made by a specially formed cross-party group of councillors.

The impact assessment closes on Friday June 10 with the first phase of reductions taking effect from September 1, 2011.

As well as information on the County Council website, people can call 01243 642105, email  buses@westsussex.gov.uk or write to: Buses, Have Your Say, FREEPOST RSBK-CHTU-KGGG, West Sussex County Council, Chichester, PO19 1RQ.

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News Bulletins | No Comments »

West Sussex businesses confirm need for faster broadband

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: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News Bulletins | No Comments »

Key into computers with FREE courses for over 50s

Monday, May 16th, 2011

Key into computers with FREE courses for over 50s

Does the thought of ‘opening an attachment’ or forwarding an email scare you? If so, Silver Surfers’ Day could be for you.

To celebrate Silver Surfers’ Day, on Friday 20th May, West Sussex Library Service is holding free courses for those aged over 50, who feel they are being left behind by the computer generation but want to try.

There will be structured training sessions on the Friday at the following Libraries:

• Chichester – 9.15am – 11.15am

• Bognor Regis – 9.30am – 11.30am

• East Grinstead – 9.30am – 1pm

• Horsham – 10am – 12pm

• Willowhale – 2pm – 4pm

There will also be informal and drop-in sessions offered at Crawley, Goring, Littlehampton, Rustington and Worthing Libraries on the Friday and at Lancing Library on Wednesday 18th May, and Shoreham Library on Thursday 19th May. Ask in any of these Libraries for more details.

Trained staff will be there to help the surfers learn how to open an email account, send attachments, and give advice and tips on the best way to make use of the Internet.

Deborah Urquhart, County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Library Service, said: “Silver Surfers’ Day is aimed at showing a generation of would-be users, who may feel it’s too late to learn, that the world of the Internet is not scary.

“The Library Service has run courses like this before, with great success.

“For anyone who wants to begin surfing the World Wide Web, this is the perfect opportunity.”

To reserve a place, contact any of the Libraries listed above.

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News Bulletins | No Comments »

Rainbow flag to fly at County Hall

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: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News Bulletins | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »