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Singleton Parish Council

( Volunteers Clearing the River Lavant )

This website provides information about the activities of the Parish Council in the villages of Singleton and Charlton - pretty villages situated in the Lavant Valley, a few miles north of Chichester in West Sussex.

All of our councillors are volunteers and are committed to representing their community. They:

give views, on behalf of the community, on planning applications and other proposals that affect the parish
undertake projects and schemes that benefit local residents
work in partnership with other bodies to achieve benefits for the parish
alert relevant authorities to problems that arise or work that needs to be undertaken
help the other tiers of local government keep in touch with their local communities

We want to work closely with our community and encourage residents to get in touch with us and attend meetings. Please get in touch and join our mailing list, mailchimp

Southern Water Updates

Please click View All to download the presentation given at the Parish Council Meeting held on the 18th November 2024.

Southern Water Update Friday 17th January 2025

We have sealed this week approx. 146m of public and private sewer in Charlton.

Total sealed from East dean down the valley is approx 3576m.

We have also this week had the manhole sealing team in the field between Charlton and Singleton.

The sewer sealing crews will be working in Charlton yet again next week.

I carried out the letter drop to the residents of Bankside informing them that we are now working our way down to Bankside and that we will need access to the sewer network at the rear of their properties.

I have had an email from our contractor CBUL today to let everyone know that they will be carrying out some routine sewer cleaning on the network between East Dean and Charlton.

As of yet there is no fixed date for this but they have let me know that it will be next week so there could be some traffic management involved.

I have asked a company to carry out a connectivity survey of the village.

The survey will look for where roof guttering and storm water all go to, I would ask for the entire village of Charlton please allow the crews to access the sewers at there property so that we can check for this.

If roof guttering or surface water is proven to connect to the foul sewer, we will work residents to remove this from the sewer as in times of rain this would potentially overload the sewer system and spill to the environment which could create the need for tankers back in the village more so in ground water season.

We will carry out these surveys as we move down the network so that we can remove this and mitigate the risk even further.

Southern Water Presentation

RFBH Levels

Latest Parish News

South Downs News - January 2025

17

January 2025

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WORK AND PLAY IN YOUR NATIONAL PARK

THIS MONTH:

Gallery of seasonal delightsFind out the winners of our annual photo competition and how you can get involved to crown the “People’s Choice” champion.
Have your say!Our Local Plan Review launches this month and we want your feedback!
MBELearn about a man whose dedication to the South Downs has earned him a top honour.
Win a FREE gourmet lunch!Dine in one of the region’s best restaurants, the PIG.

As always please send your comments and ideas to newsletter@southdowns.gov.uk

Click here to read a PDF version of South Downs News

PICTURE OF THE MONTH: January may be known for its "blues", but blue can mean many things - it could be a blue sky or the crystal-clear waters of amazing blue spaces such as the River Meon, as pictured here by Western Downs Ranger (and talented photographer) Andy Reeves. We're being blessed with some cold, sunny days so do make sure you get out into the National Park, if you're able, for a blast of fresh air and those uplifting views!

If you have an amazing seasonal image, please do email us!

Seasonal splendours of the South Downs

Two of Britain’s most iconic birds, a majestic wintry river and the joy of springtime wild garlic in an ancient English woodland are among the winners of the National Park’s Annual Photo Competition.

Photographer Piers Fearick was a double winner, taking both the first and runner-up prize in the National Park’s ever-popular wildlife category by capturing the beauty of a yellowhammer and wren in the South Downs.

The theme for the main competition was “Stunning Seasons of the South Downs” and judges were treated to an incredible assortment of images showing off the changing landscape, treescape, weather and light conditions throughout the year. This year saw a record number of entries, with over 800 photographs.

Find out all the winners here!

Vote for your favourite in The People's Choice

Have your say on the Local Plan Review!

An eight-week consultation begins this month as the National Park invites people to have their say on how and where development takes place.

The award-winning South Downs Local Plan is being reviewed to ensure it’s up-to-date and addresses important issues such as nature recovery, climate change, affordable housing and helping local communities thrive.

The public consultation of the Local Plan Review starts on 20 January and will run until 17 March. This is the main opportunity for people to help shape the final Plan, so we're encouraging the public to get involved. Learn more here and find out about our engagement events.

Get involved and have your say

Funding of £2m for community projects

Cycle path improvements, new toilets, a school extension, wildlife viewing platform and the restoration of a historic walled garden are among the community projects to benefit from a major funding boost from the South Downs National Park Authority.

To kick off 2025 the National Park is announcing 27 projects across Sussex and Hampshire that will receive a share of just over £1.9m. Find out more and see the full list of schemes.

Dark Skies Festival is back! Dates for your diary

It’s nearly time to embrace the darkness!

Our ever-popular Dark Skies Festival returns next month, with 11 days of events and activities celebrating the dark skies of the Soithwildlife that lives here.wildlife that lives here.

This year’s theme is “glimmers” and we’ll be celebrating the sparkling lights of stars, planets, meteors and moons in the night sky, the bioluminescence of glowworms and biofluorescence of other life, and linking this to becoming aware of those small, positive moments in our lives that encourage feelings of happiness, wonder and awe.

Here are some key dates for the diary and the full brochure with every event and activity will be coming out later this month. Some events have to be booked, while others you can just turn up!

Activities will include stargazing through large telescopes, talks, storytelling, a “Walk The Planets” trail, night walks and runs, craft activities, podcasts and lots more.

Please note that all in person events are subject to cancellation at short notice due to weather conditions. The full brochure will be available here.

Trevor's MBE honour

Trevor Beattie, the long-serving former Chief Executive of the South Downs National Park Authority, is receiving an MBE for his services to the natural environment.

Trevor retired just over a year ago and was quite surprised to receive the good news that he was part of the New Year's Honours list. Find out more here.

It's National Dog Walking Month!

Olivia French, Heathlands Engagement Lead, encourages responsible dog walking and explains why picking up dog poo is so important to help protect sensitive habitats such as South Downs heaths.

Find out more from Olivia here.

Community nature group are the bee's knees

A group of community volunteers have won two coveted awards for their stellar efforts to create much-needed habitat for wildlife.

The Friends of Blacknest Fields have been working hard over the past few years to improve eight acres of land in the parish of Binsted, Hampshire. Now they have won two top accolades. Find out more here.

Win a gourmet lunch at the PIG!

Bees and butterflies are being given a helping hand in the National Park thanks to the generosity of guests at a popular greenhouse restaurant.

Over the past two years, more than £16,000 has been donated to the South Downs Trust from the award-winning PIG restaurant, which is situated in the hamlet of Madehurst, near Arundel.

It comes after diners had the option of adding a £1 donation to their bill, while the business has also donated £4,000 from its own funds to help local wildlife.

All the funding has been poured into the National Park’s Bee Lines initiative, which has so far created over 100 hectares – or 160 football pitches – of brand-new wildflower meadows to help pollinators thrive.

Olivia Dear, from the restaurant, said: “We love our bees, but they are not just useful for our Kitchen Gardens, humming and dipping from plant to plant, they are essential for helping preserve the ecological balance and biodiversity of nature. It is fantastic we can support bees. and many other important pollinators, beyond our grounds and gardens through the Bee Lines initiative.”

The PIG, which also includes sumptuous rooms for overnight stays, prides itself on its amazing kitchen garden and anything it cannot grow is sourced from within a 25-mile radius.

We’ve teamed up with the PIG to offer a delicious midweek two-course lunch for two people (£28.50 excluding drinks) at the Madehurst restaurant. The lunch offer is available until the end of February.

People signing up to the newsletter during January will be automatically entered into the draw.

Those who are already signed up can email “homegrown” to newsletter@southdowns.gov.uk before midnight on 31 January.

Things to do in January

Find other events and activities across the National Park and submit your own. Please remember booking may be necessary and do check full details with the venue.

Head to Cowdray Farm Shop Café, Midhurst, on 25 January for the fourth in their series of “Evening Dining events” to enjoy a seasonal feast inspired by local ingredients. Each evening in our series will shine the spotlight on an ingredient that comes straight from Cowdray Estate with the January evening focusing on the estate’s beef. There will also be a delicious vegetarian menu to enjoy if you’d prefer.
Watch a film about the harmony of farming and nature. In collaboration with Bedales, Petersfield Climate Action Network are hosting a screening of the soil health film Six Inches of Soil. The film will be shown in the school theatre, followed by a discussion with a panel of local experts. The event will run from 6.30pm to 9.30pm on 28, January. The film tells the inspiring story of British farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food – to heal the soil, benefit our health and provide for local communities. Book a seat here.
Looking ahead to next month, there are glimmers of spring and longer days with the snowdrop festival at The Manor of Dean Tillington, Petworth. As part of the National Garden Scheme, there will be an open afternoon in the gardens on 2 February, with a chance to enjoy the early spring bulbs.
Book a spot on one of the National Park’s Youth Action Days! Are you aged 16-25 (or know someone who might be interested) and want to make a difference to nature and the environment? We’re offering the chance to get involved with Steyning Downland Scheme, which is working towards improving biodiversity and improving accessibility. The fun volunteering day on 15 February is FREE to join and a great chance to add to your CV! Find out more here.

Chichester District Council - District Dispatch

District Dispatch

08

January 2025

As we all know, our weather is becoming more unsettled throughout the year. During the winter months, we tend to see more rain — which can increase the risk of flooding — as well as sudden cold spells and extreme weather. This is why we are encouraging people to be prepared.

If you have a mobile phone, it’s worth downloading our Chichester District Council app from the Apple app store or the Google Play store. This not only enables you to view your waste and recycling collection dates and sign up to handy reminders, but if you switch your notifications on, you will also receive live updates on your waste and recycling collections. This means that you will be notified if there are any changes to collections due to severe weather, or any other unforeseen problems. You can find out more about this at:www.chichester.gov.uk/chichesterdcapp

There are several things we can all do to make sure that our homes, gardens and businesses are ready for the months ahead, and so we have collated some useful tips that we want to share with you.

If you experience a power cut during extreme weather, you should contact your electricity distribution operator by calling 105, and someone will put you through to your area operator.

You can check the flood risk for your postcode area at:www.gov.uk/check-long-term-flood-risk. In many flood risk areas, you can also sign up for flood warnings by visiting:www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings. These warn of the risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, and groundwater. You can receive alerts by phone, email, or text when flooding is expected. Please note that these alerts are not available in all areas.

It’s also worth familiarising yourself with the location of the shut-offs for your mains water, gas and electricity, in case you need to leave your home because of flooding. The location of these varies between properties. Gas shut-off valves are normally beside the meter. The mains electricity cut-off is usually a big red switch on your fuse box. If you can’t find your water stopcock, ask someone with practical experience, or a plumber to help you.

Sometimes no amount of planning and preparation can stop weather events from damaging your property. Insurance offers peace of mind so you know that whatever happens, your home and property is covered. It’s worth checking that your policy is up-to-date and covers what you need.

When high winds are forecast, remember that this can turn everyday items like garden furniture and chairs into dangerous objects. Make sure they are secure, or stored away before a storm or when high winds are forecast.

Before it gets windy or a storm hits, it’s advisable to check your roof for loose tiles, slates and flashing. It’s also worth removing dead branches from old trees. In winter, leaves can build up in your guttering and drainpipes. As a result, water may not drain away properly and will leak into the roof and sides of your house, so you may want to consider having your gutters cleared.

Be prepared for cold weather and make sure water pipes and water tanks in your property are covered with good quality insulation. This will help insulate your hot water system, helping you to save money and protect them from freezing.

Making a list of numbers that you’ll need in an emergency, including local services and loved ones, can also be really helpful. Print or write these on paper in case the situation means you can’t use your phone.

For more advice on how to prepare for emergencies, visit:https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/get-prepared-for-emergencies. You can also subscribe to Met Office alerts for the very latest weather warnings:www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news-and-media/media-centre/subscribe-to-email-alerts,which we also share on our social media pages.

Best Wishes

Cllr Jonathan Brown

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environmental Strategy at Chichester District Council