Huge funding boost for wetlands

A huge funding boost will help restore precious wetlands across the South Downs region and help raise awareness about the vital importance of water in all our lives.

National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £1.7m to the “Downs to the Sea” initiative, which will increase and restore a network of vital wetlands across and around the South Downs National Park.

Downs to the Seawill help carry out much-needed restoration work to a number of internationally designated wildlife sites, such as RSPB Pulborough Brooks (right) and Pagham Harbour in West Sussex. The initiative will restore 15 ponds in the National Park to create biodiversity hotspots and support the movement of wildlife between sites, increasing resilience to a warming climate.

Learn more here.

Win a luxury hamper in online quiz!

How good is your knowledge of the South Downs?

Our ever-popular Advent Calendar quizreturns next month for the chance to win a beautiful hamper packed with gorgeous goodies worth £100.

Each day there will be a new door to open, revealing a fun quiz question covering all manner of topics, including wildlife, history, geography, general trivia, popular culture, and Christmas, of course!

We’ll be giving away a runner-up prize of a bottle of Upperton Nebula sparkling wine, lovingly made right here on the sunny slopes of the South Downs National Park.

Jeff Travis, PR Officer, said: “We started the calendar five years ago and it’s grown in popularity ever since.

“As well as the questions, there’s lots of images, video and trivia about the National Park and it’s a great way to learn more about this very special area. It only takes a moment of your time every day and is a fun way of getting into the mood for Christmas. Be sure to sign up before 1 December to get the reminders as you only have one day to open each door. Good luck with the competition!”

Sign up to South Downs Advent Calendar

Festive magic comes to South Downs

A winter wonderland of festivities is coming soon with a bumper line-up of events across the National Park.

From insights into the winter celebrations of Romans, Celts and Edwardians, to festive fayres with chestnuts roasting and carol singing aplenty, there’s something for everyone to enjoy over the next few weeks.

Find out more here.

Torc will go on display

A gold torc believed to date from the Iron Age will be going on display in Lewes.

Five years ago a metal detectorist discovered the torc near Pulborough and now two fragments have undergone detailed analysis by the British Museum.

The research, led by Dr Sophia Adams, suggests the fragments to be the first evidence for an Iron Age gold torc from Sussex, with the artefact now estimated to date back to between 2,300 and 2,400 years ago. Learn more.

New city hub for National Park

A Brighton school is to become the first “Ambassador School” in an urban setting for the South Downs National Park.

Moulsecoomb Primary School, on Lewes Road, is now proudly displaying its official National Park Ambassador School sign, which means it has become a hub for schools from the city and beyond to access learning opportunities about the landscape, heritage and wildlife of the South Downs. Find out more here.

"We returned home feeling content after our family adventure in National Park"

Portsmouth-based mum Nicki Robertz has discovered the restorative powers of the South Downs National Park in recent years. Here she writes about a wet autumn walk with her family at a 2,000-year-old yew forest, discovering ancient trees, fungi and birdsong and returning home breathing a little more deeply than before.

Stunning new calendar is now available!

Our all-new calendar features iconic views of the National Park taken from our annual photo competition.

Copies can be bought by visiting the South Downs Centre, in Midhurst, or Seven Sisters Visitor Centre, at Exceat, near Seaford.

Costing just £9.99, the calendar is also available to buy online or by telephoning 01730 814810.

Order online here: www.southdowns.gov.uk/south-downs-calendar/

Win a £50 voucher at amazingcafé!

Who doesn’t love a warming cup of tea or coffee on a chilly winter’s day?

EDGE Tea & Coffeeis an award-winning family-run Sussex business spanning three generations, expertly roasting coffee and blending tea since 1981.

The historic Dutch barn, at Ford, is the heart and soul of EDGE, an escape amongst the hedgerows and the perfect spot to find a moment of calm.

Across the roastery’s courtyard is the EDGE café, which welcomes dog walkers, cyclists and anyone interested in a spot of people watching for a coffee and a chat.

Poppy Chandler, from EDGE, says: “Relax in our courtyard, smell the warm aromas of coffee roasting and bring your pup along for a treat too.

“When it comes to coffee, we do not like to compromise. We travel the globe in search for the world’s top 5% of beans, for your to enjoy at home or in our café.

“Adjacent to the café you’ll find our EDGE Store stocked full of local goodies. You'll find the whole range of our specialty coffees, loose leaf teas, and treats from Sussex bakeries, independents and local artisan suppliers. At our in-store refillery, when you bring in your own container, or use one of ours, you'll receive a cheeky 15% discount on your coffee. Win for the planet and a win for your pocket!”

We’ve teamed up with EDGE Tea & Coffee to offer a £50 voucher to spend online, in-store or in the EDGE Café.

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

Those who are already signed up can email “Sip, sip, hooray! It's tea time” to newsletter@southdowns.gov.uk before midnight on 30 November.

Sign up to the newsletter here and see competition T&Cs here.

In the October edition of this newsletter you'll see a Climate Change update and scheme updates from across the county.

Winter Preparedness Briefings

Thank you for attending the WSCC Local Highways Operations - Winter Preparedness briefing October 2024

Please do complete the brief questionnaire to enable us to gather your feedback on the Winter preparedness brief and future briefing topics. Your feedback is valuable and will help us improve future sessions. Please click on the following link to complete:

7th October Briefing: https://s.surveyplanet.com/8w8j53mx

14th October Briefing: https://s.surveyplanet.com/w4fhpd9m

15th October Briefing: https://s.surveyplanet.com/w4fhpd9m

We are also pleased to provide you with a dedicated email address to escalate complex issues, which is: Parish-Town.Highways@westsussex.gov.uk

Please do continue to use our online reporting channels to notify us of new issues. For emergency issues on the Highway please telephone our contact centre which is available 24/7 on: 01243 642105. This will allow us to address your queries more efficiently.

We are looking to deliver our next Winter related brief, early – mid December and will confirm topic when all the questionnaires have been completed and reviewed. Please can you complete by 9 November to provide us time to prepare for December.

Please find some useful links we identified from the briefing session:

Make an enquiry or report a problem with a road or pavement - West Sussex County Council

Winter service - West Sussex County Council

Better Roads campaign: our commitment to improving road conditions continues - West Sussex County Council

Better Roads - West Sussex County Council – Pothole information

Better Roads - The Velocity patcher in action - YouTube

Climate Change

Within Highways, Transport and Planning we have been training our staff to become 'Carbon Literate' to support the decarbonisation ambitions of the service. This is providing our colleagues with an understanding of the fundamentals of climate change science. On a practical level, it is enabling our staff to take action in their roles and at home to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts (playing a part in meeting the net zero target by 2030).

So far 23% of Highways, Transport and Planning staff have become certified Carbon Literate. We aim to increase this to train the large majority of staff over the next few years.

Scheme Updates

Successful completion of Community Highway Scheme in Worthing

The scheme originates from a community Highways Scheme application proposed by the school governors at Durrington Infant & Junior School to address concerns for pupils crossing multiple junctions which have no formal crossing points. The scheme is now complete and the following improvements have been delivered for safer access:

• Raised table across a 4-way junction including localised resurfacing.
• Crossing point by realigning Acaica Avenue junction.
• Tactile crossing points at Cotswold Road and Salvington Road.
• Double yellow lines at junctions and refresh lining.
• New advance warning signs on approach to table.

The improvements will help pedestrians to safely cross the junctions at suitable locations and reduce motorist speeds on approach to the junction.

New Pedestrian Crossing at Littlehampton Road, Worthing

Successful refurbishment of signalised pedestrian Crossing at Littlehampton Road near Chantry Road and Stone Lane in Worthing. The crossing equipment has reached end of life and needs replacing. The scheme is part of the 3years Halogen Bulb Replacement Programme. The works included installation of some new poles, signal heads, detectors and the tactile paving areas replaced for new.

Safer Active Travel to Yapton Primary school

A new shared pedestrian and cyclist path has been constructed on the eastern side of North End Road, starting from Pear Tree Close and continuing south for approximately 330m. An uncontrolled pedestrian crossing at Yapton Primary School has been constructed, and alterations to existing bus stops and parking restrictions to support the improvements.

Pedestrians will benefit from improved pavement surfacing, formalised crossing points and safer crossing options at Yapton Primary School. Cyclists will also have safer options available to them when travelling on North End Road. Both benefits will help to promote active travel.

Community High Scheme in Hunston

Following a community highway scheme application to improve pedestrian facilities crossing B2145 Selsey Road, Hunston. Works will provide a safer crossing point and new footway enabling pedestrians to access bus stops. The works include installation of a new footway, upgrade pedestrian traffic refuge islands, footway resurfacing, and improved dropped crossings. The works will begin from 4th November 2024 for approximately 7 weeks between 07:30 -17:30. Bus stops - Oakview (north and south bound) and Recreational ground (southbound) will be suspended for safety reasons. Traffic management will be in place. Apologies for any inconvenience. Further details on one.network

Follow us on X!

Project updates are frequently posted on the West Sussex Highways X account (formerly Twitter). Just search @WSHighways if you aren't already following.

Produced by the Stakeholder and Partnerships Officer, Highways Transport and Planning. Please contact active.communities@westsussex.gov.uk with any comments or suggestions.

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Your monthly news update from Chichester District Council

A284 Lyminster Bypass

The scheme aims to alleviate traffic issues through Lyminster Village with the northern section of the bypass completing the link road from the A27 at Crossbush, providing access to Littlehampton.

The progress made so far:

North of Ancient Hedgerow

We have been working on the new culvert and the tie in, where new bypass joins the A284.Work continues on the Lyminster Road, following a temporary change to the layout to allow the breaking up the existing road to make it ready for the installation of the second part of the ready-made culvert in Brookfield Stream.

Ancient Hedgerow to Bridleway

Street lighting columns and traffic signs have begun to be put up around the link road. Acoustic fencing to reduce sound levels has started to be installed and timber fencing with badger mesh also has been installed. The mesh blocks badgers from going into live traffic, instead directing them to use the designated badger crossing, which is a concrete tunnel that feeds underneath the road.

Bridleway to Black Ditch

Combined drainage kerbs have now been set across the viaduct. These separate the cycle/pedestrian pathway from the new road; they also catch surface runoff and channel it down towards the south of the viaduct.

South of Black Ditch

The soil mixing has begun to an area south of the viaduct to give the ground improved properties. The process has started where the attenuation tank (for storage of excess rainwater) will be, this is so the surrounding material will gain maximum strength so the area can be safely dug and the tank put in.

Community STEM activity

Over two evening sessions in June, Public Liaison Officer Shannon Acton-Brown and Industrial Placement Abbie Scott from our contractors Jackson Civils, facilitated a series of STEM challenges with the 4th Goring Guides and Brownies. The activities included bridge building, drawing, teamwork, and communication skills. They were aimed at showing the diversity of roles in civil engineering, such as structural engineering, designer engineering and construction engineering.

Railway Approach, Worthing

The Worthing Growth Programme has invested £2.86 million to upgrade Worthing Railway Station frontage and Railway Approach. This includes

• Improve pedestrian and cyclists’ access with new bicycle racks.
• Greening with trees and planting.
• Safety through better lighting and new CCTV.
• An Active Travel funded contra-flow cycle lane, linking Railway Approach to Cross Street, and a raised crossing and table to give pedestrians priority will also be provided as part of these works.

Throughout this project, sustainability has been a focus with measures such as the introduction of rain gardens and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems to reduce rainwater runoff and improve water quality. Existing materials have been re-used throughout the refurbishment, with existing stone and paviour surface materials being utilised to improve the look while reducing waste materials.

A29 Realignment Scheme

The scheme will deliver a new 4.34km road to the east of Eastergate, Westergate and Woodgate villages in two phases:

Phase 1 (north): From the A29 south of Eastergate Lane to a new junction with Barnham Road. Video link here

Phase 2 (south): From Barnham Road to a new junction on the A29 south of Lidsey bends

Phase 1 update:

WSCC Major Projects team working jointly in agreement with Church Commission Projects has successfully demolished the Fleurie Nursery greenhouse site at Barnham. This has enabled WSCC team to successfully apply for planning commencement of the phase 1 scheme.

Jackson Civil Engineer and their specialist demolition sub-contractor – DDS, completed the works in 10 weeks, removing individual panes of glass from the four large greenhouses before collapsing and cutting up the aluminium frames.

All material went to recycling, with specialist asbestos removal to a licensed waste tip. The scheme also worked closely with Utility providers to remove redundant electrical and communications equipment from the site.

During Autumn 2024, we will be undertaking further archaeological investigation on the nursery site.

We are currently examining the potential for the early implementation of the Barnham Road roundabout as part of a Phase 1A in order to support the wider development delivery.

A259 Bognor Regis to Littlehampton

Bognor Regis Esplanade

Haywards Heath - South Road

The scheme emerged from the Haywards Heath Town Study 2015 and aims to discourage traffic through the shopping area along with providing an environmental enhancement.

Following the public engagement in summer 2022, the scheme was costed, and funding opportunities were reviewed. The prospect of additional funding from Central Government is no longer looking to be viable within the foreseeable future. As such, the scope of the scheme is being reviewed if it is deliverable using available developer Section 106 contributions.

We are currently liaising with Councillors to agree a revised design.

Centenary House Access - Durrington

The scheme consists of a new left-in/left-out access on the A2032 Littlehampton Road West of the Durrington Lane Roundabout.

In order to facilitate the future development of the site, it is proposed to provide a new access serving the Police Custody Suite. This will enable the site, which is jointly owned by Sussex Police and County Council, to be split into two, with each party taking sole ownership of their element. This will be necessary to allow the County Council to redevelop or sell the site in the future.

Produced by the Stakeholder and Partnerships Officer, Highways Transport and Planning. Please contact active.communities@westsussex.gov.uk with any comments or suggestions.

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Download a PDF version of the planning newsletter here

Welcome to our special edition 'Bus it' eNewsletter!

Take the bus and enjoy the summer in West Sussex.

Read on for everything you need to know about discounted bus fares, popular locations you can visit by bus, and the latest transport improvements.

£1 Summer Special on Book-a-Bus

Book-a-Bus is an on-demand, flexible bus service for areas in West Sussex with limited or no traditional bus service.

With Book-a-Bus fares capped at only £1 per trip for the whole month of August, you can plan a summer day out in the West Sussex countryside.

View our interactive map to plan your destinations.

Big adventures, low fares

There are plenty of exciting locations in our county just waiting to be explored. With most places being accessible via bus, why not hop on board and see the sights for less?

The £2 single bus fare is still available until the end of 2024 for all passengers.

Young people can save even more on their bus fares by simply asking for the 16 to 20 Bus Saver discount. Get reduced fares via bus operator apps or from the bus driver when they show relevant ID.

Don’t forget to take a moment to check if you’re eligible for a free bus pass. Apply for one or renew your pass if needed (free for people with certain disabilities or those of state pension age).

We're working hard to make bus journeys better

Over the next few months, we will continue to carry out work throughout the county which aims to improve bus journeys.

• Need to know when the bus will arrive? Over 250 Real Time Passenger Information Displays have been installed with more to come.
• We’re improving journey times by refurbishing 10 junctions with bus priority traffic signals with another 10 lined up.
• In partnership with Crawley Borough Council, construction for the Western Boulevard Scheme is making good progress.
• An extension to the recently constructed eastbound bus lane in Manor Royal in Crawley from Crompton Way to London Road (A23) is continuing.
• Further works have been planned to improve the bus stops along the Hydrogen Fast Routes 10 and 20.

You can stay updated on all our projects and view the map to find out where existing and planned improvements are taking place.

What's new from our local bus operators

Metrobus and Brighton and Hove

From coast to countryside, exploring West Sussex is now more budget-friendly than ever.

For inspiration on fun and interesting things to do and how you can get there by bus, head to Metrobus Days Out.

In May, improvements were announced to the 273 service that connects Crawley and Brighton. The improvements include increased frequency, with services running up to hourly, faster services with some taking under an hour, and a new service on Sundays and public holidays. The full timetable can be found here.

Use the Metrobus Journey Planner to plan your next trip and download the Metrobus app for live updates and departure times.

Stagecoach

Stagecoach is celebrating the 1st anniversary of the 500 bus service between Chichester and Littlehampton.

That's 365 days of getting passengers to work, school and connecting them to their communities. To thank customers for their continued support, Stagecoach is offering £500 worth of Chichester Gift Card vouchers to one lucky winner!

To enter, simply fill out the form before 31 July.

Compass Travel

You'll be able to travel on upgraded Compass Travel buses from September as a major upgrade of their services 31/31A and 33 in Mid-Sussex is rolled out.

Passengers will have a better experience with new, modern buses designed to offer a much-enhanced travel experience including:

• USB charging points at every seat
• comfortable and spacious seating
• the latest real-time passenger information technology with next-stop audio and visual announcements
• enhanced accessibility with more space for those with reduced mobility, pushchairs, or prams
• internal lighting on steps for better visibility and under-seat floor lighting for added safety
• advanced stop-start technology delivering cleaner tailpipe emissions making it more eco-friendly.

These improvements, supported by West Sussex County Council, are part of Compass Travel's commitment to providing a better travel experience.

Welcome aboard the next-generation buses, and stay updated with Compass Travel.

Did you receive this eNewsletter from a friend? Sign up here.

Bus it! is part of the wider Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) which is funded by the Department for Transport.

Welcome to a special edition of our residents’ newsletter in which we focus on the challenges we’re currently facing with the condition of our roads, what we’re doing to repair them, where you can find more information and how you can help us.

What’s going on with our roads?

We understand how frustrated people feel about the exceptional number of defects currently present on some roads in West Sussex and the impact this has on travelling around the county.

We feel that frustration too and are working hard to make improvements using the resources available to us.

Like many other local councils across the UK, we have deteriorating roads due to a combination of factors:

• extreme fluctuations in weather, especially the wet spells earlier this year
• volume and weight of vehicles using the network
• not enough funding available to carry out all the repair works that need doing.

But we are facing the challenge head-on and pumping a multi-million pound package into a series of road repairs and improvements, to provide a road network we can all be proud of.

We’d like to thank our teams, suppliers and contractors, who are all working flat out to resolve the issues.

Read more on the link below about our challenge and the work our Highways teams are completing across our 4,000kms of roads.

Visit our new website

Take a look at our new ‘Better Roads’ website, where you can find all the information you need, including how potholes form, how we prioritise repairs, the types of repairs we conduct, the scale of the challenge and our progress.

More information will be added over the coming months so be sure to check back for the very latest updates.

Help us by reporting any problems you see on our roads

Please continue to report any issues you see on our roads. Each report we receive is triaged and your safety remains our top priority.

You can report issues to us online, or if a pothole is an immediate risk to public safety, call 01243 642 105. Emergency reports can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Did you receive this eNewsletter from a friend? Sign up here.

Reminder: We have more than 40 eNewsletters on a wide variety of topics including Envrionment & Climate Change, Walking & Cycling, Highways & Transport, Recycling, Weather Alerts and Staying Safe Online. View all topics here.