Festive recycling dates and information

Don’t forget that your household recycling and waste collection dates will alter slightly over the holidays. You can check for your personal collection dates online.Other changes include the Garden Recycling Service which will stop on Friday 20 December 2024, starting again on Monday 6 January 2025. You can also receive bin collection reminders and live updates on your phone through the Chichester District Council app - make sure you switch on notifications to get these.

Be ready for winter

We’re encouraging people to make sure they are ‘winter ready’ by following a few key actions to keep you and your loved ones safe. There are many things we can all do to make sure our homes, gardens, businesses are ready for the winter months. Please find out more on our emergencies section - we've also included lots of information in the winter edition of Initiatives magazine

In the November edition of this newsletter you'll see a 6 month overview, scheme updates, updates from our Countryside team and more!

Better Roads: A busy 6 months maintaining our highways in West Sussex

Almost 40,000 safety related defects on highways across West Sussex have been repaired between April and September as we retain our commitment to better roads.

This year the council invested an extra £13 million to actively tackle the problem of our deteriorating roads and keep the county moving.

This was in addition to the base budget for the year of £42.8 million and £2.1 million received from the Department for Transport’s Road Resurfacing Fund.

Preparing for winter

Ahead of the coming winter months, we are increasing work to clear drainage systems and ensure water can run off the roads as effectively as possible should we get more heavy rain, providing extra resources to clear more gullies, ditches and areas where leaves build up.

So far this year, we have carried out more than 43,000 drainage gully cleanses, brought in extra CCTV resource to monitor and identify issues, and provided an additional jetting unit to clear flooded areas and get them moving as soon as possible.

West Sussex County Council’s Highways Team will continue this work over the coming months and is calling on road users to help keep the network open by continuing to report any issues you encounter using our online reporting tool.

Planting Season

Our planting season has begun, with West Sussex securing 300 trees to be planted around the county. This year we have 85 new trees kindly donated by our Parishes and our Donate a Tree Scheme. West Sussex supplied approximately 91 replacements and 124 new trees to be planted. If you are fortunate to have a new tree planted near you, please help by watering it, no amount of water is too much.

For more information on tree planting or if you would like to participate in our Donate a Tree Scheme please visit our web pages Tree planting - West Sussex County Council

Scheme Updates

Pedestrian Crossing refurbishment on Haslett Avenue East, Hawth Avenue, Crawley

Part of the Halogen Bulb Replacement Programme works to refurbish the crossing to a more efficient and green crossing from 11th November for approximately 6 weeks between 09:30 – 15:30. The works will include decommissioning of current pedestrian crossing and signals and installation of upgraded crossing, new signal poles, signal heads and controller. There will be overnight road closure from 18th November 2024 to 21st November between 8pm to 2am. Multi Way traffic management will be in place throughout the works. Further details on one.network.

Community Highway scheme at Southwater

Road Closure on Wallage Lane, Rowfant, Crawley

Planned works to repair and install new drainage system to prevent flooding to start from 9^th to 17^th December 2024. There will be full road closure with route diversions signed on site. Further details can be found on one.network.

‘Road Safety Theatre in Education’ performance at Felpham Community College

On Monday 14^th October, two ‘Road Safety Theatre in Education’ performances were put on at Felpham Community College; one for Year 7 and the other for Year 11 students. These performances are arranged by theatre company ‘Rapport Ltd.’, in collaboration with the ‘Sussex Safer Roads Partnership’, with whom WSCC are partners.

The Year 7 performance is called ‘Look Up’ and teaches students about the importance of pedestrian safety. It also covers how to spot hazards on a journey as a pedestrian, the importance of using our senses in road safety and how to think like a driver to become more aware of the impact behaviour has on safety.

The Year 11 performance is called ‘Take a Second’ and students learn about the impact of their own behaviours. It covers how to be a safer passenger actively, the impact of speed on an accident, the dangers of distracting a driver, drink and drugs and how to speak up to stay safe in a car.

Councillor Jaine Wild (for Felpham) attended the Year 7 performance and commented: -

“I attended the 2024 tour for Road Safety ‘Theatre in Education’ at Felpham Community College and must say how impressed I was. The engagement with students watching was first class and the team also interacted with the students asking individuals to come up and share situations. The theme was based on modern times, of children head down crossing roads looking at mobile phones or wearing head phones and hoods up. This would of immediately struck a chord with the age group they were entertaining. We also had visual slides and sounds. The students would have been able to connect with the three main characters acting, and I was greatly impressed overall with the performance which would of made the students think. I personally would like to also see a theatre group for younger children, primary age who would be riding bikes to school for the first time. But overall a great production and certainly in terms of cost, worth it.”

Jaine Wild, County Councillor for Felpham

Countryside Updates

Buchan Path, Buchan Country Park – Surface Improvement Works

Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common – Footpath 66Hu – Surface Improvement Works

Plaistow – Restricted Byway 639 – Surface Improvement Works

Lancing – Bridleway 2065 – Surface Improvement Works

Horsham – Footpath 1697 – Bridge Replacement Works

Bolney – Footpath 18Bo – Surface Improvement Works

Hassocks – Bridleway 8C – Surface Improvement Works

Aldingbourne – Footpath 300 – Surface Improvement Works

King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP)

The final section of the King Charles III England Coast Path in West Sussex, between East Head and South Hayling, was approved on the 16^th July 2024 by the Secretary of State.

Work is now underway to prepare the new stretch of coast path for public use. The first step is to contact owners and occupiers of the affected land to discuss the design and location of any new infrastructure which is needed, such as signs and gates. There will also be improvements to path surfaces and new sections of path for the public to enjoy.

When preparations are complete, new access rights will come into force along the route and adjoining spreading room.

We need your feedback!

We want to improve the Highways, Transport and Planning newsletter and would appreciate your feedback.

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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Budget consultation special edition

November 2024

Please share the information in this eNewsletter widely within your communities.

The county council is running a public consultation on our budget, Our Council Plan, and how we spend taxpayers’ money in the coming financial year 2025 to 2026.

The views of our residents across West Sussex are vital to the budget-setting process, ensuring we’re making the best use of our resources and can continue to invest in and deliver services that support our communities.

That’s why we’re encouraging as many people as possible to take part.

Please could you encourage your parishioners to complete the consultation via this link.

Anyone without access to the internet can visit a library or family hub to complete the consultation.

If you know anyone who would like to receive a printed copy of the survey and a freepost return envelope, please call our customer services team on 01243 777100.

An Easy Read survey is also available online on the consultation page via the link above.

If you are able to share our social media posts which are also encouraging people to take part that would be great too:

• Facebook
• Twitter/X
• Instagram

We also have a poster if you are able to download it and print it out to display and an animation you are welcome to watch and share.

The consultation closes on Sunday 15 December and all comments will be considered as part of the budget setting process for 2025 to 2026.

The West Sussex County Council Cabinet is due to consider feedback from the public consultation at a meeting in January before recommending the Council Plan and budget to Full Council in February for a final decision.

Read more about our budget and finances from Council Leader Cllr Paul Marshall.

Thank you for your help.

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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.

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.

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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.