News and events

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West Sussex County Council is adapting the way it maintains the highways to reduce the impact of extreme weather on roads, potholes and drainage.

More frequent cold, wet winters followed by hot, dry summers can weaken road surfaces, and the council is working year-round to improve resilience and keep residents moving.

The effect of last winter’s exceptionally heavy rainfall was felt across the highway network, with roads closed, in some cases for many days, due to standing flood water, and potholes forming where water had damaged road surfaces.

Since 1 April 2026, the council’s highways teams have focused on repairing the damage caused by winter weather, including:

• More than 13,200 potholes repaired
• Over 34,000 drainage assets cleared
• 16,790sqm of carriageway patched
• Targeted works on roads most affected by winter conditions

Cllr Erika Woodhurst-Trueman, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Residents have told us they want cleaner, better-maintained streets, improved road conditions and visible action in their communities. As a new administration we are determined to listen and act on this and our teams are working throughout the year to actively maintain our roads, predict and prevent problems, innovate our approaches and respond to issues as they arise.”

Better Roads

Report a pothole online

Tackling summer heat and making the most of opportunities

Prolonged high temperatures this summer and uninterrupted sunshine has caused some road surfaces to soften. As temperatures fall and surfaces re-harden, new weaknesses can develop, increasing the risk of potholes.

To combat this, the council is using gritters to spread granite material that helps protect the surface by reducing the amount of heat the road absorbs.

The gritters will be deployed throughout the summer and the routes fully inspected when temperatures drop, with any defects scheduled for repair.

The council is making the most of favourable weather conditions to accelerate planned maintenance work and has completed 50% (50 miles) of this year's resurfacing programme. However, works must be paused when temperatures become too high for materials to set properly.

With dry conditions significantly reducing grass growth, teams have been temporarily redeployed to carry out:

• Sign cleaning
• Road marking improvements
• Vegetation clearance

A new countywide Street Scene Trial will soon launch, with dedicated teams carrying out activities including:

• Cutting back overhanging vegetation
• Cleaning road signs
• Clearing debris from drainage assets
• Minor repairs to street furniture

These activities directly respond to issues raised by residents and provide visible improvements in local communities.

Cllr Woodhurst-Trueman added: “Most of our investment is rightly focused on keeping the network safe and operational through inspections, drainage maintenance, winter service activities and highway repairs. However, we know that when signs are dirty, vegetation overhangs, crossings have a build-up of debris, our local streets look and feel unloved. So, we are stepping up our work in this area, delivering visible improvements to local streets.”

Preparing now for next winter

The council is already preparing for the challenges of next winter.

New dedicated winter maintenance teams will carry out preventative drainage work at locations that have experienced problems in previous years, including:

• clearing leaves
• unblocking drains
• keeping drainage channels free flowing

Together with contractors, the council is ensuring it has the capacity needed to tackle flooding when severe weather occurs.

The Riparian Drainage Team is working with private landowners, town and parish councils and utility companies to ensure privately owned or riparian ditches, streams and other watercourses on non-council-owned land remain clear and free flowing. This helps prevent the highway drainage system from being overloaded and means water can drain away from roads more effectively.

Cllr Woodhurst-Trueman added: “I am pleased that our teams are taking the opportunity provided by an exceptionally hot and dry summer to reassign resources and tackle issues highlighted by our residents.

“Working with our contractors, we are building the capacity needed to tackle flooding and overall, I am confident we have a solid plan in place to reduce the impact a wet winter has on our roads and keep West Sussex residents moving.”

The leader of West Sussex County Council, Councillor Jay Mercer, has announced a change to the cabinet appointed to run the organisation.

Cllr Caroline Ward is stepping down as cabinet member for Economy and Skills, with Cllr Yvonne Gravely taking on the role.

The change was formally announced at a meeting of Full Council on Friday 17 July.

Cllr Mercer said:  “Unfortunately, Cllr Caroline Ward has decided to step down as a member of the cabinet due to unforeseen personal reasons but will continue as a county councillor, serving the needs of her constituents.

“I want to thank Caroline for her support and work during her time as cabinet member.

“Replacing Cllr Ward will be Cllr Yvonne Gravely, whom I would like to welcome to the cabinet.”

Members of the cabinet each oversee a portfolio of council services, with the cabinet as a whole meeting to propose and make decisions.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Skills has in their portfolio work including Growth Deals with district and borough councils, programmes to boost trade and employment opportunities in the county, and projects to improve connectivity for businesses. 

ENDS

The county council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning will write to the Secretary of State for Education to supporting calls for an urgent schools funding review, following a vote by members.

West Sussex County Council voted to support a notice of motion calling for fairer school funding and renewed national action to address long-standing disparities affecting schools across the county.

The motion, proposed by Councillor Kirsten Sutton and passed at a meeting of Full Council on Friday 17 July, follows concerns raised by headteachers across West Sussex about the ongoing financial pressures facing schools and the impact on pupils, staff and educational provision. Councillors across the chamber from all parties agreed to support the motion

Members heard that, despite the introduction of the National Funding Formula in 2018, West Sussex remains among the lowest-funded local authorities in England for both primary and secondary school funding. The motion also highlighted concerns that current funding arrangements do not adequately reflect the county’s labour market and housing costs, creating additional challenges for schools in recruiting and retaining staff.

The motion follows a letter sent by headteachers from across West Sussex to the county’s Members of Parliament in May 2026, expressing what they described as their “profound and growing concern regarding the chronic underfunding of our schools”.

Following support from county councillors, it was agreed that the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning will write to the Secretary of State for Education to support West Sussex headteachers’ call for an urgent review of the National Funding Formula, including the methodology used to calculate the Area Cost Adjustment and the distribution of mainstream school funding.

The council will also call for:

• Annual minimum per-pupil funding increases to keep pace with inflation.
• Full government funding of nationally agreed teacher and support staff pay awards.
• A visit by the Minister for School Standards to West Sussex schools to see first-hand the impact of current funding arrangements.
• Support from West Sussex MPs for reforms that better reflect local labour market and housing costs.
• Continued joint lobbying with school leaders, academy trusts, governors and the f40, a cross-party campaign group representing 43 local authorities in England that receive some of the lowest levels of education funding per pupil, for a fairer national funding settlement.

The motion notes that every child in West Sussex deserves access to a high-quality education funded fairly and sustainably, and that funding inequalities can limit educational opportunities and schools’ ability to invest in staffing, infrastructure, SEND provision and wider educational support.

West Sussex County Council will continue to work with schools, education partners and national organisations to advocate for reforms that deliver a fairer funding settlement and help ensure children and young people across the county have access to the best possible educational opportunities.

The government has today confirmed a further delay to its decision on local government reorganisation for West Sussex. We now expect the decision by October 2026.  

Our understanding is that the overall government timetable for reorganisation remains, with elections to a new shadow council or councils expected in May 2027. The shadow council will manage the transition to the new arrangements. The new council will formally take on responsibilities for delivering services in April 2028. 

Until that point, all eight existing councils in West Sussex will continue to operate as usual and deliver their services without any immediate changes for residents or partners. 

Detailed work to prepare for the government decision has been undertaken with a strong collaborative approach between all West Sussex Councils. Following this further delay, we will consider the delivery implications, continuing to work closely together on our next steps.  

Further information on how the transition will be managed will be provided as plans develop. Councils will continue to work closely with stakeholders to shape how the new council will operate and how services will be delivered. 

Commenting on the government’s decision, Cllr Robert Eggleston, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council, said “The further delay to a decision on the future of local government in West Sussex is disappointing and it means uncertainty remains for local communities, staff, and councils. We recognise the importance of taking the time needed to reach the right decision and will continue to work constructively with partners as the process moves forward. However, and to be clear, the reason for the delay lays solely with the government and not the councils in West Sussex.

“In the meantime, we will continue our preparations for local government reorganisation while remaining focused on delivering the services our residents rely on every day. Once a decision is announced, we will work with our partners to implement it effectively and with minimal disruption to residents and staff.”

Councils across West Sussex remain committed to keeping residents and partners informed throughout the reorganisation process. 

ENDS

West Sussex County Council in partnership with NHS Surrey and Sussex has launched a new strategy for supporting unpaid carers in the county over the next five years. The strategy, which sets out the main priorities for health and social care to best support carers, follows a detailed review, with input from carers of all ages.

It sets out six priorities to support carers up to 2031 and aims to ensure:

• Carers of all ages and from all communities are identified, recognised, and seen as important partners in care
• Technology is used to make the lives of carers easier. Non-digital alternatives will be available to ensure no one is excluded
• Isolation is limited and emotional wellbeing supported by encouraging and enabling carers, and young carers, to have an active life outside their caring role; including fulfilling their education, employment, and training potential
• More carers understand the out-of-hours options available and have an emergency plan in place for when they need it
• The financial hardship of carers is recognised and limited where possible
• Those working in social care within WSCC and the NHS will lead by example in supporting their own workforce who provide unpaid care outside of work.

The new strategy, The West Sussex Joint Commitment to Family and Friend Carers has been endorsed by the West Sussex Health & Wellbeing Board and forms part of the new Adult Social Care Strategy which was published earlier this year.

The county council and the Integrated Care Board (ICB) jointly commission Carers Support West Sussex to provide information, advice, guidance and support to unpaid carers across the county. This includes a dedicated helpline, conducting statutory carer's assessments, hospital and community-based advisory hubs, and emergency planning services. A range of other commissioned and non-commissioned organisations also provide valuable support to unpaid carers in West Sussex.

Cllr Richard Bates, Cabinet Member for Adults Services said: “We greatly value carers for the work they do, which supports the care system and helps us manage increasing need and increasing complexity of need.  

“This strategy is for everyone, because care touches all of our lives. As someone who has been a carer, I know first-hand both the rewards and the challenges that come with supporting a loved one. At some point in our lives, many of us will become carers, if we are not already, or we will rely on the care of family and friends to help us through difficult times.

“The voices of carers and young carers are at the heart of this strategy. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who has shared their experiences so openly — helping us understand what makes a difference, what enables them to continue in their role, and what can make caring more difficult or stressful.”

Allison Cannon, Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Surrey and Sussex said:

“This strategy sets out the evidence of what carers need and the steps we will take to better identify, involve and support them — not only in their caring role, but in protecting and promoting their own health, wellbeing and future opportunities. Because their efforts help family members or friends remain independent for longer and prevent escalation of health and care needs.”

Read the strategy on the county council’s website. Joint carer strategy - West Sussex County Council

If you are a carer and would like to access support or are interested in getting involved to support local improvements, find out more at Carers Support West Sussex email [email protected] or call 0300 028 8888.

ENDS

Greater Haywards Heath Bike Ride 2026

The Greater Haywards Heath Bike Ride returns on Sunday 6 September 2026, starting and finishing on The Broadway in Haywards Heath.

There are four routes to choose from:

• Green Route – The Sergison: 20 km / 12 miles
• Blue Route – The Cavalier: 33 km / 20 miles
• Red Route – The Highwayman: 78 km / 48 miles
• Black Route – Sweeping Valleys: 119 km / 74 miles

The event is open to cyclists of different abilities and includes chip timing, commemorative medals and a fantastic community atmosphere.

The event will also raise funds for Kangaroos and Crawley Open House.

Find out more in our social media @hhbikeride and register at Nice Work Race Management : Greater Haywards Heath Bike Ride

events coming soon..

To stay updated on the latest news and events in Cuckfield, you can read our monthly newsletter at: 

https://mailchi.mp/c25204859d25/july-cpc-newsletter

PRESS RELEASE

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday 2 July 2026

Safer streets, safer choices: Mid Sussex supports businesses and young people

Mid Sussex District Council is investing in practical tools, education and partnership work to keep town centres safe, support local businesses and help young people make positive choices.

The Council’s role goes beyond responding to problems. By funding crime reporting technology, supporting schools and working with Sussex Police, it is helping prevent anti-social behaviour (ASB) before it escalates.

During ASB Awareness Week, the Council is highlighting the work already taking place across Mid Sussex so residents can see how their council tax supports safer, more resilient communities.

Helping businesses protect staff, customers and town centres

The Mid Sussex Business Crime Partnership is funding the Disc crime reporting system to help over 400 businesses to report shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and other issues, share information securely and receive local safety alerts.

The system helps identify emerging crime and ASB trends, so businesses can act quickly, protect staff and customers, and work together to keep town centres safe.

Richard Keel, Centre Manager at The Orchards Shopping Centre, said: “The system allows our frontline staff to proactively identify threats and deter low-level crime before it escalates. Ultimately, Disc has transformed our usually fragmented commercial district into a unified, resilient network.”

Helping young people make safer choices

Working with Sussex Police and education specialists the Council is delivering the Safer You programme to 700 Year 8 students at St Paul’s Catholic College, Sackville School and Downlands Community School, with more workshops planned.

The sessions use real-life scenarios and local mapping exercises to help young people understand risk, think about the impact of their choices and identify safe spaces in their communities.

A Year 8 student who took part said: “The session was very good, thank you. The most interesting part was the scenarios and understanding what prison is like.”

The Community Safety Partnership is also providing two virtual reality headsets to show the real-life consequences of knife crime, helping young people reflect on choices, understand the legal and emotional impact, and build empathy for victims in a safe, controlled environment. 

Cllr Anne-Marie Cooke, Cabinet Member for Communities and Communications, said: “We want residents to know that their Council is taking action. From supporting businesses and schools to investing in prevention, by working with partners we are helping keep Mid Sussex safe, welcoming and resilient.”

See it, report it. Reporting anti-social behaviour helps the Council and its partners take action, support those affected and keep Mid Sussex safe. For more information on community safety in Mid Sussex, visit Anti-Social Behaviour and Crime - Mid Sussex District Council.

How to report concerns: If you are experiencing or witnessing ongoing ASB that is affecting your quality of life, you can report it to the Council: Anti-Social Behaviour and Crime - Mid Sussex District Council

For emergencies: Call 999. For non-emergencies or crime, call 101 or report online: www.sussex.police.uk