News and events

Press release

High Weald Lund Fellowships, 2026

Do you love the High Weald? Do you have an idea that could help its landscape or communities thrive?

The High Weald Lund Fellowship is now open for 2026, offering grants of up to £7500 to people with a connection to the High Weald to develop new skills, ideas and knowledge that will benefit the national landscape.

You may be involved in a charity or community group, or work with the landscape or in farming or nature conservation – or you may simply love the High Weald and want to do something to enhance it.

The Fellowships are for High Weald champions of all kinds - whether you want to explore new farming techniques, support protected species, help build a greener local economy, or inspire others with your passion for the landscape.

The funding can be used for a range of activities, including going to conferences, attending training courses and visiting individuals and organisations doing interesting work. The idea is that you will go on to use the knowledge and ideas you gain from your Fellowship to benefit the High Weald.

We are open to a wide range of ideas. Past Fellowships have included:

· Roots of regeneration: Farming stories from the High Weald (Nigel Akehurst)

A celebration of the High Weald’s growing network of regenerative farmers, using in-depth interviews to explore the challenges and triumphs of this holistic way of farming, and inspire others to follow suit.

· High Weald: Farm to Fibre (Isabella Goggin)

An exploration of how textiles derived from domesticated livestock – such as wool and hides – could be a viable diversification option for regenerative farmers in the High Weald.

Fellowship holder Isabella Goggin said: “Receiving the fellowship was a joyful moment. Through the fellowship I have gained deeper knowledge and connection. I hope my

findings will be useful and informative in how we could support local, ecological wool and leather".

You must be over 18 to apply, have a demonstrable connection and interest in the High Weald, and have some prior experience or knowledge relevant to your proposed Fellowship idea.

To find out more about the criteria and application process, visit the grants section of the High Weald website – www.highweald.org

---

Notes to editors

1. Lots of photos are available. For further information or images, please contact Jo O’Driscoll, Communications Lead at High Weald National Landscape, on jo.o’[email protected]

2. The High Weald National Landscape is an area of outstanding natural beauty with a medieval landscape of rolling hills, small irregular fields, abundant woods and hedges, scattered farmsteads and sunken lanes. It covers parts of four counties – East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent and Surrey, in the rural heart of South East England and is Britain’s fourth largest national landscape. It was designated in 1983 to conserve and enhance its natural beauty.

The High Weald National Landscape Partnership furthers understanding of the area’s special qualities and enable action to conserve and enhance them. The Partnership includes 15 local authorities, Defra and organisations representing the local community. The High Weald is one of 46 National Landscapes which are home to some of the most spectacular and valued countryside in Britain. Information on all National Landscapes can be found at https://national-landscapes.org.uk/.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that from the date specified below, West Sussex
County Council has temporarily closed to all traffic Cuckfield Road, Ansty and Staplefield, in the Mid Sussex District under Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended, on Cuckfield Road for a distance approx 20 metres

The emergency temporary closure commenced on 18th February 2026 for a maximum of 21days. It is anticipated that works will be completed on 20th February 2026. The road closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while South East Water undertakes emergency repair to leaking Burst Main.

The restriction will be in place 24hrs.

An alternative route will be signed on site. For information regarding this closure please contact South East Water 01634-276765 who will able to assist with scope of these works.

Dated: 18th February 2026
Matt Davey
Assistant Director of Highways, Transport and Planning
West Sussex County Council
Report a problem with a road or pavement or raise a highways related enquiry
Follow us at @WSHighways
Email: [email protected]

Strokes are a common occurrence, many people of all ages are affected every day, they can devastate not only the lives of the affected but also the lives of their families. Every stroke is unique in the way it disables; it causes frustration and isolation to those affected and permanently changes the lives of family members. Some stroke survivors suffer aphasia (communication difficulties affecting speech, understanding and ability to read and write). However, with help and patience, improvement of quality of life is possible. This is what the Cuckfield Stroke group tries to achieve every Wednesday at the Queens Hall in Cuckfield high street.

Carolyn Dodd has devoted so much of her time over twenty years or so, organising a voluntary group in conjunction with The Stroke Association. She recruits other volunteers and arranges professionals to provide activities that will help those affected, (the members) regain confidence and the social contact, speech, and physical ability that has been lost. 

These activities are art, drawing, painting, exercise to music, drumming, table games, speech therapy and singing. Some of you may have seen the recent BBC program highlighting the benefit that some of those who are unable to speak yet are able to sing, and how by doing so raises their spirits such that the meetings become the highlight of the members week. All these activities require a lot of organizing and, also, very importantly, funds. As a Stroke Association support group, we raise all our own funds and raising these funds is probably the most arduous task, but everything costs money, and in these straightened times more difficult than ever. Carolyn faced up to these tasks with vigour and imagination, her home was always cluttered with members artwork that she was making into cards, and other items for sale at various craft fairs and all the paraphernalia that goes with it.

She has volunteered for other organizations over many years, NHS café catering before joining the Stroke group. At one time she also volunteered for both Crawley and Cuckfield Stroke groups doing seasonal cooking, making individual Christmas cakes and Hot Cross Buns. She volunteered at the Crawley monthly art group which followed the morning session, and has had a long association with the Horsham Parkinsons Group, all this, and raising four children with her husband Paul.        

The Cuckfield Stroke Group has been her special baby, driving from Mannings Heath near Horsham to Cuckfield every Wednesday morning come rain or shine to run the group activities. Even during the Covid shut-down the meetings and contacts were continued by zoom and telephone. Unfortunately, over the last few years she has been experiencing some health issues; consequently, she has decided to retire from the group to concentrate on her wellbeing. 

All of us at the group, members, carers, and volunteers alike wish her well, good health is everything, and want to thank her for her enduring dedication and everything she has contributed to the group over so many years. Hopefully in time she will be able to call in again to check on our progress

A spokesperson for West Sussex County Council said: “We submitted our preferred option for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in September and clearly explained to the government the impact that continuing with local elections in 2026 would have on the ability to deliver the government’s policy objectives of devolution and LGR on their requested timetable.  

“Based on our submission, minsters decided the threshold for deferring local elections had been met. They have since changed their position. This indecision has heightened the level of difficulty, creating significant uncertainty.

“The risk we face is not whether we have new arrangements in place in 2028, but the extent to which we can be confident those arrangements will be put in place without adversely affecting people that rely on the vital services we deliver. We will now take some time to digest this news and assess the impact on the LGR timetable.”

Future of local government in Sussex

ENDS

For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email [email protected]. For urgent out-of-hours enquiries please call 07767 098415.

Mid Sussex District Council has today named the Cultural Operator for the new Clair Hall development.  

Family-owned entertainment company, The Digital Picture House Limited, which owns cinema and restaurant venues in Uckfield and East Grinstead, has been selected to provide a four-screen cinema with multi-use performance space and community facilities, equipped with professional sound and lighting, and restaurant at the Clair Hall site in Haywards Heath.  

The selection was made by the Council’s cabinet on Monday 2^nd February 2026 following a robust procurement process validated by an independent panel of experts. The name of the successful bidder could only be released after completion of a legal process.  

Cllr Robert Eggleston, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council, comments: “We are delighted to be able to finally name the Cultural Operator unanimously agreed by Cabinet.  

“The Digital Picture House Limited has an exceptional reputation and history for creating a destination that is accessible to all. With their deep knowledge, proven experience and strong community focus, we are confident that they will make a real success of the new offering at Clair Hall.”  

The Digital Picture House Limited is a family-owned cinema and restaurant operator, established in 1964 by Mid-Sussex resident, Roy Marwick.  

Now, under the stewardship of son Kevin Marwick, the company provides an entertainment destination with a strong focus on community development through the provision of strong cultural partnerships, collaborations with local charities and the engagement of young people and minority communities. 

Kevin Marwick, chief executive of The Digital Picture House, said: “We are beyond delighted to be selected to be the operator of choice for Clair Hall.  

“Our vision is to carry on our tradition of providing a community-friendly venue and restaurant that makes cultural experience accessible to all.  

“We have gained a strong support from the residents of Uckfield through our focus on quality and community and are looking forward to bringing the same ethos to Haywards Heath to establish a venue that benefits the community now and for years to come.” 

Cllr Eggleston adds: “Now the Digital Picture House is in position, we are moving forward to procure a developer for the site, which will work with us and the Digital Picture House to breathe new life into the venue.” 

For more information on Clair Hall visit www.midsussex.gov.uk or follow Mid Sussex District Council on Facebook, Instagram and X. Further details on The Digital Picture House can be found at: www.picturehouseuckfield.com 

ENDS  

Notes to editors 

If you would like to arrange an interview with Mid Sussex District Council Leader, Cllr Eggleston, or Kevin Marwick from The Digital Picture House, please email [email protected]  

Mid Sussex District Council is marking a decade of community grant funding for important local projects.

Since 2015, the Council has awarded £887,910 to projects across Mid Sussex. Subject to the Council’s usual approval processes, further community grant funding is planned for 2026-27, with a total investment in community projects projected to exceed £1 million since the grants first started.  

Each initiative and activity which receives funding has been reviewed on its own merits to consider its social value and community impact. Grant support has been given to a range of projects for young people and families; recreation and sports; nature and sustainability; wellbeing groups and resident associations.

Community focused projects have supported a wide range of activities delivered by local groups, helping to improve access to sport, recreation, wellbeing and social opportunities for Mid Sussex residents.   

Over £180,000 has been granted to projects like Burgess Hill charity Befriended’s monthly tea parties and choir, combating loneliness and isolation in older people, and Say Aphasia’s arts activity sessions, supporting wellbeing and communication for people living with aphasia.  

Youth support has been a key focus, with over 72 projects providing activities, education, and training opportunities for young people. This has included funding for South Coast Skate Club CIC to run 25 free skateboard lessons at Burgess Hill skatepark, expansion of a school sports leadership programme through Mid Sussex Active, and events hosted by Social Innovation 4 All in 10 local secondary schools, engaging over 500 children in ecological and environmental activities.

During the Covid pandemic, the Council changed the focus of its community grants programme by providing £71,000 in dedicated funding to help local people impacted by the virus.

By supporting community projects, Mid Sussex District Council is committed to building thriving, healthy, and sustainable neighbourhoods where residents directly benefit. Working closely with local organisations and community groups, it ensures grant funding reaches projects that matter most to residents.

Councillor Anne-Marie Cooke, Cabinet Member for Communities and Communications said “Over the past ten years, we’ve been able to support hundreds of local organisations to develop their activities and services, and together, we’ve benefitted thousands of lives across our district. We’re proud to continue this support again this year.

“It’s really inspiring to see the impact of our community grant funding, which enables incredible, local projects that provide real, tangible benefits to local people.

“We encourage more community groups to consider applying in the next round, which opens on 17th March.”  

Applications for funds can be made by Not for Profit (NFP) groups, registered charities and Community Interest Companies (CICs), but not individuals. Application information can be found at:  www.midsussex.gov.uk/business-licensing/community-grants/

How much can you apply for?

Community groups can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to support projects that benefit Mid Sussex residents. Please contact the Communities team at the Council to discuss your application on [email protected] 

Who can apply?

You can apply if:

• Your project will directly benefit residents of Mid Sussex
• You are properly formed with a governing document and a bank account
• Your organisation’s services are open to all, with an equal opportunities policy
• Your project meets at least one of the Council’s priority area

The community grants programme runs across three funding windows this year. Applications for the next round open on 17th March and close on 18th May 2026, with decisions expected at the May Cabinet meeting.  For further details, visit Community Grants - Mid Sussex District Council

ENDS 

West Sussex County Council Highways Teams are making progress responding to the impact of the severe weather on our roads.

Since the start of February, crews have cleared more than 3,000 drains and repaired more than 1,800 potholes. This builds on their work through January to prepare as much as possible for this recent period of rain.

High levels of standing water are having a detrimental effect on road surfaces and we’re seeing a sharp increase in pothole reports coming through.

We have increased resources to respond to safety defects throughout the week, evenings and weekends and brought in an additional drainage jetter to clear blocked drains and remove standing water.

We are managing to keep the vast majority of our road network open and moving and we will continue this work with more rain and colder weather predicted.

Longer term, we are reviewing our resurfacing works programme to ensure roads impacted by the weather get additional focus.

A29 Shripney Road

The road will re-open by 5pm on Friday 13 February.

Works to reduce flood water on the A29 Shripney Road have continued, with over 12 million litres of water (the equivalent of 5 Olympic swimming pools) being pumped from the highway into a nearby ditch following agreement with the landowner. 

Now the standing water on the carriageway has been significantly reduced, we will monitor the site and continue to pump as and when required.

There is a risk of the temperature dropping below freezing in the coming days so a reduced speed limit of 20mph will be in place through the area to ensure safety.

While the pumping appears to have had a positive impact on the carriageway flooding, there is a risk that, should the area receive another period of heavy or sustained rainfall, the outlets we are using will be full and we will be unable to pump the water anywhere. Should this be the case, and the level of standing water rises again, we will unfortunately need to re-shut the road. 

At a meeting today with agencies including Arun District Council and the Environment Agency, we are putting forward proposals to lead on and fund investigative works with support from our partners to identify long-term solutions to this recurring and complex issue. 

This will build on previous investigations into the causes of flooding and the challenges of responding that we undertook following similar incidents in the winter of 2023 to 2024.

We propose to commission a detailed review of the reasons for flooding in the area and establish the opportunities for reducing the extent and risk of further flooding and improve the resilience of the roads.

Sack Lane, Shripney

Our contractors have installed a temporary ramp over the flooding at Sack Lane to enable vehicle access for all residents.

This will remain in place until the weather conditions improve, and the road is clear of flood water.

B2141 Chilgrove Road

The road is closed from the junction with the A286 through to Binderton Lane due to groundwater flooding.

Lower Bognor Road, Lagness

The road is closed from Chalcraft lane to Pagham Road due to flooding.

Sidlesham

Highleigh Road, Sidlesham is now clear of flood water and has reopened. Nearby Keynor Lane is also open although some flooding remains, we advise drivers to pass through with caution.

We have identified that the main cause of the flooding in this area is the overflow of the neighbouring rife, and we continue to work closely with the Environment Agency to find a resolution.

We are aware that roads in the area have been damaged by the high levels of water.  Our teams will repair the potholes caused once the weather has improved enough to allow us to do so.

Further information on the council's work responding to the severe weather

ENDS

For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email [email protected]. For urgent out-of-hours enquiries please call 07767 098415.

People who have been in care will receive stronger support, fairer treatment and better opportunities under a new West Sussex County Council strategy designed to tackle discrimination and stigma.

The Ending Discrimination for People with Care Experience in West Sussex Strategy 2026–2031 sets out how the council and its partners will work to ensure that care‑experienced children, young people and adults who have lived in care for a period of their life are recognised, valued and supported to thrive, and not judged or limited because of their past. It builds on a 2023 council motion recognising care experience as a protected characteristic locally, meaning council decisions must consider the needs of care-experienced individuals.

The strategy was co‑produced with care‑experienced young people and developed alongside partners including and Sussex Police, ensuring it reflects real experiences and needs across West Sussex.

The new approach sets out to ensure:

Fairness in public services, including housing, health, education and employment, by challenging unconscious bias and outdated assumptions. This includes addressing situations where individuals might be treated differently because of harmful stereotypes, such as assumptions about trauma related behaviour or the likelihood of criminality.

Greater support into adulthood, ensuring young people leaving care can access the help they need to live independently, pursue education, find work, and maintain their wellbeing. At the end of April 2025, West Sussex County Council was supporting 986 children in care and 709 care leavers up to age 24.

A community that better understands care experience, helping employers, service providers and residents recognise the challenges care‑experienced people may face and the simple changes in approach that can make a meaningful difference.

Councillor Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “People who have been in care should not be defined by their past, but by their individual potential, resilience and contribution to their communities.

"This strategy is about making sure that every care‑experienced person in West Sussex has the support, stability and fair treatment they deserve so they can achieve their full potential. Our commitment is to remove barriers wherever we find them, challenge stigma, and help create the conditions in which everyone can thrive.”

The strategy is available to read in full on the council’s website.

For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email [email protected]. For urgent out-of-hours enquiries please call 07767 098415.

A statement from Cllr Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council

Last night, Wednesday 11 February, an officer working on behalf of West Sussex Highways was attacked by a member of the public at the closure on the A29 Shripney Road.

The officer was assaulted in the course of their duties of their job to keep the public safe, in this instance, ensuring only residents could access the road as per the conditions of the closure.

Police attended and a 55-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assault. She remains in custody at this time.

The officer sustained minor injuries. Any witnesses are urged to contact the police on 101.

Let me be clear, any attack on our officers, whether verbal or physical, is unacceptable.

Our officers are out across the county through all weathers, day and night, fixing the problems we’re seeing where they can or working to keep the public safe where they can’t.

Since the start of February alone we have cleared more than 2,000 drainage gullies and repaired more than 1,500 potholes. We have 22 teams working throughout the week, including evenings and weekends responding to issues as needed. No matter what the weather or the conditions they face, our teams are out there serving our residents. They should be able to do this without fear of verbal or physical abuse.

Yet these officers have been subjected to verbal abuse, cars deliberately driven through standing water to soak them, and now a second incident in recent weeks of an officer being physically harmed by a member of the public.

We will protect our officers as they work tirelessly to support communities across West Sussex. This could mean removing teams from situations causing even further delays to remedying the issues if we must, to ensure our officers’ safety. Any incidents of abuse will also be reported to the police to respond to.

We understand that people are frustrated with the situation but to then direct that frustration at the very people who are trying to fix the issues is ridiculous.

In addition to the in-person abuse, we have seen a significant increase in the negativity we are seeing from members of the public and politicians when commenting on the situation.

The offensive and abusive comments we receive on social media along with the inflammatory and often speculative language that is being used overall does not help the situation or resolve the core issue. We all need to always be wary of the language we use so that we don’t inflame a situation.

Whilst we encourage and welcome constructive debate and challenge from the public and those working in political roles on our work and the way we deliver services, we do not tolerate comments, statements or messages containing abusive or provocative content, whether in public or private.

These comments are inevitably read by our staff and contractors and are immensely demoralising and de motivating. Before you comment or take action, take a moment to think how you would feel if someone threatened you verbally or physically simply because you are doing your job.

By all means, provide us with feedback but please remember that you are talking to other humans, all of whom are working hard to fix the problems, keep you safe and keep you up to date on what is happening and what we’re doing.

We are grateful to those members of the public who have shown support for our officers and understanding of the challenges we are facing and are asking for that patience and understanding to be extended.

 

Supporting comment from Sussex Police

Sussex Police Inspector David Greenwood said: “A road closure has been put in place by West Sussex County Council for the safety of the residents of Shripney Road and the wider public.

“Staff at the closures are there for public safety and should be able to perform their duties without fear of confrontation.

“Abuse and assaults on workers staffing these closures are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“Officers will seek to take positive action on every occasion where offences are reported to us. Please respect the closures and people working to keep our community safe.”

 

ENDS

Sussex has reached a significant milestone in its devolution journey, with government laying the Statutory Instrument in Parliament that will formally establish the Sussex & Brighton Combined County Authority. This is the final legislative step and will enable the new Mayoral Combined Authority to be created this spring.

Government has also confirmed that, although mayoral elections have been delayed until 2028, devolution continues at pace, led by the constituent councils.

Ministers remain committed to transferring significant powers and funding to the Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority, including:

• a long-term investment fund totalling £1.14 billion, providing sustained long-term ‑term funding for locally agreed priorities
• £30.4 million released over the next two years before mayoral elections, enabling early investment in programmes that matter most to Sussex residents and businesses
• £9.0 million in capacity funding over four years to support the establishment and operation of the new authority

Council leaders welcomed the progress with Cllr Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, commenting: “This is an historic moment for Sussex & Brighton with devolution very much on track. Over the past year we’ve strengthened our relationship with government, and successfully leveraged more money and new powers into our region. This important next step will help deliver real benefits for our city and the wider region.”

Cllr Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “This is an important next step in bringing further powers to the region which will provide strategic planning and funding for key areas such as transport and infrastructure, as well as a voice at national level. This milestone has been achieved through close partnership working and we continue these relationships to ensure the new combined county authority will delivery for our residents and the region.”

Cllr Keith Glazier, Leader of East Sussex County Council, added: “We’re now nearing the start of the new authority which we’re all determined will further power up Sussex for the benefit of everyone who lives and works here. This will mean more investment and opportunity and give us an even stronger voice together.”

ENDS

Adverse weather conditions across West Sussex are leading to road closures and flooding and West Sussex County Council wants to assure residents it is doing all it can to keep the county moving.

Since September, the county has above average rainfall, with highs of 190% above average being reached over the last few weeks. The Met Office is forecasting that these high levels of rain are set to continue for the remainder of the month, with another 60mm expected to fall between now and next Wednesday.

The persistent heavy rain continues to cause disruption across the county, in particular on the road network, with multiple roads closed due to standing floodwater and a rise in the number of potholes being reported.

The County Councils’ Highways team is working hard to resolve issues caused by this unprecedented situation and will continue to respond to reports of issues from residents as quickly as possible.

During prolonged periods of heavy rain, the sheer volume of water means that no highway drainage can work effectively. If water can’t be cleared straight away, it may be because:

• swelling watercourses, such as neighbouring rifes or rivers, are overflowing
• the point of discharge for our drainage system, such as a neighbouring rife, is full so there's nowhere for the water to go
• the flood water is caused by blocked watercourses on private land
• pumping the floodwater out would only lead to more flowing in from the surrounding area.

If the council can’t clear the water, where it is safe to do so, roads will be kept open with appropriate flood warning signs in place. However, where there is a risk to safety, full closures will be put in place with signposted diversions.

The increased rainfall, combined with periods of freezing temperatures has seen a spike in the council’s number of potholes. In January 4,500 repair jobs were logged with the council’s contractors, this is an increase of 1,500 compared to January 2025. So far in February a further 1400 pothole jobs have been raised.

The wet weather can make it difficult to fully repair potholes. Where a pothole presents a safety risk to road users, a temporary repair will be undertaken to make it safe. Once the weather improves, then a full ‘sides sawn and sealed’ repair will be made.

What we’re doing:

The council has increased the number of crews working on the county’s roads to respond to reports of safety defects including potholes and flooding. Over 22 reactive work crews are out Monday to Friday along with crews working at nights and weekends to keep on top of the work. Despite the increased volume of work in January, this additional resource means we are still completing these repairs in an average of 15 days.

Any reports received of significant flooding, the council’s teams will assess and manage risks at each affected site. The safety response service and reactive drainage jetting crews will clear flooding where possible.

During storm events, teams are deployed around the clock to manage safety risks and keep the roads clear and moving. 

The Riparian Drainage Team focuses exclusively on working with private landowners, town and parish councils and utility companies to keep the network of ditches, streams and other watercourses on non-council-owned land, clear and free-flowing.  

How the public can help:

• Check before you travel. Major roads are disrupted with closure and traffic management in place due to standing water. Our severe weather update webpage is updated Monday to Friday to provide information on which roads are affected. Outside of this, you can use one.network to see which roads we’ve had to close.
• Don’t ignore road closures. The water may be deeper than you realise or there may be hazards hidden below the surface. Driving through the floodwater may also create waves that flood nearby gardens, driveways and houses.
• Reporting flooding on roads or blocked drains here: Flooding, blocked drains and gullies - West Sussex County Council

WSCC appreciates that residents may be feeling frustrated by the ongoing situation, especially where we are unable to provide a quick resolution. Please bear with us, we are working as hard as we can to solve the issues that are being caused.

 Area Specific Updates:

A29, Shripney

The A29 Shripney Road remains closed to all non‑residents and non‑local business users.

Residents north of Sack Lane will continue to access the area via the A29 Woodgate. Residents south of Sack Lane will be able to enter and exit Shripney Road via the Salt Box roundabout.

We have received a high volume of reports of motorists removing traffic management, ignoring the road closure, and in some cases driving the wrong way along the dual carriageway, causing serious safety concerns and significant amounts of floodwater to be directed into nearby properties. To maintain safety and support the community, the access point into the affected area is being staffed to ensure that only residents of the area are allowed through.

At this moment, we are unable to pump water from the carriageway. The surrounding rife, which normally carries water away from Shripney, is currently full. Any water removed through pumping would be ineffective as it would quickly be replaced by runoff from adjacent land and the rife itself. This could also potentially worsen conditions should the levels of rainfall continue to be as high as presently forecast.

Our teams continue to closely monitor conditions, with two inspections taking place each day to assess water levels and the impact on the carriageway.

We are progressing well with a temporary solution to enable Sack Lane residents to safely enter and exit the area. As with any measure we put in place, we must carry out the necessary safety assessments to ensure it is suitable for all users. Subject to these checks, we hope to implement this temporary solution early next week.

Sidlesham

Due to persistent high levels of rainfall, the flooding on Highleigh Road and Keynor Lane in Sidlesham worsened overnight. As a result, both roads remain closed until the floodwater subsides and it is safe to reopen them. We have identified that the main cause of the flooding is the overflow of the neighbouring Rife, and we continue to work closely with the Environment Agency to find a resolution.

The Environment Agency are addressing a suspected blocked culvert on private land. They have organised a company to attend with specialist equipment in the coming days to hopefully jet and clear it.

We are aware that Ham Road is currently the only access route to the school. Our teams are inspecting the road frequently and will repair the potholes caused by the increased traffic to keep the route safe and passable.

The decision to close Sidlesham Primary School was made by the school, with due care and consideration for the safety of pupils, staff, and families travelling to and from the site. The school will issue further updates as needed.

For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email [email protected].

West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet has agreed the next steps for its proposed balanced budget, which includes significant capital investment and increased net investment in key services for communities. The Cabinet also reaffirmed its commitment to the devolution process, which will see the creation of a new combined authority for the whole of Sussex.

The decisions made at a meeting at County Hall, Chichester, today (Tuesday 3 February) follow confirmation from Government that the Sussex & Brighton Combined County Authority will be created this May, with the first mayoral election due to take place in May 2028. 

The new combined authority will see powers and funding transferred from national to local government to provide strategic leadership on issues such as economic growth, highways and transport, housing, and public safety.

Cllr Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “The new combined authority will bring additional investment into the region whilst providing us with a voice at national level. Sussex delivers huge economic benefit to the country, and the creation of this new combined authority will only strengthen this.”

The county council will continue to work with East Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council on the devolution process, ahead of the anticipated legal creation of the new authority in the spring.

The Cabinet also agreed the next steps for its balanced budget for the year ahead at today’s meeting. The proposed budget will now go before Full Council on Friday 20 February for final approval. The Full Council meeting will be held in public at County Hall, Chichester, and can be viewed online via a webcast.

Proposals for a balanced budget were set out at the Performance and Finance Scrutiny Committee last week.

The Cabinet meeting heard that the county council is expected to spend £2.3 billion on day-to-day services in 2026-27 as follows:

• £1,346.7m Managing schools and education, children’s social care and support        
• £577.2m Caring for adults and keeping people healthy     
• £90.1m Protecting the environment, recycling and waste disposal             
• £84.6m Maintaining our roads and providing transport      
• £83.8m Running our organisation 
• £72.8m Fire and Rescue services and supporting communities    
• £5.8m Supporting the local economy          
• £61.9m Financing our capital programme and other corporate items       

This includes a gross revenue increase of £65.1m to meet increasing demand pressures and costs, particularly in social care, home to school transport, and special educational needs and disabilities.

Actions have been taken to successfully balance the draft budget for the coming year, despite the added pressure of the Government reducing funding by £30m over the next 3 years and redistributing the funds elsewhere in the country. 

Councillor Jeremy Hunt, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, said: “We are proud that we have been able to balance the budget for the year ahead without cuts to frontline services or a reliance on reserves.

“We have managed to find savings of £30.4m but to balance our books we have no choice but to increase council tax by 4.99% - as Government assumes we will have this additional revenue when it allocates funding to us.

“Despite this challenging process we are confident our limited resources, which are aligned with the priorities in Our Council Plan, will provide effective services which offer maximum value for our residents.”

You can read more about the budget setting process at www.westsussex.gov.uk/budget and learn more about devolution and the creation of the new strategic combined authority at www.westsussex.gov.uk/campaigns/future-of-local-government-in-sussex

To hear regular updates please sign up to receive updates from the county council via email.

 Ends

Notes to editors:

See our press release issued on 28 January 2026 for further background on the budget: Next steps for West Sussex County Council budget set out following scrutiny committee meeting - West Sussex County Council

For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email [email protected]. For urgent out-of-hours enquiries please call 07767 098415.

Mid Sussex District Council’s Cabinet has today (Monday 2nd February 2026) confirmed the future of Clair Hall in Haywards Heath.

Following a rigorous and externally validated process led by an independent panel of experts, the Cabinet unanimously decided to accept a proposal from a local cultural company which will deliver a thriving and financially sustainable facility for local people.

Cabinet also carefully considered a community bid to reuse the existing buildings. Cabinet, and the Council’s independent expert advisers concluded that their business strategy was not robust relying too heavily on an unverified external funder and grant funding. Cabinet concluded that the bid did not provide the confidence required for it to be accepted. 

Following a robust procurement exercise Cabinet reviewed and accepted the proposal provided by the cultural partner to provide a four-screen luxury cinema, alongside a multi-use performance space equipped with professional sound and lighting. The proposal also includes a full-service restaurant/bar, and the opportunity to provide a rich variety of live and community-orientated cultural events, including live-screenings of theatre and other performances.

The development process will provide employment opportunities, prioritising local recruitment and training, as well as hosting local arts festivals, young film programmers, and charity screenings.

Cllr Robert Eggleston, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council said: “I am confident we have made the right decision for the site, residents and the future of Haywards Heath.

“This delivers a sustainable venue and an excellent cultural offer — a place to meet, experience, work, and potentially live, for generations to come.

“The provider brings extensive networks and experience, offering more live performance space than originally specified and committing to over 150 hours of live events from artists that may not traditionally come to our area.

“We understand the disappointment of some community groups, but the ACV proposal was not financially viable. We also acknowledge concerns from the Scouts; the Council has a long history of supporting the scouts and will continue to do so wherever possible.”

ENDS

The information contained in this email may be subject to public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Unless the information contained in this email is legally exempt from disclosure, we cannot guarantee that we will not provide the whole or part of this email to a third party making a request for information about the subject matter of this email. This email and any attachments may contain confidential information and is intended only to be seen and used by the named addressees. If you are not the named addressee, any use, disclosure, copying, alteration or forwarding of this email and its attachments is unauthorised. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender immediately by email or by calling +44 (0) 1444 458 166 and remove this email and its attachments from your system. The views expressed within this email and any attachments are not necessarily the views or policies of Mid Sussex District Council. We have taken precautions to minimise the risk of transmitting software viruses, but we advise you to carry out your own virus checks before accessing this email and any attachments. Except where required by law, we shall not be responsible for any damage, loss or liability of any kind suffered in connection with this email and any attachments, or which may result from reliance on the contents of this email and any attachments.

To read all the up and coming events please read our newsletter:

https://mailchi.mp/012f11a019e...