News and events

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that from the date specified below, West Sussex

County Council has temporarily closed to all traffic, Broad Street, Cuckfield CP, in the Mid Sussex District under Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended, on Broad Street outside Lorimer House.

The temporary closure is scheduled to commence on 30th March 2026 for up to 5 days (it is estimated to be completed on 2nd April 2026) and is required for the safety of the public and workforce while SGN undertakes a 24hour a day road closure required to lay new gas connection. Road will be closed from junction with High Street and Junction with London Lane.

The restriction will be in place 24hrs a day.

An alternative route will be signed on site but please visit https://one.network/?tm=GB147617028 for more details.

Access maintained for emergency services, residents and pedestrians.
For information regarding this closure please contact SGN on 07583016225 who will able to assist with scope of these works.

Dated: 2nd January 2026
Matt Davey
Assistant Director of Highways, Transport and Planning
West Sussex County Council

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Email: [email protected]

Bookings, Sales & Operations Coordinator

Part-time, 25 hours per week   Location: The Queen’s Hall, Cuckfield  Salary: LC1 (13) £29,064 (pro rata)

Cuckfield Parish Council is seeking a highly organised and proactive Bookings, Sales & Operations Coordinator to manage hall bookings, support operational activities, and contribute to the smooth running of the Queen’s Hall and Cuckfield Village Hall.

This role is ideal for someone with strong administrative skills, excellent communication, and a positive, customer‑focused approach.

About the Role

You will act as the primary contact for hirers, suppliers, and event organisers, managing all bookings and associated administration. Working closely with the Parish Clerk, Facilities Officer, and Communications Officer, you will ensure both halls operate efficiently and are promoted effectively within the community.

Key Responsibilities

Bookings & Administration

• Manage all hall hire enquiries and bookings.
• Maintain the bookings system, issue invoices, and manage recurring monthly billing.
• Keep facility information, booking forms, and user guides up to date.
• Coordinate bookings with regular hirers and review annual concessions.
• Manage wedding bookings, including licences, liaison with wedding parties, and acting as the responsible person during ceremonies when required.

Operations

• Maintain up‑to‑date Public Liability Insurance and risk assessments for regular hirers.
• Support compliance with relevant legislation and ensure required licences are reviewed.
• Work with the Facilities Officer to ensure inspections, fire tests, and servicing activities are documented and completed.
• Report maintenance issues and order operational supplies as needed.
• Oversee cleaning arrangements for both halls and public toilets, ensuring high standards.

Sales & Marketing

• Support marketing initiatives alongside the Communications Officer.
• Develop campaigns to promote hall usage and generate new business.
• Attend wedding fairs and promotional events.
• Arrange venue viewings and proactively seek opportunities to grow bookings.

Events

• Support planning and delivery of community events.
• Assist with internal events such as Councillor and staff Christmas activities.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who is:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office with strong administrative capability.
• An excellent communicator with confidence engaging the public, Councillors, and partners.
• Highly organised, able to manage competing priorities, and attentive to detail.
• A collaborative team player with a positive, proactive attitude.
• Flexible to work occasional evenings/weekends and be on-call approximately one weekend in three/four.
• Financially competent, with experience raising invoices.
• Willing to support the preparation of agendas and minutes for committee meetings.

Training & Development

• Training on the bookings system will be provided.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training is essential, including the ILCA qualification.

For more information please contact the Parish Clerk at [email protected] or call 01444 454276

Click on the link to read the Cuckfield Parish Council March Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/8764982de34b/feb-cpc-newsletter-13882448

West Sussex County Council has worked closely with schools to ensure that every child in the county who applied for a secondary school place this year has been offered one. 

Today is National Offer Day and in West Sussex:  

• There were a total of 8,906 secondary school applications, a slight decrease from last year, with every child offered a secondary place 

• 7,707 applicants (86.5%) will be offered their first preference school 

• 97.1% per cent of all applicants this year will be offered one of their three preferences, a slight increase on last year’s percentage (96.9%) 

Councillor Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “Offer day is a key milestone on the journey into secondary education, and I know that many young people will have been awaiting their offer with great anticipation.” 

“I am pleased that we have once again been able to offer the vast majority of families one of their three preferences. 

“I would like to thank schools for working with our Admissions Team, and especially those schools who have offered additional places to help secure the preferences of more families. 

“A small number of pupils have not been offered a place at one of their preference schools, as is the case every year, and I appreciate that there will be some who are understandably disappointed with their offer. We will always work with families to ensure a suitable school placement can be found. 

“I hope that all children currently in year 6 enjoy their final term at primary school. I would like to wish you all good luck as you start your secondary education in September.” 

The Admissions Team continues to look at opportunities to help give parents and carers more information on the process through attendance at secondary school open events and briefings for parents in areas where there are currently pressures. Admissions policies, including oversubscription criteria, can be found on the council’s website. 

West Sussex County Council admissions officers are on hand to speak to parents, carers and pupils should they want to discuss their offer and the options available to them such as an independent admission appeal, by calling 03330 142903 or emailing [email protected] or [email protected] 

Some children may be feeling nervous or worried about starting secondary school. The council's eWellbeing page has lots of resources to support the wellbeing of children and young people. 

Do not worry if you haven’t yet received your offer; emails should be received no later than 5pm today. 

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.