News and events

A successful scheme that has prevented more than 128 tonnes of food from going to waste since April 2023 will continue for another year, thanks to funding from West Sussex County Council. 

Delivered in partnership with Sussex-based food rescue charity UKHarvest, the Community Food Hubs collect surplus food from retailers and redistribute it to residents across West Sussex. For a suggested donation of £5, visitors to the food hubs can choose from a wide selection of items that would otherwise have been thrown away. The hubs are open to everyone, with no referral required. Visitors also receive practical advice on how to make the most of their food and reduce waste at home. 

Wayne Lewis, Service Director for Environment and Public Protection, said: 

“Thanks to the programme’s continued success, we are pleased to extend funding for a fourth consecutive year, taking it through to April 2027. 

“Reducing the amount of waste we produce and process in West Sussex is a key priority in our Council Plan. Diverting food products from retailers to residents through the food hubs not only allows us to support this priority, but to provide much-needed support to those most in need. 

“The Community Food Hubs also help residents by providing advice on buying, storing and cooking food more efficiently, cutting waste and saving money.” 

In addition to providing food and waste reduction advice, the hubs also connect residents with local support services. Organisations such as Mind UK, Age UK and West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service regularly attend, offering guidance and assistance. 

James Swann, UKHarvest’s Head of Programmes and Innovation, said: 

“Working alongside the support services present at each Community Food Hub, together with West Sussex County Council, is helping to deliver positive change across the county. 

“By connecting people to vital services, saving food from going to waste and educating residents through our NOURISHed programme about the environmental impacts of food, we are making a real difference. We’re delighted to continue our partnership with West Sussex County Council for another year.” 

Community Food Hub locations 

• Shoreham – Shoreham Fire Station 
• Bognor Regis – Bognor Youth and Community Centre 
• Petworth – Sylvia Beaufoy Centre 
• Crawley (Broadfield) – Broadfield Community Centre 
• Storrington – Chanctonbury Leisure Centre 
• Haywards Heath – Ascension Church 
• Worthing – Charmandean Centre 

For hub opening dates and more information, visit:  [www.westsussex.gov.uk/UKHarves... 

For tips on reducing food waste, visit:  [www.westsussex.gov.uk/FightAga... 

For more information on UKHarvest, visit:  [www.ukharvest.org.uk]www.ukhar... 

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To read all about what's happening around the village in June and beyond please read our newsletter by clicking on the link Cuckfield Parish Council June Newsletter

As West Sussex gets ready to celebrate the men's football World Cup, the county council is taking steps to ensure everyone can enjoy the tournament in a safe and healthy way, both at home and in public venues.

Working with partners including Sussex Police, the county council is providing advice and support to businesses and the public throughout the tournament.

A spokesperson for the county council said: “The World Cup is a fantastic celebration of sport and community and an opportunity for people to come together. We want everyone to enjoy the matches safely and healthily.

“There are of course risks associated with high profile events like this as crowds of people gather and consumption of alcohol increases. If you see or experience something that makes you feel uncomfortable, we encourage you to report your concerns.”

The advice being given is to:

NOTICE IT. REPORT IT. GET SUPPORT.

You can report concerns by visiting the county council’s report problems in your area webpage. Here you can report concerns about incidents of hate crime or any situation which may cause unrest or raise fear or anxiety in the community.

Crimes can be reported to Sussex Police online or by calling 101. Remember if someone is at immediate risk you should always call 999.

The county council is offering licensed premises training to help them recognise early signs of harassment, sexual violence (including spiking), domestic abuse, and hate‑motivated incidents in pubs and bars.

The training is designed to support staff in venues to safely manage escalating or concerning behaviours and show them how to intervene in a safe and proportionate way. Staff will also be given advice on how to support someone experiencing harm and when and how to escalate concerns.

The work aims to help businesses create safer environments during the tournament and reduce the risk of violence, abuse, and anti‑social behaviour linked to late‑night activity.

Alongside the advice and training being offered, the county council’s WORTH Services team is also supporting Sussex Police with visits to people identified as being at the highest risk of domestic abuse.

Operation Hope involves proactive visits to people to make sure they are safe and to offer safeguarding advice or support. The county council helps with signposting people towards support services outside of the police and can help people who may feel less comfortable speaking to police officers.

All of this work is designed to help achieve one of the county council’s key priorities in its Council Plan of keeping people safe.

To find out more, and for lots of other advice, including how to make healthy lifestyle choices and stay safe on the roads, please visit: www.westsussex.gov.uk/worldcup

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.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Residents across Mid Sussex are invited to pick up a racquet this summer as the tennis courts at St John’s Park reopen, following refurbishments to improve the quality, safety and longevity of the courts.  The comprehensive programme of works included a full clean to remove built‑up moss and debris, patching to repair worn and uneven areas, and binding to strengthen and stabilise the surface. The courts have also been fully repainted with specialist sports coating, improving grip underfoot and giving the courts a fresh, professional finish with clear new markings.  The upgrades will help extend the lifespan of the courts and provide a better playing experience for everyone - whether you’re a seasoned player, a family looking for a fun activity, or someone trying tennis for the first time.

Cllr Chris Hobbs, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Customer Services, said “We’re delighted to see the tennis courts at St John’s Park restored and ready for the community to enjoy. These improvements will not only extend the life of the courts but also provide a safer, higher-quality space for residents of all ages and abilities to get involved in tennis and make the most of what’s on offer locally this summer.”

For those who are keen to pick up a racquet and try out the upgraded courts, local tennis coach Jimmy Smith is hosting a free open day programme at St John’s Park courts on Sunday 7 June 2026 from 9am – 11am. To book your place, visit www.encoretennis.net  

Everyone in the community is encouraged to come along, enjoy the improved facilities and make the most of staying active and healthy this summer.

To find out more about tennis in Mid Sussex, visit Tennis in Mid Sussex - Mid Sussex District Council. 

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne has launched a survey asking residents to share their views about the Government's proposals to merge police forces.

PCC Katy Bourne said: “There is growing discussion around the Government’s proposals to merge police forces. This could see our much loved Sussex Constabulary disappear as it is merged with Surrey, Hampshire and Thames Valley to form a South East Regional Force. I want to share my perspective with you and to ask you to share your views with me in this survey. The future of our local police force matters so please let me know your thoughts!

"The British model of local policing is respected around the world. Of course policing must continue to modernise - especially as we face increasingly complex threats from organised crime and terrorism that cross borders.

"But bigger doesn’t always mean better. We only have to look at large-scale models, such as Police Scotland or even the Metropolitan Police, where size has at times presented real challenges in tackling the issues that matter most to local communities.

"The reality is that organisations can become too large - too complicated to manage effectively - and too distant from the people they serve. When that happens, accountability can weaken and the connection with local communities can be lost.

"For me, the priority is clear - any changes to policing must strengthen local accountability, maintain public trust and ensure we continue to deliver a service that is responsive to the needs of our communities.

"I want to ensure that local voices are heard when police reform is under discussion. The Government has not directly consulted the public, which is why local feedback from you is especially important at this early stage. Please let me know what you think and share this survey with family members, colleagues, friends and neighbours across Sussex."

If you have any questions or comments about this survey then please contact the Office of the PCC by E-mail at [email protected] .