News and events

As part of the BBC’s ‘Novels That Shaped Our World’ campaign, West Sussex Library Service will be virtually hosting three bestselling Sussex authors next month.

Inspired by the Sherlock Holmes novel, The Hound of the Baskervilles, which features in the celebrated BBC list, the library service will be interviewing three contemporary crime and thriller writers to investigate the role that reading has played in their lives.

All three events will take place over Zoom throughout February and will explore the books that have inspired and influenced these popular novelists.

This exciting series of events kicks off on Monday 8 February at 7pm with Sunday Times Bestselling Author Elly Griffiths. Famous for her acclaimed Dr Ruth Galloway series, Elly’s recent standalone mystery, The Stranger Diaries, was a Richard & Judy bestseller and won America’s most coveted accolade for crime fiction, the Edgar Award.

Then, on Monday 22 February at 7pm, Isobel Ashdown will be discussing her favourite reads and how they have influenced her writing career. Isobel is the author of eight novels, including the bestselling thriller Little Sister and her latest, the critically acclaimed 33 Women.

These virtual conversations draw to a close with Jane Lythell on Wednesday 24 February at 2pm. Jane worked as a television producer and commissioning editor before becoming Deputy Director of the BFI (British Film Institute) and Chief Executive of BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts), she now writes bestselling psychological suspense thrillers full-time.

Tickets to all of these events are free and details of how to register can be found at www.westsussex.gov.uk/libraryevents.

For all the latest library news follow West Sussex Library Service on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WestSussexLibraries and Twitter: @WSCCLibraries

In partnership with ‘The Croods 2: A New Age’ and Co-op, we want children up to the age of 16 to design their very own Croods 2 inspired treehouse for their local community. What’s more, the winning entry will be brought to life and built within a nearby Wildlife Trust location to be enjoyed by the public for years to come!

What do you need to do to enter? • Click on
https://www.co-opinsurance.co.uk/home-insurance/croods-2
to download the treehouse template and top tips for entering
• Design a Croods 2 inspired treehouse for your local community – it can be as wacky as you want, let your imagination run wild!
• You can draw, paint, use computer software or even cave drawings to create your design, but above all be sure to think about how this could be used by the community and bring a lot of fun.
• Share the design on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #Croods2Treehouse and tag Co-op (@coopukinsurance on Facebook and Twitter) and Neighbourhood Watch Network (Facebook: @ourwatch; Twitter: @N_Watch and Instagram: @neighbourhood.watch.insta) to enter.
• The competition closes on 22nd February and the winner will be contacted within 5 days via social media. The treehouse will be built by 26th March, just in time for the film’s release and Easter holidays!
• See the attached flyer, or click on
https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/.../Croods%202%20competition...
for more details.

How to support the campaign

We rely on the amazing Neighbourhood Watch volunteers and supporters to spread the messages of Neighbourhood Watch and to provide the first step for all people to connect with their neighbours for mutual support, a key strategic goal. We hope that you will promote this campaign within your community and use it to reach more families within your area.
We have secured some amazing prizes to be won over the course of the partnership. See the attached a fun activity pack (or view it on our website here) to keep children entertained whilst they are home schooling. Please feel free to share this with families in your area. If you cannot print at home and would like an activity pack and competition entry template posted directly to your door along with a treehouse template to enter the competition please email [email protected].

To support this campaign, you can:

• SHARE: Follow us on social media to share our posts on the partnership and competitions o Facebook: facebook.com/ourwatch
o Twitter: twitter.com/N_watch
o Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neighbourhood.watch.insta/

• INFORM: Share this email and the attached flyer and activity pack with your community. This could be via email, WhatsApp or in your local newsletter
• WATCH: Go and see the film (COVID-19 restrictions dependant) when it comes out on the 26th March!
Neighbourhood Watch and Croods 2 special edition logo

The Neighbourhood Watch brand and iconic yellow roundel is undeniably widely recognised across the UK. To celebrate this partnership, we have created a unique and playful adaptation of our logo featuring The Croods and The Bettermans to be used on all material supporting the partnership. We will be using the fresh and fun adapted logo on all our social media channels, within our website and on all materials created for this partnership.
We hope you are as excited as we are by this unique partnership and the opportunity it presents for Neighbourhood Watch to engage young people. If you would like more information visit www.ourwatch.org.uk/croods2 or email [email protected]

A new police unit has been launched to track and catch dangerous and wanted criminals using the Sussex roads network.
The Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU) will carry out disruption and enforcement operations on roads across the county, targeting those involved in serious, organised and violent crime.
The SEU, a mix of highly-trained police officers and detectives, is equipped to be a one-stop-shop to fight road crime – with the ability to identify, intercept and apprehend offenders, seize drugs and stolen goods, and investigate the crimes through to conviction.
The unit is the latest in a series of police enforcement teams to be launched across Sussex in the past year funded by the Government’s Uplift programme and local precept investment.
The team has a blend of specialist skills and can use a range of tactics to tackle criminals using the road network, including advanced driving skills and the use of a police dog unit to track offenders and search vehicles.
Covering hundreds of miles of road network across Sussex, the team will carry out operations and proactive patrols, working closely with colleagues and supporting the work of regional and national agencies, targeting some of Sussex’s most wanted and prolific criminals.
The SEU forms part of wider investment to support local policing priorities, to strengthen local policing, tackle crime and prevent harm, disrupt serious and organised crime and to support victims and safeguard the vulnerable.
You can read our press release by clicking on the following link. https://www.sussex.police.uk/.../new-police-enforcement.../

The census is coming. By taking part, you can help inform decisions about services that shape your community, such as healthcare, education and transport.

It’s important that you fill in your census questionnaire because it gives us the most detailed information we have about our society.

Without the information you share, it’d be more difficult to understand our community’s needs and plan and fund public services.

Census Day is officially on Sunday 21 March, but there will be an extensive window in which to complete it, from early March, when households will be receiving the Census packs, up to the beginning of May.

The ONS aim to make things as easy as possible for everyone, but if you need help taking part in the census, there’s a wide range of support services available.

You can request support for yourself, or someone else, including:

guidance and help in many languages and formats

a paper version of the questionnaire, if you prefer

accessible census guidance, for example, in braille

There is a help area on the census website. It covers everything from who to include on the questionnaire to how to answer each question.

If you cannot find what you need there, there’s a dedicated contact centre where census staff will be on hand to give help over the phone, in a web chat or on social media.

If you need help, visit www.census.gov.uk

 

NOTICE IS hereby given that in pursuance of the provisions of Section 14(2) of the 
Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984, as amended, the use of Broxmead Lane, 
Cuckfield from junction with A23 Northboud to junction with Slough Green Lane 
is temporarily prohibited from 20/01/21. 

The restriction will be in place 24hrs. 

This emergency closure is necessary to allow South East Water to repair a burst 
water main,  

It is anticipated the works will be completed by 25/01/21. 

The NHS in Sussex continues its rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination – this is the largest vaccination programme ever undertaken by the NHS. 

The Sussex Health and Care Partnership website has details on the rollout, including
when you can expect to get their jab and details of vaccination scams to be aware of.

This is also a reminder about the relaxation of the concessionary bus pass rules so people can get to early morning vaccination appointments. You can now travel for free in West Sussex before 9.30am. 

Concessionary bus pass holders can currently travel free of charge in West Sussex, off-peak - which is weekdays 9.30am-11pm and all day on weekends and bank holidays: now, due to this temporary relaxation, it will also allow them to travel for free before 9.30am.

More information about the county council’s bus pass scheme is available here.

COVID-19 support for residents

Please reassure residents they can still get help from the county council’s Community Hub in confidence by calling 033 022 27980 or by completing the online form. 

The Hub is open seven days a week between 8am-8pm.

A velvety black sky scattered with shining stars is a sight we should all have the opportunity to see. But too often, light pollution obscures our view of stars.

Just 3% of people in England experience ‘truly dark skies’, and 61% of us live in areas with severe light pollution.

That’s why we need your help to map the nation’s view of the stars, so we can better protect our dark skies in the countryside and our towns and cities.

By counting the number of stars you can see in the constellation of Orion this February, you’ll help us build a better picture of our view of the stars.

This year we’re asking everyone to take part in Star Count from home.

Want to take part? Sign up below.

Sign up for Star Count

Not sure how to take part? Here are our five simple steps for doing a Star Count from home.

1 – Find a good spot to do your Star Count. This could be your garden, balcony, doorstep or even bedroom window. You’ll need to be able to look south.

2 – Turn off all the lights in your home so it’s as dark as possible.

3 – Look south in the night sky (the way satellite dishes face)

4 – Let your eyes adjust to the dark – the longer you wait, the better. Count the number of stars you can see within the rectangle formed by the four corner stars.

5 – Head to our website to submit your count and help us map the nation’s view of the night sky.

Want to take part? Sign up by clicking the button below.

I'll take part

Happy star-gazing!

Clinically Extremely Vulnerable

This is a formal return to Shielding as we saw in phase 1. Those who are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable are advised not to go to the shops, limit interaction with others to a minimum and stay at home as much as possible. They are still remain in their support bubble if they have one.

• Government Guidance – What food support is available for me/ Clinically Extremely Vulnerable?

• You are advised not to go to the shops. Use online shopping if you can, or ask friends, family or local charities to collect and deliver shopping for you.
• West Sussex County Council Community Hub will continue to provide support for those who need can contact in confidence by calling 033 022 27980 or by completing the online form

• Food including shopping organised through a number of different avenues
• Medication collection organised through a number of different avenues
• Financial support for those impacted by the Pandemic and recent restrictions

WSCC Community Hub are still here to help if you need it

https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-and-information/community-hub-covid-19/

TIER 4 – STAY AT HOME

From Saturday 26 December, West Sussex moved to TIER 4 – STAY AT HOME restrictions, along with most other local authority areas across the South East.

The new rules will mean we MUST not leave or be outside of our home or garden, except where we have a ‘reasonable excuse.’

Tier 4: STAY AT HOME rules    

  Latest Case Data: See the latest data on coronavirus cases in West Sussex here.

To help you answer questions from residents on the vaccine rollout in West Sussex please view updated details here. 

The website also includes what residents can expect when they have their vaccination and a detailed list of FAQs, which can be found here. This page also provides contact details if you have a question or want to give feedback.

To help pensioners and vulnerable people get to their COVID-19 vaccination appointments, concessionary bus pass holders can travel for free in West Sussex before 9.30am from Monday (18 January).

The temporary relaxation of the rules aims to help concessionary bus pass holders travel to early-morning vaccination appointments. The relaxation will continue until schools fully reopen.

Roger Elkins, Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure, said: “Where possible, we want to support the vital vaccination programme and we hope this move will make things a little easier for older and vulnerable people to get to early-morning appointments.

“Thanks go again to the bus operators who have supported us in this move.”

More information about the county council’s bus pass is available online.

Free older person's bus pass - West Sussex County Council

All residents they can still get help from the county council’s Community Hub in confidence by calling 033 022 27980 or by completing the online form. The Hub is open seven days a week between 8am-8pm.

Mental health support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling the Sussex Mental Healthline on 0800 0309 500.

Support for people at risk of harm as a result of domestic abuse is available from the WORTH Specialist Domestic Abuse Service by calling 07834 968539 or 033 022 28181, or emailing [email protected]. This service is available Monday-Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm. 

Support is available to employers and the self-employed, including sole traders and limited company directors. You may be eligible for loans, tax relief and cash grants, whether your business is open or closed.

A series of online workshops aims to give West Sussex small businesses a robust toolkit to survive – and hopefully grow - in 2021.

The West Sussex Recover & Rise in 2021 programme is a series of free workshops, supported by West Sussex County Council and run by Creative Bloom, Shake It Up Creative and Rume2.

Topics covered include goal setting and business planning, plus critical digital skills like social media, Google Analytics and Search Engine Optimisation.

Creative Bloom, Shake It Up Creative and Rume2 all have significant experience in helping to develop local businesses. Bob Lanzer, county council Cabinet Member for Economy, said: “The county council  recognises that these are unprecedented times for everyone - they are exceptionally challenging for many businesses and we are committed to doing what we can to support them.

“The online workshops have been designed to respond to what businesses are telling us they need.”

Please note: only West Sussex-based businesses are eligible for the workshops Sign up to workshops

As of 7 January 2021, Action Fraud had received 57 reports from members of the public who have been sent text messages claiming to be from the NHS, offering them the opportunity to sign up for coronavirus vaccinations. The texts ask the recipient to click on a link which takes them to an online form where they are prompted to input personal and financial details. In some cases the online form has looked very similar to the real NHS website. 

Pauline Smith, Head of Action Fraud, said:  

“Remember, the vaccine is only available on the NHS and is free of charge. The NHS will never ask you for details about your bank account or to pay for the vaccine. If you receive an email, text message or phone call purporting to be from the NHS and you are asked to provide financial details, this is a scam.” 

How to protect yourself: 

In the UK, coronavirus vaccinations will only be available via the National Health Services of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a local GP surgery or pharmacy, to receive your vaccination. 

Remember, the vaccinations are free of charge and you will not be asked for a payment. The NHS will never:

• ask for your bank account or card details
• ask for your PIN or banking passwords
• arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine
• ask for documentation to prove your identity, such as a passport or utility bills

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to [email protected]. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726, which is free of charge.

West Sussex County Council will continue to provide help to people in need of support, after the Prime Minister announced another national lockdown.

People must stay at home and only leave for a limited number of reasons, including shopping for basic necessities, for exercise or to go to work where you cannot do so from home. Those with severe underlying health conditions will once more be required to shield.

The county council’s Community Hub is still available to anyone needing support or experiencing hardship due to COVID-19. Residents can contact the Hub in confidence by calling 033 022 27980 or by completing the online form. The Hub is open seven days a week between 8am-8pm.

Mental health support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling the Sussex Mental Healthline on 0800 0309 500.

Support for people at risk of harm as a result of domestic abuse is available from the WORTH Specialist Domestic Abuse Service by calling 07834 968539 or 033 022 28181, or emailing [email protected] Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

The latest COVID-19 infection rate across West Sussex*, for the seven days up to 30 December, is now up to 555.2 per 100,000. This is above the national average for England of 518.5 per 100,000.

Dr Tony Hill, Interim Director of Public Health, said: “I am extremely concerned about the infection rate across West Sussex, having seen the numbers go up significantly in all districts and boroughs in the county.

“We all have a responsibility to keep West Sussex safe. The roll-out of vaccinations to those most at risk is an enormous positive step, but we all have a duty do everything we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“It is vital that we all follow the government’s instruction to stay at home, save lives and protect the NHS.”

Councillor Amanda Jupp, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: “I realise that a third lockdown will be extremely hard and difficult for many residents but I would urge you all to continue playing your part in this battle against the virus.

“Please stay at home so that cases can be brought under control and life can return to normal. Thank you to everyone for your support in helping us achieve this aim.”

Information about the latest updates to council services are available on our website.

Front line services to our most vulnerable residents will continue, including social care provision for children, young people and adults.

Primary and secondary schools, along with special schools and alternative provision have been told to close to the majority of pupils, and will only be open to priority pupils - those considered vulnerable or those with a critical worker parent.

This is expected to be in place until at least mid-February and schools have been asked to provide remote learning to all pupils who are not in school.

Colleges and universities have also been asked to teach the majority of students remotely.

The government has suggested early year settings, including nursery schools can remain open as normal.

The county council is working closely with school and early year leaders to support them in this change.

The council’s Household Waste Recycling Sites (HWRS) remain open but in order to keep safe people should avoid travel to the sites unless waste cannot be safely stored or put out for normal kerbside collection.

Visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest information.

*The latest figures relating to West Sussex are available on the data dashboard on the county council website: https://wsx-c19-mobile.netlify.app/. The seven-day rate does not include the most recent days of data (this is true of the local dashboard and the national one). This is to allow time for test results to come through. The incomplete days of data can be seen as orange bars on the figure below the table here: https://wsx-c19-mobile.netlify.app/#latest_case_section

Action Fraud has seen a surge in reports relating to fake emails and texts purporting to be from DPD. The messages claim that DPD was “unable to deliver your parcel today” and provide instructions on how the recipient can arrange another delivery. The links in the emails and texts lead to fake websites that are designed to steal money, as well as personal and financial information. 

Victims of this scam have reported losing over £242,000 since June. For more information, please visit https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/fake-dpd-messages-lead-to-over-200000-in-losses-since-june 

How you can protect yourself:

• If you’re unsure whether the email or text is genuine, then don’t use the link. Instead, visit the DPD website by entering the official web address directly into your browser’s address bar, or search for it and follow the search results.
• Remember, your bank will never ask you to transfer money to another account, or contact you out of the blue to ask for your PIN or full password.
• If you have received an email which you’re unsure about, you can report it by forwarding it to [email protected]. You can report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to 7726.

Dear Cuckfield Community 

On behalf of the Haywards Heath Food Bank, I would like to thank you all for the amazing  kindness and generosity that you have provided over the last year.

You have enabled us to provide food and sundries for families in the community who require our help and support.

This year we have been providing food to an average of 100 people each week, and 54% of those are children, this could not have happened without you.

With grateful thanks and very best wishes for 2021.

Kind regards

Heather

Heather Cooper

Project Co-ordinator

Haywards Heath Foodbank

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s free training workshop for motorcyclists has gone virtual to help keep motorcyclists as safe as possible on the roads.

Last year 119 motorcyclists were killed or seriously injured on the roads of West Sussex. But actions taken in the first few moments after a collision involving a biker can be crucial in minimising injuries and can make a real difference to the lives of those involved.

Now, WSFRS has launched a digital version of its Biker Down course to help keep motorcyclists safe throughout the pandemic and beyond.

Biker Down is a scheme run by police and fire services across the country.

The workshop covers a wide range of aspects including:

• Scene management
• First aid and safety skills
• The science of being seen

Biker Down aims to give riders and pillions the opportunity to gain the skills and confidence which, should they ever find themselves at the scene of a road traffic collision, could help protect and prevent any further injuries occurring before the emergency services arrive.

Richard Poole, Biker Down Instructor, said: “Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable road users and it is crucial that they are aware of their surroundings and understand the best ways to keep themselves safe.

“The training package is extremely useful for all road users – whether you drive a car, lorry or motorbike. However, I would really encourage all bikers and pillions to watch our Biker Down course, even if you have been a motorcyclist for a number of years.

“We will re-start the face-to-face sessions when it is safe to do so, but until then, it’s vital that people watch our digital workshop to ensure they remain as safe as possible on the scene of a collision. It is free of charge to watch and the video contains skills that could one day help save somebody’s life.” If you would like to watch Biker Down, please email [email protected]

Site Allocations DPD – Submission

Mid Sussex District Council has formally submitted its Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) and accompanying documents to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The Site Allocations DPD will now be subject to an independent public examination by a planning inspector. As part of this examination process the Planning Inspector will hold public hearings and we anticipate these will be held in Winter-Spring 2021. Once confirmed, all details relating to the examination process will be advertised, made available online and sent to those people who asked to be notified of the examination.

The District Council has submitted the following documents in accordance with regulation 22 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

·        Submission Site Allocations DPD and Policies Map

·        Submission Site Allocations DPD – Sustainability Appraisal

·        Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Mid Sussex Site Allocations DPD

·        Statement of Consultation (Regulation 18 and 22)

·        Regulation 18 Consultation Report

·        Copies of representations made under regulation 20

·        Schedule of Proposed Minor Modifications

·        Duty to Co-operate Statement Evidence Base

The submission and supporting documents listed above, and the Notice of Submission, is now available for inspection on line at www/midsussex.gov.uk/SitesDPD

Further details regarding examination hearings will also be advertised here once confirmed.

Should you have any queries relating to the Site Allocations DPD, you can contact the Planning Policy Team by e-mail [email protected]

Happy New Year from Friends Against Scams! 2021 is the perfect time to be more #ScamAware. 

Talk to your friends and family about any unsolicited post you might receive; does any of it seem like it could be a scam? Send it to @AgainstScams for #Scamnesty

www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/scamnesty.