Residents show support for a Friends of Brooklands Park group

Dozens of residents turned out to find out more about ambitious plans for Brooklands Park in Worthing and how they can become involved in looking after it.

A packed meeting at the Richmond Rooms, behind Worthing Town Hall, heard about the Worthing Borough Council scheme to make significant environmental improvements to the park’s lake.

Residents were also invited to register their interest in joining a Friends of Brooklands Park group to help maintain the area moving forward and have a say in the future direction of the popular attraction.

Work is expected to start in October to revitalise the lake and create new habitats for wildlife. This includes:

·         Removing a build-up of silt and using it to form new margins around the lake

·         Creating a new island in the middle of the lake

·         Planting new trees and plants

·         Introducing a boardwalk through the reeds so visitors feel part of their new surroundings.

Representatives from Five Rivers Environmental Contracting, the company appointed to carry out the work, explained that the existing wildlife on the lake would not be affected. An ecologist would be on site full time throughout the project, which is expected to take two to three months to complete.

Councillor Diane Guest, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said: "It was great to see so many people at the meeting and to share the exciting plans for the lake with them.

"I'm really looking forward to the work getting under way and, with the help and support of a Friends of Brooklands Park group, establishing a lovely new lake for visitors and residents to enjoy for years to come."

Sue Standing, Chairman of the Friends of Heene Cemetery group, gave the meeting an insight into her experiences as a volunteer, and the meeting was shown a draft constitution for a Friends of Brooklands Park group.

A further meeting is planned for October as the next stage in forming the group.

The planned improvements for Brooklands Lake

Craft Fairs Explained: Trade, retail, art and design fairs: How do I grow my creative business?

Tuesday 12^th September, 1.30 – 5pm

Are you looking for more outlets for your work? 
Do you know the differences between retail and trade fairs? 
Do you need support to expand your creative business?

Why should you attend?

• Craft Fairs – you will be given an and overview of the options open to you
• Retail fairs – pros and cons, how to apply and how to make the most of these events
• Trade fairs – pros and cons, how to apply and how to make the most of these events
• Craft Fairs abroad – introducing delegates to the logistics of showcasing at Retail or Trade fairs overseas and how this could be a good option to expand your markets

Who is speaking?

• Crafts Council Talent Development Manager will be offering a wealth of experience and expertise in supporting creative people in their business development.
• Experienced makers will be sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience of trade and retail fairs and what you need to consider if showcasing abroad

What is on offer?

• To find out if your business is ready for a craft fair and top tips on how to prepare your business for a craft fair
• Advice on the logistics that need to be considered  on the types of audiences at craft fairs, how to price your work and how to market yourself when exhibiting at a craft fair
• Advice on your stand set up, the logistics you need to consider in preparing for a craft fair and the potential cost implications
• The potential timescales involved in taking part in a craft fair, the different scales and potential audiences at certain craft fairs in UK and abroad and how to make the most of each opportunity to grow your business

BOOK HERE 
Colonade House are delighted to be able to offer you a discount on the booking fee - £25 instead of £40 if you use this code: CHW17     

Employment law update and HR news from Acas South East

Workplace news

Beware checking up on job candidates social media: employers who use Facebook, Twitter and other social media to check on potential job candidates could be breaking European law in future. An EU data protection...read more.

Recruitment - advice and guidance.

Redeployment or dismissal: a recent case confirms when employers may dismiss employees for capability, without offering to redeploy them in another role. In this case, an employee was dismissed for capability...read more.

Fair and unfair dismissals - advice and guidance.

Discrimination-based grievances: handling a grievance at work is difficult enough but it is even more so when the allegation is one of discrimination. Should the accused be suspended? What if the grievance is raised during...read more.

Discrimination: what to do if it happens - step-by-step guide. 

WCHP Events August - October 2017

August

Shoreham Street Collection – Saturday 12th

Street collection in Shoreham

September

Thames Path Challenge – Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th 

Walk, jog or run 100, 50 or 25km from Putney Bridge to Henley. More than 3,000 challengers will take on the main Thames Path Challenge following England's greatest river. Visit http://www.thamespathchallenge.com/the-main-challenge for more information and to sign up!

Horsham Quiz Night – Friday 15th

St John the Evangelist, Horsham. Tickets sold in shops and through office nearer the time. Organised by our Horsham Friends Group.

Shoreham Quiz Night – Saturday 16th

St Peter’s Church, Shoreham. Run by our Shoreham Friends Group. Tickets available nearer the time from our charity shops and the office.

Horsham Flag Day - Saturday 30th

Street Collection in Horsham. Please get in touch if you would like to help out by collecting on this day!

October

Taylor Maid musical evening – Saturday 14th from 7.30pm

Organised by the Goring Friends Group, held at the Warren Ballroom. Tickets £15.00 available from WCHP charity shops and by calling 01903 680740.

Refurbished seafront shelter offers bright new entrance to Worthing

A revamped rotunda is set to give visitors to the Sussex seaside a bright new welcome this summer.

The Windsor Lawns Shelter on Worthing promenade has stood run-down and dilapidated for the last four years.

But, thanks to a £53,000 refurbishment by Worthing Borough Council, the shelter has been given a makeover to ensure people of all ages can enjoy the sea air whatever the weather.

Those behind the refurbishment believe it will act as a gateway in welcoming people to the east end of the town’s seafront.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for regeneration, said:

“We welcome the refurbishment of the shelter. It is a part of the town’s heritage and it’s another example of the council taking care of this for future generations.

“I’m sure it will become a popular place for people to sit and enjoy the seafront for this summer and beyond.”

The shelter stands at the bottom of the junction of Brighton Road and Windsor Road.

A consultation on the future of the structure was launched last year. Locals were asked if they wanted to restore the shelter; revamp it for another use, such as a commercial premises; or demolish it and replace it with other seating or recreational facilities.

After listening to responses from residents and ward councillors, the local authority committed funding to refurbish the shelter.

Council contractors have spent the last twelve weeks carrying out the work.

It has seen the installation of toadstool seating, cycle racks and planters, as well as the construction of a new floor and ‘vandal-proof’ glass.

Ward councillors Keith Bickers and Alex Harman, who have taken an active role in the refurbishment of the shelter, have agreed to work with residents to ensure the plants are watered and cared for.

Samuel Ashby joins Crawford Davis as new Sales Director

As part of Crawford Davis growth plans they are delighted to announce that Samuel Ashby has been appointed as the new Sales Director. Samuel will be responsible for pioneering sales in both the commercial and specialist taxi teams to ensure profitable growth. In addition he will also be building and strengthening key relationships with insurers and local businesses.

Samuel commented “I am looking forward to being part of Crawford Davis continued success and driving forward new initiatives within the branch whilst guaranteeing that Crawford Davis is recognised as one of the leading brokers on the South Coast. I have been working in the finance and insurance industry for the last 12 years with roles in both independent and national brokerages. I feel it is important in business to ensure that in addition to seeking growth opportunities, that client experience and service levels are treated with equal importance.”

Geoff Hall, Area Managing Director commented “ Samuel brings a wealth of experience in commercial and personal lines insurance and coupled with his local business relationships we are confident that he will be an excellent resource to help us achieve our growth plan”

Crawford Davis is part of Towergate Insurance and specialises in a variety of different insurance products including commercial, personal and specialist taxi covers.

Public urged to have their say on major Lancing development

People are being urged to have their say on plans to build 600 homes and a new Ikea superstore in Lancing.

Adur District Council has received the proposal from New Monks Farm Development, which is a subsidiary of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, for the New Monks Farm site.

In addition to the homes and superstore, the application also includes the planned creation of a new roundabout on the A27, a country park and school/community hub.

Members of the public now have eight weeks to have their say on the plans with councillors making a decision later this year.

More than 1,200 letters informing local residents will be sent out to residents in Lancing and Shoreham asking for their views on the application for the site.

The full set of plans and supporting documents is also being uploaded onto the Adur and Worthing Councils website while a full hard copy will also available at the Shoreham Centre, Pond Road.

James Appleton, Adur and Worthing Council’s Head of Planning and Development, said:

“This is a complex detailed planning application which will affect thousands of people across Adur and beyond. For that reason, we are determined to allow as many as possible to see and comment on the proposal. As a result, we have extended the time that people can comment on the application from the usual three weeks to eight.

“All of these comments will then be taken on board before the council takes a decision on the application possibly before the end of the year depending on when the council receives the inspector’s full report on Adur’s emerging Local Plan.”

The application for the site, located between the east of the Mash Barn estate and to the north of Brighton & Hove Albion’s training ground and next to Shoreham Airport, is 1,200 pages long.

It is described as a hybrid, which means some aspects are for full permission; while others are for outline, which requires a further detailed application at a later date.

An illustrative masterplan brings the whole development together. It includes plans for:

·         250 residential dwellings (full application);

·         350 residential dwellings (outline application);

·         32,900sqm of IKEA store (outline);

·         relocation of travellers site with an additional two pitches (full);

·         new A27 Roundabout at Sussex Pad junction, with associated access roads (full);

·         28 hectares of Country Park (full);

·         two football pitches for Brighton & Hove Albion training ground (full);

·         school and community hub (outline)

The residential part of the plan will include 30% affordable homes, which is in line with Adur District Council’s housing policy.

The creation of a new roundabout replacing the Sussex Pad traffic light junction is separate to the ongoing A27 consultation run by Highways England, which includes alterations to the Grinstead Lane roundabout in Lancing.

If approved, developers believe work could start on the site by 2019.

For more details and to see the planning application in full visit https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/planning/applications/view/

Adur Local Plan nears completion

The Adur Local Plan has moved a further step closer to being formally adopted.

The document, which will be used to guide development in Sompting, Lancing, Shoreham and Southwick until 2032, is aimed at balancing the need to build new homes and employment space while protecting the environment.

Following recommendations from Government-appointed Planning Inspector, Adur District Council held a period of consultation on the Main Modifications (the recommended changes to make the document legally sound) for six weeks. This period closed at midnight on July 26.

Now, the Inspector will review the comments received and make his final report, with the hope the document could be adopted before the end of the year.

Councillor Brian Boggis, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said:

“We want to thank people for commenting on this latest stage in the development of the Adur Local Plan.

“It may have been several years in the making but we are confident the final result will be a document which ensures the area has a healthy balance of places for people to live, work and play.

“We look forward to receiving the Inspector’s final report on the plan in due course.”

Councils across the country were required to make Local Plans in 2011 after the government issued new planning guidance for all councils.

After several detailed consultation periods, where more than 1,000 people, businesses and organisations had their say, the final document was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate last year.

Key targets in the Plan include building a minimum of 3,700 homes and  41,000 square metres of employment-generating floor space.