Shingle all the way

 

We start this week with our thoughts and best wishes to the driver and passengers (their parents & families) of Monday's school bus accident. We hope none of them has any lasting trauma. The police are appealing for information so if you can help in however small a way, please do. 

Whilst mentioning families, we are sadly saying goodbye to two of our founding members and Selsey Town Councillors: Peter Gibbs who is moving away and Chris Dean who is taking a well earned retirement.

In happier news, Chichester Festival Theatre has announced a further week of performances of DOUBT: A Parable following the forced cancellation of what would have been its final five performances due to a case of Covid within the company; meanwhile a couple are planning to row the distance from Dover to Calais to raise money for charity.

We regularly try to include things for fans of local history, so here are pictures of how the centre of Chichester has changed. We also sometimes include some unusual ideas for new homes - you might say this one is the bussy-ness! 

If you are looking for ideas for places to go the link might prove helpful. Once the weather improves, if you are looking for a reason to have a stroll, you are always welcome to help us deliver a few newsletters. Donna is a keen gardener and makes no secret she enjoys delivering simply to see other people's gardens.

We have mentioned before "Love your home, protect our world," a CDC campaign which aims to inform residents about the different ways in which they can save money and help to protect our environment by making their homes more energy efficient. It highlights advice such as how small DIY measures can save you money and reduce emissions, e.g. insulated jackets on hot water tanks, LED bulbs and making sure radiators aren’t blocked by furniture. As part of the campaign, they will also be letting people know about various grants that are available for measures such as loft, floor and wall installation, and for air-source heat pumps and Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that cut carbon emissions. They have put together this short video.

Advance warning for residents and visitors to Selsey beach that during the first three weeks of March the Shingle will be having its annual recharge. This will be near the central Marine car park and necessitate closing some parts of the beach whilst it is being done. It is expected that tidal patterns will redistribute the shingle eastwards over the next two years. 

By now, you have probably heard that WSCC are adding over £45 to their part of Band D Council Tax bills from April. Bills also include precepts to Sussex Police, CDC and your City/Town/Parish Council. These are still being finalised but, if you live in Selsey, our Team on STC are keeping their increase to single figures despite the rise in energy prices, continuing front of house services once paid for by CDC and the Mobile Recycling service once paid for by WSCC.

CDC recently asked councillors to prioritise their non-statutory services as part of a financial planning exercise. On the discussions that ensued, we argued particularly strongly for three services valued highly on the Peninsula: public conveniences, Community Wardens and the Foreshore Service. I am on the Committees investigating this further, so I have also been arguing for a reconsideration of CDC’s office footprint to realise major long term savings.

This week Donna has Full WSCC on Friday and STC’s Assets and Amenities Committee. We both have private meetings this week.

Finally: -

• Rolls Royce hope to expand. 

• The BBC NHS postcode tracker.

• TheCovid impact on our area's economy.

• CDC’s Calendar of Meetings, and WSCC's. 

As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.

Tim