Something to celebrate?

Yesterday was Polling Day and turnout was very low: in Selsey North they now have two Councillor Wellers as Mick joins his wife Val representing the north on Selsey Town Council. In Selsey South, turnout was under 25%. 1202 votes were cast compared to 1547 in the 2019 District-wide elections. Following an increasingly toxic campaign, that sunk to personal insults (including likening one of our team with Jewish heritage to Hitler) and breaches of planning rules for electoral advantage, our candidate Dan Gregory was sadly just defeated. 

We are delighted that Mick was elected because he will be an asset to our Town Council. We are saddened by everything that went on in Selsey South and the final result. Dan Gregory has a clear vision, is motivated, and is able to engage young people who might otherwise be marginalised. Our community deserves better.

If you like to have your say, WSCC have extended their consultation about cycle routes on the B2144 Oving Road. WSCC have also moved the nearby tip at Westhampnett to Summer Opening Hours, which means it is open 9am to 6pm - Monday to Sunday. In other WSCC news, this is the details of the Holiday Activity and Food Programme. 

During the holidays you might fancy the comparatively short venture to Butser Farm because they have reconstructed an Anglo-Saxon Hall from remains found in Charlton. 

Our area continues to feature in positive news stories, including Chichester Harbour (not once but twice), our waterside villages, and Petworth House because it is used by Netflix as one of the locations for their popular drama Bridgerton.   

The huge increase in energy prices is a shock to us all. There may be some helpful ideas here but please note the key point to keep yourself and your home healthy, so don't simply not heat your home at all. 

We have not forgotten Ukraine. Our latest understanding is that WSCC are the lead authority on supporting people locally and have bolstered their resettlement team in order to support refugees when they arrive. Although they only receive a payment of £10,500 for people arriving via the Homes for Ukraine scheme they will also support refugees arriving through other means like family reunion. 

WSCC have commenced property inspections and CDC are supporting them in this task. Required Safeguarding & DBS checks are being undertaken by WSCC who administers payment of £350 per month to hosts for up to 12 months. Access to education, work and benefits will be supported as will other service referrals as required. 

 

WSCC is using the Community Hub set up in response to Covid to respond to refugee requests for support. The government are supporting three main organisations for matching sponsors with guests: RESET, Refugees at Home and Citizens UK.

Finally: -

• West Sussex Energy Advice Service 2022.

• The Fire & Rescue Service’s Integrated Risk Management Plan.

• CDC’s new guide on the help they provide.

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

As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.

Tim