Will we get a white one?

An advantage of being truly independent and focusing on local priorities, is whether what is happening nationally is right or wrong, we can be clearer about its impact here. Our District in general, and the Peninsula in particular, are lovely spots; however we are not immune to the effects of what is going on nationally and many people are suffering in different ways. The stress caused by worry not only affects relationships and family life, it can also impact your work which can have an economic impact at a time when things are, let's be honest, looking pretty grim. 

Managing and reducing workplace mental health issues has proven positive for boosting productivity, increasing performance and minimising conflict. It helps build a happier and healthier workforce and increases reputational capital. Mental health issues have a huge impact on the economy: costing companies an average of £1,300 for each employee. That is why West Sussex County Council are funding courses to support local businesses. 

We promised last week to keep sharing useful money saving tips, these are ways to make your radiators more efficient.

Related to this, is this report from Sky News, "Inside Britain's 'warm spaces' - where people go when they can't afford to heat their homes" 

There are some apps that can help:

• Foodcloud connects supermarkets with charities and community groups. Through the app, supermarkets can upload a description of unsold food and a local charity will get a notification to collect it. 

• Nowaste allows you to scan receipts and barcodes, log your weekly shop, make lists of what you already have, plan meals and receive automatic reminders about when food items are going to expire. 

• Too Good to Go  lets you buy and collect ‘Magic Bags’ filled with surplus food at a significantly reduced price from local businesses.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, our District is one of several areas in Britain which has no rental properties which are affordable to those receiving housing benefits, according to new research from the Bureau of Investigative Journalism. 

We shared a warning to parents last week about a new social media platform, BeReal. It is important we repeat it once more. There are no filters, no photo editing, no celebrities posting perfect photos and, also, no ads. Rivalling other platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, who are accused of showing a distorted view of reality, BeReal encourages users to show their real selves and life, without any filters or editing within 2 minutes. The app works by prompting its users to post a photo of what they are doing at random times of the day and share the image of your real self and your real activity.

BeReal has no filters, keeping its motive of showing real people as who they really are and what they are actually doing. There are of course safeguarding concerns to be aware of for either yourself or for young people when using this app. Click here for more information and advice on what to look out for.

We also have a warning for my fellow commuters and other motorists: the Met Police have cut speed tolerance by 1mph, which has resulted in a reported 259% increase in drivers who could be fined for breaking the speed limit. It could soon be introduced across the country with the National Police Chiefs Council saying they intend to review the guidance. 

On a different note, was this a shark seen from a West Sussex beach or not? 

These are Sussex's top 10 burglary hotspots, one of which is in our District. 

In happier news, the National Trust have an Autumn free visit offer to non-member, but be quick because ticket numbers are limited. 

Horsham District Council has teamed up with a resident-led energy group to install solar panels on council-owned buildings.

It is Stoptober - if you can quit smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to quit for good. There is free help and support here. 

Of course it would not be October without festive fare in the shops and speculation about a White Christmas. 

WSCC are seeking views on their proposals for walking and cycling improvements on the B2144 Oving Road. 

Northgate Car Park will temporarily close for the annual Sloe Fair. This is one of the earliest recorded fairs in Chichester and is enjoyed by many each year. Traditionally held in October, the Sloe Fair was granted by King Henry I to Ralph de Luffa, Bishop of Chichester and is believed to be named after the Sloe tree which grew in fields by Northgate on the original site.The car park will close at 6pm on Tuesday 18 October 2022 and reopen at 12.00pm Friday 21 October 2022.

A number of sites owned by CDC, including most of its car parks, will be considered for inclusion within an electrical car charging scheme overseen by West Sussex County Council with its selected partner, Connected Kerb (who will have responsibility for planning, installing, operating and maintaining all charge points on CDC’s behalf) 

Earlier this year, WSCC — as the highways authority — along with Connected Kerb, consulted with communities across our District to find out which on-street locations the public would like to see selected for EVCPs. A total of 15 proposed locations have now been shortlisted and will be subject to Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultations to understand the communities’ views before proceeding. 

Two types of charge points will be installed: fast charge points (7–22 kilowatt) and rapid charge points (50 kilowatt). Fast charge points are used for charging at home or in car parks, while the rapid charge points are intended for longer journeys or when someone needs a quick boost to their battery’s power. Electricity is generally more expensive to buy from rapid charge points.

As Donna posted earlier this week, we can all learn - one of our Councillor colleagues posted about this. Thank you Sarah Sharp . Terry's Place is a local charity which can provide day care to a loved one. We know from our own experience of caring that sometimes all we need is a day to recharge.

Finally: - 

• Some significant energy saving tips

• Government's help for households

• Other help suggestions from CDC

• Warmer Homes potential help site

• CDC’s Climate Emergency Plan

• WSCC's climate action

• CDC Meetings

• WSCC

As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.

Tim