Welcome to the Local Alliance Blog

  Since becoming the Official Opposition at CDC in May, we have operated as a 'critical' and 'constructive' friend, because of the Liberal Democrats large mandate. Donna is currently pressing the Police & Crime Commissioner to appear before the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which she Chairs as we technically lead the opposition. Unfortunately Katy Bourne has now cancelled twice, but Donna is hopeful for January. At the Full CDC on Tuesday I successfully amended the wording to improve a motion protesting about the closure of railway station ticket offices: Council requests: -  The Leader writes to the Secretary of State for Transport and the Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group, as well as Southern Railway, to express this Council’s opposition to the possible closures of staffed rail ticket offices, particularly at Chichester, Bosham and Southbourne stations.  The Overview & Scrutiny Committe invites representatives from Southern Railway to attend a meet...

Last week we mentioned World Mental Health Day is on 10 October and WSCC is highlighting a number of services and organisations that can help, including NHS Every Mind Matters and West Sussex Mind , as well as support for children and young people at Your Mind Matters and for urgent support Samaritans and Sussex Mental Healthline . We also mentioned that CDC is working with partners to promote grants so you may receive a letter with their logo to do with The Boiler Upgrade Scheme , The Chichester Warm Homes Initiative or The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme .  Some other reminders: firstly, The City Sounds music festival is returning on Saturday 25 November so should you wish to take part should apply at https://citysoundslive.com/application-form by 30 September. Secondly, give your views on what information applicants must provide CDC in their planning applications in the Local List consultation by October 12. Lastly, the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Servic...

It was Battle of Britain day today as Mick posted earlier: " Commemorating the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of Britain on this day which is Battle of Britain Day - "Never in the field of human conflict was so much been owed by so many to so few." 15 September 1940 was officially named Battle of Britain Day as it was the day when RAF Fighter Command claimed what proved to be a decisive victory over the German Luftwaffe ." It is easy to forget how many airfields there were locally at the time, for instance every time I head up the B2145 I pass the site of RAF Selsey.  I first started thinking about this week's blog last Saturday on the hottest day of the year, when I was sitting in a pub garden in Cowes drinking a large, heavily-iced Lemon and Lime. (Looking at the sea can be quite inspirational!) My youngest daughter came over with Donna and myself, so, for a change, we took the car to fit more in and I used the longer sailings to do some work.  Our health is i...