December 15, 2023
This is our last post of 2023 so we wish you all the best for the festive season, and hope you have some quality time and special memories with your kith and kin. My oldest daughter is getting married on the 29th so, now school is over and things are becoming a little quieter, I can give some thought to my speech (I am repeatedly told I am not allowed to mention anything that might embarrass, so obviously am trying to recall anything that might be!).
Last weekend we helped a family in crisis, as Donna posted on Saturday: -
“Today, Tim and I found ourselves sorting food for a resident who contacted me late yesterday. I genuinely have no issue with dealing with things like this, it happens quite a bit these days, but if anyone finds themselves in this awful situation, it's much easier to deal with before a Friday afternoon. I realise it's a really hard thing to do, but many of us have been there and know what it's like. Absolutely no judgement, there but for the grace of God go any of us. But....I can't really help in a meaningful way before Monday which is very frustrating for all involved. If you're struggling with anything, please feel free to PM us. We can either help ourselves or signpost you to someone who can. The earlier the better.“
This brings home that, sadly, Christmas is not a time of celebration for everyone; many people will be alone and potentially on the streets. CDC has a dedicated outreach team that works directly with rough sleepers to try and support them back into accommodation. If you are concerned about an individual rough sleeping, please let them know their team will attempt to find the individual and assess their needs. CDC officers also work very closely with Stonepillow, which provides a lifeline for homeless people with a drop-in day centre and a 24-hour hostel. CDC gives them an an annual grant so if you want to offer support to the homeless over the Christmas period, please consider donating to charities like them rather than giving money directly.
On Tuesday, Mick recalled the Clapham rail disaster: -
“I remember this so vividly. I heard the crash from my bedroom. On 12 December 1988, during the morning rush hour, three commuter trains carrying an estimated 1,300 passengers collided in Clapham Junction, Europe's busiest railway junction. Hundreds of people were injured in the crash and 35 people lost their lives. It remains one of the worst incidents in the Brigade's history. “
Please ‘Think Before You Throw’ particularly when waste and recycling collections change slightly over the festive period. CDC has teamed up with St Wilfrid’s Hospice again to offer a Christmas Tree Recycling scheme: consider making a list first, shopping second-hand or making your own presents, ditching disposables if you entertain and getting creative with leftovers. CDC is offering a free third hour if you buy two in all their car parks (except Avenue De Chartres and Westgate) at weekends when using the MiPermit app: Avenue de Chartres is free on Sundays.
If you want to keep it local, have a look at Shop Sussex.
As this is an expensive time of year, particularly with the continuing cost of living crisis. So I thought it would be helpful to share a couple of free ideas with you: firstly Bognor has a free enchanted woodland which finishes this weekend and a pop-up ice rink (but I have not been able to check whether this is free as well.) If you like a walk, and fancy a change of scenery, the Serpent Trail might interest you.
Don’t forget CDC has launched a new grant scheme to help people plant trees and hedgerows in priority areas across our District with the aim of improving connectivity between woodland habitats. Through this new targeted tree scheme, landowners can access funding to help plant trees, hedgerows, small-wooded areas (copses) and orchards.
I think I am probably on safe territory in surmising that nearly every one of us likes chocolate and may indulge at some point over the festive period. If you are missing Nestle’s Caramac or other products from your past, this chocolatier might interest you.
CDC’s main offices at East Pallant House, Chichester, will be closed from 2pm on Friday 22 December. The offices will reopen on Tuesday 2 January 2024 at 9am. While the contact centre is closed, people will still be able to access a variety of services online at www.chichester.gov.uk. If residents have a district council related emergency during this time, they should call the council’s ‘emergency out of hours’ number on 01243 785339.
Civil Enforcement Officers continue to work through the Christmas closure but the s parking administration office will be closed from 2pm on 22 December, reopening at 9am on 2 January 2024. Residents can still access a variety of parking services online including buying car park season tickets; resident permits; resident visitor permits; and parking payments in car parks. Parking issues can be reported here. The out-of-hours messaging service is 01243 785166 or 01243 534734. If you have any queries about roads, pavements and street lighting, or need to report a fault relating to them, contact WSCC 01243 777100.
WSCC is considering proposals for the relocation of Jessie Younghusband Primary School and the expansion of St Anthony’s Special School in Chichester. The schools are currently located on the same site, close to the Whitehouse Farm/Minerva Heights development of new homes to the west of Chichester city centre.
The proposed options are to relocate Jessie Younghusband Primary School to the primary school site identified at the Minerva Heights development for it to become the local school for the development and wider community. This would allow St Anthony’s Special School to expand into the building vacated by Jessie Younghusband, creating an additional 50+ special educational need places. Also proposed is a review of the catchment area for Jessie Younghusband Primary School, Fishbourne C of E Primary School and Parklands Community Primary School to incorporate White House Farm/Minerva Heights and reflect Jessie Younghusband’s relocation (pupils currently on role will not be affected).
Residents can share their views on the proposals until 31 January 2024.
Returning to Council budgets, last week we included some information about Selsey Town Council's current consultation and the potential increase in residents’ Council Tax bills next year. Although STC only accounts for around 8% of the total bill, renewing the mobile tip contract will practically double the increase of their portion of residents’ bills and it would go up by around 11% rather than around 6%. The consultation closes in early January so whatever your view, please make sure you have your say.
WSCC is also looking at making some difficult decisions regarding its budget, (largely down to government under - funding) - once again, make sure you have your say!
Christmas is many people’s favourite time of year. But cyber criminals like Christmas too, taking advantage of the fact that we're busy and easily distracted. Do you know how to keep yourself, your family, finances and devices safe online, especially with those new phones, tablets, computers and other smart devices? Get Safe Online has kindly produced 12 Tips of Christmas to help us all online with safety and confidence this festive season. You may also want to read this advice on shopping more securely online and protecting your email this Christmas too.
Selsey Town Council have made a New Year announcement: -
“The Town Council is pleased to announce that it is increasing toilet provision and installing a Changing Places Toilet* at Selsey Centre in Spring 2024! The building works will take place from January to early March 2024 during this period Selsey Centre will be closed. The majority of the regular hirers at the Selsey Centre will be continuing their sessions at the Town Hall whilst the works are carried out.
The Town Council thank you, the hirers and their attendees for their understanding during this time. Selsey Centre team will be on hand to answer queries and confirm advance hall hire bookings for 2024 by telephoning 01243 605803 or emailing selseycentre@selseytowncouncil.gov.uk
*A Changing Places Toilet has facilities for toileting, showering, and changing for adults or children who might have more than one caregiver with them.“
Finally: -
As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.
Tim
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