June 28, 2024

Welcome to this week's blog. As always, thank you for sparing the time to have a read. A reminder that, as the summer holidays are approaching, now is the time to book for WSCC's Holiday Activities & Food programme. 

Please remember the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has released a Food Alert advising businesses to remove from the market meat and meat products supplied by the cutting plant Block and Cleaver in Swanley, Kent, because of food safety concerns. These products may have incorrect use by dates, are subject to traceability breaches, may not have been manufactured in accordance with food safety management systems and may be unsafe. They should not be eaten. Trading Standards are asking food businesses such as restaurants, cafes and hotels to withdraw from sale immediately any meat or meat products supplied by Block and Cleaver because they are unsafe to eat. Products should be disposed of safely. They are also asking food businesses who have sold meat or meat products at retail, directly to consumers, to undertake product recalls and inform them.

Although meetings are affected by purdah during the General Election campaign, on Monday our Green colleague, Tim Young, had CDC’s Environment Panel and Donna on Wednesday had CDC’s Grants & Concessions Panel. This coming week there is CDC’s Licensing Committee on Wednesday. As it is being held via Zoom, I hope to join part of it from school but that will depend on what the day brings. Watch CDC’s public meetings here, and Full WSCC here. That evening Ian, Andrew, Donna and I have STC's Personnel Committee. 

Last week we shared Selsey Town Council’s video of the D-Day 80 celebrations. This week Donna came across 48 Hours in Selsey, produced by the Great Sussex Way. 

Site mobilisation works began on Wednesday to enable the refurbishment works to start at both East Beach, Selsey and Market Road, Chichester public conveniences.  Temporary toilets are in place at East Beach and signage at Market Road (to direct visitors to alternative toilet locations.)  The kiosk licence holder has been advised at East Beach. CDC’s contractor anticipates the works will take approximately 6-8 weeks.

We are in the Summer months, which means you may regrettably be plagued by flies. Mumsnet recently gave some low cost advice on how you might be able to deal with this. Whilst you are out and about, if you take a stroll along Selsey beach, you might spot something that’s been there for thousands of years.

From July 13 until September 14, children of all ages can visit West Sussex libraries and join Amelia, Riley, Bob the dog and friends as they get creative to complete the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge, Marvellous Makers. The challenge encourages youngsters to keep reading over the holidays by offering rewards, including a medal and certificate if they complete the challenge and read six library books of their choice. 

After registering online for the challenge, children receive a special code word. They then reveal this to staff at their local library to get their Marvellous Makers fold-out poster and first set of scratch-and-sniff stickers.

The main challenge is for children aged 4-11 years, but younger children can take part in the Mini Challenge, collecting stickers as they share library books over the summer and receiving a special gold sticker and a certificate when they finish.

WSCC is recruiting volunteers aged 14 and over to support staff in promoting the Summer Reading Challenge. WSCC is also asking your views on the proposed locations for several new EV charge points in our County and the draft A27 Chichester Bypass Mitigation SPD Version 2 consultation which is open until July 11. Reference copies are available to view at CDC’s offices in Chichester, the South Downs Centre in Midhurst, and Chichester, Selsey, Petworth, Midhurst and Southbourne libraries. CDC is also seeking your views on climate change projects and will be holding four in-person drop-in events and three online sessions to provide the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the proposals with council officers. You will also be able to find out about the work that others are doing to help tackle climate change in our area. As part of the consultation, people will be asked their opinions on potential projects that could help individuals and communities in our District to reduce their emissions, which will help inform CDC’s new climate emergency action plan

CDC’s popular Cross Market & More artisan market and Summer Street Party returns on Sunday 7 July, from 10am until 4pm. The Cross Market & More is a mixed street market, celebrating the very best creatives, designers, makers and producers from the district, along with entertainment and family activities. This special artisan market is being held in conjunction with the Summer Street Party, offering a day full of unique shopping experiences, family-friendly activities, free entertainment and local food and drink vendors. The day will have a programme of live entertainment with music including various local artists, fashion show, children’s magic performances, face painting, hair braiding, a carousel, trampolines, garden games and a reptile encounter.

WSCC reports that construction of the northern section of the Lyminster Bypass is progressing well. Once finished, the road will link with the already-built southern section to complete a new, 1.1-mile carriageway running to the east of Lyminster and Wick villages. The project has now reached another key stage, with work needed to begin connecting the existing A284 Lyminster Road with the new bypass. For the safety of both the public and workforce, this will mean having to close Lyminster Road from Monday 1 July to Saturday 6 July, from 8pm to 6am each day (subject to unforeseen circumstances, such as severe bad weather).

Reducing alcohol intake has several benefits including: better sleep, improved short-term memory, better focus and concentration, increased energy levels,saving money and losing weight. Chichester Wellbeing’s Alcohol Advisors are supporting residents across our District who recognise they may benefit from drinking less alcohol. They work with various groups, organisations, and individuals to support those who need help with improving their relationship with alcohol. Alcohol Awareness week is taking place between 1 – 7 July and raises awareness of the impact to health and wellbeing that can come from drinking regularly, and often, over the recommended weekly limit of 14 units.

The advisors make a big difference to the clients work with and support them to make a positive change for their wellbeing and health. Advisors work with each client in confidential one-to-one sessions to review their drinking habits and create a bespoke plan to help them reduce their intake.  They offer up to six sessions of tailored advice which can be booked at times convenient for the client. The sessions can be in person, over the phone, or online, it is all down to the client’s preference and what they are comfortable with. The advisors support clients to choose healthier alternatives at their own pace towards their own individual goals.

Finally: - 

• Report potholes to WSCC

• Housing Health & Safety

• Warmer Homes UK

• Suicide in Sussex

• Domestic Abuse

• Supporting You

• WSCC Meetings

• CDC Meetings

As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.

Tim