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Careline smoke detector unit helps to save woman's life

A special smoke detector linked to Chichester District Council's Careline service has helped save an elderly woman's life after a wheat bag caught fire.

The lady from Crawley was led to safety by firefighters yesterday, after Chichester Careline alerted them that her home was on fire and filled with acrid smoke.

The lady, in her nineties, had accidentally overheated her wheat bag causing it to ignite inside the microwave.

Fortunately, the lady had received a Home Safety Check and was protected by a Careline System with a specialist 'Firelink' smoke alarm. This meant that an operator at Chichester Careline's 24-hr monitoring centre was automatically alerted to the fire and could place an immediate 999 call to the Fire Service.

A crew from Crawley arrived within four minutes and firefighters were able to bring the lady out to fresh air and safety and ventilate her home using a positive pressure ventilation fan.  

Wheat bags, heated in microwave ovens, are often used as an additional source of warmth and therapeutic pain relief, but if not used correctly, they can pose a real fire hazard.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has released a film highlighting the dangers of overheating wheat bags. To view the film, click on http://www.wsfb.co.uk/wheatbags.wmv

Incident Commander, Julian Bridgman, from Crawley Fire Station, said: "This incident is a stark reminder of how dangerous these bags can be. All wheat bags bought in shops should have manufacturers' instructions with recommended maximum heating times - it's really important that people read and follow those instructions and don't overheat them.

"Fortunately, the early alert received through the Chichester Careline system has made all the difference. This highlights the value of the Home Fire Safety Checks we carry out. For most people a standard smoke alarm gives them the protection they need, but some residents need a little extra assistance, those who have mobility problems or perhaps a disability which means they can't make such an easy escape. We are continually working with our partner organisations to make sure that we are prioritising those people who would benefit most from our Home Fire Safety Checks so we can fit these specialist alarms where appropriate."

Cllr Eileen Lintill, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Wellbeing at Chichester District Council, said: “We are delighted that the lady is recovering well and that our service has helped to keep her safe.

“Cases such as this demonstrate how important our Careline services are. We have a range of options that can enable vulnerable people to continue living independently and safely in their own home. This also provides reassurance and confidence to both the users of our service, and to their families.”

Find out how our Chichester Careline service could help you or a member of your family, by visiting www.chichestercareline.org.uk or calling 01243 778688 .  If you, or a relative or neighbour, may be eligible for a Home Fire Safety Check call 0800 3286487 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire

New loan to help first time buyers

A new loan scheme will soon be introduced to help first time buyers in the Chichester District get on the property ladder.

Chichester District Council is setting up an ‘equity loan initiative', which can help first time buyers, or families in need of larger accommodation, purchase a property.

“The Chichester District has some of the highest house prices on the south coast and we want to do everything we can to help people find homes,” says Cllr Janet Duncton, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning at Chichester District Council.

“Our equity loan initiative will help first time buyers not only get on the property ladder, but also to stay in the Chichester District. It complements the Government's First Buy Equity Loan Scheme, which can only be used to purchase newly built homes from certain providers. However, our loan will not be limited in this way as it can be used for any property in the district as long as it fits within the criteria set out.”

Details of the scheme are still to be finalised, but the council is encouraging people to register their interest now.

Applicants for the loan must:

• be 18 or over;
• be unable to afford to buy a property in Chichester District;
• have a local connection to Chichester District;
• be able to access a commercial mortgage to pay for a minimum of 75% of the purchase of the property; and,
• not have an interest in any other property.

For more information please contact Rob Dunmall at Chichester District Council on 01243 534734 or email rdunmall@chichester.gov.uk

Men should not regularly exceed 3-4 units (2-3 units for women), but many people do not know how much this amounts to. This includes how many units are in a glass of wine or a pint of beer
There are around three units in one large glass of wine or one pint of strong beer.

One unit could be:

• half pint of regular beer, lager or cider;
• one 125ml glass of wine (9%);
• a single measure (25ml) of spirit; or,
• a small glass of sherry. 

Every year more than 33,000 people are admitted to hospital with alcohol related health problems, and more than 40 people die every day as a result of alcohol in England and Wales. The effects of alcohol on your health will depend on how much you drink. The more you drink, the greater the health risks.

Staying safe and healthy while out drinking has become even easier following changes made to the Licensing Act 2003 last year. The changes require operators of certain licensed premises selling alcohol to make tap water freely available on request. Operators must also make sure their customers are aware of the availability of smaller measures of alcohol.

The new smaller measures are ½ pint of beer or cider; 125ml of still wine in a glass; and, 25ml or 35ml of gin, rum, vodka or whiskey.

Chichester District Council is encouraging everyone to take steps to reduce the risk and to know their own limits when they drink

If you are planning to go out this Christmas and New Year, here are some helpful tips to make sure you stay safe and healthy:

• eat before you go out, or early in the evening.
• remember, it's not about saving up your units for the week and having them all in one evening.
• drink water regularly during the evening and before you go to bed.
• pace yourself and drink soft drinks in between alcoholic ones – a tonic looks the same with or without vodka.
• don't try to keep up with friends who drink more than you.
• take a break for 48 hours after drinking alcohol, to let your body recover.
• always stay together with your friends, don't leave with or accept a lift from a stranger or someone you have only just met.
• steer clear of a confrontation. It's not worth the hassle.

For more information on alcohol awareness, please contact Chichester District’s Wellbeing Team on 01243 521041, email health@chichester.gov.uk Or contact the Community Safety Partnership on 01243 534860, email communitysafety@chichester.gov.uk

Loving our local food

By the time the ingredients of an average Christmas lunch make it to your plate, they will have travelled a total of around 38,000km. Similar ingredients sourced locally, or from the Chichester District Farmers' Markets, will have travelled around 127km. Good food also makes a great gift. So why not make a Christmas hamper from products sold at the markets in Chichester, Midhurst and Petworth?

Farmers' markets are held in Chichester city centre on the first and third Friday of each month. They are also held on the fourth Saturday of each month alternating between Petworth and Midhurst. 

Chichester City Council's new two-day Christmas Home & Craft Market will be held on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November in the Assembly Room at the Council House. The market will be open from 9am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. For more information go to www.chichestercity.gov.uk

A Winter Market , will also be taking place in Chichester City Centre on Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 December in East Street and North Street. There will be a live nativity on the 9, 10 and 11, outside Marks and Spencers, in East Street with real donkeys. There will also be a children's treasure hunt, where children need to find three kings on the stalls to receive a free Christmas Nativity book and pen. For more information, please contact Chichester Tourist Information Centre on 01243 77588, email chitic@chichester.gov.uk or by going to www.visitchichester.org.uk

Did you know?

1. The first weekly market was introduced into Chichester in the 9 th Century.
2. The Market Cross was erected in 1501. If you wanted to sell goods at the market you had to pay a toll, however the cross was used by poor peasants who only had a few goods to sell. So the Bishop said that if you could stand under the cross and sell your goods you didn't need to pay a toll.
3. In 1950 Chichester became one of the largest pig markets in the south with more than 1,000 sold at each weekly market.

For more information on the farmer's markets , go to www.chichester.gov.uk/farmersmarkets

Free Christmas park and ride service

The free park and ride service for visitors, shoppers and commuters will operate on the five Saturdays leading up to Christmas, starting this Saturday (26 November). It will also run on the weekdays leading up to Christmas and on Christmas Eve.

The bus shuttle will start from Chichester College car park at Westgate and run to the city centre. Drop off and pick up points will be:

1. Eastgate (opposite the Cattle Market);
2. Northgate (lay by in Oaklands Way); and,
3. the Cathedral in West Street, before returning to the college car park.

The service will operate from 8am-6pm on:

1. Saturday 26 November;
2. Saturday 3 December;
3. Saturday 10 December;
4. Saturday 17 December;
5. Monday 19 December;
6. Tuesday 20 December;
7. Wednesday 21 December;
8. Thursday 22 December;
9. Friday 23 December; and,
10. Saturday 24 December.

Like last year, the initiative is being organised and funded by Chichester District Council, and supported by Chichester College, Chichester Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the Chichester Observer.

We want your views on how we manage our foreshores

A consultation has started asking for views on how Chichester District Council manages activities on its foreshores.

The consultation, which will focus on water sports, including kite surfing, and other activities on the beach, has now started and will run until Friday 9 December 2011 . It can be found on the council's website at www.chichester.gov.uk/foreshoresurvey

“A variety of activities take place on our foreshores, ranging from bathing, fossil hunting, horse riding, board and sail activities, and motorised sport. This could potentially cause conflict between users,” says Cllr John Connor, Cabinet Member for the Environment at Chichester District Council.

“Access to the beach and high winds make Bracklesham attractive for a number of water sports. Over the last few years we have seen a significant increase in numbers taking part in kite surfing. We want to manage risk on the foreshore while making the beach accessible for lots of different users.

“The consultation looks at a number of proposals for the management of activities on the foreshore and we welcome suggestions from the public on how they feel activities can best be managed.”

The results of the consultation will be reported back to the Cabinet in February 2012, so that the operational procedures are ready for next season.

Could your bike maintenance skills do with a brush up?

Brush up on your bike maintenance skills with a series of new courses.

The courses, organised by Chichester District Council and run by Cycle Matters, will show you simple checks to make sure your bike is in good condition. This could not only save you money but also make your bike last longer.

The courses offer hands-on tuition and are ideally suited for those aged over 18, although there are some junior courses. They range from a foundation course to an intensive one-day course and start from £25.

Courses will take place at Westgate Leisure Chichester on the following days:

• foundation courses - Monday 17 October from 6.30pm-9.15pm;
• intensive courses - part one on Monday 24 October from 6.30pm-9.15pm and part two on Monday 31 October from 6.30pm-9.15pm;
• young person foundation course - Wednesday 26 October from 2pm-5.30pm.

Councillor John Connor, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety at Chichester District Council, says: “I hope many cyclists around the district will sign up and become more confident about fixing their bikes. Cycling has huge health benefits, makes you feel good, is great fun and is environmentally-friendly too.”

To book a place, call Cycle Matters 01903 533225 or email info@cyclematters.co.uk . For more information about cycling in the Chichester District see www.chichester.gov.uk/cycling

Full Council agrees new parking arrangements

A number of new parking measures are intended to be introduced in Chichester after being approved by Chichester District Council's Full Council today (Tuesday 20 September).

The new measures include the introduction of franchised services in the council's car parks. This will include car washing and valeting, windscreen repairs, advertising, and exhibitions.

The Full Council also agreed to the introduction of Sunday charging to Chichester city centre car parks. There will be a tariff in the long stay car parks of £1 for up to four hours and £2 for over four hours. The short stay car parks will charge the standard current tariff.

The changes are intended to come into effect from 01 April 2012 and will now be the subject of formal consultation. They are only for Chichester city centre car parks owned by the council. They do not include any of the rural car parks, where prices will remain at the current levels until 01 April 2013 when the matter will be reviewed.

Councillor John Connor, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety, says: “As well as managing demand for a limited parking stock there are also huge pressures on council budgets up and down the country and we all need to try new ways of raising income. By introducing these modest charges we are helping to protect and maintain essential services in the district.”

Chichester is not the first authority locally to introduce Sunday charges. At present, Worthing, Adur and Arun all charge on Sundays.

The proposed changes were considered by the Car Parking Forum. The Forum is made up of local businesses, local residents' groups, Chichester City Council, and West Sussex County Council.

New skate park opens at Westgate Leisure Chichester

A brand new, state-of-the-art skate park was officially opened at Westgate Leisure Chichester today (Tuesday 23 August 2011).

The old metal equipment has been removed and replaced with concrete features including:

a half pipe with wide platforms;
jump box;
long block;
transition ledge;
flat hip;
long rail;
a quarter pipe; and,
lots more features for bikes, blades, and boarders to explore.

To mark the opening of this great new facility, the council and ESP Skate Shop have organised a ‘Jam’ on Sunday 25 September 2011. From 10am onwards, competitions will take place for each sport: bikes, blades and boards, with prizes and freebies. The competition will be free to enter. Registration will take place on the day, and those aged under 16 will require parental consent. Helmets and pads are compulsory.

Jamie Stenner, a professional roller blader and owner of ESP Skate Shop in Chichester, championed the project. He worked with skaters from across the district to secure funding for the project from Youth Opportunities. The Leisure and Wellbeing Team at the council then worked hard to get further funding from the SITA Trust to make sure the project could take place.

Jamie says: “It’s always been great to have a local park that we can go to, but the old skate park needed to be modernised. We worked with Freestyle Skate Parks, who designed and fitted the concrete features, to come up with something that people of all skills and abilities could use. We’re really pleased with how it has turned out and look forward to lots of people being able to enjoy it.”

Cllr Eileen Lintill, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Wellbeing, says: “The skate park at Westgate Leisure Chichester has always been very well used. We hope that skaters, bikers, bladers and others will be able to practice and improve their skills even more now it has been redesigned.”

The project has taken around 12 weeks to complete. Westgate Leisure Chichester has been posting pictures throughout the different stages on their Facebook and Twitter pages.

For more information, please contact Westgate Leisure Chichester by calling 01243 785651, emailing westgateleisure@chichester.gov.uk

Minke whale carcass is removed from Selsey beach

A body of a 15ft long, three tonne minke whale washed up on Selsey beach over the weekend.

The carcass was disposed of this morning. The area has also been thoroughly cleaned by Chichester District Council to make sure it is safe for beach users.

Marine experts think the whale may have been dead at sea for at least a week before it washed up on the beach. It had been decapitated while at sea, however it is not known whether this happened after death.

A microbiologist from British Divers Marine Life Rescue took measurements and other statistical data about the whale. The Natural History Museum in London has been made aware of the death.

The council's Foreshore Team managed the area until the carcass could be removed.

Minke whales are found in all oceans of the world. Adult minke whales can grow over 30ft and can live for up to 60 years. Adults can weigh up to 14 tonnes. Minke whales tend to be solitary, although they are sometimes seen in pairs or small groups of four or six. They feed mainly on krill, or small schooling fish such as cod, herring or pollock.

Enjoy an invigorating open swim this summer

Swimmers in the Chichester District have the chance to try something a little different this summer.

There is still time to enter The Big Swim, Chichester's first open water swim. It will take place on Sunday 21 August at Chichester Watersports Centre at Westhampnett.

There are two distances - 750m and 1,500m. The races are chip-timed and fully lifeguarded.

Whether you are a competitive swimmer, do triathlons, or just enjoy “wild swimming”, the council is inviting people to try open water swimming and enjoy a very different experience to normal pool swimming. Everyone who takes part receives a medal and a goody bag.

Councillor Eileen Lintill, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Wellbeing, says : “ Open water swimming is very different to what many people are used to when swimming in a normal swimming pool . It can be a challenging but also fun and exhilarating experience. ”

For more information please contact Chichester District Council's Leisure and Wellbeing Team on 01243 534799 or email achamberlain@chichester.gov.uk

Residents will be asked how many new homes should be built and where they should be located, as part of a plan that will map the future of the district until 2028.

The Cabinet at Chichester District Council today gave its backing to the work, and a final decision will now be made at Full Council on 19 July 2011. If it is given the go-ahead, residents will have between 26 August 2011 and 23 September to comment.

“Planning affects all of our lives. It affects where we live, work and relax. So, it is important that people have their say in the process,” says Janet Duncton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing.

“We are currently working on our Core Strategy and this will replace the Local Plan.

“It will alter the way the district looks in years to come and will decide where future housing will be located for you, your children and grandchildren.

“We have been working on this for some time, but due to changes – nationally and locally – we have had to adapt the way it is created. All of the research and feedback already gathered will continue to be used.

“Recently, we have seen the introduction of the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) in our district. This means that our LDF will no longer cover the entire district. Instead, it will include the south of the district (Chichester, Tangmere, Selsey, East Wittering and Bracklesham); and parts of the north-east (including the villages of Kirdford, Loxwood and Wisborough Green).

“Across the district as a whole we have seen an average of about 430 additional homes completed each year. We desperately need more affordable housing to be built, but the recession has slowed things down. We know that we have to cater for growth in the population, and so we want to hear from residents, developers and partners on what they think we should be providing, and where.

“We will not set the housing targets of the SDNP. However, we will work in partnership with them to make sure that the plans for both areas complement one another.”

The council will be asking:

• how many houses should be provided?
• where should housing should be built?
  

People are being asked to comment on a range of different housing targets. Options include:

• 305 to 415 new homes a year in the south of the district; and
• 12 to 20 new homes a year in the area including Kirdford, Loxwood, and Wisborough Green.
  

It also provides five alternative options for development, including:

1. a concentration of development at Chichester City and Tangmere;
2. development spread across the area with a focus on Chichester City;
3. development spread across the area with a focus on Tangmere;
4. a combination of options one to three; and
5. a combination of all locations (this will only be necessary if the highest level of housing development is chosen).
   

They will also consider other factors including:

• the capacity of the Apuldram and other Waste Water Treatment Works;
• the impact on Chichester Harbour;
• traffic congestion in the district, including in and around the A27; and
• flood risk problems in the area.
  

Further information can be found at www.chichester.gov.uk

Family challenged to exchange diesel car for an electric one as part of Green Transport Week

A family from Chichester has taken up the challenge of exchanging their diesel car, for an electric one, as part of Green Transport Week.

Siobhan McCormack and her family, Seamus aged 7, Conor aged 5 and Ava aged 3 will drive a Nissan Leaf for the day on 22 June 2011 to see if they could make the switch from diesel to electricity. The Nissan Leaf was voted World Car of the Year 2011. Yeomans Nissan in Worthing has allowed the family to test the car for a day.

They will carry out their normal activities, from the school drop off, to going shopping. And they will charge the car in Chichester District Council's new electric recharging point in East Pallant car park.

We will also be updating Chichester District Council's Facebook, Twitter and YouTube followers with Siobhan's progress through the day.

Siobhan says: “I am looking forward to trying out the electric car for the day, and seeing how different it is to my normal diesel one.

“We have a second car but we try and get around Chichester as much as we can by bike and bus because as a family we are conscious of the environmental and financial implications. An electric car could be the perfect solution for us. And, now that there is an electric recharging point in Chichester, there is all the more reason to consider it as an option. As well as helping the environment, it could also save me money.”

Simon Ballard, Senior Environmental Protection Officer at Chichester District Council, says: “We have challenged Siobhan to exchange diesel for electricity to show the benefits that an electric car can offer.

“With petrol and diesel costs at an all-time high, there has never been a better time to switch to a more sustainable form of transport. The cost of powering an electric car for 10,000 miles is around £200. In comparison, the cost of diesel for the same journey would cost over £1,500.

“At the moment, electric cars are ideally suited to city driving and they have zero tailpipe emissions, giving us cleaner air. The technology is also being improved all of the time. By making people aware of all of the charging points that are available across the South coast we hope to encourage more people to see this as an attractive option.”

The two points, supplied by Chichester District Council, West Sussex County Council and Southern Electric, are in East Pallant car park by East Pallant House. They were installed free of charge by Southern Electric, as part of a street lighting contract with West Sussex County Council.

Overall, 22 charging points are being installed in 11 locations across West Sussex, giving a boost to electric car ownership. They will allow drivers of electric cars and bikes to top up their batteries in town centres or car parks. Additional charging points are already available in Brighton and Hove and more are planned for East Sussex locations in due course.

Users pay an annual membership of £50 to join the Charge Your Car (CYC) scheme. The fee gives drivers a CYC smart card, which wirelessly opens a security panel on the charging post. Drivers then leave their car recharging while they are parked.

Drivers will be able to check a dedicated website, which will provide them with details of the exact locations of the charging posts and whether the posts are in use.

Other electric vehicles such as motor scooters can also be plugged into the posts.

Additional recharging points are available across the country. The Government plans to introduce thousands of points over the next three years.

To find out more visit www.chargeyourcar.org.uk or call 0191 265 0500

Fishbourne Affordable Housing

People with a local connection to Fishbourne are being invited to register their details for affordable housing on a new development.

Hastoe Housing Association and Chichester District Council are pleased to announce the development of 20 new affordable homes. The homes will be built within a mixed housing site of affordable homes and privately-owned homes, at Clay Lane, Fishbourne. Affordable rented and shared ownership options are available.

Chichester District Council and Hastoe Housing Association will be holding a Local Connection Registration Event on Wednesday 15 June .

The new homes will include:

• one and two bedroom flats;
• two bedroom houses;
• three bedroom houses; and,
• four bedroom houses.
  

The Local Connection Registration Event will be held in The Blue Room at the Fishbourne Centre, Blackboy Lane, Fishbourne, PO18 8BE . District council staff and Hastoe Housing Association representatives will be available between 3-7pm to discuss the development.

Priority for the rented units will be given to households that are able to demonstrate a Local Connection to the parish of Fishbourne. Households interested in shared ownership housing are recommended to attend to find out more information about the properties available.

A Local Connection is defined as:

• a current Fishbourne resident (for at least 12 months);
• being permanently employed within Fishbourne (for at least 18 hours a week for at least 12 months);
• having a family member already living in Fishbourne (mother, father, brother, sister or children; for a minimum of five years); or
• a previous Fishbourne resident that has been forced to move away due to a lack of affordable housing.
  

Interested housing register applicants who feel they meet any of the Local Connection criteria must make sure the council has all the relevant information to allocate the properties. Please bring along to the session, any evidence to support at least one of the Local Connections listed above. This will make sure that a bid for one of the properties is considered in line with our allocation policy.

This event will provide an excellent opportunity to make sure housing register applications are up-to-date. There will also be an opportunity to join the housing register if you feel that you meet the requirements listed above.

If you have any queries about the proof required to demonstrate a local connection, or are unable to make the appointed time, please contact the council's Customer Service Centre on 01243 534734.

Chichester District's Residents and Business Garden Competition 2011

Do you have a fantastic floral display, a wonderful wildlife haven or a perfectly pruned back yard? It's the time of year to celebrate inspirational gardens across the District.

Entries are now being taken for Chichester District's Residents & Business Garden Competition 2011, sponsored by Earthcycle from the The Woodhorn Group.

“Last year we saw lots of wonderful, unusual, and beautiful ways of displaying flowers,” says Cllr Eileen Lintill, Chichester District Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Wellbeing. “We are hoping that we will see even more entries this year. And remember, you can enter more than one category.”

Everyone who enters will receive a 20% discount voucher for Earthcycle products and a 10% discount voucher for use at Brick Kiln Garden Centre.

The categories for residents and residential accommodation are:

• Best Front Garden (under 50 m.sq);
• Best Front Garden (over 50 m.sq);
• Best Rear Garden (under 100 m.sq);
• Best Rear garden (over 100 m.sq);
• Best Courtyard Garden/Confined Space;
• Best Hanging Basket/Container;
• Best Sheltered/Residential Accommodation;
• Best Wildlife Garden;
• Best Alpine/Rock Garden, Best Vegetable Garden/Plot; and,
• Most Sustainable/Environmentally Friendly Garden (sponsored by Earthcycle from The Woodhorn Group).
  

The categories for businesses are:

• Best Public House/Hotel (sponsored by Brick Kiln Garden Centre); and,
• Best Shop Front/Business Premises.
  

The categories for schools are:

• Best School – in partnership with Chichester City Council (sponsored by Brick Kiln Garden Centre);
• Wildlife Garden Special Award;
• Best Vegetable Garden/Plot Special Award (sponsored by Tawny Nurseries); and,
• Most Sustainable/Environmentally Friendly Garden Special Award (sponsored by Earthcycle from The Woodhorn Group).
  

Entry forms should be returned by Friday 17 June 2011 to: Residents & Business Garden Competition, Chichester District Council, East Pallant House, 1 East Pallant, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1TY.

Judging will take place in the week beginning 11 July 2011 .

New Chichester Cabinet and Chairman announced (17th May 2011)

Chichester District Council's new Cabinet was revealed today, at the first Council meeting since the district elections. The new Chairman was also announced.

The Cabinet is:

• Cllr Heather Caird – Leader and Cabinet Member for Service Provision
• Cllr Myles Cullen – Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for the Economy, Property and Tourism
• Cllr Tricia Tull – Cabinet Member for Finance
• Cllr Eileen Lintill – Cabinet Member for Leisure and Wellbeing
• Cllr John Connor – Cabinet Member for the Environment
• Cllr Janet Duncton – Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning
• Cllr Josef Ransley – Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Communications
  

The Chairman and Vice-Chairman are:

• Cllr Peter Clementson – Chairman
• Cllr Graham Hicks – Vice-Chairman

Chichester District Council is urging beach users to make sure they keep the district's beaches clean and safe.

The council regularly cleans and inspects the beaches, however we are aware of people leaving things behind including fishing lines and rubbish.

A wide variety of people use the beaches from young children with their families, to fishermen and dog walkers.

Martin Gillam, Chichester District Council's Foreshores Officer, says: “In order for everyone to enjoy the beaches, the council is reminding beach users they also have a responsibility to consider how they use it and what they leave behind.

“Our beaches are very popular, especially in the summer months, but please make sure you take all litter home with you.”

Treat your own little princes and princesses to a free swim on the day of the Royal wedding, Friday 29 April .

To celebrate the marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton, Westgate Leisure Chichester is offering a free swim for children aged 16 and under.

In addition, the centre's Café Ravenna will be selling traditional cream teas on the big day. Customers will be able to enjoy a pot of tea and scones while watching the wedding, which will be shown live on the café's television. The special cream tea, priced £2.99, will be available from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

The free swim offer for under-16s will run all day from 9am to 5pm. Last entrance will be at 4pm.

For more information please contact Westgate Leisure Chichester on 01243 785651.

Get involved! Become a councillor

Have you ever thought about becoming a councillor?

The local elections for the district and parish councils will take place on Thursday 5 May. If you care about the area where you live and the issues facing the people who live there, then becoming a councillor could be the role for you.

The closing date for nominations is midday on Monday 4 April 2011.

Nomination forms are available from the council. Nomination documents can be picked up from the council's Elections Office at East Pallant House. You can call 01243 521010 or email elections@chichester.gov.uk to have them sent to you.

The role of a councillor isn't a 9am to 5pm job. You can do most of it at a time that suits you. It can fit around other commitments – from full-time work, to caring for young children – and allows you to make a valuable contribution to your community. But it does require commitment and hard work.

You don't have to be a member of a political party. However, if you want to stand as a political party candidate you need to contact your local party office and take part in their selection procedure.

You will:

• make sure that taxpayers money is spent wisely.
• make sure people get the services they need.
• check that people are receiving quality services that are value for money.
• make sure that everyone gets treated fairly.
• support local businesses.
• look after the local environment and help to protect it from climate change.
• find places to build homes and help people to find housing they can afford.
• encourage people to have healthy lifestyles.
• promote the area and what it has to offer.
• help vulnerable people to get back on their feet and live independently.
  

You should:

• be a good listener;
• be good at problem solving;
• be good at working in a team;
• be able and willing to use email, the internet and Microsoft office;
• have good organisational skills; and
• be able to get your local community involved and keep them informed.
• You might also have skills and knowledge gained from professional experience or working with other groups.
  

Don't worry if you don't yet have some of the skills listed. We provide you with the support, information and training you need.

You will get:

• the opportunity to make a difference in your community;
• the chance to specialise in particular areas;
• to meet and work with people from across the district;
• the flexibility to work hours that suit you;
• excellent training that will further develop your skills; and,
• a basic allowance, currently £3,900, plus expenses.
  

To become a councillor you need to be 18 or over; a citizen within Britain, Ireland or the European Union; and live, work or own a property in the district.

There a few things that prevent you from becoming a councillor. These include working for the council you wish to represent, having a politically restricted post in another council, serving a prison sentence in the past five years, or disqualification under any legislation relating to corrupt or illegal practices.

To find out more please contact Member Services at Chichester District Council on 01243 534655 or see www.chichester.gov.uk/becomeacouncillor .

Zero tolerance on dog mess

Dog owners are being warned to bag and bin their dog's mess or face a £75 on the spot fine.

“We know that the majority of dog owners are responsible and clear up after their pets. However, those who don't, need to be warned that we will not tolerate dog mess,” said Cllr Heather Caird, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Health at Chichester District Council.

“I am a dog owner myself, and part of that responsibility is to make sure I clean up after my dogs. Leaving dog mess around is a risk to the health of both children and adults besides being very unpleasant - and that is just not acceptable.”

Dog fouling is a major concern to the public and generates many complaints. It can also be linked to health risks including 'toxocara canis'.

Roundworm eggs are found in dog mess, which can easily be picked up by young children. This causes stomach upsets, sore throats, asthma and in rare cases blindness. The eggs can remain active in the soil for many years, long after the dog mess has weathered away.

The council is encouraging residents to inform it if:

• they have witnessed people leaving dog mess and they know who they are. Any information is protected under the Data Protection Act.
  
• they are aware of a hotspot where people consistently offend. We need information we can act on, such as times offenders walk, a description of them, their dog or a vehicle. Our dog wardens will then target this area.   
  

Residents should call 01243 534604 to report problems with dog mess. The council's Customer Care Centre also sells biodegradable dog bags. These can be purchased for £1.70 for 30 bags.