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Chichester District Council - matters of interest to Chidham and Hambrook residents |
| Current representation on the District Council | ||
Councillors for the Bosham ward, which includes Chidham and Hambrook: |
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Myles Cullen |
Tel: 01243 573850 |
mcullen@chichester.gov.uk |
David Myers |
Tel: 01243 572356 |
dmyers@chichester.gov.uk |
Help and support in West Sussex - ICIS, information for life |
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| ICIS helps people of all ages in West Sussex find information about services offering support, care or advice. ICIS is a free and confidential service providing impartial and up-to-date information. | |
| Tel: 01903 859928 | |
Careline smoke detector unit helps to save woman's lifeA 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 buyersA 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:
For more information please contact Rob Dunmall at Chichester District Council on 01243 534734 or email rdunmall@chichester.gov.uk |
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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?
For more information on the farmer's markets , go to www.chichester.gov.uk/farmersmarkets |
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 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:
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 |
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 |
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Residents will be asked to help shape the district 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:
People are being asked to comment on a range of different housing targets. Options include:
It also provides five alternative options for development, including:
They will also consider other factors including:
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 |
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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:
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:
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:
The categories for businesses are:
The categories for schools are:
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:
The Chairman and Vice-Chairman are:
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District Council Election results |
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Councillors elected for the Bosham ward, which includes Chidham and Hambrook: |
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Myles Cullen |
Tel: 01243 573850 |
mcullen@chichester.gov.uk | ||
David Myers |
Tel: 01243 572356 |
dmyers@chichester.gov.uk | ||
Myles Cullen and David Myers would like to thank everyone who voted for them on the 5th May. Even if you did not, they will do their best to represent all electors in Bosham, Chidham and Hambrook, of whatever political persuasion, in matters concerning the District Council. |
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Councillors elected for the Southbourne ward, which includes Nutbourne:
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Bruce Finch |
tba |
tba | ||
Robert Hayes |
Tel: 01243 371388 |
rhayes@chichester.gov.uk | ||
Graham Hicks |
Tel: 01243 371211 |
ghicks@chichester.gov.uk | ||
| The make up of the Council is now | ||||
Conservatives 38 |
Liberal Democrats 8 |
Independents 2 |
Total 48 |
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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.” |
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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:
You should:
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:
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 . |
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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:
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. |

