News and events

The notice below contains information regarding Councillor nominations, electoral registration and absent voting deadlines. 

Those wishing to submit nomination papers must do so by hand. They are asked to secure their desired appointment to deliver their nomination, or arrange for a trusted person to do so on their behalf, by calling Electoral Services on Tel: 01444 477222.

The Nomination pack is available to download here.

If you have any questions, please contact the Parish Clerk on 01444 451610 or [email protected].

Elections for District, Parish and Town Councils in Mid Sussex have been called and will take place on Thursday 2 May 2019.

All registered British, Irish, European Union and resident Commonwealth electors living in Mid Sussex can take part. Candidate nominations have begun and will remain open until 4pm on Wednesday 3 April 2019. 

A helpful brochure giving details on the role of District Councillors has been published online at www.midsussex.gov.uk, to assist anyone considering standing for election. The brochure, called Being a Councillor, gives details on the wide-ranging role of a Councillor and their main areas of responsibility, including ward representation, decision-making and community leadership.

Candidate nomination forms are available from the Mid Sussex District Council elections office or website at www.midsussex.gov.uk/elections. 

Parish and Town Councils will also be holding elections and residents are encouraged to contact their local clerk if they are interested in getting involved at Town or Parish level. Tom Clark, the Returning Officer for Mid Sussex said:

“Now is the time for residents to check that they are registered. Everyone who has moved house recently and has not completed a voter registration form should apply online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or contact our Electoral Services Department as soon as possible.” 

Residents are reminded that Mid Sussex will be taking part in a government Voter ID pilot on 2 May and everyone who votes at the polling station will be asked to present their poll cards as a means of identification. Anyone who does not have their poll card with them on polling day will be asked to present another form of photo ID including a UK or EU photo-card driving licence (full or provisional) or a valid British, European or Commonwealth passport. A full list of allowable alternative IDs is published on www.midsussex.gov.uk/elections. 

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Monday 15 April and anyone who wishes to appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf must do so by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April 2019. Residents who wish to appoint a proxy voter must explain why the proxy is required and if proxy voting is chosen for all future elections then evidence must be provided to support the application. 

If you have any questions regarding nominations, your registration or the electoral process please contact the Mid Sussex District Council Electoral Registration Office on 01444 477003 or email [email protected]. 

Additional guidance about being a candidate and the various election procedures is available online from the Electoral Commission at www.electoralcommission.org.uk.

You will have to show your unique security-coded poll card or photo ID when you come to vote in our polling stations on Thursday 2 May 2019. This pilot is looking at the best way to tackle possible election fraud, following Electoral Commission reports that there has been a steady rise in voter impersonation since 2014.

You should receive your poll card on or soon after 21st March 2019. You will not receive it before then.

On polling day, if you do not have your poll card, you will be able to vote only if you have one of the following with you:

• UK or EU photo-card driving licence (full or provisional)
• Valid United Kingdom, European or Commonwealth passport
• Valid photo travel card issued by HM Government or an Oyster 60+ pass
• PASS scheme card (national proof of age standards scheme)
• Photo card parking permit issued as part of the Blue Badge scheme
• Biometric immigration document issued in the United Kingdom
• Photo Identity Card issued in the European Economic Area
• Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card
• Ministry of Defence Identity Card

Nothing else will change – just remember to bring your poll card with you when you come to vote. There will be no change to the way you vote if you have a postal vote.

A major recruitment drive to recruit PCSOs begins on Monday 11 March closing on Monday 25 March, thanks to increased funding to the precept from the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Over the next year our local policing will be strengthened with 100 new PCSOs being recruited.

Our PCSOs play a vital part in keeping Sussex safe. The PCSO role is unique. Our PCSOs are able to spend time in communities where they are needed most providing that reassurance and developing relationships to keep people safe and feeling safe.

Working alongside our local policing Prevention teams, our PCSOs help tackle local issues and, where possible, prevent them happening in the first place. They are tasked with activities which are proven to reduce crime and protect the public.

It’s a role that takes courage to tackle anti-social behaviour, compassion to be there for there for
the vulnerable and professionalism to help with investigations.

By joining as a PCSO, recruits can expect a career with variety, challenges, rewards a good starting salary, and a qualification in community policing.

For more details visit: https://www.sussex.police.uk/police-forces/sussex-police/areas/careers/jobs/pcsos/

New PCSOs being recruited this month will be among the first to gain a new qualification. As well as joining the force, the recruits will undertake a new learning and development programme- the PCSO Apprenticeship – that will result in a Level 4 Diploma in Community Policing Practice.

Sussex Police is among the first forces in the country to introduce this apprenticeship programme.

Chief Constable Giles York said: “With the precept increase we are able to recruit an additional 100 PSCOs over the next year. By recruiting more PCSOs and putting them where they are
most needed we will be in the best position to achieve our aim of keeping our communities safe and feeling safe.”

“I am delighted we are offering this new qualification to all of our new PSCO recruits. This fantastic opportunity means that we are professionalising policing and with it, continue to demonstrate the value of the work all of our teams do on a daily basis. We believe that by offering an apprenticeship we can ensure policing remains an attractive and competitive career option. We expect that it will appeal to those who may not have considered policing as a career choice for them in the past.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne said: “Sussex residents have been telling me they
want a more visible and accessible policing presence in their communities to listen to their concerns and deter crime and anti-social behaviour.  

"The Chief Constable and I have promised that any extra money raised locally through the precept increase will be spent locally, so I am delighted that a large part of the this year’s investment will be in frontline PCSOs who will be supporting their local policing teams and providing extra reassurance for local communities.

"The apprenticeship offers appropriate accreditation and recognition for the unique skills required in 21st century policing and I am pleased to see that Sussex Police are one of the first forces to offer an apprenticeship route for PCSOs.”

Independent custody visiting is a statutory function of all Police & Crime Commissioners.

The Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner's Office has over 45 volunteers who visit custody centres across the county to observe and report on the conditions they find and to check on the welfare of detainees. Independent Custody Visitors (ICVS) visit police custody centres unannounced, at any time of the day or night, in pairs. They check on the conditions in custody, talk (with consent) to detainees and write up their findings.

This is a vital role, helping the public feel reassured that there is independent oversight of detainee's welfare and the conditions in which they are kept in custody in Sussex.

Volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, ages and experience but what is common to all is the satisfaction gained from giving a few hours a month to their local community.

If you would like to find out more about becoming an ICV visit:

www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk

Tel: 01273 481561

Email: [email protected]

UK Power Networks keep the lights on for more than eight million properties across London, the South East and the East of England. We invest £600million a year to upgrade and maintain the underground cables and overhead lines that deliver electricity to the schools, hospitals, homes and businesses that we serve.  When undertaking work to improve and maintain the network it is occasionally necessary to carry out a planned power cut to enable us to work safely. 

We have a planned power cut due to be carried out in your ward on 1st April on Hanlye Lane, RH17. This planned power cut will not affect all residents and all those that will be affected will have been contacted directly. 

Please note that in some cases the planned date may have to be rearranged, if that is the case the affected customers will be notified.                              

Our customer support team contact affected residents with a letter at 12 days and 5 days prior to the powercut and follow up with a voice message/text messages at 9 days and 24 hours prior to a planned power cut.  They provide information on how to prepare for the power cut, what to do when the power returns and further useful information including support available for residents that may need power for medical equipment/medical conditions. 

We also provide extra help to customers on our Priority Service Register during an unplanned power cut.  This service is free and is available to households with older or disabled people, those with children under five, or where someone uses medical or mobility equipment that requires electricity as well as other reasons can join the register.  If you have constituents who would like to join the register they can [email protected] or call 0800 169 9970.  There is also more information about this service on our website: ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority.  

If there are any further questions regarding this power cut please contact 0800 3163105, 24hrs a day and free from a mobile phone or landline.

Monday 25 March 9pm – 4am
Lane closure leading to a full closure from J10 exit slip Southbound.
Diversion to J10a and back.

Tuesday 26 March 9pm – 4am
Lane closure leading to a full carriageway closure from J8 to J10 Southbound.
Diversion via J6 M25, A22 , A264 and rejoin at J10 M23.

Tuesday 26 March 9pm – 4am
A full closure of the J9 entry slip Southbound.
Diversion route for Gatwick via J10 of the M23, A2011, A23, Airport Way
and into Gatwick Airport. Diversion for M25 via junction 10 of the M23, A264, A22 and re-join at J6 Godstone M25

Tuesday 26 March 9pm – 4am
Lane closures leading to a full closure of J7 M25 Southbound.
Diversion to M25 J6 to M23 J10and follow A22

Tuesday 26 March 9pm – 4am
Lane closures leading to a full closure for J10 to J8 Northbound.
Diversion for M25 via A264, A22 and rejoin at J6 M25.
Diversion for Gatwick A2011, A23 Airport Way.

Tuesday 26 March 9pm – 4am
Lane closure on Gatwick Spur leading to J9 full Northbound entry slip closure.
Diversion for M25 via A264, A22 and rejoin at J6 M25

~~~~~~~~~~~

Just to reminder you we now have a brand new forum for our customers to gain information about our works and comment on the subjects that are important to them.

Commonplace is a Highways England driven initiative which the SMP M23 is trialling at the moment.

If Commonplace is found to be successful and effective, then they will roll it out
to all schemes across the country.

I have provided the link below so that you can see for yourself what our customers    will be able to comment on and ask questions about. As a positive, we will gain immediate reactions which will enable us to act promptly regarding issues such as    Traffic Management, Environmental, Operatives working, etc https://m23j8to10smartmotorway...

An ongoing TV Licensing phishing campaign, first identified by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) in September 2018, continues to be reported to Action Fraud in high numbers. Fraudsters are sending the public fake TV Licensing emails that are designed to steal their personal and financial information. Since April 2018, Action Fraud has received over 900 crime reports with victim losses totalling more than £830,000.

How you can protect yourself:

• Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails and never respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details.
• Don’t assume a phone call or email is authentic, even if someone knows your basic details (such as your name or address). Remember, criminals can spoof phone numbers and email addresses to appear as companies you know and trust, such as TV Licensing.
• Your bank will never call and ask you for your PIN, full banking password, or ask you to transfer money out of your account.

What to do if you’ve fallen victim:

• Let your bank know as soon as possible and monitor your bank statements regularly for any unusual activity. 
• If you suspect your identity may have been stolen you can check your credit file quickly and easily online. Use a reputable service provider and follow up on any unexpected or suspicious results. 
• If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk, or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Garden Waste Collections

Wondering what you will do with all your garden waste this year? 

Get ahead of the game and join the garden waste collection service!

A kerbside collection, from a wheeled bin once a fortnight.

Annual Subscription £65

It's easy, green and clean!

Contact Us

Mid Sussex District Council 01444 477440 

www.midsussex.gov.uk/gwaste 

[email protected]

Document	Download
Recycling A5 Leaflet14 03 19	(PDF)

MSDC would like to introduce a new project launching this April.

The program is MEN (Motivation, Exercise, Nutrition)

It is a weight management program which has been designed to support men in making health lifestyle changes. Each session will cover a healthy lifestyle subject followed by a fun, interactive activity session which will be based around a circuit exercise class.

Please see attached poster for more information.

If you or a client you are working with is interested in the programme please call 014444 477191 or email [email protected]; so we can confirm suitability for the programme and get you booked on. 

Mid Sussex District Council is supporting local charities, voluntary groups and community projects by awarding over £110,000 in grant funding.

The Mid Sussex District Council Cabinet Grants Panel met 26 February to discuss grant funding allocations and a total of £111,193 has been awarded to 16 successful applicants.

The charity Branch Line has been awarded £50,867 towards the cost of a new learning centre next to the miniature railway at Beech Hurst Gardens, Haywards Heath. Thousands of people ride the miniature train each year and the new centre will provide somewhere for visitors to play with moving models and find out more about the technology and engineering involved. The Branch Line is continuing to raise funds for the new learning centre and anyone who would like to support them can do so at https://www.branchlinelearning...   

4Sight Vision Support has been granted £4,803 to support the valuable services they provide for visually impaired people in Mid Sussex, helping them to live more independently and gain confidence. They are a well-established local charity which provides support, leisure activities, assistive technology training, assistive equipment, information, advice and sight care advisors in local hospitals for people who are blind or partially sighted.

West Sussex Mediation Service (WSMS) has been granted £3,000 to help resolve local conflicts. WSMS specialise in neighbour disputes and help local people to resolve issues like noise nuisance, anti-social behaviour and disagreements over property boundaries. By resolving conflict they help to improve people’s lives, removing the stress and anxiety caused by the dispute and improving health and wellbeing. Councillor Norman Webster, Mid Sussex District Council Cabinet Member for Community said: “Local charities and voluntary organisations do so much for the Mid Sussex community and grant funding allocations are a way for us to show our appreciation for everything they do for local people.

“These grants will allow local groups to continue their great work in the community and eliminate some of the financial barriers that prevent them from providing more services and supporting more people. “I’m particularly pleased that we are able to provide funding for 4Sight Vision Support because it will enable them to continue providing services that would not otherwise available in the District. The support they provide makes a real difference to the lives of our visually impaired residents, helping them to participate more in the community and therefore reducing social isolation.”

For more information contact the Mid Sussex District Council Community Services Team on 01444 477495 or email [email protected].

The following works are scheduled on the M23, subject to weather conditions:

Monday 4 March for 2 nights
Full closure between junctions 10 - 8 Northbound between 10pm to 4am. There will be a fully signed diversion route to Gatwick Airport via junction 10, A2011, A23 London Road, Airport Way. Diversion route for the M25 via A264, A22 and re-join at junction 6 Godstone of the M25.

Wednesday 6 March for 3 nights
Full closure of junction 9 (Gatwick) entry slip road Northbound 10pm to 4am. Diversion to junction 10 and back northbound on the M23.

Other news

Kier and Highways England have a brand new forum for customers to gain information about their works and comment on the subjects that are important to them.

Commonplace is a Highways England driven initiative which the Smart Motorway Programme M23 is trialling at the moment. If Commonplace is found to be successful and effective, then they will roll it out to all schemes across the country.

A link is provided below so that you can see for yourself what customers will be able to comment on and ask questions about.
https://m23j8to10smartmotorway.commonplace.is/

Brighton Main Line Improvement Project

Network Rail are carrying out major engineering works on the Brighton Main Line from 2-3 March, plus several weekends, closing the line between Three Bridges and Brighton and Three Bridges to Lewes. These are essential works as part of their railway improvement plan.

No direct trains will run between Three Bridges and Brighton and Three Bridges to Lewes. 2 trains per hour will run from Brighton to London Victoria via Littlehampton with extended journey times. Replacement buses will also run.

For full details and to register for alerts visit www.BrightonMainline.co.uk

Please check before you travel and visit National Rail for live departure updates and timetable information.

To contact Sussex Neighbourhood Watch please E-mail [email protected] or visit www.sussexnwfed.org.uk.

Having trouble viewing this? View it as a Web page:

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/…/bulletins/2328978

WSCC E-Newsletter March 2019
________________________________________
Welcome to the latest E-Newsletter from West Sussex County Council
________________________________________
Our Budget for 2019/20
On 15 February the council approved a net expenditure of £575.5 million to deliver key services for all the communities of West Sussex. As part of the 2019/20 budget the council also agreed significant investments to support the delivery of the five key priority areas of the West Sussex Plan. Due to a challenging financial gap your council tax has been increased by 4.99%, which includes a dedicated 2% to fund adult social care. This increase means an additional £1.27 per week for the average Band D household. For more information please visit the budget campaign page.
________________________________________
Recycling your textiles
Since January, the West Sussex Waste Partnership has been asking residents to join them in ‘Tackling Textiles’.
They have focused on how to repair or reuse textiles and now their focus is on recycling.
So what can you do with textiles that are beyond repair or reuse?
• Use them as rags,
• Take old towels and blankets to an animal rescue centre,
• Take them to a textiles bank at your local Household Waste Recycling Site (HWRS),
• Take them to your nearest bring bank site.
You can find out more on what can go in the textiles/bring banks on our website.
________________________________________
Super Six & Slipper Swap
Slipper Swap events help prevent falls
Many of us are aware how devastating a fall can be for older people and the subsequent impact on health, independence and confidence.
We’re tackling falls prevention in March at Slipper Swap events in selected libraries across the county. If you or a loved one are at risk of falling bring along your old worn-out slippers and swap them for a free new pair. They have thick non-slip soles and Velcro fastening helping to keep you steady.
For locations and dates of Slipper Swap events visit our website.
Doing simple gentle exercises can reduce the risk of falls by improving balance and building muscle strength. Do The Super Six exercises three times a week and see the difference. Watch the video and download a Super Six booklet here.
________________________________________
NEW care recruitment website launched
We are delighted to announce our new Proud to Care website is now live!
Designed as the go to place to search for local care jobs and find out information about working in care plus lots more, we already have over 120 West Sussex care jobs featured on the website.
If you or anyone you know may be considering working in care we would encourage you to visit the website. If you require further information please email [email protected] and one of our dedicated care recruitment team will be in touch.
________________________________________
Consultations - have your say
The following consultations are open for you to have your say:
Soft Sand Review of the West Sussex Joint Minerals Local Plan - closing date Monday 18 March
Have Your Say in Chichester on-street parking consultation - closing date Sunday 31 March
Trading Standards: What does 'Trading Standards Approved' mean to you
________________________________________
Are you following us on Social Media?
Join over 50,000 residents who receive daily updates from across the council on our Twitter @WSCCNews or Facebook accounts @WestSussexCC.
________________________________________
Latest headlines:
£180k funding boost for West Sussex One Public Estate
New on-call firefighters recruited into service – could you be the next to join?
Fast-track programme offers rewarding careers in child and family social work for talented graduates
________________________________________
#SaveTimeGoOnline
1. How can I request a birth/marriage/death copy certificate? Order a copy or make amendments here.
2. How do I book a Registrar for my wedding? Click here for details on how to book.
3. How do I report a pothole? You can report it quickly via Love West Sussex.
4. How do I find out where our grass cutting crews are working? Click here.

Those with landline phones are warned to be cautious due to criminals using phones to contact victims following a rising focus on SMS and email phishing.  Households with a landline number should be vigilant of phone calls from fraudsters pretending to be the tax authority, warns HM Revenue and Customs.  As HMRC has increasingly cracked down on email and SMS phishing, a rising number of criminals are turning to the traditional method of cold-calling publicly available phone numbers to steal money from taxpayers.  Often these calls are to landline numbers. According to Ofcom, nearly 26 million homes have a landline, many of which could be at risk from scams, especially if they are not ex-directory.  Phone scams often target the elderly and vulnerable using HMRC’s brand as it is well known and adds credibility to a fraudster’s call.  HMRC received more than 60,000 reports of phone scams in 6 months up to January 2019. This is an increase of 360% compared to the 6 months before this.  Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Mel Stride MP, said: “We have taken major steps to crack down on text and email phishing scams, leaving fraudsters no choice but to try and con taxpayers over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call to your landline from someone purporting to be from HMRC which threatens legal action, to put you in jail, or payment using vouchers, hang up and report it to HMRC who can work to take them off the network.”  Head of Action Fraud, Pauline Smith, said: “Fraudsters will call your landline claiming to be from reputable organisations such as HMRC. Contact like this is designed to convince you to hand over valuable personal details or your money. Don’t assume anyone who calls you is who they say they are. If a person calls and asks you to make a payment, log in to an online account or offers you a deal, be cautious and seek advice.”  The tax authority will only ever call you asking for payment on a debt that you are already aware of, either having received a letter about it, or after you’ve told us you owe some tax, for example through a Self-Assessment return.  During the last 12 months, HMRC has worked with the phone networks and Ofcom to close nearly 450 lines being used by fraudsters using boiler room tactics to steal money.  If anyone is ever in doubt about who they are speaking to, HMRC advises you end the call and contact the department using one of the numbers or online services available from GOV.UK.  Further Information: I know someone who could fall for this, what should I do? If you know someone who has a landline, particularly those who may need protecting such as vulnerable relatives and neighbours, our advice is: recognise the signs - genuine organisations like banks and HMRC will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your PIN, password or bank details stay safe - don’t give out private information, reply to text messages, download attachments or click on links in emails you weren’t expecting take action – forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC and details of suspicious calls to [email protected] and texts to 60599. Alternatively, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use its online fraud reporting tool, especially if you suffer financial loss check GOV.UK for information on how to avoid and report scams and recognise genuine HMRC contact if you think you have received an HMRC-related phishing/bogus email or text message, you can check it against the examples shown in this guide. See examples of HMRC-related bogus contact.  To contact Sussex Neighbourhood Watch please E-mail [email protected] or visit www.sussexnwfed.org.uk.

The vast majority of jobs are advertised and found online these days.

The whole process is fast and easy: searching a massive choice for the exact job you’re looking for; updating your CV; submitting your application; communicating with prospective employers or recruitment agencies. You might even find the job you want on one of your favourite social media sites.

Employment scams, however, are commonplace in the UK and around the world … and they come in a number of guises. Fall for one, and you could become a victim of financial or identity fraud, or even an unwitting participant in criminal activity. Get Safe Online would like to help you make sure this doesn’t happen, with some expert tips.

Your top tips for safe job searching:

Do your research to ensure job sites, employment agencies and prospective employers are reputable, with a physical address and landline phone number.

• When listing your profile, select the option of keeping it public, confidential or private according to your needs.

• Never divulge information such as NI, passport or driver’s licence numbers, bank account/payment card information or date of birth, either typed on your CV or application, or in photos/scans. This could lead to identity theft. Only supply these when you’ve met the employer, landed the job and are satisfied that everything is legitimate.

• Devise and use strong passwords, keep them protected and don’t use them on more than more than one website, of any kind.

• If you receive an email claiming to be from a potential employer who has seen your CV on a job site, take care when clicking on links and ensure they go to a legitimate job posting.

• Don’t call advertisers for telephone interviews, it could be an expensive premium rate number. Instead, make sure prospective employers call you.

• Be wary of ads that offer income either for very little work or that seems too high to be true, say you don’t need any experience or press you to apply immediately. These could involve you in money laundering or muling activity. Sometimes – but not always – these are work at home schemes.

• Bear in mind that many fraudulent job ads can be found on social media sites.

• Be wary of requests for up-front payment for CV services, DBS or other security checks or headshots.

• Don’t conduct the entire process online: most genuine employers will require a face-to-face interview, and that way you can check them out too.

• Ensure that potential employers are genuine before meeting for an interview, to ensure that your personal safety isn’t at risk.

If you’ve been the victim of a recruitment scam, report it to: SAFERjobs at www.safer-jobs.com

If you’ve been defrauded as a result of applying for a job, report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk

For comprehensive, practical, impartial advice on safe job searching online, visit https://getsafeonline.org/safejob/
#safejob

To contact Sussex Neighbourhood Watch please E-mail [email protected] or visit www.sussexnwfed.org.uk.