News and events

Christmas Scarecrow Competition

Join in the fun this year by creating a Christmas Scarecrow

We’d like to see your most festive scarecrows and characters popping up around the village to help spread some seasonal cheer. Entries must be homemade.

We are offering cash voucher prizes for use with village retailers, a list will be available nearer the date.    

1st prize: £100

2nd prize: £50

3rd prize: £25

Entries need to be clearly visible from the road or pavement on the 12th December so judges can see easily them.

To enter, send your name and address to [email protected] before 9am on the 12th December, so that we know who is taking part, and can make sure we do not miss anyone out. 

We will be taking photos of some of the entries to display on our website and Facebook page.

New local restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus will come into effect next week. The government has announced that from Wednesday (December 2), West Sussex will be in Tier 2.

This is for areas with a higher or rapidly rising level of infections, and some additional restrictions will need to be in place.

You can find a full breakdown of the new restrictions here https://www.gov.uk/.../local-restriction-tiers-what-you...

National restrictions continue to apply until December 2.

The NHS is looking for people who can help deliver the biggest ever immunisation programme that Sussex has ever seen.

They're looking for trained vaccinators and people who they can safely train to be vaccinators. This includes people who can work as flexibly as possible, including evenings and weekends.

Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust (SCFT) also need people who can support the programme, including administrators, front-of-house staff, drivers and operations managers.

If you can help, please look at the job opportunities being advertised on the SCFT website, where you can also apply.

https://www.sussexcommunity.nhs.uk/.../covid19vaccine.htm...

A new service has just gone live to support the national NHS Test and Trace system.

Working from West Sussex County Council’s COVID-19 Community Hub, the Local Tracing Partnership will take on responsibility for contacting individuals across   East and West Sussex who have received a positive COVID-19 test result, but were unable to be contacted by the national NHS Test and Trace team within 48 hours.

Residents in West Sussex who need to be contacted by the Community Hub, will receive a text, call or email from one of the below:

• Text: COVID TRACE
• Phone: 01243 642153
• Email: West Sussex County Council Local COVID Tracing Partnership

Last month West Sussex County Council launched a new online form, on our website, for reporting potholes. We want to improve the experience of reporting a pothole and have developed an interactive map displaying all reported potholes, so that customers can identify if already reported and to subscribe and receive future updates should they wish to. 

As this form is a trial we are welcoming customer feedback as we wish to continually improve our offer to Residents. Feedback can be provided by visiting our webpage and clicking on the page link provided.

https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/

For the duration of the trial the online reporting of all other enquiries regarding the roads in West Sussex, such as grass cutting, flooding etc, have remained on Love West Sussex.

A short new film released by the government shows how coronavirus lingers in enclosed spaces. 

Experts are recommending that to remove any infected particles lingering in the room people either: 

• open windows for short, sharp bursts of 10 to 15 minutes regularly throughout the day 

• leave windows open a small amount continuously 

It is also advised that any household systems that use outdoor air, including kitchen or bathroom extractor fans, are used correctly and regularly as an additional method to remove infected particles. 

New film shows importance of ventilation to reduce spread of COVID-19. Click on this link to watch short film:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYZMOG2kUWg

Hands. Face. Space.

Join the national effort and sign up for the NHS COVID-19 vaccine research registry. 

Be part of the fightback against the virus by volunteering to be contacted by researchers to take part in COVID-19 vaccine research.

There are a number of vaccines being identified, but only large-scale studies can give researchers the information needed about how effective they are. 

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is working with the NHS and aims to recruit as many people as possible onto the registry, which will allow people to be put in touch with the vaccine studies in the coming months. 

Researchers are looking for people from all backgrounds, ages and parts of the UK - including both people with or without existing health conditions - to take part in vaccine studies, to make sure that any vaccines developed will work for everyone. 

The service is available to anyone aged 18 or over, living in the UK. There is no obligation to join in any study, if you are contacted. But by taking part, you could help researchers find vaccines to protect us all more quickly - which in turn could help the NHS and save lives. 

Sign up today!

Managing your online passwords can be overwhelming - from which characters to use to remembering what it is in the first place! #ProtectyourPaSSW0rD with our 3 easy steps to help you stay safe online. www.ourwatch.org.uk/passwords

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West Sussex County Council has started a review of the West Sussex Transport Plan (WSTP). The current plan, which covers the 2011-26 period, needs to be reviewed to take account of changes to national and local policy, such as the Government’s legally-binding commitment to achieve net zero carbon by 2050. The new plan will set out how we aim to continue supporting the economy and communities while protecting the environment.  We will consider the best approaches to tackle key transport issues such as congestion, road safety and pollution, and set out our plans for all modes of transport.

We are asking stakeholders, such as local groups, authorities and transport providers, to complete a survey to gather information about their key issues and priorities.  The survey is accessible to all, so individual members of the public can also submit their views if they wish to do so. The survey closing date is Thursday 17^th December 2020. To complete the survey please visit:

www.westsussex.gov.uk/WSTPsurvey

The survey results will help shape the draft version of the plan, which will be published for public consultation in summer 2021.  We aim to adopt the plan in early 2022.

West Sussex CFC project is part of a strategic programme of work in the north and east of the county to build open-access fibre network providing core digital infrastructure of ducting and dark fibre in both urban and rural areas in Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Crawley and Horsham. It will increase the fibre footprint in these areas and lower the cost to suppliers of building gigabit-capable broadband services to homes and businesses within a reasonable distance of the new infrastructure, which can continue to expand in the future.  

Construction phase for the West Sussex CFC project has now started

Balfour Beatty is issuing a letter drop to residents and businesses along the routes in the areas where works are planned. This details the nature of the works and why the council is doing it, as well as giving contact details for Balfour Beatty’s Customer Service team should any resident need to make arrangements regarding access to their property or want to complain. Where possible, this information is being delivered at least one week prior to the start of works along affected routes.

Cable installation process

The installation of ducting and access chambers is conventional construction activity. Ducting will be dug underground, and fibre blown through it, then the surface will be made good. Some new chambers will be installed as part of the excavations. Most of the ducting will be installed along footways and grass verges, with some ducting in the road. Some of the works will involve temporary footpath closures, or 2-way traffic lights and traffic management. The works will progress quickly in each location as a method of narrow trenching is being used to ensure speedy construction and minimum disruption.

Most of the works are expected to be carried out between 9am and 5pm, although some evening/night-time work will be needed in non-residential areas. Some road closures will also be required. Every effort is being made to avoid excavations in areas that have recently been re-laid or are likely to be as a result of imminent regeneration or highways-related works.

Roads affected in Mid Sussex district

Works have begun in Mid Sussex district and are scheduled over the coming weeks along the following routes:

Valebridge Road

Rocky Lane

Wivelsfield Road/B2112

Sussex Road

South Road

Boltro Road

Muster Green

Butler’s Green Road/ B2272

Tylers Green

Broad Street/ B2184

London Lane

London Road / B2036    

Whitemans Green/ B2114

Staplefield Road

Cuckfield Road

Sloughgreen Lane

Cuckfield Lane/ B2115

Warninglid Lane

Information

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the project team at [email protected]

For information about permits and planned works on roads please use the map on the county council’s website at westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/roadworks-and-projects/

Our Trustee Board is recruiting! This is an exciting and important opportunity for individuals with the right skills who want to make a real difference to the community! We need up to four new trustees (including a new Treasurer) to join our dynamic Trustee Board which plays a key role in setting MSVA’s strategic direction and ensures that we meet our aims and objectives. During this difficult year, we have delivered an exceptional service and intend to continue doing so. Will you join us? We need people from all walks of life who:

- Have vision, creativity and good judgement - Have a range of knowledge, skills and experience in a variety of sectors

- Have an ability to be good team players

- Are willing to speak their mind and listen to the opinions of others

- Have a track record of promoting diversity and equality - Have professional experience in areas that will provide fuller coverage within our Board, for example accounting and HR

Interested? If you’d like to discuss trusteeship at MSVA, prior to making an application, we will be delighted to talk to you – please email Philip Chadwell at [email protected]. 

If you are already inspired to apply, please send your CV and a brief account of your reasons for making the application, to [email protected], or by post to: 

Mr Philip Chadwell Mid Sussex Voluntary Action 36-38 Delmon House, Church Road Burgess Hill RH15 9AE  

The closing date for applications is 21 December 2020

Interviews will be conducted on 11 January 2021

Cuckfield Parish Council are excited to share that work has started on the new Angela Fox Nature Garden, located to the rear of the Queen's Hall. This site has long been neglected, and after successfully negotiating a 25 year lease at the start of this year we have so far cleared the site of all the rubble, old greenhouses and general rubbish, removed a couple of diseased trees and started work leveling the site in preparation for sowing grass seed.

Unfortunately the rain has slowed down progress as the land is just too wet to work with at the moment. We are hoping to be able to continue soon.

The nature garden will include a large grass area suitable for erecting a marquee and can be hired out for major events such as weddings, which are already held throughout the year at Queen's Hall. We will also be able to host the annual outdoor theatre production in the garden rather than on the Rec, and will be exploring other events we can host in this large space.

We are hoping to reuse some of the old trees removed from the garden by turning them into garden furniture and features, and will be developing a section of the garden into a sensory area, with beautiful plants and flowers.

As soon as the next phase of detailed plans are available these will be shared on here and on our Facebook page.

This is a long term project that will take time to develop, but one which we hope will add value to the village.

• Pre-departure and post arrival ExpressTest COVID-19 screening will be available for Gatwick passengers, staff and local residents with results available the next day.

• The screening facility could also satisfy post arrival requirements for the Government’s expected “test and release” scheme to ease travel restrictions and quarantine.

• The Centre booking portal goes live on Friday, 27th November with first appointments available from Monday, 30th November.

Air passengers and any employees based at Gatwick Airport will be charged a subsidised rate of £60 to use the screening service, whilst it will also be available for the general public for £99. A group discount is also offered, with up to 30% off for groups of four or more, for those who are having the full priced test.

Gatwick Airport and ExpressTest (a division of Cignpost Diagnostics Limited) today announce the opening of a brand-new COVID-19 screening centre. The site, located within the airport’s Long Stay Car Park at the South Terminal, will offer a fast and accurate and lab-analysed PCR swab test. It will be available for both passengers, employees based at Gatwick and the general public, including local residents, from Monday, 30th November.

Bookings open from Friday, 27th November, with the first test available on Monday, 30th November. To book a test, people will need to visit www.expresstest.co.uk and select a date and time. Customers will then be sent a QR code which they must bring with them to their appointment, along with their passport or employee ID. Payment will be taken during the booking process. Opening hours are 08.00 to 20.00 and customers are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to appointments.

Mid Sussex businesses that have been legally forced to close because of lockdown measures can now apply for financial support.

Mid Sussex District Council is distributing the Government’s Local Restrictions Support Grants to Mid Sussex based businesses that occupy a property which pays business rates and is currently unable to open as usual because of the Government’s lockdown.

The amount of grant paid will depend on the rateable value of the business premises. For example, a property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000 will receive a grant of £2,000 for every four weeks the business is closed. Should the lockdown period be extended after 2nd December 2020, so too will the grant funding.

Eligible businesses will get one grant for each property that is liable for businesses rates during the national lockdown period. To apply for a Local Restrictions Support Grant you can apply now at www.grantapproval.co.uk

The Government has also allocated Mid Sussex District Council just over £3 million to help support businesses that are suffering a loss of income due to Covid-19 but who do not qualify for the Local Restrictions Support Grant. 

The Council has been asked by the Government to prioritise the following types of business for this funding, subject to eligibility:

•         Small businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces

•         Regular market traders with fixed stall locations who do not have their own business rates assessment and have their main domestic residence in Mid Sussex

•         Businesses in the supply chain to the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality or event sectors that do not qualify for the Government’s Local Business Support Grants but pay business rates or have other property costs

•         Businesses that do not qualify for additional restrictions or other business grants but pay onerous business rates or have other relatively high property costs. This may include the topping up of any local restriction support granted.

•         Businesses which may have qualified for a local restrictions support grant but are waiting for a business rate valuation decision from the independent Valuation Office Agency

Applications for the discretionary scheme are open to businesses outside of the categories listed above but will only be considered once these priority applications have been processed.

Local businesses are encouraged to apply for funding online at www.grantapproval.co.uk from 23^rd November 2020 and applications must be received by 13^th December 2020. All applications will be assessed as quickly as possible after the closing date. If any funding is left over, the Council may open further grant funding windows for new applications.

Councillor Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council said: “I welcome the unprecedented financial support that the Government is providing to help Mid Sussex businesses through the pandemic and to mitigate the financial impact of these latest national restrictions.

“Coupled with the Council’s own grant schemes aimed at Covid recovery and business growth, there is a wide range of support available now to help businesses survive, protect jobs and back those which are able to grow. Find out more and apply now at www.midsussex.gov.uk/businessgrants “

Mid Sussex District Council is offering grants to micro businesses in the district to fund projects that will support their growth. The scheme has proven successful in previous years, with over 40 businesses supported through the scheme in 2019/20.

The Micro Business Grant Scheme boosts the local economy by encouraging sustainable business growth and supporting micro businesses in the District.  

The scheme is open to any Mid Sussex business with less than 10 employees and that has an idea for a project that will support their business growth. In addition to funding for growth projects, a further £1,500 is also available for any micro business looking to hire an apprentice.  

“Mid Sussex is one of the strongest and most resilient local economies in the country and we are committed as a Council to support businesses and economic growth,” said Councillor Stephen Hillier, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth “Mid Sussex District Council has set aside £72,000 for The Micro Business Grants Scheme. We aim to encourage and support local businesses to grow within the current business climate and develop new ways of working in the future. We are committed to ensuring small businesses owners have every available opportunity to grow, thrive, and develop their business.”

The Micro Business Grant Scheme is available to businesses looking to:

-         Reach new customers

-         Increase the number of employees

-         Introduce new products and services

-         Improve business premises

-         Improve business productivity.

For more information on eligibility criteria, the application process or to apply online, visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/licensing-business/micro-business-grants/  

It is important to note that the Micro Business Grant Scheme is not connected to the financial support currently on offer to businesses that are struggling due to COVID-19.

The Government is currently offering grants to businesses that are legally required to close because of lockdown measures. To apply visit www.grantapproval.co.uk. 

 Mid Sussex is also awarding £300,000 in grants to local businesses, community groups and voluntary organisations affected by the coronavirus pandemic. To apply visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/licensing-business/corporate-grants/ 

Cybercrime affects everyone, including young people: 1 in 5 of us will be victims. #ProtectyourPaSSW0rD is a quick and easy way to protect yourself and prevent anyone accessing your bank details or private photos! Just follow our 3 easy steps to www.ourwatch.org.uk/passwords

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MSDC's Christmas Leaflet sets out changes to residential bin collections over the Festive period.

There is also useful information on the leaflet regarding recycling over the Christmas period.

MSDC will be providing a number of temporary drop-off locations around the District for residents to dispose of their real Christmas trees.

This leaflet provides the details for each drop off location and the opening times of the sites.

The new pedestrian crossing, installed on Keymer Road between Oak Hall Park and Hoadley’s Corner Roundabout, provides a new safe crossing point. This improvement request was put forward by a local school to encourage pupils to walk to school more. This crossing uses the latest LED technology, benefiting from low energy consumption, reduced maintenance and offers improved visibility for drivers. To ensure the crossing benefited from anti-skid performance, the road was resurfaced and worn out lining was refreshed, including the School Keep Clear zone.

The site was constructed during the summer holidays to minimise disruption and has been positively received by the public as well as nearby school.

The Environment Agency has launched their annual flood action campaign, which provides residents with guidance on what to do in a flood. This year the campaign is specifically targeting people who live in areas at high risk of flooding but have not yet experienced flooding in their home.

It is likely that Covid-19 restrictions will exacerbate the challenge of recovery from flooding this winter, so Flood Action Week will be running from 9th to 15th November, using social media content to remind people of the actions they need to take. To find out more about what to do in a flood click on:. https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/what-to...

In 2020, even during the Pandemic, Parish & Town Councils and Community groups have been able to access Operation Watershed grant funds to help with local flooding issues impacting residents and local businesses.

This year, there have been two rounds of funding awarded to 12 successful applications, totalling £296,740.39.

We are still supporting Parish & Town Councils and Community Groups and have a number of applications progressing to the next stage for a decision shortly.
You can find details of the fund on: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/.../operation-watershed/
or email [email protected]

For information on responsibilities and maintenance of ditches and open water courses
https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/.../managing-flood-risk/

Although it's still autumn, we have experienced our first frost. To watch a video on how WSCC Highways are continuing to keep roads safe this winter click on: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/.../maintai.../winter-service/

We recognise that this is a challenging period for us all and even more so for vulnerable people. As Neighbourhood Watch we believe it is very important that we all take care and protect ourselves as a priority and where possible we safely carry on the great work of supporting and staying connected with our communities.

In England, between 5th November - 2nd December, national restrictions mean that: 

• You should only leave home for food, medical reasons, exercise, education, or work 

• You must work from home if you can 

• You should avoid travel unless essential 

• Schools and essential shops will remain open 

There are a variety of ways however in which we can support our loved ones and communities through these restrictions.

Keeping your loved ones safe

The most valuable thing we can all do is keep ourselves and our loved safe - physically and emotionally. 

• Our website signposts where you can get accurate advice and support with your emotional wellbeing. https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/.../keeping-yourself-and...

• Sign up for the FREE Festival Of Discovery running online on 20th and 21st November for lively discussions on hot topics, entertainment, things to make and do, a chance to recharge your wellbeing, and real-life community stories from across the UK. https://thefestivalofdiscovery.com/

The NHS in Sussex would like to know about your experiences of health and care during the COVID-19 pandemic so it can shape and inform the way services are provided in the future.

Have you been affected by delays to your care, either because your appointment or treatment was delayed or postponed or because you decided to wait until the pandemic had eased before having your treatment or appointment?  Click here to tell us about your experiences and any decisions or changes you have made as a result. (link: https://yoursaysussexhealthandcare.uk.engagementhq.com/delayed-care)

Since the lockdown period due to Covid-19 began, people have made many changes to their lives and what they saw as “normal”. We would like to know more about the changes you made due to Covid-19, whether you think they are good for your wellbeing, or not.

• What have you STOPPED doing since the start of lockdown? (for example, you might have stopped travelling to work, smoking, or stopped eating healthily due to changing your routine)

• What have you STARTED doing since the start of lockdown? (For example, you might have started taking daily exercise, reading more, or eating more chocolate!)

What do you feel about these changes?  Will there be things you will carry on?  How has the easing of lockdown rules affected you?

Click here to take share your experiences (link: http://bit.ly/BDwellbeing )

The Local Outbreak Engagement Board (LOEB) has met to discuss further steps in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in West Sussex.

The group, which includes representatives from the County Council, District and Borough Councils, NHS and health professionals, heard the latest case numbers and infection rate in West Sussex which was 98.3 per 100,000 in the seven days between 28 October and 3 November.

Amanda Jupp, Chairman of the LOEB and the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, reiterated the continuing need for residents to follow government guidance as we move through the second lockdown.

She said: “While our rates locally are below the national average, cases have been rising over the last few weeks and there is still widespread community transmission throughout the county.

“It is vitally important that we look after ourselves as well as each other and ensure that we do not become complacent.

“We need to do all we can to slow the spread and keep West Sussex safe so please continue to wash your hands regularly, maintain social distancing and wear face coverings.”

Face coverings should be worn when in public indoor spaces, in line with government guidelines, unless you are exempt due to an age, health or disability reason. People are also reminded that visors are not a replacement and that face coverings should meet the standards on the government website.

The LOEB also received an update on the response to COVID, including the work of the Community Hub. The Hub is open seven days a week from 8 am to 8 pm, to help those who need practical aid and support during the pandemic.

The Hub has received in the region of 55,000 inbound calls and online support request forms, made nearly 40,000 outbound calls and delivered more than 3,000 urgent food parcels across the county.

You can find more information about the Community Hub and request support online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/covid19communityhub or call 033 022 27980 to speak to someone.

The meeting also heard the latest news on the Keep West Sussex Safe campaign, which calls on people to regularly wash their hands, maintain social distancing, wear face coverings when required and to self-isolate immediately and get tested if they develop symptoms which include a new continuous cough, a high temperature and/or a loss of or change in your sense of taste and smell.

Support is available in Mid Sussex through the West Sussex Community Support Helpline 033 022 27980 whose lines are open 8 am to 8 pm 7 days per week.

West Sussex County Council Community Hub contact number, 0330 222 7980 can also be used for residents to cancel their unwanted food parcels.

Further details can be found on the following website:

https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/c...

Christmas will be very different this year and Mid Sussex District Council’s ‘Bringing Christmas Home’ campaign aims to support local traders and has a strong community focus.

The new ‘Bringing Christmas Home’ campaign celebrates our communities and our local businesses, with a clear message that it can still be a magical experience. Despite the changes we hope it will bring a renewed focus on our communities, home-based Christmas traditions, simple pleasures, a slower pace and time well spent.

The first strand of the campaign will support our local traders. Until the shops re-open we want to help residents find inspiration among the unique and amazing companies we have here on our own doorstep by promoting the online, ‘click and collect’ and home delivery options of our local businesses. 

Businesses can add their details to our brand new www.midsussex.gov.uk/bringingchristmashome webpage and then shoppers can search for special local goodies and support traders and their staff by buying local.

“With the recent news of further lockdown it is an understandably worrying time for residents and local businesses,” said Councillor Stephen Hillier, Mid Sussex District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Growth. 

“We have been doing all we reasonably can to support our local economy and details of grants and funding are on our website.”   

“To further support local traders we are pulling together online information highlighting the fantastic range of products and services available on our doorstep in Mid Sussex. I’d urge traders to add their details and shoppers to visit the site to help support our local shops and their workers.”

The second strand of the campaign emphasises the ‘home’ element. 

Lockdown has also seen many of us baking, crafting and generally “making”. The campaign is encouraging residents to share stories and Christmas traditions, whether that’s trimming the tree, cooking, baking, making decorations or frosty walks in the countryside; how will you be ‘Bringing Christmas Home’? 

You can share your stories on Twitter at #bringingchristmashome

We would like to invite you to attend our upcoming free virtual health talks.

To book, simply E-mail [email protected] with your preferred date.

A new kerbside collection service for small electrical items and household batteries is launching from week commencing 23 November.

This service will reduce the need for Mid Sussex residents to transport small electricals to another location and reduce the likelihood of them entering the residual waste stream via household rubbish bins. 

To support the service, our current collection vehicles have been modified with the installation of a small cage (on the near side) to keep these items separate on the collection vehicle. 

The collection service is not currently available to residents with communal rubbish collections. 

https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/.../small-electrical.../

WSCC online services will be disrupted this weekend (13 – 16 November) while essential electrical testing is carried out.

The testing will begin at 7pm on Friday 13 November, with all council IT systems expected to be up and running again as normal by 7am on Monday 16 November.

Any urgent updates about COVID-19 will be shared on our social media pages – Twitter @WSCCNews & Facebook @WestSussexCC.

Other service information will be available over the weekend on our back-up website at westsussexcountycouncil.blogspot.co.uk.

The following emergency contact numbers will also be available:
• COVID-19 Community Hub - 07784 217238*
• Children’s Social Care - 07711 769657*
• Adults Social Care – 07711 559887*
• Mental Health Support - 07523 945943
• Highways – 01243 642105
• Street Lighting – 0800 0482435. *For this weekend only.

https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/...

West Sussex County Council will continue to provide practical support, help and advice to people across the county as the country enters its second lockdown.

Our Community Hub was set up in March 2020 to give practical support and assistance to those affected by COVID-19. Since March the hub has provided access to food and essential household supplies as well as information and guidance to individuals and families.

To date the Community Hub has received in the region of 55,000 inbound calls and online support request forms, made nearly 40,000 outbound calls and delivered more than 3,000 urgent food parcels across the county.

Through the next month we are ready to do the same for those who need it the most.

Front line services to our most vulnerable residents will also continue, including social care provision for children, young people and adults.

West Sussex County Council Leader, Paul Marshall, said: “There is no doubt that this will be a difficult time for many people living and working in our county.

“I want to make it really clear that West Sussex County Council will always be here for our residents. For our most vulnerable residents, for those who need us most, we will support you. As a community I know we will pull together, help our neighbours and loved ones and do what it takes to get us though this difficult time.

“The new Government restrictions mean some of our services will be affected, and we know that might be inconvenient or frustrating.

“I would like to thank everyone across West Sussex for their diligence and continued efforts to prevent the spread of COVID. While this has helped keep our infection rates below those in many parts of the country, I urge everyone to continue to support us in our bid to Keep West Sussex Safe.”

Some changes have been made to services in light of the latest government announcement on COVID-19 restrictions.

All wedding and civil partnership ceremonies between 5 November and 2 December have been postponed. Registration offices will remain open, so notice appointments can continue for marriage and civil partnership appointments.

All death registration appointments will continue to be conducted by phone. Appointments can be booked as normal, but people are asked not to attend the Registration Office.

All birth registrations are still being done face to face, but customers will be seen strictly by appointment only, which can be booked online.

West Sussex Record Office will be closed from Thursday 5 November until further notice.

West Sussex libraries are currently closed for browsing and only open for returns and collections. Opening hours are subject to change and you can find the latest information about your local library on our website. Limited computer sessions are only available when pre-booked in advance.

You can continue to reserve items directly from the library catalogue free of charge, and you will be notified when items are ready for collection. Library staff are also offering a select and collect service, where our expert staff put together a selection for you to borrow. Simply complete our online form or phone your local library and staff will let you know when your items are ready for collection from the library entrance.

Household Waste Recycling Sites (HWRSs) will remain open and operate to normal opening hours for the duration of the second lockdown.

Just like in the first national lockdown, our Highways teams continue their maintenance work in keeping West Sussex roads safe, and with improvement projects continuing, too.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service will also continue to operate as usual during the new lockdown if residents need them.

The service is encouraging residents to keep a checklist of fire safety advice to stay safe at home or where businesses are open and reduce the risk of an emergency incident occurring. This can be found on the fire service COVID-19 web page.

The fire service is continuing to provide free Safe & Well Visits to people in their homes on a risk-based approach. There is also the option for a Safe & Well Visit via phone, Skype and by posting a useful resource document, instead of face-to-face. These can be arranged by calling 0345 8729 719 or emailing [email protected].

A full list of the services that have been affected is available on our website by visiting www.westsussex.gov.uk/coronavirus.  

You can find more information about the Community Hub and request support online at www.westsussex.gov.uk/covid19communityhub or call 033 022 27980 to speak to someone.

Follow us on Facebook @WestSussexCC and Twitter @WSCCNews for updates and sign-up for our COVID-19 newsletter at www.westsussex.gov.uk/coronavirus to receive the latest information about our response to the pandemic. WSCC is also now on Nextdoor, the app designed with communities in mind. Follow the link and join the conversation at https://nextdoor.co.uk/agency-detail/england/west-sussex/west-sussex-council/

As we spend more time at home and on our online devices, over one third (34%) of people say that they’re more concerned about cybercrime than physical crime and a startling 1 in 5 people are a victim of cybercrime!* You could be more at risk than you might think. 

If strengthening your passwords is something you keep putting off, or you feel overwhelmed by the sea of online security information, you’re not alone. 

As part of our Cyberhood Watch initiative, launched in 2019 in partnership with Avast, we have launched a PROTECT YOUR Pa$$W0Rd campaign that targets both the overwhelmed and complacent, providing everyone with 3 easy steps to be more secure online. 

PROTECT YOUR Pa$$W0Rd in 3 easy steps

1. Create a separate password for your email account
2. Use 3 random words
3. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)

To find out more about how to do each step visit our Password Protection page on our website.