Swimmers in Worthing will make a splash for charity on 17th April 2010 as they complete the Swimathon 2010 challenge at Worthing Aquarena helping to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care and The Swimathon Foundation. Worthing Aquarena is one of over 500 pools taking part nationwide in Swimathon 2010.

Zöe Salmon and Duncan Goodhew were the first of 15,000 people to dive in the pool for Swimathon 2010 at the national launch. This year, Swimathon is looking to exceed the £1.5m it raised for Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Swimathon Foundation in 2009 - by encouraging everyone in the UK to get in the pool for the world’s biggest swim.

Zöe comments:

“I’ve always found swimming a really good way to keep in shape. Everyone needs a challenge now and again, especially to keep motivated during the cold winter months. And what better additional spur than to help out Marie Curie Cancer Care - a charity that does such crucial work right around the UK? I can’t wait to take part.”

Duncan comments:

“Swimathon is incredibly exciting. It enables normal people to do extraordinary things. Everyone’s challenge is very much their own - but not only do their efforts benefit themselves, they benefit their country and the charities.”

Neil Matthews, manager of the Aquarena says:

“It’s going to be fantastic to see so many people from our community taking part and fundraising for Marie Curie Cancer Care, to enable terminally ill patients to have the best possible end of life care.”

Swimathon 2010 has a challenge to suit everyone with swimmers challenging themselves to complete up to 5K as an individual or as a team with their friends and family. To find out more about Swimathon or to sponsor a swimmer, go to: www.swimathon.org

Marie Curie Cancer Care is one of the UK’s largest charities. Employing more than 2,700 nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals, it expects to provide care to around 29,000 terminally ill patients in the community and in its hospices this year and is the largest provider of hospice beds outside the NHS.

To get help from the Marie Curie Nursing Service, talk to your GP, district nurse or discharge nurse. For more information about Marie Curie Cancer Care, please visit the Marie Curie website .

The Tourism Industry Forum takes place at 2pm on 16 March at the Dome Cinema, Marine Parade, Worthing.

To help keep the Adur and Worthing tourism economy buoyant and growing, speakers will give advice and information on marketing, available business support and a star rated food hygiene initiative called ‘Scores on the doors’.

Representatives from several partners including council officers, Tourism South-East, The Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce and The Tourist Information Centre will also be on hand to answer any questions.

Tourism Officer, Janice Fraser said:

“The Forum has been organised as part of the Councils commitment to support businesses and attract more visitors. It will be a great opportunity for any business contributing to the local visitor economy to learn more about what’s happening both locally and regionally to promote the area and support businesses.”

Tourism is worth nearly £150 million to the local economies of Adur and Worthing  and provides around 4000 jobs in the two areas.  As part of British Tourism Week the Tourist Information Centre are encouraging everyone to call in and pick up all the latest attraction leaflets for the coming year and discover something new that’s on your doorstep.

Last year visitors were given the opportunity to say what they thought about Worthing by completing a survey.  The results show that 75 per cent rated the town attractive, and 72 per cent thought it clean.  Going to the beach was the most popular activity, followed by shopping and eating out. 77 per cent of people rated restaurants and shops highly and 74 per cent said they would like to come to Worthing again.

To find out more about this event call Janice on 01903 221394 or e-mail Janice.fraser@worthing.gov.uk

“As President of the Worthing Twinning Association, I would like to ask for donations to help the victims of the recent storm in the Vendee region of France.

The area of Le Pays des Olonnes, twinned with Worthing since 1998 has really suffered the effect of storm Xynthia, one of the most violent storms since 1999, which struck the Vendee region on the south west coast of France, over a week ago.

Olonne sur Mer and Les Sables d’Olonne have had major structural damage. The swimming pool has been completely destroyed and also the boats in the Marina have also been smashed but that is nothing compared to the deaths of 29 in the two towns of La Faute-sur-Mer and l’Aiguillon-sur-Mer, where the sea flooded all the houses during the night, when the winds combined with an intense sea.

The Mayor of Olonne sur Mer, Yannick Moreau, presides over an area where many people have lost everything and has been helping to clear the area with 100 volunteers.

Members of Worthing Twinning Association have asked for donations for their twinning neighbours in France, to be made payable to: Worthing Twinning Association and sent to

• Val Bolt, Treasurer,
  41 Parkfield Road,
  Worthing
  BN13 1EP
• Mark the envelope ‘FRANCE’ and the money will be paid into a separate Worthing Twinning Association account.
  

Adur Classes

The Adur class, for 10 – 16 year old boys and girls takes place on Fridays at Southwick Leisure Centre.  Girls from 7pm – 8pm and boys from 8pm to 9pm. 

• Call : 01273 238111 or
• E-mail : tammy.waine@adur.gov.uk to find out more.

Worthing Classes

The Worthing class takes place at Tarring Young People’s Club every Thursday for boys and girls. Age 8 – 12 from 4.30pm – 5.30pm and 13 – 19 year old from 5.30pm – 6.30pm.

• Call : 01273 263174 or
• E-mail : mike.fisher@adur.gov.uk to find out more.
  

The classes are funded by The Sussex County Sports Partnerships’ Sport Unlimited Programme, and West Sussex County Council. Adur’s project is also supported by Impulse Leisure and the Adur and Worthing Safer Communities Partnership.

Adur 

Neil Parkin 

The award is for delivering significant results through new ways of working and is recognition for the project, the first in the country to have one workforce working for two councils. This example is now being followed up and down the country as councils look at ways to save money and provide quality services.

The Adur and Worthing partnership is set to make savings of £2.2 million pounds in this financial year and expects to make a total of £6.4 million pounds in savings by 2012/13.  The savings have been made without losing any front line services and by finding more efficient ways of working.

The two councils have a one chief executive, one management team and a joint workforce of about 1000 and many of them work in shared teams.

The two leaders are over the moon to receive this award. Adur Council Leader, Neil Parkin said:

“I’m delighted all the hard work by staff and councillors that has gone into this partnership is recognised by this sought after award.”

Worthing Borough Council, Paul Yallop added:

“We are so pleased to receive formal recognition of the massive effort that has been put into this work. Being a pioneer is never easy and there were some doubters along the way. I would like to thank all the staff of Worthing and Adur for their commitment and hard work. There is still much to achieve and we look forward to developing more joined up services which will deliver improvements and cost savings for our residents. We are also advising many other councils who now wish to follow our lead”

Children from St Marys RC School and Heene First School have had a big say in what equipment they would like and now can’t wait for the playground to be ready to enjoy.

Leader of Worthing Borough Council, Paul Yallop said:

“This playground is just one of several we will build this year making a much needed total investment of £500,000 in Worthing’s playground provision.  It has been fantastic to receive help from local school children in choosing their play equipment. The results look great fun and I know my children will enjoy playing there.”

The £100,000 playground is being funded with £50,000 from the Government’s Playbuilder scheme via West Sussex County Council and £50,000 from Worthing Borough Council’s, Section 106 monies - contributions from developers for improvements to an area.

Residents will enjoy a new activities hall, funded by Worthing Borough Council with contributions from West Sussex County Council and the Maybridge Keystone Club (MKC). There will also be a completely refurbished and re-designed main building, courtesy of a grant from The Office of the Third Sector (administered by the Big Lottery Fund).

The construction work being carried out by GML Construction Ltd., will also include new function and meeting rooms, office space, kitchen and cafe area. A timber cladding roof and a 'sedum' green roof will also be installed, a first for the area.

Groups and organisations will have a chance to create and become part of a new and revived community hub and a place to call home.

John Rogers, Deputy Leader of Worthing Borough Council said:

"Derek and Doreen Northeast fought so hard to get the project off the ground many years ago. I would like to offer my thanks to everyone involved. It is a fantastic example of the community working in partnership."

Chairman of MKC, Trevor England, said:

"This project was first proposed back in 2000 but didn't gain the financial support it needed. The last six years has seen the plans and partners change dramatically several times, but I'm pleased to say that we will finally end up with a fantastic youth and community facility for Maybridge. I'd like to add my thanks to the local councillors, council officers, youth workers, MKC Management Committee and our community for their help and support. We look forward to this much needed facility!"

Work is due to finish in July, ready for the school summer holidays. For more information visit www.mkcworthing.org.

MKC need your help to look for old pictures or memories of the youth club, originally funded by the local Rotarians and Worthing Boys Club, from way back in 1956 when it was constructed, and from 1957 when it opened that can go on the website - www.mkcworthing.org. If you have anything to contribute to this project call Trevor England, or email him direct from the website.

Mr Peter Shallis from Worthing, trading as Sussex Roofing Restorations, dumped a dismantled roof on a future development site and other building materials on the pavement in Woods Way.

The sentence was given for these and other waste-related offences between May 2008 and February 2009. 

The Court was satisfied that Mr Shallis knowingly dumped the roofing material in West Avenue and Woods Way, despite him pleading not guilty to the charges.  He was also convicted for carrying waste without a valid waste carriers’ licence, and failing to account for the disposal or transfer of any of his waste in a two year period. 

The incident in West Avenue, which took place on 30 May 2008, was witnessed by a neighbour of the property when the material taken from a roof being replaced on a property further up the same road was dumped in the garden of a derelict house.  The developer who owned the property was later required by the Council to remove the material at considerable expense.  For this offence Mr Shallis was ordered to undertake 125 hours of unpaid work in the community.  He was also sentenced to undertake a further 125 hours of unpaid work for the offence that took place in Woods Way, where timber and other materials were dumped on the pavement on 31 January 2009.  Mr Shallis claimed that his vehicle had been borrowed by an associate, but was convicted on the basis that he controlled the vehicle from which the fly-tipping took place. 

Mr Shallis contended that he was unaware that he needed a waste carriers’ licence to carry waste generated by his business or that he needed to keep records of his waste disposal transactions.  However, the magistrates additionally found him guilty of these offences and fined him a total of £600 and warned him that he must ensure that his waste is disposed of responsibly in future.

Following the case, Worthing Borough Council Cabinet Member for Clean and Green Environment, Clive Roberts, said:

“Mr Shallis gained financially by not disposing of his waste correctly, giving him an unfair business advantage over competitors who responsibly manage their waste. Worthing Borough Council takes fly-tipping cases very seriously and will conduct full investigations into all complaints made by the public.  I would urge residents to be vigilant to this anti-social behaviour and come forward if they witness incidents.  Without the help of the public, it is almost impossible for local authorities to take action against the perpetrators of fly-tipping. I would like to thank all the witnesses who came forward in this case and the time they took coming to court and giving evidence. Their efforts were crucial to bringing a successful outcome to this case.”

• Incidents of fly-tipping can be reported to us on-line.
  

This mixed use pathway, built by Worthing Borough Council, is designed for cyclists and pedestrians to share and will be trialled for 12 months. 

Sustrans, the leading sustainable transport charity, supports shared path schemes, which are common throughout the UK.  One-third of the National Cycle Network is on traffic-free paths, which are designed for walkers and cyclists to share.

Worthing Borough Council Deputy Leader and Cycling Champion John Rogers said:

"I'm delighted that we can now formally announce the start of the trial. I have been as frustrated as everyone by the time this has taken, but given the importance of the trial we had to get this right; I’m grateful for the patience shown by everyone.

"“We want people to enjoy the path safely and that will mean having consideration and respect for others.  However this council will not  hesitate to take action under the by-laws to deal with those who persistently endanger other users through thoughtless or irresponsible actions."

Chris Boocock from Sustrans said:

"Sustrans is delighted that this family friendly facility has been opened in time for the spring cycling season. Congratulations to Worthing Borough Council.  We look forward to working with them and the local cycling community to make it a safe success for all."

The council is keen to promote the safe use of the path and supports the Sustrans ‘code of conduct’ for cyclists using shared paths:

• Give way to pedestrians, leaving them plenty of room
• Be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary
• Don’t expect to cycle at high speeds
• Be careful at junctions, bends and entrance
• Carry a bell and use it – don’t surprise people
• Give way to wheelchair users.

Local cycling groups such as Worthing Revolutions will join the council and Sustrans to monitor the trial during the next 12 months.

An event to celebrate completing this project will take place at 12 noon on Sunday 28 March when the Mayor of Worthing, Noel Atkins will officially open the path.  A fun event is planned with activities and give-aways for cyclists and other prom users to enjoy. To find out about what’s happening at this event look on www.worthing.gov.uk  nearer the time.

The Dog Control Orders will make it an offence to :

• Fail to remove dog faeces from land open to the public;
• Permit a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded;
• Not to keep a dog on a lead in a prescribed area or when directed to do so by an authorised officer;
• Take more than a specific number of dogs onto public land.

The penalty for committing an offence will be a fine up to a maximum of £1,000 although the opportunity to pay a fixed penalty may be offered in place of prosecution.

The Council will shortly undertake a public consultation exercise seeking comments on the proposed new Control Orders prior to their introduction.

Cabinet Member for Clean and Green Environment, Clive Roberts, said :

"Although the majority of dog owners clean up after their pets and use the waste bins provided by the Council, there is still a persistent anti-social minority who do not. Our current dog control byelaws are pretty comprehensive but the new Dog Control Orders will give us the additional power to serve Fixed Penalty Notices to crack down on them.  There is absolutely no excuse for this totally selfish behaviour and our Dog Warden will adopt a ‘zero tolerance’ approach with offenders."

People can report incidents of dog fouling by calling 01903 221064.

The Council’s Dog Warden, Russ Akehurst, is currently seeking views on any amendments needed to the ‘dog ban’ and ‘dogs on leads’ areas in Worthing.  Russ can be contacted by email to russell.akehurst@worthing.gov.uk or by post to his office at Portland House, Richmond Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1HS.

Worthing Borough Council and landscape designers of the project, craft:pegg  want to get the public involved in the scheme.  The inspiration for ideas could come from a story, local mythology, characters from the past or present, a painting or photograph. 

Cabinet member for regeneration, John Rogers said:

“With Worthing’s interesting history and exciting future there’s plenty of material to choose from.  These engravings will add a real personal touch to the scheme and more can be added to over time.”

John Pegg from craft:pegg said:

“With this project we are beginning to collect and preserve Worthing’s collective memory about the town and its people and literally set this in stone.

“So much of what we build and do is lost over generations, and much of what we do know about the distant past is learnt from pictures and texts inscribed into stone, even subtle marks on stone can last for millennia.

“We hope this opportunity will bring forward ideas that will be of direct benefit to the quality of the new space at Splash Point, and will also serve to pass a message about the place to many generations to come. It’s an exciting opportunity for everyone to make their mark in time.”

Send entries by e-mail to worthing.regeneration@worthing.gov.uk or post to the Regeneration Manager, Worthing Borough Council, Portland House, Richmond Road, Worthing BN11 1LT. 

Closing date for ideas is 31 March 2010

Over 50 images of male genitals have been daubed with spray paint on any surface the perpetrator can find.  This and other explicit graffiti is removed within 24 hours of being reported by Graffiti Solutions, who have a joint contract with Adur and Worthing councils.

Incidents of graffiti have fallen over the last few months and the partnership work of the police and Adur and Worthing councils has led to culprits being caught and prosecuted.  The public are asked to keep their eyes and ears open and report any intelligence on these incidents.

Adur and Worthing Streetscene Officer, Mike Barnard, said:

“These images were deliberately placed where they would offend as many people as possible. They have cost you and I, the taxpayers, at least £1,000 so far to clean up. I would urge anyone with information to contact Sussex Police.”

PC Lee Scott from the Adur and Worthing Neighbourhood Policing Team is investigating and said:

“The police and councils are working together to prevent defacement like this from re-occurring. Our joint efforts over the last year have led to several successful prosecutions and we are determined to bring the person behind this latest series to justice.”

If you have any information which could help, contact PC Scott by calling the Sussex Police non-emergency number on 0845 60 70 999.

These images were removed immediately after being reported but there may still be some the council are unaware of. If you know of any graffiti in Worthing or Adur please report it to the council for free removal.

Part of the Local Neighbourhood Improvement Area (LNIA) scheme, Worthing Together, a strategic partnership that deals with local issues, has been given £100,000 from West Sussex County Council for the Broadwater, Central, Durrington, Heene, Northbrook and Selden wards.

Funding is available for projects involved in:

• Improving community development and cohesion – up to £40,000 is available
• Improving access to debt advice and money management skills – up to £30,000 is available
• Improving parenting skills and/or increasing participation in family learning – up to £20,000 is available
• Increasing activities for young people in response to anti-social behaviour – up to £9,000 is available

Groups and organisations that are eligible to apply:

• Those working with Worthing residents. The scheme is not open to applications from individuals
• Can be statutory, social enterprises or not-for-profit organisations
• Projects proposed must address one of the priorities mentioned above in at least one of the LNIAs
• The grant may be spent on capital or revenue costs
• The grant must be spent before Thursday 31 March 2011

Worthing Borough Council Cabinet Member for Health, Safety and Wellbeing, Kevin Skepper, said: “Groups and organisations have until Friday 12 March 2010 to apply for this funding.

This scheme is designed to improve life in Worthing and get the community working together as a whole.”

Application forms can be found at the Worthing Together website  or by emailing the Community Planning team at community.planning@adur.gov.uk

Aquarena 

• St Barnabas House and Chestnut Tree House; Building a Dream;
• The Queen Alexandra Hospital Home;
• Christians Against Poverty
• and Street Pastors,

with £175.71 raised on the day.

There was an all-day fitness marathon with 10 classes; free swimming sessions and various children’s activities. In reception there were displays from local clubs:  Sub Aqua, Lifesaving and Swimming clubs. The open day was also a FIT4 success: 150 visitors became FIT4 members on the day.

On Saturday 6 February, the Aquarena held the first of the two Mayor’s Swimarathon events .  

As a result of the popularity of this event, this is the first year the Swimarathon is being held over two nights: the 6th and 27th February. 

A total of 81 people swam last Saturday, with some children managing to swim twice the amount of lengths they had hoped – an incredible achievement. 

All those participating in the Swimarathon are required to hand in their sponsorship money at the Town Hall by 9th April 2010. All donations will go to the Mayor’s charities.  Once both Swimarathons are completed, the participants will be invited to a presentation ceremony at Worthing Leisure Centre  on 14th May 2010, where they will receive a certificate and medal. 

All those involved with the event are looking forward to the next Mayor’s Swimarathon on Saturday 27th February, when even more people are expected to participate.

A requirement of the planning permission granted for the Tesco superstore was to build a new community centre in Durrington.  If planning permission is granted work could start this summer.

The proposed one storey building would replace the current community centre, which would be demolished once the new community centre is completed.  The new building would be significantly larger than the existing community centre on a 0.30 hectares site.  

The new community centre would be relocated to the eastern boundary of the new Tesco site next to Romany Road.  And the supermarket car park would provide parking. 

Consultation and exhibitions with local residents took place in December and involved local people with local groups including DUCCA (Durrington Community Centre Association), the Community Centre Church and local councillors.

The application is available to view at Portland House, Richmond Road Worthing between 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4pm on Thursday.  The plan can also be viewed on www.worthing.gov.uk/planning.  A copy is also available for at Durrington Community Centre or you can download a copy of the Durrington Community Centre Plan in pdf format here.

Comment should be sent to the Development Control Manager by 9 March.  People can also send their comments by e-mail to planning@worthing.gov.uk

To be eligible for this scheme, applicants must:

• Have a net household income of less than £18,000 AND
• Have at least one dependant child under 16 OR
  Be over 60 years old OR
  Be pregnant OR
  Be disabled

If the criteria above are not met but the applicant gets a means-tested benefit, they could also qualify for 100 per cent grant-funded home insulation. Those who are not entitled to free insulation can still take advantage of subsidised prices of just £149 for cavity wall insulation, and from £149 for loft insulation.

Worthing Borough Council Cabinet Member for Clean and Green Environment, Clive Roberts, said:

“Installing cavity wall and full loft insulation can save you up to £265 a year on your heating bills and it would make your home significantly warmer.

“Home insulation also helps to reduce harmful CO2 emissions being released into the atmosphere so you will be helping protect the environment for future generations.”

Funding in this scheme is on a first come first serve basis. Phone eaga Insulation to arrange your free no obligation home survey on freephone 0800 4081441 (quoting ref: West Sussex).

Residents such as students, those who work away from home, on holiday or have problems getting to the polling station due to incapacity, can think about applying for it.

• To request a postal or proxy vote application form you can apply on-line.
  

Well, now is your chance! Worthing and Adur’s Well Being Team, in partnership with Worthing Leisure Centre , is offering a four week course in Ballroom Dancing for Improvers; Exercise to Music; Nordic Walking; Table Tennis; and Tai Chi.

All the courses begin on Friday 5th March and are aimed at people over 50. They are scheduled over the lunchtime period to enable people still working to attend.

Ballroom Dancing is for people with some experience, whilst all the other courses cater for anyone with little, or no, existing level of skill. Equipment is provided where necessary.

There is also the opportunity to continue after the course has ended, by joining the weekly sessions at the Leisure Centre or by joining a local group already in existence.

How to register

To register, or for more information, contact:

• Annabelle Trent,
  Assistant Leisure Development Officer
  Adur District Council
• Telephone : 01273 263347
• E-mail : annabelle.trent@adur.gov.uk

Or download an information and application pack (Adobe PDF Reader required):

• Information Pack and Application Form : Active for Life 50+ - Application Form : (Adobe PDF - 335KB)
  

Outline Planning Permission was originally granted in 2008 for the construction of a new District Centre incorporating a larger replacement Tesco supermarket subject to a number of conditions, one of which stated that the premises should only be open between the hours of 6.00 am and 12.00 midnight Mondays to Saturdays and 10.00 am and 6.00 pm on Sundays.   A subsequent application for the detailed design of the new District Centre also imposed conditions restricting the hours of delivery between 6.00 am and 11.00 pm on any day, again to protect the amenities of local residents. 

The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Councillor John Livermore said:

"Given the close proximity of residential properties to this District Centre, the Planning Committee was keen to ensure that necessary controls were imposed in relation to trading hours and hours of delivery to reduce possible noise disturbance to local residents.  The fact that a licence has been granted under the Licensing Laws does not affect the planning situation and if Tesco did start to open for 24 hours this would be in clear breach of the planning condition imposed on the store."

The Borough Council is about to commence a period of public consultation on its proposal to declare an Air Quality Management Area in the vicinity of the Grove Lodge roundabout on the A27.  At present, levels of nitrogen dioxide, predominantly caused by road transport, exceed government objectives. The Council therefore has a duty to make an Air Quality Management Order and views are being sought regarding the boundaries of this area and the measures that might be taken to reduce pollution, such as easing traffic congestion and reducing the number of vehicles using the A27. 

The Council will also continue to consult with the Highways Agency and West Sussex County Council as the bodies with primary responsibility for trunk roads and other highways.

Following formal declaration, the Council will work with the highway authorities, planning authorities and others to devise an Action Plan.   The aim of this plan is to reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide, thereby reducing long term exposure and the risk of health impacts on residents living in the area.   The Action Planning process may take up to a year to complete, however the Council is keen to pursue any interim measures that can be agreed with the highway authorities and to have these implemented as soon as practicable.

A newsletter will shortly be sent to all residents in the proposed area giving them information on the proposed Air Quality Management Order and advising them how to make comments.

Clive Roberts, Cabinet Member for Clean and Green Environment said

“The declaration of an Air Quality Management Area in the vicinity of the Grove Lodge roundabout will focus minds at the Highways Agency and the County Council on the congestion issues along this very busy stretch of the A27.  Nitrogen dioxide levels are starting to reduce nationally mainly as a result of the introduction of more efficient engines but the development of an Action Plan will identify measures that can be implemented to further reduce levels, to the benefit of the health and wellbeing of the local residents”.

Nadeem Shad, Senior Environmental Health Officer at Worthing Borough Council is co-ordinating the consultation and invites comments via post to his office at Portland House, Richmond Road, Worthing BN11 1HS or by e-mail to environmental.protection@worthing.gov.uk.

The 29m x 16m rink, operated by Base Line Sports International Limited Promotions from Norwich holds, 130 skaters per session with peak skating starting at just £7 for adults and £5 for children 16 and under, to include skate hire (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult).

There are also reduced rates for off-peak sessions and special ‘credit crunch’ sessions for all skaters at just £2.50!

Just under 24,000 skaters used the rink last year and during half term week the rink was running at 90% capacity so the public are asked to pre-book to guarantee a space.

Worthing Council and Worthing Town Centre Initiative have contributed £25,000 each towards the £100,000 cost to bring it to town, with any shortfall made up from income.

Chris Spratt, Chairman of the Worthing Town Centre Initiative, said:

“I am delighted that the Ice Rink is back for 2010; this event brings people into Worthing from miles away.  We have already received bookings from as far away as Farnham in Surrey and Newhaven showing just how popular skating is.”

Worthing Council Leader, Paul Yallop, adds:

“The council is pleased to support this facility again this year. The ice rink is a welcome and vibrant attraction to the town at a time of year when the town is a bit quieter.”

All sessions are marshalled by experienced skaters and skaters get a safety briefing before going onto the ice. Refreshments are available on site too.

Details and Bookings :

For more information and to make an on-line booking:

• Visit : www.worthingicerink.co.uk
• Telephone : 01903 222934.
• Or : you can just turn up the rink in the hope some sessions are still available!  Booking is recommended though.

Worthing Revolutionary Arts Group are putting on loads of activities at the former carpet shop as well  - screen printing, Punch and Judy, Circus skills and much more. Worthing Lions are providing refreshments for sale.

In October Worthing Borough Council was a successful bidder for £35,000 from the Coast West Sussex Board to help bring life back to empty shops and attract people to the town centres. 

Regeneration manager, Clare Mangan said:

“This is the latest initiative to be delivered through the partnership between the Empty Shops Network and Worthing Council’s regeneration team.

“ It is part of our programme of events and activities which are tackling the real problems of empty shops; bringing a shop back into use, more people into the town and an opportunity for excitement and fun during the half term holidays.”

Snow Globe sessions run all day form 10am to 4pm, admission is £5 for groups of 1 to 3 and £7.50 for groups of 4+, this also includes a photo of your experience.  The inflatable sessions at the former Allied Carpets are from 10am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 4pm from Saturday 13th– Saturday 20th February (not open on Sunday 14th Feb). 

As a result of this meeting, the three organisations concerned have offered to draw up a set of principles for land management, maintenance and public access, which can be put into effect when the land is re-let. 

Sympathetic management of the land should allow the area to be eligible for agri-environmental grants from Natural England. The Council is keen to agree conservation and access principles and ensure that all appropriate funding opportunities are properly explored.

Steve Waight, Cabinet Member for Resources/Business Modernisation, says:

“I am pleased to see the positive way that the management plan is being developed by all the parties involved. When completed, the plan will address the concerns that residents expressed during the consultation process.”

Roger Matthews from Natural England, adds:

“We are looking forward to working with Worthing Council, key partners and a future farm tenant to deliver real environmental gain on the ground, using Environmental Stewardship funding where appropriate.”

Phil Belden, Countryside Services Manager, South Downs Joint Committee, follows by saying:

"With the South Downs National Park about to become a reality this is great timing and a good news story. Worthing's Downland should be in long-term, safe hands with this initiative.”

To mark our appreciation of Toovey’s continued sponsorship and support of the museum and its collections, we asked Nicholas Toovey if he would like to hand-pick personal favourites, telling us why he chose them. The results form a charming exhibition of oil paintings, watercolours and prints, further enhanced by Nicholas’ specialist knowledge as a book and painting expert.

His aim was to create an exhibition celebrating Sussex, the county which he knows and loves, by choosing artists with strong links to the county; names such as Ernest Howard Shepherd, Frank Brangwyn and Ivon Hitchens.  He also selected views of the county by famed artists, like Anthony Vandyke Copley Fielding, William Callow and William Wyllie, who chose to paint our beautiful towns, villages, coast and landscape, immortalising them forever. 

Nicholas is a print enthusiast, hence he has chosen a selection of prints relating to Sussex that highlight and explain the difference between various printing techniques from engravings to etchings.

“Toovey’s are always keen to support the arts in Sussex,” says Nicholas, “It was a wonderful honour to be asked to choose the works for the exhibition and I hope that visitors will share my enthusiasm for the beautiful art on display.  Local museums are often overlooked in favour of more publicised galleries in London, but with the array of work on display and this exhibition focussing on Sussex, I believe that there has never been a better time to visit Worthing Museum and Art Gallery -  the ‘hidden gem’ that is on our doorstep”.

The lady who was visiting a friend, accompanied by her dogs, needed help with getting them and herself on and off trains. She regularly booked for assistance by the railway, which was normally very good, but on this occasion– there was only the guard at West Worthing Station available and no-one to see her off the train.

However there was always a passenger though willing to help her onto the train and lift her dogs aboard.

On one particular afternoon - 5.00pm on Tuesday 13 October - a young member of the younger generation agreed to help her and said he would change his travel arrangements to make sure that she got home safely.

She was so impressed by his actions that she would like to publicise his help and kindness and give something back to the community and has sent a cheque for £500 to Worthing Community Partnership.

Jenni Pilgram from Worthing Community Partnership said:

“The Worthing Community Partnership was very grateful to receive this kind donation which enabled funds to be granted to two young peoples projects, the Chippingdale Cricket Club and  the Worthing Sea Cadets. A record number of funding applications were received in December 2009 by the Worthing Community Chest and this ladies generous donation made it possible for the awards to be increased to both projects, to the maximum of £1000 each.”

From 1 February 2010 all thirteen Sussex Local Authorities and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will join forces to promote and encourage safe practices within the workplace.

The objective of the project is to reduce injuries and ill health in the workplace through raising awareness, education and by taking enforcement action where necessary.

Statistics for the South East produced by the Labour Force Survey for 2008/9 say 15 people were fatally injured at work, 3,586 employees received major injuries at  work and 4.9 million working days were lost because of workplace injury and work-related ill health.

The initiative, called CASE ‘Common Approach to Sussex Enterprise’ will run for six weeks and involve inspections to workplaces to assess standards of health and safety management.

The inspections will focus on the assessment and control of risks associated with the causes of accidents and ill health in Sussex.  Subjects high up the list for checking are:

• workplace transport
• manual handling
• work at height
• and asbestos.

Not only will they be checking how employers control risks to their own staff but also others who may be affected, including the public.
Flexible warrants allow inspectors from local authorities to inspect sites traditionally covered by HSE and vice versa. Although there have been previous joined-up campaigns with the HSE, this is the largest initiative involving all the local authorities within the county.

The initiative has been preceded by a mail shot to employers to forewarn them that visits may take place.  The mailshot explained the purpose and provided employers with an opportunity, in advance of any inspection, to review the measures in place.

Adur and Worthing Council’s executive head of housing health & community safety, Paul Spedding, said:

"This initiative is part of a concerted effort by HSE and local authorities to work together more effectively to ensure workplace hazards are adequately controlled.

"Businesses who have received the mailshot letter should take time to review how health and safety is being currently managed on their sites and take any remedial action required to ensure compliance with current health and safety legislation.

"Inspectors visiting workplaces, during the initiative, will offer relevant advice but will not hesitate to take enforcement action if health and safety standards are found to be poor."

Partners in crime reduction include the police, councils, fire and rescue service, NHS West Sussex and the probation service.

Adur and Worthing are safe places to live and the two crime and disorder reduction partnerships, set up in 1998, have played their part in this achievement.  Several groundbreaking projects have contributed to this testimony and include:

There’s less graffiti on the streets of Adur and Worthing thanks to a joint contract. 

The Worth project based at Worthing hospital has helped hundreds of domestic violence victims and is recognised nationally as best practice.

The Taxi Marshall project that provides a uniformed presence at the taxi rank in Worthing on a Friday and Saturday night.

Drugs and alcohol initiatives that deliver support groups, 1-2-1 sessions and outreach work.

New joint projects are now in the pipeline and include the Family Intervention Project which will work with families who have entrenched and complex needs. And ‘weeks of action’ are planned, which will focus on making our communities safer and better places to live.

Excited about the new partnership arrangements joint Chairman Peter Latham said:

“We are always looking for ways to improve an already good situation.  The key to reducing crime and disorder lies in working with the community and we are developing better ways to improve the way we inform and listen to people.  By working well together in the future this partnership can impact on people’s lives in a positive way.”

 District Commander for Adur and Worthing, Chief Inspector James Asser, said:

"It is vital that the police work closely alongside our partners and I believe merging the Safer Communities Partnerships will further improve the way we approach new initiatives.

“It is clear through all the successful work that has come out of our partnership so far that together, we really can lower crime and serve Sussex by continuing to make Adur and Worthing even safer."

As part of the launch of the Adur and  Worthing Safer Communities Partnership, a roadshow will tour the area visiting events and activities promoting the work being delivered.

Adur in Partnership and Worthing Together are the partnerships working on the Waves Ahead plan.  These two partnerships consist of Adur and Worthing councils, West Sussex County Council, the police, West Sussex Primary Care Trust, businesses and voluntary organisations.

Council officers, councillors and others preparing the plan are urging Adur and Worthing residents to tell them what they feel is most important to them, what they like about where they live and what improvements they would like to see.

These are some of the issues already highlighted as important:

• Support for families
• Adults and young people increasing their physical activity
• Having a healthy workplace
• Increasing skills, training and apprenticeships
• Helping businesses to start up
• Supporting volunteering
• Balancing the need for development against the need to protect the natural environment.

Adur Cabinet member for health, safety and wellbeing, David Simmons said:

“This plan, reflecting community views, is going to identify what services are needed for the people of Adur and Worthing for many years ahead, so it is vital we get as many people as possible to tell us what they think is important to them where they live.”

Worthing Cabinet member for health, safety and wellbeing, Kevin Skepper said:

“We want to make sure the Adur and Worthing of tomorrow is even better for all our residents and their children and we need to make sure we provide the right services to do this.”

An online questionnaire is available to complete on the website : Waves Ahead Consultation

Following a high level meeting between the leading councillors of Adur District and Worthing Borough Councils, the joint Chief Executive of the two councils, Ian Lowrie, has been asked to delay his retirement date.

On appointment to his joint role in 2007 Mr Lowrie had indicated that he intended to retire in 2010.

Councillor Paul Yallop, Leader of Worthing Borough Council, explained that the request for Mr Lowrie to say in post until 2011 related to delivery of remaining key stages of the groundbreaking partnership project between Adur and Worthing councils,

“This project has been highly successful.  We are already saving over £1 million every year, our joint services are very popular and many other councils round the country are following the lead given by Worthing and Adur.

But pulling staff and services together is complicated and we would like the current Chief Executive to see it through”

he said.

Councillor Neil Parkin, Leader at Adur District, in supporting these comments said:

“With the very difficult financial climate faced by both councils the people of Adur and Worthing have quite frankly already been saved from savage cuts as a result of our partnership working.  It is now even more important that we achieve yet more efficiencies from the partnership over the next couple of years.  So in the interest of the tax payers of Adur and Worthing changing the top manager would not make sense at a time like this if it can be avoided.”

Chief Executive Ian Lowrie had indicated his willingness to delay his retirement.  He said:

“The Adur and Worthing partnership has been a really exciting and rewarding task to be heading up over the last few years.  Whilst I have for a couple of years been old enough to choose to retire (at no cost to the councils), I am keen to see the project through.  So it is very pleasing to be asked to stay on for a bit long and I am honoured to accept.”

This decision was taken in response to a request received from a consortium of environmental groups and civic societies to defer the meeting to enable additional time to respond to a revised Planning Statement submitted by the applicant for the West Durrington housing development. 

Although, the Council considers that the consultation period has allowed sufficient time for comment, in view of the controversy surrounding the proposal it is important to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to make representations in advance of any public meeting.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Councillor John Livermore said:

“This planning application, proposing 875 dwellings and community facilities, has generated significant public interest and it is important that when the Planning Committee meets to consider the matter it has all the relevant information to make an informed decision. 

I am satisfied that residents will have had time to comment on the additional information submitted by the applicants and many hundreds of letters of objection have been submitted in connection with this revised planning application.  Nevertheless, I consider that it is appropriate to defer the meeting to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to comment.”

Plunging temperatures and icy roads and footpaths are putting increased demand on both the region's community and acute hospitals.

Barry Newell, Emergency Planning lead for NHS West Sussex, said:

“A lot of the injuries we have seen recently happened when people just popped out of their house and slipped on ice. In severe weather conditions it is so important that people stay inside and keep warm whenever possible, and only travel if they have to. Also, people with cardiac or respiratory conditions can help to protect themselves in cold weather by taking simple precautions such as covering their mouth with a scarf.”

The spell of cold weather has led to a higher demand for NHS services and urged people to be responsible when using hospitals.

Barry continued:

“It is so important that people consider if they have a genuine emergency before they go to A&E or call 999. I would encourage people to consider accessing other health services such as NHS Direct, their GP or local walk-in centre, rather than calling 999 or arriving at accident and emergency.“

Accident and emergency should be saved for critical or life-threatening situations.”

If you do need medical attention, follow the guide below:

• A&E or 999 : for critical or life-threatening situations
• NHS Walk-in Centre or Minor Injury Unit : for treatment of minor illnesses or injuries, without an appointment
• GP : for medical advice, examinations and prescriptions for illnesses you just can’t shake off
• Pharmacist : for advice on common winter illnesses, and the best medicines to treat them
• NHS Direct : for absolutely any health questions, around the clock, and to find local services
• Self-care : for treatment of minor winter illnesses, by combining a well stocked medicine cabinet with plenty of rest
  

As well as looking after yourself, remember the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk.

Cold weather is especially dangerous for the older people or those with serious illnesses. Those with heart or respiratory problems are more likely to experience worsening symptoms during a cold spell, and for several days after temperatures have returned to normal.

Take time to check on your neighbours and make sure they are coping with the weather. If you have vulnerable people in your community, ask if you could get food or supplies in for them or if they need help to go out.

Health services available:

Advice is available from NHS Direct 24 hours a day on 0845 4647 or at www.nhs.uk.

Alternatively, if you have an urgent medical problem when your own GP’s surgery is closed, people in West Sussex can call the Out of Hours service on 0300 130 1313. The Out of Hours service is not for routine matters, repeat prescriptions, or booking appointments at a person’s own surgery.

There are four Minor Injury Units (MIUs) in West Sussex and an Urgent Treatment Centre at Crawley Hospital, which can treat minor injuries like cuts, grazes, sprains and fractured bones.

The MIUs can be found at:

• Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital
• Horsham Hospital
• Queen Victoria Hospital (East Grinstead)
• Zachary Merton Hospital (Littlehampton)

The MIUs are open Monday-Friday (daytime) but closed weekends and bank holidays (except Queen Victoria Hospital which is open weekends). The Urgent Treatment Centre at Crawley Hospital is open 24 hours a day, including New Year.

Practical steps to help you stay warm and healthy include:

• Having regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day, eating regularly helps to keep energy levels up during winter
• Wearing several light layers of warm clothes
• Keeping as active as possible
• Remembering to wrap up warm if you need to go outside on cold days
• If you are indoors, close your curtains, use draught excluders and insulate your doors and windows as best you can  14 this will keep the heat in and help to reduce your bills
• Set the thermostat to 21°C (70°F) and the timer to come on before you get up. If you can't heat all of the rooms you use, heat the living room throughout the day and your bedroom just before you go to bed
• If it's very cold, set your heating to come on earlier rather than turning the thermostat up
• Set your timer so that the heating switches off after you've gone to bed

If you have any immediate health concerns, please call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhs.uk.

For more information visit www.direct.gov.uk/keepwarmkeepwell

"Here we are again!"

Derek Northeast, ex-chairman of Maybridge Keystone Club, will start clearing the site for the second time! Derek was one of the lads from Worthing Boys' Club who helped clear the original site, back in the 1950's. Derek and Doreen Northeast have a long standing history with the old Boys' Club, being the Chairman and secretary for many years and they are now Honorary Life Presidents. The name of the Club changed to Maybridge Keystone Club in 1994.  

Maybridge residents are invited to come along between 10am and 1pm on Saturday 9 January 2010 THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED to the Maybridge Keystone Club (MKC) premises in Raleigh Way, Worthing and see for themselves what their new community centre is going to look like.
 
Local people will benefit from a brand new environmentally friendly facility comprising a new extension to provide a sports hall and linking annexe, paid for by Worthing Borough Council, with contributions from West Sussex County Council and MKC, together with the complete refurbishment and adaptation of the existing building via a grant from The Office of the Third Sector (and administered by the Big Lottery Fund). 
 
Residents and interested organisations can find out first hand what will be on offer when the new building is opened and how it will benefit them. Plans and drawings will be displayed and members of the project team, including Council Officers, MKC committee members and representatives of Clubs for Young People and contractors GML Construction Ltd. will be on hand to chat about the new facility.
 
Deputy Leader and Ward Councillor, John Rogers, says: “This is a really big milestone for this popular club. The premises have become very dilapidated over the years and the local community deserves better.  The new facilities will be a fantastic boost for not only Maybridge but the surrounding area too.  My thanks go out to Derek and Doreen Northeast who fought so hard to get this project off the ground many years ago so this is a fitting tribute to them. Well done to everyone involved.”
 
Trevor England, Chairman of the Maybridge Keystone Club, adds: “This is a very exciting project which has taken along to time come to fruition. My committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the project for their hard work and look forward to meeting lots of residents and organisations at the open morning. Everyone is welcome!”
 
Work starts on site to rebuild the ageing facility the following Monday 11 January and is anticipated to be finished in July 2010.

• Friday January 8th 2010 : This event has been CANCELLED : due to ground conditions after the recent snow

Mayor’s 1920’s Charity Ball 

Pavilion Theatre

Doors open at 7.15pm for a 7.45pm start with live music from the fabulous Todd Miller & The Joe Loss Orchestra.

Guests will be wooed by Richard Still and Morgan Hemphill’s (UK’s 10 dance champions) ballroom and Latin cabaret and Sue & Roger of Partners Dancing will also showcase their own special dancing.

Tickets £20 (advance), £25 (on the door) from Pavilion Box Office 01903 206206 or from Sue & Roger 01903 203192 or book online

Carriages at midnight.

The aim of the campaign is to get people thinking about the impact of their actions on the environment and the wider effect they have on climate change.

• The event in Adur is at the Ropetackle Centre, Shoreham at 7pm on the 20 January and in Worthing at the Richmond Room (next door to the Assembly Hall ) on 28 January at 7pm. 

Anyone can get involved in saving energy, either individually or in a group.   The events will focus on practical ways communities can work together to save energy and find out about how much they can contribute to cutting CO2 in their areas. 

As the Greening Campaign gathers pace around the country people are realising just how much they can do to reduce carbon emissions by making simple changes to their daily lives.   

This is also a great opportunity to learn how to keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer and save money on the energy bills.

The Greening campaign was set up in response to the threat of global warming and is the brainchild of Terena Plowright from the Greening Campaign, a not for profit organisation. 

Adur and Worthing councils’ chief executive, Ian Lowrie  who is also leading the council on climate change said:

"Our councils support this campaign because we can make a bigger difference overall by making small changes in the way we live and consume, than by making one-off gestures. In the current economic climate it is also worth taking them up as many of the things we can do also save money."

How to save energy now:

• Use low energy light bulbs
• Check use of electricity – turn lights off
• Get Insulated
• Turn down the thermostat by one degree can save up to 10 per cent of a heating bill and related CO2 emissions.
• Turn off electrical appliances, don’t use standby
• Don’t waste water – reuse water
• Shop locally
• Walk, cycle and use buses and trains as much as you ca

Award wining Green flag winning Highdown Gardens is looking for your votes to make it an even more special place than it already is.

If you think Highdown stands out from the rest then visit the Green Flag Award Scheme website:

• Vote for Highdown Gardens
  

The site that receives the most votes by September 2010 will receive a special award at the Green Flag Award Scheme’s annual awards ceremony in Autumn 2010.

If your favourite park or green space in Worthing isn’t listed then why not nominate it to win a Green Flag Award telling us why you think it deserves to win.

Clive Roberts, Cabinet Member for Clean and Green Environment, says:

“These stunningly beautiful gardens on downland countryside overlooking the sea, are one of the best known gardens in the area. They offer a unique collection of rare plants and tree and are so good that the whole garden has been deemed a National Collection. If you love the gardens as much as we do please vote for them to receive this extra-special award.”

Paul Todd, manager of the Green Flag Award Scheme, adds:

“There are some fantastic parks and green spaces all around the country and we’re keen to know which ones are closest to the public’s heart and why.  Feedback from the public is really useful in ensuring that standards in parks are maintained and it gives users of the website the chance to see what other members of the public really think about each park.”

The Green Flag Award is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England, Wales and Scotland and recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country.  There are over 1000 parks and green spaces around the country which currently hold the high flying accolade and you can find out more information about each of them on the Green Flag Award website .

Keep Britain Tidy runs the Green Flag Award in partnership with BTCV and GreenSpace.

Worthing attracted about two million holiday makers and day visitors in 2008 spending £111 million and providing 2,363 full time jobs.  Day visitors alone spent £57 million.  

Adur, made up of small town and villages – Fishersgate, Southwick, Shoreham-by-Sea, Coombes, Lancing and Sompting welcomed 835,000 day visitors to the district in 2008 with a total visitor spend of £38.5 million providing 518 jobs.

About 42,000 copies of the guide will be sent around the UK and the world as well as an interactive version online at www.visitworthing.co.uk

The guide contains everything any visitor will need to know when planning their trip to the beautiful Worthing and Adur downs and coastal region.  It features information on accommodation, restaurants, events, places to visit and loads of fun stuff to see and do.

Staying at home became the fashion last year and experts predict 2010 could be another good year to holiday at home. The latest national statistics show that 5.7 million Brits took a staycation in the south-east, a whopping 37 per cent increase on last year’s figures.

Worthing cabinet member for regeneration, John Rogers said:

"Tourism is a vital part of Worthing’s economy and the guide plays an important part in getting the town known around the UK and the world as a great place to have a ‘sunny’ holiday beside the sea or to visit for the day – there’s always something going on especially in the summer – festivals, parades and of course the Worthing International Birdman competition."

Adur cabinet member for regeneration, Jim Funnell said:

"I’ve always thought that Adur is a lovely place to be and these figures prove holiday makers and visitors are enjoying Adur’s assets as well."

The new guide will be available from the Tourist Information Centre, Chapel Road, Worthing or the Civic Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea after the official launch on the 12th January or it can be ordered by calling 01903 221066 or it can be viewed on line at www.visitworthing.co.uk (available after the official launch on the 12th January.)

The workshop takes place at Shoreham Community Centre in Pond Road, Shoreham on 11 January from 10am – 4pm.

Many other organisations have grant schemes and this event aims to encourage Worthing’s community groups to find out how they can get the funding they need.

The community wellbeing team will be joined by:

• Adur and Worthing Social Care, Health and Wellbeing Grants
• Big Lottery Awards for all and Reaching Communities Grants
• Sussex Community Foundation

To find out about the workshop call 01273 263311

Members of the public who aren't a member of either panel can have their own say either on-line at www.adur.gov.uk or www.worthing.gov.uk depending where they live. Paper versions are available on request and the closing date for comments is Friday 8 January 2010.

The results of the survey will help the councils improve the way they talk and listen to resident's views and understand better how they receive their information about council services.

If you are a resident in Adur or Worthing and would like to join one of the panels please call Sarah Garbutt on 01903 221109 or email: sarah.garbutt@worthing.gov.uk.