Not Long Now

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Whilst our thoughts continue to stay with Ukraine, we include relevant links at the end of this post. 


Ukraine came up at West Sussex Full Council this week: they are now ready to deliver the Homes for Ukraine scheme. On March 18 Visa applications opened for sponsored people. WSCC will be in touch with residents who have offered their homes in order to carry out essential checks because approximately 80% of those fleeing Ukraine will be vulnerable. Work has begun on property inspections, but there is no timescale as yet. Refugees arriving at Gatwick are met by WSCC representatives  and assistance is being given re housing, medical care, essential supplies, interpreters etc.


What sort of person do you think you are? Simple optical illusions like this can intrigue us, but do they tell us anything we don't already know? (I saw the first image meaning I am reserved and calm.)


Campaigns can be illuminating about the sort of people we are too. Last weekend many Selsey residents gave both our street stalls a warm welcome. Sadly the old adage of the troubled sea has been proven since then by a 'troll' and some planning breaches with banners. We believe that arguments should be based on a solid foundation, and made from a point of conviction. Debate can be honest, not confrontational, or impolite.


Thursday is polling day, so if you are eligible to, please vote in whichever way you are inclined. This week, debate on “the Trail” has turned to improving the aesthetics of our High Streets. Donna pointed out that trees are fantastic, but the right trees have to go in the right places; they need space and water. This can not always be easy to do in areas which, in places, are narrow. Think about wheelchair and buggy accessibility. Coastal plains can have inappropriate planting and in the past trees/plants have died. Planters can be a solution but someone has to take responsibility for them and permission may be needed from Highways. 


Regular readers will know Donna and I have vigorously supported moves at CDC for more tree planting in our District, our team have been instrumental in Selsey Town Council acquiring over 100 of their own to plant, and we have shared information on how you or your group can get involved. You may know that "Manhood" is thought to be Saxon for common woodland. If you are "pro-tree" this BBC report on a project to use 1000-year-old oaks to help create new forest is well worth a read. 


Carbon emissions from Westgate Leisure Centre in Chichester will reduce by almost a quarter thanks to a £1.3 million government decarbonisation grant. The work funded by the grant includes optimising the centre’s combined heat and power plant; installing solar thermal and electric panels; installing an air source heat pump; and carrying out essential repairs. There is more information about how CDC is tackling climate change here. 


In other local news, I was surprised to learn that Littlehampton has been judged by Which to be one of the worst seaside towns in the UK. However there is happier news from WSCC's Library Service, namely once you are a physical member you are also a virtual one too. WSCC are also keeping Children's Services (subject to reinspection.) 


In case you missed it, plans have been unveiled for 540 more homes near to Shopwyke Lakes. CDC’s PR Team is in the process of rebranding the monthly email newsletter sent to residents, businesses and visitors. It will be called initiatives+. They have moved over to a different email platform, which enables them to include colour and images, so it should look totally different!


As the weather is set to improve, a lot of you will travel to or from the Peninsula and Selsey in particular. Donna posted an update yesterday on the widening of Ferry Bend. Phase 2 will commence on the 25th and hope to finish on May 13. This phase is when they will carry out more drainage works and build the actual carriageway/kerbs.


This week Donna has Planning at CDC on Wednesday morning.


Finally: -



As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.

Tim

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