September 19, 2025

Welcome to this week’s blog - as always, thanks for having a read.

Sooner or later we are all going to retire. I know from talking to colleagues at work that many people don’t really give retirement, and in particular pensions, any thought until it is nearly upon them. There are changes on the way that may affect when people can afford to retire: -

https://share.google/splaP8UoyrSYjc1Ue 

On Monday Donna and I informally caught up with Officers in Selsey Town Hall before travelling to Chichester District Council for a Regeneration and Growth Board Meeting. 

Donna had West Sussex County Council’s Health and Social Care Committee on Wednesday, while I had my fortnightly catch-up with Selsey Town Council's Senior Officers on Thursday which focussed on Remembrance preparations and community engagement. 

Next Tuesday. September 23rd, are the separate West Sussex County Council and Chichester District Council decision meetings on whether they intend to support a single Unitary model or two for our County.

You can watch meetings live: CDC and WSCC.

Returning to Remembrance Sunday, I will be collecting my wreath from CDC soon. I successfully raised the issue that WSCC and STC provide wreaths but CDC don't some time ago. In case you missed it, there was a post recently about how groups can get a wreath to lay at Selsey's commemorations: -

“Would you or your group, club, school, work place, or organisation like to order a Poppy Wreath for Remembrance Day, to lay at the War Memorial in tribute to those who served and those who gave their lives in conflict? As Remembrance Day approaches, we invite you to honour and remember those who served and sacrificed by placing a poppy wreath at the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday.

Wreaths are now available to order for memorial services, community events, and personal tributes... Please email…SelseyPoppyAppeal@hotmail.com”

Whilst sharing posts, something that came as a great relief for many Selsey residents was this announcement: -

Good news! Selsey Town Council are pleased to announce that the toilets at Warners Yard are now re-opened following refurbishment.

“A lot of work has gone into restoring this much-needed facility for the town, and we kindly ask that they are respected and looked after so they can continue to serve the community.”

A reminder that Coastal Partners and Chichester District Council are carrying out essential maintenance works along East Beach, Selsey until September 24, 2025. At East Beach they are replacing the Cardinal Beacon via Grafton Road and resurfacing the path. At Selsey Beach they are refixing timber and replacing planks within the Groynes. The works are being undertaken by Suttle Projects. Please remember, the path is a part of the sea defences and is only a permitted right of way, not a public footpath.

Finally: - 

• Selsey Sea Defences

• Report potholes

• Supporting You

• WSCC Meetings

• CDC Meetings

• STC Meetings

As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.

Tim

Local Alliance Statement on Selsey Town Council Casual Vacancy

The Local Alliance has decided not to contest the current casual vacancy on Selsey Town Council. With the next full elections scheduled for April 2027, we believe that the cost of holding this by-election, estimated at over £5,000, for a term of only 18 months cannot be justified as a responsible use of residents' money. To put this into perspective, this amount could  be invested into community improvements, such as providing the benches residents have requested.

This decision was reached after consultation with prospective Local Alliance candidates, who  expressed their support for this decision. 

Whilst the necessary ten North Selsey residents have exercised their right to request a by-election, the Local Alliance will not put up a candidate. To do so would contradict our clear position that the expense of such an election is an unnecessary financial burden on the community. If others feel differently, that is a matter for them. We will also not be putting forward a candidate for co-option, should the vacancy remain unfilled, as doing so would undermine the principle behind our decision.

Our priorities remain the same. Until the full elections in 2027, we will continue to focus on safeguarding council assets and resources, and delivering the commitments set out in our published Business Plan. This Plan was fully consulted upon, ensuring that all our fellow residents were able to have their say about the Town Council's direction. We continue to prepare Selsey for the upcoming opportunities, and challenges,  of devolution and local government reorganisation. An election will not change this.

We recognise that this decision may disappoint some, but we firmly believe it represents responsible stewardship of taxpayers’ money. Since 2019, the Local Alliance has consistently served the Selsey community, and we remain committed to doing so. Prudent and cautious financial management is part of that service.