December 12, 2025

 

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

Before we begin, you will be aware of the container spillage off Bembridge which has affected our beaches from Selsey to Bognor. The ship responsible is insured and a contractor, Ambipar (appointed by West Sussex County Council, who are leading the emergency, with Arun and Chichester District Councils) has been on site since Monday. After waste is collected, it is being taken to a designated site where it will be managed and disposed of safely and in accordance with local regulations. If you want to help, take care as there is sharp metal on the beaches from the containers. Leave any waste for collection. Be mindful of machinery operating in the area, the tides, daylight hours, and weather conditions and: -.

• Keep well back from the waterline

• Do not work on your own

• Wear sensible warm, water-proof clothing and safe, sturdy footwear

• Do not attempt to climb on rocks or other structures, or retrieve materials which could place you in any kind of danger

• Wear gloves and make use of equipment such as litter pickers

• Do not bring young children or pets

• Do not enter cordoned-off areas

• Report any hazards or dangers to Ambipar staff.

This is our penultimate blog of 2025 as over the festive fortnight councils largely pause. Chichester District Council’s Emergency out of hours number is: 01243 785339. West Sussex County Council’s emergency number is 01243 777100.

www.chichester.gov.uk/article/24785/Useful-contacts-for-emergencies

In the UK, we create an extra 3 million tonnes of waste and recycling during the festive season, from wrapping paper and cards to food and packaging. WSCC suggest: 

• Write a list of meaningful gifts before you shop to avoid purchasing something the recipient may not need.

• Buy wrapping paper that can be recycled at home. Look for the rolls that aren't wrapped in plastic and don’t have too much glitter.

• Think about the gifts you give – give experiences, shop second hand or opt for secret Santa and make the most out of the gifts you give.

• Recycle everything you can at home - Christmas cards, wrapping paper (that passes the scrunch test), paper bags, glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles (with lids on), plastic pots, tubs (including sweet/chocolate tubs), trays (including black plastic), toothpaste tubes, tins, cans, foil, and even Pringles tubes. Just make sure your recycling is clean, dry and loose.

Donna had Full WSCC today, Friday. We have both been unwell so just Steve had CDC’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday and on Wednesday, just Val CDC’s Development, Planning and Infrastructure Panel. Later that day, Val was joined by Mick, Mindy, Ian and Andrew for STC’s Planning Committee. Next week Donna and I have CDC’s Budget Review Group on Monday, then are joined by the team for STC’s Full Council budget meeting on Wednesday after Donna has WSCC’s Appeals Panel and I have an update on Local Government Reorganisation from CDC’s CEO, Diane Shepherd.

You can watch meetings live: CDC and WSCC.

Finally:  -

• Selsey Sea Defences

• Report potholes

• Supporting You

• WSCC Meetings

• CDC Meetings

• STC Meetings

As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.

Tim