January 23, 2026

 

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

Last week we mentioned the government’s new national pothole map so this week it seemed appropriate to share something that might interest pedestrians. Have you ever thought streetlights should give out a different colour light to white? The idea had never occurred to me until I read about red street lighting in Denmark and the very laudable reason for it: - 

https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/01/denmark-red-streetlights-urban-lighting-revolution/ 

On Monday morning, Donna successfully debated the merits, or otherwise, of development with the Leader of Chichester District Council, Adrian Moss, at The Academy in Selsey to Year 7, while I caught up with staff in Selsey Town Hall. In the afternoon I had CDC’s Corporate Governance and Audit Committee which included a significant focus on internal and external auditing and associated practices. On Tuesday Val, Donna and I had Full CDC. Amongst other things, we agreed to release funds to help the 2026 - 2030 Corporate Plan, adopted a new Affordable Housing Policy and approved a new Housing Standards Financial Assistance Policy. We also adopted the Chichester Harbour National Landscape Management Plan 2025 - 2030. On Wednesday Donna was at a Council Plan meeting at West Sussex County Council..

Next week Donna has Chichester District Council’s Grants and Concessions Panel on Wednesday morning while Val, Mick, Ian and Andrew have Selsey Town Council's Planning Committee in the evening. Monday is also the Chichester Harbour Conservancy meeting at County Hall, where Donna is one of the West Sussex appointed representatives

You can watch meetings live: CDC and WSCC.

Businesses across our District are being encouraged to take part in CDC’s new business insight survey, designed to build a current and comprehensive picture of the local business climate. The survey asks businesses about the local economic conditions they operate in, the opportunities for growth and development, and the challenges they face. It also seeks to understand premises demand, future growth ambitions, and explores the impacts of climate change on businesses and their journey towards achieving net zero. The survey can be completed by visiting: https://app.snapsea.io/p/c/chichester/business-survey

Advance notice that CDC has again made sure that people of all ages will be able to enjoy a colourful series of laser light shows when they return to Chichester Canal Basin next month for the fourth year in a row.  The shows will take place on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st February 2026 – providing an exciting finish to the half-term holidays.  This year’s events will feature lasers only, and there will be an additional show each night, so spectators will be able to enjoy three different themed shows each evening choreographed to music. Shows will take place at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm, with each one lasting around 20 minutes. Those attending are being made aware that the shows contain strobe lighting.

Before then, from February 2nd 2026, the shingle is being recharged on the beach at the end of Danefield Road in Selsey. There will still be public access along the beach but be aware there will obviously be extra vehicle movements in the area.

Finally:  -

• Selsey Sea Defences

• Report potholes

• Supporting You

• WSCC Meetings

• CDC Meetings

• STC Meetings

As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.

Tim