March 20, 2026

 

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

Thank you to everyone who took part in Selsey’s Annual Town Meeting on Tuesday and said ‘hello’ to one of us, we wish to particularly thank Selsey Town Council’s Senior Team, Jenny Ririe and Zoe Neal, who once again organised a greatly appreciated event. In addition to the annual town meetings, STC now organises the Remembrance celebrations and, longer running residents will remember, VE80,and the last D-Day civic celebrations.

Donna was particularly grateful for the warmth and good wishes she is getting from so many of you ahead of the West Sussex County Council elections on Thursday May 7th, 2026. To vote for her (Selsey Division) you must be registered by 20th April 2026.

Before the campaign starts, I had an early birthday celebration with children and grandchildren last Saturday. We have a treat this Sunday, March 22nd, 2026, because we are meeting them again and, for the first time, my second daughter’s partner’s 10 year old son. We understand he is keen on Greek mythology so, as someone who enjoyed those classic Harry Hamlin movies when I was growing up, I am looking forward to meeting him. When I teach students about computer malware at school I obviously explain the difference between viruses, worms and trojans. I enjoy relating the story of Helen of Troy to explain how the last threat got its name.

This week, on Monday I had CDC's Corporate Governance & Audit Committee which focused on progress with internal controls and strategic risks. I asked whether the risk rating for Selsey’s ageing sea defences might reduce before their  hoped for long term replacement and was told it might depending on what remedial work was needed in the meantime. I also asked about progress in reducing the risk ratings for potential increases in homelessness demand and the roll out of weekly food waste collections as they had not changed. We also looked at the updated Cyber Incident Response Plan. Bearing in mind the UK is the third largest target in the world you may not be surprised to learn that over 150,000 of the 2 million emails sent last year to CDC included something malicious. CDC has not had a successful attack since at least 2018.

Donna and Val had CDC'S Development Planning & Infrastructure Panel on Wednesday which considered the Authority’s Monitoring Report and changes in Secondary Legislation in relation to preparing Local Plans. That evening the whole team had Full STC which included approving a raft of new policies reflecting new cyber requirements. I also had Year 11 parents’ evening yesterday, Thursday, so am glad it’s the weekend.

Next Friday sees the last Full West Sussex County Council before the local elections. At CDC, on Monday our Independent colleague Tim Young has the Environment panel, on Tuesday, Donna and Steve have the pivotal Overview and Scrutiny Committee which Donna Chairs, and she is back there on Thursday for the Grants and Concessions Panel..At STC, on Wednesday evening, Mick, Val, Ian and Andrew have Selsey Town Council’s Planning Committee.

You can watch meetings live: CDC and WSCC.

Before wrapping up, you may be interested to read that our feline friends, as well as bring much loved by male and female alike, may help us treat cancer: -

https://scitechdaily.com/cats-may-hold-the-key-to-treating-human-cancer/ 

Finally:  -

• Selsey Sea Defences

• Report potholes

• Supporting You

• WSCC Meetings

• CDC Meetings

• STC Meetings

As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.

Tim