Working Across the Village: Recent Projects and Improvements by the Parish Council

Over the past couple of months, the Parish Council has been carrying out a range of maintenance and improvement works across the village, from repairing play equipment and replacing signage to improving drainage and sprucing up some of Southwater’s best-known landmarks.

A major focus has been preparing Southwater for this year’s Parish in Bloom judging. The War Memorial and surrounding areas have been refreshed with cleaning, painting, some landscaping and repair works, while other enhancements have also been made around the parish, including wildflower planting at Nutham Lane Village Green. We also registered the large Oak tree there on the Woodland's Trust Ancient Tree inventory, following our Ancient Tree training sessions by Horsham Green Spaces.

Our play areas have also seen a number of upgrades. New signs have been installed at play areas and open spaces, repairs have been completed at Nutham Lane and Downslink Play Areas, and a new gate has been fitted at Larkspur Way Play Area. These works help keep these facilities safe, welcoming and in good condition for residents to enjoy.

Elsewhere, village signs, bus shelters and the Roman Lane artwork panels have all received routine cleaning and maintenance, helping to keep community assets looking their best.

Less visible, but equally important, drainage improvement works have been carried out at Easteds Lane, Charlock Way and Blakes Farm Road, where overgrown ditches and culverts were cleared to improve water flow and drainage capacity.

The Council has also continued to deal with issues at Beeson House, including repairs to the automatic entrance doors and ongoing efforts to restore the building’s lift service following a lengthy breakdown.

While many of these jobs happen behind the scenes, they all contribute to keeping Southwater’s public spaces, facilities and infrastructure well maintained for residents and visitors alike. As usual, if you have something to report from within the Parish, please contact us.