Essential tree maintenance will take place along the Downs Link, spanning from Shoreham to Rudgwick, between January and March 2025. These works are crucial to ensure the safety and health of the area’s trees. During this period, visitors to the Downs Link are urged to: Be extra vigilant while using the route. Follow all instructions provided on signage. Adhere to directions given by on-site contractors. For further information or inquiries, please contact : countryside@westsussex.gov.uk . West Sussex County Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates your cooperation in maintaining the safety of this beloved route.

We are excited to announce that there is now 1,550 sqft of available space  at Beeson House following the relocation of Southwater Youth Project to The Ghyll. This versatile area is ideal for local organisations looking for a shared-use space. We are looking for expressions of interest and would be open to considering offers/proposals for the use of the area. The cost ranges from £5,000 to £21,000 ex VAT per year , depending on the number of organisations sharing the space. The cost of the area is to cover the rent SPC pays to Horsham District Council for the area, Business Rates and Service Charges payable for Beeson House also to Horsham District Council. We’re currently exploring interest in the space on a shared-use basis . If your organisation is interested, we’d love to hear from you! Please share: Your budget  for using the space. How frequently  you plan to use it (days/times). Want to view the space or learn more? Let us know, and we’d be happy to provide further details. Contact us today  or share with organisations that might benefit from this opportunity.

Residents and visitors in Southwater may have noticed a freshened-up look to the village’s iconic signs. Recently, all five Southwater Village signs received some much-needed maintenance to ensure they remain welcoming and in great shape for years to come. The maintenance work, expertly carried out by Delwood, included clearing vegetation around the signs, sanding down each post, and applying two coats of wood preservative. This care not only restores their appearance but also helps to protect the wood, ensuring the signs remain a sturdy and attractive feature of the village. The signs are located at key points across Southwater: Hangman’s Hill Southwater Street Shipley Road Worthing Road/Mulberry Fields Church Lane These works not only highlight the pride Southwater takes in maintaining its landmarks but also contribute to the charm and character of the village. If you’re passing by, take a moment to admire the refreshed signs—now ready to stand the test of time! Southwater Village Signs Shine After Recent Maintenance

Join our in-person session providing you with the knowledge on how to spot scams and what to do if you or your family become a victim of online fraud. Southwater Parish Council will be hosting a FREE event on: Wednesday 18th December 2024, 11AM till 12:30AM Q&A session after the presentation with the Digital Safety and Fraud Prevention Delivery Officer. There's limited spaces available, but the booking is FREE, please use the link below to book your seat, scan the QR code from the poster or call or email us. Are you scam savvy? Click here to book your FREE seat

The November Report has been published and is now available to read on our website, please click here: Southwater Neighbourhood Warden's Monthly Reports 2024

The yearly Christmas Festival was held on the 30th of November in Lintot square and again was a huge success. We would like to thank Southwater Community Partnership and everyone involved for their hard work to make this event happen again this year. Our Neighbourhood Wardens, Bettina and Dom and Councillor Derek Moore kindly sent us a lot of photos, please browse through the gallery from the event below. Another busy Christmas Festival in Southwater:

The Councillor Surgery is taking place face to face on Saturday 7th December 2024 at 10:00AM in the Parish Chamber at Beeson House. This is a great opportunity for you to speak with your Parish, District and County Councillors and raise any queries/concerns and share ideas you may have. See you at 10AM on Saturday!

Southwater Parish Council has published the Invitation to Tender for the Tree Survey 2024 Identified Works to the Government Contracts Finder Service Website, where the Notice can be found: Southwater Tree Survey (Nov 2024) Identified Works - Tranche 1 - Contracts Finder All the required information for a prospective tender is available via the link above, i.e. specification of work, tendering policies and requirements.   The works identified are being split into two separate tender notices/sets of work : Stage 1 are the trees requiring works within 3-months, and those with less immediate time frames i.e. complete within 12 months, for risk/health & safety will form part of Stage 2 .   Deadline for submission of tenders is 9:00am 3rd January 2025.

To view the Planning Committee Meeting Agenda, please visit our website here: Planning Committee Meeting| Southwater Parish Council ( southwater-pc.gov.uk )  or view the agenda via the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

We have a couple of new mixed recycling bins in Lintot square. One is close to the Iguanodon and one is next to Beeson House. If you are unsure about what goes in the recycling bins, please check out this guidance from Horsham District Council: https://www.horsham.gov.uk/waste-recycling-and-bins/household-bin-collections/what-goes-in-your-household-bins/recycling-bin

An off peak road closure has been scheduled by West Sussex County Council, on Kerves Lane, which is required to allow Balfour Beatty to conduct works to replace a broken gully cover and frame. Road will be closed between the junction with Coltstaple Lane and the junction with Kentwyne Drive. The date of the closure is currently Feb 12, 2025 from 9:30 AM till 3:30 PM the same day. Click here for more information. Please see the map provided below for alternative route.

New in Southwater - Our Neighbourhood Wardens Dom and Bettina invite you to The Journey - a support group for parents and carers of autistic and SEN children on Thursday 28th November between 10.30 - 11.30 hrs at Beeson House in Lintot Square, Southwater. Come along for a cuppa and a chat. We look forward to seeing you there! Can't make it this time? A couple more dates added for December and January too, please see the poster for more details.

WALKING & WHEELCHAIR TENNIS If you like tennis, but are looking for a gentler pace of play, then Walking Tennis is for you. It’s a fantastic game open to everyone, where you can keep your mind and body active whilst also enjoying the social side of being part of a tennis community. The rules are the same as tennis but you can’t run or jump and the ball can bounce twice. This is the same as wheelchair tennis which means wheelchair users can also play. Sports wheelchairs are available for players to use on request. TENNIS AT YOUR PACE, WEEKLY SESSIONS Thursdays12pm to 1pmThe Holbrook Club Sports Hall RH12 5PJ For more information please call Mike Costa on 07944 775262

Did you know that we award small grants? Southwater Parish Council recognises the hard work of the many local organisations that help improve and enhance the community and we are committed to supporting them. These grants are payments made by the Parish Council to an organisation for a specific purpose to enhance and promote the wellbeing of the local community, either generally or for a specific purpose; and which is not directly controlled or administered by the Parish Council. Organisations are eligible to apply for a Community Grant if they meet the criteria, for more information regarding our grants and how to apply, please visit: https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/grants Recently awarded grants: £200.00 for Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance Charity Serious emergencies are not rare.  Most people don’t expect a life-threatening emergency, but they can happen to anyone at any time without warning.   KSS undertook over 3000 missions last year. They are a three-county regional charity which delivers its service at a very local level. £1,000 for Girlguiding Sussex Central County for roof leak repairs. The scout and guide headquarters in the village provides a place for the young members of the organisations to meet in a safe environment allowing the girls and boys to carry out their fun activities in a supportive and constructive facility. By offering these activities it engages children, creating a stimulating environment that can build role models for young people to contribute to their local community.

The Full Council Agenda for 20th Nov 2024 is available to view on our website and in the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

Southwater Parish Council is delighted to announce the completion of the new footpath along Blakes Farm Road, a long-awaited project aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety in our community. This initiative has been years in the making, with unwavering commitment and collaborative effort from the Parish Council, County and District Councillors, WSCC officers, and our local residents. The journey to get this path approved and installed was extensive and began with a Community Highways Scheme application, which Southwater Parish Council was proud to lead. Recognising the strong community need for a safe pedestrian route along Blakes Farm Road—from the mini roundabout at Wilberforce Way to the Hangman’s Hill Roundabout—Southwater Parish Council took the initiative to compile a detailed application to West Sussex County Council (WSCC). Our Executive Officer & RFO, Justin Tyler, dedicated significant time to this project, carefully analysing Section 106 (S106) funding options and liaising closely with Horsham District Council (HDC) and WSCC. With invaluable support from County Councillor Nigel Jupp, the Council successfully secured the funding necessary to make the path a reality. In addition to the £79,000 S106 contribution from the Martindales development, a further £116,000 in S106 funds was identified. These funds, previously earmarked for an undeliverable cycling network project within the timeframe till expiry dates, were repurposed to support the footpath initiative before their expiry. This critical funding discovery, in collaboration with WSCC, enabled the approval and timely progress of the project. Special thanks go to Parish Councillor Pauline Flores-Moore, who has passionately advocated for a safe pedestrian route along Blakes Farm Road for over 15 years. Her dedication, along with the combined efforts of all our councillors, has helped make this long-standing vision a reality. The Council also received valuable support from our District Councillors at the time, Billy Greening and Claire Vickers. Councillor Greening collected over 345 signatures via petition in support and garnered media attention through Sussex World, demonstrating the depth of local support for the project. At the county level, County Councillor Nigel Jupp’s advocacy and endorsement were essential in moving this project forward. His support helped the Parish Council’s Executive Officer engage effectively with WSCC officers, who were instrumental in reviewing highway projects and S106 allocations. We extend our sincere thanks to these officers, whose cooperation and assistance helped bring this project to fruition. Without their hard work, guidance, and expertise, this footpath would not have been possible. With the path now open, local residents have a safe and accessible pedestrian route from Wilberforce Way to Worthing Road. Given the high footfall along this stretch, the new footpath provides a safer alternative to walking on the road itself. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in bringing this project to life—from councillors, staff and to each resident who lent their support. This new footpath stands as a testament to what our community can accomplish when we work together towards a shared vision of safety and accessibility.

Southwater Parish Council is currently looking for a new Litter Warden & Play Area Inspector to join our team. Are you interested in the role? Or know someone who would be? Please follow this link for more information and to access the application form.

Pension Credit can qualify you for the Winter Fuel Payment and other benefits. Learn about Pension Credit and how to apply with this free and friendly webinar. When? Wednesday 20th November 10:30am Get your ticket at PensionCredit.eventbrite.co.uk or scan the QR code from the poster below.

As per customary, various cleaning and maintenance works were carried out to the War Memorial in Southwater, in preparation for Remembrance Sunday. This includes cleaning of the flagpole, plaques, monument, gate, and benches, as well as general grounds maintenance. The photos below show the excellent work that has been done and the War Memorial is now prepared for Remembrance Sunday. Please click here for the details of the event this Sunday. https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/post/southwater-remembrance-sunday-10th-november

Residents of Southwater, please note that Southwater Parish Council is aware that many residents are upset and expressing disappointment that Horsham District Council approved the 70 Bed Care Home Development at The Copse site by Hangman Hill Roundabout yesterday. We just wanted to reassure residents that SPC strongly objected to the application (submitting a 10 page detailed objection) and made representation last night at Horsham District Council's Planning Committee North in objection to the planning application due to its non-compliance with various policies in the Horsham District Planning Framework and Southwater Neighbourhood Plan. We strongly urged the HDC Committee to refuse the application but unfortunately 10 voted in favour of approval with 5 voting against. SPC is currently considering initiating a judicial review as we stand ready to ensure that development in Southwater aligns with the principles of sustainable growth, community interest, and Neighbourhood Plan compliance.

Our small group of 10 people, made up of SPC staff members, councillors and residents have got the amazing opportunity to visit the recycling facility at Ford, a couple weeks ago, on the 23rd of October 2024. It was an interesting and educational experience, highlighted the importance of responsible recycling. Batteries in the general waste and recycling bins are causing fires and problems, which are also putting people’s lives in danger as well as creating huge amount of wastage and generating costly repairs for the facility. About Ford’s recycling facility The Ford Materials Recycling Facility (MRF), located in West Sussex, is a key center for processing recyclable waste from households across the county. Managed by Viridor Biffa on behalf of West Sussex County Council, the facility handles around 85,000 tonnes of recyclables annually, including foil, carton, paper and cardboard, metals cans and aerosols, plastics bottles and containers, and glass bottles and jars. Upon arrival, the waste recycling goes through an initial sorting process, separating large, non-recyclable items before moving to more advanced sorting technology. State-of-the-art machinery like ballistic separators, magnets, and infrared. Sorters are employed to separate and classify the recyclables by type, maximizing efficiency and accuracy. A significant feature of the Ford MRF is its focus on quality, with additional manual sorting stages ensuring that only high-quality materials are processed. The separated materials are then baled and sent to various industries for reuse, contributing to the circular economy and reducing landfill waste. Public education and awareness are also part of the center’s mission, as the facility offers educational tours to inform residents about recycling processes, which is how our group was able to experience the processes and learn at the centre. Ford MRF plays a crucial role in meeting local and national recycling targets, supporting sustainable waste management in West Sussex. Please check out the below video from West Sussex County Council about the correct way of recycling.

Fairbank Road and the Downs Link footpath which runs alongside the Doctors Surgery will be closed between 10:30AM and 11:30AM on the 10th November, this Sunday. The event for Remembrance Sunday in Southwater is scheduled to start at 10:50AM, in Lintot Square. Please see below posters for more information.

Please be advised that West Sussex County Council has received a request for Temporary Traffic Regulation as follows: Daytime road closure is scheduled to take place between junction with Roberts Close and The Hen and Chick, Worthing Road, Southwater. The closure is required to allow Balfour Beatty to undertake carriageway patching. The proposed start date of the work is 09:30AM on the 22nd November 2024 and the works should finish by 15:30PM on the same day. Access will be maintained for emergency services, residents and pedestrians throughout the closure. For more information about this proposed TTRO, please visit: https://one.network/?tm=139888952 or contact West Sussex County Council on 01243 642105.

To view the Planning Committee Meeting Agenda, please visit our website here: Planning Committee Meeting| Southwater Parish Council ( southwater-pc.gov.uk )  or view the agenda via the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

The closure of Tower Hill in Horsham which was previously taking place on 4th November 2024 has been postponed to  11th November 2024. A 24hr/day road closure between the junctions with B2237 Picts Hill and Tower Hill for works to restore an embankment following a land slip will now take place, starting on the 11th November from 9AM scheduled to be finished on the 15th November by 5PM. The work will be carried out by Hartmann Construction Ltd. Please click here for more information.

Yes, it's getting close to that time of the year again. Did you enjoy the Christmas Festival last year? This year's festivities will be brought to you again by the Southwater Community Partnership and it will be full of surprises and amazing stalls and events. Follow this link for some pictures from last year's event. If you're interested in booking a stall this year, please visit this page to make an enquiry. When: 30th November, From 12:30pm - 4:30pm Where: Lintot Square, Southwater

The People's Budget is a £100,000 fund dedicated to supporting community organisations. The money will be awarded to groups to deliver initiatives, events or programmes that deliver fun or creative initiatives that add value to our communities. Applications for proposals that primarily benefit people aged 25 years old or younger will be prioritised. Horsham District Council is asking the residents of the District to vote for the community group you would like to receive an award. You can only vote for one group so choose carefully! Find out more about each group on their website, by clicking here , then click the Vote now button at the bottom of the page to vote.

The Councillor Surgery is taking place face to face on Saturday 2nd November 2024 at 10:00AM in the Parish Chamber at Beeson House. This is a great opportunity for you to speak with your Parish, District and County Councillors and raise any queries/concerns and share ideas you may have. See you at 10AM on Saturday!