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Southwater Parish Council is proud to support the White Ribbon movement, a global campaign working to end violence against women and girls by encouraging men and boys to take an active role in prevention. White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours that contribute to inequality and violence. The focus is on prevention, helping to change the social norms, beliefs, and behaviours that can enable abuse, rather than only responding after harm has occurred. The White Ribbon itself is a symbol of a commitment never to commit, excuse, or remain silent about violence against women. The movement works across communities, workplaces, and schools to promote respectful relationships and positive role models. It encourages men and boys to speak out against sexism, support survivors, and help create a culture where violence is not tolerated. By supporting White Ribbon, Southwater Parish Council is reaffirming its commitment to a safer and more equal community. We stand alongside partners across the UK in promoting awareness, education, and action to help prevent violence before it starts. Certificate in PDF available here.

Last Friday, we delivered a very popular tree training session on how to identify and record ancient, veteran and notable trees as part of the Woodland Trust Ancient Tree Inventory project, in assistance with Horsham Green Spaces . With 20 attendees, the session covered how to recognise key features of ancient trees, such as trunk size, hollowing, and crown shape, alongside practical guidance on measuring and recording details like species, location, and condition. Participants also learned how to upload their findings to the national database, contributing to the recognition and potential protection of these valuable natural assets. We then headed outdoors for a hands-on practical session, where attendees had the opportunity to measure trees and apply what they had learned in a real-world setting. Due to strong interest and demand, an additional session will be held next Friday, please click here for the details . Anyone who would like to take part is very welcome to join, please contact us beforehand, here .

Join us on Friday 8th May at 10:00AM, in the Parish Chamber at Beeson House,  for a hands-on training session where you’ll learn how to recognise ancient and veteran trees  and record them on the Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Inventory. Ancient trees are some of the UK’s most important natural assets. They can live for hundreds, or even thousands of years and support rich wildlife and local heritage. Yet many remain unrecorded and unprotected. The Ancient Tree Inventory is a nationwide project that maps these trees so they can be better understood and protected, and you can now be part of it. What you’ll learn about trees: How to recognise ancient and veteran trees (features like wide trunks, hollowing, and ageing crowns) How to measure and record key details (species, size, location) How to upload trees to the national database Why these trees are vital for wildlife and conservation Why get involved? Help protect Southwater’s natural heritage Learn new practical outdoor skills Contribute to a national conservation project Meet like-minded people and explore your local area even more No prior experience needed, just an interest in nature! Location: Parish Chamber, Beeson House, Southwater Date: 8th May 2026 Time: 10:00AM start Come along and help us uncover and register these beautiful trees in Southwater. Please contact Southwater Parish Council via email or over the phone if you are interested to attend as we would like to send out some information to the attendees prior to the training. Thank you for Horsham Green Spaces for helping us with this training. Please visit Woodland Trust's website for more information.

As residents know the previous goals left on the field were removed a few months ago by Horsham District Council's team for safety concerns. Following conversations, and thanks to the support of Cllr John Potts, Cllr Graham Watkins and Cllr Nikki Knott, a positive solution has been found. New goals have now been delivered to the Nutham Lane Village Green area , donated by a local football club, Southwater Royals. To address previous concerns, a storage location has now been secured just off the main green. This means the goals should be packed away when not in use, helping to keep the space tidy and minimise disruption for nearby residents. Please note the goals are not supervised or managed by Southwater Parish Council and remain the responsibility of residents of Nutham Lane. Southwater Royals FC have also agreed to store the goals during the winter months. We appreciate the community’s patience while this was resolved and hope the new arrangement allows everyone to enjoy the space.

Join us for our fully-funded family learning courses (organised by West Sussex County Council), aimed at parents/guardians and their children, at Beeson House. Sing, Say, Play - Tuesdays - 10am-12pm Discover a variety of fun ways to encourage and develop language and communication. How To Help Your Child With Learning In KS1 - Wednesdays - 1pm-2:30pm Confidently support your Key Stage 1 children with phonics, reading, and maths at home. Little Steps, Big Skills: Learning through play  - Thursdays - 10am-12pm Explore key early learning experiences through playful, hands-on sessions. Click here for more information and to book a session.

On 28 March, a group of young Southwater residents visited the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service training centre at Platinum House in Horsham for a behind-the-scenes look at how crews prepare for emergencies. The visit was organised by the lovely neighbourhood wardens, Bettina and Dom . The visit began with a guided tour of the training facilities, followed by a look at the operational side of the station. They were also shown a wide range of specialist equipment and response vehicles, giving a real insight into the tools firefighters rely on every day. They also had the chance to watch two live training exercises. The first demonstrated a rescue from a third-floor window, while the second recreated a road traffic collision, where firefighters cut the roof off a car to safely recover a casualty. It was an eye-opening and memorable experience, and we’d like to thank Watch Manager Steve Bridle and his team for hosting such an informative and engaging visit. Interested in local events and news? Subscribe to our newsletter, just scroll to the bottom of the page!

The West Sussex County Council election is taking place on Thursday 7 May 2026, giving residents the opportunity to shape decisions that affect their local communities. Seventy councillors will be elected, each representing around 12,000 people and playing a key role in setting policies, managing budgets, and ensuring accountability to the public. Make sure you’re registered to vote If you’ve never voted before or have recently moved, you must register. The deadline is midnight on Monday 20 April . Visit this link to register. Choose how you want to vote You can vote: In person at a polling station By post (apply by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April here ) By proxy, where someone votes on your behalf (apply by 5pm on Tuesday 28 April here ) Bring valid photo ID if voting in person Accepted forms include: Passport Driving licence (including provisional) Blue Badge Certain travel cards PASS-marked ID Biometric immigration documents Armed Forces or veteran ID Some national identity cards No ID? You can request a Voter Authority Certificate  if you don’t have suitable ID. Apply by 5pm on Tuesday 28 April here . Need help or more information? Contact your local district or borough council, or visit the Electoral Commission website. You can also call their helpline on 0800 328 0280. Get to know your candidates Check who is standing in your area before the election day so you can make an informed choice. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 7 May , with votes counted the following day. Whether it’s your first time voting or you’re a regular participant, taking part in this election is a direct way to influence how your local area is run.

The latest edition of Southwater Parish Council’s monthly newsletter for 2026 is now available to view in the Newsletter  section of our website. Would you like to be among the first to receive updates on all things Southwater? Simply scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe. It's free.

To view the Finance & General Purposes meeting agenda, please visit our website Finance & General Purposes | Southwater Parish (southwater-pc.gov.uk)   or view the agenda via the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

Southwater Parish Council has formally objected to planning application DC/26/0366, submitted by Berkeley Homes, which proposes the development of up to 1,000 homes on land to the northwest of the village. While the Parish Council recognises the importance of delivering new homes and supporting infrastructure, after careful review, it has concluded that this proposal raises significant concerns and should not be approved in its current form. What is being proposed? The application is an outline proposal (with most details reserved for later stages) for a large-scale development including: Up to 1,000 homes A new neighbourhood centre with shops and community uses Education facilities, including a secondary school Business and employment use space Sports pitches and public open space Gypsy and traveller pitches Supporting infrastructure and access arrangements Berkeley Homes describes the proposal as a new, self-contained community with its own centre, green infrastructure, walking and cycling routes, and a “heart” focused around the neighbourhood hub.   Why has the Parish Council objected? The Parish Council’s objection is based on two overarching issues: The application lacks clarity and certainty A fundamental concern is how the application has been presented. The formal description of development does not clearly define the scale of what is being proposed, despite references elsewhere to 1,000 homes and significant floorspace. The phasing of development is only “indicative”, meaning there is no certainty about when key infrastructure, such as schools, roads, or community facilities, would be delivered. This lack of clarity makes it difficult for decision-makers, consultees and residents to properly assess the true impact of the scheme. The Parish Council considers this a serious flaw in the application.   Conflict with the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan The Parish Council believes the proposal is unacceptable in principle because it conflicts with the adopted development plan, particularly the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan. Key concerns include: Scale of development The Neighbourhood Plan allocates land for around 422–450 homes, whereas this proposal seeks up to 1,000 homes, more than double that level. Development beyond agreed boundaries Much of the site lies outside the Built-Up Area Boundary, extending development into areas not allocated for housing. Coalescence with Christ’s Hospital The scheme risks merging Southwater with Christ’s Hospital, undermining the distinct identity of both settlements. The Parish Council considers these to be fundamental conflicts with the plan-led strategy for the parish.   Key concerns about the scheme details Even if the principle of development were accepted, the Parish Council has raised several additional concerns: Inadequate sports provision Southwater already has a significant shortage of sports pitches. The proposal includes: Around 2.5 hectares of pitches (including two small football pitches and one cricket field) However, this falls well short of both existing demand and the additional needs generated by 1,000 new homes. There is also uncertainty regarding the availability of supporting facilities such as parking, changing rooms, and year-round usability.   Open space – lack of clarity While the application suggests extensive green infrastructure, it is unclear: How much is genuinely usable public open space Whether figures include inaccessible areas such as woodland Whether there is double counting within the totals More information is needed so residents can clearly understand the benefits they would receive. Integration with the existing village The proposal appears to function as a standalone development, with: Limited integration with existing parts of Southwater and its centre, Lintot Square. A new “neighbourhood centre” potentially competing with Lintot Square Insufficient detail on walking, cycling and sustainable transport connections This raise concerns that the development would not function as part of a single, cohesive settlement. Building heights and character Plans indicate buildings of up to three storeys (around 12m). The Parish Council is concerned this would: Not reflect the predominantly two-storey character of Southwater Risk further intensification over time Conflict with policies requiring development to respect local character Location of the secondary school The proposed school is located on the northern edge of the village, which: May encourage car use rather than walking or cycling Could increase traffic and reduce sustainability Conflicts with the preferred location identified in the Neighbourhood Plan   Planning balance: do the benefits outweigh the harm? While the applicant highlights benefits such as housing delivery, affordable homes, and economic growth, the Parish Council considers: Many benefits are uncertain due to the outline nature of the application The conflict with the Neighbourhood Plan carries very substantial weight The adverse impacts are likely to significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits   What happens next? The application will be determined by Horsham District Council. Southwater Parish Council remains committed to: Representing the views of the community Supporting development that is plan-led, sustainable, and appropriately scaled Engaging constructively with applicants where proposals align with local policy   Read the full Parish Council response You can read the Parish Council’s full detailed submission here: Southwater Parish Council Representation – DC/26/0366

Easter is all about fresh starts, family time, and a bit of chocolate, but it can also create a lot of unnecessary waste if we are not careful. The good news is that it’s easy to celebrate in a more planet-friendly way with just a few small changes. Choose better treats Look for chocolate with less packaging or from ethical brands. You could even try making your own, it is fun, and much less wasteful. Ditch the plastic Swap out plastic decorations for things like painted eggs, flowers, or homemade crafts. They look better and can be reused year after year or compost. Rethink egg hunts Instead of plastic eggs, use reusable ones or decorate real eggs. You could even turn it into a little outdoor adventure. Keep food simple Plan your meals so nothing goes to waste, and try using local, seasonal ingredients where you can. Give thoughtful gifts Skip the plastic-heavy presents. A plant, homemade treat, or even just spending time together can mean a lot more. Recycle Make sure to properly separate and recycle the waste, with the new foodwaste bins, nothing should be going to general waste this Easter. At the end of the day, Easter is about enjoying time together, and keeping things simple and sustainable just makes it even better.

Southwater Parish Council is proud to support a talented group of young, local dancers from the community, awarding £200 from the Chairman’s Discretionary Fund to assist them on their journey to the prestigious Dance World Cup Finals 2026 in Dublin . The funding has been awarded to support members of KDF Academy of Dance , a well-established dance school based in Southwater and Horsham. Notably, six of the dancers selected for the international competition are from Southwater , alongside two of the key figures behind the academy, principle Kayleigh and her sister Jo, who both will be accompanying the team. A Local Team with International Talent The competition team includes 14 dancers aged 11–23, with strong local representation, including six from Southwater. After months of dedication, they have qualified four group routines to represent Team England at the Dance World Cup Finals. KDF Academy, established in 2013 , supports dancers from early years, and provides a wide range of performance opportunities, helping young people build confidence and skills. Fundraising for a Global Stage The team wishes to compete is entirely self-funded and is working to raise £25,000 to cover essential costs such as travel, accommodation, entry fees, costumes, and official Team England kit for the 14 girls. Families and supporters are actively fundraising and seeking sponsorship to make this opportunity possible. How to Support Donations of any size are welcome and will help these talented dancers represent both their community and their country on an international stage: https://gofund.me/9619a8d26 Southwater Parish Council wishes the team every success as they prepare for this exciting opportunity. Photo credit: KDF Academy, GoFundMe page

The March Report has been published and is now available to read on our website, please click here: Southwater Neighbourhood Warden's Monthly Reports 2026

Join us on Friday 17th April at 10:00AM, in the Parish Chamber at Beeson House,  for a hands-on training session where you’ll learn how to recognise ancient and veteran trees  and record them on the Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Inventory. Ancient trees are some of the UK’s most important natural assets. They can live for hundreds, or even thousands of years and support rich wildlife and local heritage. Yet many remain unrecorded and unprotected. The Ancient Tree Inventory is a nationwide project that maps these trees so they can be better understood and protected, and you can now be part of it. What you’ll learn about trees: How to recognise ancient and veteran trees (features like wide trunks, hollowing, and ageing crowns) How to measure and record key details (species, size, location) How to upload trees to the national database Why these trees are vital for wildlife and conservation Why get involved? Help protect Southwater’s natural heritage Learn new practical outdoor skills Contribute to a national conservation project Meet like-minded people and explore your local area even more No prior experience needed, just an interest in nature! Location: Parish Chamber, Beeson House, Southwater Date: 17th April 2026 Time: 10:00AM start Come along and help us uncover and register these beautiful trees in Southwater. Please contact Southwater Parish Council via email or over the phone if you are interested to attend as we would like to send out some information to the attendees prior to the training. Thank you for Horsham Green Spaces for helping us with this training. Please visit Woodland Trust's website for more information.

Have you got questions or concerns? Are you interested in any of the upcoming Southwater events? Or is there something else you wish to talk about? Why not come along to our next councillor surgery? Our councillor surgeries are normally held on the first Saturday of each month, except August, when the surgery doesn't run, but due to the upcoming Easter holiday weekend, we have moved the date to the second Saturday of April. The April councillor surgery is taking place face to face on Saturday 11th April 2026 from 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, or just to have a chat. You can also enquire about our working groups, and let us know if you wish to join any of them. See you at 10AM on Saturday!

What the Government has announced On 25 March 2026 the Government confirmed it is delaying its decision on how local government should change across Sussex. West Sussex local authorities were expecting a decision from the Government on local government reorganisation in the area by the end of March. The Government has now issued an update. They have not made a decision on which unitary solution to apply in Sussex and instead have confirmed they will be running a second consultation on plans covering the whole of Sussex. The new consultation will see two variations on the proposals already submitted by Sussex local authorities. The first proposed modification is moving Chichester District Council into a unitary with Crawley Borough Council, Horsham District Council and Mid Sussex District Council. Leaving a second unitary in West Sussex comprising Arun District Council, Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council. The second modification would see boundary changes moving wards in Falmer, Peacehaven and Saltdean from Lewes District Council in East Sussex to Brighton & Hove City Council. The consultation will begin after the local elections in May, and a decision is expected in the summer after the consultation period closes and new representations are considered. The overall timescale for reorganisation remains the same with elections to the new shadow unitary authorities expected in 2027 preparing for the new authorities to formally launch in 2028. The delay is disappointing, as the ongoing uncertainty reduces the time available for planning and preparation on the final decision and heightens the risks to delivering a smooth transition for our residents. All councils in West Sussex remain committed to working together in the best interests of our communities, and we will continue to collaborate closely as we await further clarity from Government. This update has been shared from West Sussex County Council's website and we will continue to inform residents when new information becomes available.

The pedestrian improvement works connecting Nutham Lane, Cedar Drive to Cripplegate Lane bus shelter in Southwater have now been completed. The project, carried out by West Sussex County Council, aimed to make walking in the area safer and easier, where many people walk to the bus stop on Cripplegate Lane. What Changed The old woodchip path on Cedar Drive was replaced with all-weather asphalt footway. The paths now link Nutham Lane and Cripplegate Lane more smoothly. New pedestrian crossings were added to make it safer to cross the roads. Existing crossings were improved for better safety and accessibility. Walking routes to nearby bus stops became safer and easier to use. Wildflowers around the new footpath Part of the grass around the new path is being turned into a wildflower meadow, using native British wildflower seeds. Instead of plain mown grass, the area(marked in green on the map below) will now bring colourful wildflowers around the new footpath, that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and various wildlife, improving biodiversity in the area. Be patient, the flowers will take a little time to grow!

The Planning Committee Meeting Agenda for 1st April 2026 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

Join our wardens for an  action packed and informative Cyber Security training presentation from the South East Regional Organized Crime Unit's Cyber Crime Team , where we will equip you with easy-to-implement tips to stay safe online and minimize the risk of falling victim to cybercrime.  In an era where our lives are increasingly intertwined with the digital realm, protecting ourselves from cyber threats is more crucial than ever. This presentation is designed to cater to individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their technical expertise. Our goal is to provide practical insights and actionable steps that everyone can take to enhance their online security posture.    Event details: 31st March, from 11AM In the Parish Chamber, Beeson House 26 Lintot Square, Fairbank Road, Southwater, West Sussex RH13 9LA Key Topics Include: Password Mastery:  Learn the art of creating strong, unique passwords and explore password management tools to ensure the security of your accounts. Phishing Awareness and Cyber Overview:  Recognize common phishing techniques and discover how to outsmart criminals by identify malicious emails, messages and websites to avoid falling prey to cybercriminals. Device Hygiene:  Understand the importance of keeping your devices up to date with the latest security patches and explore best practices for securing your smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets. Social Media Safety:  Uncover strategies to protect your personal information on social media platforms and maintain a healthy online presence without compromising your privacy. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):  Embrace the power of an additional layer of security through 2FA, making it significantly harder for unauthorized individuals to access your accounts. Other Fraud information:  Learn all about other strategies criminals use to target individuals. We’ll cover topics such as Crypto Currency, Investment and Romance Fraud as well as Phone Scams.  Q and A:  Ask anything!

Exciting news for young people in the community, something magical is coming to Southwater! In partnership with Southwater Parish Council, your local Neighbourhood Wardens, Dom and Bettina, are thrilled to be launching a FREE Dungeons & Dragons Gaming Club right here in the village. The venue is secured, the idea is set… now we’re looking for the heroes (and storytellers!) to bring it to life. Who can get involved? Players (ages 12–17): Whether you're completely new to Dungeons & Dragons or already a seasoned adventurer, this is your chance to dive into epic quests, explore fantastical worlds, and make new friends along the way. Dungeon Masters (volunteers): Do you enjoy storytelling, creativity, and guiding others through immersive adventures? We’re looking for volunteer Dungeon Masters to help shape exciting campaigns and lead our young players on unforgettable journeys. Why join? This club is more than just a game, it’s a space to: Build confidence and creativity Meet like-minded people Strengthen community connections Have fun in a safe and welcoming environment Whether you want to slay dragons, solve mysteries, or create your own fantasy world, this is your chance to be part of something special in Southwater. Interested? Get in touch with Dom and Bettina to find out more and secure your place. Adventure awaits!

West Sussex County Council is celebrating World Oral Health Day on Friday, 20 March 2026, with a campaign focusing on children's teeth. Tooth decay is the most common oral disease affecting children and young people in England, yet it is largely preventable. “World Oral Health Day highlights that good oral health habits established early in life can help prevent tooth decay and support children’s overall wellbeing,” said Councillor Bob Lanzer, the council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing. “Tooth decay continues to remain the most common reason for hospital admissions in children aged between 5 and 9 years in England. Simple steps  make a big difference. By brushing twice a day and limiting sugary snacks and drinks, parents and carers can reduce the risk of tooth decay. “The whole family can use the same fluoride toothpaste , it’s just the amount you use that changes. Children under 3 should use a smear of toothpaste, whilst children aged 3-6 should use a pea size. “Our commitment to improve oral health in West Sussex is part of our Council Plan priority of helping people and communities to fulfil their potential.” To help shape future children’s oral health promotion and prevention services and support, we’d like to hear from families with children aged 5 and under. You can take part in the children’s oral health survey here . Participants can enter a free prize draw for the chance to win one of 5 One4All vouchers each worth £20. Top tips Make brushing twice a day part of the daily routine. Encourage children to spit out toothpaste rather than rinsing, so the fluoride can protect their teeth. Replace toothbrushes every three months or sooner. Avoid letting children lick or eat toothpaste directly from the tube. For babies and toddlers up to three years use a smear of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) containing fluoride. For children aged 3 to 6 years, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing fluoride. Food and drink for healthy teeth Keep sugary food and drinks to mealtimes . Frequent snacking on sugary treats can lead to tooth decay. Fizzy or sugary drinks can harm teeth. Water or unflavoured milk are healthier choices. Move away from bottles by one year: An open or free-flow cup (without a valve) helps protect developing teeth. Avoid adding sugar to food or drinks for babies and toddlers. The county council is handing out ‘Little Teeth, Big Smiles’ Oral Health gift packs to families with children aged 0-5 years via Rhyme time and Toddler time sessions in all West Sussex libraries until Friday 27 March or until stocks last and they are also available in all family hubs across the county whilst stocks last. The packs include toothpaste, toothbrushes and an educational children’s rhyming book  about visiting the dentist which is also available to loan from libraries. To find out more about children’s oral health and support in West Sussex, visit our children’s oral health campaigns page . Tooth decay remains the most common reason for hospital admissions among children aged 5 to 9 in England. A short statistical commentary for hospital tooth extractions in 0-19 year olds 2025 can be found here .

To view the Full Council Meeting Agenda, please visit our website here: Full Council Meetings  or view the agenda on the noticeboard situated outside Beeson House.

The Extraordinary Planning Committee Meeting Agenda for 18th March 2026 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

Join us for a community litter picking day as part of the Great British Spring Clean, and help keep our local area clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone. Litter might seem small, but the impact is huge. Research in England shows that over 90% of surveyed locations contain litter , with only 1 in 10 streets or parks completely litter-free . The most littered items include sweet wrappers, drinks bottles, cans, and fast-food packaging. Across the UK, it’s estimated that more than two million pieces of litter are dropped every day , and surveys show that almost half of adults admit to littering in the past year . The good news is that community action really does make a difference. Millions of volunteers across the country take part in clean-ups each year through initiatives like the Great British Spring Clean, helping to remove millions of bags of rubbish from streets, parks, and beaches. Come along, meet your neighbours, enjoy some fresh air, and help make a visible difference to our local environment. Gloves, litter pickers and bags will be provided, but bring your own if you have them! When? Friday 27th March 2026 From 11AM till 3PM Where? Our stall will be at Lintot Square and you will need to return the equipment and drop off the litter there too. We will also be joined by West Sussex County Council's waste prevention team with their educational stall on waste prevention, recycling, food waste collection etc. Together we can make our community cleaner and greener. See you there!

The latest edition of Southwater Parish Council’s monthly newsletter for 2026 is now available to view in the Newsletter  section of our website. Would you like to be among the first to receive updates on all things Southwater? Simply scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe. It's free.

Temporary Closure of Station Road, Southwater West Sussex County Council has issued a notice for an Emergency Temporary Traffic Regulation Order affecting Station Road, Southwater on the 10th March 2026. It is anticipated that the works will be completed on 11th March, but the notice allows a maximum of 21 days. The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while FM Conway understakes emergency drainage jetting , on behalf of West Sussex County Council. The restriction will be in place overnight only, from 20:00 till 3:00 . Other upcoming roadworks: Pollards Way to Stakers Lane 12 March 08:00 - 18:00 Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Openreach. Temporary obstruction expected. Cripplegate Lane 1 December 2025 - 20 March 2026 Ongoing highway improvement works to remove a layer of the footway surface and then creation of a layer of new material. Traffic control in place. Millfield 16 March - 17 March Highway repair and maintenance works by Community Fibre Limited. No carriageway incoursion expected. Station Road 12 March - 16 March Remedial works by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion is expected. Cedar Drive 2 February - 20 March Ongoing highway improvement road works to remove a layer of the footway surface and then creation of a layer of new material. Traffic control in place. Pevensey Road 13 March - 17 March Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion is expected. Worthing Road 12 March - 16 March Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion is expected. Woodpeckers 26 February - 26 March Scaffolding is in place. Two Mile Ash, Bax Castle - 12 March Structures general maintenance on the south of Two Mile Ash. - From 9:30 - 15:30 on 12th March there is also a daytime closure in place for bridge inspection works. The road between the junctions with Marlpost Road and the Bax Castle will be closed and traffic will be diverted. Emergency access will be maintained at all times. Please visit here for more information. Bonfire Hill 9 March - 10 March Road closure for works to repair/install drainage on behalf of West Sussex County Council. FM Conway will undertake emergency drainage jetting. The restriction will be in place overnight only from 20:00 until 03:00. An alternative route will be signed on site. Station Road - Christ's Hospital 10 March 09:30 - 11 March 15:30 Works to repair/install drainage, on behalf of West Sussex County Council. Road cloure will be in place. Nutham Lane 10 March - 12 March Utility repair and maintenance works by Openreach. Some carriageway incursion and footway closure with alternative route will be expected.

Location: Upper 1, Beeson House, Lintot Square, Southwater, Horsham, RH13 9LA Features: Size: Perfectly sized at approximately 260 sqft, this office unit is ideal for startups, freelancers, or small teams. Amenities: A bright corner office unit with plenty of natural light. Enjoy access to a shared kitchen with a sink, tea making facilities, and a fridge, shared with the adjacent office unit. Rent: £3,300 p.a. plus VAT, payable monthly in advance at £275.00 (Previously £4,400 p.a. - now 25% lower) Open to offers. Service Charges: Estimated at £2,460p.a. plus VAT for the period 2024-25, also payable in advance by monthly payments of £205/month. There is a small increase on this for 2026-27. Initial Payment: Pro rata rent for the first occupancy period and one full month's rent, required in advance. Term: 3 years, but open to discussions. Security Deposit: 3 months' rent. Parking: Please note, there is NO parking space included. Viewing Arrangements: We are happy to arrange viewings for any interested parties Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 16:00. Don't miss this opportunity to secure a practical and well-located office space in the centre of Southwater! For enquiries or to schedule a viewing, please contact us at enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk.

Southwater Parish Council has welcomed a new councillor following the uncontested election in February 2026. One vacancy was available on the Parish Council, following the resignation of Graham Turnwell, and one candidate stood for election. As the number of candidates did not exceed the number of available seats, the election was uncontested and the candidate was duly elected to serve as a parish councillor. The Council welcomes Cllr Chris Woodrow, who now joins the Parish Council, bringing the number of councillors back to its full complement. Cllr Chris Woodrow Cllr Woodrow shared the following biography: "I was elected to Southwater Parish Council in February 2026 and have lived in Southwater since 2014, having moved to the Horsham District in 2009. My professional background is in engineering, with 17 years’ experience across the Aerospace, Defence and Automotive sectors. I also volunteer with the Southwater Community Partnership's Computer Club, supporting residents in developing digital skills. As a parent of two children attending local schools, I am actively involved in village life and the community groups they belong to. I can often be found walking our two dogs around the village and the surrounding fields. I am passionate about protecting the green spaces and natural environment, recognising the vital role they play in supporting residents’ health, wellbeing and quality of life. I am committed to working with the community to ensure our village continues to thrive and remains a wonderful place to live." With the vacancy now filled, Southwater Parish Council once again has a full team of councillors in place. To find out more about the members of the Council and contact them, please visit our Parish Councillors page on the website .