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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 small 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 through a specific project; 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 detailed in our Grant Policy. Visit our Grants page for more information regarding our grants and how to apply. Applications will be considered twice yearly in April and October, so now is the best time to apply to get a decision in April 2026.

As road repairs come under the responsibilites of West Sussex County Council, potholes on local roads and pavements in West Sussex should be reported using their online reporting service. This allows the Highways team to assess the issue and prioritise repairs based on risk. If a pothole presents an immediate danger to public safety , it should be reported by phone on 01243 642105  during office hours. Outside these hours, calls are transferred to an emergency out-of-hours service. Potholes on the A23, A27 and M23 must be reported to National Highways , while potholes on private roads are the responsibility of the residents of that road. Once reported, larger potholes are usually repaired within days, while smaller ones are reviewed during routine inspections. Please visit West Sussex County Council's website here for more detailed information.

Horsham District Council has issued a Notice of Uncontested Election  for the Election of a Parish Councillor for Southwater South Ward. As only one valid nomination was received by the close of nominations on Friday 13 February 2026, no contest was required. Chris Woodrow has therefore been duly elected as the new Parish Councillor for Southwater South Ward. This notice confirms his election in accordance with the council’s official procedures. The notice can be accessed in a PDF format here.

Release from West Sussex County Council: Whilst the council understands the frustration road closures caused by flooding present to drivers, driving through them can cause further issues including delaying opening the road, pushing water into residential homes as well as potentially negating the driver’s insurance should their car break down due to water ingress. It is also dangerous to those highway operatives who are on site to try and resolve the issue. This morning, one of our highways team members was struck by a white Land Rover which forced its way through a road closure. Luckily the operative was not injured but the incident has been reported to the police and any witnesses are urged to contact the police on 101. Our officers are there to help, they are not there to be abused either verbally or physically, and we urge the public to recognise this. We want to resolve the issues faced due the adverse weather as much as the public and ask for patience whilst we do so. For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email pressoffice@westsussex.gov.uk .

Valentine’s Day is a lovely opportunity to celebrate love and connection, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet. With a few mindful choices, you can mark the day in a way that feels meaningful while staying on a low-waste mission. How to have a low-waste Valentine's Day? One simple shift is choosing thoughtful experiences over material gifts . Instead of buying something physical, consider sharing an experience that creates lasting memories without creating waste. A romantic walk, a homemade candlelit dinner, or a visit to a local art exhibition can be far more memorable than anything wrapped in plastic. Another easy win is to rethink cards and messages . Traditional Valentine’s cards often have a very short life before ending up in the bin. Digital e-cards are a waste-free option, or you could choose cards made from recycled paper. Better still, make your own using materials you already have at home—it adds a personal touch and avoids unnecessary waste. It’s also worth rethinking flowers . While beautiful, cut flowers don’t last long and are often wrapped in plastic. A potted plant is a longer-lasting alternative, or you might decide to skip flowers altogether in favour of something more sustainable. Finally, once you’ve reduced waste as much as possible, remember to recycle and compost what you can . Many Valentine’s items, such as paper cards and wrapping (as long as they’re not glittery or metallic), clean takeaway containers, glass bottles, and plastic sweet or chocolate tubs, can be recycled at home. Avoid items like balloons, teddy bears, and plastic wrapping, which are difficult or impossible to recycle. Food scraps and flowers can often be composted, helping return nutrients to the soil. A low-waste Valentine’s Day isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about making small, thoughtful choices that show care for both the people you love and the planet you share. Source: West Sussex County Council's website

Upcoming Temporary Road Closure: Old House Lane, Southwater West Sussex County Council has issued a notice for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order affecting Old House Lane in Southwater (Shipley CP). The road will be closed 24 hours a day from 16 February to 20 February 2026  to allow Southern Water to carry out essential pipe repair works. The closure will be in place between the junctions with Lackenhurst Lane  and Marlpost Road . Access will still be maintained for emergency services, residents, and pedestrians , though delays may occur. The works will be carried out by Clancy on behalf of Southern Water. For full details and live updates, please visit the official notice on One.Network : https://one.network/?tm=GB146913997 Other upcoming road works: Bakers close 30 January - 3 February Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Openreach. Some carriageway incursion is expected. Worthing Road 30 January - 3 February Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Openreach. No carriageway incursion is expected. Church Lane 26 January - 6 February Works to repair/install drainage, by West Sussex County Council. Quarry Way 4 February - 6 February New service connection by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion is expected. Shipley Road 3 February Essential tree maintenance works arranged by West Sussex County Council. Traffic control (two-way signals) will be in place. Millfield 11 -13 February Remedial works by Openreach. Some carriageway incursion is expected. Cedar Drive 2 - 13 February Works to remove a layer of the footway surface and then creation of a layer of new material. Traffic control (stop/slow paddles) will be in place. Shaws Lane Overhead Pole opposite 1 + 2 Bonfire Hill 6 February Works to install/repair Street Lighting by West Sussex County Council. Traffic control (multi-way signals) will be in place. Reeds Lane 9 - 13 February 24 hour a day road closure to allow for Southern Water to replace a meter pit. Road closed outside The Bungalow. Bonfire Hill 13 - 17 February Utility Asset Works by Openreach. Traffic control (stop/slow paddles) will be in place. Worthing Road Northbound 16 February Highway Improvement Works, organised by West Sussex County Council to repair a pothole by cutting back the damaged area and replacing with new material, works usually take 1-2 hours. Worthing Road Southbound 13 February 9:30AM - 4:00PM Litter picking, oranised by Horsham District Council. Lane closure will be in place. Ash Road 17 - 19 February Utility asset works by Openreach. Some carriageway incursion to be expected.

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.

Southwater Youth Project wrapped up summer with a lively trip to Thorpe Park, setting a joyful tone for the new school year. From September to December, The Ghyll was buzzing with regular sessions , from Duke of Edinburgh groups to art clubs, youth hangouts, and after‑school activities. Young people continued to benefit from pastoral support in local schools, as well as assemblies and RE lessons delivered by the team. The Duke of Edinburgh groups shone this term, giving humorous and heartfelt presentations about their expeditions, complete with pet rocks, lost route cards. Wednesday Youth Hang Out thrived early on, with debates ranging from politics to pop culture, though numbers dipped as darker evenings and refurbishments set in. The Thursday club remained small but mighty, offering a nurturing space especially valued by children with additional needs. Creativity flourished at the Friday Art Club , with young people experimenting with techniques and drawing inspiration from well‑known artists. Junior Youth Club continued to be the star of the week, welcoming up to 70 young people for sports, games, chats, and a safe space to unwind. Holiday activities added extra sparkle, with scarecrow trails, marshmallow‑roasting Minions, and a festive trip to Brighton for indoor crazy golf. As the year closed, a visit from MP John Milne highlighted the project’s impact and future ambitions, with exciting plans ahead including a new Tuesday after‑school session and an expanded gardening project. The full Autumn Engagement report is available to read here.

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.

The Neighbourhood Warden Report for December 2022 is now available: 2022 Monthly Reports (southwater-pc.gov.uk)

The Neighbourhood Warden Report for January 2023 is now available here .

The Neighbourhood Warden Report for February 2023 is now available here .

The Neighbourhood Warden Report for March 2023 is now available to read here .

The Chairman's Report 2023 is now available to view here. Written Reports have been received from other Community Organisations which are available to view here. The Agenda is available to view here. We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Parish Meeting: Date: 30 May 2023 Location: Lardner Hall, The Ghyll, Southwater Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

The June Report has been published and is now available to read on our website. https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/news/categories/neighbourhood-warden-reports

The July Report has been published and is now available to read on our website, here.

HDC have published guidance on dealing with Dog Related issues. Below shows how to report these. STRAY DOGS ​Dogs found roaming free should be reported to HDC’s Environmental Health team. https://www.horsham.gov.uk/environmental-health/stray-dogs BARKING DOGS Email HDC’s Environmental Health team: Publichealth.licensing@horsham.gov.uk https://www.horsham.gov.uk/environmental-health/noisy-neighbours DOG FOULING Contact Hop Oast to arrange for the fouling to be removed. https://www.horsham.gov.uk/waste-recycling-and-bins/litter-and-street-cleaning/dog-fouling DOG ATTACKS / OUT OF CONTROL DOGS If there is an immediate threat to human or animal life call 999. Otherwise report to the police on 101 or via the Sussex Police website reporting form. HDC does NOT have a Dog Warden Service and cannot deal with dog attacks or dangerous dogs. https://www.sussex.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

The October Report has been published and is now available to read on our website. https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/news/categories/neighbourhood-warden-reports

The November Report has been published and is now available to read on our website, here.

The December Report has been published and is now available to read on our website. https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/news/categories/neighbourhood-warden-reports

The January Report has been published and is now available to read on our website. https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/news/categories/neighbourhood-warden-reports

The February Report has been published and is now available to read on our website. 2024 Monthly Reports

The March Report has been published and is now available to read on our website. 2024 Monthly Reports

The April Report has been published and is now available to read on our website: 2024 Monthly Reports

The May Report has been published and is now available to read on our website, here.

The June Report has been published and is now available to read on our website, here.

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

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