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Plastic Free July is a global movement that empowers millions of people to be part of the solution to plastic pollution. By choosing to refuse single-use plastics for one month, individuals, schools, businesses, and communities can help create cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful spaces. The challenge is simple: reduce or eliminate single-use plastics from your daily life throughout the month of July. Whether it's bringing your own reusable coffee cup, switching to a bar of soap instead of a plastic bottle, or saying no to plastic straws, every action makes a difference. Plastic Free July is about progress, not perfection. It's a great opportunity to reflect on our plastic use, make more sustainable choices, and inspire others to do the same. Take the challenge Share your efforts Help reduce plastic waste To sign up or find ideas to get started, visit www.plasticfreejuly.org . Let’s take steps together toward a cleaner, healthier planet.

Recently, there has been some awful and hate filled talk about staff and councillors. There has not been a shred of evidence of wrongdoing, and it has been driven by a few residents who hold the council at fault, by the association with an application to build a 3G football pitch by The Ghyll CIO charity. Staff and councillors have received abuse and threats, and I must take steps to protect them. This awful behaviour must stop now. I find it hard to believe that there are people in our community who can behave in such a way. Calls to bring down the council are inciteful of hatred. Only too recently we saw the result of such behaviour elsewhere. If the council was to fall, the cost of reestablishing a new council would be significant and that would fall directly to all the residents. The psychological harm done to those affected is also significant. I, and other councillors will be at the usual Surgery we hold, this Saturday at 10.00am. If you wish to speak to us face to face, please come. I hope those who have posted these awful messages, reread what they have said and at the very least apologise. Yours sincerely, Cllr Derek Moore

As reported at the Planning Committee meeting of 2 nd July 2025, the Council can confirm that a Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) A2 notice was served in full to SPC on 17 th  June 2025 by a resident for the addition of a path across The Ghyll playing field from the Southeast corner of the field to the western side, just south of the play area through the damaged fence.  SPC is yet to receive any correspondence from West Sussex County Council (WSCC) confirming the application. Subsequently, a CA16 landowner deposit was submitted to WSCC pursuant to S31(6) of the Highway Act 1980 and s15A(1) Commons Act 2006, where the Council is landowner of The Ghyll.  The submission follows after being served notice of the DMMO A2 Notice. This is a standard legal process available to all landowners, and it does not affect any existing rights of way. In making this deposit, the Council is clarifying its position regarding the current access and land use to protect the land from future claims for unrecorded rights of way or town and village green being made without the Council’s involvement or opportunity to review the evidence beforehand. The current access arrangements as managed and permitted by Southwater Ghyll CIO have not been altered. This simply ensures that any future claims to record new public rights over the land follow the relevant legal criteria and are supported by evidence that meets the statutory tests. The Ghyll continues to benefit from planning protection under Policy SNP7 of the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan, which designates the site as a Formal/Informal Sports Area. SNP7 ensures that land, as specified under the policy, is used for formal or informal sporting and recreational activities and is safeguarded for the benefit of current and future generations. For clarity, the existing Public Right of Way 1678, which runs along the eastern boundary of The Ghyll, lies outside of the land under Southwater Parish Council’s ownership and is not affected by the CA16 submission. Further details, including a copy of the CA17 notice that had been displayed by WSCC at The Ghyll, and the landowner deposit record will be available on the West Sussex County Council website which is the local authority responsible for these matters.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is developing its next  Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) for 2026–2030 , and they want to hear from you. The CRMP outlines how the service will prevent fires and emergencies, protect people and property, respond effectively to incidents, support staff wellbeing, and make the best use of resources such as vehicles, stations, and technology. It’s a vital plan that ensures the service meets the evolving needs of our communities. This public survey is your chance to help identify what matters most—whether it's wildfire risk, flooding, road traffic collisions, house fires, or other emergencies in your area. Your feedback will directly influence how priorities are set and how resources are allocated in the years ahead. If you live, work, or travel through West Sussex, your opinion matters. Please take a few minutes to complete their survey and help make your community safer. Complete the survey here

The June Report has been published and is now available to read on our website, please click here: Southwater Neighbourhood Warden's Monthly Reports 2025

The Councillor Surgery is taking place face to face on Saturday 5th July 2025 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. See you at 10AM on Saturday!

Cllr Steven Lewis has resigned from Southwater Parish Council after several years of dedicated service to the local community. First elected in 2019, he served diligently until his resignation in 2025, including a year as Vice Chairman. Throughout his tenure, he contributed significantly across a wide range of Council responsibilities. He sat on several key committees, including Finance and General Purpose, Planning, Human Resources, Health and Safety, and the Neighbourhood Wardens Steering Group. He also represented the Council on the Village Hall Committee and maintained strong relationships with local groups and societies within the Parish. A retired Police Officer and Civil Servant, Cllr Lewis brought a wealth of professional experience and a deep commitment to public safety and community wellbeing. His passion for safeguarding extended beyond the Council, as he also served as Safeguarding Officer for Horsham Rugby Club. The Parish Council extends its thanks to Cllr Lewis for his years of service and commitment to Southwater and wishes him all the best for the future.

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

Tree Works will be carried out within the Parish on Southwater Parish Council operated land as identified by a tree survey conducted at the end of 2024. Commencement of Tree Works is scheduled to take place from Monday 7th July 2025 and they are anticipated to last for 12 weeks. Oxleas Tree Care Ltd. will be carrying out the work in the immediate future.  Minimal disruption is anticipated, should you have any queries please contact the Parish Office. Please find our contact details here. Thank you.

Following up on the recent update from Horsham District Council's Parks and Countryside newsletter : Tucked away in a small woodland in Southwater lives a special and elusive resident – the hazel dormouse. These charming creatures, with their golden-brown fur, large black eyes, and bushy tails, are not only a joy to spot but also a vital part of the woodland ecosystem. Photo: Woodland Trust UK Hazel dormice have a varied diet that changes with the seasons: they feed on shrub flowers in the spring, insects in the summer, and fruits and nuts in the autumn. As temperatures drop, they hibernate on the ground through the winter months, often in tightly woven nests hidden among leaf litter. Unfortunately, dormice are thought to be in decline across the UK, largely due to the loss and poor management of woodland habitats. To help support the local population, the Countryside Team of Horsham District Council carried out hazel coppicing earlier this year – a traditional method of woodland management that encourages new growth and provides ideal conditions for dormice. In addition, a licensed ecologist is conducting regular surveys as part of the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme. Supporting this effort, the local community group Men’s in Sheds Horsham have kindly volunteered to craft wooden nest boxes, offering safe and secure homes for these tiny mammals. Dormouse Box in Southwater by Men's in Sheds Horsham Fascinating Facts About Hazel Dormice: Dormice are excellent climbers and rarely come down to the ground, except during hibernation. They are nocturnal and spend most of the day sleeping, becoming active only at night. Dormice can hibernate for up to six months depending on the weather – and may enter a state called “torpor” in cold summer spells. The presence of hazel dormice is a good indicator of a healthy, well-managed woodland. Their nests are beautifully woven from strips of bark and grasses – and lined with leaves for insulation. Protecting hazel dormice is a community effort, and thanks to ongoing conservation work and local support, Southwater’s woodland remains a safe haven for these precious little animals.

West Sussex County Council has announced a proposed temporary daytime closure of Thistle Way in Southwater to carry out essential footway repairs. The works are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, 2nd July 2025, at 9:30 AM and are expected to conclude by 3:30 PM on Thursday, 3rd July 2025. During this period, both the road and footway will be closed between the hours of 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM each day. The closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both the workforce and the public while the repair works are in progress. Access will be maintained for emergency services, residents, and pedestrians throughout the duration of the closure. Further updates will be provided once the details are confirmed. For more information, the public is encouraged to visit one.network  or contact West Sussex County Council directly at 01243 642105.

In light of recent public discussion regarding the works carried out to the permitter path (um) at The Ghyll, Southwater Parish Council wishes to provide clarification on the status of public rights of way (PROW) and other informal access routes on this site.   Established Public Rights of Way There are a number of officially designated public rights of way recorded on the West Sussex County Council Definitive Map that run adjacent to The Ghyll. These routes are protected in law and shown clearly on the public mapping system maintained by WSCC. The Parish Council fully supports the public's ongoing use of these recorded rights of way. Reference PROW 1678 (path highlighted in violet/purple).   [Credit: iMAP West Sussex County Council website] Informal or Unauthorised Routes It is important to distinguish between these legally recorded footpaths and other informal routes that have developed over time. Some of these routes appear to have been created through unauthorised access including instances where boundary fencing was deliberately removed and/or damaged. These informal paths are not designated public rights of way and should not be interpreted as evidence of landowner intention to dedicate access. Any access outside the recorded PROW network remains entirely permissive, revocable, and at the discretion of the landowner (Southwater Parish Council) and licensee (Southwater Ghyll CIO).   Clarification Following Recent Communications A recent social media post shared by Councillor Nikki Knott sought to reassure residents that “ established routes ” at The Ghyll remain available for public use. For clarity, this reference was intended to apply specifically to designated and legally recorded public rights of way. It was not intended to imply that any informal paths (path um) at the site are formally recognised or protected. Similarly, recent correspondence from the Council regarding vegetation works and fencing maintenance has been misinterpreted in some cases. The Council’s communications have referred only to maintenance of existing mapped routes, and not to any intention to endorse or support informal, unrecorded paths.   Recent Works and Vegetation Clearance Additional concerns had been raised as to why the work had been carried out to improve access to the unmade (um) path depicted on the Title Plan for the land and also featured on the WSCC online map of paths. Vegetation clearance recently undertaken at The Ghyll was carried out in accordance with the Council’s duty of care under the Occupiers’ Liability Acts 1957 and 1984. The works focused on restoring access to an existing mapped perimeter route (path um) and managing overgrowth which had compromised site visibility, fencing, and public safety. No new footpaths were created.   Why This Clarification Has Been Issued The Council is aware of recent statements and assumptions suggesting that all paths currently used at The Ghyll are legally designated rights of way. This is not the case. Only those recorded on the Definitive Map carry that legal status. This statement is provided to ensure the public has accurate information and to reaffirm the Council’s ongoing support for lawful access and responsible land management.     Further Information To view the official West Sussex County Council map of public rights of way, please visit: iMap - West Sussex County Council   For any further enquiries or to report damage to Council-owned land, please contact the Parish Office at enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk .

Amongst the many anniversaries Southwater celebrates this year (25 years old trees at Millenium Wood, 100 years old Village Hall and 175 years old Church) we must not forget about our Allotments at Easteds Lane and their 25th year. The lovely community of Easteds Allotments (contact info here) are holding an Open Day for the community of Southwater to celebrate the 25 years anniversary. everyone is invited. When? Sunday 29th June 2025 11AM-3PM Where? Easteds Allotments Easteds Lane Southwater RH13 9XR (Located off Cedar Drive) Their poster offers more details below:

The Southwater Infant and Junior Academies PTFA is thrilled to announce the return of its much-loved Summer Fair on Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 12–4 PM. Taking place across both school campuses, this vibrant community event promises a fun-filled afternoon for families in Southwater and Horsham. Sponsored by Cubitt & West (Southwater), the fair will feature over 20 local businesses, exciting games, and a wide range of attractions including the new Area 51 inflatable laser tag arena, a 33ft obstacle course, Bungee Run, and fan favorites like Teddy Spin to Win and Hook a Duck. Attendees can also enjoy live performances, delicious food, and a variety of shopping stalls. This year introduces a Grand Summer Prize Draw with cash prizes of up to £250 and luxury hampers. Entry is just £1 for adults, 50p for children, and free for preschoolers, with all proceeds supporting school initiatives and local causes. To get involved or for more details, visit the PTFA’s social media pages or email: southwateracademiesptfa@gmail.com . Don’t miss what’s set to be one of Horsham’s biggest school fairs of the summer!

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 July edition of the monthly Newsletter from Southwater Parish Council is now available to view, please click here . Would you like to be first one to receive our newsletter? Scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe!

Following the resignation of Councillor Steven Lewis from Southwater Parish Council, there is now a new Councillor vacancy. May we take the opportunity to thank Steve for his contribution to Southwater Parish Council. If you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor for Southwater, please visit our Becoming a councillor page or contact us to discuss the position.

2025 is a special year for Southwater, as we celebrate a remarkable series of anniversaries that mark the village’s rich history and community spirit. Millennium Wood – 25 Years Planted in 2000 to mark the new millennium, Millennium Wood has grown into a thriving natural haven. Now 25 years old, its trees stand tall as a testament to Southwater’s commitment to preserving green spaces for future generations. The trees are located next to Ben's field skatepark. Tree Planting Day 2000, Photo Credit: Nancy Brock The trees today: Easteds Allotments – 25 Years The much-loved Easteds Allotments, also established in 2000, are celebrating their 25th anniversary. These allotments have been a source of pride, produce, and connection for many local gardeners. To mark the occasion, the allotment community is hosting an Open Day on Sunday 29th June 2025, from 11AM to 3PM. Everyone is welcome to join the celebration at: Easteds Allotments Easteds Lane, Southwater RH13 9XR (Located off Cedar Drive) Southwater Village Hall – 100 Years A cornerstone of village life, the Southwater Village Hall turns 100 this year. Since opening in 1925, it has hosted countless events, from dances to community meetings. To learn more about its centenary and events planned throughout the year, visit the Village Hall Centenary page. Photo Credit: Southwater Village Hall website Photo Credit: Southwater Village Hall website Southwater Parish Church – 175 Years This year also marks 175 years of worship and community at Southwater Parish Church. The church is commemorating this historic milestone with special services and a vibrant Flower Festival, celebrating both faith and local creativity. Southwater Country Park – 40 Years While not an anniversary per se, it’s worth remembering that the beloved Southwater Country Park opened in 1985, meaning it’s turning 40 this year. A place of recreation, wildlife, and watersports, it continues to be a favourite for residents and visitors alike. As Southwater reflects on these milestones, we celebrate the places, people, and projects that have helped shape our village over the years.

Southwater Parish Council is aware of concerns and comments circulating about the recent clearance of vegetation at The Ghyll. We want to take this opportunity to be fully transparent on the matter and address any misinformation or misconceptions that may have arisen.   What Works Have Taken Place?   Vegetation clearance works were recently carried out at the overflow car park and around the southern perimeter of The Ghyll, along the path from the bridge by The Ghyll Play Area to the Public Right of Way (PROW) in the southeast corner.   These works form part of a scheduled maintenance task under the Council’s existing grounds maintenance contract that commenced on 1st April 2023. The path in question had become heavily overgrown as it had been overlooked prior to 2023 and suffered from years of neglect.  The path was no longer accessible or safe to use despite being marked as a path on HM Land Registry title plan (dashed line on image below)   ref WSX382981 . This is a copy of the title plan on 23 MAY 2025 at 11:42:39. The works being undertaken are necessary to restore access in accordance with the marked path which will also protect the fencing from further deterioration and ensure safety following concerns raised.   Who is Responsible for the Area? The land at The Ghyll is managed by Southwater Ghyll CIO, which has operational responsibility for all the land contained within the title plan for The Ghyll, and the Laurie Apted Building under a leisure management agreement. However, much of the ground maintenance   works   for the area are being fulfilled by Southwater Parish Council.   Specifically, the Council holds a Grounds Maintenance Contract which runs from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2026, includes scheduled upkeep of The Ghyll and surrounding pathways. This arrangement ensures continuity of care, health and safety compliance, and cost efficiencies through inclusion within the Council’s wider maintenance programme. As a local government body, the Parish Council was also required to publish the Invitation to Tender via the Gov.uk Contracts Finder website.   This agreement was made following the transfer of operational responsibilities to the CIO, and the Council’s financial grant to the CIO from 2023 onwards was adjusted accordingly to reflect the continued delivery of these services to the grounds by the Council’s contractor.   In essence: Southwater Ghyll CIO  manages and operates the land and building. Southwater Parish Council  currently delivers grounds maintenance through its contractor until 31 March 2026.   The recent clearance works were carried out by the Council as part of its contractual obligations and site inspections, and not Southwater Ghyll CIO.    Why Was the Work Carried Out Now? The Council recognises the importance of timing such works responsibly. Clearance works are scheduled only after contractor assessments confirm it is safe to do so. In this case, following concerns raised relating to public safety, a site inspection identified damage to fencing and unmanaged vegetation that was beginning to pose a risk to public safety and to the security of the playing field which required urgent maintenance.   Why Was This Area Not Maintained Previously?   We believe it is important to be transparent with our residents. The specific area in question, ‘ the overgrown path along the southern perimeter of the field’ , had unfortunately been overlooked in previous grounds maintenance schedules. This omission predates the formation of Southwater Ghyll CIO and the signing of the LMA.   Over time, this section of the site became significantly overgrown and inaccessible. Regrettably, due to the lack of clear reference in earlier contracts and handover documents, routine maintenance of this path had not taken place. The issue was only brought to the Council’s attention recently via correspondence from a resident, at which point it was promptly inspected by both Southwater Ghyll CIO and the Council.   While the Council acknowledges that this section should have been maintained sooner, we also wish to reassure residents that this was not due to negligence or disregard, but rather a legacy issue stemming from a changeover of staffing, management and the absence of handover, combined with historical ambiguity in maintenance documentation and definitions. Now that this has been brought to our attention and the matter has been clarified, we hope that we have been able to address the issue and ensure its continued rectification.   Moving forward, should Southwater Ghyll CIO request inclusion in the Council’s next grounds maintenance schedule/invitation to tender, the Council will ensure the area is clearly listed in the site specifications for any future grounds maintenance contracts.  An updated review will be planned ahead of the next contract term from April 2026.  We understand Southwater Ghyll CIO would likewise ensure the inclusion of this area and that it is not omitted if they choose to carry out their own grounds maintenance works without inclusion in the Council’s programme.     Nesting Season and Wildlife – Were Rules Followed? Yes. Southwater Parish Council takes its legal and ethical responsibilities towards wildlife seriously. The timing of works during nesting season (typically March–August) was carefully considered. The contractor engaged to carry out the works, follows a Wildlife Care Policy and carried out pre-works nesting assessments following best practice, accreditations, and guidance from the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000.   These assessments include: Visual inspections for active nests Monitoring bird activity for signs of disturbance Stopping work immediately in any area where a nest is identified   Wildlife Care It is important that before we undertake any work, we conduct an animal presence survey to enable us to comply with these codes. This enables us to inform our customers of any protected species which may be in the area and how their presence could restrict our work. Many of the animals and their habitats which we encounter are protected by law. All assessments are recorded by the contractors and, no active nests were found in the areas cleared. If a nest had been discovered, work would have been halted and the area left undisturbed.   You can read more about nesting birds in our previous News Post on Nesting Birds Season . Is This Work Connected to the Proposed 3G Pitch? Absolutely not. We wish to firmly clarify that these clearance works have no connection whatsoever to the proposed 3G pitch planning application submitted by Southwater Ghyll CIO.   The works carried out form part of the Council’s broader grounds maintenance responsibilities, which continue to include The Ghyll and the Laurie Apted Building as part of a service arrangement with Southwater Ghyll CIO.   Rebuilding Trust Through Transparency   We understand and respect the passion many residents have for our green spaces and the local environment. We also understand that trust is earned through openness. As such, we hope this explanation provides reassurance that no laws have been broken, no wildlife has been put at risk, and no connection exists to any planning application.   We aim to maintain safe, accessible and well-managed community spaces while balancing biodiversity and public use.   We encourage residents to contact the Parish Office directly if they have concerns, rather than relying on social media speculation, so that we can provide factual information.

Southwater Parish Council is aware of several inaccurate and misleading comments that have circulated on social media following the Planning Committee meeting of 4th June 2025. We appreciate the community’s engagement in local matters, particularly where they concern youth provision and public open space. However, the Council has a duty to address several false claims, personal accusations, and misinterpretations  that have been shared publicly.   On the Decision to Object to DC/25/0638 The Planning Committee’s decision to object to planning application DC/25/0638 was based on planning law and independent advice , not personal bias or favouritism. The proposed site lies outside the ‘Built-Up Area Boundary’  and is therefore   non-compliant with the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan (SNP) a planning document prepared by the local community and approved at referendum by 2,440 residents, with approximately 83% voting in favour. The SNP currently carries full planning weight, especially given that Horsham District Council’s emerging Local Plan has been declared legally unsound. Independent planning advice obtained by the Council confirmed: The site is a landscape of Local Value, identified as having no capacity for development (Southwater Landscape Sensitivity & Capacity Study – Reg 15 document). The scheme would introduce urbanising features into an undeveloped rural setting. The inclusion of a car park and absence of sustainable transport measures or EV provision conflict with SNP15. While the Council is wholly supportive of the need for sports pitches, this particular proposal does not comply with planning policy , and to have supported it regardless would have been a dereliction of responsibility to uphold the Neighbourhood Plan .   On Pre-Application Engagement with Southwater Football Club Southwater Parish Council’s Pre-Application Panel met with the Chairman of Southwater Football Club prior to the Planning Committee meeting. At that meeting, the Panel was broadly supportive in principle of improved football provision in the parish. However, it was clearly explained that the proposed site was not compliant with the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan, which limits development to within the Built-Up Area Boundary. The Council recognises that the need for new facilities arises from the landowner’s decision not to renew Southwater Football Club’s lease of Phillips Fields (as advised by the Chairman of SFC), which has placed the club in a difficult position. We shared in the frustration that this has necessitated a change-of-use application for agricultural land and regret that a more policy-compliant alternative has not been secured. Importantly, the Council has supported Southwater Football Club, and this support was reflected in the inclusion of Phillips Playing Fields (used by the club for over 40 years) in the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan under Policy SNP7, which designates it for formal and informal sports.  Both the Council and SFC share its frustration that the lease was not renewed.   On Allegations of Conflict of Interest Claims that Councillors Derek Moore and Graham Watkins acted in breach of the code of conduct or failed to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest are entirely false . Neither councillor has any financial or personal interest in Southwater Football Club or the land subject to application DC/25/0638. Both have acted within the rules, as per the Local Government Association guidance on the Councillor Code of Conduct . Interests must arise from specific business before the Council, not from perceived connections or unrelated trustee roles. Any assertion to the contrary is misleading and speculative.   On Comparisons to The Ghyll and their 3G Pitch Proposal It is not appropriate to compare the Council’s planning response to DC/25/0638 with any other application, such as the 3G pitch proposal at The Ghyll. Applications must be considered on their own merits and within the relevant planning framework.   On the Use of Section 106 Funding S106 contributions are not controlled by the Parish Council. They are governed by legally binding agreements and administered by Horsham District Council . The idea that the Council is attempting to monopolise or withhold funding is completely unfounded and speculative.   On Transparency and Respectful Engagement All Planning Committee meetings are live-streamed and publicly accessible to ensure full transparency. The meeting on 4th June followed proper procedure and allowed registered speakers the opportunity to make their statements. The Council welcomes public scrutiny and encourages respectful debate. However, the tone and nature of recent social media comments ranging from personal attacks to unsubstantiated conspiracy theories do not foster constructive dialogue and risk deterring good people from serving the community.

The Local Audit & Accountability Act 2014 and the Accounts & Audit Regulations 2015 set out the responsibilities of all local councils in respect of their accounting and auditing procedures. ​ Each year, the Council’s financial accounts and statements must be examined by an independent internal auditor appointed by the Council. ​ The Council is also required to complete an Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) which includes the findings of the Internal Auditor, together with Governance Statements and Financial Statements. The AGAR is then submitted to the independent external auditor appointed by the Audit Commission for examination. For more information regarding the AGAR and Notice of Public Rights (date of announcement 31st May 2025), please click here. For more information regarding Accounts please click here.

The May Report has been published and is now available to read on our website, please click here: Southwater Neighbourhood Warden's Monthly Reports 2025

The Councillor Surgery is taking place face to face on Saturday 7th June 2025 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. See you at 10AM on Saturday!

Please be advised that a temporary daytime road closure is planned for Timber Mill, Southwater, between property numbers 49 and 76. This closure is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 10th June 2025 , from 09:30 to 15:30 , to allow for new customer connection works. Access will be maintained for emergency services, residents, and pedestrians throughout the works. The closure has been requested by Sunbelt Rentals on behalf of BT Openreach . For further information and updates, please click here . Notice of Road Closure from WSCC

The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 which invites everyone across the UK to plant trees. Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, and the wishes of His Majesty The King, the initiative will be extended to the end of March 2023 to give people the opportunity to plant trees in memoriam to honour The Queen. In this respect, Southwater Parish Council are taking part in this initiative in partnership with Horsham District Council and will be carrying out the tree planting ceremony on Monday 14th November at 3:00pm. Her Majesty The Queen

The Extraordinary Full Council Meeting Agenda for 4th June 2025 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

The Holy Innocents Church at Southwater is celebrating its 175th year in June 2025. The community is marking the event with a free entry flower festival at the church, with refreshments and lunch. Dates: 6th and 7th June 2025 from 10AM - 4PM 8th June 2025 from 2PM - 4PM Address: Holy Innocents, Southwater Parish Church Church Lane Southwater RH13 9BT Photo of The Curch by Paul Keys

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.