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  • VE-Day programme in Southwater - 8th May 2025

    VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, marks 8 May 1945, when Germany  surrendered to the Allied forces, bringing an end to the Second World War in Europe. Southwater Parish Council will fly a special flag at the War Memorial to commemorate t he 80th Anniversary of this event and you can also join the below programme, organised by the Holy Innocents Church: Programme: 10.45 service at the War memorial. Silence at 11.00am 18.00 service in the church 18.30 ringing of the church bell Where? Holy Innocents Church, Church Lane, Southwater, West Sussex, RH13 9BT War Memorial, Fairbank Rd, Southwater, Horsham RH13 9LN VE-Day Programme in Southwater, 8th May 2025

  • The Big Southwater Bin Survey – Summary of Results

    Southwater Parish Council would like to thank all residents who took the time to respond to The Big Southwater Bin Survey. The feedback from over 200 participants has provided valuable insight into how litter, recycling and dog waste bins are used throughout the parish. Respondents identified specific locations where additional bins may be helpful, and highlighted areas where bins may be underused. The survey revealed strong community interest in reducing litter and improving the local environment. A number of residents also expressed concerns about overflowing bins and their impact on the visual appeal of the area. The comments suggest a wide variation in opinion on the placement, type, and frequency of bin usage. These results will inform future considerations regarding bin provision across the parish. We are grateful for the constructive input and the community’s ongoing engagement. Southwater Parish Council remains committed to listening to residents' views as part of our ongoing efforts to support a clean and pleasant environment. Please click here to access the detailed results and analysis in a PDF format. Thank you for your feedback!

  • Celebrate a Greener Easter

    Easter is just around the corner and while it’s a time filled with joy, treats, and traditions, it can also generate a surprising amount of waste. This year, why not take a few easy steps to make your celebrations more environmentally friendly? A Greener Easter Choose Reusable and Natural Decorations Swap single-use decorations for reusable items that can be enjoyed year after year. Think fabric bunting, wooden ornaments, ceramic rabbits, or second-hand treasures from charity shops. For a more natural feel, decorate with fresh flowers, painted stones or seasonal greenery, which can be composted afterwards. Host a Low-Waste Easter Egg Hunt Rather than using individually wrapped chocolate eggs that might melt or get lost, consider reusable plastic or wooden eggs. These can be filled with small toys, clues, or to be exchanged for a larger chocolate treat or other special prize. After the hunt, simply store the eggs for next year. Make Treats or Give Experience-Based Gifts Skip heavily packaged shop-bought Easter eggs and make your own chocolate treats or baked goods at home. Wrap them in reusable containers or compostable paper. Alternatively, consider giving experiences – such as a nature walk, a day out, or time spent crafting – instead of material gifts. Choose Products with Minimal Packaging If buying Easter products, opt for those with minimal or recyclable packaging. Look for cardboard boxes without plastic windows and avoid unnecessary plastic or foil. Supporting local chocolatiers who use eco-conscious packaging is another great choice. Get Creative Use clean packaging materials for craft projects. Easter egg boxes, foil, and plastic trays can become brilliant supplies for junk modelling. It’s a fun way to encourage creativity while teaching children about reusing and recycling. Recycle Correctly: A Quick Guide Make sure your waste is sorted properly after Easter: Easter egg boxes  – Clean, dry cardboard can go in your home recycling bin. Flatten it to save space. Plastic packaging  – Rinse plastic trays and inserts before recycling them at home. Foil wrappers  – Scrunch clean foil into a ball and place it in your recycling bin. Sweet wrappers and soft plastics  – These can’t be recycled at home in West Sussex, but many supermarkets offer soft plastic recycling collection points. Flowers and greenery  – Compost them or use your garden waste bin, if available. Additional Eco-Friendly Easter Tips Use natural dyes : Try red cabbage, beetroot, turmeric, red onion skin or spinach to dye eggs naturally. Try plant-based meals : Even a single vegetarian meal can lower your environmental impact. Avoid plastic Easter grass : Replace it with shredded paper, fabric scraps or real hay. Use sustainable baskets : Choose baskets made from natural materials or repurpose containers you already own.

  • Monthly Newsletter - May 2025 Edition

    The May 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!

  • How can SPC communicate better? - New Survey

    Help Shape the Future of Communication in Southwater Southwater Parish Council is committed to keeping our community well-informed, engaged, and connected. As part of our ongoing efforts to improve how we share news and updates, we are asking residents to take part in our short Communication Survey . This is your opportunity to tell us what works well and where we could do better. Whether you prefer emails, social media, printed newsletters, or you get informed from noticeboards around the village, we want to understand the best ways to reach you. The survey will only take a few minutes to complete and will help us: Identify the most effective communication channels Understand the community’s preferences Improve how we share important news, events, and decisions Take the survey here. Your feedback will help ensure Southwater Parish Council’s communications are clear, accessible, and tailored to the needs of our residents. Thank you for taking part in making our village even more connected.

  • Southwater Neighbourhood Plan Review Update

    The Southwater Neighbourhood Plan (SNP) was officially “made” and adopted in June 2021 following a referendum undertaken by Horsham District Council (HDC). Since then, Southwater Parish Council has been working to review and update the plan with a view to extending the protections afforded by paragraph 14 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and to ensure it continues to reflect the needs and priorities of the growing Southwater community. We’ve received some recent enquiries from residents asking whether a review is being carried out.  Whilst various updates have been provided throughout the process at the Planning Committee meetings, we thought it would be helpful to provide a full update.   Community Consultations The review began in 2022 with an initial consultation involving local organisations and community groups from 24 August to 5 September 2022. This was followed by a broader public consultation between 31 January and 10 March 2023. As part of this wider engagement: Flyers were delivered to every home in the parish. Posters were displayed on Parish noticeboards. Details were published on the Parish Council’s website and social media channels. Two public drop-in sessions were held at Beeson House – with around 16 attendees on 1 March and 75 on 4 March 2023. Feedback gathered through both digital and physical response forms has informed the revisions proposed to the Plan.   Grant Funding and Financial Impact To support the review process, the Parish Council successfully secured two Neighbourhood Planning grants of £10,000 and £6,250 from Locality across two financial years (2022-23 & 2023-24). However, due to delays in progressing the Plan (largely outside of the Council’s control), portions of the unused grant had to be returned at the end of each respective financial year, as required under Locality’s grant terms and conditions.   Submission to Horsham District Council (HDC) The revised Southwater Neighbourhood Plan was submitted to Horsham District Council in November 2023. However, the review had since experienced delays as HDC prioritised its own emerging Local Plan. Following a meeting with HDC’s Head of Strategic Planning on 29 May 2024, a response to our submitted revised plan was finally received on 14 August 2024. In their response of 14 August 2024, HDC advised that, due to the ongoing revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the need to meet stringent water neutrality requirements, for Southwater to formally progress the review after the Local Plan Inspector's Report is published. This would help ensure alignment with the latest policies and avoid the need for further revisions. A summary of HDC’s key feedback includes: Policy changes may trigger the requirement for examination and referendum. Amendments must consider forthcoming updates to the NPPF and HDC’s Local Plan. Water neutrality is a critical factor for any development proposals in the district. Timing the review post-Inspector’s Report will reduce the risk of conflicts and delays.   What happens next? The Parish Council remains committed to completing the SNP Review. We continue to monitor progress of HDC’s Local Plan closely, which is still awaiting further response from the Examiner after they cancelled the Local Plan’s hearings mid process. There may be added complication for HDC and their work towards the Local Plan with the Government White Paper on Devolution, where Sussex is progressing towards a Mayoral Strategic Authority and where both the County Council and Horsham District Council will become part of a larger Unitary Authority serving a much wider area by 2028.

  • F&GP Meeting Agenda - 9th April 2025

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

  • Horsham District Antisocial Behaviour Survey

    In partnership with Horsham District Council’s Community Safety Partnership, Sussex Police have created a localised Horsham District Antisocial Behaviour survey in order to capture the voices of our communities.   The purpose of the survey is to understand the ASB types based on geographical data and whether residents are likely to report ASB or what may prevent them from doing so. This provides the opportunity to fully understand the specific issues where reporting incidents may not be happening, which is covered in the survey.   The survey link is here https://forms.office.com/e/C9M9JW9F9W and is live until the 20th April 2025, alternatively, please scan the QR code to access it.   This runs in conjunction with the ongoing engagement events and Local Policing for Local People.

  • Participate in creating a corridor for nature

    ​ Weald to Waves is an ambitious, community-driven project aimed at creating a 100-mile wildlife corridor across Sussex, connecting the Weald to the coast. This initiative seeks to restore and link diverse habitats, enabling species to thrive and migrate freely. By involving local communities, landowners, and conservation groups, the project fosters a collaborative approach to nature recovery.  Participants can contribute by pledging their gardens, greenspaces, or larger landholdings to support biodiversity. The project provides resources, expert advice, and a network of like-minded individuals to guide and inspire participants. Through collective action, Weald to Waves aims to reverse biodiversity decline and promote sustainable coexistence between people and nature. Residents of Southwater have a unique opportunity to be part of this transformative movement. By pledging your garden or local greenspace, you contribute to a larger network of habitats that support wildlife and enhance ecological connectivity. Engaging in this project not only benefits the environment but also enriches your community by fostering a deeper connection with nature. Together, we can create a thriving corridor that ensures a sustainable future for both wildlife and people in Sussex. For more details and to pledge, please visit the Weald to Waves website here.

  • Neighbourhood Warden's Report - March 2025

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

  • Have you got problems reaching us today?

    Due to works being carried out on the network in Lintot Square, the internet has been down most of the day. This also has an effect on our phone lines, therefore it might be problematic reaching us today. Our office is open as usual, please walk in, if you have any urgent matters. The works should be completed around 7pm tonight, and we are hoping to be able to operate normally tomorrow. The current situation might cause problems with the streaming of tonight's Planning Meeting, therefore we would like to ask residents to join the meeting in person at Beeson House, from 6:30PM, where possible. Apologies for the inconvenience, hopefully things will be back to normal as soon as possible. Posted by Community Engagement Officer at 12:35 02/04/2025.

  • Ilanit Slowly Resigns from Southwater Parish Council

    Ilanit Slowly has announced her resignation from Southwater Parish Council after four and a half years of dedicated service. Reflecting on her time in the role, she shared the following statement: "As I leave Southwater Parish Council after four and a half years, I look back on a time that started partially in lockdown, meeting some councillors for the first time via Zoom. Times have changed but the need for community focus and collaboration is still as important today. It is with regret that I am resigning as a councillor. My commitments have become too great to devote enough quality time required to the role, whilst continuing with my other volunteering work. I took a break from council meetings late Autumn through the Winter to allow sufficient time to see if my situation changed and it remains the same. This opens a vacancy, and the opportunity for new talent, a passionate volunteer who is committed to the community and to people. If you would like to learn more about the role, please contact enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk . I would also like to take this opportunity to formally thank Southwater Parish Council and the Parish Office, I have learned many things and forged some friendships that will last a lifetime. It has been a valuable and rewarding experience.I am keen to still be very much community focused, via The WI – Southwater Women’s Institute, Southwater Community Partnership, Southwater Youth Project and Southwater Village Hall. If you would like to learn more about any of these organisations, please see website details": WI - southwaterwi.co.uk Community Partnership - southwatercp.org.uk Youth Project - southwateryouthproject.co.uk Village Hall - southwatervillagehall.org.uk Southwater Parish Council extends its heartfelt thanks to Ilanit for her outstanding contributions over the years. Her commitment has left an indelible mark on our community, and we are deeply grateful for her dedicated service. We wish her every success in her future and look forward to her continued involvement within the community.

  • Councillor Vacancy II

    Following the resignation of Councillor Ilanit Slowly from Southwater Parish Council, there is now a new vacancy at the Council. May we take the opportunity again to thank Ilanit for her contribution to Southwater Parish Council in the last 4 and a half years. If you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor for Southwater please see below for more information and visit our " Becoming a councillor " page.

  • A successful litter picking day

    ​On Saturday, 29th March 2025 , Southwater residents united for a Community Litter Picking Day , reinforcing their dedication to a cleaner village as part of the Great British Spring Clean  and Keep Britain Tidy initiatives. Organised by Southwater Parish Council, Southwater Community Partnership and the Neighbourhood Wardens , the event ran from 10 AM to 4 PM, with volunteers gathering at Lintot Square before dispersing to various locations within Southwater. Participants of all ages contributed their time and effort, resulting in the collection of an impressive 10 bags of rubbish  from streets, and public areas. This collective endeavor not only enhanced the village's appearance but also fostered community spirit and environmental responsibility.​ While the village benefits from the diligent work of litter wardens  who maintain cleanliness throughout the week, events like these highlight the importance of community involvement in preserving the environment. The success of the Litter Picking Day underscores the positive impact that collaborative efforts can have on local surroundings.​ A heartfelt thank you to all who participated, your dedication plays a crucial role in ensuring that Southwater remains a welcoming and litter-free community.

  • Councillor Surgery - 5th April 2025

    The Councillor Surgery is taking place face to face on Saturday 5th April 2025 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!

  • The successful designation of Nutham Lane open space as a new Village Green

    Southwater Parish Council is pleased to acknowledge the successful designation of Nutham Lane Open Space as a new Village Green . This outcome ensures the long-term protection of this valued community space, aligning with the Council’s ongoing commitment to the safeguarding of the open spaces designated in the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan. While the Parish Council was not involved in the application process, we recognise the dedication of the residents in securing long term protection for this area. The Council has supported the preservation of Nutham Lane Open Space, as evidenced by its inclusion in Policy SNP5 of the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan. Adopted by public referendum in June 2021, this policy explicitly protects the land from development and reinforces the Council’s commitment to maintaining the green spaces covered by SNP5 and SNP6 of the Neighbourhood Plan for public use. Despite some misconceptions, the Parish Council has never considered or proposed development on this land where it has prioritised its preservation through the made Neighbourhood Plan . The Parish Council had raised concerns regarding procedural inaccuracies in the initial Village Green application and to ensure compliance with legal requirements, the Council highlighted these issues to West Sussex County Council. After necessary revisions, the corrected application was processed and ultimately approved. It is important to note that Nutham Lane Open Space was already subject to protective covenants restricting its use as public open space. However, the Village Green designation now provides additional legal safeguards, reinforcing the Neighbourhood Plan’s protections and preserving the area for community enjoyment. Southwater Parish Council remains committed to upholding the protections outlined in the Neighbourhood Plan such as supporting the preservation of valued green spaces in policies SNP5 and SNP6. We congratulate the residents on their successful application.

  • Planning Committee Meeting Agenda - 2nd April 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.

  • Parish Council Approves Long-Term Grant Funding for Southwater Youth Project CIO

    At its Full Council Meeting on 19th March 2025, Southwater Parish Council (SPC) approved a new 3-Year Grant Funding Agreement with Southwater Youth Project CIO (SYP CIO), reaffirming its commitment to supporting youth services in the parish. The Council agreed to a continuation of the annual contribution to SYP CIO’s core costs starting from 1st April 2025.  Additionally, the agreement will now also include provision for further grant funding of £13,988 in Year 2, which would equate to 6 pence per week from 1st April 2026 in Band D (council tax) terms to enable SYP CIO to employ an additional part-time Youth Worker to join the Lead Youth Worker.  Additional support to a critical role that will help expand and improve services. Additional Support for Immediate Service Expansion In addition, the Council approved the release of £5,141 from its earmarked reserve (EMR 335 - Southwater Youth Project). This funding will enable SYP CIO to employ a sessional worker for 8 hours per week across 4 sessions for 50 weeks, enhancing services and capacity immediately while recruitment for the part-time role is planned. Southwater Youth Project Logo Community Consultation Strongly Supported the Increased Funding The decision follows the results of a Parish-wide community consultation made available online and delivered to over 4,000 households via Royal Mail, which demonstrated support for both sustained and increased funding to SYP CIO: 91% of respondents supported the Parish Council continuing to fund SYP CIO over the next five years. 85% of respondents supported a small Council Tax increase of £2.07 annually (Band D) to enable additional grant funding of £10,000 per year to the project from 1st April 2025. These results reflected the community’s recognition of the essential role SYP CIO plays in supporting local young people.   Consultation Flyer from 2024 The funding proposals were developed by a dedicated Working Party of councillors, who worked closely with SYP CIO trustees, Kath Jones (Chair) and Michael Neale, co-opted onto the group to strengthen collaboration and understanding, with further input from one of their other trustees and the Lead Youth Worker at SYP CIO. Councillors S Lewis and C Pearce also attended SYP CIO activities as part of the process, witnessing first-hand the invaluable services provided to local young people. Their feedback, alongside the Working Party’s efforts, played a significant role in shaping the final proposals.   Supporting the Future of Southwater’s Youth Southwater Parish Council recognises the vital role SYP CIO plays in supporting the mental wellbeing, self-esteem, and development of young people in the parish. The three-year funding agreement and additional investment will: Secure the continuation of core youth services. Provide stability to SYP CIO and hopefully enable them to secure more grants from other organisations. Enable the employment of additional staff to expand service capacity. Secure consistency of service delivery and enhance their already diligent safeguarding procedures. Support inclusivity and delivery of more diverse activities — including sports sessions aimed at improving engagement with girls.   SPC Chairman Cllr D Moore commented: “The Council is proud to support Southwater Youth Project CIO through this long-term funding agreement. It provides financial stability, supports their growth, and responds directly to our community’s priorities. Our youth are the future of this parish, and we are committed to investing in their wellbeing.” The three-year grant agreement will begin on 1st April 2025 , ensuring SYP CIO has the resources it needs to continue and expand its excellent work for the benefit of Southwater’s young people.

  • Food Waste Prevention Week - 17th - 23rd March 2025

    West Sussex County Council is supporting Love Food Hate Waste by sharing their top food waste prevention tips as part of the #FightAgainstFoodWaste campaign. Around a third of the average rubbish bin in West Sussex is food waste—most of which is avoidable. In fact, 70% of this could have been eaten at some point prior to being thrown away; of that, 41% is just not used in time and 25% is binned because too much has been cooked. Saving food from going to waste is good for the environment, as when you throw food away, you’re not just wasting the product but also the energy, water and other resources that have gone into producing and transporting it. Reducing your food waste can also save you money; waste food is the equivalent of £20 per month per person, or £80 for a family of four.  Read on following the link below for practical tips to help you reduce food waste and save money! Food Waste Action Week | Love Food Hate Waste

  • Emergency Road Closure - Station Road, Southwater

    West Sussex County Council Announces Temporary Road Closure in Southwater Residents and commuters in Southwater are advised of a temporary road closure affecting Station Road. West Sussex County Council has issued a notice under Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984, to facilitate urgent repair works by Southern Water. Details of the Closure: Location:  Station Road, Southwater (from junction with Littles Bridges Close to Fairbank Road) Duration:  From 12th March, with an expected completion by 14th March Restriction:  The road will be closed 24 hours a day during this period The emergency closure has been deemed necessary to allow Southern Water to carry out essential repairs to a broken frame and cover. Access and Alternative Routes: Emergency vehicle access, as well as residential and pedestrian access, will be maintained at all times. A signed alternative route for traffic will be provided on-site to guide motorists. Additional Information: This notice is effective for a maximum of 21 days from 12th March, though works are expected to be completed within three days. For queries regarding the impact on traffic, contact the West Sussex Contact Centre at 01243 642105 . For information on the nature of the works, Southern Water can be reached at 07796 708144 . People are advised to plan their journeys accordingly to avoid inconvenience. West Sussex County Council appreciates the cooperation and patience of residents and commuters during this period of essential maintenance.

  • Monthly Newsletter - April 2025 Edition

    The April 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!

  • A consultation on proposals for a Mayoral Combined Authority for Sussex and Brighton is now open

    A consultation on proposals for a Mayoral Combined Authority for Sussex and Brighton is now open, inviting residents, businesses, and organisations to have their say before the deadline on 13 April 2025. Led by the Government, this consultation aims to gather feedback on governance arrangements, economic growth, public services, and how the authority could reflect local identity. If approved, the combined authority would be overseen by an elected mayor and representatives from East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton & Hove councils. This could mean greater local control over key issues such as transport, housing, and employment, allowing decisions to be made closer to home rather than by central government. Local authorities, including Horsham District Council and county councils, will submit their responses, but public participation is crucial. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to take part and share their views by visiting the Government’s website at Sussex and Brighton Devolution - GOV.UK  and reviewing the Government’s press notice at Devolution Priority Programme Consultations Launch - GOV.UK . This is a key opportunity to influence the future governance of Sussex and Brighton, ensuring decisions align with local needs and priorities.

  • Are you scam savvy?

    The event is back, due to popular demand. Join our next 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: Thursday 3rd April 2025, 11:30AM till 13:00AM 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 or the wardens . Are you scam savvy? Click here to book your FREE seat

  • Full Council Meeting Agenda - 19th March 2025

    The Full Council Agenda for 19th March 2025 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

  • Join the Southwater Community Litter Picking Day!

    Southwater Parish Council and Southwater Community Partnership invite you to take part in a Community Litter Picking Day  as part of the Great British Spring Clean! Date:  Saturday, 29th March 2025 Time:  10 AM - 4 PM Meeting Point:  Lintot Square, Southwater For Facebook event click here This is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference , meet like-minded people , and help keep Southwater clean and green. All equipment will be provided , so just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to pitch in, even for a short period of time during the day! Whether you're an individual, a family, or part of a group, your support will help improve the local environment while having fun along the way. Let’s work together for a cleaner, greener future! Poster for community litter picking day

  • The Big Southwater Bin Survey - Community Consultation

    Southwater Parish Council Launches Community Consultations Southwater Parish Council is committed to engaging with residents and ensuring that local voices shape the future of our community. Throughout the year, we will be running a series of short online consultations on various topics, allowing residents to share their opinions and help guide decisions on local matters. Our first consultation focuses on public bins across Southwater , covering everything from general waste bins to recycling and dog waste bins . We want to hear your thoughts on their locations, types, and whether there are enough to meet the needs of our community. These surveys are designed to be quick and easy to complete, ensuring that everyone has a chance to contribute without taking up too much time. Your feedback is essential in helping us make improvements that benefit all residents. To take part in the consultation, click here and share your thoughts today! Hard copies will be available at Beeson House, please return them to the Parish Office. Scan the QR code to access the survey Stay tuned for more opportunities to share your views on other important local issues throughout the year. For updates on upcoming consultations, follow us on our website and social media and sign up to our newsletter (just scroll to the bottom of the page).

  • Councillor Vacancy

    Following the resignation of Councillor Pauline Flores-Moore from Southwater Parish Council, there is now a vacancy at the Council. Statutory Notice May we take the opportunity again to thank Pauline for her contribution to Southwater Parish Council in the last 23 years. If you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor for Southwater please see below for more information and visit our " Becoming a councillor " page.

  • Councillor Flores-Moore Bids Farewell After 23 Years of Service at Southwater Parish Council

    After 23 years of dedicated service, councillor Pauline Flores - Moore has decided to retire from Southwater Parish Council. Her tenure has been marked by significant achievements and a deep commitment to the community of Southwater. Her Statement: " After 23 incredible years as a councillor, I can honestly say—it’s been quite the ride! Through the ups and downs, what I’ve cherished most is the opportunity to help shape and support our community, even in the toughest times. One of my proudest (and longest!) achievements was finally securing the path on Blakes Farm Road alongside County Councillor Nigel Jupp and Justin Tyler (Executive Officer and RFO) — a mere 20-year project! But knowing it’s made a real difference to safety (including my own) makes every bit of effort worthwhile. That being said, the time has come for me to step down. It’s not a decision I’ve made lightly, and I’ll truly miss this role. But I also believe it’s important for new voices to step forward, bring fresh perspectives, and continue serving our community for all the right reasons. However, I won’t be vanishing! I’ll be putting more energy into the Southwater Community Partnership C.I.C., getting more people involved, and making sure events—especially Christmas—are extra special (because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a festive celebration?). I’ll also continue my work with the ambulance service, as a community first responder ensuring our community gets the care it needs, fast. And since retiring from A&E last year, I’ve taken up golf—turns out, I love it (though my swing is still a work in progress!). I’m truly sorry it has come to this. I believe open dialogue and the Council’s continued efforts on discussing and consulting on potentially sensitive topics should be maintained as this helps us overcome challenges and keeps our community thriving. Thank you for your support over the years;  and being presented with the Freedom of the Parish Award, it has been a privilege. " Southwater Parish Council extends its heartfelt thanks for her outstanding contributions over the years. Her commitment has left an indelible mark on our community, and we are deeply grateful for her dedicated service. We wish her every success in her future endeavors and look forward to her continued involvement within the community.

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