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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WEST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE TOWER HILL, HORSHAM NOTICE IS hereby given that in pursuance of the provisions of Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984, as amended, the use of Tower Hill, Horsham from junction with Worthing Road to Christs Hospital is temporarily prohibited from 23rd October 2024. The restriction will be in place 24 hours. This emergency closure is necessary to allow UK Power Networks to carry out repairs to a mains cable safely. It is anticipated the works will be completed by 31st October 2024. Emergency vehicle, Residential and Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. The alternative route for traffic will be signed on site. This notice will be effective for a maximum of 21 days from the date given above. Any queries about the effect of the closure on traffic using the highway, please contact the West Sussex Contact Centre on 01243 642105. Any queries about the nature of works please contact UK Power Networks 0800 0280709.

Businesses from across Horsham District are now being invited to express their interest to enter the Council’s Christmas Magic Displays Competition, as part of its ‘Buy Local Gift Happy’ campaign this year. The competition will celebrate the festive windows, displays and market stalls which help to make our towns and villages a magical place to be over the festive period. Local businesses taking part in the competition will benefit from publicity throughout December, with the businesses with the winning displays being awarded exciting prizes to celebrate their win including even more publicity in local media and a framed certificate. To enter, all businesses need to do is fill in a simple online form via the Council website by Friday 1 November 2024. They will then receive easy step-by-step instructions regarding their involvement in the competition. All entrants must then be prepared to take a high-quality photo of their display. For more information, please click here.

The last F&GP meeting was postponed due to illness on the 16th October 2024. The meeting has now been rescheduled and will be held on the 30th October 2024 at 7PM at Beeson House. 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.

The November edition of the monthly Newsletter from Southwater Parish Council is now available to view, please click here: https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/newsletters Would you like to be first one to receive our newsletter? Scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe!

The annual vegetation cut will be carried out on the Downs Link by contractors at various times during October and November 2024. This cut helps keep the path open as well as promoting fresh growth of ground flora in the spring. During this time please: Be extra vigilant. Follow instructions on any signage. Follow instructions from the contractors. Enquires should be sent to countryside@westsussex.gov.uk WSCC would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

UPDATE 16 OCTOBER 2024 - THE MEETING HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO STAFF SICKNESS/ABSENCE. New date to be published in due course. 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.

WEST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL (SOUTHWATER: PUBLIC BRIDLEWAY NO. 3568) (TEMPORARY CLOSURE) ORDER 2024 NOTICE is hereby given that West Sussex County Council made an Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effect of which will be to prohibit any person from proceeding along a length of Public Bridleway No. 3568 Southwater, from its south eastern end at its junction with Worthing Road (515667, 129292), north-westwards to its junction with Public Bridleway No. 3568/1 (515394, 126510), for a distance of approximately 354 metres. The Order is necessary to protect public safety whilst structural repairs are undertaken to an unsafe bridge under which the bridleway passes. Unfortunately there is no alternative route available using the Public Rights of Way network. The Order will come into effect on 17 October 2024 and will last for 6 months or until the Public Bridleway is safe to reopen whichever is sooner. Any queries about the effect of the Order on users of the Public Bridleway should be directed to Rights of Way Team, WSCC, telephone number 01243 777620.

On World Mental Health Day, let’s all come together to talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters. Talking about our mental health can help us cope better with life’s ups and downs,  reduces stigma and encourages people to seek help when needed. So, on World Mental Health Day and beyond it, why not check in with your friends, family, peers, or colleagues? World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October. This year’s theme set by the World Federation of Mental Health is workplace mental health . The theme highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations, and communities. Here is a list of useful numbers and resources for everyone, who is seeking information or help. Click here for the resources.

Confused about Recycling? West Sussex County Council , as part of the West Sussex Waste Partnership, have released a brand-new set of recycling animations as part of the successful Think Before You Throw campaign. These short videos answer common recycling questions, such as why recycling needs to be clean, dry, and loose, and what are additional kerbside collections. You can watch the new animations on their YouTube channel here.

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.

At the Full Council Meeting on the 18th September 2024 changes have been approved regarding the start time of Finance and General Purpose Committee meetings and Full Council meetings. These meetings used to start at 7:30pm but will start at 7pm in the future. For more information regarding council meetings and dates, please visit this page.

Location: Upper 1, Beeson House, Linton 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: £4,400 p.a. plus VAT, payable monthly in advance at £366.66. Service Charges: Estimated at £2,460p.a. plus VAT for the period 2024-25, also payable in advance by monthly payments of £205/month. Initial Payment: Pro rata rent for the first occupancy period and one full month's rent (£366.66) 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 Southwater!   For enquiries or to schedule a viewing, please contact us at enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk .