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Do you have a question, concern or idea about Southwater? Would you like to speak to someone about local issues, upcoming events, or anything affecting you and your community? Come along to our next Councillors’ Surgery and have a face-to-face chat with your Parish, District and County Councillors. The surgery will now take place on Saturday 13th June 2026 from 10.00am in the Parish Chamber at Beeson House. This is a great opportunity to raise any queries, share your views, discuss local matters, or simply find out more about what is happening in Southwater. We look forward to seeing you at 10.00am on Saturday.

Southwater Parish Council has taken the decision to postpone the Councillor Surgery scheduled to take place on Saturday 6 June 2026. This follows a review of the practical arrangements for the session, including councillor availability, keyholder cover, staffing arrangements, and wider safety considerations. The surgery will therefore not take place on Saturday 6 June 2026. Alternative arrangements will be confirmed as soon as possible. Residents may continue to contact the Council in writing by email at enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk

Please read below for the current and upcoming roadworks in and around Southwater in June. Millfield 1 June 09:00 - 3 June 01:00 Utility repair and maintenance works by Openreach. Traffic control (give and take). Bluecoat Pond 2 June 08:00 - 4 June 18:00 Utility repair and maintenance works by Openreach. Some carriageway incursion. The Fieldings 21 May - 5 June Utility repair and maintenance works by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion expected. Timber Mill 3 June 00:00 - 5 June 01:00 Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Openreach. Stop/Go boards in operation. Christs Hospital Road 3 June - 16 June Construction of a new footway, highway verge, highway boundary and kerb to tie in with existing. Two-way signals in operation. Timber Mill 5 June 08:00 - 9 June 18:00 Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Openreach. Stop/Go boards in operation. Worthing Road (A24)/Coolham Road junction 9 June - 09:30 - 15:30 only Daytime road closure at the Buck Barn junction slip road to allow Volker Highways to carry out urgent tree felling works to dead elm trees. Diversion route provided. A24 entry slip road southbound, Broadbridge Heath 9 June - 10 June - 20:00 - 05:00 only Evening slip road closure to allow for urgent carriageway pothole repairs from the junction with Farthings Hill Roundabout to Horsham Bypass Southbound. Coolham Road 12 June - 09:00 - 15:30 only Daytime road closure required to allow WSCC to undertake carriageway patching works. Road will be closed from junction with Cowfold Road to junction with Two Mile Ash Road. Hop Oast Roundabout 17 June - 19 June Lane closure on south side of roundabout to replace signage. College Road 29 June - 09:00 - 15:30 only Outside nos 3-13 works to repair a part of the carriageway surface by cutting around the damaged area and replacing with new material. A24 Worthing Road (from Washington Roundabout northbound) 2 July - 7 July Northbound carriage way only Overnight closure from 20:00 until 05:00 to carry out carriageway patching works. Works expected to be completed in 2 days. Tower Hill 27 July - 31 July 24hr road closure for new water connection works. Works outside and opposite Stoneleigh/The Granary and 250m south of the junction with Salisbury Road for 50m.

West Sussex County Council has issued a temporary closure for Downs Link, to allow for surface improvement works. The closure is being carried out under Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. Date: from 8 June 2026 Duration: Up to 21 days. The contractor hopes to leave the path safe for public use during the evenings and weekends. Closed Section: Between Southwater Sports Club and the Bax Castle Works: Surface improvement works. Please note: There is no alternative route available using the Rights of Way network. Whilst the contractor hopes to leave the path safe for public use during evenings and weekends, there may be times when this is not possible. For enquiries about the works, please contact West Sussex County Council.

The Planning Committee Meeting Agenda for 3rd June 2026 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

Traditional analogue landlines across the UK are being replaced with digital phone services, with the old network due to be switched off by January 2027. Instead of using the old copper telephone network, landline calls will be made through broadband internet technology, often called “Digital Voice” or VoIP. For many people, the change will be small and existing phone numbers can usually be kept. However, phones may need to plug into a broadband router rather than the wall socket. Residents should be aware that: digital landlines may not work during a power cut, some telecare alarms or older devices may need upgrading, and vulnerable residents may require additional support. Anyone using care alarms, monitoring equipment, or similar devices is encouraged to check compatibility with their provider before being switched over. Visit BT's website for more information on how landlines are being replaced and why. Preparing for the Switchover You don’t need to do anything until your provider tells you your telephone service is changing, or until you decide to change your telephone service.

Following the resignation of Councillor Ian Stannard from Southwater Parish Council, there is now a new Councillor vacancy. May we take the opportunity to thank Ian 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.

Southwater Parish Council has received the resignation of Councillor Ian Stannard following his recent period of service on the Council. Ian Stannard was reappointed to the Parish Council in 2024 after serving as District Councillor for Southwater and Shipley. A resident of the area for over 30 years, he has dedicated much of his career to education, initially working as a teacher and now serving as House Parent at Christ's Hospital. He has also been a Governor at Southwater Infants School. During his time in local government, Cllr Stannard developed a strong interest in education, public law and planning matters. While serving on Horsham District Council, he was a member of the Planning Committee, Vice Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and Vice Chair of the Council. He was also involved in campaigns to protect the local environment, including opposing development proposals at Buck Barn due to concerns around infrastructure and environmental impact. Southwater Parish Council would like to thank Cllr Stannard for his contribution and service to the community and wishes him well for the future.

The Annual Meeting of The Council Agenda for 20th May 2026 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

A consultation on the Community Governance Review (CGR) for the whole district is now open and residents are encouraged to take part. This review looks at how local communities are represented and whether changes should be made to parish boundaries, governance arrangements, or local representation. This is an important opportunity for everyone to have a say in how their local area is structured and represented. What is the Community Governance Review? A Community Governance Review is a process led by Horsham District Council to consider whether existing parish arrangements still reflect local communities effectively. It can result in recommendations such as: Changes to parish boundaries Creation or merging of parish areas Adjustments to how communities are represented locally View the Information and Map You can explore the areas under review using an interactive map here: Interactive CGR Map This map allows you to view proposed areas and understand how the review may relate to your local community. How to Have Your Say Residents can respond directly to the consultation online here: Resident Consultation Survey Your feedback will help inform the final recommendations made as part of the review. Need a Paper Copy? If you would prefer to respond on paper, copies of the survey can be obtained by: Calling 01403 215100 Visiting the Horsham District Council offices Contacting your local parish office Consultation Deadline The consultation is open now and will close on 22 June 2026. All responses will be reviewed and included in the formal consideration process. This is your opportunity to help shape how your local area is represented in the future, so please take a few minutes to share your views.

Please read below for the current and upcoming roadworks in and around Southwater. Timber Mill 27 May - 29 May Traffic control (stop/go boards) for utility repair/maintenance works Kerves Lane 27 May 9:30AM - 28 May 3:00PM Daytime road closure for drainage jetting works. Road closed between the junctions of Coltstaple Lane and 200m south of Bourne Hill Farm. Pollard Hill Northbound 26 May 11:30AM - 27 May 11:59PM Road closure Urgent carriageway pothole repair works next to lamp column 5 - just before Pollards Road Roundabout. Works will take 1-2 hours. The Fieldings 21 May - 26 May Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Southern Water. Shipley Road 20 May 9:00AM - 4:00PM Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by UK Power Network. Traffic control (two-way signals) will be in place. Colstaple Lane 18 May - 20 May Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion Timber Mill 11 May - 19 May Daytime only road closure required to allow UKPN to Install / Replace / Remove / Disconnect underground service cables. Road will be closed from junction with Cedar Drive and junction with Quarry Way. A diversion will be in place. Nyes Lane 15 May 9:30AM - 2:30PM Highway repairs organised by West Sussex County Council. Some carriageway incursion. Eames View 13 May - 15 May Utility repair and maintenance works by Openreach. Some carriageway incursion expected. Ash Road 13 May - 15 May Utility repair and maintenance works by Openreach. Some carriageway incursion expected. Worthing Road 7 May - 15 May Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Southern Water. Millfield 12 May - 14 May Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Southern Water. Cedar Drive 12 May 12:00AM - 14 May 1:00AM Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Openreach. Larkspur Way 12 May - 14 May Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Southern Water. Cornflower Way 7 May - 11 May Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Southern Water. College Road College Road to Oak Road 24 March - 11 May Scaffolding to be placed on side gable of house to allow brickwork to new extension.

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

Did you know that we award small grants? Southwater Parish Council is pleased to continue supporting local organisations and initiatives through its Small Grants Scheme. At the latest round of funding, a number of projects were successfully awarded grants, reflecting the Council’s commitment to enhancing community life. Southwater Village Hall Preschool Charity has been awarded £500 towards waterproof sides for its outdoor play area shelter. This will allow children to use the space in all weather conditions, providing protection from rain and shade in the summer. Holy Innocents Church (Charity Number: 243134) has received £500 to repair and redecorate internal sanctuary walls. The work will use environmentally friendly limewash suited to listed buildings, helping to maintain the church’s historic fabric. Horsham Matters applied for funding to relocate and run a more accessible foodbank in Southwater. Councillors agreed to award a grant of £1,000 to support this work, helping improve access to food support for local residents. Continuing to Support the Community These grants highlight the Parish Council’s ongoing support for practical, locally driven projects that benefit Southwater residents. If your organisation has a project that could support the community, you are encouraged to apply for funding through the Grants Scheme.

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

Southwater Parish Council is a Gold Award Council dedicated to serving our vibrant and growing community. We are committed to delivering high quality services and projects that enhance the lives of our residents. To support this, we are looking to expand our office team with the addition of an Apprentice Business Support Officer, providing valuable administrative support while developing their own skills and experience in local government. We are recruiting for a new Apprentice Business Support Officer based at Beeson House. This is a full-time apprenticeship role that combines practical work experience with study towards the Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship standard. The apprenticeship is expected to run for approximately 18 months, including time for final assessment, with training delivered during paid working hours. The role is ideal for someone who is organised, willing to learn and interested in how a Parish Council operates. You will support the Executive Officer and the wider office team with a range of day-to-day tasks, including customer service, bookings administration, basic finance support, website updates and general office work. In return, you will gain a recognised qualification, structured training during paid working hours and a solid foundation for a future career in business administration and or local government. The Council’s intention is to retain and develop the successful apprentice where possible. Subject to satisfactory performance, funding and business need, the post is expected to convert to a permanent Business Support Officer role following successful completion of the apprenticeship and end point assessment. Final decisions would be confirmed nearer the completion date. For more details and to access the job description, specification and the application form, please visit the Job Listings & Vacancies section of our website, here.

April 2026: Joint Neighbourhood Plan Area with Shipley Parish Building on the commitment to continuous partnership working, Southwater Parish Council has formally applied to Horsham District Council for the designation of a joint Southwater & Shipley Neighbourhood Plan Area following a positive resolution with neighbouring Shipley Parish Council in April 2026. The proposed area covers both parishes entirely and reflects the increasingly close planning relationships between them, particularly where the outward growth of Southwater influences adjoining rural areas of Shipley and vice versa. The designation request sets out the clear planning reasons for the joint approach, including, but not limited to: shared issues relating to the ongoing protection of the landscape and the countryside, movement and connectivity the need for more coordinated infrastructure planning avoiding duplication and policy inconsistency across both parishes and around boundaries Both councils have independently concluded that a joint neighbourhood plan would provide the most logical, effective and locally supported basis for planning. Horsham District Council will now consider the designation request in line with the neighbourhood planning regulations. Why did we commit to a new Neighbourhood Plan? Please read our previous blog post here.

This year’s Southwater Annual Parish Meeting is set to feel a little different, in a good way. Taking place on Thursday 28th May 2026 at the Lardner Hall at The Ghyll, the event is now evolving into a more engaging, community-focused networking evening. Alongside the usual opportunity to hear updates about the last year, the event will now include stalls hosted by local groups, schools, volunteers and individuals delivering projects and helping the community in Southwater. It’s a chance for residents to see what’s happening locally, ask questions, and make new connections, all in one place. Refreshments will also be provided. Whether you’re new to the village, looking to get involved in upcoming projects and events, join a local group, or simply curious about what’s going on in your community, this event offers a relaxed and welcoming way to meet others and discover opportunities. Stallholders can set up from 5:00pm, with the meeting and networking running from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. View details of the Agenda and organisations attending here. (Please contact us if you would like to have a stall at the event.) Everyone is welcome, we hope to see you there.

Each spring, gardens across the UK begin to burst into life, but many well-meaning homeowners reach for the lawnmower just as nature needs a helping hand. That’s where No Mow May comes in. This nationwide campaign, started by the charity Plantlife, encourages people to put away the mower for the entire month of May to allow wildflowers and grasses to thrive. The goal? To support pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects, which rely on native plants for food and habitat. When lawns are left uncut, species such as clover, daisies, and dandelions are able to bloom, providing vital nectar during a time when food sources are still scarce. Participating in No Mow May is a simple yet powerful act of conservation. It turns ordinary lawns into temporary wildflower meadows, helping to boost biodiversity and support struggling insect populations, which play a crucial role in ecosystems and food production. Southwater Parish Council has been participating in No Mow May for the past few years and will continue to do so. So this May, skip the trim and let your grass grow wild. Your local bees will thank you and so will the planet.

Have you got questions or concerns? Are you interested in any of the upcoming Southwater events? Or is there something else you wish to talk about? Why not come along to our next councillor surgery? It is taking place face to face on Saturday 2nd May 2026 from 10:00AM in the Parish Chamber at Beeson House. This is a great opportunity for you to speak with your Parish, District and County Councillors and raise any queries/concerns and share ideas you may have, or just to have a chat. See you at 10AM on Saturday!

Please read below for the current and upcoming roadworks in and around Southwater. Timber Mill 11 May - 15 May Daytime only road closure required to allow UKPN to Install / Replace / Remove / Disconnect underground service cables. Road will be closed from junction with Cedar Drive and junction with Quarry Way. A diversion will be in place. The Forge 5 May - 7 May Daytime only road closures to install new gully piping. Horsham Bypass (southbound) 30 April Lane closure approximately 400m north of Hop Oast Roundabout to allow for sign replacement. Mill Straight 29 April Two-way traffic controls to allow for utility repairs Sedgwick Lane 27 April - 1 May Road closure for new water connection works. Road closed between the junctions with Whytings Farm and Woodlands Park with works o/s The Reach Home Farm. Station Road 7 April - 14 April Works being carried out by SGN. Some carriageway incursion is expected. Worthing Road (near River Mead) 7 April - 14 May Multi-way signals. Refurbishment and upgrade of a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing. Cripplegate Lane 7 April - 10 April Road will be closed for emergency roadworks carried out by Southern Water to repair damaged pipework. Cripplegate Lane/Millfield 13 April - 17 April Multiway traffic lights at the junction with Millfield for Southern Water repair work. Worthing Road 9 April 09:30 - 16:00 Works organised by West Sussex County Council to paint white lines on the carriageway. Traffic control with two-way signals will be in place. The Laurels to Mapledown Close 2 April - 8 April Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion is expected. Charlock Way 7 April From 9:30AM Utility Asset Works by Virgon media. No carriageway incursion expected. College Road to Oak Road 24 March - 21 April Side of No. 25 to No. 27 Scaffolding to be placed on side gable of house to allow brickwork to new extension. No carriageway incursion is expected. Cedar Drive 2 February - 20 March Ongoing highway improvement roadworks to remove a layer of the footway surface and then creation of a layer of new material. Traffic control in place.

The Planning Committee Meeting Agenda for 6th May 2026 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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