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Please read below for the current and upcoming roadworks in and around Southwater. 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 incoursion expected. College Road to Oak Road 24 March - 21 April Side of No. 25 to No. 27 S caffolding 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 road works to remove a layer of the footway surface and then creation of a layer of new material. Traffic control in place. Station Road 7 April - 14 April Works being carried out by SGN. Some carriageway incursion is expected. 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. The Forge 5 May - 7 May Daytime only road closures to install new gully piping.

Easter is all about fresh starts, family time, and a bit of chocolate, but it can also create a lot of unnecessary waste if we are not careful. The good news is that it’s easy to celebrate in a more planet-friendly way with just a few small changes. Choose better treats Look for chocolate with less packaging or from ethical brands. You could even try making your own, it is fun, and much less wasteful. Ditch the plastic Swap out plastic decorations for things like painted eggs, flowers, or homemade crafts. They look better and can be reused year after year or compost. Rethink egg hunts Instead of plastic eggs, use reusable ones or decorate real eggs. You could even turn it into a little outdoor adventure. Keep food simple Plan your meals so nothing goes to waste, and try using local, seasonal ingredients where you can. Give thoughtful gifts Skip the plastic-heavy presents. A plant, homemade treat, or even just spending time together can mean a lot more. Recycle Make sure to properly separate and recycle the waste, with the new foodwaste bins, nothing should be going to general waste this Easter. At the end of the day, Easter is about enjoying time together, and keeping things simple and sustainable just makes it even better.

Southwater Parish Council is proud to support a talented group of young, local dancers from the community, awarding £200 from the Chairman’s Discretionary Fund to assist them on their journey to the prestigious Dance World Cup Finals 2026 in Dublin . The funding has been awarded to support members of KDF Academy of Dance , a well-established dance school based in Southwater and Horsham. Notably, six of the dancers selected for the international competition are from Southwater , alongside two of the key figures behind the academy, principle Kayleigh and her sister Jo, who both will be accompanying the team. A Local Team with International Talent The competition team includes 14 dancers aged 11–23, with strong local representation, including six from Southwater. After months of dedication, they have qualified four group routines to represent Team England at the Dance World Cup Finals. KDF Academy, established in 2013 , supports dancers from early years, and provides a wide range of performance opportunities, helping young people build confidence and skills. Fundraising for a Global Stage The team wishes to compete is entirely self-funded and is working to raise £25,000 to cover essential costs such as travel, accommodation, entry fees, costumes, and official Team England kit for the 14 girls. Families and supporters are actively fundraising and seeking sponsorship to make this opportunity possible. How to Support Donations of any size are welcome and will help these talented dancers represent both their community and their country on an international stage: https://gofund.me/9619a8d26 Southwater Parish Council wishes the team every success as they prepare for this exciting opportunity. Photo credit: KDF Academy, GoFundMe page

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

Join us on Friday 17th April 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: 17th April 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.

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? Our councillor surgeries are normally held on the first Saturday of each month, except August, when the surgery doesn't run, but due to the upcoming Easter holiday weekend, we have moved the date to the second Saturday of April. The April councillor surgery is taking place face to face on Saturday 11th April 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. You can also enquire about our working groups, and let us know if you wish to join any of them. See you at 10AM on Saturday!

What the Government has announced On 25 March 2026 the Government confirmed it is delaying its decision on how local government should change across Sussex. West Sussex local authorities were expecting a decision from the Government on local government reorganisation in the area by the end of March. The Government has now issued an update. They have not made a decision on which unitary solution to apply in Sussex and instead have confirmed they will be running a second consultation on plans covering the whole of Sussex. The new consultation will see two variations on the proposals already submitted by Sussex local authorities. The first proposed modification is moving Chichester District Council into a unitary with Crawley Borough Council, Horsham District Council and Mid Sussex District Council. Leaving a second unitary in West Sussex comprising Arun District Council, Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council. The second modification would see boundary changes moving wards in Falmer, Peacehaven and Saltdean from Lewes District Council in East Sussex to Brighton & Hove City Council. The consultation will begin after the local elections in May, and a decision is expected in the summer after the consultation period closes and new representations are considered. The overall timescale for reorganisation remains the same with elections to the new shadow unitary authorities expected in 2027 preparing for the new authorities to formally launch in 2028. The delay is disappointing, as the ongoing uncertainty reduces the time available for planning and preparation on the final decision and heightens the risks to delivering a smooth transition for our residents. All councils in West Sussex remain committed to working together in the best interests of our communities, and we will continue to collaborate closely as we await further clarity from Government. This update has been shared from West Sussex County Council's website and we will continue to inform residents when new information becomes available.

The pedestrian improvement works connecting Nutham Lane, Cedar Drive to Cripplegate Lane bus shelter in Southwater have now been completed. The project, carried out by West Sussex County Council, aimed to make walking in the area safer and easier, where many people walk to the bus stop on Cripplegate Lane. What Changed The old woodchip path on Cedar Drive was replaced with all-weather asphalt footway. The paths now link Nutham Lane and Cripplegate Lane more smoothly. New pedestrian crossings were added to make it safer to cross the roads. Existing crossings were improved for better safety and accessibility. Walking routes to nearby bus stops became safer and easier to use. Wildflowers around the new footpath Part of the grass around the new path is being turned into a wildflower meadow, using native British wildflower seeds. Instead of plain mown grass, the area(marked in green on the map below) will now bring colourful wildflowers around the new footpath, that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and various wildlife, improving biodiversity in the area. Be patient, the flowers will take a little time to grow!

The Planning Committee Meeting Agenda for 1st April 2026 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

Join our wardens for an  action packed and informative Cyber Security training presentation from the South East Regional Organized Crime Unit's Cyber Crime Team , where we will equip you with easy-to-implement tips to stay safe online and minimize the risk of falling victim to cybercrime.  In an era where our lives are increasingly intertwined with the digital realm, protecting ourselves from cyber threats is more crucial than ever. This presentation is designed to cater to individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their technical expertise. Our goal is to provide practical insights and actionable steps that everyone can take to enhance their online security posture.    Event details: 31st March, from 11AM In the Parish Chamber, Beeson House 26 Lintot Square, Fairbank Road, Southwater, West Sussex RH13 9LA Key Topics Include: Password Mastery:  Learn the art of creating strong, unique passwords and explore password management tools to ensure the security of your accounts. Phishing Awareness and Cyber Overview:  Recognize common phishing techniques and discover how to outsmart criminals by identify malicious emails, messages and websites to avoid falling prey to cybercriminals. Device Hygiene:  Understand the importance of keeping your devices up to date with the latest security patches and explore best practices for securing your smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets. Social Media Safety:  Uncover strategies to protect your personal information on social media platforms and maintain a healthy online presence without compromising your privacy. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):  Embrace the power of an additional layer of security through 2FA, making it significantly harder for unauthorized individuals to access your accounts. Other Fraud information:  Learn all about other strategies criminals use to target individuals. We’ll cover topics such as Crypto Currency, Investment and Romance Fraud as well as Phone Scams.  Q and A:  Ask anything!

Exciting news for young people in the community, something magical is coming to Southwater! In partnership with Southwater Parish Council, your local Neighbourhood Wardens, Dom and Bettina, are thrilled to be launching a FREE Dungeons & Dragons Gaming Club right here in the village. The venue is secured, the idea is set… now we’re looking for the heroes (and storytellers!) to bring it to life. Who can get involved? Players (ages 12–17): Whether you're completely new to Dungeons & Dragons or already a seasoned adventurer, this is your chance to dive into epic quests, explore fantastical worlds, and make new friends along the way. Dungeon Masters (volunteers): Do you enjoy storytelling, creativity, and guiding others through immersive adventures? We’re looking for volunteer Dungeon Masters to help shape exciting campaigns and lead our young players on unforgettable journeys. Why join? This club is more than just a game, it’s a space to: Build confidence and creativity Meet like-minded people Strengthen community connections Have fun in a safe and welcoming environment Whether you want to slay dragons, solve mysteries, or create your own fantasy world, this is your chance to be part of something special in Southwater. Interested? Get in touch with Dom and Bettina to find out more and secure your place. Adventure awaits!

West Sussex County Council is celebrating World Oral Health Day on Friday, 20 March 2026, with a campaign focusing on children's teeth. Tooth decay is the most common oral disease affecting children and young people in England, yet it is largely preventable. “World Oral Health Day highlights that good oral health habits established early in life can help prevent tooth decay and support children’s overall wellbeing,” said Councillor Bob Lanzer, the council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing. “Tooth decay continues to remain the most common reason for hospital admissions in children aged between 5 and 9 years in England. Simple steps  make a big difference. By brushing twice a day and limiting sugary snacks and drinks, parents and carers can reduce the risk of tooth decay. “The whole family can use the same fluoride toothpaste , it’s just the amount you use that changes. Children under 3 should use a smear of toothpaste, whilst children aged 3-6 should use a pea size. “Our commitment to improve oral health in West Sussex is part of our Council Plan priority of helping people and communities to fulfil their potential.” To help shape future children’s oral health promotion and prevention services and support, we’d like to hear from families with children aged 5 and under. You can take part in the children’s oral health survey here . Participants can enter a free prize draw for the chance to win one of 5 One4All vouchers each worth £20. Top tips Make brushing twice a day part of the daily routine. Encourage children to spit out toothpaste rather than rinsing, so the fluoride can protect their teeth. Replace toothbrushes every three months or sooner. Avoid letting children lick or eat toothpaste directly from the tube. For babies and toddlers up to three years use a smear of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) containing fluoride. For children aged 3 to 6 years, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing fluoride. Food and drink for healthy teeth Keep sugary food and drinks to mealtimes . Frequent snacking on sugary treats can lead to tooth decay. Fizzy or sugary drinks can harm teeth. Water or unflavoured milk are healthier choices. Move away from bottles by one year: An open or free-flow cup (without a valve) helps protect developing teeth. Avoid adding sugar to food or drinks for babies and toddlers. The county council is handing out ‘Little Teeth, Big Smiles’ Oral Health gift packs to families with children aged 0-5 years via Rhyme time and Toddler time sessions in all West Sussex libraries until Friday 27 March or until stocks last and they are also available in all family hubs across the county whilst stocks last. The packs include toothpaste, toothbrushes and an educational children’s rhyming book  about visiting the dentist which is also available to loan from libraries. To find out more about children’s oral health and support in West Sussex, visit our children’s oral health campaigns page . Tooth decay remains the most common reason for hospital admissions among children aged 5 to 9 in England. A short statistical commentary for hospital tooth extractions in 0-19 year olds 2025 can be found here .

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

The Extraordinary Planning Committee Meeting Agenda for 18th March 2026 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

Join us for a community litter picking day as part of the Great British Spring Clean, and help keep our local area clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone. Litter might seem small, but the impact is huge. Research in England shows that over 90% of surveyed locations contain litter , with only 1 in 10 streets or parks completely litter-free . The most littered items include sweet wrappers, drinks bottles, cans, and fast-food packaging. Across the UK, it’s estimated that more than two million pieces of litter are dropped every day , and surveys show that almost half of adults admit to littering in the past year . The good news is that community action really does make a difference. Millions of volunteers across the country take part in clean-ups each year through initiatives like the Great British Spring Clean, helping to remove millions of bags of rubbish from streets, parks, and beaches. Come along, meet your neighbours, enjoy some fresh air, and help make a visible difference to our local environment. Gloves, litter pickers and bags will be provided, but bring your own if you have them! When? Friday 27th March 2026 From 11AM till 3PM Where? Our stall will be at Lintot Square and you will need to return the equipment and drop off the litter there too. We will also be joined by West Sussex County Council's waste prevention team with their educational stall on waste prevention, recycling, food waste collection etc. Together we can make our community cleaner and greener. See you there!

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.

Temporary Closure of Station Road, Southwater West Sussex County Council has issued a notice for an Emergency Temporary Traffic Regulation Order affecting Station Road, Southwater on the 10th March 2026. It is anticipated that the works will be completed on 11th March, but the notice allows a maximum of 21 days. The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce while FM Conway understakes emergency drainage jetting , on behalf of West Sussex County Council. The restriction will be in place overnight only, from 20:00 till 3:00 . Other upcoming roadworks: Pollards Way to Stakers Lane 12 March 08:00 - 18:00 Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Openreach. Temporary obstruction expected. Cripplegate Lane 1 December 2025 - 20 March 2026 Ongoing highway improvement works to remove a layer of the footway surface and then creation of a layer of new material. Traffic control in place. Millfield 16 March - 17 March Highway repair and maintenance works by Community Fibre Limited. No carriageway incoursion expected. Station Road 12 March - 16 March Remedial works by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion is expected. Cedar Drive 2 February - 20 March Ongoing highway improvement road works to remove a layer of the footway surface and then creation of a layer of new material. Traffic control in place. Pevensey Road 13 March - 17 March Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion is expected. Worthing Road 12 March - 16 March Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion is expected. Woodpeckers 26 February - 26 March Scaffolding is in place. Two Mile Ash, Bax Castle - 12 March Structures general maintenance on the south of Two Mile Ash. - From 9:30 - 15:30 on 12th March there is also a daytime closure in place for bridge inspection works. The road between the junctions with Marlpost Road and the Bax Castle will be closed and traffic will be diverted. Emergency access will be maintained at all times. Please visit here for more information. Bonfire Hill 9 March - 10 March Road closure for works to repair/install drainage on behalf of West Sussex County Council. FM Conway will undertake emergency drainage jetting. The restriction will be in place overnight only from 20:00 until 03:00. An alternative route will be signed on site. Station Road - Christ's Hospital 10 March 09:30 - 11 March 15:30 Works to repair/install drainage, on behalf of West Sussex County Council. Road cloure will be in place. Nutham Lane 10 March - 12 March Utility repair and maintenance works by Openreach. Some carriageway incursion and footway closure with alternative route will be expected.

Location: Upper 1, Beeson House, Lintot 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:   £3,300 p.a. plus VAT, payable monthly in advance at £275.00 (Previously £4,400 p.a. - now 25% lower) Open to offers. Service Charges:  Estimated at £2,460p.a. plus VAT for the period 2024-25, also payable in advance by monthly payments of £205/month.  There is a small increase on this for 2026-27.   Initial Payment: Pro rata rent for the first occupancy period and one full month's rent, 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 the centre of Southwater!   For enquiries or to schedule a viewing, please contact us at enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk .

Southwater Parish Council has welcomed a new councillor following the uncontested election in February 2026. One vacancy was available on the Parish Council, following the resignation of Graham Turnwell, and one candidate stood for election. As the number of candidates did not exceed the number of available seats, the election was uncontested and the candidate was duly elected to serve as a parish councillor. The Council welcomes Cllr Chris Woodrow, who now joins the Parish Council, bringing the number of councillors back to its full complement. Cllr Chris Woodrow Cllr Woodrow shared the following biography: "I was elected to Southwater Parish Council in February 2026 and have lived in Southwater since 2014, having moved to the Horsham District in 2009. My professional background is in engineering, with 17 years’ experience across the Aerospace, Defence and Automotive sectors. I also volunteer with the Southwater Community Partnership's Computer Club, supporting residents in developing digital skills. As a parent of two children attending local schools, I am actively involved in village life and the community groups they belong to. I can often be found walking our two dogs around the village and the surrounding fields. I am passionate about protecting the green spaces and natural environment, recognising the vital role they play in supporting residents’ health, wellbeing and quality of life. I am committed to working with the community to ensure our village continues to thrive and remains a wonderful place to live." With the vacancy now filled, Southwater Parish Council once again has a full team of councillors in place. To find out more about the members of the Council and contact them, please visit our Parish Councillors page on the website .

Further to West Sussex County Council’s Planning and Rights of Way Committee decision on 4 February 2026 to make an order to add footpaths in the Courtland Wood area of Southwater, an order was made on 17 February 2026. Summary of 3 proposed footpaths, as per Definitive Map Statement: The Order proposes the addition of the following footpaths: Footpath 1 : From existing footpath 1658 on the southern boundary of Courtland Wood, running generally north, then east, then north, for approximately 653 metres , connecting to footpath 1660. Width varies between 0.35 metres and 1.1 metres. Footpath 2 : Running east, then northeast, for approximately 223 metres , connecting to footpath 1660. Width: 1.1 metres. Footpath 3: Running generally east, then south, for approximately 313 metres , connecting back to footpath 1658 on the eastern boundary of Courtland Wood. Width: 1.1 metres. Viewing the Order and making representations The Order Notice will be advertised in the West Sussex County Times on 12 March 2026. The period for representations or objections runs from 12 March to 23 April 2026. A copy of the Order and the Order Plan may be seen free of charge, by prior appointment, at the office of the Legal Services, County Hall, Chichester, PO19 1RQ. Order Plan may be purchased for £8.00 from Legal Services. Any representation or objection relating to the Order must be sent in writing to the Director of Law, Assurance & Insight, County Hall, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1RQ or legal.services@westsussex.gov.uk (quote ref: CC803.16334) not later than 23 April 2026. If no objections are received (or if any received are withdrawn), West Sussex County Council  may confirm the Order itself. Otherwise, it will be submitted to the Secretary of State for determination. Please read a copy of the Made Order for more information.

Residents and road users are advised of temporary overnight closures on sections of the Horsham Bypass on 5 March 2026, to allow urgent carriageway pothole repairs to take place. The works are being carried out by West Sussex County Council. Southbound closure - Southwater CP The southbound carriageway will be closed: From: the junction with the B2337 To: the first slip road for Broadbridge Heath Northbound closure – Broadbridge Heath CP The northbound carriageway will be closed: From: Hop Oast Roundabout To: Robin Hood Roundabout Both closures will be overnight only from 8:00pm till 5:00am Closure start date: 5th of March 2026 Maximum duration: up to 21 days (if required) Expected completion of works: 6th of March 2026 Additional information Signed diversion routes will be in place on site. Access will be maintained for emergency services, residents and pedestrians within the closure areas. The closures are necessary to allow urgent pothole repairs to be completed safely and efficiently. For more details about these works, please contact West Sussex County Council on 01243 642105, or email ttro@westsussex.gov.uk Residents are advised to plan journeys in advance and allow extra time when travelling overnight during the works. Please find information on how to report a pothole, here.

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

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 7th March 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!

The main breeding season for nesting birds usually runs throughout March to August each year. This can be weather dependent, and some birds may nest outside this period, so it is important to check carefully for active nests prior to cutting. Nearly all nesting birds are protected by law as it is an offence under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 to intentionally take, damage, or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built, or to intentionally kill, injure or take chicks or adults, or intentionally take or destroy any eggs. Hence, during this period all reasonable precautions must be taken not to disturb nesting birds, this includes completed nests and nests that are in the process of being built. Legally vegetation could be cut any time of year (except for some mature hedgerows protected by law), however, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) recommend avoiding hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which Southwater Parish Council works towards ensuring advice is sought from RSPB where required. In circumstances where works are required during nesting season Southwater Parish Council ensures nesting assessments are carried out by a contractor prior to carrying out the works ensuring they also operate a Wildlife Policy. This includes visual checks of the area to be cut are carried out and identifying if there is the presence of birds acting in an agitated or disturbed manner. Birds constantly flying back and forth to the same area and giving ‘distress calls’ could indicate the presence of a nest. If during cutting, a nest is uncovered, works are immediately ceased in that area and to ensure the nest site is not left uncovered. Southwater Parish Council will not knowingly start work where birds or animals are nesting or roosting unless the works are considered necessary to public safety. If very large areas of scrub or bramble require clearance the work to these areas is carried after the nesting bird season and cleared during the September to February period when nesting bird activity is much lower. It is the responsibility of the Police to enforce the legislation of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If you become aware of someone cutting a hedge during this period, you may want to consider speaking to them and politely highlight the risk to birds’ nests, and the laws protecting nests. If they were to proceed knowing there is evidently an active nest at risk, please contact the Police on 101, and ask for a reference number. Should you have any further queries please contact Southwater Parish Council or RSPB Wildlife Enquiries on 01767 693690.

Southwater Parish Council confirms that under s9 of the Open Spaces Act 1906 it completed the acquisition of the parcel of land lying to the west of Reeds Lane (Title Number WSX99391) on 19 February 2026. The land runs behind properties in York Close and is crossed by Public Right of Way (PROW 1678). As resolved in the F&GP meeting on 15 October 2025 , and ratified at the Full Council Meeting on 19 November 2025 , the Council will not redirect the path, and public access will be retained in perpetuity. The Council further resolved not to transfer licence to Southwater Ghyll CIO or form part of the Leisure Management Agreement.   Public Right of Way PROW 1678 remains recorded on the Definitive Map. West Sussex County Council, as Highway Authority, remains responsible for maintaining the Public Right of Way. The change of ownership does not alter the legal status of the PROW. The Parish Council will carry out additional general land maintenance, where appropriate, alongside the County Council’s routine maintenance of the PROW, which happens approximately once per year as part of the countywide maintenance program.   Access Gates The Parish Council is aware that some properties have existing access gates onto the land. Gates installed before 19 February 2026 will not be required to be removed. The existing gates will be treated as historic arrangements. Any new access gates proposed in future will require written permission from Southwater Parish Council before installation. Such permission may require an inspection by the Parish Council and County Council to ensure no obstruction is created. Residents should contact the Parish Office with details of the proposed gate.   Use of the Land The land will continue to be used for: Informal pedestrian access. Public use of PROW 1678.   Where to report issues? Issues relating to the surface of PROW 1678 should be reported to West Sussex County Council. Other concerns, including trees, vegetation or boundary matters, should be reported to Southwater Parish Council.   Small signs (no larger than A4) will be installed at each end of the land confirming ownership and maintenance responsibilities.   For further information, please contact the Parish Office . The title plan below is also available in PDF format.

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.

Did you know that we award small grants? Southwater Parish Council recognises the hard work of the many local organisations that help improve and enhance the community and we are committed to supporting them. These small grants are payments made by the Parish Council to an organisation for a specific purpose to enhance and promote the wellbeing of the local community, either generally or through a specific project; and which is not directly controlled or administered by the Parish Council. Organisations are eligible to apply for a Community Grant if they meet the criteria detailed in our Grant Policy. Visit our Grants page for more information regarding our grants and how to apply. Applications will be considered twice yearly in April and October, so now is the best time to apply to get a decision in April 2026.

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