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Author: Andrew Taylor

The Big Debate

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

The NHS and local authorities in Sussex would like to know about your experiences of health and care during the COVID-19 pandemic, so that they can improve the way services are provided in the future.

Delayed care:  Have you been affected by delays to your care, either because your appointment or treatment was delayed or postponed or because you decided to wait until the pandemic had eased before having your treatment or appointment?  Click here to tell us about your experiences and any decisions or changes you have made as a result.  https://yoursaysussexhealthandcare.uk.engagementhq.com/delayed-care

Wellbeing:  Since the lockdown period due to Covid-19 began, people have made many changes to their lives and what they saw as “normal”. We would like to know more about the changes you made due to Covid-19, whether you think they are good for your wellbeing or not.

  • What have you STOPPED doing since the start of lockdown? (for example, you might have stopped travelling to work, smoking, or stopped eating healthily due to changing your routine)
  • What have you STARTED doing since the start of lockdown? (For example, you might have started taking daily exercise, reading more, or eating more chocolate!)

What do you feel about these changes?  Will there be things you will carry on?  How has the easing of lockdown rules affected you?

Click here to share your experiences:  https://yoursaysussexhealthandcare.uk.engagementhq.com/wellbeing

Gatwick Airport to introduce charges for vehicles using its forecourts next year

Posted on by Andrew Taylor
  • Revenue will be used to help the airport recover and preserve jobs from the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis
  • Traffic congestion and emissions at Gatwick and surrounding areas also likely to reduce
  • Gatwick plans to look at solutions for those who regularly drop off and pick up at the South Terminal each day to access to the train station which includes many local residents.

Next year Gatwick will be introducing a charge for vehicles using the forecourt to drop off passengers directly outside its terminals – as most UK airports have done for many years – and the
revenue raised will help the airport continue its recovery from the economic impact of the COVID19 crisis. Anyone who does not wish to pay the charge will be able to drop-off or pick-up
passengers in the airport’s long-stay car parks with two hours free parking and a free shuttle bus to the terminals.

Currently, cars are permitted to drop off passengers directly in front of both terminals. People picking up passengers are required to use the short stay car park, although this does not always
happen, and some people use the forecourt to pick up.

A £5 charge will therefore be introduced for vehicles using the forecourt. This charge will help Gatwick continue to meet its commitment to reduce ‘Kiss and Fly’ – the least sustainable type of
journey to the airport as it involves two return car journeys – while also further encouraging public transport use and potentially cutting road traffic congestion and emissions at Gatwick and
surrounding local areas. Currently around 15% of airport journeys are ‘Kiss and Fly’.

Gatwick is looking at solutions to allow those who regularly drop off and pick up at the South Terminal each day to access to the train station to make a token annual payment contribution.
Suitable solutions for Blue Badge holder’s convenience are also being looked at.

Reducing the airport’s environmental impact continues to be an important focus and Gatwick plans to put a proportion of the revenue into Gatwick’s existing Sustainable Transport Fund.

No date has been set to introduce the new charging system but the first step includes a consultation on the implementation of a Red Route system across the airport campus to indicate that stopping to park, load or unload, board or alight from a vehicle is prohibited. Revenue raised through Red Route fines will also be used to fund sustainable transport initiatives under the guidance of the airport’s Transport Steering Group, which includes external local representatives.

The airport benefits from strong public transport links, with recent improvements enabling a train leaving for London every three to four minutes – as regular as tube services – and a £4 million
upgrade to an airport bus interchange benefitting the 3 million people who use it each year. Around 650 local services arrive / depart the bus interchange each week, many of them 24-hour
services.

Gatwick also remains committed to its investment in the ongoing £150 million project to upgrade the airport’s train station, which will make connections to other destinations easier by doubling the size of the station concourse, adding five new lifts and eight escalators to improve passenger flow, and widening two platforms to reduce overcrowding.

Jonathan Pollard Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Gatwick has just gone through the most challenging period in its history and this new drop off charging scheme will give us a new revenue
stream to aid recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and ultimately help us continue as an important provider of economic prosperity and jobs across the region.

“Gatwick is also committed to promoting sustainable travel and this new scheme will encourage passengers to consider more sustainable transport options, including public transport services or parking options at the airport, which only involves two single car trips, compared to two return trips when dropping off.

“The airport already has strong public transport links and we will build on this with a proportion of the revenue raised supporting new sustainable transport initiatives. We will also continue to fund our share of the ongoing project to build a new £150 million airport train station.”

Council approves new Corporate Plan and Budget

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

Mid Sussex District Council has agreed a revised Corporate Plan and Budget for 2020/21 in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Councillors met on Wednesday 30 September to agree recovery plans, an updated four-year financial strategy and to approve measures that will protect the Council’s most important projects and services.

Coronavirus is an unprecedented crisis and the uncertainties surrounding it make planning for the future extremely challenging for local authorities. Over the past six months the Council has responded quickly to help support residents and businesses, taking on new responsibilities, but it is impossible to know how long this extra work will be required.

The extra spending required to support local communities, coupled with a significant loss of income because of the virus, means there is huge pressure on Council budgets. It is predicted that, even considering financial support provided by Central Government, the pandemic will cost the Council £8.3 million over the next 4 years.

The Council agreed the original Corporate Plan and Budget 2020/21 in February 2020. Since then, coronavirus has fundamentally changed the way people live their lives, and the way they access Council services. It is clear that the Council will not be able to undertake all of the projects and services in the way they were envisioned before the coronavirus outbreak and a revised Corporate Plan is required.

Councillor Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council said:

“Coronavirus has been an unprecedented crisis with an uncertain outlook and it’s clear that the virus will be a fact of life for some time to come. We’re fortunate as a Council to be able to use our financial reserves to help us cope in the short-term but this cannot be forever, and we must start working now to generate revenue savings, balance our budget and protect our services for the future.

“This revised Corporate Plan and Budget is vital to help us concentrate on what our communities need most to help them through this crisis. Our focus is firmly on how we can support the Mid Sussex area to recover from the impacts of this pandemic as quickly as possible.

“We want to create a positive environment that will attract new businesses and investors to Mid Sussex, provide grants that will support existing businesses to adapt to a post pandemic world and deliver the Full Fibre digital infrastructure that’s necessary to enable business to flourish.

“One of the positives to come out of the pandemic is the way it has shown our community at its best, with many residents making enormous efforts to support their family, friends and neighbours through the crisis. It’s vitally important for us as a council to support the many voluntary organisations that enable us to have such strong and resilient communities.”

Mid Sussex District Council has played a leading role during the crisis including distributing business support grants to local firms, supporting community hubs to help local individuals and families in need, increasing provision for the homeless to get them off the streets and into accommodation, and providing advice and support to shops to allow them to open safely and follow social distancing guidelines.

Test and Trace Guidance

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

Key messages

  • To stop the spread of the virus remember Hands. Face. Space: wash your hands regularly, use a face covering when social distancing is not possible and try to keep your distance from those not in your household.
  • There is now very high demand for coronavirus tests and it is vital we test people with symptoms to help stop the spread of the virus.

If you have covid symptoms, you must get a test.

If you don’t have symptoms, don’t get a test.

We all need to play our part to protect the NHS Test and Trace service for those who really need it.

  • A recent survey at testing sites found a quarter of people turning up did not have symptoms. If you don’t have coronavirus symptoms, and have not been advised to take a test by a doctor or a public health professional or by your local council, you should not be booking a test. Healthcare professionals will be checking those for symptoms at testing sites.
  • If you have any coronavirus symptoms you must isolate immediately for 10 days (don’t wait for a test or a test result before doing so)
  • If you are identified as a contact of a positive case you must isolate for the full 14 days (even if for some reason you got a negative test during that period)

You should NOT get tested:

If you have returned from abroad or are about to travel, you are returning to the workplace, you have been in contact with a confirmed case or if another member of your household has symptoms. You may be advised to isolate if you have been in contact with a confirmed but you should only get a test if you have symptoms.

By following these simple rules, we can ensure people who need a test can get one.

When to get a test or not:

  • Only get a test if you have coronavirus symptoms or have been asked to get tested a doctor or a public health professional or by your local council. The main symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms.
  • Do not use this service to get a test in order to travel to another country. We do not provide certificates for travel purposes. You can pay for a private test.
  • If your employer, school, or travel company has asked for evidence of a negative coronavirus test result, we are unable to provide this service. You should only get tested if you have symptoms.
  • If someone in your household starts to have symptoms, then they must get tested and the rest of your household should self-isolate with them whilst they wait for the results. If you or other members of the household don’t have symptoms, then you should not get a test – only people with symptoms should get tested. Most people who are tested in person get their results the next day. Full guidance on self-isolation is available on gov.uk.
  • If you have been in close contact with someone who has coronavirus you should not get tested unless you have coronavirus symptoms. A negative test result does not change the period of time that you will be required to self-isolate.
  • If you have been abroad and are quarantining, you should not get tested unless you have coronavirus symptoms. A negative test result does not change the period of time that you will be required to quarantine.
  • Do not stockpile tests. If you develop symptoms in future you will be able to book a test. There is no need to order a test in case of future use.
  • If you have symptoms and need to book a test, you can do this online or by ringing 119. Do not call 111 which is an urgent care service and cannot help with tests.

For organisations and employers:

  • Schools: please follow the official guidance on testing. It is very important that this guidance is followed. Schools should not advise pupils or teachers to take a test unless they exhibit one or more of the listed symptoms. If there is a confirmed case then schools should not advise entire classes or year groups to get tested. Only those with symptoms or those advised by their clinician or Local Authority should get a test. Schools must not require students without symptoms to provide evidence of a negative test before letting them back to school.
  • Employers: you should not be asking members of staff to get tested before they come into the workplace. You can also help by communicating the guidance around testing to your staff.
  • Travel companies: you should not be directing clients to NHS Test and Trace to get a test for anything related to overseas travel.

 

Coronavirus update from West Sussex County Council

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

Dear residents and partners,

So far in West Sussex we have had a relatively low number of cases of Coronavirus. That is mainly thanks to you for continuing to follow the government guidelines on regular handwashing, wearing face coverings, social distancing and getting tested.

However we have seen an increase in recent weeks in the number of people who have tested positive for Coronavirus.

We have to continue to do all we can to keep the numbers as low as possible. It means taking preventative action to stop the spread of the virus including regular handwashing, practising social distancing, wearing a face mask when appropriate and getting tested when you have symptoms.

Our website has the latest guidance and information on how to prevent the spread of the disease and what we will do in the event of an outbreak in West Sussex. We really hope we won’t have to implement these plans, but we are ready to act if we need to.

We’ll continue to monitor all our cases in West Sussex and publicise key messages about how people can help us to control the virus. The Keep West Sussex Safe information campaign is running across the county with a particular focus where there are areas of concern.

As restrictions continue to relax and guidance changes, it is inevitable that there are questions about what you can and can’t do, especially when it comes to gatherings and spending time with people outside of your household.

We have heard this week that social gatherings of more than six people will not be allowed in England from Monday 14 September. This will apply in any setting, indoors or outdoors. This single measure replaces both the existing ban on gatherings of more than 30 and the current guidance on allowing 2 households to meet indoors. There will be some limited exemptions. For example, if a single household or support bubble is larger than 6, they can still meet up.

Please continue to follow these guidelines. We appreciate how hard it has been not to see friends and family in the way we are used to, but there are ways to be in touch and stay safe at the same time. We are very grateful to all residents for their continued efforts to ensure the county remains safe. We have done so well to control the spread of COVID-19 in West Sussex up until now. Please help us to keep it that way.

Let’s avoid a local lockdown and keep West Sussex safe.

Little King Street Ramp

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

I am now able to confirm that works will commence  on Monday 26th October for 5 days. The footpath link will be closed for the duration of works.  The contractor will inform frontagers in the area and a temporary closure notice will be posted on site.

The works will remove the steps down to Little King Street replacing it with a ramp from approximately half way leading down and a streetlight will be installed, this path section is currently unlit.  Please find attached the construction drawing.  I have determined that the rooting for the adjacent trees will not be affected by the works.

Diagram

Temporary Road Closures – Resurfacing Works

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

NOTICE is hereby given that not less than 7 days from the date of this notice, West Sussex County Council intends to make an Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effect of which will be to temporarily close the following roads throughout their entire lengths unless otherwise stated:

EAST GRINSTEAD: Furzefield Road, Hurst Farm Road, Railway Approach, Turners Hill Road (B2110) from Brooklands Way to East Street.

These road closures are needed to allow the 2020/21 road maintenance programme to be carried out in safety. Each of the affected roads are expected to be closed for up to 2 days. Dates for works will be confirmed in advance locally nearer the time they are carried out.

The Order will come into effect on 25 September 2020 and remain in force for up to 18 months, or until the works programme is completed, whichever is earlier.

During the operative periods of this Order alternative routes for vehicles will be indicated on site. Access to properties on the affected length of road will be maintained at all times.

Any queries about the effect of the Order on traffic using the highway should be directed to the West Sussex County Council Contact Centre, telephone number 01243 642105.

Consultation on Dog Control Public Space Protection Orders

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

Mid Sussex District Council is running a six-week public consultation from 10 September to find out what local people think about dog control measures in Mid Sussex.

Mid Sussex has four Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) relating to dog control. The measures are in place to protect the local environment and deter irresponsible dog ownership. However, the current PSPOs expire later this year and Mid Sussex District Council will be required to extend them in order to keep them enforceable.

The Council is proposing a simple extension of the existing powers it has under the PSPOs.

Councillor Norman Webster, Cabinet Member for Community said:

“This is a key piece of work for the Council because, as a pet loving nation, it’s important that we have policies in place to protect dogs, their owners and other users of our open spaces.

“We have four PSPOs in Mid Sussex to deter dog fouling, to keep play and activity areas safe, to ensure people are able to control the number of dogs they have with them and to be able to request that a dog is put on a lead if that’s required.

“These measures are in place to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy our open spaces safely. Most dog owners in Mid Sussex are responsible, pick up their dog’s mess and keep them under proper control. However, there is a small minority who don’t, and this can create problems. The Public Space Protection Orders enable fixed penalty notices to be issued by an authorised officer when they see an offence occur. These are set at £75 or £50 if paid within 10 days.

“We’re keen to hear from everyone, so please use this consultation as an opportunity to let us know if you like the current arrangements or if there’s anything you would like to change.”

The proposed Public Space Protection Orders will cover:

  • Fouling of Land by Dogs

In order to reduce the amount of dog fouling in Mid Sussex, owners are required to clean up their dogs’ mess. This order is applied to any land which is open to the air and to which the public have access.

  • Dog Exclusion

To prevent people, or the dogs themselves, being injured as a result of sharing activity space, dogs should be excluded from all fenced children’s play areas and fenced recreational areas such as tennis courts, bowling greens and multi activity areas owned by Mid Sussex District Council.

  • Dogs on Lead by Direction

In order to stop a loose dog disrupting sporting or community events or disturbing local wildlife, dogs must be placed on a lead if requested to do so by an authorised officer. This order applies to Mid Sussex District Council owned land on which formal sports and community events regularly take place, and all designated nature reserves.

  • Dogs Specified Maximum Amount

The number of dogs one person, or one group, can take onto designated Council land is six. This applied to some Council owned nature reserves, adjoining land and several large reception grounds.

The consultation will be available to view at the Mid Sussex District Council website www.midsussex.gov.uk/dogcontrolconsultation for six weeks starting on Thursday 10 September.