West Sussex County Council August Issue
Issue 17 | August 2020
 New! Launch of our ‘Keep West Sussex Safe’ communications toolkitWe have launched a COVID-19 community communications toolkit for you to use to help us spread the word about our recently launched ‘Keep West Sussex Safe’ campaign. The campaign aims to encourage residents, businesses and communities to stay alert and follow the latest government guidelines to help prevent the spread of coronavirus in West Sussex and therefore reduce the need for local lockdown restrictions.The toolkit contains advice, key messages, social media posts, a digital poster and information about materials available. You can access the toolkit on our dedicated COVID-19 website section.Please use the toolkit and share it with fellow councillors, local community groups and organisations. If you need any further information about the toolkit or the campaign materials please email communications@westsussex.gov.uk. Thank you for your support as we try to do all we can to prevent the spread of the virus in West Sussex.Visit the community communications toolkit online. |
 Residents have their say on Covid-19We had a record breaking 17,455 responses from West Sussex residents to our coronavirus pandemic survey. All the responses have now been collated and analysed and the details can be found here. Discover residents views on how they coped and what they did during lockdown, their health, education, connection to the community, and much more. Please get in touch if you would like any insights specific to your location: haveyoursay@westsussex.gov.uk |
 Work restarts on A259 schemeEssential preparation work will restart on 10 August ahead of a major improvement scheme to widen single-lane stretches of the A259 into dual carriageway in Angmering and Littlehampton. Preparation work was paused while a public inquiry into a Compulsory Purchase Order was held and a decision published. The Secretary of State confirmed the council had satisfactorily responded to objections raised, so the scheme can now progress. More details here. Photo shows Top: The current single carriageway in Worthing Road, Littlehampton, west of Olliver Acre. Bottom: An illustration/visualisation of Worthing Road, Littlehampton, west of Olliver Acre, widened to dual carriageway, with shared footway/cycle path and a new crossing. |
 Save the date! Fire Service Virtual Open DayEvery year, fire stations across the county hold Open Days for the local community to attend. However, due to the pandemic we can’t hold fire station open days in the way we normally would, so West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is holding a Virtual Open Day on Facebook on 15 August.The online event will give members of the public home fire safety advice, behind-the-scenes tours of the service and will provide a great day of entertainment during the summer holidays.Keep an eye on the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Facebook page for more updates and please share the message far and wide with your communities. |
 Work starts on cyclewaysConstruction started this week on the first of seven temporary cycleway schemes in West Sussex. The Chichester scheme will connect the Spitalfield Lane hospital area with the city’s railway station, creating a 2km-long ‘keyworker corridor’ for safe cycling. The route will also link to the central retail area and other major employment sites, such as the University of Chichester. The work is likely to take about a fortnight to complete. More information here Image: An illustrative example of the style of improvement which will be used in West Sussex (Old Shoreham Road, Hove). Photo credit: Darren Cool Images. |
 Rising to the challenge of climate changeA strategy which seizes a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to adapt to the challenges of climate change has been agreed by the County Council’s Cabinet. The ten-year Climate Change Strategy sets out five commitments: reducing carbon emissions; increasing resilience to a changing climate; sourcing and using resources responsibly; supporting and growing the green economy and embedding these commitments into decision making. We also want to work with others and help inspire them to make changes where we can. You can read the strategy here. Further information on our delivery plan and how you can get involved will be available shortly. |
 Our latest communication campaigns Take a look at three of our latest communication campaigns: Keep West Sussex SafeChange a life with foster careJobs in careShut fires outFeel free to share these links, and the information contained within, to help keep your residents updated and informed. |
 Have your say on local issues that affect youHave your say on matters that affect you and your local communities – and get your residents to do the same – by visiting our Have Your Say Consultation Hub. From major road schemes and Joint Area Action Plans, to premises licence applications and safeguarding in our schools; we want to hear your residents’ views to help shape future policy and decisions.Go to the Have Your Say Consultation Hub for details of all of our current consultations. |
 Your Voice: The People’s Panel. Alternatively, encourage your residents to join Your Voice: The People’s Panel where they’ll be regularly consulted about a number of important local issues. Once registered they’ll receive links to surveys, reports and outcomes and occasionally links to other public surveys.. |