There are reports that there are some instances with suspicious looking vehicles and people appearing to be scoping out dwellings and land last weekend. The two suspicious vehicles are a Ford white transit, BG69 LUL and a blue Subaru estate BG07 SYY.  The white Ford transit was spotted in Twineham again this week so they are still in the area.

Both have been reported to Sussex Rural Police team and may be linked to some recent criminal activity. 

The report above follows a further report that a large group of travellers (19 caravans) arrived recently on land in Crawley, owned by Gatwick Airport.  Sussex Police have confirmed that it’s the same group that visited 2 years ago targeting sites in the Mid-Sussex area.  It’s understood that the group were particularly difficult to deal with and stayed for a lengthy period.  

I’ve also been sent the report below, I’m not sure if the vehicles are the ones mentioned above but it has been reported to the police. 

‘I live on Wineham Lane and we had an unfortunate incident with some travellers yesterday.  We live opposite Abbeylands Farm and they were eyeing up the field opposite.  The farmer put bales in front of the gates but they were fairly antagonistic and passive aggressive, sitting outside our house with binoculars saying they were bird watching whilst clearly sizing up our house, looking through the bushes, etc, not nice people and one of the other guys in a white van who said his dog was lost (and was also here the day before saying his van had broken down), is enormous and my neighbour had a come to with him, pretty threatening.’  

The County Council is continuing to work closely with West Sussex schools to support a phased return of pupils in a safe and managed way.

Detailed discussions have been held with school and academy representatives and unions to consider the government’s position that schools should begin to reopen from next month.

The council’s aim is for the phased return to start from 1 June , in line with national guidance. Schools are showing support for this approach.

Schools’ individual risk assessments are identifying how they can best manage this and maintain the safety of their pupils and staff. Priority places will continue to be given to children who are vulnerable, those with Education Health and Care Plans and the children of key workers across all year groups. The council is also asking schools to prioritise disadvantaged pupils and those who have limited access to online resources in both primary and secondary schools.

It means that the way schools will manage the return of different year groups will vary across the county and may mean that not all of the specified year groups will go back to school at the same time.

Nigel Jupp, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “I would like to thank all of the teachers and school staff across West Sussex who continue to work tirelessly for their pupils. I am also extremely grateful to the children, parents and carers who have adapted so well in very difficult circumstances.

“We are supporting schools to plan for a phased reopening in a safe and managed way for all pupils and staff.

“Throughout the lockdown, our education team has worked together with headteachers, governors and unions. The number of children, including those who are vulnerable, attending school during this period has been above the national average. Everyone involved in education in West Sussex wants what’s best for our children – to keep them safe and keep them learning.”

WEST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

CHURCH LANE, NEWTIMBER

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 (and parking on) Church Lane, Newtimber from junction with West Road is temporarily prohibited from 10/06/20

The restriction will be in place off peak only between 09.30 – 15.00

This closure is necessary to allow Balfour Beatty to undertake urgent carriageway pothole repairs on behalf of WSCC

Emergency vehicle, Residential and Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times

There is no alternative route.

This restriction will be effective for a maximum of 5 days from the start date given above

Any queries about the effect of the closure on traffic using the highway please contact West Sussex County Council on 01243 642105

Any queries about the works please contact Balfour Beatty on 01243 642105

Dated 20 May 2020

HIGH BEECHES LANE, POYNINGS

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 (and parking on) High Beeches Lane, Poynings from junction with West Road to junction with Saddlescombe Road is temporarily prohibited from 03/06/2020 at 09.30 until 03/06/2020 at 15.00

The restriction will be in place off peak only between 09.30 – 15.00

This closure is necessary to allow Balfour Beatty to undertake urgent carriageway pothole repairs on behalf of WSCC

Emergency vehicle, Residential and Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times

The alternative route for traffic will be signed on site

This restriction will be effective for a maximum of 5 days from the start date given above

Any queries about the effect of the closure on traffic using the highway please contact West Sussex County Council on 01243 642105

Any queries about the works please contact Balfour Beatty on 01243 642105

Dated 15 May 2020

Matt Davey

Director of Highways, Transport and Planning

The SDNPA have produced an interactive business map.  This is a very useful tool which helps community groups and local businesses link together.  There is an email address beneath the map where you can advise the SDNPA of any additions or updates to the businesses that are shown.

https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/connecting-communities-with-local-suppliers-and-support-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

Here are a number of Facebook links from our Community Safety, Trading Standards and General WSCC pages

• Teens chance become cyber security agents – Virtual cyber school has been launched to give teens the chance to try out as cyber security agents from home  https://www.facebook.com/105224117606609/posts/174438554018498/?sfnsn=scwspmo&extid=DwXnwypW5oLTDUoj 
  

   

• Looking after your mental health and wellbeing from #EveryMindMatters. Support and resources are available https://www.facebook.com/618890171532707/posts/2958212994267068/?substory_index=0?sfnsn=scwspmo&extid=TAgLFHPwDVKEBh31 
  

• Sign up for the Carers Emergency Alert Card today. This FREE scheme helps identify you as a family or friend carer so the person you care for can be supported if you have an accident or are taken ill.  
  

https://www.facebook.com/618890171532707/posts/2958488187572882/?substory_index=0?sfnsn=scwspmo&extid=58nTdBI9gKhp11vV 

• Crimestoppers
  have shared some tips and advice to help keep you safe from scams and fraud. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, contact www.actionfraud.police.uk
  https://www.facebook.com/105224117606609/posts/172412384221115/?sfnsn=scwspmo&extid=KrevT8b5xFrSOxHA
  
• Supporting family and friends – People are playing their part and providing essential support to their friends and family who are in isolation, to find out how to help others safely
  

https://www.facebook.com/105224117606609/posts/172739420855078/?substory_index=0?sfnsn=scwspmo&extid=JW8oaw01fTyhdHz1 

• How to deal with scam texts and emails:
  https://www.facebook.com/105224117606609/posts/174415580687462/?substory_index=0?sfnsn=scwspmo&extid=u9YryzoXC4bDKDPz 
  

• Domestic Abuse – Practical Planning Steps to reduce the risk  https://www.facebook.com/105224117606609/posts/174409737354713/?sfnsn=scwspmo&extid=HnoJhtV6VDmMHxd6 
  

Household Waste Recycling Sites (HWRSs) across West Sussex will reopen from Monday 11^th May, the County Council has confirmed.

Final preparations to reopen the sites are being completed this week, taking into account the latest government advice, which was issued today (Tuesday).

If you are thinking of taking a trip to one of the HWRSs there are several things you need to consider.

Before planning your journey you should:

• Consider whether your journey is essential. You should only visit a HWRSs if your waste or recycling is not suitable to be picked up in your kerbside collection and presents a risk of injury or harm to health. If it doesn’t, please safely store your items at home for now or make other legal arrangements for it to be removed.
  
• Note emergency laws on essential travel still apply and these essential reasons provide the only “reasonable excuse” for travel – the fact that sites are open does not.   
  
• Check our opening hours. Sites will be running their usual summer opening days and hours. (Please note our Shoreham site is closed on Mondays. Other sites may close on other days.) Please check when your local site is open at www.westsussexrecycles.org before leaving home.
  
• Consider whether you need to come straight away Sites may be busy in the first few days and at weekends, if you can wait a little longer it may mean a shorter waiting time.
  

Before visiting a site please note:

• Only garden waste and residual waste will be accepted. Garden waste means green waste such as grass cuttings and hedge trimmings. Residual waste is other waste that presents a risk of injury or harm to health and will be landfilled. We hope to be able to accept other items soon. Please continue to use your household collections for recycling and general waste.
  
• Only cars will be allowed on site. Trailers and large vehicles such as vans and pickups will not be allowed access at this time.
  

Once at the sites there will be certain measures in place for the safety of visitors and staff:

• The number of vehicles accessing the sites will be restricted. Visitors should prepare for delays at sites and should delay their visit to avoid the first couple of weeks if possible.
  
• Social distancing barriers will be in place. Visitors will be directed into enclosed bays to dispose of their waste.
  
• Only one person will be allowed to get out of a vehicle. Please travel to the sites alone if possible. If other people travel to the site with you, they must remain in the vehicle.
  
• Site staff will not be able to help unload your waste and recycling. Please do not bring anything that you cannot safely remove from your car on your own.
  
• Abuse or aggression to site staff will not be tolerated and could result in sites being closed again.
  

Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “The health and protection of residents and our staff is our absolute priority. We know the closure of our recycling sites has been inconvenient for many and we know there will be a lot of people who will now want to visit the sites as soon as they reopen.

“However, I would ask people to consider whether their journey is absolutely essential. If you can store your waste and recycling without risking injury, health, or harm, then please do so.

“We are expecting the sites to be busy when they reopen and social distancing measures will mean fewer cars can access the site at any one time, so users should plan for significant delays and long queues, which could affect the road network.

“In order to maintain social distancing and keep everyone safe we have had to restrict the service we can offer and therefore the types of waste we can accept. We hope to be able to expand this in the coming weeks and we thank everyone for their patience.”