CUTS TO SAFETY PARTNERSHIP DAMNED AS “FLAWED, MISLEADING AND DEMORALISING”.

Severe cuts to public safety organisations in Adur and Worthing will have a profound effect on the fight against crime in the district and borough.

That is the tough message sent to Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne after she proposed slashing the funding to the body promoting vital crime prevention work by more than half.

Now the Adur Safer Communities Partnership and its Worthing sister organisation (CSPs) have sent a stinging response to the Commissioner telling her she has left the organisations demoralised and damning the reasoning behind the report which recommended the cuts as “invalid, inaccurate and misleading.”

Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing at Adur District Council, Cllr Dave Simmons, who Chairs the joint body of both partnerships said he was “flabbergasted” by the shock cut.

“Frankly having now had a chance to look in detail at the proposals all I can say is that they are a huge disappointment  for the teams in Adur and Worthing who are leading the way and producing some really innovative work in crime prevention and making our communities safer,” he said.

“The cuts are based on so much flawed thinking and a lack of rigour in analysis that they must be reviewed.”

His counterpart on Worthing Borough Council, Cllr Val Turner, who also sits on the partnership joint body added, “It really looks like we are being punished for our success. We reached out across Sussex to spread our good work, brought in extra funds for pioneering projects and it seems as if that has counted against us.

“ I fear these cuts will have a profound effect on our ability to take an early intervention approach to crime and disorder.”

In addition to the huge initial cut in funding, the pair pointed out that the Commissioner was “top slicing” the remaining funding by keeping a fifth of all monies, previously handed to all county CSPs, in her office coffers for county-wide schemes thus depriving funding for local solutions for differing crime priorities in different communities.

CSPs such as the Adur and Worthing Safer Communities Partnerships are local organisations made up of council, police, fire, NHS and probation officials designed to tackle specific crime and disorder issues in areas. A small team of workers are employed to enact and commission work to improve public safety.

Now the Commissioner is proposing Adur and Worthing’s combined funding from her office is cut from £95,000 to below £43,000, a 55 per cent drop. Jobs and crime fighting projects could be in jeopardy including three Community Safety roles.

The Commissioner’s office has calculated the new funding based on population and historic crime figures without in-depth analysis of the types of crime, scale of the impact of crime nor the specific needs of different communities.

In an official response to the proposal the Adur and Worthing CSPs say the funding review has made no attempt to include “any type of impact analysis of this change nor demonstrate any overt understanding of the factors that affect local crime.”

It says the decisions on funding were based on “flawed” analysis of the facts because inadequate explanation from the Commissioner in advance of the review led to information returned to her from CSPs that was “extremely inconsistent.”

Part of the new funding formula is based on lower historical crime figures in the district and borough compared to elsewhere but the letter to the Commissioner points out, “using total crime figures is a poor way of identifying those crime types that pose the most significant threat and will impact on communities the greatest.”

It points out that in Adur and Worthing “cuckooing”, in which drugs dealers make crime bases in the homes of vulnerable people, is a major problem with almost 43 per cent of the county’s total incidents recorded there.

It adds that the area has a high incidence of  crime associated with deprivation and vulnerability which has led to successful projects to protect such people, especially the street community.

Remarkably the funding review has missed the point that successful pioneering work in Adur and Worthing, especially tackling domestic abuse, which has been used across Sussex by other partnerships,  has not been taken into account in the review nor in the Commissioner’s decision to “top slice” cash for her own office to work on county-wide projects..

In conclusion the letter tells the Commissioner that much of the report is “fundamentally flawed” with a new funding formula that is “simplistic and out-of-date”.

Commissioners replaced the now-abolished police authorities. The first incumbents were elected in 2012 and subsequent Commissioners elected for four-year terms.

In the financial year 2016/17 the total cost of the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner’s office was £1.52 million. It has 22 members of staff.

Greater Brighton backs calls for urgent Brighton Mainline investment

Greater Brighton leaders have joined the fight for much-needed investment in the “outdated and creaking” Brighton Mainline.

Tens of thousands of commuters rely on the railway route from the south coast to London every day, making it crucial to businesses and future growth of the area.

But, with the 1960s infrastructure creaking under record numbers of passengers, business leaders, political leaders and national voices have united under a single banner of the Brighton Mainline Alliance.

The Greater Brighton Economic Board, which represents local authorities, businesses and academia, has now signed up to the campaign and pledged to support the ongoing mission of lobbying the Chancellor and transport secretary on what benefits an upgrade would bring.

Councillor Andy Smith, chairman of Greater Brighton Economic Board, said: “The Brighton Mainline is not just a commuter line; it is an essential transport corridor which is crucial to the economic development of our City Region.

“For too long now there has been severe under-investment in the infrastructure meaning the outdated line is creaking under the pressure. Combined with the chaos brought about by the industrial dispute in recent years, the situation faced by commuters and businesses is close to unbearable.

“The time to act is now, which is why I’m delighted to say that every member of Greater Brighton is unanimous in calling for funding to improve connectivity and reliability. In turn, this will unlock greater investment and ensure we can create more jobs, more homes and greater prosperity for our 900,000 residents.”

The decision was taken at a meeting of the GBEB board this week.

Members heard how passenger journeys on Southern and Thameslink services have risen by 10% to 105 million per annum in the past five years.

With the Greater Brighton economy growing year-on-year, Network Rail predict increasingly severe crowding on trains, driven by the region’s growing economy.

The fundamental obstacle to increased capacity and resilience on the Brighton Mainline is the bottleneck in the Windmill Bridge Junction area to the north of East Croydon.

Greater Brighton leaders backed the call for a redesign of this junction to be made a priority. It also supports the Brighton Mainline Alliance’s calls for two new platforms at East Croydon which will reduce congestion.

The direct benefits of upgrading the line include:

·        More trains per hour at peak time (from 36 today increased to 42-44);

·        Opportunity to run new services;

·        Increased service reliability, addressing the “poor and unreliable condition” of the network as identified by the Gibb report;

·        Value for money (estimated benefits of £2.40 to every £1 spent);

·        Commercial opportunities to redevelop stations, particularly at East Croydon;

·        Encouraging balanced economic growth by bringing businesses out from London

More than 40 regional business groups and more than a dozen influential MPs have backed Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership’s Brighton Mainline Alliance so far.

The aim is to bring together voices from politics, business and education to develop a united voice when lobbying for investment.

The next step is developing a plan to present to Chancellor and transport secretary ahead of Network Rail making a decision on future spending plans.

Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive at Coast to Capital said: “Support from the Greater Brighton Economic Board is vital to the success of the Brighton Mainline Alliance and we are thrilled to have their backing.

“The Brighton Mainline proposal for investment in Windmill Bridge junction is a strong proposal which has been recommended by Network Rail and it is vital that we make the case to Government that this scheme is a priority and that it is approved for strategic investment.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with groups such as the Greater Brighton Economic Board and businesses across the region in the near future.”

MHA Carpenter Box Shortlisted in GDB Awards for the second year running

Sussex-based chartered accountants, tax and business advisers, MHA Carpenter Box, has been named as one of only three finalists in the Business of the Year category of the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards 2018 for the second year running.

MHA Carpenter Box Practice Director, Chris Coopey, is understandably delighted with the news, commenting: “Being shortlisted for such a prestigious award for a second time is great news and highlights the quality of the team here at MHA Carpenter Box – all of whom like to go that extra mile to help our clients achieve their business goals. We won a national accountancy award in 2016 and the Professional Services Firm of the Year in 2015, so our fingers are firmly crossed that following a record-breaking trading performance last year, we’ll be a real contender as Business of the Year.”

With its main head office in Worthing and a Gatwick office that has grown from four employees to 27 in a little over two years, MHA Carpenter Box has seen an impressive increase in its client base which made 2017 an exceptional 12 months for the firm.

The Business of the Year category is awarded to high performing and innovative companies that do the right thing for their clients, people and the Gatwick Diamond Community.

The Gatwick Diamond is a key economic area, not just for the South East, but for the whole of the UK and the business awards celebrate those who have shown innovation and inspiration in their work, as well as real commitment to the region. The awards, now in their tenth year, have become one of the regions premier business occasions recognising the ‘best of the best’.

Join Love your Hospital for a Quiz and Curry Night!

Friday 9th March at Worthing Rugby Club
Doors open at 6:30pm, Quiz starts at 7:00pm
£10 entry including curry!

For tickets email kay.philips@wsht.nhs.uk or call 0800 028 4890

Kamelia Kids need your help!

Kamelia Kids are celebrating their 40 years on Sat 30 Jun 18 with an afternoon tea fundraiser party themed ‘Mad Hats’ between 1.30pm – 4.30pm.

We are looking for help and support in terms of printed invitations (75-100), posters, flyers, pre-printed raffle tickets/donated raffle prizes, food and refreshments, table cloths/bunting and branded paper cups - catering for around 200-250.

Also, as we will be treating the event much like a grand ‘Open Day’ to showcase our nursery with parents attending, the carpet within the nursery foyer/reception area is 40 years old and very tired looking. 

If you are able to help please get in contact executiveofficer@kameliakids.org.uk

The Latest Worthing Podcast!

The latest Worthing Podcast is now online, showcasing Worthing Theatres for March.  there are two new podcasts on the way as well, hopefully up within the next couple of weeks, featuring more news of people and places and events in Worthing.

Remember you can subscribe on iTunes, listen at facebook/worthingpodcast, Twitter @worthingpodcast, and worthingpodcast.com

Worthing podcast is currently looking to get the podcast sponsored in order to cover the costs.  If you are interested, please get in touch patrick@patrickwoodward.co.uk

Make a nomination for the More Radio Worthing Awards

There are 13 categories for you to choose from:

• Young person of the year
• Charity of the year
• Courage Award
• Inspiration Award
• Fundraiser of the Year
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Parent In A Million
• Chris Copsey Gold Award
• Sporting Excellence
• Top Teacher
• Best Business
• Best Eatery
• Best New Business

‘Biggest Regeneration Project for a Generation’ to be discussed at SPA

The next meeting of the Sussex Property Alliance will discuss what is arguably the biggest regeneration project in Worthing for a generation. The bold plans for the redevelopment of the Teville Gate site, which will be known as Station Square, will be on the agenda and will no doubt attract a lot of interest from local property professionals.

Aized Sheikh, Chief Executive of Mosaic, the current site owner, will discuss the transformation of Teville Gate into a community hub with housing, leisure and retail spaces. It promises to become one of the best-connected and serviced sites in Worthing for public transport and improvements to the road and underpass will encourage more walking and cycling around the town than ever before.

Aized has been leading property-backed development projects for almost 30 years and just two years ago, he saw the potential in property-backed commercial/residential developments in ‘rising star’ locations such as Worthing. Despite its huge potential, Teville Gate was ignored for nearly 20 years, however, progress is now being made with a team of architects, planners and project delivery specialists all working closely together.

Aized will share the story so far, discuss why he’s drawn to develop difficult sites and why he’s in ‘for the long haul’ on the South Coast.

The meeting will take place on Friday 9^th March between 12pm and 3pm at Long Furlong Barn, Worthing. For more information and to register for the event, please visit, http://www.sussexpropertyalliance.co.uk/events/

The Sussex Property Alliance provides a forum where property professionals get together, exchange ideas, and build relationships. It is supported by MHA Carpenter Box chartered accountants, Bennett Griffin solicitors and Michael Jones commercial real estate agents.

FIFTY YEARS OF DEDICATION AND CARE AT WORLD-FAMOUS HIGHDOWN GARDENS CELEBRATED NEXT WEEK.

The world-famous Highdown Gardens will next week celebrate 50 years in the ownership of Worthing Borough Council.

It is extremely rare that a garden of such importance is under municipal control and to celebrate the Council is placing a memorial bench in the Millennium Garden on the anniversary of the day 50 years ago that Lady Sybil Stern handed over the gardens on the wishes of her husband, Sir Frederick.

The Sterns created the world’s first chalk garden high up on Highdown Hill at the beginning of the 20th Century. Sir Frederick sponsored swashbuckling plant hunting expeditions to China and the Far East to bring back exotic plants which thrived on the chalk and are still there today.

Sir Frederick, who died in 1967, stipulated that the Council should look after the gardens using his famous book A Chalk Garden as a reference and ever since then a succession of head gardeners and their staff have been dedicated to keeping his legacy alive.

Thanks to the never ceasing work,  expertise and  dedication of Council head gardeners including John Bassendale, Ron Read, Chris Beardsley, Jo Hooper and Gary Prescod, their staff  and an army of volunteers the gardens continue to win plaudits from gardening experts and visitors from around the world.

And last month the Council was awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of almost £100,000 to explore ways of preserving and enhancing the gardens further. A new visitor centre is planned and an archivist and plant expert would be employed to tell the remarkable story of the gardens and record the stunning variety of plants thriving in the grounds.

The landmark anniversary next Monday (February 19) follows the first Highdown 50 event in June 2017 which marked the 50th anniversary of Sir Frederick Stern’s death.

Worthing Borough Council's Executive Member for the Environment, Cllr Diane Guest, said:

“Every visit to the gardens fills me with pride and gratitude to those who work hard to maintain Sir Frederick’s vision. It’s a true gem and without the passion of the Highdown team and the volunteers the integrity of Stern’s legacy would be lost.”

The Mayor of Worthing, Councillor Alex Harman who will be in attendance at the anniversary event said:

“Highdown is a very special place to come whether to enjoy a day out in nature or visiting to explore Stern’s impressive ability to grow in seemingly impossible conditions.

“It’s a testament to the amazing efforts of the Highdown team to stay true to Stern’s growing techniques since Sir Frederick's widow, Lady Sybil, handed over the gardens to the people of Worthing”

As well as the newly installed commemorative bench, the Millennium Garden is receiving a facelift as part of wider plans to preserve Highdown’s future following the successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid.

Hard landscaping has already began with hardwood bark chips being laid around the newly created island beds. The sunny location and dry, chalk ground is a prime site to welcome a botanical style herb garden in the Spring.

Of the plans, Interim Head Gardener Gary Prescod said:

“I envision the air being fragrant with the sun-baked oils of lavender, rosemary, pinks, and fennel. A delicious place to sit and dream of the Mediterranean, before dropping down to the coast for a dip in the English channel!”

In a busy year for the gardens, several of its rare plant specimens have been selected as valuable additions to Kew's Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst Place, West Sussex.

Previously Sarah Gattiker of the Millennium Seed Partnership wrote:

“We are very happy to support the efforts of Worthing Borough Council to conserve the special collections at Highdown Gardens. This seed collection is the first step of a long-term project to preserve the genetic importance of the plants grown by Sir Frederick Stern at Highdown.”

Broadwater Osteopathic Practice- Free Workplace Wellbeing Checks

Alongside working with our clients at the practice, Broadwater Osteopathic Practice also works with many local companies, offering Workplace Wellbeing solutions. Workplace Wellbeing makes good financial sense and means employees can return to work quicker, suffer less discomfort and feel better looked after. We offer bespoke packages, designed around your specific workplace issues.

Our Free Wellbeing Checks, on offer to local companies, have proved to be extremely popular. Initially the check involves a review of your primary work place issues, from aches, pains, and repetitive strains to stress related issues and ergonomic problems. Our team  then tailor a Free package of mini treatments, talks or assessments to take place at your workplace to start addressing these concerns. Any follow up treatments take place back on-site with us at BOP. These can be arranged out of working hours, so as to minimise time off work and to enable attendees to fully benefit from their treatment sessions.

We have been retained locally by several large companies to provide their Workplace Wellbeing solutions following these free checks. All the companies we have worked with have provided nothing but positive feedback on this service and have noticed a reduction in staff absence as a result. The costs of many of our treatments can be re-claimed by mostprivate health insurers if your company has a policy in place. 

For more information, please email Susan Bunce oninfo@bop.uk.net  or see our website at worthingosteopathy.com.