The ASDA StreetVelodrome Series reached the south coast resort of Worthing for Round 5. It was greeted by huge crowds, the biggest so far this year, sunshine and a festival atmosphere.

Taking full advantage of the natural ampitheatre within Beach House Grounds, the crowds grew in large numbers as they first watched the morning Amateur Rider Qualification sessions and then the build up to the main feature races.

And what sensational races they were. On what was the longest track so far this Series, all expectation was on a Craig Maclean victory. Adding to his advantage was the increased rolling resistence of the SupaTrak surface, used whenever StreetVelodrome is laid on grass. His superior leg strength would surely enabling the Team Velotec rider to power his way along those two extended straights whilst the other less powerful technical riders would struggle.

But it was not to be. Craig got eliminated in round 1 by Super Mario Presi for Team ProCook. Rock The Cotswold's Patrick Robertson was eliminated by Cycleguard's Jack Ravenscroft, whilst Quella's Dave Johnson dispatched guest team ASL360's Mark Emsley in his first appearance in the ASDA StreetVelodrome Series.

The finals saw an incredible close battle, once again, between Dave and Mario. But on this occasion, against the form book, Dave came through by just a fraction of a second to beat his nemisis this series Mario.

In the women's category Jess Stone for Cycleguard continued her winning ways by beating all her opponents. But the longer track prevented her from dominating quite as much as she failed to score the much needed Catches Cycleguard need to overhaul Team Quella in the Catch Trophy.

With just two events to go Team Quella lead the Catch Trophy with 24 Catches to Cycleguard's 20 and ProCook's 19.

Improving upon her bronze medal in the previous round, ProCook's Kelli Salone had to settle for silver when faced with a determined Jess Stone in the gold medal race. But this was a major fillip for Kelli as she managed to beat Quella's Anna Glowinski into the Bronze position. 

This was Anna's lowest ever finishing position in StreetVelodrome. And she had a battle to contend with in her bronze medal race against locally qualifying amateur Rowena Price who really impressed on the day.

The overall team medal table has Quella on top with 4 Golds, 4 Silvers and now 2 Bronze medals. Behind is Cycleguard with 3 Golds, 2 Silvers and a collection of 4 bronzes. ProCook lost ground remaining on 2 golds but improving their tally of silvers to 4. This means they could still leapfrog Cycleguard in Ealing if Jess fails to win.

The teams remain in the same ranking positions going into Round 6, Ealing on Saturday 8th August. Their rankings will determine the draw for the SuperFinals on 13th August in Broadgate, City of London. So topping the medal table going into the climax of the Series will be a great boost. So Ealing will become the last gasp scramble for those all important golds.

The ASDA StreetVelodrome Kids Series continues to be led by Team Sharks but now with a reduced points lead. They have 15 points to the 11 points scored by Team Tigers. Ealing will see the final of the Kids Series and with a maximum of 10 points still available either team could still win.

Worthing and Gatwick-based chartered accountants Carpenter Box is urging Sussex manufacturers to have their say on the effect of the engineering skills gap as part of a major industry survey.

The 2015 MHA Manufacturing & Engineering Survey, launched by MHA, the national association of accountancy and business advisory firms, is supported by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking and will look at the long term implications of failing to invest in engineering talent at every level.

Comments Chris Coopey, Partner at Carpenter Box who also heads up MHA’s Manufacturing Group: “Engineering UK estimates that as a country we need either to double the number of engineering graduates we produce or take other measures, including supporting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) students and apprenticeships, in order to compete on the global stage.”

“Feedback from organisations such as the Sussex Manufacturing Forum demonstrates that many engineering and manufacturing businesses are finding recruitment difficult if not impossible, and not just for graduates and experienced engineers but even at apprentice level. This skills gap means a growth gap for the sector in our area – and it will get worse the longer we fail to address the obvious.”

Assessing the effect of the skills gap on growth across the regions of the UK is one of the primary aims of the 2015 MHA Survey.  The survey report, available in late September, will include analysis by the prestigious WMG - the Manufacturing Group at the University of Warwick - and from Philippa Oldham, Head of Transport and Manufacturing at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The report will be used to encourage government and other public and private bodies to develop policies that meet the needs of industry.

“The rewards for encouraging many more secondary school students towards a career in engineering and manufacturing are potentially huge for the UK economy,” says Chris Coopey. “If we get the balance right and find an answer to the skills gap, we could potentially add around £27 billion a year to the UK economy from 2022 onwards.”

David Atkinson, Head of SME Manufacturing at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, added: “The skills gap poses a major challenge for the UK’s manufacturing and engineering sector and the issue needs to be addressed in order for manufacturers to remain competitive and at the cutting edge of the global market. There’s a clear demand for talent at all levels and if tackled successfully, resolving the skills shortage will support the sustainable growth of the industry and ensure the sector continues to play a fundamental role in rebalancing the UK economy.”

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The weekend, during which Worthing hosts a banked velodrome in the grounds of Beach House Grounds, is about to arrive.

On August 1 and 2, amateur riders have the chance to challenge some of the country’s highest-ranking competitive cyclists at the StreetVelodrome which is erected for one weekend only for riders to compete in head to head elimination pursuit races.

Using a 'popup' track with two banked corners and two straights, along with professional-level timing and equipment, anyone is able to try speed-cycling free of charge with the event organisers supplying all the necessary equipment. The ‘have-a-go’ sessions take place on Saturday and anyone wishing to take part should simply turn up on the day.  The races for amateur and professional cyclists take place on Sunday. 

Councillor Daniel Humphreys, Leader of Worthing Borough Council says:

“We have a new story to tell in Worthing; hosting unique, innovative events such as the UK-wide Asda StreetVelodrome Series really underlines where we’re heading and the passion that we’re using to get us there.

“It’s taken a huge amount of effort for the team to bring StreetVelodrome to Worthing this year, and I’m confident that the first weekend of August is going to be a spectacular cycling celebration, from the arrival of the peloton on Saturday 1st August to the race action that will dominate the weekend.”

Councillor Bryan Turner, Executive Member for Regeneration at Worthing Borough Council adds:

“When the Council decided to bring the Asda StreetVelodrome Series to the town last December, we couldn’t imagine the speed at which the local community would back it. 

“According to the organisers, no other race venue has seen such immediate uptake of the track time slots and even our Culture & Events team were taken aback by the speed at which local businesses invested in sponsorship opportunities.

“Events such as this not only contribute to the social lifeblood of the town, but also have a direct relationship with the whole area’s economic growth and development.  I am personally passionate about growing Worthing’s economy, and will wholeheartedly support bringing the right events to the town to do just that.”

Carl Thompson, Series Director says:

“It is with great pleasure that we bring Street Velodrome and The Asda StreetVelodrome Series to Worthing.

“We are combining our Series,which offers the thrill of the pro-riders racing in teams against each other, with the opportunity for the community of Worthing to race the track.  The response has been overwhelming so the weekend will be great fun! 

“Thank you Worthing for being one of our event partners, we are really looking forward to being part of your cycling weekend celebration.”

Pelotons of local cyclists will travel to the event from George V Avenue at 9am each day, led by Twitter’s #TruckingCyclist, Worthing local, Jeremy Strutt. 

On Saturday the peloton will have a family focus while Sunday’s peloton will be aimed at anybody with a modified bicycle. 

Local businesses, food stalls and entertainers surround the street velodrome during the weekend with opportunities to take part in circus workshops, learn from a safer cycling display by Sussex Transport, witness a showcase of vintage bicycles, take a ride on the funfair along the prom or take advantage of bicycle servicing from Dr Bike. There will also be a variety of children’s inflatables in Denton Gardens.

The high-speed, high-energy nature of the event promises great video opportunities throughout the day.  Spectators are encouraged to share their footage with the Council’s Twitter feed @adurandworthing, which will be streamed to their street velodrome site throughout the day, tagging any posts #WVel15.

For latest updates as the event unfolds visit www.streetvelodrome.com and http://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/street-velodrome/. 

A new commercial unit and three new housing properties have been created along a busy parade near to Worthing station, thanks to hard work and negotiation between its owners and Worthing Borough Council.

Having recently returned an empty property to use in partnership with YMCA DownsLink, Worthing Borough Council are delighted to have another success story under their belt, with bigger transformations and results than ever before.

 In recent years, 20 South Farm Road attracted many complaints due to its appearance and increasing levels of neglect - the property had a large van parked in front the majority of time to hide its decline into ruin. With no internal floors, roof in disrepair and the shop front below in danger of collapse, the property seemed almost beyond salvage.

 Following intervention from Worthing Borough Council’s Private Sector Housing team and the Empty Property Officer, Helen Stevens, negotiations were made with the mortgage company who agreed to take back control of the property after seeing its deterioration. After a short time being marketed by a local estate agent a sale was quickly completed in September 2014 to Chesters Gorman Properties who were quick to see the potential.

 In pursuit of making this shell into habitable environment, teams of local experts fitted new electrical and plumbing systems, working hard to strip, build, sand and repair the former empty property into three new much needed homes including a studio flat, a one bedroom flat and a two bed maisonette as well as the commercial unit space on the ground floor.

In little under a year, Worthing Borough Council and the property’s new owners have been able to offer homes to three people or families as well as a business opportunity in a prime location to any budding  businessmen/women.

 Councillor Dr Heather Mercer, Executive Member for Customer Services at Worthing Borough Council, said:

 “I am delighted that we’re pressing ahead to proactively bring empty properties back into use - especially when they’re as run down and dangerous as this one was.

 “Not only have the new owners created smart new homes for local people, but they have also given a local business fresh, modern, premises to work from.  Supporting local people, making local communities more pleasant and growing the local economy - this is a success story from every angle.”

 Sven Chesters, Partner at Chesters Gorman Properties adds:

 “We have been delighted to work with the Borough Council on this project.  The South Farm Road property was in a terrible condition, but in a prime location with plenty of potential.  We believe in  creating top quality homes for people to build their lives from, and hope that the people who move into the South Farm Road property will fall in love with it.”

If you know of an empty property which could be returned into use for a local family, please contact Worthing Borough Council’s Empty Properties Officer on 01273 263034.

It means the free publication will now reach up to 20,000 people across Sussex, who will have a list of nearly 450 of the finest businesses in the area at their fingertips.

The directory protects consumers by ensuring every business which appears on its pages have been thoroughly vetted by Trading Standards officers in West Sussex or Brighton and Hove.

Each business listed, whatever its size or trade, has agreed to provide a trustworthy and high standard of customer service. They are also regularly monitored to ensure these levels are maintained.

Copies of the free booklet can be picked up from libraries, help points, doctors and dentists’ surgery waiting times, B7Q in Shoreham and Crawley, Travis Perkins in Horsham,  Homebase in Chichester, Screwfix in Horsham and Chichester.

All local members of Buy With Confidence are listed on the website, www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk, with a recommendation from Trading Standards.

David Barling, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services with responsibility for trading standards, said: “The directory gives residents details of around 450 businesses that have been recommended by Trading Standards

“As well as benefiting consumers, it will also assist local businesses by giving them accreditation to a scheme that really carries its weight in the county.”

Any West Sussex traders who want to join the scheme can contact 01243 642124

Brighton & Hove City council’s environment committee chair Gill Mitchell, said: “The Buy with Confidence scheme is a well-regarded and valuable resource for residents and businesses.  The directory not only provides peace of mind for the consumer but is also an ideal way for reliable businesses to advertise their services.”

In the Brighton & Hove area, copies of the directory can be obtained from council offices or by contacting Brighton Trading Standards on 01273 292523.

Businesses in the city interested in joining the scheme should call Brighton Trading Standards on 01273 292523 for an application pack or visit:

www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

An interactive version of the both directories can also be viewed here

Five Sussex towns – Eastbourne, Hastings, Worthing, Crawley and Brighton – have been named as the latest places to benefit from a major high street regeneration programme.

They will receive support from some of the UK’s biggest brands as EE, Exterion Media and Greggs join founding partners Boots UK, the Co-operative Group, Marks & Spencer and Santander to support the transformation of UK High Streets

The Business in the Community’s Healthy High Streets programme aims to increase footfall by 10 per cent, reduce the number of vacant properties by 20 per cent and stimulate the creation of new jobs in 100 towns over three years.

The programme launched in June 2014 and is backed by some of the UK’s biggest high street brands.

Brighton, Crawley, Eastbourne, Hastings and Worthing are five of 34 new towns selected for the programme across the UK today, bringing the total number of participating High Streets to 67.

They will receive a bespoke package of support, including access to skills and expertise, and dedicated High Street Champions from supporting businesses which will work together with the local partnership team, local authority and relevant local partners to devise an action plan to address the specific challenges facing the town.

Chair of the Healthy High Streets programme Robin Foale said, “Congratulations to all these towns on being chosen to be part of the Healthy High Streets programme. This is a great opportunity to work with the business partners and the local High Street Champions to transform the town and create a thriving, vibrant centre for the local community.”

Business in the Community’s Peter Donohoe said, “One of the most powerful ways for business to make an impact in communities is by creating high streets that are vibrant places to live, work and do business. It has been heartening to see first-hand the practical difference that collaborative, business-led action can make on UK high streets in just one year. While there is much be proud of about our High Streets Programme we also know that there is more work to be done. We warmly welcome Greggs, EE and Exterion Media as programme partners and look forward to working with these five towns to create lasting change.”

To find out more about Business in the Community’s high streets work visit www.bitc.org.uk/healthyhighstreets

Clive Roberts, Executive Member for the Environment at Worthing Borough Council, says:

“I am very, very pleased that Field Place has been given a Green Flag,  which is a testament to the love and attention it receives.  

“Field Place has been a popular location amongst residents for as long as I can remember and I’ve enjoyed many hours there myself.  It really has got something to offer everyone with the park, fitness facilities and beautiful gardens.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd says:

“We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme. All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

Along with other leisure and fitness facilities in Worthing, Field Place became part of South Downs Leisure earlier this year, a move which has allowed the space to grow and become even more a part of the Worthing community.  It’s fast making a name for itself amongst wedding and Civil Partnership planners, with the grade II listed manor house (boasting the original Georgian Facade including high beam ceilings, and two fully licensed converted barns) taking pride of place. As well as the characterful buildings, Field Place also boasts grounds spanning over eight acres, meticulously maintained each day by the grounds staff and gardeners.

Duncan Anderson, Chief Executive at South Downs Leisure adds:

“I’m absolutely thrilled Field Place has been given this award, particularly because it encapsulates everything we have strived to achieve. I’d like to take a moment to thank Sasha Bryson, Simon Cross, Mike Byerley and the rest of the team at Field Place, who through hard work and dedication have made this award possible.”

The Green Flag award scheme encourages individuals and organisations to look after their green spaces, rewarding them only when they reach the highest standards of excellence. Each site is independently inspected and verified, judged on its own merit, suitability to the community it serves and environmental standards.  Highdown Gardens has retained their award for this year, underlining the high quality environmental care which contributed to them also gaining a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor this year.

To find out more info about Green Flag and all of this year’s winners please visit;

http://www.greenflagaward.org.uk/

To find out more about Field Place and other South Downs facilities please visit;

http://www.southdownsleisure.co.uk/

Just in time for the school holidays, Worthing’s Splash Pad nears phase two completion

Worthing Borough Council are gearing up to unveil the completed phase two improvements to the Splash Pad, projected to open on 31th July this year.

Situated in the gap behind Beach House, the Splash Pad experienced a popular first season, during which it was highly praised by local residents and visitors.  This enthusiastic take-up of the new, free, facility prompted Worthing Borough Council to push forward to secure additional funds to carry out phase two of the work to build on the success and improve the whole area.

Councillor Clive Roberts, Executive Member for the Environment at Adur & Worthing Councils says:

“The new seating, fencing and paving look very good and I’m sure that the investment we’ve made will further improve the Splash Pad’s popularity.  As a local, free, attraction it’s ideal for families looking to keep the kids entertained and cool on those hot summer days.  

“The Splash Pad is a pivotal point in our Active Beach Zone area and overall strategy for providing residents and visitors alike with compelling reasons to get out of the house, to enjoy our beautiful coastline and to get active in the process!”

Phase two of the Splash Pad development incorporates new seating areas (including standard benches and pebble shaped feature seating) surrounded by high quality timber fencing.  Two GoBo projectors will project images onto the modernised paving floor in a dynamic light display, no doubt catching the eye of those cutting through Beach House grounds using the newly installed walkways..

By expanding the size of the Splash Pad, the Borough Council has emphasised the links between Beach House grounds and the seafront, improving the connection between the two and dramatically adding extra interest to the already buzzing coastal strip.

The area will remain fenced off until all works are complete, expected to be Thursday 30th July, when the water feature will be turned back on marking the reopening of The Splash Pad, just in time for children and families to enjoy right through the summer holidays.

To find out more about existing and future plans for the Splash Pad please visit: http://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/regeneration/active-beach-zone/

Should a section of Worthing’s well loved Victoria Park have an area dedicated to children’s clean and secure play, marked out by a fence?  That’s one of the questions being posed to local residents and parents of the two neighbouring schools by Worthing Borough Council.

Recently, Heene and St Mary’s First Schools approached Worthing Borough Council with a suggestion to consider fencing off an area large enough for a 9-a-side football pitch, enabling local children - along with the schools’ pupils - to have somewhere clearly dedicated to play and carrying out a range of sporting activities. 

The Council are now consulting with the local community and have also sent survey forms home with every child who uses the schools for their parents to complete.  In addition, forms are being dropped into the letter boxes of all of the households in surrounding roads:

* Cobden Road

* St Matthews Road

* Anglesea Road

* Shakespeare Road (north)

* Norfolk Street, 

* And the section of the A259 between the junction with Richmond and Shakespeare Roads

Councillor Clive Roberts, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for the Environment, comments:

“It is really important to hear the opinions of the local residents and people who use the park often so that we can create a space which works for everyone.

“I’m sure  that all parents and local residents would agree that clean, safe spaces are something which we would all wish for our children, and putting up a low fence in Victoria Park to achieve that is something I support.”

The proposed fence would be 1.2m (4-feet) high, similar to that around the existing playground, and would be a traditional bow-top design.  Access for the whole community will be maintained at all times - although the new area will be gated, it is not intended to be solely for school use.

The consultation is open until the end of September, at which time the Council will make a decision based on the opinions of the community.   Posters are about to be put up around the park to invite comments and, in addition to the hard copy forms already distributed, opinions can be registered online at: http://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/victoria-park-consultation/.