This footpath is currently being temporarily closed for emergency electrical work.

It has been agreed, however, that once the work is finished, the contractors will re-instate the path to the full width available. This would make it possible to consider making the route from Breach Close to the Grammar and Primary Schools entrance usable for cycling as well as the very many pedestrians who use it every day.

I will ask for this to be taken into account in the the school travel plans currently being revised.

A small number of residents have expressed support for a route alongside the Henfield Road, suggested in the Spring edition of the Bramber Castle Focus. This would enable people to walk/cycle between the villages in safety. Some said that it would also encourage them to cycle rather than use their cars.

One respondent suggested that rather than build such a new roadside footpath/cycleway, a cheaper solution would be to use the existing Right of Way (FP 2775) along New Hall Lane, and then go west to connect to the Downs Link. This would then provide a direct access from Small Dole by foot and bike safely to Henfield and Steyning in a much nicer environment.

Does this latest idea have local support? Please let me know.

Following the outcry against the proposed closure of this Service and the consequent setting up of a joint County, District & Parish Councillors Task Force to review the proposal, it has been agreed to continue the Service, with some minor changes, until March 2009.

The main changes are: - all metal items will now go into the caged unit for recycling, and hazardous waste such as TVs and computers will no longer be accepted.

From April 2009, a revised fortnightly mobile service will  concentrate on green waste for recycling,  co-ordinated with the roll out of the District Council’s new improved kerb-side collection  arrangements.  The mobile service for non-recyclable waste will also continue, but on a less frequent basis – possibly monthly.

This joint working by the local community  has achieved success, and the County Council has pledged to keep us  informed on the service in future.