At the special meeting held yesterday morning at my suggestion, with Parish and District Councillors, the local Highway Manager revealed the results of the traffic survey carried out north and south of Blackstone during a week last month.

It was found that at the checkpoint south of the Village that 266 vehicles per day passed at an average of 33/34 mph, with between 86 and 91% travelling at less than 41 mph. At the northern checkpoint, near Rose Cottage, the daily figure was 247 vehicles at an average speed of 39mph with some 66% travelling at less than 41 mph.

In view of the low traffic speeds, the meeting agreed that the introduction of a 40 mph limit, although justified by the existing speeds, would probably, based on experience elsewhere, lead to an increase in average speed up to near the 40 mph. In addition it was noted that the daily traffic numbers were much lower than on other ‘c’ classed roads.

The provision of road humps was suggested to reduce current speeds, but since this would require street lights and road markings and signs this was ruled out on environmental grounds.

Concern was expressed that the County Council was not doing enough to implement the County Highway Plan with regard to reducing lorry traffic along Blackstone Lane, and the Local Highway Manager agreed to discuss this with the officers at County Hall responsible for the implementation of the Plan.

It was suggested that individual action to report speeding lorries to their owners or to the Police via the Operation Crackdown number/website (see the link on this website) would help tackle the problem of lorry and speeding traffic.

Overall the meeting had to agree that in view of the low number of vehicles using the Lane and the low speed of that traffic, there was little that could be done to address local concerns about the use of the road. Woodmancote Parish Council will be reporting back to local residents in more detail about the meeting.

I have agreed to investigate further the possibility of advisory traffic signs re-directing lorry traffic from Blackstone Lane to other routes. In addition, at my request, the District Councillor present at the meeting agreed to investigate whether Horsham District Council could implement improvements to the centre of Blackstone since it is an official Conservation Area. Such works would enhance the local environment and might also deter through traffic using the Lane.

The Forum (CAFWS) aims to improve countryside access for all across the county. It is an independent, advisory body operating on a statutory basis.CAFWS was established in 2003 as required by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act), which placed a duty on each County Council, Unitary Authority and National Park to set up a Local Access Forum (in West Sussex this is CAFWS).

There was an excellent Forum Workshop at Haywards Heath on 2 July about the West Sussex Rights of Way Improvement Plan. The Plan was prepared last year but, although required by Government, no extra government funding has been provided to enable the Plan to be implemented.

The Workshop discussed ways in which CAFWS members could influence various bodies such as County, District and Parish Councils to assist in implementing the priority parts of the Plan. I made a strong plea to give the improvement of the Downs Link a priority, with more links to local communities such as Small Dole for cyclists. Ways to achieve this were discussed, including greater involvement of Parish Councils along the Downs Link route.

I have added a website link to the CAFWS website for people to keep up to date with it’s activities and progress on the Rights of Way Improvement Plan.

A number of people have complained about the burger van in the High Trees Car Park at the Upper Beeding roundabout on the A283.

County Officers have advised that there are no highway grounds on which the burger van can be removed, but there are South Downs Joint Committee and County land ownership issues. The present management arrangements in respect of the car park need to be confirmed before recovery of the land presently occupied by the burger van could be considered.

In any event there is a view that the burger van is not really causing a problem. Also it is claimed that users of the South Downs Way seem to be enjoying the convenience of the van at the end of a long day walking, cycling and riding.

One of the problems is, however, that the burger van attracts heavy vehicles to the site which sometimes blocks the car park for other users, and can cause a dangerous traffic situation at the entrance from the roundabout. Since the car park is also used by equestrians to unload/load horse boxes, the provision of a height barrier to prevent use by heavy vehicles would be difficult, but this is being investigated. Clearly if this can be resolved then the presence of the burger van might be acceptable in providing a valued facility for users of the South Downs Way.

Any comments from local people would be welcome.

At the recent Annual Upper Beeding Parish Meeting the Neighbourhood Wardens for Bramber, Steyning & Upper Beeding presented a report on their activities during the last year and their plans for 2008/09.

Now the Wardens can issue penalty tickets for dog fouling and dropping litter they will be working to reduce this sort of anti-social behaviour across the area. Fortunately this sort of behaviour is only carried out by a few people, but it has a significant impact on the street scene, and can also be a danger to health.   (And don’t forget that dropping cigarette butts is also litter.) Contact the Wardens, Paul Sweeney on 077344 387 888 or Kylie Calder on 07734 387 889 (or via the office on 01903 813 236) if you have information on regular sites/times when this sort of anti-social behaviour is carried out.

The Wardens will be continuing with their work to control other sorts of bad behaviour such as under age drinking in our recreation grounds, whilst at the same time working with the junior wardens from the Upper Beeding (and soon Steyning) Primary Schools.

And they are still able to help those more older residents who are unable to get out by collecting medicines etc for them.

Our Neighbourhood Wardens are doing a great job - help them to do an even better one!

The consultation period will be from May to July 2008.

The County Policy & Resources Select Committee on Wednesday (7th) at County Hall will be considering the methods used in preparing the draft Strategy, whether additional groups might be engaged in the preparation of the Strategy work and how to promote the consultation in local communities.

The Strategy will be for all the population, not just those who have been traditionally been supported because they have been seen to have the highest needs. It should: -

aim to build strong and cohesive communities where individuals feel included and recognise their responsibilities;

assist individuals and communities to access services and opportunities with minimal intervention; and

encourage service providers to work as partners in focusing needs and aspirations of people, ensuring that there are high quality affordable services, and improving information provision from a variety of sources including through the web, so people can identify, and take, opportunities and choices.

I will be suggesting that Parish Councils should be included in the consultation, and will be reporting on this the Upper Beeding and Bramber Parish Council meetings this week.

A summary of the Framework document is available from the County Council at:

www.westsussex.gov.uk/scs

Please read the Framework, consider the information it presents, and then respond to the questions at the end of the document.

Following the improvements to the Downs Link/South Downs Way earlier this year, a second phase of works is planned for later this year to improve the South Downs Way eastwards from the bridge to the A283.

This will involve raising in part the height of the bridleway, lengthening the ramp down from the riverbank to reduce the path gradient, and laying an improved stoned surface.

During negotiations with the landowner agreement has been made to widen the path to facilitate these works and for the convenience of future path users. The present path gradient is no steeper than previously existed but, once works are completed, will be significantly shallower.

This is more good news for users of the Downs Link/South Downs Way through the Bramber Castle Division. Hopefully there will be more to come soon!

The Annual Parish Meeting will take place this Wednesday evening at the Beeding and Bramber Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm.

The County and District Councillors will be present.

There will be a presentation by the Neighbourhood Wardens  and the Horsham District Street Scene Team, including various youth projects.

There will be a discussion on various matters raised by Parishioners.

The Parish Council Committee Chairmen will be reporting on activities during the year and be able to answer questions from the public attending the meeting.

Woodmancote Parish Council and several local residents, supported by local County Councillor, Derek Deedman, have objected to this application on planning and highway safety grounds. 

Bramlands Lane is an unclassified rural road, with no footways or street lighting, with a single vehicle width, damaged grass verges and subject to a derestricted speed limit. 

Traffic flows along Bramlands Lane are light given that it primarily serves a small number of dwellings/small holdings. 

It has been estimated that the maximum traffic generated by the proposal for 50 tents would be 45 trips per day based on occupancy of 30 tents with 1.5 movements each tent. This would lead to 100 vehicle movements along Bramlands Lane. 

This would be a significant number over and above the existing traffic flows on Bramlands Lane and given the single vehicle width would lead to further damage of the verges and greater risk of accidents to road users. 

Highways accept that some campers would explore the countryside by sustainable modes of travel as recommended in the proposed Green Travel Plan but this would be a small percentage of all movements. 

In the circumstances the highway authority is recommending that the planning application be refused on road safety grounds in that Bramlands Lane is insufficient in width to accommodate safely the additional vehicular movements that the proposed tented campsite would generate, resulting in an increased risk of accidents to road users.

Hopefully the District Council Planning Committee will accept this recommendation and refuse planning permission for this scheme.

In view of the representations made by the Task Force reviewing the Service, the County Cabinet Member has deferred the current closure of the present Service from 30 June, 2008 to 30 September, 2008.

Derek Deedman has welcomed the news as it will give the task Force longer to consider the possible options for the way forward, and allow a sub-group of the Task Force to consider the technical options being drawn up by the County & District officers.

The sub-group will consist of just Parish Councillors and the technical officers involved with the Service. Jackie Campbell, the Chairman of Steyning Parish Council, together with other Parish Councillors from Thakeham, Pulborough, Washington, Storrington and Henfield. The first meeting of the sub-group will be on Monday, 28 April.

The second Task Force meeting took place yesterday and progress is being made towards consideration of possible options for the way forward.

Following the discussions which have taken place to date, to address the main problems of health & safety and lack of recycling from the present facilities the options include: -

Replacing the existing service, with an ongoing, but restricted recycling service, possibly on a less frequent basis (green waste only and/or monthly/summer only),

Offering all householders an additional green collection bin (at a cost – approx £50 for the bin plus £50/£75pa for collection),

Provision of a free home compostor to all households who wish to have one,

Subsidising a bulky refuse collection for large items,

In addition a restricted general waste service for waste going to landfill might continue.

The next meeting is planned for Monday, 28 April to hopefully agree the final recommendation to be made to the County Cabinet Member who will make the final decision.

Please let me know any comments you may have on the above options.

The County Council has published  its intention to make a temporary closure Order for part of Bridleway 1872 in the Parish of Ashurst

The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any person from proceeding along a length of Public Bridleway No. 1872, Ashurst, from its junction with Public Footpath No. 2511 (GR16481611) southwards to its junction with Spithandle Lane (GR16841533).

The Order is necessary to protect public safety whilst resurfacing works are undertaken.

Unfortunately there is no alternative route available using the Public Rights of Way network.

The Order will come into effect on 6^th May 2008 and will last for 6 months or until the proposed works are completed, whichever is earlier.

Any queries about the effect of the Order on persons using the bridleway should be directed to Emily Delicata, WSCC, telephone number (01243) 753599.

Despite excellent speeches from seven local residents explaining why the planning application to extend the life of the Horton Landfill Site at Small Dole should be refused, including health fears, the majority of the County Planning Committee voted to approve the application.

Local County Councillor, Derek Deedman, in his presentation to the Committee, highlighted the continuing growth in heavy traffic throughout the area, the fact that the Head of Waste Management Services (the Waste Disposal arm of the County Council) had told him that the Site did not feature in the Interim Contract for Waste Disposal (thus shooting down the claims that there was a need for the extra waste facility at Small Dole), and that the draft County Minerals & Waste Planning Framework policy on land raising (which this scheme was) stated that it did not form part of the preferred waste strategy and was unlikely to be acceptable. He then read out an example email from two local residents showing what a very bad impact the operation of the Site had on their daily life. Derek also referred to the litter from vehicles going into and out of the Site and wanted an extra planning condition to require vehicle containers to be covered to prevent spillage or loss of material onto the public highways. He finally asked for the application to fill the present void to be approved by extending planning permission to 1 June 2009, (with a further 18 months for restoration only), but called for the bid for extra waste to be tipped at the Site to be refused.During the Planning Committee discussion some of the Committee members were concerned at the health fears which had been raised by the Henfield Medical Centre, outlined by some of the residents speaking against the scheme, but wanted this addressed by stronger planning conditions rather than to refuse the application. One Member took the view that his area had suffered from planning decisions in the past - so why shouldn’t Small Dole receive the same treatment! Another Member felt that although the Committee had refused a similar land-raising waste application in the recent past, because this had then been allowed on appeal by the planning inspector, the Committee could not refuse this application.

Two Members did, however, speak out against the application. One agreed that the present void should be filled, but that any further tipping went against what could be regarded under the Human Rights Act as proportionate in terms of its continuing effects upon the private lives and homes of Small Dole residents. They had had their ’share’ of waste disposal. The other Member felt that the quality of life of local people was important and the County Council should base its actions on improving and enhancing the quality of life of all its residents.

Following a discussion as to how the planning conditions could be improved to better control the toxic and other gases and smells from the Site, the Committee decided, despite the objections, to approve the planning application. The use of the Site for disposal of waste is now to cease on or before 1 October, 2010, with restoration to be completed by 1 April 2012.

Derek said, “I hate to lose any debate, and although the odds were stacked against the application being refused I really thought there might have been a chance this time. For the people of Small Dole it is an extremely disappointing decision.”

The Liberal Democrat Youth and Students has become Liberal Youth. Nick Clegg launched the new movement last night at a packed event in East London, promising to turn the small-l liberal values of Britain’ young people into active support for and involvement in the Liberal Democrats. This builds upon the 2005 success of picking up five of the eight constituencies in the country with the highest student populations, as well as a 400% increase in freshers’ fair recruitment over this academic year. 

Young people all over Britain are ready to join a party that shares their values. For core issues that young people care about, we are the only party that stands with them. (Clegg)

Whether in calling for real action rather words on climate change, protection of hard-won civil liberties, an internationalist approach to foreign policy, or closing the gap between the richest and poorest, young people hold liberal values. Britain has a liberal youth. We’ll make it Liberal Democrat. (Mark Gettleson, Chair of Liberal Youth)

County Councillor Derek Deedman has welcomed this great news. Hopefully many young people in the area will take a look at the new Liberal Youth website, which is shown as a useful link, left (Young Liberal Democrats), and decide to join.

Last week saw grants being agreed for three projects in Upper Beeding, the first two from the Chanctonbury County Local Committee (CLC) and the other from the Viridor Credits West Sussex Committee.

Bus Shelter

There has been a long campaign by local people for a bus shelter in the High Street at the Kings Head which has now been supported by a petition of 58 signatures. It has not however been easy to progress because the site is in a conservation area of the Village and any bus shelter would need to fit in with the surrounding buildings such as the Kings Head.

The Parish Council has now proposed a high quality hardwood shelter, which will enhance the built environment of the area and provide shelter from the rain and wind for people waiting for the bus. It will be especially valuable for non-car owners (old and young) and hopefully encourage others to get out of their cars to use public transport.

Such a bus shelter is much more expensive than a normal modern shelter and the CLC was pleased to be able to approve a community grant of £1,500 for the Parish Council towards the extra cost.

Replacement radiators for the Beeding & Bramber Village Hall

The boiler for the Hall was replaced last year, but had to be connected to a heating system of radiators and pipework which are 35 years old and which regularly break down.

The CLC recently gave a community grant to Ashington for a similar heating system, and so was pleased to be able to approve a grant of £2,000 to enable the Beeding & Bramber Village Hall Management Committee to upgraded their heating system.

Skate Park for Small Dole

Small Dole in the Parish of Upper Beeding is rurally isolated from facilities for young people, and it has been identified that there is a demand in the area for a proper skate park.

The Parish Council therefore bid for a community grant from Viridor Credits West Sussex to help fund this much needed recreational opportunity for young people in the area, which will also provide a usable, yet challenging facility for all ages and levels of experience.

The Viridor Credits West Sussex Committee, Small Dole, which meets at the Horton Landfill Site to allocate grants from landfill tax, was delighted to approve a £30,000 grant towards the cost of over £40,000 for the Skate Park to be sited at Mackey’s Field in Small Dole.

Derek Deedman said, “It is great that these two Committees on which I am a member have been able to part fund these improvements in Upper Beeding which will be of such help to all ages in the local community.”

From 1st April the Highway Rangers service will be rolled out across the whole County. Building on the success of the pilot run this year, the Rangers will continue to work to improve the street scene in our area.

The Rangers’ role is to carry out the sort of small-scale works listed below, which can help to improve the appearance of our highways. This is not an exhaustive list although please note that pothole or other emergency repairs are outside of their scope, but they will be reporting of the necessity for such repairs to be undertaken.

• Clearing vegetation overhanging paths

• Some hedge trimming

• Siding pavements and clearing unsightly weeds

• Sign cleansing

• Removing unlawful signs

• Simple street furniture repairs and removal of sign clutter

• Hand clearing drainage grips and some ditches

• Clearing debris away from gully tops and small culverts

To help the team target their work effectively your help is needed to identify issues, or work for them to do. The continuing aim is to ensure the Rangers are targeting the issues raised by local people.

The Chanctonbury team will continue to be based at the highway maintenance depot at Clapham (near Worthing). The team will operate on a rolling programme where they will spend a week in each County Local Committee area that the local office supports. This means that a team will be in our area every 4 or 5 weeks. They will be in the Chanctonbury area in the weeks commencing 14 April, 12 May, 9 June, 7 July, 4 August, 1 & 29 September, 27 October, 24 November, 22 December, 19 January 2009, 16 February & 16 March.

To report work for the Rangers please use either the number or email address below and remember to provide as many details as you can.

Tel: 01243 642105

Email: Highway.rangers@westsussex.gov.uk

At a well attended Chanctonbury County Local Committee (CLC) meeting in Pulborough last night, Horsham District Councillors attacked County Council representatives over the proposed closure of the Mobile Waste Service at the end of June.

Yet, as became quite clear, it is Horsham District Council, who operate the Service on the County Council’s behalf, who are refusing to operate the Service after that date on health and safety grounds! And other potential operators have told County Officers that they would not take on the task. So, even if the other concerns County has about the Service can be addressed, it looks impossible to continue after the end of June unless the Horsham District Councillors turn their fire on their own leaders to get them to change their minds about operating the Service.

Despite a presentation by the County Officers explaining the reasons for the proposed closure of the Service, both District and Parish Councillors and the public present were against the proposal. Many good points were made (including those made by Bramber, Steyning and Upper Beeding residents to local Councillors), refuting some of the closure reasons, highlighting the consequences in increased environmental costs from the extra driving to distant Household Waste Sites, and suggesting some constructive ideas on the way forward.

One of the main themes was the view that at the very least the Service must continue until suitable and acceptable alternatives were in operation. But, as Derek Deedman pointed out, this is dependent on Horsham District Councillors agreeing to continue to operate the Service on the County’s behalf.

It was announced that CLC Chairman, Pat Arculus, will be chairing the Task Force which the County Cabinet Member has set up to carry out an urgent review of the situation, and that locally Derek Deedman, District Cllr George Cockman and Steyning Parish Chairman Jackie Campbell will also be members of the Task Force.

The Task Force is planned to meet a number of times over the next few weeks and will make recommendations to the Cabinet Member by the end of April. He committed himself last night that he would to do everything in his power to implement the recommendations from the Task Force.

At the end of the day, although the Horsham District Councillors need to sort out their own Council’s role in this matter, a number of valid points were made at the meeting and these will be considered by the Task Force in its deliberations over the next month. All is not yet lost, the Cabinet Member is now fully aware of the wishes of local people to keep this Service, and hopefully the Task Force will be able to recommend a way forward which will be acceptable to all concerned.

This debate will be taking place at Pulborough Village Hall tomorrow night.

The debate will start about 7.25pm at the Chanctonbury County Local Committee meeting. The four county councillors for the area (Henfield, Bramber Castle, Storrington and Pulborough) want to hear your views and suggestions on saving this service.

The Head of Wastes Management will also be at the meeting to explain the background to the proposed closure.

If you want to comment on the possible closure of this Service please come along tomorrow evening!

Apart from this meeting, County Councillors Derek Deedman and Frank Wilkinson (Storrington) hope to be members of a Task Force being set up by the County Cabinet Member responsible for the Mobile Waste Service (together with representative District  and Parish Councillors) to advise him on what should now happen. Whether you can attend the meeting in Pulborough or not, please send us your views so that they may be taken into account in the Task Force deliberations.

Although there has been little support for a cycleway from Golding Barn to Small Dole, a staff member at Woods Mill feels there would be lots of support for the provision of a cycle track from Small Dole to Henfield.

Certainly the amount of traffic including heavy lorries, car transporters etc. on the road between the two Villages is horrendous and this undoubtedly deters most people from attempting to cycle the route.

Such a link would complement the footway from Woodmancote to Henfield, and encourage more people who visit Henfield from its outlying villages to walk/cycle rather than use their cars.

In addition there are a number of businesses based along the Shoreham Road between Small Dole and Henfield. There could well be interest from people who live in Small Dole or Henfield, and work in the business premises concerned, to cycle/walk to work rather than take the car if there was a safe route along the road. A positive survey of the staff at those businesses would be extremely valuable in making the case for the provision of such a foot/cycleway. Any help in organising a survey would be appreciated.

The five parish councils in the Bramber Castle Division will be holding their annual meetings over the next two months.

Although the meetings will be chaired by the chairman of the parish council in each case, they are not parish council meetings, they are the annual opportunity for the public to attend , make their views known on current issues concerning the parish and ask questions of the parish councillors. The parish council chairman will usually give a short report on the activities of the parish council over the last year and answer questions. There may also be a presentation on a topical subject by an invited guest which should be of interest to local people.

The meetings this year will be: -

Steyning Parish Meeting - 7.30pm, Monday 31 March at the Steyning Centre. Jennie Musgrove, from the New Steyning Health Centre Development Group, will give a short presentation on the new Health Centre and answer questions. (Note this is not a public consultation meeting.)

Ashurst Parish Meeting - 8pm, Thursday 3 April at Ashurst Village Hall. Steyning Parish Councillor, Marlene Carman, will be speaking about the Steyning & District Community Partnership and the Steyning & Ashurst Conservation Volunteers.

Woodmancote Parish Meeting - 7.45pm, Tuesday 8 April at the Parish Hall. Two of the major topics to be discussed will be traffic developments in the Blackstone area and progress on implementation of the Woodmancote Parish Plan.

Upper Beeding Parish Meeting - 7.30pm, Wednesday 23 April at the Beeding & Bramber Village Hall. The final list of speakers has yet to be finalised, but may include a representative of Viridor Credits (West Sussex) talking about the community grants available from the organisation (relating to landfill tax paid for waste going into the Small Dole site), and how they can be applied for.

Bramber Parish Meeting - 7pm, Wednesday 7 May at Beeding & Bramber Village Hall.

The proposed withdrawal of this service at the end of June 2008 was discussed at the special meeting of  Chanctonbury County Councillors yesterday (29th).

The County and Horsham District officers put forward strong arguments to support the proposed action, ranging from health and safety to operators and public at the sites, lack of security, lack of customer care/advice, the difficulty of stopping trade and hazardous waste being deposited and the need to recycle more as most waste from these sites went to landfill.

Councillors were very concerned at the lack of discussion with users of the service. In addition with charges proposed for the alternatives or higher travel costs to go to permanent household waste sites at Billingshurst, Hop Oast or Shoreham compared with the free service available to Horsham Town residents, the south of the District was to lose out again.

It was agreed that officers should visit the mobile sites over the coming weeks to meet with users and explain and discuss the reasons for the proposed closure of the service. Furthermore a special meeting(s?) of the Chanctonbury County Local Committee would be arranged to discuss the views made at the mobile site visits, hear more from local people on the matter and give the opportunity for the detailed explanation of the reasons behind the proposal. Letters would be sent to all Parish Councils in the area updating the details already sent out with the above information.

The Draft Plan was  discussed at the Countryside Access Forum for West Sussex meeting in Billingshurst yesterday.

Andy Gattiker, the South Downs Way National Trail Officer outlined the strategic aims included in the Draft Plan (which is open to the public for consultation until 1 February). Further details on www.nationaltrail.co.uk/southdowns/

In response to a question from Derek Deedman it was confirmed that improving the safety of the Way where it crosses major roads such as the A283 in Upper Beeding was  included under the section of the Draft Plan relating to ‘Managing the Trail and its corridor’.

Woodmancote Parish Council has considered a report by Derek Deedman on the responses by local people to his article on the traffic problems in Blackstone Lane. There had been some support for a number of possible actions, including a reduced speed limit, road narrowing in places and access restricted to smaller vehicles.

After discussion at the November and January meetings it has been agreed to hold a public meeting on the matter in mid-February. Officers from County Highways & Transport will be invited to advise on what action could be carried out to tackle the situation, to enable a decision to be reached on the way ahead.

The date for the public meeting, when agreed, will be posted on this website.

Derek Deedman recently attended a joint meeting of the five South Horsham market towns community partnerships, to put the case to the County Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport for better public transport. The current problems Derek raised included: -

*the one and half hour gap in the 2A bus service from Shoreham to Steyning in the late afternoon,

*the requirement for Small Dole residents to wait nearly an hour in Upper Beeding for the connection between the 100 and 2A Services if they wished to go to/from Shoreham and Worthing,

*the lack of a direct bus to Worthing throughout the day, and

*the lack of limited stop peak time services to both Brighton and Worthing for people going to work or attending University or College.

Derek said, “Although the Cabinet Member agreed to look at the Upper Beeding connection between the 100 and 2A bus services he made no other commitments.

“It is very disappointing that at a time when we should be tackling climate change by encouraging more people to use the buses rather than their cars, that the Tory-run County Council is not investigating what extra bus services would encourage people out of their cars and is not providing sufficient additional funds to improve the existing provision of public transport.”

Following further concerns from local people about the dangers of driving out of Canons Way, especially going right towards Bramber, Derek Deedman has asked for visibilty of approaching traffic to be improved.

The Local Highway Manager has said that the bushes and young trees need to be cutback on the inside of the bend of the Bypass to enable traffic emerging from Canons Way to have an earlier and better view of the fast traffic from the Washington direction.

In normal circumstances Derek would be opposed to the removal of trees, but as, in this instance, they are clearly making the situation dangerous and could be replaced nearer the back fences of the houses bordering the Bypass, he is supporting the Local Highway Manager’s recommendation.

Liberal Democrats are opposed to the Government’s proposals for the building of replacement nuclear power stations and want radical plans for increasing the use of renewables and reducing overall energy use to be adopted instead.

Local Liberal Democrat campaigner Derek Deedman said,

“The Government is determined to push forward an expensive programme of new nuclear power stations, which will undermine the potential for an increase in renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.

“As well as the cost, there is the risk of accidents, the long-term legacy of waste and the danger of terrorist exploitation of nuclear material. Plus a new generation of nuclear power stations will mean that other technologies, such as renewable and carbon capture, are pushed out of the mix. This only serves to make the day that we can be fully sustainable further away.

“The Government should reject nuclear power and instead invest in reducing the amount of energy we use. The Liberal Democrats have put forward radical proposals to improve the energy efficiency of homes, here in Arundel & South Downs and elsewhere.

“By setting tough new insulation standards for new homes, and creating a system of ‘energy mortgages’, so the cost of energy efficiency measures can be repaid over the long-term, using the money saved from lower energy bills, we can reduce carbon emissions from existing homes by more than 60 per cent, and from newly built houses by 95 per cent, by 2050. That is more carbon than is produced annually by all the cars on Britain’s roads.

Members of Steyning Women’s Institute recently highlighted the one and half hour gap in the 2A bus service from Shoreham to Steyning in the late afternoon.

Derek Deedman has discussed this problem with Brighton & Hove Buses and the Public Transport Group at County Hall.

Sadly the Bus Company are not willing to restore the otherwise hourly service throughout the day. This is because, as a fully commercially operated service (with no subsidy from the County Council), they have to operate the extra 20 bus service at the evening peak time by using the earlier, late afternoon, bus which would otherwise run on to Steyning. An extra bus would be required to overcome the problem, for which they have no funds.

The County Council is unwilling to help fund this extra bus to Steyning as they have had to make reductions in funding for bus services this financial year to keep within the County budget. The Public Transport Planner appreciates that having a gap in the timetable of one and half hours in an otherwise hourly service is undesirable, particularly during the build up to the evening peak hours. He is, however, unable at present to find the extra funds necessary for the extra bus, although he has told Derek that it will be added to the ‘Wants List’ for new and additional services.

Derek said, “It is very disappointing that at a time when we should be tackling climate change by encouraging more people to use the buses rather than their cars, that the Tory-run County Council is not providing sufficient additional funds to improve the provision of public transport.”

Derek Deedman was delighted to attend the presentation of the Green Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme to Nash Manor on Friday, 30 November.

The Award was clearly deserved for all the green and eco friendly efforts achieved by Liz and May Esler at Nash Manor, and it was useful to talk to a number of ‘green’ specialists and other local business representatives at the event, which may well be helpful in other activities related to being County Councillor for the area.

It is especially good that Liz and May have said that they will be continuing to be ambassadors for Green activities and will encourage other businesses to become Green.

The Nash Manor website is www.nashmanor.co.uk

At the last meeting of the County Council Derek Deedman asked the Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy about the lack of sufficient investment in properly restoring the Downs Link between Steyning and Shoreham.

She promised a written reply which is as follows: -

“As you are aware the Countryside Managers have been addressing the state of the surface of the Downs Link over the last few years but have only a limited budget. Currently the annual expenditure on surface improvements on the section north of Steyning to the County Border is £15-25K and south of Steyning is £12K (this year). This allows us to make only modest inroads into upgrading the surface.

“We do however take advantage of any opportunity available to get additional funds to allow more to be done. A sum of £20k has become available this year and the officer concerned will be contacting you to discuss the priorities and expenditure planned on this stretch. In addition we are also discussing further work with Sustrans, our Cycling Officer and the South Downs Joint Committee, to see if we can pool funding to address the additional stretches between Shoreham and Bramber.”

At the last meeting of Bramber Parish Council it was suggested that the Council might consider using some of the funds available from planning developments to help fund such restoration work. Derek Deedman has passed this information to the Countryside Officers who will be contacting the Parish Council to discuss the matter.

“Hopefully further progress will be made soon, and I will continue to press for the Link to be fully restored to a decent surface for all users for at least that part of the route between Shoreham and Steyning” said Derek.

Following the recent public consultation on new issues relating to the South Downs National Park (Designation) Order 2002 the Secretary of State has decided to re-open the public inquiry.

Arrangements are being made for the inquiry to re-open at 10am on Tuesday 12 February 2008 at The Chatsworth Hotel, Steyne, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 3DU.  Mr Robert Neil Parry, BA DipTP MRTPI, will hold the re-opened inquiry.

The Inspector has been asked to consider, in the context of the terms of the original inquiry, the following specific issues:

i.  any implications for the Designation Order (as varied by the Variation Order) arising directly as a result of the revised National Parks legislation – amendments to the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 made by the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006;

ii.  any implications for the Designation Order (as varied by the Variation Order) arising directly as a result of the High Court and Court of Appeal Judgments in the challenge by Meyrick Estate Management Ltd relating to the New Forest National Park;

iii. the possible alternative boundary line from north of Petersfield running east across to Pulborough, produced by Natural England at Defra’s request, based on a recommendation in the South Downs Inquiry Report Volume 1, Part 2 (para 2.71); and

iv. those possible additional areas of land recommended for inclusion within the proposed South Downs National Park against which there have been objections.

The Inspector has also been asked to indicate if any other points raised during the further public consultation that was held during the period 2nd July to 24th September 2007 have caused him to change any of his recommendations.

The Inquiry website is at:

http://www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk/southdowns/index.htm

The Planning Inspectorate can be contacted at:                 

                                                Tel: 0117 372 8424

4/02 Kite Wing                           Mobile: 0791 9057365

Temple Quay House                     Fax: 0117 372 8766

2 The Square                                     Email: Barbara.bay@pins.gis.gov.uk

Temple Quay

Bristol BS1 6PN

Derek Deedman has welcomed the addition of land recommended for inclusion in the proposed Park at Small Dole and supports the objections to the recommended exclusions of Steyning and Upper Beeding. 

The illegal use of motorbikes on Rights of Way which are not byways open to all traffic (BOAT’s) was again discussed at today’s meeting of the Countryside Access Forum for West Sussex attended by Derek Deedman.

The Pathwatch Scheme, which mainly operates in the Chichester area, has achieved a reduction in the illegal use of at least one Right of Way of some 60% .

Although there are no additional Police resources to concentrate on catching  people using motorbikes illegally  on Rights of Way, Derek Deedman is urging anyone seeing such illegal use to report it to the Police and obtain an incident number. Regular reporting of such illegal use when it happens  will then prompt Police action to address the crime figures.