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NEWS AND FEATURES FROM MID DISTRICT COUNCIL

Mid Sussex Matters

Nominations open for Mid Sussex Applauds

Ansty Village Centre: Stage One Reaches Completion

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www.midsussex.gov.uk | Issue 103 Summer 2021 Mid Sussex Matters is sent to all residents and provides Mid Sussex you with information about our services. Published by the Communications Team, Matters Council, Oaklands Road, Haywards LOCAL NEWS 4-5 COUNCIL MEETINGS 18 Heath, LEISURE 19 RH16 1SS. BUSINESS SUPPORT 6-7 WASTE MATTERS 8-9 EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT 20 Design 2 Up Front Design: ANSTY VILLAGE CENTER 10-11 GROWTH www.2upfrontdesign.co.uk MID SUSSEX PROGRAMME 21 APPLAUDS AWARDS 12-13 COUNCILLOR’S Printed by Storm Print & Design: BUSINESS SUPPORT 14-15 ALLOWANCES 22 www.stormprintanddesign.co.uk OUT AND ABOUT 16 SUMMER FUN 23 LINGFIELD LODGE 24 73,000 copies are distributed free ROLO’S REPORT 17 to Burgess Hill, , and Mid Sussex villages.

This magazine is delivered by Welcome to the latest edition the Royal Mail according to local postcode boundaries. From of Mid Sussex Matters time to time these exceed the As the outstanding vaccination programme proceeds authority boundaries, but we at pace across Mid Sussex, it is fantastic to see so hope that even if you live outside of Mid Sussex, you will still find many residents getting their jab and being protected something of interest within from Covid-19. By the middle of June, official NHS these pages. data showed that almost 100,000 first doses and over 70,000 second doses had been given to Mid Sussex Please recycle your copy once residents. Thank you to everyone involved in getting you have read it. jabs into arms. With our leisure centres and high streets now back open again, we are Editorial: 01444 477240 clearly on the road to recovery. Unprecedented amounts of financial A BRIGHTER FUTURE Email: [email protected] support for Mid Sussex businesses have been administered by the District Council on behalf of the Government. Local businesses such as shops, Next issue out from the FOR YOUNG ADULT CARERS 5 November 2021. pubs, cafes and more are being supported to reopen with Restart grants to help them bounce back. Shine is a service dedicated to providing support to 18 – 25-year olds looking after Inclusion of advertisements does The Council is also pressing ahead with our work to create a more digitally not constitute a recommendation connected district. Since last September, we have now installed over 25km a family member or friend who depends on that help. Does this sound like you or by Mid Sussex District Council of of ducting to carry new gigabit speed full fibre connections and we are someone you know? the products or services offered working to expand the reach of the fibre roll out into rural communities. or the organisations involved, nor This infrastructure will lower the barriers to entry for internet service will the council incur any liability The Shine team recognise the value of this caring role and would love to work with Young providers to offer gigabit speed fibre to residents and businesses. for any claim relating to them. Adult Carers to provide a stepping stone in achieving their dreams and aspirations. There Modern community facilities are also high on the priority list, with are so many benefits to joining Shine, such as help with gaining employment, training, If you need this publication in partnership work between the District Council and Ansty & another language or format Parish Council resulting in the recent opening of the new Ansty Village funding for mobile data or sports equipment or simply providing a base to socialise and please call 01444 458166. Centre, combining a village hall and sports pavilion. Public consultation will someone to talk to in confidence. also take place over the summer to establish how we can breathe new life  MSDCnews into the Clair Hall site. All this and more are free and easy to access. All you need to do is contact The Shine  MidSussexDistrictCouncil Mid Sussex is incredibly fortunate to have large numbers of residents who Registered Charity No. 1123359 Company No. 6418743 1123359 Company No. Charity No. Registered team today to register or refer someone.  MidSussexDistrictCouncil go the extra mile for other people or for their communities. Every year, we come together to recognise their commitment and achievement with the Mid Sussex Applauds awards. Nominations are now open in eight Contact us for more information categories. Please nominate your community stars by 31st July. Visit carerssupport.org.uk/young-adult-carers Jonathan Ash-Edwards Email [email protected] Leader of Mid Sussex District Council Call 0300 028 8888 Please feel free to get in touch: [email protected] Shine is a service provided by Carers Support West Sussex

3 Local news

Play Days are back Our hugely popular Play Days on Tour will be back this summer. See Keeping to the Code this summer page 23 for information about Play As we enjoy the summer ahead it is vital to be considerate Days on Tour and Skatepark events. of each other and our environment. The recently reissued Sign up for regular updates at Countryside Code reminds us of some key guidance like: www.midsussex.gov.uk/playdays - Respect everyone - Be considerate to those living, working and enjoying the countryside - Leave gates and property as you find them - Do not block access to gateways or driveways - Follow local signs and keep to marked paths - Keep dogs under control and in sight - Please take litter home - Try to leave no trace of your visit - Do not light fires and only have bbqs where signs say you can. Join our free Full details at www.gov.uk/countryside-code health talks The ‘Pass Wide and Slow’ campaign also reminds drivers about the need for care when approaching horses. online Anti-social behaviour (ASB) Slow down to 15mph max Our upcoming talks: Patience is appreciated 6th July 10:00 – what is it and what can – no horns or revving Stress & Resilience Leave at least a car’s width 8th July 10:00 you do about it? of space if you can Menopause Awareness Drive away slowly. Entrance to Bedlands Nature Reserve, Burgess Hill 14th July 12:30 ASB is behaviour which causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm Sleep Awareness or distress to people not in the same household through 15th July 10:00 • Personal harm – such as where a person is specifically targeted, Food and Mood The future of Clair Hall – public engagement bullied or victimised. Hate incidents will fall into this category. Over the course of the summer we will be undertaking therefore, we are carrying out an extensive programme of 21st July 12:30 a thorough and varied consultation programme to give events to assist us with shaping the future of the site. We Keys to Women’s Wellbeing • Public Nuisance – where an individual or group of individuals use inconsiderate behaviour which has the potential to impact the local community in Haywards Heath and beyond the are looking forward to working with the local community, 23rd July 12:30 negatively on others. opportunity to have its say on the future of the Clair Hall and over the coming months, we will be seeking feedback Stretch and Move site. The aim is to establish how we can breathe new life from stakeholders, amenity groups and the local residents. 2nd August 12:30 • Environmental harm – where a person’s actions affects or causes into the site and make sure that it is able to meet the It is vital that a wide range of voices can participate in Sleep Awareness harm to the wider environment. demands and expectations of the 21st Century – once the the process and you will have lots of ways to provide vaccination centre is no longer required. 3rd August 10:00 your feedback to our project team. You can visit Finding Balance in a World The Council works closely with Police For residents in social housing, An opportunity exists to reinvigorate the Clair Hall site and, https://engage.midsussex.gov.uk for more details. of Change colleagues and other partners in anti-social behaviour is managed 11th August 12:30 tackling anti-social behaviour. by the housing provider if both the Relax and Breathe perpetrator and complainant are Keeping you informed We want to keep you up to date with all the projects 26th August 10:00 If you are a victim of anti-social tenants of the same Registered and activities in your community Breaking Habits behaviour, you can report it at Social Landlord. antisocialbehaviour@midsussex. – published 3 times each year 26th August 12:30 Mid Sussex Matters gov.uk or by phone on 01444 458166 Isolated incidents and neighbour Menopause Awareness Our website - www.midsussex.gov.uk or complete an online form on www. irritations resulting from different  31st August 12:30 midsussex.gov.uk. The ASB team will lifestyles are not classed as ASB. If you  Follow us - @MSDCnews SMART goal setting usually ask people to keep a diary of have a dispute with your neighbour you    – find us at MidSussexDistrictCouncil ongoing incidents including times and can contact West Sussex Mediation Booking essential! duration of the ASB as well as how Service for help: wsms.org.uk/  You can sign up to a free online version Call us on 01444 477191 it has affected them. Evidence helps of MSM which comes out between paper [email protected] the team to address the issue and If you are in immediate danger or see editions by submitting your email at midsussexwellbeing.org.uk the council can take enforcement a crime being committed, please call www.midsussex.gov.uk/msm action for ongoing issues. the Police on 999. Silver Sunday event at Clair Hall 2016

4 Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 5 School Helping children learn you to about digital connections Do it Balfour Beatty has provided St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School in with £1,000 for new IT equipment to help them make the most of a new Full Digitally Fibre broadband connection provided by the Government. St Augustine’s was identified by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport as one of 500 rural Excellent progress has been made by completing the initial network build of our own Local schools around the UK that required support to access they took part in a competition to design posters that Full Fibre Network, allowing superfast internet access across and through Mid Sussex. Full Fibre broadband and provided them with the show what digital connections mean to them. The winners necessary funding to install it. were Alex and Lily in Upper Key Stage 2, Lexie in Lower Key Stage 2 and Melissa who Balfour Beatty is helping Mid Sussex District Council - Since installation began in Network Operator to connect Residents and businesses will be is in Key Stage 1. September last year we have now services to customers. able to gain access to the network to rollout Full Fibre broadband infrastructure to rural installed over 25km of ducting across through CNI members, who can offer communities in Mid Sussex. To help the children learn - We are working with the Mid Sussex to carry the fibre network. a wider choice of services at reduced more about the importance of digital infrastructure Cooperative Network Infrastructure market rates. You can find out more and how it affects our everyday lives, - Our completed Fibre Exchange in (CNI) organisation, who will operate about the Cooperative Network Burgess Hill has been connected and maintain this network on behalf Infrastructure and how it works at Gigabit to the existing Brighton Digital of the Council, to raise awareness www.cni.coop. BUSExchange, HH Mid-Sussex which Matters will enable Need Cap any 92.5X136mm andApr 21 promote R 1 PRINT.qxp_La opportunities.y Voucher Scheme Residents and businesses in rural areas can still apply directly for Gigabit voucher grant funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, for better connectivity in rural areas for eligible applicants. More information can be found at https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk including some inspiring case studies of how the scheme has helped across the country.

NEED MONEY TO START OR GROW A BUSINESS?

Our Invest4 Grant Fund Improving connections can award up to £5,000 in rural areas to start-ups and up to We are also working to expand the fibre network into £170,000 to growing our rural communities north of Haywards Heath and businesses to help south of Burgess Hill using grant funding received them to grow faster. from the Local Enterprise Partnership and hope to Designs on future broadband – Customer satisfaction soars with All fibres great and small– complete this by early 2022. architecture in a rural location. Since improved signals – This rurally improved service for the rural vet. Over 90% of applications updating his connections George based manufacturing company with Ben commented, “Before our fibre to the fund are successful. Work is ongoing to coordinate the commercial says, “I have discovered the joy of international clients took advantage of connection we twiddled our thumbs roll-out around East Grinstead and link to the fibre Zoom and Microsoft Teams which new technology. Business co-owner a lot while we waited for things to EMAIL [email protected] network installed by West Sussex County Council has enabled me to undertake client David said, “This has exceeded all download. Now we are able to share US TODAY between Haywards Heath and . meetings – even in Azerbaijan of expectations and is actually more than and store large data files such as More information can be found at all places – which would have been we need. However, we are future- animal X-rays easily and work at high chi.ac.uk/business-hothouse www.coast2captial.org.uk/investments impossible before.” proofed for business expansion.” speed with Cloud-based software.”

6 Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 7 Waste matters Smart Shopping Smart Shopping is an easy, practical way we as consumers can take action to reduce waste. It can also help Top Tips: us save money. Think about these questions when you are shopping: • Make a shopping list before yougo What a Waste!... • Do I really need it? • Can it be re-filled? • Plan your meals • Can it be re-used? • Buy non-perishable items inbulk • Top tips to tackle your Can it be recycled or composted? • You can make a real difference as Avoid over-packaged items a consumer, try and shop local, buy loose items where you can • Avoid single use or disposable items bulging bin Each and choose products with less year Mid Sussex packaging that are recyclable. • Buy rechargeable batteries Online subscription services from district produces around 26,000 companies like Smol or Who Gives • Don’t forget your re-usable tonnes of household waste and this is Stop Junk Mail A Crap also offer regular deliveries shopping bags! continuing to rise with more of us working from home of plastic free household products, Every year 21 billion items (55,000 helping you to conveniently reduce because of the Covid pandemic. Disposing of our waste is not only tonnes) of direct mail is sent to your packaging waste. harmful to the environment, it’s very costly as well. UK addresses. You can stop junk mail by registering with the Mailing Waste minimisation is about avoiding and reducing waste so why not follow Preference Service (www.mpsonline. org.uk) or by calling 0207 291 3310. the simple tips opposite to ‘slim your bin’? Love your Clothes – What’s in your Wardrobe? Did you know that nearly a third of clothes worn in the average UK household (worth Expert advice on over £1,000 per household, £30 billion in total) haven’t been worn in the last year. Visit www.loveyourclothes.org.uk for tips paying for care and inspiration on quick and easy ways to make the most of your clothes from smarter shopping, care and repair to fashion Long-term care in your own home or in a and upcycling or finding old clothes a new home. residential care home is expensive, but with Love Food, expert advice from independent financial Hate Waste Use Real Nappies specialists, Carewise can help you to make Around 41% of the weight in an Gone are the days of terry towelling informed decisions on choosing and paying average rubbish bin is made up of nappies left to soak in a bucket, food waste costing on average the boiling and washing by hand. Modern for the right care. equivalent of £20 per month per real nappies are sustainable, easy The Carewise care fees specialists are person or £70 per month for a family to use, come in a range of colours of four. Visit www.lovefoodhatewaste. and styles and can save parents regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority com for loads of handy ideas to around £200 - £500 over 2.5 years, and members of the Society of Later Life reduce your food waste and great even more if used for siblings! Advisers, so you can have peace of mind recipes for leftovers from top chefs. Cloth Nappy library (@horshamclothnappylibrary) when discussing your finances. provide re-usable nappy kits to Composting hire and offer support and advice Carewise could also help to protect your to parents and carers considering Composting is nature’s way of finances for the future. Contact Carewise to switching to real nappies. | recycling and it is as easy as pie if find out how you could benefit. you know which ingredients can be used to turn into nutrient rich soil for Want to know more? your garden. Our home composting carewiseadvice.com [email protected] 0330 222 7000 page, www.midsussex.gov.uk/ Visit the community recycling page of our website, www.midsussex. home-composting provides more gov.uk/community-recycling which is packed with information on information, including how you can how to re-use, repair and recycle your household items. buy a discounted compost bin.

8 Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 9 “The trust’s partnership with the District Council has been vital in realising our shared goal of delivering a new and exciting multi-purpose community building for Ansty. Without MSDC’s backing and financial support it is unlikely that the Trust would have been able to attract other major funders into the project.” Ansty Village Centre: Jon Gilley, AVCT chair celebrates stage one

cost £1.5 million and has benefited from just under £670k in Section completion 106 developer contributions from Mid Sussex District Council, with The new Ansty Village Centre The new Centre replaces a Ansty Village Centre Trust (AVCT) brings together a new village hall Canadian Army hut from World War raising £764,000 from its own and and sports pavilion for Recreation One which has served as the Village third-party sources. The third-party Ground users into one building. Hall since 1921. It will include contributions have brought together After many years in development - a new hall, providing a modern a wide range of partners including the and fundraising, the project finally community space English Cricket Board, Sport , got underway in January 2020 and the Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust, - a modern kitchen was then hit by Covid-19 delays on and the European Agricultural Fund “Having hosted the Sussex Schools U9/U10 site. However, Stage One is now - audio-visual facilities, for Rural Development with the aid of softball competition earlier in the week, Ansty complete. - sports facilities including four full- West Sussex County Council. provided the venue for a hugely successful size and two official’s changing The project is a partnership between Now the Centre is built, the Trust is disability cricket showcase event in June.” rooms the District and Parish Councils and turning its attention to Stage Two of “This would not have been possible with our the users of the site - the village - Clubroom social space for club the project and the demolition of the old facilities.” hall, the sports and social club, members and residents to enjoy. old village hall and the extension of and cricket club – and will deliver the car park. This is vital part of the John Thorpe, Ansty Village Centre Trust a much-needed hub for Ansty The project, which will ultimately project and will provide the much- residents, visitors and the wider deliver new parking facilities and needed increase in capacity to relieve community of Mid Sussex to enjoy. recreation ground improvements, will on-street parking in Deaks Lane. Buildings for Looking for extra support active and with your day to day living? vibrant The Connect to Support website is for anyone in Visit our website to: West Sussex who is looking for additional • discover tips on improving communities your health and wellbeing help or support to maintain Community Buildings such as of key information and guidance connect with and support each other. equipment to help village halls, community centres and documents, workshops and their independence, • view Action in Rural Sussex recently church halls are crucial components conferences, as well as responses you stay independent secured a grant from Mid Sussex manage day-to-day in sustaining inclusive and active to ad-hoc queries. With partners at District Council to enable the support for carers communities, particularly in rural areas Mid Sussex Voluntary Action (MSVA) tasks and improve their • find organisation to support more halls. where fewer venues and services are they can provide training for hall staff They will be developing a ‘hall finder’ health and wellbeing. • learn about options for present. There are approximately 61 and trustees and community groups feature on their website and will be extra care and support. such buildings in rural Mid Sussex in a variety of subjects including supporting halls to diversify their that offer communities a hub in which First Aid at Work, Good Governance, business following the pandemic. social activities can occur, businesses Effective Volunteer Management, may be supported, services may be Safeguarding, Data Protection and If you would like to find out more delivered, and physical activities may Food Hygiene. about the Advisory service please take place. visit www.ruralsussex.org.uk or email The pandemic hit community westsussexconnecttosupport.org [email protected] Action in Rural Sussex (AirS) offers buildings especially hard. Over the a Village Hall and Community last year AirS has issued more than 40 If you would like to know more Do you need help to use the website? • Email: [email protected] • Phone: 01243 642121 Buildings Advisory Service on an updates for halls on new regulations, about membership of Mid Sussex annual subscription basis which tips for keeping buildings safe and Voluntary Action (it’s FREE) please offers support to those involved information on the availability of visit the website at www.msva.org. in managing and operating these government grants and our online uk/membership or email enquiries@ buildings. This includes the provision forum helps halls across the county msva.org.uk

10 Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 11 www.midsussex.gov.uk/applauds

r 202 f ou 0 w o in e n m e CATEGORY DESCRIPTION r o s S Recognising residents who dedicate their time and Take Pride in energy into keeping Mid Sussex clean and green, take pride in their local area by creating community gardens, Mid Sussex painting local spaces, upcycling or encouraging others to recycle.

Young Volunteer Recognising those young people who have made a of the Year difference in their local community Nominate Now!

Stronger Together An individual who has made a substantial commitment Who in your community has to the community in their lifetime gone that bit further, made an amazing effort or been Business in the Recognising a business which supports or makes a standout inspiration? a positive contribution to benefit and enhance We need your help finding Community Award community life the Mid Sussex Applauds 2021 community stars. Stronger A community group or organisation that has helped to bring together cultures and communities through a Communities local project or community activity

Against all the odds, someone who has overcome Young Achiever significant obstacles and made a positive difference to their own lives or to other young people through Award education, campaigning or helping another overcome a difficult situation or personal problem

Lifetime An individual who has made a substantial commitment Achievement to the community in their lifetime Award

A club or individual who has made an outstanding Good Sport Award contribution to supporting activity or sport in Mid Sussex

MEDIA SPONSORS Nominate by 31st July 2021 www.midsussex.gov.uk/applauds

Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 13 Business support Back to business – helping firms adjust

In the last year Mid Sussex District Council has successfully allocated and thrive over £66 million of government grants and support to local shops, Ben Read, Volume1Climbing, services and businesses. In addition East Grinstead to the government grants, Mid would be in a position to reopen as As a business we had only been Sussex District Council also provided soon as we were allowed. trading for four months prior to the direct support to local businesses via first lockdown which forced us to Through further lockdowns we applied its own Covid-19 Recovery Grants, close. As the government plans and for discretionary grants to help which made £300,000 available to support packages were announced we support us with our fixed costs that local businesses and community realised that our business was falling we were still facing and were fortunate organisations to help them fund through a crack and that we were enough to be awarded further specific projects enabling them not going to be eligible for any support support. The money we received to recover, diversify and respond outside of furlough. We began putting meant that we have been able to be directly to the challenges of trading alternative plans in place but it was strict with our covid procedures and in a post-pandemic economy. looking like we would have to make put the safety of our customers and Practical help has also been on some quite large changes to ensure staff as the highest priority during our tireless efforts of my team and hand to ensure Covid guidance we made it through the closure. reopening phase. This strategy has to the loyal customers who have and regulations are met, allowing rewarded us with increased customer We were then made aware via the continued to support our business businesses to adapt and trade with loyalty and commitment for the future East Grinstead Business Association throughout the pandemic.” confidence. You can see here the to our business and has really helped about the discretionary grants that first-hand experiences of some strengthen our customer community. Sebastian Candelon, Managing were being made available by Mid of these businesses, the practical Director - The Fresh Fish Shop, Sussex. The application process was changes this financial support has Haywards Heath simple and a decision was made helped to bring about and what this quickly, having this money awarded to CASE STUDY - From helpful has meant to the future of these us stopped us from having to make CASE STUDY - The grant was CASE STUDY - The grant we webinars through to lengthy businesses. any big changes and ensure that we a boost to the business in many received from Mid Sussex District conversations and Zoom calls, the ways- it gave us hope when we Council enabled us to launch Council could not have been more were feeling rather despondent, our new e-commerce store, so helpful in ensuring that we applied it allowed us to be almost first that the local community could for the right grants, at the right to get cough screen guards up continue to shop with us from the time, in the right way. CASE STUDY - around our reception desk (so that safety and convenience of their We have been able we featured in a national advice own homes, helping to limit the The most important Grant help to transform our and guidance video for other risk of infection transmission. that we received was essential to outside area from a opticians) and it helped set us on our business in the height of the We’ve teamed up with a host of local simple seating place our way with a web shop which pandemic as it helped fund our small producers, listing their product into a modern looking has continued to be a successful workforce moving into a cloud in our online shop and providing and cosy area for our adjunct to the business since we based system, allowing our business them with a virtual shop window customers to sit and were allowed to reopen. to still run smoothly with staff able and the potential to reach new CASE STUDY - The Mid Sussex Business enjoy their drinks. During to work from home and virtually Vicki Macken BSc (Hons) customers, beyond the fish occasion. Development team provided an outstanding level of and after the works, access all of our records and data. MCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret support during lockdown. They were always available the response from We were recently awarded Best Again, a massive thank you from all – Eyecare Centre to respond to any queries and assist in pointing us the villagers has been Producer in London and the South at First Recruitment Services. in the right direction for any available grants. We overwhelming with how East in the Great British Food Claire Sipple – First Recruitment were delighted with the grant we received which has wonderful it now looks. Awards, which is thanks to the Services, Mid Sussex enabled us to revamp our entire website and make it Thank you once again mobile friendly, expand our presence on social media for your kind support. and advertise in local Mid Sussex publications. Their Mark Pinch, Licensee - support for small businesses has been invaluable in Our Economic Development team continues to work with partner organisations to encourage investment in Mid The Maypole Inn, getting us back on our feet after a tough year. Sussex. You can contact them at [email protected] Sarah Lawrance, Director - Sussex Tuition Centre Sign up to the regular business newsletter at www.midsussex.gov.uk

14 Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 15 Hello, I hope this finds everyone safe and well and Out and about more importantly enjoying more freedom, that is if all has gone to plan from the time of writing this. I am not missing the mud, but I have missed my Rolo’s friends and of course, work colleagues. It has been great to see our sites busy over the last year and lots more people enjoying spending time in them. I have tried to say hello to lots of people, but my attempts are often curtailed, Report especially it seems if people are picnicking!

by Rolo the Ranger dog

The good news is we have just about opened up all our facilities now, which after much toing and froing is a huge relief. Of course, all current Government guidelines are being followed as we navigate our way Let’s garden through this. As well as informal activities, organised sports are now going ahead. Our Officers have worked with many organising bodies to ensure that everyone for wildlife! Compost it can operate in the safest way and sporting seasons Making your own compost is one have been extended where necessary. Football got of the cheapest and best ways to off to a flying start to try and finish off the season to re-use plastic too and anything enrich your soil. It will also provide before we get too immersed into the cricket season. watertight will do – even an old a habitat for worms, woodlice and Athletics has also returned and the running track washing-up bowl or Tupperware box other insects. Frogs, slow worms at has been looking great. Parks Our gardens are havens both for will do if space is tight. Remember to and hedgehogs may also pay a visit. have been busy with Fitness Groups and Personal us and for wildlife too. Making your add bricks or stones into your pond to Remember to add only raw, not Trainers, it’s nice to see everyone finding the time to garden even more wildlife-friendly allow wildlife to safely climb in an out. cooked foods. keep themselves fit and healthy. is easy to do, it doesn’t have to be Once completed sit back and wait for Not all activities are dog friendly though! I have to messy, and you don’t need a big Go peat-free birds, dragonflies, newts and frogs to watch from the outside of the Tennis Courts, which space either. Follow any of these If you need to buy compost try to pay you a visit soon! are getting busy. They can be booked on our new tips and you will be will be surprised go peat-free. Peat is exceptionally booking system accessed through the Council’s if not amazed at what will come! Feed the birds good for the climate when left in the Birds are a wonderful addition to your ground. When buying compost at the website. I’m also excluded from the playgrounds. Let the grass grow garden and watching them is great garden centre look for ‘peat-free’ on This is a real shame as they look like a lot of fun, Let some or all of your lawn grow you for our wellbeing. Putting out food will the label. Sustainable alternatives especially the Splash Pad at Victoria Park which is will make space for many plant and help them thrive and you will have the such as bracken or wood fibre now open for the summer. I suppose I have been insect species, including butterflies compost are just as good according lucky that my swimming facilities didn’t close down and wildflowers. Experiment with your to the experts at the RHS. over the last year, I do enjoy a good splash and swim lawn and see what grows. Try planting in the river. meadow seed mixes to create Cool it with plants I’m looking forward to the summer and hopefully a bursts of colour and increase nectar Plants help to shade and cool the few adventures. Please keep enjoying our sites and production for hungry bees. air through evapotranspiration so if summer heatwaves make you facilities but remember to take that rubbish home Hedgehog highway uncomfortable consider growing to keep the sites clean and safe for wildlife and The gardener’s friend needs your help climbers on the walls of your house, inquisitive dogs like me. so, if you can, leave a 13x13cm gap in or trees in your garden to provide or under your garden fence. This will shade and cool. Ivy and clematis are help our prickly little friends to safely ideal for wildlife too. You can contact my colleagues by email: travel from garden to garden, eating- About our parks: Parksandopenspaces@ Grow a hedge up those pesky slugs and snails as midsussex.gov.uk they go. Hogs have had a tough time Not only do hedges look good but To arrange an event or make a sports booking: recently with UK population falling growing a hedge in the front garden [email protected] from 30 million in the 1950’s to less between you and the road helps than 1.5m today. pleasure of studying their busy lives. reduce the amount of air pollution. About our countryside: [email protected] In spring, provide protein-rich feed, Hedges are important to wildlife too, or by phone 01444 458166 Make a pond such as fat balls. Seeds are best in by connecting habitats, creating a You can also find out lots of information on our A pond of any size makes a huge the winter. If there are cats nearby shelter, and by providing a home for website www.midsussex.gov.uk/leisure-sport/ difference to the variety wildlife visiting place your feeder near a dense bush shade-loving spring plants like lesser Enjoy your summer, your garden. Ponds offer a great way to provide birds with cover. celandine and violets.

Find out more about gardening for wildlife at www.wildlifetrusts.org/gardening Rolo

16 Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 17 Council meetings Return to Leisure for customers across Mid Sussex As of May 2021, decision making of meetings of the Council have returned to in-person sessions. A number of meetings Places Leisure customers were delighted to return to their regular fitness habits following the remain virtual, and are marked as such below. All meetings will be broadcast live on the Mid Sussex District Council recent relaxation of government restrictions on April 12. YouTube page. For further details of the location of in-person meetings please see www.midsussex.gov.uk/council or contact Committee Services on 01444 477225. The three Places Leisure centres at The Dolphin in Haywards Heath, Kings Meeting agendas and papers will be available online five working days before each meeting. in East Grinstead and The Triangle in Burgess Hill were delighted to welcome visitors for swimming, outdoor classes, Thurs 8 Jul District Planning Committee 2.00 pm Back to children’s lessons and gym use. Thu 15 Jul Planning Committee 4.00 pm Wed 21 Jul Scrutiny Committee Housing, Planning and Economic Growth - Virtual 5.00 pm swimming Mon 26 Jul Cabinet - Virtual 4.00 pm At the Dolphin leisure centre, Tue 27 Jul Audit Committee 5.00 pm swimming lessons are held daily and Thu 12 Aug Planning Committee 4.00 pm allow little swimmers to improve Back to water confidence and vital life skills. Thu 19 Aug District Planning Committee 2.00 pm Gymnastics Mon 23 Aug Cabinet Grants Panel 4.00 pm Harry’s mum, “I am really happy to be back swimming at The Dolphin. The Some visitors decided to somersault Thurs 9 Sept Planning Committee 4.00 pm teachers have worked hard to settle their way out of lockdown by resuming Mon 13 Sept Cabinet - Virtual 4.00 pm us back in and it is like we have never their gymnastics classes at The Triangle. Wed 15 Sept Scrutiny Committee, Leader, Finance and Performance - Virtual 6.00 pm been away. It is way more fun that One of the parents said it had ‘reignited Thu 16 Sept District Planning Committee 2.00 pm walking! her daughters dreams,’ and makes ‘her Wed 22 Sept Scrutiny Committee Housing, Planning and Economic Growth - Virtual 5.00 pm “We are SO grateful for today, thank come with a smile on her face”. Tues 28 Sept Audit Committee 5.00 pm you. Harry absolutely loved the lesson “Gymnastics is Elly’s life, every day Wed 29 Sept Charity Trustees 6.45 pm and we are very proud of him.” she wakes up and asks if it is a Wed 29 Sept Council 7.00 pm gymnastics day.”

BUS HH Mid-Sussex Matters Support Bus 92.5X136mm Apr 21 R 1 PRINT.qxp_L

FREE ADVICE RESIN BOUND SAVE ££££ RESIN RESURFACING Due to the large bulk purchase owing to large education contracts, we have 800 kits 1-3m and 2-5m suitable for school playgrounds, car parks, driveways, paths, Back to the gym forecourts and outside areas. Members from all three sites swapped We supply and lay resin bound surfacing to British their online workouts for gym session FREE EXPERT SUPPORT Standard thickness for only £90 per square metre. with high-spec equipment. By booking • 29 Colours and blends available • Offers available into gym sessions social distancing for 3 months • All work guaranteed for 15 years and hygiene regimes were rigorously FOR ALL BUSINESSES £10 million public liability • maintained. “I have been working throughout the pandemic in the fire service. I am an Leisure Centres Medium advocate of mental wellbeing and opening having the gym back in my life is a If you’d like to get started back part of this for me,” said Dawn. Small at your leisure centre just get in Another thrilled member, Steve, said: touch or pop in! Micro “I missed the regular activity and The Triangle, Burgess Hill JACOB LEVY PROJECTS suffered a lack of motivation through 01444 876000 Pre-start 01444 523161/01403 900163 the lockdowns, I’m loving being back www.thetriangleleisurecentre.org and feeling motivated and have found The Dolphin, Haywards Heath Email: [email protected] the environment felt so safe that I 01444 457337 [email protected] Web: www.jacoblevyprojects.co.uk have had no worries about returning www.thedolphinleisurecentre.org High Street, , Haywards Heath RH17 5JU to the gym. Kings Centre, East Grinstead Established 1966 “I’m looking forward to losing weight, 01342 328616 chi.ac.uk/business-hothouse ALSO AVAILABLE BLOCK PAVING ONLY £70 PER SQUARE METRE aching less and returning to normal www.kingsleisurecentre.org OR TARMACADAM ONLY £30 SQUARE METRE activities”. STUDIO PROOF 18 PROOF DATE/TIME: 19 May 2021 9:29 am 19 Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 OUR FILENAME: June 21 Jacob Levy 1-4 Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 Employment support Burgess Hill Growth Programme Help getting Northern Arc Update The April issue of our community newsletter contained updates from contractors John Sisk & Son and Jackson back to work Civils about how they’re progressing on site to build Our employment support scheme guidance relating to welfare benefits new roads which will join Freeks Lane to Isaacs Lane, offers practical help and assistance in and how employment impacts on providing pedestrian and vehicle access to the Northern finding work. The scheme forms part current and future benefit entitlement. Arc. Homes England, the Government’s housing agency of a Council strategy to help people and Master Developer for the site, are ensuring that the Volunteering find regular income and avoid the required infrastructure is delivered at the right time for the Volunteering is a great way to get dangers of rent or mortgage arrears project. You can read all the Northern Arc newsletters at experience, make friends and build which could put their home at risk. burgesshill.net/housing/northern-arc/newsletters. you confidence and can be a helpful All residents, including adult stepping stone into work. Mid Sussex As Countryside Properties continue to build homes at the children can enlist onto the scheme. Voluntary Action (MSVA) offers help Freeks Farm site – over 50% of which will be affordable and guidance to anyone who wants housing – a second developer partner is soon to join the The journey into employment throws to get involved in volunteering. They project. Bellway Homes will be building 247 homes on up different challenges for each Modern will help with advice, support and land to the east of Isaacs Lane, including at least 30% person. That may be childcare issues, links to possible opportunities, as well affordable and a mix of houses and apartments. Keep an health problems, a lack of experience Apprenticeships as giving guidance on finding the right eye on the Northern Arc website and facebook page for or just not knowing where to start. An apprenticeship is a real job where opportunity for you, applying, and more information about their plans. you learn, gain experience and get paid. Stay up to date What we can offer making the most of your volunteering You’re an employee with a contract of As always, Homes England is keen to hear from the local Northern Arc Facebook page: @northern.arc.BH Our 1:1 service works with individuals experience. employment and holiday leave. By the community on what topics are of most interest to you, and [email protected] to overcome any barriers they may www.msva.org.uk or email end of an apprenticeship, you’ll have how you’d like to be kept informed. Please use the contact Sarah Ward, Engagement Lead, on 07776 527643 have in entering the workplace. Also, [email protected] the right skills and knowledge needed details below to tell us what you think. sound and accurate advice and for your chosen career.

Kirsten was happy to share her experience of our employment support Each apprenticeship has a level and an equivalent education level. You “Last year I was made redundant from a job in the Travel Industry, it can start an apprenticeship at a was a job I loved having remained in the job for 15 years. I had very range of levels from Intermediate Green Circle little previous experience of any other kind of work and was suddenly to Degree level. Find out more at faced with the daunting task of a new CV, writing cover letters and applications. www.apprenticeships.gov.uk “Employment support gave me the most incredible help, advice and improvements more importantly a kind voice and support, if it wasn’t for them I We spoke to Susie (above), think I would have given up a long time ago in looking for a job. who is an apprentice here at MSDC “There was never any pressure to feel I wasn’t doing enough, they on track understood my personal home situation too and made me feel I could “I’d thoroughly recommend The first phase of the Place The first phase of works is due to be find the right job and be more confident with myself, something I had applying to do an and Connectivity Programme is completed summer 2021 with the lost during the pandemic. apprenticeship to anyone due to be completed summer second phase that will enable many of the routes to be used for both “I would definitely not be employed today if I had not received this wanting to develop their 2021, including upgrades to kind of support and help.” skills. The knowledge you can walking and cycling use, expected to develop along the way will put the popular Green Circle route be completed autumn 2021. Work to you in good stead for future around Burgess Hill. the Green Circle is also progressing well with over half the route now If you think Employment Support can help you back into work please work, and the qualification The Place and Connectivity County Council to improve local contact [email protected] or call 01444 477546. helps too.” Programme project is delivering upgraded and open for public use. public spaces and walking and cycling upgraded walking and cycling The Green Circle scheme is also infrastructure to support the Burgess infrastructure across Burgess Hill’s due to complete in summer 2021 Hill Growth Programme. The project towns parks and open spaces. with work to road crossing points is funded by £22.8m of government Want a Kickstart? Significant progress has been expected to complete autumn 2021. Local Growth Funding grant and made with many improved routes By the end of 2021 over six miles of The Kickstart Scheme is a 6-month paid job with a Jobs from the Kickstart Scheme are open to 16-24- developer contributions. local employer, funded by the Government. It provides year olds, who are claiming Universal Credit, and are nearing completion or opening up safe, direct and attractive walking a fully funded opportunity for young people to gain at risk of long-term unemployment. If you have a work for public use including at Burgess and cycling routes will have been Further detail on Place and experience of working in some of Britain’s most coach they will talk to you about the Kickstart Scheme Hill and Wivelsfield stations, Fairfield created or improved as part of the Connectivity Programme including exciting companies. and whether it’s right for you. Recreation Ground, West Park Nature Burgess Hill Place and Connectivity a map and project progress is Reserve, Marle Place and adjacent to Programme. This is being jointly available at https://burgesshill.net/ https://jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk/kickstart/ Birchwood Grove School. delivered by MSDC and West Sussex transport/sustainable-transport

www.burgesshill.net 20 Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 21 Councillors’ Allowances 2020/2021 Summer Fun! Councillors are not paid wages but they are entitled to allowances and expenses. Mid Sussex has established an Independent Remuneration Panel that looks at the responsibilities of Councillors and recommends the level of allowances it believes Councillors should receive. Each Councillor receives a Basic Allowance, and a Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) is also paid to a number Councillors (such as Group Leaders, Cabinet Members and Chairman of Committees) to reflect their special responsibilities over and above their role as ward Councillor.

Special Responsibility Childcare, subsistance Councillor Basic Allowance Allowance and travel Grand Total Allen, Mr G. £5,091.67 - £4.95 £5,096.62 Ash-Edwards, Mr J. £5,091.67 £29,095.92 £8.30 £34,195.89 Bates, Mr R. £5,000.04 - £8.30 £5,008.34 Belsey, Mr J. £5,091.67 £8,499.96 - £13,591.63 Belsey, Ms M. £5,091.67 £2,250.08 - £7,341.75 Bennett, Ms A. £5,091.67 £3,249.96 - £8,341.63 Bennett, Ms L. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 Boutrup, Ms A. £5,091.67 £4,073.33 - £9,165.00 Bradbury, Mr P. £5,091.67 £1,018.33 - £6,110.00 Brown, Mr P. £5,091.67 £83.33 - £5,175.00 Brunsdon, Ms H. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 Cartwright, Mr R. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 Chapman, Mr P. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 Clarke, Mr R. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 Coe-Gunnell White, Ms E. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 Play Days on Tour Coote, Mr P. £5,091.67 £1,565.30 £91.32 £6,748.29 Cornish, Mr M. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 From 26 July for 5 weeks the team will be visiting 10 Haywards Heath popping in at Cuckfield and , Cromie, Ms R. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 locations across the district for Play Days on Tour with then heading north to East Grinstead and stopping off at Dabell, Mr J. £5,091.67 - £25.20 £5,116.87 lots of free activities to join in with and have fun. and Ashurst Wood. Dempsey, Mr B. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 We will be visiting Hassocks and in the Full dates and times can be found at www.midsussex. de Mierre, Ms R. £5,091.67 £8,499.96 - £13,591.63 south of the district travelling through Burgess Hill, gov.uk/playdays Eggleston, Mr R. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 Ellis, Ms S £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 Eves, Ms A. £5,091.67 £999.96 - £6,091.63 Gibbs, Mr L. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 Gibson, Dr I. £5,091.67 £520.76 £54.00 £5,617.43 Hatton, Ms S £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 Henwood, Ms J. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 Our Skate Fests are free events and Hicks, Mr S. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 Hillier, Mr S. £5,091.67 £8,499.96 £55.00 £13,646.63 all ages are welcome. DJ Neel will Hussain, Mr T. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 be there with some banging tunes, Jackson, Mr R. £5,091.67 - £12.60 £5,104.27 taking requests and running mixing Knight, Mr J £5,091.67 £4,073.33 - £9,165.00 Laband, Mr C. £5,091.67 £1,018.33 - £6,110.00 workshops. Lea, Ms A. £5,091.67 £1,018.33 - £6,110.00 Lea, Mr A. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 St John’s Park Burgess Hill, Llewellyn-Burke, Ms J £5,091.67 £10,999.92 - £16,091.59 29 July 2 – 4.30pm MacNaughton, Mr A. £5,091.67 £8,499.96 - £13,591.63 Marsh, Mr G. £5,091.67 £6,260.42 £153.00 £11,505.09 Victoria Park Haywards Heath, Mockford, Ms J. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 17 Aug 2 – 4.30pm Peacock, Mr A. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 King George’s Field East Grinstead, Phillips, Mr C. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 24 Aug 2 – 4.30pm Pulfer, Mr M. £5,091.67 £2,971.66 £10.80 £8,074.13 Salisbury, Mr R. £5,091.67 £6,260.42 - £11,352.09 Smith, Ms S. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 Lots more activities are being planned so keep an eye Sparasci, Mr A. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 on www.midsussex.gov.uk/playdays and our social Stockwell, Ms L £5,091.67 - £5,091.67 media channels. Sweatman, Mr D. £5,091.67 £1,565.30 - £6,656.97 If you would like more information, please register Trumble, Mr C. £5,091.67 £6,735.16 - £11,826.83 online to receive email updates on any FREE MSDC Walker, Mr N. £5,091.67 £4,073.33 £35.10 £9,200.10 activities and events. Webb, Mr R. £5,091.67 - - £5,091.67 Webster, Mr N. £5,091.67 £8,499.96 £196.55 £13,788.18 www.midsussex.gov.uk/playdays Whittaker, Mr R £5,091.67 - £24.30 £5,115.97 Total £269,766.88 £130,332.98 £630.42 £400,730.28 For further information please contact Member Services on 01444 477227. [email protected]

22 Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 Mid Sussex Matters Summer 2021 23 Lingfield Lodge opening soon

We are pleased to announce that a new extra care If you, or someone you provide support to, are over facility is due to open in East Grinstead in September 55 and/or have a significant care need (which is 2021. Mid Sussex District Council have been working suitable for this scheme), you may be eligible. closely with Eldon Housing and West Sussex County For further information on please contact Council to deliver Lingfield Lodge. [email protected] Lingfield Lodge: [email protected] or Linda Pither - a 48-unit scheme with both one and two-bedroom 07701 303243 - Eldon Housing Association properties for rent [email protected] - Mid Sussex - providing high levels of care for the older people of District Council Mid Sussex - individual support packages can be tailored to each household’s needs.

Key contacts for Council Services: www.midsussex.gov.uk Email: [email protected] At the time of publication our reception area is open for emergencies only. Mon-Thurs 8.45am - 5.15pm Friday 8.45am - 4.15pm Mid Sussex District Council, Oaklands, Oaklands Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 1SS Telephone: 01444 458166 For emergencies outside office hours call 0845 602 1035.  @MSDCnews    – find us at MidSussexDistrictCouncil