29/11/07
Do your planning on-line
Worthing Council is one of only 25 local authorities in England and Wales that can now accept on-line planning applications using the new national planning application forms. Anyone making a planning application to the Council can use the Government’s Planning Portal to fill their forms in on-line. They can also attach copies of planning drawings and other documents and can use an on-line calculator to work out the planning fee.

A planning application submitted in this way will immediately generate a planning reference number and automatically enter application details in the computerised planning system which saves on staff time.

The Government has told local authorities that they must begin using the new standard electronic application forms by 6 April next year. The new forms are easier to use and bring benefits in terms of efficiency and consistency. Worthing’s planners have recognised the benefits to their customers and have introduced the new on-line system almost six months ahead of schedule.

John Livermore, Chairman of the Council’s Development Control Committee, said: “For many years, Worthing’s planning service has had a reputation as one of the most efficient in terms of the speed of decisions. I am delighted that we are also ahead of most other local councils in the use of the new on-line application forms.”

So far this year, Worthing’s planners have received 7% of applications on-line and they expect the number of on-line applications to increase significantly in 2008.

29/11/07
New parking shop opens
The new NCP Services parking shop, located at 52 Chapel Road, Worthing, will officially be opened at 9.30am on Thursday 6 December by Worthing’s Deputy Mayor, Christine Brown.

The parking shop, opening from 8am till 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am till 4pm on Saturdays, will offer a range of services including, issuing parking permits and suspensions, advising the public where and what on-street parking is available in the town. With over 3,700 permits being renewed and 4,900 resident's visitor scratch-cards purchased in October alone the shop provides an essential service for one-stop parking in this town centre location.

Additional information will be on a display in the shop and residents, businesses and visitors can take away a range of information too covering all aspects of parking and how and where they can park without contravening parking regulations

People who receive a penalty charge notice can now pay the charge at the shop, but appeals will still have to be made in writing as per the instructions on the back of the ticket.

Work will be continuing behind the scenes to create accommodation for the parking attendants to enable the two teams to work more closely and liaise over day-to-day operational matters.
The public can call the shop on 0845 680 0189

12/10/07
Worthing celebrates 100 years of women in political life

Worthing Mayor, Heather Mercer, is leading an event to mark 100 years of women in politics on Tuesday 30 October at the Denton Lounge at the Pavilion Theatre.

Many women across the Worthing and Adur areas, who have been instrumental in decision making, have already been invited to this event. But we know there must be more we haven't reached!

Former Secretary of State, Virginia Bottomley (now Baroness Bottomley of Nettlestone) and youngest MP and Lib Dem Minister for Women and Equality, at only 27, Jo Swinson, will be joining Heather on the platform for this special event. The Mayor will also conduct a talking head interview with eminent artist Rosa Branson.

Heather, says: "I would love to see some more of Worthing and Adur's women come along to this one-off occasion. Ideally we are looking for women of all ages and background who have been influential in a political environment. We only have limited number of places left so the remaining invitations will be issued on a first come first served basis."

Women have been instrumental in decision making ever since they got the go ahead to vote at local elections
in February 1907 when a group of 200 members of the Women's Local Government Society sent a letter to the Liberal Prime Minister Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman demanding the right for women to stand as candidates in local elections.

Guests, including the Chairman of Adur District Council, Brenda Collard along with representatives of businesses and public and voluntary organisations, will be treated to a Sussex Cream Tea.

A raffle to win a Estee Lauder beauty basket, donated by Beales in Worthing, will be held in aid of the Mayor's charity.

If you want to nominate somebody or yourself even please contact Sue Richardson on 01903 221018