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7/8/08
Wheelies set to arrive in West Worthing, Tarring and Goring
Households in West Worthing, Tarring and parts of Goring are next to get the third phase of the new wheeled bin recycling and refuse service.
Residents living in North West Worthing are already benefiting from the improved service introduced last September. Most of Adur’s residents received theirs in April this year. So far the new service has proved very popular with residents and has seen recycling rates increased and street cleanliness improved.
Locals living in the new phase areas can expect leaflets through their door any day detailing changes to the service and wheelie bins will be delivered during September.
Worthing residents due to benefit from the new service can find out first hand how it will work at a couple of roadshows – one at Sea Lane Café car park on Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 August from 10am till 4pm or Worthing Leisure Centre, Shaftsbury Avenue, on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 August, again from 10am till 4pm. A static display can also be seen at Goring Library.
The last phase of the service, to cover remaining areas in Worthing, Lancing and Sompting, will be phased in during April next year.
15/9/08
Norwich Union and Worthing Council in top level discussions
Following the announcement by Norwich Union earlier this year that they would be departing from their Warren site on the A27, with the loss of many jobs, Worthing Council and Norwich Union have engaged in a number of discussions. These have focused on ways to minimise the impact on the economy of the town, to plan for accommodating the jobs that will remain in Worthing and to discuss alternative uses of the site once Norwich Union vacate it.
Director of Property for Norwich Union, Stuart Wright, said: “As we operate in a global economy now, we are forced to make our business competitive and efficient. Naturally we understand that the people of Worthing will be disappointed that we are consolidating our activities elsewhere, but I really want to emphasise that this is the result of wider business and technical considerations not in any sense a reflection on the skills or location at Worthing.
In fact, I am really positive about the way in which the Council has opened up a dialogue with us to secure the best possible outcome for the town. Norwich Union is happy to play its part in these initiatives.”
Leader of Worthing Borough Council, Keith Mercer, said: “We would much rather that Norwich Union was not leaving the town, however, together with an opposition representative, we are doing everything with Norwich Union to plan for the future and to find positive opportunities and new investment to minimise the negative impact on the local economy”.
These comments follow the meeting which took place between the parties on 1st September 2008. They will be followed by specific discussions on the uses of the site and local planning policies leading up to another summit later in November.
17/9/08
Worthing pool moves a step forward
Cabinet members took a decision last night to make the new pool for Worthing a step nearer reality by choosing not to build on nearby Denton Gardens but instead to build alongside the ageing Aquarena pool.
Councillors recognised that although it would be cheaper to build on the public gardens there were significant other hurdles such as planning permission to overcome. Because of the site's use as public open space, councillors were advised that no application could be considered until the new Local Development Framework was approved. This meant it would be unlikely to be built until 2013 even if it was given planning permission. The Cabinet also endorsed local residents' and amenity groups' wishes to keep Denton Gardens.
Building alongside the old pool would make more sense and be easier to develop in terms of planning and generate a possible capital receipt to go toward the building of the new pool. By building alongside, the Cabinet confirmed their wish to keep the Aquarena open until the new pool was built.
The specification for the new pool included an 8 lane 25 metre pool, a combined learner/diving pool, indoor and outdoor leisure pools, a health and fitness centre, café and flexible space for other activities.
Worthing Leader, Keith Mercer, says: “My Cabinet welcomes the opportunity to make a clear decision about the location of Worthing’s much needed new swimming pool for Worthing. We are determined to have a state of the art pool showcasing high quality architecture and environmental sustainability.”
17/9/08
Waverley paddle steamer damages Pier
More checks were carried out last night at low tide to assess the condition of Worthing Piers’ substructure following yesterday’s accident when the Waverley paddle steamer whilst attempting to dock hit the end of the Pier.
The old ship pulled out a 4.5m length of 300mmx300mm timber, leaving a section of the iron gratings unsupported. But the good news is that the Pier remains open with only a small part of the structure where the damage occurred closed.
It is estimated that south section of the landing stage will be closed for up to 8 weeks or more leaving the east and west sides open
The specialist timber needed for the repair will take at least 3 weeks to arrive and then with a decent low tide and good weather hopefully the repairs can be made.
The Waverley, which sustained some damage, was bound for Isle of Wight, Bournemouth and Lulworth Cove.
The council is liaising with the insurers of the Waverley but at this stage no details are available as to how much it will cost to repair the damage.
Pier Day this Sunday will go ahead!
20/9/08
Sorry - wheelie bins delayed
Unfortunately, Adur and Worthing Council Services has been advised by its wheeled bin manufacturer that due to production problems, deliveries of wheeled bins for phase three of the new collection scheme are likely to be delayed by approximately three weeks.
As a result it is unlikely that householders expecting to take delivery of their new bins in Goring, West Worthing, West Tarring and parts of Broadwater will receive their bins in time for the planned start date of 6th October 2008. Manufacture of the bins is currently halted but is expected to recommence on 28th September with the outstanding bins delivered from 1st October. Delivery is expected to take approximately three weeks to complete.
Householders expecting to start the new service in the week commencing 6th October but who have not yet had their bins will continue to be serviced using the existing arrangements until bin deliveries are complete. That will mean that refuse will continue to be collected from dustbins, black sacks and other containers on a weekly basis, while recycling will also remain weekly using existing kerbside boxes. However, householders should be aware that in many cases their collection day will have changed as a result of redrawing the rounds. Refuse and recycling collections will take place on the day advised on the calendars sent out in the last couple of weeks. Please ensure that you check your calendar for the correct collection day, or refer to www.aws.gov.uk
Householders in the affected area who have received their wheeled bins will be able to use them as intended from the 6th October 2008.
Bryan Turner, Worthing Council’s Cabinet Member for a Clean and Green Environment, said: “I am sorry that there has been a temporary delay to the planned start of the new service, but these problems are outside of the Council’s control. We are doing everything we can to minimise the delay so that people can enjoy the benefits of the new style service as quickly as possible.”
22/10/08
German Twinning Association visit to Worthing 24-26 October
The Mayor & Consort of Worthing Christine and David Brown extend greetings to the German Mayors and members of the German Twinning Association visiting Worthing for the weekend of 24 - 26 October 2008.
On the Friday morning the Mayors and delegation from the Elztal region will join the Mayor and Consort along with some representatives of the Borough and the Worthing Twinning Association for a historical town walk led by local historian Chris Hare. The party will then have a tour of the Museum and Art Gallery.
On the Saturday morning the visitors will meet the Youth Mayor and Youth Council and visit the Farmers Market. They will then make their way to the southern end of Steyne Gardens for a tree planting ceremony to commemorate the 10th anniversary of twinning.
Christine and David will host an informal reception in the evening at the Town Hall.
Christine says: “ I am really looking forward to welcoming the visitors from the Elztal region including Mayors Reinhold Scheer and Holger Krezer and Deputy Mayors Barbara Schuler and Ursula Querfurth to our lovely town. I am very pleased that Chris has agreed to do one of his guided tours of Worthing for our German friends to show them our lovely town.”
27/10/08
WORTHING REMEMBERS …
Once again Worthing will be remembering the tragic loss of life following two World Wars and other conflicts on Sunday November 9 when the annual Remembrance Service and March Past will take place at the War Memorial in Chapel Road. The two minutes’ silence will start on the first stroke of the Town Hall clock at 11.00 am after which the Mayor’s Chaplain Revd Andrew Fadoju will conduct the Service.
The Mayor, Councillor Christine Brown accompanied by Major Mark Scrase-Dickins, CMG, - Deputy Lieutenant, will lay wreaths for the fallen from the Borough and West Sussex and take the salute at the March Past in front of the Town Hall at approximately 11.30 am after the Service.
Worthing’s own Salvation Army Citadel Band will provide the stirring music for this poignant event and lead the March Past.
The civics attending the service include Chief Executive - Ian Lowrie, MP for West Worthing – Peter Bottomley , District Commander - Howard Hodges, Fire Commander - Roy Barraclough, Worthing Youth Mayor - Simon Wimble, Honorary Aldermen, Borough Councillors and County Councillors.
The Parade, led by Parade Marshal Mark Bourne from Worthing Army Cadets, includes the Combined Ex-Services Contingent with their Standard Bearers and Escorts and Contingents from the Royal British Legion, the Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Corps, Air Training Corps, Sussex Constabulary and Fire Brigade, St John Ambulance Brigade, British Red Cross Society and local Scouts, Sea Scouts and Guide Associations.
Mayor Christine says: “I am very proud to represent the town and pleased that so many organisations from Worthing and further afield continue to support the Remembrance Service and Parade.”
After many years of campaigning by the Royal British Legion, the observance of the two minutes’ silence at 11.00am each 11th November is now firmly re-established in the Nation’s hearts.
So on behalf of the Royal British Legion the Mayor is calling for all Worthing residents and workers on Tuesday 11th to stand still for the 2 minutes Silence at 11.00am. The silence will commence by the firing of a rocket from the beach area and another at the end. The Mayor also welcomes you to join her at the War Memorial if you have the chance.
12/11/08
Private hire and taxi drivers get smarter with NVQ
29 Worthing private hire and taxi drivers will be presented with a certificate and a special premier driver gold badge for passing their level 2 NVQ in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving.
The students were assessed over 6 to 8 weeks by PDM Training and Consultancy Ltd, of Andover and covered many aspects of the way the driver does their job like customer care, passenger transport, disability awareness, taxi and private hire regulations, safety and route planning.
Until recently, Government funding for the taxi and private hire trade was not available to any great degree, because the majority of drivers are self-employed. But due to support from the Sector Skills Council (GoSkills) and the Learning and Skills Council Train to Gain service, the regulations have now changed and money is available for qualifications like this.
Jacqui Marsh, Chairman of the Licensing and Control Committee, presenting the awards, says: "For too long the taxi trade has been regarded as something you do if you cannot do anything else. This award though recognises that taxi and private hire drivers can be just as professional as bus and lorry drivers. The trade is changing, and changing for the better. These drivers are among the most professional in the country and the first of many who are going through the assessment process."
Student, Jane Carr, a Private Hire driver said: "I decided to complete the NVQ as I feel the private hire & taxi trade lacks the recognition it deserves. The NVQ sets an industry standard which we can all strive to reach. I feel that the public confidence generated by this NVQ which includes all aspects of customer care, health & safety & driving skills can only benefit drivers, operators and customers alike."
Steve Hunt, the assessor for PDM, adds: "I am really pleased this initiative, which the council helped to set up, has been so well supported by the taxi trade. An efficient and safe, high quality taxi/private hire trade is vital to Worthing's economy and well-being and the NVQ will certainly help maintain that."
17/11/08
Less waste goes to landfill thanks to new recycling service
The equivalent of 300 refuse lorry loads have been saved from going to landfill thanks to the new recycling service rolled out across Adur and Worthing over the last 14 months.
The figures say it all...
•Domestic waste collections down by 2,585 tonnes
•Materials sent for recycling up by 1,240 tonnes
•Garden waste sent for composting up by 919 tonnes
•Street-litter collections down by 152 tonnes
Bryan Turner, Worthing Cabinet Member for Clean and Green Environment, says: "The combined recycling rate for both council has risen from 23.56% in 2007 to 34.12% currently. This contributes greatly to the target set out in the West Sussex waste strategy of reaching a combined county wide composting and recycling rate of 40% by 2010."
Adur Cabinet Member for Clean and Green, Keith Dollemore, adds: "Not only has the new refuse service helped people recycle more easily and efficiently but the green waste bins have been big success too. Animal and seagull scavenging has virtually been eliminated and the reduction in street litter is massive. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for making this new service such a success."
Residents in Sompting, the rest of Lancing, the rest of Broadwater and East Worthing will benefit from the new service by the end of 2009.
28/01/09
Flytipping costs pensioner over £1000
A pensioner who dumped 200 tyres at Kwik Fit in Worthing was found guilty of flytipping yesterday (26/1/09) following a successful prosecution by Worthing Borough Council. He was fined a total of £1000 on four charges.
William Woollard, 78, of Chiltern Crescent, Worthing pleaded not guilty to fly-tipping the tyres on the evening of 5th April 2008. Magistrates were satisfied that Mr Woollard knowingly dumped the tyres and he was fined £500 for that charge. He also pleaded guilty to three other charges contrary to his Duty of Care as a licensed waste carrier.
Mr Woollard left his van insecure and full of tyres on the highway on two separate occasions in June 2008, constituting a public health and pollution risk. He was fined £200 for each of these offences. Mr Woollard also failed to account for the disposal or transfer of any of the waste he had carried over a two year period and was fined a further £100 for this offence. He was also ordered to pay £100 costs to the council.
Cabinet member for clean and green environment, Bryan Turner said: “Mr Woollard has been at the centre of a number of complaints about his waste management activities and I hope that these guilty verdicts will encourage him to dispose of his waste responsibly in future.
“The Council takes fly-tipping cases very seriously and will conduct full investigations into all complaints made by the public. I would urge residents to be vigilant to this anti-social behaviour and come forward if they witness incidents.
“Without the help of the public, it is almost impossible for local authorities to take action against the perpetrators of fly-tipping. I would like to thank the staff at the Worthing branch of Kwik Fit, who helped bring the case to court.”
Incidents of fly-tipping can be reported to Paul Willis on (01273) 263052 during office hours.
29/01/09
Worthing's winter ice skating wonderland opens for business
Lace up your skates and come along for a spin on Worthing's very own real ice rink in Steyne Gardens.
The 29m x 16m rink, holding 130 skaters per session, is open to the public from this Saturday 31 January through to Sunday 1 March. Sessions start from 10am through to 9pm daily and each peak session starts on the hour. The skating costs just £6 for adults and £4 for children 16 and under, to include skate hire (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult). Tickets from Worthing box office 01903 206206 (cards accepted) or in person at either the Connaught or Pavilion theatres box offices.
Worthing Council and Worthing Town Centre Initiative have contributed £29k and £20k respectively toward the £70k cost to bring it to town, with any shortfall made up from income.
During term time the rink will given over to school use from 10am through to 3pm at specially discounted rates. Any sessions not taken up by schools will be offered to the public for the same rate as special credit crunch sessions - again booking through the box offices.
All sessions are marshalled by experienced skaters and skaters get a safety briefing first. Refreshments for sale on site too!
Base Line Sports International Limited Promotions from Norwich are operating the rink.
3/2/09
Plans for new Worthing College move a step nearer
Plans to build a new state of the art Worthing College have moved a step nearer. A planning application for the college phase of this major development have been lodged with Worthing planners.
The £42 million development at Bolsover Road in Worthing received outline planning permission in September 2008. The proposal includes demolishing the existing college building and providing a new college building of three/four storeys 13,857 sq m in size, ancillary building, nursery, sports facilities (including floodlit tennis courts and artificial turf pitch), access and landscaping.
The new college would be larger than the current one and will be built to the east of the existing building. This, the college says will allow for business as usual without causing disruption during construction.
The new design is described as innovative and practical with a modern palette of materials for the building of brick, glass and charcoal grey rendering. Several areas for seating with a public square at the entrance are planned providing a contemporary and social setting.
By having a low energy design, energy consumption will be reduced. In addition, to the building using energy efficiently the design aims to generate at least 10 percent of its energy requirements through the use of on site renewable energy sources ensuring a highly sustainable development.
Other environmental initiatives include ultra low water flush toilets, collecting and recycling rainwater for flushing, and making maximum use of natural daylight. The main teaching wings will have a sedum roof, which will promote biodiversity.
An addition to the approved outline planning permission is a detached pavilion to house the ground source heat pump, a local substation servicing the site and a refuse and storage area.
The application can be viewed at Portland House, Richmond Road, Worthing. Any comments should be sent to the Development Control Manager Paul Pennicott by 12 March 2009.
30/3/09
Tesco plans for new Durrington superstore a step nearer
Tesco plans to build a new superstore in Durrington, Worthing and bring hundreds of new jobs to the area have moved a step nearer now they have lodged a planning application with Worthing Council.
An outline permission was granted on the 6 May 2008. The new application is for the reserved matters part of the application and refers to the layout, scale, appearance, access arrangements and landscaping.
The original outline application was to redevelop the existing district centre to provide a new district centre incorporating a Tesco superstore, shopper café, unit shops, community centre and associated car parking and access arrangements
The 13,138sq metre superstore which includes nine retail units would be twice the size of the current supermarket and be built on land to the west of the existing supermarket and car park. By building on undeveloped land the current centre can continue to operate until the new store opens.
As part of the wider West Durrington development a new vehicle and pedestrian access would be built to the west to link the new District Centre to the proposed new housing development to the north-west of the site. The western access will join Fulbeck Avenue at a roundabout.
The car park has a standard layout but the route through it has been designed to deter ‘rat-running’ between Fulbeck Avenue and New Road/Romany Road.
The latest application includes plans to accommodate ‘mall trading’, small stalls often seen in shopping centres which add interest and variety along with nine smaller shops and a café to create the new District Centre.
The proposed building would be contemporary in design featuring simple clean lines and different colour cladding systems to create visual interest.
The plans propose to reduce the height of the shop units at the southern end of the mall from the original outline application to reflect the scale of the housing estate around Varey Road.
The plans are available to view and can be seen at Worthing Borough Council, Portland House, Richmond Road, Worthing. Comments should be sent to the Development Control Manager at the above address by 14th May 2009.
12/5/09
Worthing Town Beach wins prestigious beach award
Congratulations to Worthing town beach as it wins a Quality Coast Award for the 4th year running.
Worthing Town Beach runs from Heene Road through to Splash Point and was one of just 36 beaches (113 across UK) that won a Quality Coast Award (QCA) in the South East. It shares the prestigious beach status with other resorts like Cowes, Sandown, Herne Bay and Shanklin.
Members of the public visiting Worthing's QCA town beach can expect a well managed tidy beach, clean sands and water, no dogs during the QCA bathing season from May to September, excellent information points and first aid facilities as well as beach safety services.
Cabinet Member for Health, Safety and Wellbeing, John Rogers, says: "This is really great news for Worthing as it helps bring visitors to our lovely town and makes it an even nicer place to live and work. We take great pride in managing our 5 mile stretch of beach. I ask you what could be better than a lovely summer walk along the sands enjoying the sea air?"
Ann Barlow, Cabinet Member Regeneration, adds "Our beaches have always been popular with our visitors and we hope to attract even more this year as tourists look to holiday in the UK rather than travel abroad during these credit crunch times. We look forward to welcoming them all to sunny Worthing."
ENCAMS runs both the Blue Flag beach awards and the Quality Coast Awards in England. The awards are given to beaches that can prove they offer litter-free sands and clean, well maintained facilities.
11/08/09
Free park and ride to Worthing Birdman
A free 'park and ride' to and from Teville Gate has been set up by Worthing council especially for the Worthing Birdman event landing on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August
The bus, provided by Compass Travel (Sussex) Limited will run continuously between 10am and 6pm on both days with an additional bus to cover the busy times from 10am to 12noon and 4pm to 6pm. The relevant car parking charges will apply at the car parks, but there will be no charge for using the bus. Passengers will be given a ticket to use on the return journey.
Visitors will be able to pick up the bus from either Teville Gate multi-story car park or Chapel Road (outside the Town Hall) and be dropped at the southern end of South Street just outside 'Iceland'.
Council leader, Paul Yallop, says: "We have wanted to trial a park and ride for some time now and this gives us the perfect opportunity to do just that. Worthing council wants to do everything it can to support the local ecomony. We have already put £15,000 into the Worthing Birdman event as well a lot of officer time and this is another initiative to help bring more people into the town."
Chris Chatfield, Managing Director of Compass Travel, adds: "Compass Travel is really pleased to be operating this park and ride service on behalf of the council. We believe park and ride has a part to play in relieving traffic congestion in the town."
Town Centre Manager, Sharon Clarke, says: "This is great news for Birdman. It will really help encourage people to come down and have a great day with us."
Worthing council is picking up the cost of the bus service. Parking in Teville Gate just costs £2 for the whole day.
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