Throughout December, firefighters are campaigning to reduce the number of incidents caused by drunk or drug drivers in a bid to keep as many people as safe as possible this festive season.

The campaign aims to save lives and prevent serious injuries to road users by reminding residents of the dangers when driving under the influence. 

We’re asking everyone to get behind the campaign to promote good road safety.

For more information, prevention messages and downloadable resources to share with your communities, please visit:

• THINK! drink driving
• THINK! drug driving

Firefighters will be running initiatives in Haywards Heath, Shoreham, Littlehampton, Horsham and East Grinstead this year. 

Please also consider directing residents to more information on the fire service’s campaign in your communications over the festive period.

Chichester Partnerships and Communities Team would like to wish you all a very Merry Festive Season.  It has been a year that can only be summed up in a positive festive way so please hum as you read:

12 Partners smiling

11 Communities celebrating

10 Councillors Cheering

9  Hundred bulbs a planted   

8  Clean Up Days delivered

7  Localities supported

6  CLCs attended

5  Walking Football Teams crushed

4  Community Led Partnerships

3  Hundred salt boxes distributed

2  Tool Sheds created

And a dog tired Pete Lawrence (see Photo)……..

Its important to say these numbers are not part of any evaluation or targeting structure at WSCC but the team have really enjoyed 2017 and look forward to the new year and new challenges.

This is a brief reminder for anyone with an interest in accessing the countryside to express their views on the draft Rights of Way Management Plan for 2018 to 2028.

The draft plan sets out its approach to managing the network and signposting how improvements going forward.

Please invite your communities to take part in the consultation at this link before 31st January 2018. 

Help us tell the tale of Merf, our resident Elf on the Shelf, and remind your communities how they can get in the recycling spirit this Christmas.

Weeeeeeeeee. Merf found a plastic meat tray in the recycling bin which made the perfect sledge! Not sure it would withstand the weight of anyone bigger than an elf though...

Merf was pleased to see the plastic tray had been rinsed and recycled and added this family to his nice list.

Last year, residents recycled 61 tonnes of plastic pots, tubs and trays in December.

Merf was feeling bored. A Christmas card zip wire seemed like fun - until the cat stood underneath waiting patiently and licking his lips.

After Christmas, old cards can be cut into gift tags, and any which are leftover - and without glitter - can be recycled at home. Last year, residents recycled 364 tonnes of card in December.

Please encourage your communities to follow the adventures of Merf and find seasonal recycling tips by following West Sussex Waste on Facebook and Twitter.

As part of this years ‘Get Ready for Winter’ activities the Partnerships & Communities Team and Balfour Beatty, have again provided 175 boxes of De-Icing Salt to Parish & Town Councils and local volunteer community groups just before Christmas.

Groups in Chichester, Arun and Adur (details outlined below) received boxes and will be distributing them through local networks to support vulnerable residents in their area. The de-icing salt can be used for people’s garden paths and driveways, but is not suitable for the public footpaths.

Chichester:

• Midhurst Town Council
• Cocking Parish Council
• Lodsworth Local Care
• Tillington Local Care
• Selsey Town Council

Arun:

• Wick Information Centre – Littlehampton

Adur:

• Lancing Parish Council

Julian Quail – Assistant Clerk Midhurst Town Council said, “Midhurst Town Council is really supportive of working together to the benefit of the local community and jumped at this offer of emergency salt supplies. This will enable community groups to help more vulnerable and isolated residents in Midhurst remain independent when faced with extreme cold weather and snow.”

Last week the county council premiered 'The 12 Days of Gritmas' - a short production highlighting some of the ways we prepare for winter and aid residents.

Featuring singing from members of the County Hall choir, to the tune of the classic carol, the film brings to life our services' work behind-the-scenes to get West Sussex ready for winter. 
Song and video combine to present facts and figures about road gritters, Fire and Rescue Service safety checks, meals on wheels, Water Angels and more.

Click here to watch it now. 

Please share the link in your end of year communications to help make residents aware of some of our lesser known services.

Communities should also be reminded that the county council's website has lots self-serve tips and information to help people stay safe and well this winter.

The summer months have been spent busy preparing for winter by updating local community winter plans on supporting residents and checking on salt supplies to help communities keep moving this winter.

Promoting Key Winter Messages: Alongside these activities we have compiled together useful information that you can post on your website, include in local news letters and/or send out through your local networks.

WSCC Safer Seasons Winter campaign has general advice for residents of all ages and lets you know how to Stay Well, Stay Warm, Stay Thrifty Stay Safe, Stay in Touch. Click here for more information.

ColdAlert by Sussex Air Quality Partnership (Sussex-air) is a free West Sussex early warning service for vulnerable residents, including older people, those with pre-existing medical conditions and their carers can get a text, voicemail or e-mail alert in advance of a severe weather warning.

It’s easy to register by calling 01273 484337 or visit www.coldalert.info

Stay Well this Winter provides a one stop shop around

Staying healthy this winter

Financial help to heat your home

Deals for your energy

Contacts for advice organisations

More information is available here.

NHS information this winter is available here.

Help My GP – To give the best care a guide to making the most of GP appointment.

Help My A&E – To save lives guide to where to get medical treatment when it’s not an emergency.

Top Tips for Winter

Snow and Ice – Tips on what to do before, during and after.  www.westsussex.gov.uk/snow

Flooding – Tips on property safety, personal safety and after flooding. www.westsussex.gov.uk/flooding

For supplies of hard copies for some of these leaflets please contact active.communities@westsussex.gov.uk