The Vélo South cycling event is due to take place over a 100 mile closed road circuit through West Sussex on Sunday 23 September 2018.

With 15,000 riders of all abilities taking part, it’s set to be a spectacular sporting event which is expected to raise £2 million for charity.

The organisers, CSM Active, are currently contacting all residents and businesses that will be affected by the event to offer advice and support to local communities. Advisory leaflets will also be delivered to all homes and businesses along the route this month. 

Please take a look at our online animation which shows when sections of the route will reopen. We are negotiating with the organisers to see if we can reopen certain sections earlier.   

To find out more about Vélo South visit www.velosouth.com and if you have any questions please contact CSM Active on 01243 935 359 or by email at route@velosouth.com

From 1 October West Sussex residents who drive a commercial-type vehicle will need to have a permit to dispose of their household waste at County Council recycling sites.

The free permit will apply to anyone who uses a van, pickup or single axle trailer and will be available to West Sussex residents only.

The scheme is being introduced at all 11 Household Waste Recycling Sites (HWRSs) and the two mobile sites.

In addition some vehicles will no longer be allowed to use the sites. Restricted vehicles include:

- multi axle trailers (four wheels)
- horse boxes
- tipper trucks
- flatbed or dropside trucks
- luton type vans.

For health and safety reasons all trailers will be banned from Bognor Regis and Littlehampton sites.

Leaflets will be handed out at all sites to individuals affected by the changes from 1 August before the scheme is fully implemented.

Residents can find out more on the website and start applying for a permit now.

Did you know West Sussex Fire and Rescue offer a range of Fire safety training opportunities?

Courses include Fire Awareness, Fire Warden, Fire Extinguisher, Manual Handling, Management of Fire Risk and Business Continuity.

Prices start from as little as £60 per head plus VAT.  Don’t delay, be trained by the professionals by booking your course today – visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/frsct or call 01243 772870.   

Next course dates: (held at Worthing Fire Station)

- Management of Fire Risk Assessment – 9.00am until 1.00pm on Thursday 27 September 2018

- Fire Extinguisher Training - 2.00pm until 4.00pm on Wednesday 12 September 2018

- Fire Warden – 9.00am until 12.30pm on Wednesday 12 September 2018

Book via www.westsussexcpd.co.uk   .          

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service also provide a Fire Extinguisher sales, maintenance and rental service. Give the team a call and organise a site visit and check out more information on our website.

Check out the latest Buy with Confidence Directory packed full of local businesses with the Trading Standards stamp of approval.

The Directory includes; butchers, DJs, design and print, gardeners, removals and storage, blinds and shutters, plumbers, electrician, builders, carpenters, local garages, MOT, pest control, computing, fireworks, holiday/timeshare, magazines and many more. You can view the directory online here.

To find out more about joining the popular scheme, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/bwc and you'll be able to use the trusted and well recognised Trading Standards Buy with Confidence logo.

Could you give a child a better future through fostering or adoption?

The County Council is encouraging people to come forward who want to make a difference in their communities – someone who could give a child a better future through adoption, or support a child who is going through a tough time by becoming an approved foster carer.

There’s no age limit to either fostering or adoption and you do not have to be in a relationship or own your home (although you do need a spare room)

Find out more about adoption at www.westsussex.gov.uk/adoption or call 0330 222 7777.

To find out what it takes to foster, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fostering or call 0330 222 7775.