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‘Let’s Talk: Housing’ — Have your say on new Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for the Chichester District
Chichester District Council is asking for people’s views on the aims and actions proposed for its new Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, as part of a public consultation that will run until Monday 3 March.
The new strategy, which covers the period 2025 to 2030, looks at how the council will work with partners to prevent people from becoming homeless; create and retain affordable housing for young people and families; address the housing needs of older people; and improve housing standards for all of its residents.
To have your say, take part in the quick online survey at: https://letstalk.chichester.gov.uk/housing/participate. For more information, including a range of frequently asked questions and to view the draft strategy, visit: https://letstalk.chichester.gov.uk/housing. Anyone that needs a paper copy of the survey can contact letstalk@chichester.gov.uk
North Mill Bridge Update
We have received an update from WSCC on progress with the bridge, confirming that the useable stone has been recovered this week and scaffolding has now be erected to assist with the next stage of repair.
There have been a number of reports of the traffic lights not being controlled manually at peak times, but we are assured this is being done. Some temporary signage to prevent motorists from blocking the entrance and exit to Midhurst Rother College is also being placed today.
There will be a further update next week.
New speed limit on Henley Hill
After many months of work, the Parish Council have been successful in obtaining a reduction in the speed limit on Henley Hill to 40mph. Motorists were often observed at dangerous speeds around bends on the hill and approaching residential junctions, so we hope this change improves the safety of this section of highway for everyone. Signage was installed last week.
North Mill Bridge – update 21st January
We have received the following update from the WSCC Highways Team dealing with the incident. As a Parish Council we will continue to closely monitor the situation and do all we can to reduce the potential timeframes detailed below.
- Concrete barriers have been placed alongside the road,
- 4 way temporary traffic lights have been placed to allow the road to be partially re opened – these lights are manually controlled at peak hours so traffic flow can be accounted for,
- A Stonemason has attended site and scoped the works required,
- Orders have been placed for the additional stone necessary to undertake the repairs,
- Works have been programmed for next week to salvage the stone that can be potentially re-used,
- A review of parking near the BP garage which is having an impact on the queuing traffic.
Unfortunately these repair works cannot all be delivered immediately as the lead in time for the additional new stone is up to 8 weeks, and the works themselves will take up to 4 weeks. This means the road will remain under temporary lights for a number of weeks and we will monitor the impact on the wider network. If we believe further restrictions on the surrounding network are required we will put these in place and I will provide updates via these emails.
The next update will be sent on Monday 27 January
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via Parishclerk@easebourne.org
North Mill Bridge update – 20/1/25
Throughout the day the Parish Council have been in touch with key personnel within District and County Councils, to ensure we are kept up to date with discussions taking place and plans being formulated following the serious damage to North Mill Bridge in the early hours of Sunday.
We have also written to the leaders of WSCC, CDC, relevant Cabinet Members, Councillors and our MP Andrew Griffith, expressing our concern over the impact any length of closure or restricted access will have on our Parishioners and businesses in Midhurst, requesting that the matter is treated as a top priority.
As you may know, 4 way lights are now operational with a temporary concrete barrier in place, to enable a single lane to re-open.
We understand that it will close again later this evening for just a couple of hours to carry out some additional safety works.
Structural engineers and the WSCC Highways engineers are now assessing the required actions to enable a permanent solution and as soon as we learn more about what that will look like and the next steps, we will post further updates. We will remain in daily communication with the relevant teams involved.
If you have any questions you would like us to raise on your behalf please email parishclerk@easebourne.org
South Downs Local Plan Review
Public consultation on the Local Plan Review for the South Downs launches on Monday 20th January. This is a fantastic opportunity for residents across the Park to have their views heard so the Parish Council would like to encourage Parishioners to take a look at the documents and make relevant comments directly to the South Downs National Park Authority via the consultation hub linked here – The South Downs Local Plan Review – South Downs National Park Authority
An online exhibition and webinar are soon to be released and there are several drop in consultation events being held across the Park with the most local to Easebourne being –
Midhurst
Wednesday, 22 January – 6.30-8.30pm at the
South Downs Centre Memorial Hall, North Street, GU29 9DH
Petworth
Wednesday, 12 February – 3.30-7.30pm at
Leconfield Hall, Market Square, Petworth, GU28 0AH
Lovedean to Bolney Overhead Line Refurbishment Works
The Council has been advised by the National Grid that they are completing refurbishment works in the area. As a result there may be temporary closures of footpaths, road or bridleways where they intersect with the pylon route – we will be informed of these in advance. There should be no disruption to the supply of electricity during these works. For more information please visit www.nationalgrid.com/lovedeantobolney
Cold Weather Alert
Residents should be aware that a cold weather alert is currently active across the UK. For information and tips on staying safe please visit WSCC’s campaign page on their website via this link – Keeping safe this winter – West Sussex County Council
