Free Carbon Literacy training day

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Free Carbon Literacy training day for Chichester District residents and community groups

Chichester District Council is inviting residents and community groups to take part in a free climate education training day to mark this year’s Carbon Literacy Action Day on Monday 10 November.

The Carbon Literacy training is based on the globally recognised Carbon Literacy Project and is designed to help people identify practical changes they can make to reduce their carbon footprint. Delivered by the council’s experienced in-house Carbon Literacy Facilitator, the event will take place at Graylingwell Chapel, Chichester, PO19 6BZ, from 9am to 5pm. Places can be booked through Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/carbon-literacy-action-day-training-tickets-1610566320219?aff=oddtdtcreator.

The event will include a midday networking opportunity, which will mark the launch of the Chichester District Climate Action Network. The network aims to connect and support climate action groups across the district, encouraging further steps to tackle climate change.

“We’re really pleased to be able to offer this free Carbon Literacy training to help residents and community groups turn climate knowledge into practical action,” says Cllr Jonathan Brown, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for the Environment at Chichester District Council.

“Designed by the globally recognised Carbon Literacy Project, this training will help people to identify changes in their life, workplace and community that could help reduce their carbon footprint. The course explains the importance of mitigating the effects of climate change, highlights actions that are already taking place locally, and identifies further steps that could be taken on a personal and community level.

“The event will include a networking session at midday to launch the Chichester Climate Action Network — this is a brilliant opportunity for individuals and climate action groups in our district to connect with and learn from others who share the same passion. Whether you are just starting your climate journey or are already involved in local action, this event is a chance to learn more and build local partnerships that lead to real change. I’m really looking forward to attending and hope to meet some of you there.”

This free training day is open to everyone in the Chichester District — whether they’re just starting to consider their carbon footprint or are already involved in climate issues. To book a space and become certified as ‘Carbon Literate’ through the Carbon Literacy Project, please visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/carbon-literacy-action-day-training-tickets-1610566320219?aff=oddtdtcreator. Community action groups that would prefer to attend just the networking session at midday can email climatechange@chichester.gov.uk to book their place. Spaces are limited, so early booking is advised.

This event is an integral part of the council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan, which runs from 2025 to 2030 and includes a range of projects addressing different aspects of the climate emergency — such as home energy efficiency, tree planting, and community action. People can find out more about this work at: www.chichester.gov.uk/climatechange.

To find out more about Carbon Literacy, visit: https://carbonliteracy.com/what-is-carbon-literacy/. To stay informed about climate initiatives in the Chichester District, sign up to our dedicated newsletter: www.chichester.gov.uk/climatechangenewsletter

Withdrawal of Water Neutrality Restrictions in Arun Valley

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County Council responds to withdrawal of water neutrality restrictions

West Sussex County Council welcomes the decision to withdraw water neutrality restrictions first introduced in September 2021. The withdrawal will enable essential infrastructure projects that have stalled or been put on hold to now progress.

The restrictions were the result of the Water Neutrality Position Statement, issued by Natural England due to their concerns that local groundwater abstraction was negatively impacting the protected, designated sites of the Arun Valley.

Whilst the overarching objective of the position statement was to avoid further deterioration of the protected habitats, the requirement to demonstrate water neutrality has meant that development largely stalled across a large part of West Sussex since it was issued.

During this period, the county council has worked closely with other affected authorities and other stakeholders to find appropriate solutions to help developers achieve water neutrality, such as through increased water efficiencies, and continue to deliver much needed homes and infrastructure in the area.

This work has enabled vital social and economic development in the area to progress whilst ensuring continued protection of the internationally important sites in the Arun valley.

County Council leader, Councillor Paul Marshall, said: “The issuing of the water neutrality restrictions in 2021 not only resulted in a slowdown in the delivery of new homes and other development, but it also significantly affected the delivery of new and improved supporting infrastructure, including county council plans and projects, such as those for schools and children’s services.

“I am pleased that a package of mitigation measures has now been agreed, and that these restrictions will be lifted at the end of the month.  This change will enable essential infrastructure projects to move forward to meet the needs of the area.

“However, West Sussex will continue to be a water stressed area despite the proposed mitigation. As such, it is important that the initial aim of the Position Statement to ensure the protection of rare species and their habitats, which contribute to the biodiversity of the County, continues to be a key consideration within the development process.”

Apply for your child’s school place for 2026

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09 October 2025

Apply for your child’s place to start school in 2026

Applications are now open for children who are due to start in reception at primary and infant schools across West Sussex in September 2026. The quickest and easiest way to apply is online via School places – West Sussex County Council and the deadline for applications is 15 January 2026. Children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022 are eligible to start school next September.

Children who are currently in Year 2 at an infant school will also need to apply for a place to start a junior school in September next year.

We strongly advise that parents and carers apply on time, before 15 January 2026, which will give them the best chance of being offered one of their three preferences. Those who apply late are far less likely to get a place at one of their three preferred schools and will still need to apply, as they will not automatically be given a place.

Councillor Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “Supporting individuals and communities to thrive remains a central focus of Our Council Plan, and schools are vital in helping us achieve that goal

“As families consider their school preferences, I strongly encourage them to explore all available information, visit school websites, reach out directly with any questions, and take advantage of open days.”

All of the information about applying can be found on the county council website here: School places – West Sussex County Council.

Free use of computers with internet access is available in all West Sussex libraries, where there is no need to book. Those unable to apply online can request a form is e-mailed or sent in the post by calling 033 301 42903.

Parents/carers are advised:

· To include three preference schools on your application, listing them in order of preference.

· Parents/carers who want their child to go to their catchment school (where applicable) will need to include that school as a preference for it to be considered.

· If you apply after the closing date you are far less likely to get a place at one of your preferred schools.

West Sussex County Council admissions staff can offer support to anyone who needs help with their application. Contact the admissions team by phoning 033 301 42903 or email the Admissions Team North: admissions.north@westsussex.gov.uk or the Admissions Team South: admissions.south@westsussex.gov.uk.

Secondary school applications are currently open for pupils due to start in September 2026. The application window closes on Thursday 31 October 2025 and the application form is available via: Secondary school places – West Sussex County Council.

 

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Survey on impact of lost fishing gear – help with research!

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We’re very pleased to share with you a new survey created to support research by Natural England, to map the distribution of lost and abandoned fishing gear on the Island and wider Solent region. Please see the information below explaining the survey:

Help us understand the distribution of lost and abandoned fishing gear on the Isle of Wight and across the wider Solent area. Lost fishing gear can impact marine ecology through smothering, abrasion, trapping wildlife and spreading invasive species. It creates a hazard to the marine environment and can be a safety hazard for people using the coast. It can also compete with sustainable fishing practices in the area. This survey, supporting research being undertaken by Natural England, aims to map lost and abandoned fishing gear to understand the local extent and distribution of its impact, taking the first steps towards the removal of these items where possible.

We’re hoping to get as wide of a reach as possible to build a comprehensive dataset. If you’re able to share this survey with your network and on your social media, that would be greatly appreciated.

The link to the survey is here: https://arcg.is/0z19qq1

QR code (and attached): 

North Street Car Park closed for Sloe Fair

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Chichester’s Northgate car park to temporarily close for the annual Sloe Fair

The Northgate car park in Chichester will be temporarily closing for three days to enable the annual Sloe Fair to take place.

The car park will close at 6am on Saturday 18 October 2025, re-opening at 12 noon on Tuesday 21 October 2025. During this time no vehicles will be able to use the car park.

Customers who have an X roving season ticket will still be able to park in the council’s two other long-stay car parks, Basin Road and the Cattle Market in the area beyond the mini roundabout. The council has been in contact with all season ticket holders to make them aware of this.

The Sloe Fair is organised by The Showman’s Guild and is enjoyed by many people each year. It also has a long association with Chichester and can be traced back through history to the reign of King Henry I who passed a royal charter to enable the fair to take place.

“The Sloe Fair is one of the earliest recorded fairs in Chichester, dating back hundreds of years. It was granted by King Henry I to Ralph de Luffa, Bishop of Chichester and is believed to be named after the Sloe tree which grew in fields by Northgate on the original site,” explains Councillor John Cross, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Place at Chichester District Council. “We have already advised season ticket holders of the temporary closure and alternative parking arrangements during this period, and we would like to thank the public in advance for their cooperation while the car park is closed.”

To find alternative car parks people can visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/carparks.

WSCC – helping new, young drivers be safer on the roads – with parents’ help

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news release

24 September 2025

From learner to licensed: a support guide for parents and guardians of new drivers

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is excited to announce a new, free webinar developed by Warwickshire County Council for the parents and guardians of young drivers who have recently passed their test and who are about to begin driving independently.

The fire service’s Head of Prevention, Nathan Cross, said: “Young drivers are at higher risk on the road due to their inexperience. They are less able to spot hazards and more likely to take risks, resulting in one in five crashing within a year of passing their test.

“As a parent or guardian, your influence on your young person’s ability to become a safe independent driver is more powerful than you might think. This free online event explores how you can play a vital role in shaping the safe driving habits that will continue to be critical to your young person’s road safety long after they pass their test.”

This free 60-minute event takes place on October 1 from 6 pm to 7 pm. Please be advised that spaces are limited. You can find out more and register for the event here

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For further information please contact the press office on 0330 2228377 or email FRSMedia@westsussex.gov.uk.

For urgent out-of-hours enquiries please call 07767 098415.

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