Welcome to the March 2023 edition of our Residents' eNewsletter.

Recycling Centres - new longer opening hours

Getting ready for a spring clean and declutter?

From Saturday 1 April, all our West Sussex Recycling Centres will switch to extended summer hours.

Remember you will need to book a slot to attend sites at Bognor Regis, Crawley, Horsham, Littlehampton, Shoreham-by-Sea and Worthing. 

View the new opening times

Local scheme aims to cut carbon emissions and save on bills

A group-buying scheme, which aims to make renewable energy more affordable, is open for new customer registrations in West Sussex.

The Solar Together initiative puts high-quality solar panels, battery storage and Electric Vehicle charge points within the reach of more residents.

This year, community groups and small business are also able to join the scheme.

The initiative uses pre-approved installers, helping people feel more confident about their renewable energy investments.

Register for Solar Together

Job opportunities and roadshows

Children’s Residential Service

We’re looking for people to join our friendly, supportive team, working with children who have a range of social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

Benefits include up to £1,500 bonus in your first 18 months via our Recruitment and Retention Payment Scheme, excellent training and development opportunities and discounts on retailers countrywide. Find out more.

Digital jobs in West Sussex

A new programme called 'Digital Futures' has launched to connect local businesses with talented jobseekers. It is a running a series of free interactive roadshows this year. Find out more.

More job opportunities in West Sussex

COVID-19 vaccination spring booster

COVID-19 is more serious in older people and those with certain underlying health conditions.

For these reasons, people aged 75 years and over, those who live in care homes, and are aged five years and over with a weakened immune system, will be offered a spring booster of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.

If you are eligible you should be offered an appointment between April and June, with those at highest risk being called in first. You will be invited to have your booster around six months from your last dose but you can have it from three months.

COVID-19 spring booster information

Putting batteries in the bin? You could be in for a shock!

Our West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and West Sussex Recycles are warning residents of the dangers of putting batteries and electrical items, such as hairdryers, vapes, and mobile phones, in your household waste and recycling bins. 

Batteries and electricals often contain hazardous materials, which can start a fire when the items are crushed during the collection and sorting process.

To recycle your old batteries and electricals safely and prevent fires, you can:

• Take them to your local recycling centre.
• Use the designated battery recycling collection points in some shops and supermarkets.
• Take large lithium-ion batteries, such as those from e-scooters, to your local recycling centre and follow the advice from staff on site.
• See if your local district or borough council offers a kerbside recycling collection service for batteries and small electricals. 

Read more on our campaign page

A day to remember your loved ones

Today (Thursday 23 March) is the UK National Day Of Reflection where we remember loved ones who have died, support people who are grieving and connect with each other. 

Last year we participated in the 'Reflections Project' where forget-me-not art installations were sited around the county in memory of loved ones who died during the pandemic, including Chichester County Hall.

We’ve produced a short, animated video about bereavement and loss which may be helpful to anyone who is struggling or is supporting someone who has been bereaved.

View the video

Have your say

Share your opinions and views on the following roads projects and schemes:

• Enforcing moving traffic offences in West Sussex. Closing date: 29 March.
  
  
• B2259 Felpham Way to Wroxham Way, Felpham, proposed cycling and walking improvements. Closing date: 10 April.
  
  
• Post-16 Transport Policy Statement 2023. Closing date: 16 April.
  
  
• A259 Bognor Regis to Littlehampton improvements. Closing date: 23 April.
  
  
• Worthing Sustainable Transport Corridors, proposed walking and cycling improvements. Closing date: 30 April.
  
  
• Chichester Sustainable Transport Corridors, proposed walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure. Closing date: 30 April.

More news

Head to our Newsroom to find all the latest news. Below are some highlights:

• A new school for children with special educational needs and disabilities will be built in West Sussex following a successful bid by the county council.
  
  
• West Sussex businesses currently suffering from the slowest broadband speeds are being supported to get online with an alternative 4G mobile broadband solution.

You can watch Lizzie from our Prevention Assessment Team share six top tips to help you live independently in your own home and local community.   #LifeYouWantToLead

Did you receive this eNewsletter from a friend? Sign up here.