Author: northhorshampc

Roundabout Talking News Launches New Website

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Roundabout, Horsham’s talking newspaper for the visually impaired, has launched its new website at www.roundabouttalkingnews.co.uk for the benefit of both listeners and volunteers.

Roundabout Talking News produces FREE weekly recordings on memory sticks or via their website giving the visually impaired people (VIP) of Horsham and the surrounding district the chance to keep up to date with the local news from the West Sussex County Times.  Anyone who knows of a V.I.P in the Horsham area who would be interested in the service is asked to contact Roundabout through the website using the ‘Contact Us’ facility or telephone Secretary Howard Brake on 01403 253849 or Chairman Jon Dean on 01403 266924.

Bus Services In North Horsham

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Many residents may have recently heard about the cuts in funding for bus services by West Sussex County Council, which would effect a number of services within North Horsham from September this year when funding would cease.  However, Metrobus have confirmed that:

  • Whilst Routes 61 and 200 were at risk, West Sussex County Council have agreed to continue funding them for the time being.
  • Route 23 will continue to operate without financial support.
  • Route 98’s evening service will continue to operate without financial support on a trial basis.  This means that the long term viability of the service relies upon the use made of it.  Quite literally, use it or lose it.

Members’ Code Of Conduct

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At the last full Council meeting on Thursday 28th June 2012, the Parish Council adopted a new Code of Conduct for all Councillors.  This came into effect as from 1st July 2012.

The new arrangements for the standards and conduct of Members include a Code of Conduct based on the ‘Nolan Principles’, the involvement of an independent person in the investigation of allegations of misconduct, a register of Members’ Pecuniary interests and a new criminal offence of failing to declare or register Pecuniary Interests.

The new Code of Conduct continues with the behavioural aspects of the previous Code of Conduct and the provisions relating to Personal and Prejudicial Interests and ‘bolts on’ the new provisions relating to Disclosable Pecuniary Interests as contained within the Regulations made under the Localism Act 2011.

The formal Notice of Adoption of the new Code of Conduct can be seen here. A signed copy of the Notice is displayed in the notice board outside the Parish Office at Roffey Millennium Hall.

The Parish Council’s new Code of Conduct can be read here.

Within the next 28 days all Parish Councillors will be required to complete a Register of Interests.  Under the new Code of Conduct these have to be displayed on the Council’s website and this will be done over the next couple of weeks.  You will be able to see them here.

Your Vote Counts

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Sussex Police LogoIn November an election will be held across Sussex (and indeed England and Wales, except London) to appoint a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Sussex.  You will be asked to vote for someone to represent you for policing and crime in the County.

This is the first time you will have had the chance to elect someone to be responsible for policing.  It is really important that you vote, as the PCC will be responsible for policing and crime in Sussex in its totality.  This will mean –

  • Setting the budget for Sussex Police
  • Appointing the Chief Constable
  • Listening to the people of Sussex, and
  • Setting a Police and Crime Plan based on those conversations

There will also be a Police and Crime Panel made up of local Councillors from each of the local authorities in Sussex.  Their role will be to advise and scrutinise the work of the PCC.  The Panel will have a range of powers that will see them –

  • Review the draft Police and Crime Plan
  • Review the PCC’s Annual Report, and
  • Hold a public meeting to question the PCC about it

For more information go to www.homeoffice.gov.uk/police/police-crime-commissioners or www.sussexpcc.co.uk or call 01273 481561.

Key Dates
18th October 2012 – Last full Sussex Police Authority meeting
15th November 2012 – Election Day
21st November 2012 – Last day of Sussex Police Authority in office
22nd November 2012- First day of Police and Crime Commissioner in office

Speaking Up For Disability

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Speaking Up For Disability LogoDisabled people living in West Sussex now have the chance to tell their own story, thanks to a £49,500 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).  Speaking up for Disability is managed by registered charity Independent Living Association.

This is a two year community history project recording and sharing the stories, experiences, achievements and struggles of disabled people in West Sussex from the 1940’s to the present day.  The project does not seek to present a definitive history of disability, but rather to hear from many people, telling their own stories in their own words.  In addition to a website, there will also be an exhibition and unique archive of materials that will capture the hidden area of history in the county.

The hidden histories of disabled people can now be explored.  Experiences of early life, school, work, families, the views of health professionals, and how relationships have altered will all be researched.  Volunteer interviewers will give disabled people the opportunity to record their own views and in so doing will build up a unique archive of first-hand accounts.  Working with the West Sussex Records Office, those taking part will create a lasting legacy for future researchers, professionals and the general public.

The resulting archive will have a fully searchable online catalogue as well as an online education pack for teachers.  Information gathered through research will be used to create a portable display.  This display will be made available to other organisations throughout the county to help raise general awareness about disability.

There are few records in existence that look at disability from the viewpoint of disabled people themselves because historical records tend to have been written by hospitals, institutions and other care providers, so this project is a groundbreaking way to tell those stories.

Stuart McLeod, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South East England, said: “This project helps to redress the balance by providing a personal insight into the experiences and opinions of disabled people in West Sussex.  At last, their voices will be heard.”

Speaking Up for Disability is led by a Project Team comprising Nicola Benge, the project Coordinator, and a group of volunteers.  Please come and join us!  We are always looking for new volunteers across West Sussex who are interested in disability history and have some time to give.

Volunteers are needed to:

  • Record interviews with disabled people across the county
  • Undertake research in the West Sussex Records Office
  • Update the website
  • Plan the exhibition
  • Run reminiscence or life writing sessions
  • Support our Key Stage 3 Educational Resource Pack

If you are interested, get in touch with the ILA office on 01903 219482 ex218 or email nicola.benge@ilawestsussex.org