Due to the rapidly changing situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19), North Horsham Parish Council has made the following decisions, based on government guidelines introduced to reduce the spread of the illness and keep everyone safe.

1. All halls will be closed from Monday 23rd March 2020 until 31st May 2020. However, the situation will be kept under constant review and may be changed (i.e. the closure could be shortened or lengthened).
2. The multi courts will closed for large groups, but be open for small gatherings (up to 4) at the discretion of the Clerk/ Deputy Clerk.
3. All bookings cancelled/not going ahead due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) will not be subject to the normal 28 day cancellation policy. Anyone who has paid in advance, will be contacted by the office, so that a refund can be organised.

We would like to reassure regular hirers that their normal slots will be kept available for them when the halls/courts re-open.

For the time being, the parish office will be staffed, but no meetings scheduled until the end of April 2020 will go ahead, however, this will also be kept under review.

SOURCES OF ADVICE

The government’s main source of advice on coronavirus includes information on social distancing alongside a wide range of other information. If you would like to keep up-to-date with the government information as it comes out then you can sign up to their Covid-19 response bulletin.
Public Health England has FAQs that will be updated regularly.
For further reading, the Local Government Association has published a very useful list of different government advice sources.

There has been a great deal of public interest in Planning Application DC/20/0470 – outline application for the erection of 473 dwellings with new access provided off the Crawley Road, plus associated areas of open space and landscaping. All matters reserved apart from Access – Land south of Newhouse Farm, Old Crawley Road, Horsham.
Whilst the application has been validated by the Planning Authority – Horsham District Council- the Parish Council has been given until 30th April 2020 to offer comments, therefore the application will NOT be considered at the Planning, Environment and Transport Committee Meeting on 19th March 2020.
Please keep an eye on the Parish Council website for when it will be considered.

From February 2020, Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove and Age UK Horsham District will be working together in a close partnership, to provide services for older people in the area. The partnership, which may lead to a full merger, allows the charities to share their expertise, resources and local knowledge, ensuring services are sustainable and able to help more people than ever before.

Existing services will continue to be delivered by dedicated staff and volunteers in Horsham and it is anticipated that the partnership will allow the development of new activities and support options for people aged 50+. Overheads will also be reduced, meaning more of each donation can be directly invested in services.

Maureen Vallon, Chair of Age UK Horsham District said “The decision to work with Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove like this makes perfect sense. Rather than compete in the same area, we can now pool our resources, to create the best possible services in terms of choice and quality. Whether it’s loneliness, frailty, money worries or just an empty social calendar, we’re proud people in Horsham District can turn to us. Both charities are ambitious and our vision is to keep growing, so we can be here for older people for many years to come.”

Helen Rice, Chief Executive at Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove said “After a successful merger with Age UK Brighton & Hove, we know first-hand how pooling resources makes charities more efficient and effective. Older people can only benefit as we look to expand what we’re offering, while still keeping the local focus which is so vital. I’m really excited about the future as we continue to support, inform, campaign and keep older people at the heart of everything we do.”

Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove and Age UK Horsham District are brand partners of Age UK National, but exist as separate entities, each with their own Board of Trustees and separate finances. Both organisations have wonderful staff and volunteers who are committed to improving the lives of older people, so Trustees and management will work with them to preserve and enhance services. Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove is presently providing support by filling staffing gaps at Age UK Horsham District that have arisen through vacancies.

Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove helps approximately 15,000 older people a year, tackling a range of issues like poverty, social care and loneliness. The charity provides information, advice and services for those who need help or support. Age UK Horsham District has a number of services in common with its larger partner, as well as some unique offerings like rural outreach. The collaboration allows each of the charities to benefit immediately, while undertaking discussions about merging in the near future.