Time is running out for voluntary and community organisations in West Sussex to apply for a share of £190,000.

The closing date for applications to West Sussex County Council’s Prevention and Wellbeing Grants Programme is Thursday 17 April 2014.  Grants of up to £5,000 are available.

The programme aims to help innovative, community-based activities for residents, which are designed to enable adults and older people to get out and about, make friends and see others.

Last year, awards ranged from under £50 up to £5,000 and were used for a number of different projects, including tea and chat groups, choirs and fitness and learning activities.

Christine Field, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, said: “I would urge community-based services, groups or organisations to consider applying for a Prevention and Wellbeing Grant.

“These types of organisations play a vital role in helping to reduce isolation and they can really make a difference in an older person’s life – as well as playing a role in helping to maintain an older person’s independence for longer.

“The deadline for applications is rapidly approaching so I would encourage any project – large or small – to request an application pack before it’s too late.”

The applications will be assessed by the County Local Committees. Organisations will be notified of decisions and receive payments in August 2014.

The grants are not available for services or activities designed for children and people with learning disabilities.

For more information and to find out how to request an application pack, please visit the Prevention and Wellbeing Grants page.

Recent wet weather has seen a number of trees being damaged in the District and Horsham District Council is reminding residents of who to contact in the event of damage to trees.  Extremely wet ground conditions can make trees more vulnerable to wind damage, particularly if they are already in a weakened condition as the result of disease.

The Council has an ongoing programme of inspections for all of the trees that it owns, which are located almost entirely within recreational land and public green spaces.  Parish councils are responsible for trees growing on land in their ownership, while the majority of trees growing on roadside verges are the responsibility of West Sussex County Council.

It is often the case that trees causing concern are growing on private land, and in these cases it is always the land owner who is responsible for them.  Unless a tree is deemed to be imminently hazardous, it is important to check that it is not listed as having a Tree Preservation Order, or growing within a conservation area, before carrying out any remedial work.

Contact the Council’s Planning team for advice on these such trees by emailing planning@horsham.gov.uk or call 01403 215515.

Other useful contacts are:
Horsham District Council’s Parks & Countryside team: parks@horsham.gov.uk / 01403 215255
West Sussex County Council’s Highways team: highways@westsussex.gov.uk / 01243 642105

Environment Agency Floodline: 0845 988 1188
Environment Agency Enquiries: 0800 807060

For further information about flooding in general, a useful guide can be found on Horsham District Council’s website (http://www.horsham.gov.uk/files/Flood_info_Jan_2014.pdf).

Following a Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 8th October, the Council has now finalised and submitted its response to the proposed development north of the A264, as outlined in Horsham District Council’s Preferred Strategy Document.

A copy of the letter can be found here.