District Dispatch - 23 November 2022

Not only will the app remind you when to put your bin out to be emptied, but it will also notify you if our waste and recycling crews are running late, or if there are any planned changes to collections. It's really simple to download. You just search for Chichester District Council (opens new window) on either the apple store or google play store and then download the app.

I have already downloaded it and I am already finding it very useful. You can sign up to receive weekly reminders on recycling or waste collections; search how and where items can be recycled at home or at your local recycling centre; complete 'Report It' forms for issues such as street cleaning-fly-tipping, or to request a new bin; find your nearest facilities, such as recycling centres, car parks and public toilets; view local food hygiene ratings for restaurants and cafes; and keep up to date with council news stories on important local issues. It also includes recycling advice on which items should go in which bins.

We've also received more than £765,000 through the Government's Rough Sleeper Initiative, over the next three years. This is fantastic news and means that we will be able to further expand on two ground-breaking projects, which we started last year with the University of Chichester and Everyone Active. This will not only enable us to fund four places on a course which will help support clients' engagement in training and work, as well as increase their self-confidence, but we will also be able to provide a series of health and wellbeing initiatives to support people at severe risk of homelessness. In addition, the funding means that four new posts can be created at Chichester homelessness charity, Stonepillow, to enable them to deliver more targeted support. Our Rough Sleeper Outreach are also working closely with HEART and The Four Streets Project, both of which play a huge role in helping meet immediate essential needs of vulnerable individuals and rough sleepers.

We understand how difficult the current climate is for many people and so it's really positive that we can keep building and enhancing the range of support that is already in place. If you are struggling with the current cost of living pressures, I really would urge you to visit the information within our 'Supporting You' campaign. Or if you need direct support, you can get in touch with our dedicated 'Supporting You' team by emailing supportingyou@chichester.gov.uk or by calling 01243 534860.

Finally, I can't believe that we are already counting down the days until Christmas! As we enter into the festive period, we are keen to encourage everyone to shop locally wherever they can. Our local businesses need our support more than ever.

To encourage people to shop locally, we are offering two parking offers. People will be able to select two hours and get a third free in all council-owned car parks across the district (except Avenue De Chartres and Westgate car parks) during December when using the MiPermit. We are also offering free parking after 4pm in the Avenue de Chartres car park in Chichester for the Christmas lights switch-on event on 26 November and late-night shopping in Chichester on 15 and 22 December.

Through our Countdown to Christmas campaign, we will be sharing details of the many activities and celebrations taking place across the district. You can find out more through our social media channels.

Best Wishes

Cllr Eileen Lintill

Leader of Chichester District Council