District Dispatch - 8 March 2023

It's one of two that we have ordered and is the first to start operating in West Sussex. The typical diesel refuse collection vehicle achieves around three to four miles to the gallon. While an electric refuse vehicle costs almost twice that of a diesel version, we expect that the total costs over the lifetime of the electric vehicles to be similar to a diesel one, due to their lower running costs. It is expected that the market for this type of electric vehicle will become more established within the next three years, which is when we will consider switching more of our fleet to electric.

You may also be interested to know that the council is running a free event for district homeowners looking to save money by making their homes more energy efficient. The event will take place at Chichester College on 30 March 2023 from 6pm until 8.30pm. The event has been organised in direct response to residents' feedback and will show people how they can reduce their carbon footprint and save money by implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in their homes. We have arranged for home energy experts to share advice which aims to help residents improve energy efficiency and save money. This will include providing top tips on some of the things people can do to make their homes more energy efficient and save money on their energy bills, as well as advising on the best approach to insulating a property and installing PV Solar Panels. There will also be a session on property surveys that homeowners can organise to provide advice that is tailored to their specific property, as well as various grants and schemes that can help make installing energy efficiency measures more affordable. After a series of short talks, there will be the opportunity to speak with experts and ask questions. The event is free to attend and there is no need to book a place. Both of these initiatives are part of the council's Climate Emergency Action Plan, which sets out how the council will reduce carbon emissions within its own operations and help local residents, businesses and organisations to reduce their carbon footprint too.

You may remember that I have previously talked about the danger of scams within my district dispatch column, and so I thought you may be interested to know our Community Wardens have been leading awareness sessions to help people spot the signs of scams. The work is being championed by Community Warden, Rich Moorey, who was previously a Police Community Support Officer in the area for 14 years. During this time, he regularly came across cases of people who had fallen victim to scams which prompted him to start giving presentations on the issue. To find out more information or organise a scam-prevention presentation, please email our Community Wardens at: communitywardens@chichester.gov.uk

Finally, I want to let you know that we're inviting district businesses to a free event on Friday 17 March to find out more about the range of support that's available to them. The event will take place at St James Industrial Estate, Chichester, from 1pm to 3pm. Businesses will be able to speak to representatives from the council, Coast to Capital, Chichester College, University of Chichester, and Federation of Small Businesses, amongst others, with refreshments available. The event is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. If you run a local business and would like to attend, please register for our Business Support event through eventbrite (opens new window).

Best wishes

Cllr Eileen Lintill

Leader of Chichester District Council