News

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Chichester District mourns the passing of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh

Chichester District Council joins the nation in mourning the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

The Councillors and Officers of Chichester District Council are deeply saddened at the news of the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

People urged to 'Support Local' in Chichester District as businesses prepare to reopen

As the High Street readies to reopen, people across the Chichester District are being encouraged to 'Shop Local, Spend Local, Support Local' and help support their local businesses back onto their feet following lockdown.

Coronavirus update: 1 April 2021

This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district.

Easter Closure

Our contact centre will be closed from 5pm on Thursday 1 April 2021 and phone lines will reopen at 9am on Tuesday 6 April 2021.

District Dispatch - 30 March 2021

Firstly, I want to introduce myself. I am Diane Shepherd, the Chief Executive at Chichester District Council. As we are now in the pre-election period, I have agreed to take over District Dispatch until after the elections, when Cllr Eileen Lintill will continue to write this column.

Grants scheme to offer extra support for local businesses

Small enterprises across the district will be able to boost their business thanks to a new grants scheme, which is being launched by Chichester District Council and which will open for applications on 12 April 2021.

Chichester Local Plan Review update: 26 March 2021

This month, the council announced its timetable for the Local Plan Review.

District Dispatch - 24 March 2021

I'm sure, like me, that you are really looking forward to next Monday (29 March) when two households, or up to 6 people, can gather outdoors, including in private gardens. More than anything we have really missed seeing our friends and families - and so this will mean a great deal to so many people. All we need now is to keep our fingers crossed that the weather will be good to us!

Last chance to apply for some COVID-19 business grants

Businesses in Chichester District are being urged to check their eligibility for a range of COVID-19 business support grants before some of the grants close for applications on 31 March 2021.

Coronavirus update: 18 March 2021

This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district.

Funding will pay for feasibility work into cycling-related projects in Chichester and Midhurst

Work on cycling-related projects in the Chichester District will move forward over the next year thanks to a £61,000 funding boost.

Money released to Chichester charity will help set up a health and wellbeing hub

A Chichester charity will be developing a health and wellbeing hub thanks to funding of £141,250 which has been released by Chichester District Council.

Beach management plan will protect coastal homes in Chichester District

Leading Chichester District councillors have agreed to apply for grant funding which will be spent on protecting coastal homes as part of the council's Beach Management Plan.

Extra support agreed to help improve property standards and reduce excess cold in Chichester District

Extra support has been agreed by Chichester District Council to help ensure that residents who are in the most need are living in safe and properly maintained property.

Nominations sought for West Sussex County Council election and Chichester City Council by-election

Nominations are being sought for both the upcoming West Sussex County Council election and a Chichester City Council by-election to fill a vacancy for the West Ward.

Chichester District businesses and community groups benefit from Covid grants

Businesses and community groups in Chichester District have received almost £500,000 in grant funding as part of Chichester District Council's COVID-19 recovery plan.

£5 council tax rise plus use of reserves is agreed to protect vital services across Chichester District

Chichester District Councillors have agreed to increase the average council tax bill by £5 for a Band D property and use reserves for the first time in years in order to protect vital services across the district.

Chichester residents urged to rethink food waste

Residents of Chichester District are being urged to rethink the impact that food waste can have on climate change as part of the UK's first ever Food Waste Action Week.

Coronavirus update: 25 February 2021

This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district.

Coronavirus update: 17 February 2021

This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district.

District Dispatch - 16 February 2021

Last week we heard some really positive news from the local NHS after they announced that our Westgate Leisure Centre had been selected as a vaccination site for Chichester. We are very proud that the centre is to be used for this vital purpose, it will literally save lives and help us to take the first tentative steps back to normality. As soon as we know more about when the centre will be open we will share the details.

New business grants webinar to help district businesses access grant support

Local businesses are being invited to join Chichester District Council's live webinar at 2pm on Friday 19 February to find out more about the range of financial support that's available to them.

Cold weather alert - 5 February 2021

The Met Office has issued a Level 3 Cold Weather Alert between Saturday 6 February and Wednesday 10 February.

Coronavirus update: 4 February 2021

This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district.

Textiles and small electrical items to be recycled as part of trial collection scheme in Chichester District

Leading councillors have given the green light to start a trial kerbside collection scheme for textiles and small waste electrical and electronic items.

Construction of new short stay homeless accommodation begins

Work has begun to redevelop Chichester District Council's existing temporary accommodation to provide an additional 17 flats for people who are homeless in the Chichester District.

District Dispatch - 26 January 2021

Last week, we met with our NHS colleagues from the Sussex Clinical Commissioning Groups on the progress that is being made on the vaccination programme in our area.

Chichester District Council supports hidden disabilities scheme

Chichester District Council has pledged to support people with hidden disabilities by recognising the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme.

Climate Change Action Plan approved for the Chichester District

Involving the whole community will be the key to achieving a Chichester District-wide target to reduce carbon emissions.

District Dispatch - 20 January 2021

Since, last week's District Dispatch, the vaccination hubs in Selsey and Tangmere have gone live and our NHS colleagues have been busy vaccinating residents across our district. I know that vaccinations are at the forefront of all of our minds at the moment and so we are keen to share any updates we have with you.

Council is carrying out inspections on supermarkets to make sure that they are Covid-Secure

Regular inspections are being carried out by Chichester District Council officers in supermarkets and other essential businesses to make sure that they are Covid-Secure.

Coronavirus update: 14 January 2021

This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district.

'Season of Culture 2022' announced for Chichester District

A Chichester District Cultural Partnership is to develop a special programme of events for 2022 to celebrate and showcase the outstanding range of arts and culture on offer across the district.

District Dispatch - 7 January 2021

Firstly, I would like to wish you a Happy New Year from all of us at Chichester District Council.

Enhancements to Chichester's Priory Park continue

Improvement works that were put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic have been rescheduled to take place in Priory Park in January.

New Government COVID support schemes for businesses open in Chichester District

Three new COVID support schemes for businesses which were announced by the Government are now up and running in Chichester District.

Government rethink on planning reforms is positive news for the district

Government plans to significantly increase the number of new houses built across rural areas, including the Chichester District, have been reconsidered.

Grant will enable vulnerable families in Chichester District to receive help on how to stay warm

Vulnerable families in Chichester District will receive help on how to stay warm on a budget and how to cook nutritious and affordable meals this winter thanks to a grant from a home energy provider.

The Novium Museum celebrates the heritage at the heart of Graylingwell

Chichester Community Development Trust is launching an exhibition at The Novium Museum from 23 January 2021, which will tell the story of Graylingwell Hospital's important role in Chichester's history, and the pioneering mental health treatment of the past century.

Community wardens helping spread some festive cheer in the Chichester District this Christmas

Chichester District Council's Community Wardens team are busy helping spread some festive cheer to people across the district this Christmas.

District Dispatch - 9 December 2020

It has been great to see people return to our High Streets in Chichester, Petworth, Midhurst, Selsey, and East Wittering, since the lifting of the national restrictions.

Council to modernise the way that residents access services in the Chichester District

A package of measures will be introduced to Chichester District Council's Customer Service Centre to help modernise the way in which residents access council services.

Business support schemes in Chichester District will be repeated in 2021

Leading councillors in Chichester District have decided to continue two business support schemes next year.

District Dispatch - 3 December 2020

Over the past couple of weeks, I have read with interest the articles claiming that we must 'delay the local plan,' and I felt I needed to respond to explain why this is the worst thing we could do.

Chichester museum launches new schools competition

The Novium Museum in Chichester is offering ten schools the chance to win a Roman themed virtual field trip to celebrate the launch of the museum's new digital learning programme.

Chichester District residents encouraged to support local farmers' markets this Christmas

Chichester District Council is encouraging people to shop locally this Christmas and pick up everything they need from festive food and drink to gifts for family and friends at the Chichester Farmers' Market on Friday 4 and 18 December.

District Dispatch - 25 November

Last week, we launched a new campaign called Make Your Change Count to help support rough sleepers on a more long-term basis, and I am very pleased to say that we have received a really positive response to it so far.

Last chance for people to have their say on proposals to help improve housing standards in the Chichester District

People in the Chichester District are being reminded to give their views in Chichester District Council's latest public consultation - Let's Talk: Housing Standards - before it closes on 4 December.

Residents in Chichester District encouraged to 'make their change count' to help rough sleepers off the streets

People across Chichester District are being urged to 'make their change count' and help bring about lasting change to the lives of rough sleepers.

New tenants move into Petworth Old Bakery shopping arcade

The Old Bakery arcade in Petworth is welcoming its newest tenants, while two existing businesses are preparing to move into bigger premises on the Chichester District Council-owned site.

District Dispatch - 13 November 2020

I hope that you are all managing to adapt to the latest government restrictions and are accessing any support you may need. We are currently issuing a weekly email newsletter with information on the very latest advice and support.

Residents across Chichester District encouraged to recycle as much as they can this Christmas

Chichester District Council is reminding residents of the many ways that they can recycle their waste to help reduce their environmental impact this Christmas.

Campaign aims to support local businesses this Christmas

Chichester District Council, its partners and the Observer Series, are joining forces to support local businesses by launching another special Christmas campaign for 2020 on 12 November.

District Dispatch - 6 November 2020

As you will all be aware, the Prime Minister announced that from yesterday, new national restrictions will apply in England in order to try and control the spread of the coronavirus.

COVID recovery plan for Chichester District is on track to meet key aims

A plan to help the Chichester District recover from the spring lockdown is on track in the latest update report to council leaders.

Funding will support projects which will help reduce homelessness and rough sleeping in Chichester District

Leading councillors for Chichester District have approved funding for two organisations to support projects that will help reduce homelessness and rough sleeping in the district.

Scheme will continue to help Chichester District residents on low incomes pay their council tax

A scheme which supports low income residents across Chichester District to pay their council tax has been renewed.

District Dispatch - 29 October 2020

Last week I was delighted to attend the socially distanced start of work for a small housing development. When it is finished next year, it will provide homes for older people in Chichester who are on low incomes. This is a project which our council has helped fund and I was very pleased to meet those involved from the Chichester Greyfriars Housing Association and hear about the very clear need that this development, close to the centre of Chichester, will meet.

Council appoints contractor to deliver short stay homeless accommodation for the district

A project to increase the amount of much-needed short stay accommodation for people facing homelessness has reached its next key milestone with the selection of an appointed contractor.

Last chance for people to have their say on climate change action plan for the Chichester District

People in the Chichester District are being reminded to give their views on Chichester District Council's action plan to help tackle climate change in the area before the consultation ends on 6 November.

Historic Sloe Fair to retain Royal Charter

Chichester's historic annual Sloe Fair will retain its Royal Charter, even though the event is unable to take place this year.

District Dispacth - 14 October 2020

This week, the Prime Minister, announced a new three-tier lockdown plan. This sets out different rules for regions as being on 'medium', 'high' or 'very high' alert. These new rules have been introduced to try and curb the significant increase in rates across the country.

Council launches Test and Trace self-isolation support scheme

Chichester District Council is making residents aware that they may be eligible for financial support if they have been instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace — either due to a positive Covid-19 test or having been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order is adopted for the Chichester District

A review of the rules for dogs in public spaces has been approved for the Chichester District.

Leading councillors agree to invest £15,000 in city park as part of events strategy for Chichester District

Leading councillors have agreed to invest £15,000 on purchasing a commercial power supply for Chichester's Priory Park as part of the first ever events strategy devised for the Chichester District.

Council extends COVID-19 grants scheme application deadline

Chichester District Council is calling for local community groups and businesses to apply for COVID-19 funding support as the deadline for applications is extended until 23 October, or while funding remains available.

District Dispatch - 29 September 2020

It's hard to believe that it's almost October — and already many of us have started to think ahead to Christmas! This year has been difficult for all of us, especially our local businesses.

Pop-up shop applications now open for the Christmas period in Chichester city centre

Entrepreneurs looking to test the market and get experience of being on the high street are being invited to apply for a pop-up shop space.

Residents encouraged to have their say on climate change action plan for the Chichester District

Chichester District Council has developed an action plan to help tackle climate change in the area and is asking for people to share their views in a new public consultation running from Friday 25 September until 6 November.

District Dispatch - 22 September 2020

On 24 September, the Government is launching the NHS Covid-19 app.

District Dispatch - 15 September 2020

This week, the Government introduced the 'rule of six' to target the rise in coronavirus cases in the country. This new restriction means that social gatherings, inside or outside the home, should not exceed six people.

Council to ask for views on climate change action plan for the Chichester District

Residents will soon be able to have their say on a climate change action plan that has been put together for the Chichester District.

Leading councillors recommend a Compulsory Purchase Order for key housing site in Chichester District

A key site for housing in Chichester District has moved one step closer after leading councillors recommended that a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) be carried out to enable a comprehensive approach to be taken to development of the land.

Contracts are exchanged for Midhurst's old Grange Centre

Midhurst's old Grange Centre site has moved another step closer to being transformed now that contracts have been exchanged.

Coronavirus update - 1 September 2020

This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district.

District Dispatch - 25 August 2020

Over the last few weeks I have been asking my Cabinet colleagues to take over this space to explain how our council is planning to help the district recover from the coronavirus crisis. Each column has looked at the different headings of our recovery plan, which was agreed last month. I hope that you have found this information useful - I will of course update you regularly on how the plan is progressing.

The Novium Museum receives Art Fund grant to develop virtual field trips

The Novium Museum in Chichester will be developing a series of innovative virtual field trips for school groups, thanks to an Art Fund grant of £21,646.

District Dispatch - Planning, health and environmental protection recovery

Last week, my colleague Cllr Martyn Bell, Cabinet Member for Growth, Place and Regeneration, updated you on our plans for the economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, I want to update you on the planning, health and environmental protection recovery plan.

Coronavirus update - 4 August 2020

This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district. It is currently issued once a month.

District Dispatch - Business Recovery

Supporting our local businesses and helping the economy to recover is a key priority within the council's COVID-19 recovery plan.

Project to increase short stay homeless accommodation reaches key milestone

The next stage of a project to increase the amount of much-needed short stay accommodation for people facing homelessness in the Chichester District has reached another important milestone.

Council sets out its key priorities in COVID recovery plan for Chichester District

Preventing homelessness, providing more community grants and helping to support the arts and tourism industry are some of the immediate key aims of a COVID recovery plan that have been set out for the Chichester District.

Residents encouraged to have their say on dog control rules in the Chichester District

Chichester District Council is reviewing the rules for dogs in public spaces and is asking people to give their views in a new public consultation starting Friday 17 July.

Residents and visitors in Chichester District urged to dispose of litter properly over the summer

Members of the public are being urged to dispose of their litter and instant barbecues properly this summer as people head out to enjoy the sunshine.

Beach goers urged to follow foreshores safety guidelines this summer

Chichester District Council is reminding people to follow its Foreshores Code of Conduct and maintain social distancing to ensure that everyone can enjoy the district's beaches safely this summer.

Chichester Wellbeing launch online Move it and Lose it workshops

Chichester District residents looking to lose weight, get fit, and lead a healthier lifestyle can join Chichester Wellbeing's online Move it and Lose it workshops.

District Council High Street Group will support the recovery and transformation of Chichester city centre

Supporting Chichester District's high street areas will continue to be key a focus of Chichester District Council's Economic Recovery plan after leading councillors renewed their commitment to the existing Vision projects taking place across the district.

'How you can support rough sleepers' - a message from our Council Leader

It is great to see that so many of our local businesses have now reopened and that our High Streets are starting to return to some sort of normality.

Last chance for people to have their say on interim planning statement

People in the Chichester District are being reminded to give their views on a draft Interim Policy Statement for Housing before the consultation ends on Friday 10 July.

'A reminder for when you're out and about' - a message from our Council Leader

Over the past few weeks, we've seen temperatures soar and lockdown restrictions eased. This has provided people with a welcome opportunity to go out and about and enjoy what the district has to offer, and is a positive sign for our local businesses - many of whom have reopened or are about to reopen.

Council and local businesses join forces to welcome shoppers back to the district's high streets

Local businesses have joined forces with Chichester District Council to welcome shoppers back to the high streets in Chichester, Midhurst, Petworth, Selsey and East Wittering.

'Easing the lockdown' - a message from our Council Leader

This week there has been a lot of positive news, with the government giving the green light for more of our businesses to open from 4 July.

Council issues reminder on the use of its parks

Fitness instructors and personal trainers that hold one-to-one sessions and group exercise classes in parks and green spaces are being reminded that they must have a licence from Chichester District Council.

'Reopening our high streets' - a message from Council Leader

Monday was a big day for our high streets as many businesses started to open their doors to customers for the first time in almost three months. I know that for many people, being able to get back to work and visit a wider range of shops and businesses in person has been a welcome change of scenery and a real relief after a long few weeks of restrictions.

Appeal for information following commercial fly tip in Petworth

Residents in Chichester District are being asked for any information they may have following a serious fly tip incident in Petworth over the weekend.

'Supporting our local businesses' - a message from Council Leader

At the start of the lockdown, I said that when we start to recover from this crisis, we would all have a role to play in supporting our local businesses. As the Government starts to release further restrictions under its recovery plan, we are now at that point. As long as the Government's key tests are met and businesses have made their premises 'COVID-19 Secure', our High Streets will start to reopen from Monday 15 June.

Residents encouraged to have their say on interim planning policy

People in the Chichester District are being invited to give their views on a draft interim housing policy in a public consultation starting Friday 12 June.

Council launches campaign to encourage residents to support local businesses

Chichester District Council has launched a campaign in association with the Chichester and the Midhurst and Petworth Observer to encourage residents across the Chichester District to shop local and support their local businesses.

'Recognising our unsung heroes this Volunteers' Week' - a message from Council Leader

This week is Volunteers' Week - a chance for us to recognise all of those unsung heroes who are making a huge difference to the lives of others. Our district is renowned for its amazing volunteers in normal times, but since this crisis began, we have had an unbelievable response from those who want to help others.

Coronavirus update 28 May 2020

This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district.

Council boosts patrols in coastal areas to tackle obstructive parking

Chichester District Council has boosted its parking patrols in coastal areas in response to an increase in dangerous and obstructive parking.

Help to shine a light on volunteers across Chichester District

Chichester District Council is asking residents' to help shine a light on volunteers across the district this Volunteers' Week, 1 - 7 June 2020.

'Responding and adapting to the coronavirus crisis' - a message from Council Leader

Last Saturday, people across the district joined together to raise funds for Stonepillow. From trikes and wheelbarrows, to summer houses and double decker buses, many of our staff and councillors found a new bed for the night in support of the 'Little Big Sleep Out at Home' fundraising event, helping to raise thousands of pounds in the process.

Birds spread their wings during lockdown

For many, the new measures surrounding exercise during the lockdown period will have come as great respite.

Buses and bath tubs! Council members and staff 'Sleep Out at Home' to raise money for homelessness charity

From trikes and wheelbarrows, to summer houses and double decker buses, Chichester District Council staff and councillors found a new bed for the night in support of Stonepillow's 'Little Big Sleep Out at Home' last Saturday.

Coronavirus update 14 May 2020

This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district.

Councillors and staff get ready to 'Sleep Out at Home' in support of local homelessness charity

Chichester District Council staff and councillors are dusting off their sleeping bags to take part in Stonepillow's 'Little Big Sleep Out at Home' this Saturday, which aims to raise funds for people who are homeless.

Coronavirus update 6 May 2020

This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district.

A message from our Council Leader - 6 May 2020

By Sunday, we should have a clearer picture on how the current lockdown will start to be lifted. What is in no doubt is that we won't see a rapid return to normality.

Coronavirus update 30 April 2020

This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district.

A message from our Council Leader - 21 April 2020

As everyone is aware, the government has extended the lockdown period for at least another three weeks. This means more than ever that we need to look out for those who are most vulnerable.

£37 million in COVID-19 grants is being issued to local businesses in the Chichester District

Local businesses will receive more than £37 million in council grant payments aimed at supporting them through the COVID-19 crisis.

Positive step forward: A27 Chichester Bypass major scheme to be developed for possible future funding

Chichester's MP, the district council and county council have welcomed news that the A27 Chichester Bypass major improvement scheme is included in a list of projects to be developed for possible future funding.

'Thank you for supporting neighbours, family and friends' - a message from Council Leader

I want to start this message by thanking every person who is supporting their neighbours, family and friends through this dreadful crisis. It's more important than ever that we work together to support those people who are alone and need help.

Overwhelming resident support for council's Waste Collection team

Residents across the Chichester District have taken to social media to show overwhelming support for the council's Waste Collection team.

A message from our Council Leader - 2 April 2020

Last week, it was very touching to see people come out of their homes across the country to clap for our carers. Coming together to support one another in times such as this is what makes our country great.

Plans in place to continue with vital services

Residents and businesses are being reassured by Chichester District Council that vital community services are being prioritised in response to the Coronavirus crisis.

Pop Up Shop initiative welcomes its first businesses

Chichester city centre will welcome three new start-up businesses to the High Street as part of Chichester District Council's exciting Pop Up Shop Initiative.

10p a week council tax rise is agreed to protect vital services across Chichester District

Chichester District Councillors have agreed to increase the average council tax bill by around ten pence a week for a Band D property in order to protect vital services across the district.

Update on fire at Chichester Household Waste Recycling site

You may have heard that there was a fire on Monday night at West Sussex County Council's Household Waste Recycling site in Westhampnett.

Joint statement on coronavirus cases in Surrey and West Sussex

This afternoon the Chief Medical Officer for England announced three further patients who were 'close contacts of a known case', had tested positive for COVID-19. These relate to a man who tested positive in Surrey on Friday 28 February so brings the total number of confirmed cases in Surrey to two. We can also confirm the other two cases in this family cluster have been confirmed in West Sussex. All cases are adults and are not health workers.

Website downtime - Thursday 4 March