Angmering Village Life

News Archive

May 2010




Snippets from the draft Minutes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting on 12 May 2010

Election of Chairman & Vice-Chairman
On a proposal by Councillor Bos, seconded by Councillor Hankinson it was unanimously RESOLVED that Councillor Nunn be Chairman for the coming Council Year. On a proposal by Councillor Nunn, seconded by Councillor Allcock it was unanimously RESOLVED that Councillor Turner be Vice-Chairman for the coming Council Year.

Police representation at council meetings
The Chairman stated that it had been disappointing that there was once again no Police representative at the meeting. The Clerk would write to Inspector Rob Moore and request that attendance by at least a PCSO should be the norm.

To read the full minutes of this meeting, click here (PDF file)

(29 May 2010)

Angmering Planning Applications (p/e 19/05/10)

A/70/10 - Proposed single storey extension at 32 Nursery Road. For: Mr K Churchill

A/71/10 - Construction of detached garage at Courtlands, North Drive. For: Mr T Bolger

Observations on this/these Application(s) must be received by The Head of Planning Services, Arun District Council, The Arun Civic Centre, Maltravers Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 5LF by 17 June 2010.

To see applications, plans, design statements, etc, type the Application Reference Number (such as those above) into Arun District Council's "Application Search Facility " , click on the Search button, and click on the hyperlink reference when selected application is returned - then select "Documents".

(29 May 2010)

Village May Day Celebrations

This afternoon (Wednesday) at 1.15pm, the Village May Day procession will leave St Margaret's School travelling along Arundel Road towards Bewley Road where children and staff from St Wilfrid's School will join it on its way back to St Margaret's.

At around 1.45pm on St Margaret's school field, Tia Hodgson from St Margaret's will be crowned May Queen with Dan Anderson from St Wilfrid's as May King. Both will be attended by Tor Freeman, May Prince from St Margaret's, and Savannah Holmes as May Princess from St Wilfrid's. Following the crowning, the two village pre-schools, St Margaret's and St Wilfrid's schools will be country dancing with St Margaret's Year 6 pupils this year being responsible for the May Pole dances.

Arundel Road will be closed during the procession between 1.15pm to approximately 1.50pm.

(26 May 2010)

Unusal cause of fire!

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service were called to a small fire in West Drive, Ham Manor at 11.30am on Saturday. The fire was in the engine compartment of a car and was caused by a rodents' nest on the engine manifold. It was was quickly extinguished by a crew from the WSFRS station in East Preston.

(24 May 2010)

Housing protest group formed

More than 50 people attended a village residents' public meeting at Angmering Manor Hotel last Wednesday evening - far more than had been anticipated. The background to the environmental Scoping Report (Arun Planning Application No. A/53/10/EIS) was discussed along with the actions to raise awareness that Sue Ware and Debbie Harmer had taken so far and then the residents were given an opportunity to discuss the best way forward. Feelings were very strong and it was clear that all those who attended were passionate about keeping the green fields in Angmering free from any further development.

Arun's Strategic Housing plans were discussed which included the possible development at Weavers Hill as well as other sites within the village such as Roundstone Lane and Dappers Lane. Therefore it was agreed that the action group should be formed, not only fight the proposal at Weavers Hill, but on any green field sites within Angmering proposed in the future.

Residents showed their committment by signing the Petition (download - PDF file); however, they were encouraged to write individual objection letters to both Arun District Council and Angmering Parish Council at each stage of this proposal because ADC regard a Petition as only ONE objection! Some pledged to put up "Save Angmering" and "No More Houses" banners on their fences and garages as it was agreed that very few people in the village knew about the proposal and that the biggest challenge faced immediately is the spreading of the word around the village. Neil Rogers Davis from the Angmering Village Life website has agreed to cover further details on the community website. An offer of printing leaflets has come from a local business and other residents are helping with setting up a website, leaflet distribution, and collecting names on the Petition.

As a result of the meeting, a Committee of 6 local residents has now been formed to establish the best way forward and represent the residents' voices. They are due to meet soon. In the meantime, the Committee would like village residents to register their email address with them - currently contactable at saveangmering@hotmail.co.uk or via Facebook and watch out for articles in local publications, and on local radio stations.

Chris, Della and Mark from Angmering Manor Hotel were thanked for the use of their room and hospitality as were all those who attended the meeting and offered assistance.

(23 May 2010)

Jailed for robbery

A pair of daylight robbers who brought terror to a busy Isle of Wight high street were today each jailed for nine years at Portsmouth Crown Court. Oliver John Mazirel, 22, of Ivydore Avenue, Worthing, threatened lone shop assistant Kathleen Ward with what turned out to be a realistic imitation hand gun at Benzie’s, Cowes High Street, jewellers on July 3 last year. He and Gary George Ridgewell-Smith, 23, of Palmer Road, Angmering, both wearing balaclavas, smashed the main display window of the jewellery shop with sledgehammers and took 37 Breitling and Rolex watches, worth more than £200,000, which they later sold for just £10,000.

Their barristers told the court they were pressured into carrying out the robbery to repay debts to drugs barons. The pair also admitted taking £13,000-worth of laptops and iPods from Marks and Spencer in Newport on November 30, 2008 and Mazirel admitted stealing £100 of Ryde Library staff’s Christmas money on November 26, 2008. They also admitted a string of other offences. (source: IoW County Press)

(21 May 2010)

Snippets from the draft Minutes of the Parish Council's Environment Committee Meeting on 12 May 2010

Bramley Green Development
Maintenance - Councillor Turner advised members that no specific issues with weekly maintenance had been reported. MB updated members on the mowing of the grass on the Community Centre site, particularly the bund, which the contractors were unable to mow due to 2 uneven ground. This issue is now with the Project Managers to resolve this as part of the snagging process.
Alcohol Restriction Area (ARA) - MB distributed the reply from Inspector R. Moore stating that, due to the evidence available, there have been insufficient reported incidents to progress an ARA for Angmering. MB had obtained a copy of the statistics referred to and these were distributed to Members and further confirmed that it was now intended to use our Environmental Warden to collect information on the ongoing littering of the area with alcoholic cans and bottles. This would be reported to the police on a weekly basis in an attempt to prove the necessity for the extension of the existing coastal ARA to this area.
Pond - MB advised members that rubbish was being thrown into the overflow ‘pond’ and would require removal. A resident has offered to do this on a voluntary basis and once it is established the quantity involved, it may be feasible to take this forward.

South East in Bloom
Councillor Jenny Bos reported that, after familiarising herself with the scheme, the next stage is a meeting with a member of the South and South East in Bloom Committee on the 18 May at the Parish Office. The intention was to discuss our entry in 2011 and to provide a tour of the village, which will assist when drawing up a competition itinerary. Councillor Bos had also had a useful meeting with the Clerk to Rustington Parish Council, who had been of great assistance and offered much helpful guidance, and had attended a meeting of the local Horticultural Club and one member had now agreed to join the In Bloom Committee. Ferring Nurseries had also been approached and were keen to assist with our entry. A request for interested residents to come forward would be in the next Newsletter and a letter would also been sent to local organisations. Councillor Bos also intended to attend the Village Flower & Produce Show on 3 July and publicise the competition. Once a Committee was in place, with a written Constitution, it would be possible to discuss the details of the entry and give consideration to whether Angmering has a local competition to stimulate interest, on similar lines to that of Littlehampton Town Council.

To read the full minutes of this meeting, click here (PDF file)

(21 May 2010)

Snippets from the draft Minutes of the Parish Council's Highways Committee Meeting on 11 May 2010

Honey Lane
Councillor Bicknell said he had been approached by a resident of Honey Lane saying that the two new lights were on all night and needed timer clocks. He had spoken to Colas and they had quoted £120 for the two lights. The committee AGREED to proceed with the work. Councillor Nigel Nunn said the Allotment Society had been awarded a lottery grant to install a new fence along the allotments bordering Honey Lane. The committee AGREED but asked that the Allotment Society notify close residents of the work taking place.

Pathways
Overgrown vegetation must be reported to WSCC who will write to the owner. If it is not cleared after two letters WSCC will clear the area and bill the owner. For vehicles parked on pathways there must be enough width to allow a double buggy through otherwise they are breaking the law. The Parish Council will be vigilant in reporting any incidents to the correct authority. Councillor Bicknell said he had a concern about the Twitten next to the old Presbytry in Arundel Road and believed there should be a fence at the bottom by the road to prevent children running straight into the road. There is also an access road to the adjoining new houses and this would prevent cars mounting the pavement as they turned in. SW will go back to WSCC.

High Street Post Box
The Royal Mail have now agreed to us having a post box in the High street on the grass verge near Roundstone Lane. The Royal Mail are renovating a period box for us which should be ready in the next couple of weeks. SW will get a quote for the housing and report back to the committee.

Community Centre Signage
West Sussex County Country have approved our requirements for signage for the new community centre. These have now been ordered and will be installed within the next couple of months.

To read the full minutes of this meeting, click here (PDF file)

(21 May 2010)

Angmering Planning Applications (p/e 12/05/10)

A/62/10/L - Application for Listed Building Consent for revision to flat roof following application A/24/07/L & A/75/07. Maltbarn Cottage, Weavers Hill. For: Mr C Fogg & Ms M Leech

Observations on this/these Application(s) must be received by The Head of Planning Services, Arun District Council, The Arun Civic Centre, Maltravers Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 5LF by 10 June 2010.

To see applications, plans, design statements, etc, type the Application Reference Number (such as those above) into Arun District Council's "Application Search Facility " , click on the Search button, and click on the hyperlink reference when selected application is returned - then select "Documents".

(21 May 2010)

High Street road closure

West Sussex County Council has today given notice that in pursuance of the provisions of Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984, as amended, the use of High Street, Angmering is temporarily prohibited from 0800 to 1630 on 27th May 2010. This closure is necessary to allow carriageway resurfacing to take place. It is anticipated the works will be completed in 1 day. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. If anybody has any queries about the effect of the closure on traffic using the highway or the nature of the works, they should contact the West Sussex Contact Centre on 01243-642105.

(20 May 2010)

Angmering councillor elected new Chairman of Arun

Cllr Dudley Wensley

Cllr Dudley Wensley, one of Angmering's three district councillors, has recently been elected as the 34th Chairman of Arun District Council. Dudley, who lives at the southern end of the village with his wife Lorraine, is a former JP and was the Chief Executive of a London-based charity during the last 18 years of his working career. During his year in office, he has chosen to support the charity "Help for Heroes" and, at his official reception, £280 was raised for the cause.

The role of Chairman of Arun District Council comprises varios functions including: acting as the first citizen of the District; upholding and promoting the purposes of the Constitution; presiding over meetings of the Council; promoting public involvement in the Council’s activities; attending appropriate civic and ceremonial functions.

(20 May 2010)

Council publishes Community Centre costs

In a statement issued earlier this month by Angmering Parish Council, residents are told that the net cost of the Angmering Community Centre was £901,303. The statement also provides a financial history of the Centre and some lease arrangements with the Angmering Community Centre Association. The statement can be seen by clicking here (PDF file).

(18 May 2010)

School performs well in Rock Challenge

Thirty-six dancers from The Angmering School took part in the Rock Challenge Dance Event Heat at Portsmouth. The performance, which the students have been working on since September, was a great success and they came 4th overall out of 11. They were also awarded: Best Video Performance, Performers' Choice Award, and Best Stage Crew.

The dance was based on the theme of 'Toy Soldiers' which is about young children in Africa being taken from their parents by rebels to take part in a war they don't understand about. This piece was a previous winner at the Red Cross Dance Competition. Mrs Hodson-Prior (Subject Leader Dance) said: "This was a fantastic dance and the students have been so dedicated and hard working over the last 8 months and have helped me to create the movement material and set design. The students were able to relate to the characters in the piece and had a real emotional investment in the dance, which made it extremely powerful. I was very proud of them and they couldn't have performed it any better on the night - it was amazing." Mr Brixey, the school's headteacher added: "The students who took part are a credit to the school and the quality of their dance reflected the hard work they have put in. I am proud of all of them."

(18 May 2010)

School athletes strike gold

There was a fantastic athletics weekend for two Angmering School students. Georgina Hook (Year 9) and Sophie Spinner (Year 8) recently. They both competed at the Sussex County Track & Field Athletics Competition. Georgie and Sophie both run for Worthing Harriers and were competing against athletes from across the area. Both girls did well in the heats of the Girls Under 15 100m with Georgie coming second and winning the Sussex County silver medal and Sophie achieving Bronze. Their times were 12.6 seconds and 12.8 seconds respectively. These times are the entry standard for the England Schools Championships to be held in Birmingham in July and makes them amongst the highest ranking athletes in the South East.

In the 200m sprint, the medals were reversed with Sophie Spinner coming second with 26.5 secs and taking the silver medal just ahead of Georgie who took the Bronze with a time of 26.7 secs - a great result for the two Angmering pupils and members of Worthing Harriers. What was remarkable was that Georgina ran faster in her heat in 26.2 secs and this time is also within the English Schools qualifying time (the qualifying time is 26.4 secs).

To end the weekend on a high, the two girls joined forces with their two Harriers running colleagues, Bethany Close and Anna Short to compete in the 4 x 100 relay. The girls ran a blistering race, leading from the start and won the Sussex Championship Gold medal with a time that broke the Worthing Harriers Under 15, Under 17 and Under 20 relay records!. The time was 50.8 seconds. Georgie and Sophie therefore went home with a Gold, Silver and Bronze each after their fantastic weekend.

(18 May 2010)

Snippets from the draft Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting on 19 April 2010

Changes in Parish Councillors
Following the advertisement of the casual vacancy caused by Tim Walder’s resignation, three people had applied to become a co-opted member of the Parish Council, but two had since withdrawn their applications. The remaining applicant, Mrs. Susan Francis, who was present, outlined her history in the Parish and answered questions put by councillors. On a proposal by Councillor Nunn, seconded by Councillor Mrs. Turner it was unanimously RESOLVED that Mrs. Francis be co-opted as a Member of Angmering Parish Council. Mrs. Francis then signed her acceptance of office form.

Christopher Verrinder had recently resigned as councillor for the Parish and it was AGREED that the vacancy be formally declared. The Clerk would start the process of filling the vacancy immediately. The Chairman thanked Mr. Verrinder for the work he had done for the Parish Council and the enthusiasm he had shown for the many projects in which he had been involved.

Youth Councillors
Three young people had put their names forward to be Angmering Youth Councillors. These were Caroline Limbrick, aged 14 years; Emma Farrell aged 17 years and James Stephenson also aged 14. Each gave a summary of their background and answered questions. On a proposal by Councillor Nunn, seconded by Councillor Turner it was RESOLVED that all three would be co-opted as official Angmering Youth Councillors. The Youth Council would be a Committee of the Parish Council and periodically be required to report to the Parish Council.

Environmental Wardens
Two Environmental Wardens had been appointed and their work was already making a difference. The appointments were initially for a three month trial and the cost would be found from savings made in other areas of the maintenance budgets made possible by the work of the Wardens. He also highlighted the planning application, in the form of a ‘Scoping Report’ for land in Water Lane and said that the Parish Council would be looking very closely at any further developments on this. This was very early in the planning process and might result in no further action, but councillors would be watching very closely.

WW2 air raid shelter under land opposite Village Hall
Following local comments on the land opposite the village hall, the Parish Council would investigate the position shortly.

To read the full minutes of this meeting, click here (PDF file)

(18 May 2010)