Have you got
your 2014
Parking
Disc?Did you know that
you can park for 2 hours FREE in either Fitzleet
Multi-storey car park, Hothamton car park in the
Queensway or Lyon Street car park.
All 3 of these car parks are part of the 2-hour FREE Disc Parking
Scheme. The Scheme began in December 2011 with just 2 car
parks and a white parking disc. From January of this year, the
Hothamton car park has been added. To use all of
the 3 car parks the new yellow disc is
required. Once purchased, the disc
can be used as often as needed,
following the instructions given.
Although the 2 hour car parking
is free to those using the disc,
it does have a cost. The
Scheme is funded by the
Town Council, Arun District
Council and the local Traders
Association. The £1 cost of
the disc goes towards the
Traders’ contribution to the
Scheme and also to pay for new
discs. The discs can be purchased
from the Traders displaying the
Shoppers’ logo. So if you haven’t already got
your new 2014 disc, now is the time to get one!
YourSpring 2014
Contact us
BOGNOR REGIS
Have YOU visited the local Museum yet?Town Mayor Councillor Paul Wells was amongst the guests at the re-opening of
Bognor Regis Museum for the 2014 season. The Town Council has been a keen
supporter of the Museum through its grant aid program since Arun District Council
withdrew its financial support in 1993. Run and staffed
by volunteers from the Bognor Regis Local History
Society, the Museum in West Street is open Tuesday to
Sunday 10am-4pm plus Bank Holidays. New for this
year are displays on D-Day, WWI, a mock-up Air Raid
Shelter, a Grocer’s Shop, and a dressing-up box for
kids of 1920s clothes in the Radio Room. Entry is free.
www.bognorregisbeach.co.uk/live
it will take you to the live
webcam sited
on the Pier.
You can sit and
watch the
waves without
getting sand in your
toes!!!
that you can see the sea from
your computer? If you go to
Did youknow...
Message from the Mayor (2013-2014)
It’s been an honour and a privilege to serve as your Mayor in what has been
a fantastic year meeting so many people and organisations and attending
well over 100 events on behalf of the town.
There have been many highlights during the year. It began with the official
opening of the refurbished Picturdrome Cinema building that the council has purchased
on behalf of the town and continued with the opening of many fetes and events in the
town, and cheering on the Rocks at the Amex stadium last year in the Sussex senior cup
final. Bognor Regis Town Council is a very active council delivering all sorts of services
for the benefits of the 4 wards of the town. We continue to deliver Bognor in Bloom and
many events in the town. Regeneration is a very hot topic of conversation and has been so
for many years. It is important in my view that our District Council now come forward and
listen to the residents’ views in making sure we deliver the right regeneration for the future of
Bognor Regis and future generations. Bognor Regis Pier is very close to the hearts of local
people and a main focal point on our seafront. I was keen to put something back into the
town so I chose the Bognor Pier Trust as my charity for the year. I was delighted to hand
over a cheque recently for £7,250.00 towards the work of the Trust, whose aims are to bring
the Pier back into community ownership and work towards a lottery bid. Finally I’d like to
thank everyone I’ve met during the course of my year in office for their kindness and
hospitality. It’s been a wonderful experience and one I will treasure for years to come.
DESIGNED & PRINTED BY TOP LEVEL DESIGNS - UNIT 4, CHRISTIE PLACE, BOGNOR REGIS, WEST SUSSEX PO22 9RT TEL 01243 868809
Find us onFacebook
Tel 01243 867744 Email [email protected]
Web www.bognorregis.gov.uk for more information
Bognor in BloomThe Bognor Regis In Bloom working party are once
again entering the South & South East In Bloom
Regional competition. Last year we achieved a
magnificent Silver Gilt and overall winner of our
category. With all the new exciting things we have
planned for this year we would love to turn our Silver
Gilt into Gold. The competition is not only about civic
floral displays but community projects and
encouraging the participation of all members of the
community to make Bognor Regis an
environmentally friendly and pleasant place to live.
The Regional Competition is due to be judged on the Thursday 17th July 2014
and BRiB would love the whole town to get behind them and help in any way
possible. From keeping the gardens lovely to picking up litter – it all helps. BRiB
run their own local competitions and projects so why not join us for one or even
all of them!
BRIB Annual Competition: Do you have a lovely front garden, hanging basket,
tub or window box that can be seen from the roadside? Either floral or
sustainable, why not enter you could be a winner at our annual awards evening.
Closing Date Saturday 28th June
Scarecrow Competition: A brand new competition open to families,
individuals, schools, community groups and businesses. Make a scarecrow with
something growing on him, i.e. cress for hair or grass in his pockets – anything
goes. Judging date Saturday 5th July
Big Beach Clean Up: Come along and help us
litter pick the beach
On Sunday 25th May at the Bandstand on the
Promenade. Entry forms for any of the above
competitions are available from the Town Hall or to
get involved or for more information please do not
hesitate to give us a call on 01243 825535 email
[email protected]. Thank you.
Funshine Days
Monday 28th July MALCOLM THE MAGICIAN BANDSTAND
Tuesday 29th July DONKEYS BANDSTAND
Wednesday 30th July ZAZ - CIRCLE SKILLS SKATE PARK
Thursday 31st July MARACAJACKS BANDSTAND
Friday 1st August TRICKY NICKI - MAGIC! BANDSTAND
Monday 4th August DETECTIVE WORKSHOP BANDSTAND
Tuesday 5th August TRIBAL DRUMMING SKATE PARK
Wednesday 6th August WARTIME SEASIDE PROM
Thursday 7th August PUNCH AND JUDY BANDSTAND
Friday 8th August WILD BEACH (SUSSEX WILDLIFE) BEACH
Monday 11th August MALCOLM THE MAGICIAN BANDSTAND
Tuesday 12th August JUMPING JACKS BANDSTAND
Wednesday 13th August PAVEMENT ART PROM
Thursday 14th August DONKEYS PROM
Friday 15th August BEACH GAMES BEACH
Monday 18th August PLAYRANGERS RINGWORLD BEACH
Tuesday 19th August BEACH EXPLORERS (SUSSEX WILDLIFE) BEACH
Wednesday 20th August TEAM EXTREME SCOOTERS SKATE PARK
Thursday 21st August PUNCH AND JUDY BANDSTAND
Friday 22nd August PLAYRANGERS RINGWORLD BEACH
See www.bognorregis.gov.uk for more information
Bognor Regis EventsBOGNOR REGIS RAILWAY Sunday 1st JuneA celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the first railway station building in
Bognor. Following a fire which destroyed the original
the current building was built in 1902.
PROMS IN THE PARKSaturday 7th June - 6.30pmRousing evening of free entertainment by the
Bognor Regis Concert Band and the Lancing
Brass of the Royal British Legion. Bring your chair,
grab a picnic and enjoy the beautiful surroundings
of Hotham Park. Beer tent & food available.
BOGNOR REGIS STREET CARNIVAL Sunday 15th JuneSchools, community groups, individuals welcome. Innovative street carnival
along the seafront and into the town. Theme Pirates! Dress up and join in!
ARMED FORCES DAY Sunday 22nd JuneEvent to mark Armed Forces Day. Day includes a Drumhead Service, music,
exhibitions, displays in Waterloo Square Gardens and the Pier area.
INTERNATIONAL BOGNOR BIRDMANSTOP PRESS Due to circumstances beyond the control of the
organisers the 2014 Bognor Birdman event has been cancelled
but will return in 2015
A DRIVE THROUGH TIME MOTOR GALA
Sunday 6th JulyA day of classic and vintage motor vehicles at West Park
includes: craft & charity fair, hog roast. Live broadcast of
the Silverstone Grand Prix on a big screen.
ROX MUSIC AND ARTS Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th JulyRox free Music & Arts festival. Weekend of superb live music from some of the
region’s top bands. www.the-rox.com
FUNSHINE DAYSFREE fun activities for children of all ages on weekdays throughout the school
holidays. See separate listing for details.
HOTHAM PARK COUNTRY FAIR
Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd AugustBig crafts display and stalls, music and dancing in the idyllic setting of the town’s
biggest and most beautiful park.
ILLUMINATIONS GALA
Sunday 24th AugustSunday night spectacle of floats and walking characters,
all lit up. In support of Bognor Regis Seafront Lights
SOUTHDOWNS FOLK FESTIVAL
Friday 26th – Sunday 28th September Ticket holders will have FIVE great afternoon and evening concerts to attend, plus
a free Folk Club, sessions, workshops, dancing and all the music, vintage and
crafts and other attractions in Hotham Park and various venues in the Town
Centre. www.southdownsfolkfest.co.uk
SWITCH ON OFCHRISTMAS ILLUMINATIONS
Sunday 30th NovemberContact 01243 825535 for details or see
www.bognorregis.gov.uk
Have you visited
‘Cloudhopper
Gallery’ yet?(It’s in Little High Street,
opposite The Unicorn)
Exhibitions coming up
27th May - 21st June David Shannon Solo exhibition - ‘All at Sea’
24th June - 5th July ‘Planes Trains and Automobiles’
11th August - 24th August Catherine Barnes Solo exhibition
16th September - 27th September Rita Herbert - Artist in
Residence at Hotham Park
Bognor Regis
Railway StationThe railway came to Bognor Regis in 1864.
Before that time it had been served by a small
halt at Woodgate and people had to walk the
rest of the way to town, or use a horse bus.
In 1864 a new branch line was built and Bognor had its own station. However,
this only survived until 1899, when it was destroyed by a fire, and was
replaced by the current building in 1902.
The railway has played a huge part in Bognor’s role as a seaside attraction. In
the 1930s day trippers flocked to the town. On many occasions the number
of visitors arriving by train far exceeded the number of residents and over the
August Bank Holiday in1937, 50,000 visitors arrived at the station. Extra trains
had to be laid on to deal with the number of passengers.
On Sunday 1st June a celebration event will take place at the Railway Stations
of both Bognor Regis and Barnham. The event will include music from Rox
Music and Arts; Bognor Regis Concert Band will be playing; there will be stalls
and displays; a
model railway
exhibition; and a
mosaic workshop.
There will be free
vintage bus rides
to Bognor Regis
Pier and also to
the restored
Barnham
signal box.
Details correct at time of going to press but all events may be subject to change.
= Events organised by
Bognor Regis Town Council
Picturedrome Update
Last Autumn the
Town Council
undertook a
public
consultation on
the proposal to
improve the
viability of the
Picturedrome by
building a 2
storey extension to house an additional screen and
community room. The consultation had a very good
response rate and of those who gave their views, over 90%
wished to go ahead with the proposed expansion.
Following the consultation exercise, the Council is now
looking in detail at the costs and resource implications of the
scheme, so that a final decision can be made.
Are you a local business?Are you looking for new ways of promotion?
The Town Council co-ordinates, in liaison with West Sussex County Council, a sponsored planting
scheme in Bognor Regis. This is
a unique, green and cost-effective
way to promote your business to
thousands of people every day.
There are planting sites all around
the town, and they can be in the
form of a verge planter or a bed on
a roundabout. They are planted
and maintained by the Town
Council’s Town Force team.
Businesses that sponsor the
planters have their own sign, to
their design but within the
parameters set by the County
Council. The Town Council also publicise the businesses as a sponsor in
various publications and the Council’s website. If this is something
that you would like to consider for your business then find out
more by contacting Erika Adams on 01243 825535.
More volunteers
needed to help
older people in
West SussexRoyal Voluntary Service
(formerly WRVS) is
calling on local people to
dedicate a couple of hours a week to help older
people in their community.
The charity’s Community Meals on Wheels service
provides older and housebound residents with
much more than a hot meal; the service is a
source of vital social contact for people who might
not otherwise see anyone else from one week to
the next.
Volunteers can give as much or as little time to
volunteering as they are able. To find out more,
contact the charity on 0845 600 5885 (quoting
West Sussex) or visit
www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/westsussex.
St Modwen DevelopmentUnder the Development Agreement that Arun
have with St Modwen, a planning application
should be submitted by 31 December 2014.
The issue is to be debated further at the Arun
Full Council meeting in June.
Public Realm WorksThe improvements to London Road are well
under way. Although it is looking likely that
the original finish date of the end of May will
not be met, the scheme should be finished in
time for the summer. The original plans
drawn up for the scheme included the area in
front of the station, leading all the way
through the town centre down to York Road
and the seafront, although funding was only
available for the London Road work.
Following a successful bid to the Coastal
Communities Fund, an additional grant of
£1.65 million has been awarded which will
enable most of the remaining elements to be
delivered by the end of 2016. Work in front
of the station is likely to begin in the autumn.
Oldlands Farm and
Enterprise Bognor RegisAlthough outside of the 4 wards of the town,
important developments are in the planning
stage for Enterprise Bognor Regis, which
includes the Oldlands Farm site. Enterprise
Bognor Regis has been identified as a priority
location in the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP)
recently submitted to government by the
Coast to Capital Local Enterprise
Partnership. The Plan is bidding for funding
to support major infrastructure improvements
in the region. Enterprise Zone status has
been proposed for the site and this is a joint
proposal with the University of Chichester.
Update on your
Neighbourhood PlanWe are the Tortoise Committee… also known as the
Bognor Regis Neighbourhood Planning Committee! We
have seen several ‘Hares’ rush to get their Plan done in
other areas, while we plod along slowly and methodically.
Some Hares have then found they had to make significant changes, or have
ended up with a less than effective Neighbourhood Plan….’ Slow and steady
wins the race’, and we are making excellent progress now, with a finishing line
ahead of us in early 2015, when you will get a chance to vote on the finished
product, which will then become part of the planning process at Arun- if the vote
is 50% or more in favour.
Whether you know of sites for new housing, have views on where you do or
don’t want shops, or thoughts on where green space should be retained or
created, there is still plenty of time to contribute your ideas. We are now at the
stage of writing the key policies. Consultation on a draught version of the Plan
will take place around September time and you will have an opportunity then to
make further comments on the Plan before it goes to Referendum. If it passes
the Referendum, it will be used as a planning tool to guide developers and
householders when they apply for planning permission. We want to produce a
comprehensive and respected document that will reflect the strongly held views
of people who live in, or use our town; a Plan that will lend legal weight to those
views once adopted by the District Council.
Please get in touch if you would like to be involved in the ongoing development
of our plan or have any comments or suggestions to make, your views, as
always, are most welcome!
Cllr Sandra Daniels (Chairman of NP Committee)
Dear local elector...Since having been Chairman of the Policy & Resources Committee for the past
year, we have tried to deliver to all our local chargepayers the best value
possible in what is a very challenging financial environment. For the 2014-15
financial year, we have had to make some difficult decisions which have
resulted in cuts to Grant Aid for local organisations, reducing the amount we
spend on CCTV for the Town and trying to streamline the money we spend on
our Events Programme. We have had to do this against a background of
threats by Arun to reduce our Council Tax Support Funding and on a national
level, Central Government threatening to `cap` local and parish councils for the
first time. In order to protect the Town Council`s financial position, regrettably
we had to ask for an increase in our Band D precept of just over 3% for the
new financial year. However, we are still making progress and I believe,
delivering good value for money.
• We are still delivering many events, including a new style Carnival and
many popular events in Hotham Park and around the Town
• The refurbishment and expansion of the Picturedrome Cinema is gathering
pace and planning applications should be made in the next few months
• We are still helping fund events like Rox, the Folk Festival and important
services like the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, and continue to contribute
significantly to the town seafront lights.
• We continue to employ Town Force who keep the town clean and tidy and
provide us with beautiful floral displays.
• We have pledged to continue funding Two Hours Free Parking for another
year, along with the other partners in the scheme.
• We have put money into the employment of a new Town Centre Manager
who will play an important role in the Town`s continued improvement, and
our Town Force have contributed to the new precinct improvements
which should be finished very shortly
We will continue in our quest to do whatever we can to make Bognor Regis a
better place to live, work and play and rest assured, we will consult as widely
as possible about what local people want and the difficult financial choices we
will have to make over the next few months and years.
Cllr Roger Nash (Chairman P&R Committee)
Bognor Pier TrustThis year has been a whirlwind one in more ways
than one for Town Mayor Councillor Paul Wells!
Traditionally each Mayor chooses and supports a
charity for their year in Office, and Paul decided to
dedicate his civic year to raising
funds for the Bognor Pier Trust - a
Community Interest Company.
The Trust was set up to aim to
bring our much loved Pier back into
community ownership, so it can be
protected, and eventually restored
and regenerated as the true icon of
our seaside heritage-it is hoped that lottery funds will be forthcoming to
enable this to happen.
Over the year Paul held several successful fundraising events, starting
off with the glittering Picturedrome Gala Night, followed by the fabulous
Caribbean Party on the Pier, and culminating with the Mayor’s Charity
Fun Weekend with a Street Band, Bon Jovi Tribute, Fun Fair and Easter
Egg Hunt all helping to showcase the work of the Trust, entice more
Members and raise funds!
It doesn’t stop when Paul’s mayoral year ends, as the work of the Trust
will continue in earnest, and they are planning many more promotional
events and fun activities. The Trust need the support of the local people
to show the Lottery that everyone is right behind them, and really want
the Pier to be the splendid eye catching attraction it once was. They are
also inviting ideas and suggestions as to what people think the Pier
should look like, and what facilities it should have! All ideas are
welcome, so keep checking the Facebook Page and the website for
more details of what’s happening and to send in your own comments
and suggestions, or follow us on Twitter at Friends of Bognor Pier.
If you would like to become a Friend of Bognor Pier, you can become
one by going to our website, www.bognorpier.co.uk and downloading a
membership form, or joining online, or by calling 07773 209979, or
07714 099134. We are also seeking volunteers and committee
members, and would be delighted to hear from you!
Are you part of a local charity or
community group? Do you need financial
support for the work that you do?Every year the Town Council supports local groups
and organisation via its Grant Aid programme. The
scheme recognises and supprts the valuable
contribution made by the voluntary sector to the well
being of the community. It provides financial support for community
organisations working for the benefit of residents, with the intention of
improving the range of services and activities in the town. To find out if your
group meets the criteria, or for more information, see the Town Council’s
website www.bognorregis.gov.uk.
The application forms are available at the end of July.
The Heritage StoryThere is no doubt that Bognor Regis has a fascinating
heritage. The definition of Heritage is everything of value that
has been inherited from
previous generations that we
want to share today and pass
on to future generations. Of course
the term ‘heritage’ means different things to different people
and can be interpreted in a variety of ways but always provides
us with links to our past.
In developing their new corporate strategy the Bognor Regis
Town Council were keen to build on the strong heritage which
once made the Town great. This was reflected in its strapline
‘back to the best of Bognor Regis’. In 2013 a new Heritage
Vision Board was established to enhance the heritage offering
through the development of the Pier and the Picturedrome.
Although initially a joint project it has subsequently been
decided to separate them at an operational level but to
include them within a strategic heritage theme.
To develop this further, the Town Council has decided to
broaden the scope and set up a more strategic Heritage
Board to focus on heritage across the whole of Bognor. In
doing this the Town Council are confident that Bognor
Regis’s heritage will be celebrated and enjoyed by local
communities, visitors and businesses alike.
WiFiComing SoonWifi internet access in the
precinct being offered free to
residents and visitors as part of
a pilot scheme for a town-centre
wide project being funded by
the Town Council
Highways & Transport
£18,200.00
Street Scene
enhancement (net costs)
£40,074.00
Corporate & Democratic
Management
£333,234.00
Weather Recording
£9,410.00
Surplus for anticipated
loss of precept
Support Grant
£16,500.00
TOTAL
£820,506
Events and
Christmas activities
£38,167.00
Allotments
£6,336.00
Tourism and Visitor Info
£14,100.00
Public conveniences /
community safety
£44,000.00
Promotion & Marketing
of Area (incl. floral displays
and environmental projects)
£240,485.00
Grant Aid
£60,000.00
Town Council Budget 2014/15
£
Regeneration Update