Please vote
While we do not know when the general election will be, we do know there will be a local election in May next year. This will be for West Sussex County Council (WSCC).
Some people may say why bother voting? It never changes anything! I would say do vote for two reasons.
Firstly look at the existing performance of WSCC. For example, witness the current state of our roads which are so poorly maintained and covered in potholes. You are lucky if you have not had the expense of replacing a car tyre ruined by a pothole in the last few years. Especially when those potholes are hidden under an innocent looking puddle. WSCC may say the increase in potholes is caused by the bad weather but poor maintenance is looking increasingly a factor.
Also witness the poor state of our sewage system with overflows onto our roads and in some cases into our bathrooms. We know Southern Water are the lead authority on this but what are WSCC doing to prevent all the new housing developments we see springing up and adding to the sewage problems we experience?
Again witness our child support services which in 2019 were rated as “inadequate” across all areas . In 2023 Ofsted said three out of five areas still require improvement to be rated as good.
So clearly WSCC needs to change. Gone are the days when Sussex used to be run by the Dukes of Richmond and Gordon. The Tories have run WSCC for most of the last 50 years but will voting change it? I would argue it does and the evidence is to look at the changes at Chichester District Council since the Liberal Democrats took over last May.
Previously the Tories planned to get rid of Chichester Bus Station as part of their development plan. However the Liberal Democrats are now planning a new Bus Station, possibly on part of the land owned by Network.
Next look at housing. Building of affordable homes has accelerated this year with 376 units being delivered; a huge increase on the previous year.
In addition a further 18 units will be delivered this year with the primary purpose of providing homes for refugees settling in Chichester District.
Lastly look at the environment. An air source heat pump and solar panels were recently installed at the Westgate Leisure Centre and works to improve thermal comfort and energy efficiency at the Westward House temporary accommodation were recently completed.
These projects are expected to contribute significantly to the Council’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction target in the future.
So, watch this space and when May 2025 rolls round, vote and vote for change!
Joseph O’sullivan
Mill Gardens, East Wittering
‘If parking is increased again, it will further deter people’