ABC MAGAZINE • ABANDONED VEHICLES • ABBEVILLE • ABOUT TOWN • ACAS • ACCENT HOMES • ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED • ACCOMMODATION • ACCOMMODATION-SETTING UP NEW BUSINESS • ACTION IN RURAL SUSSEX • ADOPTION • ADULT EDUCATION • ADVERTISING STANDARDS AGENCY • ADVOCACY SERVICE • AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS • AGE CONCERN • AIDS/HIV COUNSELLING SERVICES • AIR POLLUTION • ALCOHOL ABUSE • ALLOTMENTS • ALUMINIUM • ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY • AMBULANCE SERVICE • ANCHOR STAYING PUT • ANIMAL RESCUE GROUPS • ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR •   ARTHRITIS CARE • ASBESTOS • ASSISTED TRAVEL • ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE • ATTRACTIONS • AUTISTIC SOCIETY • AVIAN FLU

abC MAGAZINE

The ABC magazine is packed full of local information to help you find out what you need and where to buy it, ideas on what to do and where to go, where to find this and that - all child related and child friendly!  To obtain a copy of the magazine call into the Help Point or visit their website www.abcmag.co.uk.

Abandoned Vehicles

Mid Sussex District Council, in conjunction with Sussex Police as part of Operation Crackdown, is responsible for removing abandoned vehicles in Mid Sussex providing they are on public land.

You can report abandoned vehicles in Burgess Hill by contacting the Help Point on 01444 247726 or emailing helppoint@burgesshill.gov.uk who will report the abandoned vehicle on your behalf.  Please provide as much detail of the abandoned vehicle, i.e. make, colour, registration details, condition etc.

You can also report the abandoned vehicle direct by visiting the Sussex Police website www.sussex.police.uk.

abbeville

Abbeville is Burgess Hill’s twin town in France.

About Town

"About Town" is the Town Council's quarterly parish magazine.

acas (arbitration & CONCILIATION ADVISORY SERVICE)

ACAS provides up to date information, independent advice , high quality training and work with employers and employees to solve problems and improve performance.  They can be contacted at Suite 3-5 Business Centre, 1-7 Commercial Road, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Kent or visit their website www.acas.org.uk.

Help Line – 08457 474747

For tribunal queries – 01892 837273

For redundancy/employment related queries – 01252 811868

ACCENT HOMES LTD (formerly B & N Housing)

Accent Homes Ltd can be contacted at Church Offices, Broad Street, Cuckfield, West Sussex, RH17 5LJ, telephone 01444 415562 or visit their website www.accentgroup.org.

Alternatively, an appointment to meet a Housing Officer from Accent Homes at Burgess Hill Town Council ’s Help Point, 96 Church Walk, Burgess Hill can be arranged by calling the Help Point on 01444 247726.

ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED

Ian Robertson is the Access Officer at Mid Sussex District Council 01444 477345.  However, MSDC cannot help with complaints about public access to shops.  If you have a complaint you should take it up with the shop in the first instance.  If you don't have and success you should take this us, as an individual, with the Disability Rights Commission who have been incorporated into the Equality and Human Rights Commission.  Their England Helpline is:-

Equality and Human Rights Commission Helpline

Freepost RRLL-GHUX-CTRX

Arndale House

Arndale Centre

Manchester

Telephone: 0845 604 6610

Textphone: 0845 6046620

Fax: 0845 604 6630

Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 9.00 am - 5.00 pm; Wed 9.00 am - 8.00 pm (last call taken at 7,45 pm)

You could speak to the Mid Sussex (South) Access Group but any complaint must be made as an individual.

Accommodation Guides

For information on accommodation in the Mid Sussex area visit the Visit Sussex website www.sussexlive.com or telephone Tourist Information on 01444 238202 or email touristinformation@burgesshill.gov.uk and the staff will be happy to post a copy of the accommodation guide to you.  Alternatively call into the Help Point at 96 Church Walk, Burgess Hill and pick up a copy.

View our Tourist Information pages.

 ACCOMMODATION - SETTING UP NEW BUSINESS

Packs available in the Helppoint which include the following information. 

Every care has been taken in preparing this information, but you are advised to check the details with the organizations concerned to avoid any possible disappointment.

ACTION IN RURAL SUSSEX

Rural Childcare Venues Toolkit - Contacts and Help

Action in Rural Sussex

• Village Halls Advisor

• Childcare Development Worker

• Funding Advice

Sussex House, 212 High Street, Lewes, BN7 2NH - 01273 473422

Web: www.ruralsussex.org.uk    Email: info@ruralsussex.org.uk

West Sussex Sure Start Early Years and Childcare Partnership

• Childcare Co-ordinator rural West Sussex - 01403 320346

• Childminding Co-ordinator - 01403 320346

• Children's Information Service - 01273 777807

West Sussex Network for Early Years

Web: www.wsnetwork4earlyyears.org or call 01444 451857

South East Regional Play Association

Web: www.serpa.org.uk or call 01932 883213

Ofsted - Office for Standards in Education

Web: www.ofsted.gov.uk

Useful Funding Sources

• Local Network Fund - information from AirS website or call 01273 407305

• Awards for All - www.awardsforall.org.uk or call 01483 462943

• Community Services Grant - www.countryside.gov.uk/VitalVillages or call 0207 340 2900

• Rural Enterprise Scheme - www.defra.gov.uk/funding/schemes/res/htm or call 01233 813735

• Download full Funding Guide for Rural Groups from www.ruralsussex.org.uk

adoption

Further information can be obtained by visiting the http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/adoption/

Adult Education

Burgess Hill Adult Education Centre operates classes at Oakmeeds College, Meeds Road, Burgess Hill and, Leylands Road, Burgess Hill.  For further details on classes telephone 01444 236355 or email Oaec.burg@Westsussex.gov.uk.

The Haywards Heath Adult Education Centre operates classes at Oathall College, Haywards Heath.  For further details telephone 01444 452163 or email Oathall.AEC.Haywards.Heath@westsussex.gov.uk.  Alternatively you can visit the West Sussex Grid For Learning website http://wsgfl.westsussex.gov.uk

Burgess Hill Town Football Club run a Study Support Centre at Leylands Park, Maple Drive, Burgess Hill, RH15 8AW.  They provide FREE, flexible, friendly 1-2-1 support in Computer Skills, Maths, English and Careers Advice.  For more information phone 01273 564185 or email bhafc@studysupport.org

Burgess Hill Town Council ’s Help Point also stocks the Adult Education prospectus for Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath classes so why not pop in and pick up your copy.

For details on East Sussex’s Adult Education classes visit their website www.eastsussexcc.gov.uk/educationandlearning/adultandcommunitylearning/default.htm.

The government also offers specially created online courses in computers, office skills and self development, designed so that you can learn at a time, place and pace to suit your needs, for further details telephone 0800 100900 or visit www.learndirect.co.uk.

ADVERTISING STANDARDS AUTHORITY

The Advertising Standards Authority regulates non-broadcast advertising.  They can be contacted at 2 Torrington Place, London, W61E 7HW, telephone 0207 5805555.

ADVOCACY SERVICE

Impact – is an organisation which offers an advocacy service for people with learning difficulties.  They can be contacted at Dove Lodge, 49 Beach Road, BN17 5JG, telephone 01903 718260, email advocacy@impact-initiatives.org.uk or visit their website www.impact.org.uk

Advocacy for Independence - is an organisation for adults and carers of all ages with physical or sensory impairments or acquired brain injury.  They can be contacted at Southfield House, North Suite, 2nd Floor, 11 Liverpool Gardens, Worthing, BN11 1RY or telephone 01903 219482.

West Sussex Advocacy Services - for adults aged 18-65, plus a service for young people aged 11-19, experiencing mental health problems.

Adult Services - Mid Downs Advocacy for Haywards Heath area - 01444 417286.

Young People Services - Speak Your Mind Advocacy - North Area - 01444 443895/South Area - 01903 233145.

Age Concern

For information on the Age Concern Day Centre contact Mrs Peggy Oswald-Fotheringham, St Albans Hall, Fairfield Road, Burgess Hill, telephone 01444 236497.  The day centre is open Monday – Friday 09.30 – 16.00. You can also email  ac-burgesshill@btconnect.com

Age Concern Information and Advice Service provides information and advice on a wide range of issues for people aged over 50, their families and carers.  This service is available at Burgess Hill Town Council's Help Point on the 2nd and 4th Fridays in the months from 9.30am - 11.30am.  Please just drop-in or make an appointment by calling free phone 0800 019 1310.  You can also email information@acwestsussex.org

Age Concern Befriending Scheme is to provide long term friendships and support to frail and housebound older people who are lonely and isolated.  To access the service or if you need further information please contact:- Christine Bament on 01444 236497.  

Age Concern Hassocks is situated at the Pauline Thaw Centre, Dale Avenue, Hassocks, West Sussex, BN6 8LW.  Tel: 01273 844461.

For more information on Age Concern please visit their website www.ageconcern.org.uk.

Age Concern Information Line - 0800 009966  Open every day from 7am to 7pm providing information and advice for older people and their relatives and friends.  

NEW AGE DISCRIMINATION LAW OCTOBER 2006 - Further information in the form of a mini guide can be obtained by visiting the website or you can phone the information line to order your FREE copy.

AIDS / HIV COUNSELLING SERVICES

For further information on Aids/HIV counselling services telephone 01444 417417.

Air Pollution

For information on Air Pollution please go to Pollution under the A-Z index.

AIR TRAINING CORPS

2529 Burgess Hill Squadron is open to boys and girls over 13 years old.  They meet at Oakmeeds Community College on Tuesdays and Fridays 7.15pm until 9.30pm.  For further details contact RAFVR John Hall on 01444 871050 or email 2529squadron@lineone.net or visit the Royal Airforce website

For details on other groups for youths please visit the Burgess Hill Town Council Youth website www.you-bh.com.

Alcohol Abuse

For confidential advice and support please contact Alcoholics Anonymous on 0845 769 7555 or visit their website www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk.

For free confidential advice on alcohol call Drinkline on 0800 917 8282.

Patched is a local freephone helpline for families affected by drugs/alcohol. Open 10am to 10pm 7 days a week. 0800 085 4450

Allotments

Burgess Hill has five allotment sites which are owned by the Town Council.  Burgess Hill has a Gardens and Allotments Association. For details of membership contact Mr T Green on 01444 232769.

ALUMINIUM

You can recycle aluminium foil in the "Can" recycling banks at Cyprus Road Car Park and Tesco.  Other areas in Mid Sussex are listed on page 5 of the West Sussex County Council recycling guide.

A scheme has been introduced in conjunction with West Sussex County Council and an organisation called "ALUPRO" who are based in Redditch.  For more info visit http://www.alupro.org.uk/

ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY

If you have concerns about Alzheimer's disease or about any other form of dementia, the Alzheimer's Society can provide information, support, advice and referrals to other appropriate organisations.

The local branch of the Alzheimer’s Disease Society meets on the first Monday of every month, from 7-9pm , at The Yews in Haywards Heath.  The group prov ide s an opportunity for carers of people with Alzheimer’s to get together for support and advice.  A drop-in held is held twice a month (on the 1st and 3rd Friday from 1.30 - 3.30pm ) in the conservatory of Haywards Heath Age Concern.  For further information contact 01444 417128.

Ambulance Service

The Head Office of the Ambulance Service is based in Lewes and deals with careers, complaints about the service etc.  They can be contacted at Sussex Ambulance Service Trust, 40-42 Friars Walk, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2XN, telephone 01273 489444.

Anchor Staying Put

Anchor Staying Put helps elderly people to stay in their own home and also offers a ‘handyman service’.  They have also set up a Trades Register for recommending contractors that can do jobs outside the handyman service.

For general information in the Mid Sussex area please contact Anchor Staying Put, Mid Sussex and Crawley, 29 Boltro Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 1BP, telephone 01444 415475 or email stayingput.midsussexandcrawley@anchor.org.uk.

For general information in the Lewes District area please contact Anchor Staying Put, First Floor, Suite 32/33 Vicarage Fields, Hailsham, BN27 1BE, telephone 01323 441013 or email stayingput.midsussex@anchor.org.uk.

You can also visit the following websites: www.anchor.org.uk or www.stayingput.org.uk/cust_index.html

In Touch is a new outreach support service for the elderly to help them stay in their own homes.  Trish Nicoll is the contact on 07715 491236, email burgesshilloutreach@intouchsupport.co.uk  Her base is Prescott House, Burgess Hill.

Animal Rescue Groups

Animal Ambulance (operated by WADARS – Worthing & District Animal Rescue Society) – telephone 01903 217788 or 07774 172881.

Badger Protection Group (Mid Sussex) – for general information on protection, rescue and rehabilitation please contact the hotline 01444 417822.  The Group is also able to give details of other wildlife organisations.  

Badger Protection Group (Weald and Downland - covers BURGESS HILL) Contact Bob Darting on 01444 454085 or 07990 522712.

Bats  - see under "B"

Birds RSPB Regional Office is at Brighton on 01273 775333 or you can visit www.rspb.org.uk

Bird & Wildlife Rescue – this organisation will deal with injured birds and wildlife.  Contact Nicky Fairhall, telephone 01444 239876.

Canine Society – to contact the local Haywards Heath & District Canine Society call 01444 241013.

Carla Lane – runs an Animal Sanctuary and Hospital for wild animals and birds only.  Her contact telephone number is 01342 810596 or visit her website www.carlalane.com.

Cat Protection League – to contact the Cat Protection League please call the Haywards Heath & District office 01444 414884.

Donkey Sanctuary (SHADH) – safe haven for donkeys in the Holy Land.  They can be contacted at P O Box 2400, Hove , BN3 4AL or visit their website www.safehaven4donkeys.org.

Happy Breed Dog Rescue –deals with dog homing enquiries, telephone Carole on 01444 239005, Gina on 01444 230658 or Linda on 01273 843897 or visit their website http://fdc.happybreed.co.uk.  Alternatively write to Mid Sussex Happy Breed Dog Rescue Society, PO Box 126 , Burgess Hill, RH15 0SL.

National Fox Welfare Society – can be contacted on 01933 411996, Monday to Friday 11am-3pm or visit their website www.nfws.org.uk.  They offer ambulance for injured wildlife telephone the 24 hour mobile 07778183954 (emergencies only).

National Canine Defence League Rescue Centre – can be contacted at Brighton Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, telephone 01273 452576.

Paws & Claws Animal Rescue Service – can be contacted on 07511 696 074 Monday to Friday 9am-6pm or for re-homing enquires 01444 241538 evenings only, or visit their website www.pawsandclaws-ars.org.uk.  Rescue Centre Manager: 07511 696 074 (weekdays 9am - 6pm)

Raystede – The Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare can be contacted at 78 High Street, telephone 01825 840252.

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) – can be contacted at Braypool Lane, Patcham, Brighton , telephone 01273 554218 or visit www.rspca.org.uk.  To report cases of cruelty telephone line is 08705 555 999.

To arrange disposal of a dead wild animal Mid Sussex District Council can assist or for a charge you can contact 

Lloyds Environmental Waste Management Ltd

Old Hamsey Brickworks

South Chailey

Near Lewes

East Sussex

BN8 4QD

Tel: 01273 401888

ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

There is an anti social behaviour co-ordinator at MSDC.  They can be contacted by ringing 01444 477205 

For problems with neighbours visit Neighbour Problems

ARTHRITIS CARE

Arthritis Care is the UK’s largest voluntary organisation working with and for people with arthritis.  They aim to empower people to take control of their arthritis and their lives.  People with arthritis are at the centre of what they do, and play a leading role throughout the organisation – as volunteers, trustees and staff.   visit the Arthritis Care website www.arthritiscare.org.uk.

ARTHRITIS SUPPORT GROUP, BURGESS HILL & DISTRICT

Meets on the last Tuesday of the month at Salvation Army Citadel, Cyprus Road, Burgess Hill at 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm.  Members enjoy speakers, tea, raffle and bring and buy stall.  New members are always welcome and will find friendship, support and advice.  Contact Mrs Valerie Lodge, Lentridge, Farm Cottage East, Station Road, Plumpton Green, East Sussex, BN7 3DE telephone 01273 890445 

ASBESTOS (DISPOSING OF)

West Sussex County Council’s Civic Amenity Site will accept household asbestos if it is double wrapped in plastic and taped (plastic bags should be 100 gauge thickness and can be obtained from builders merchants or garden centres).  The bags must be placed in the container provided at the Amenity Site and never dumped on the ground.  Please call the Amenity Site on 01444 243041 before visiting with the asbestos.

Alternatively look under A for Asbestos in the Yellow Pages for licensed contractors.  You can also visit the Health & Safety Executive website www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos.  

Dorton Asbestos Removal Services Limited are licensed in this area.  Their address is Station Goods Yard, Station Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9DG.  Tel: 01444 253333.  

Please note that Mid Sussex District Council is not insured to collect or clear asbestos.

ASSISTED TRAVEL

Assisted travel for Southern Trains.  Telephone number 08451 237770. Assisted travel for First Capital Connect is 0800 058 2844.  Textphone 0800 975 1052.  At least 24 hours notice is required.

ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE/DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE

In the first instance a new claimant will need to fill in a claim pack which any Social Security office can send out to them.  It will be dated when sent out and the claimant has 6 weeks to return it to the Social Security office.  The claim will be back dated to the initial enquiry date.

Alternatively, for further details visit the Department for Work and Pensions website www.dfwp.gov.uk.

Attractions

Visit our tourist information pages.

AUTISTIC SOCIETY

For help and support to those suffering from autistic disorders visit The Sussex Autistic Society.

AVIAN FLU

1. Legislation is in force in the UK classifying “Avian Influenza” as 'notifiable'. Anyone suspecting its presence must report it to DEFRA. Contact numbers: 08459 335577(hotline) or 01737 242242. (Regional Office).

Grounds for suspicion confirmed by DEFRA on 4^th. February 2007 are any of the following:

• One or more dead swans or wildfowl, or
• More than ten dead garden birds of the same species in one area or ten of different species in the same place.

Callers will be asked to provide details of the finding and location. A period of up to 3 days is needed for confirmation once the bird carcass is sent to Weybridge for testing.

Since the initial concern one year ago West Sussex has been designated an ongoing surveillance area reflecting its seasonal bird population. Hence DEFRA’s interest in single dead wildfowl. They do not guarantee removal in all cases and disposal may fall to the landowner.

2. Flocks of >50 birds – commercial or ornamental - are by law, centrally registered with DEFRA; smaller enterprises also encouraged to register voluntarily. Trading Standards maintain a database of poultry keepers and can react instantly should the need arise.

3. A nationwide ban on bird gatherings, markets and racing has been implemented. Hitherto all gatherings were required to be licenced in advance and no gatherings are known to be scheduled for West Sussex this year.

4. DEFRA’s plans to encompass action plans for all animal diseases are not yet complete, but a  schedule to deal with the specifics of Avian Flu has been issued and was tested for real in last year’s Norfolk outbreak. The main thrust – vigorous initial action by DEFRA and Trading Standards to secure containment on the original sites – proved a success, with the same pattern emerging on the latest outbreak.

5. The key features include:

• Introduction of an action zone of 3km radius around a confirmed infected area
• Setting up of a 10km radius zone to enable the warning and alerting of other poultry keepers of the confirmation of the infection and to give advice of action to take In Suffolk, a further 2000 sq km circle has been designated where poultry owners are required to keep flocks isolated from wild birds
• Movement restrictions on the public would only take effect in the immediate vicinity of the infected place. This may entail the closure of a specific right of way to restrict access and would be suitably sign posted to warn the public. Notices have been drafted for printing and display when necessary
• Appropriate bio security arrangements would be put in place at the infected premises
• DEFRA will serve the statutory notices at the infected place
• Trading Standards will serve restriction notices to poultry keepers within the 3km zone and monitor that these are being complied with plus any other local requirements deemed necessary by DEFRA.

6. DEFRA takes the lead on Avian Flu and will instruct Trading Standards according to level of risk. The Trading Standards Service is well placed to cope at the first stage and we have assembled action kits in waiting, for staff. If the spread of confirmed disease outbreaks rapidly expands a review of priorities or support may have to be considered.

7. Trading Standards are in regular touch with DEFRA and have a strong network of colleagues in surrounding counties.

8. The DEFRA view remains that this is an economic threat to poultry owners and not a human pandemic scenario. Nearly all human deaths have occurred in third-world countries where the owners or workers have been in continuous contact with their birds - often living with them.

9. Advice to County Council Staff

If County Council staff, e.g. Countryside Rangers, Rights of Way Officers etc. discover suspect bird carcasses, the advice is:

• Do not touch or get near but call DEFRA
• Avoid direct contact with any suspected birds
• DEFRA will arrange testing and disposal if required. This will be by incineration through an authorised disposal agent: Messrs H Hawkins of Cowfold is the only one in West Sussex
• Inoculations will not be required for staff unless recommended by DEFRA and this will depend on the situation at the time.
• Protective clothing is only needed where you are entering a poultry premises or infected place. Protective clothing consists of a disposable suit, gloves and face mask
• Bio Security arrangements are applicable at infected premises or at poultry keepers. They will have arrangements in place for you to use

10. Advice to Parish / District Councils

The animal disease generic plan imposes liaison & enforcement duties upon County and Unitary Authorities. It is not anticipated parish or district councils will be directly involved with the arrangements, other than perhaps to act as ‘eyes and ears’ if a restrictive policy were to be imposed by central government. If the above criteria are met you are asked to refer enquiries to the DEFRA helpline.

11. Advice to Public

If you come across dead birds use the following criteria before notifying DEFRA of your concern:

• One or more dead swans or wildfowl

• More than ten garden birds of the same species in one area or ten of different species in the same place

Callers will be asked to provide details of the finding and location

• Ring 08459 335577 or 01737 242242 to report your suspicion to DEFRA

• Do not touch the carcasses or get near to them