March 2006

Date	Press release title
3 March 2008	Signpost to Solving Housing Problems
7 March 2008	Sidney West Centre - Opening for You
10 March 2008	Dunstall Ward Surgery
14 March 2008	Grants Available for Local Organisations
14 March 2008	Living 'Twigloo' created by Council Grant
14 March 2008	Easter & School Holidays Activities
20 March 2008	Police Available to Hear Your Concerns

Are you struggling to solve housing-related problems, such as debt, homelessness or anti-social behaviour from neighbours? If so, a new advice surgery at Burgess Hill Town Council’s Help Point may be able to help. The West Sussex Signpost Service outreach surgery is run by Southdown Housing Association, and will operate on the second Friday of each month, from 9.30-11.30am . The first session takes place at the Help Point, 96 Church Walk, on Friday 14 March.

The Signpost Service is available to anyone who needs advice or support to help resolve their housing related issues. Many people have already used Signpost in other parts of Mid Sussex receiving advice to solve problems such as homelessness, rent arrears, anti social behaviour, debt, claiming benefits and accessing health and community care services.

The facility provides telephone advice, face-to-face support and referral onto specialist care and support services.

Andrew Barrett-Miles, Chairman of Burgess Hill Town Council, said: “The Town Council’s Help Point is delighted to welcome the Signpost Service to Burgess Hill.

“It will provide a valuable asset to our town’s residents, some of whom may be struggling to cope with severe housing problems and desperately need impartial advice to improve their situation. That advice and help is now available at a convenient location.”

Local community groups are invited to take advantage of the varied facilities on offer at the new Sidney West Sports and Community Centre on Leylands Road . The brand new building will open for use in June 2008.

The Sidney West Centre offers a good-sized hall, plus meeting rooms and kitchen facilities, all of which are available for hire by local community groups.

Some community organisations and projects already plan to use the new facilities. From September a Children and Family Centre will operate Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm , providing information and support to local families. The building will also provide changing rooms and showers for St. Andrew’s Cricket Club, which has been associated with the Sidney West site since 1923, and Marle Place Wanderers Football Club, which uses the playing field during the winter months.

Other local groups that are interested in booking the facilities should contact Graham Fairbairn at Burgess Hill Town Council on 01444 238214, or by emailing graham@burgesshill.gov.uk. Assistance is available if you need some help to set up a group which meets a local need.

Andrew Barrett-Miles, Chairman of Burgess Hill Town Council, said: “Burgess Hill is very fortunate to have a purpose-built facility for our residents’ use. Its facilities will be ideal for new or existing community initiatives.”

Burgess Hill Town Council lors for Dunstall Ward, Andrew Barrett-Miles, Suzanne Cosgrave & Jacqui Landriani are holding a surgery for residents of the Ward on Saturday, 15 March 2008 at The Triangle Leisure Centre, between 10.00 am and 12.00 noon.

If you live in Dunstall Ward, the north west sector of the town, and would like to meet them to discuss Mid Sussex District Council’s Core Strategy, which considers a number of options for Burgess Hill including possible large scale housing sites in the period to 2026, The Town Centre Masterplan or anything which concerns you about living in Dunstall Ward or Burgess Hill they will be pleased to see you on Saturday morning.

A Sussex Police representative will also be attending the surgery to assist with any enquires.

If you wish to contact the councillors ahead of the surgery their telephone numbers are

Local groups are invited to apply for financial grants from Burgess Hill Town Council to help fund activities which will benefit the town’s residents. The next deadline for small grants is 30 April 2008 .

Small grants of up to £1,000 can be applied for by local community groups and voluntary organisations attended by Burgess Hill residents. Grants are awarded in two phases, in June and October, with application deadlines of 30 April and 31 August respectively. Applications for grants of more than £1,000 should be made by 30 September.

Burgess Hill Town Council Chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee, Suzanne Cosgrave , said: “The Town Council welcomes applications from our community groups. The Council recognizes the contribution made to the town by the voluntary sector, and wishes to support its work.”

Application forms and supporting information can be obtained from the Town Council website at www.burgesshill.gov.uk, by contacting Elaine Hackett on 01444 238204 or by emailing elaine@burgesshill.gov.uk.

A Burgess Hill primary school has created a living willow ‘twigloo’ for its pupils to enjoy, thanks to a grant from Burgess Hill Town Council. The outdoor structure was made at Sheddingdean Primary School using a £500 grant.

Sheddingdean Primary, situated on Maple Drive , employed underwoodsman John Woller to construct the twigloo using woven willow saplings. He was ably assisted by a willing group of pupils and adult helpers.

The structure consists of an igloo-type construction, complete with log seats, and an attached tunnel. It can be used as an all-weather shelter, story corner or quiet area.

Teaching assistant Jenny Wisby came up with the idea of applying for one of the Town Council’s community grants, available for projects or organisations which benefit the people of Burgess Hill. She worked with colleague Sharon Kent to make the project a reality.

Jenny said: “The twigloo will be a work, rest and play area. We liked the idea of a willow design because it was something the children could be involved with, in putting it together. We liked the fact the willow is living and the children can see it growing – they will enjoy it as years go by.

“ Willow has a lovely feeling and look about it – I do have a bit of a passion for willow!”

Andrew Barrett-Miles, Chairman of Burgess Hill Town Council, said: “The Town Council is delighted to support this excellent project, facilitating a lovely, environmentally-friendly feature which will be of lasting value to the school and its pupils.”

If you would like further information about obtaining a community grant of up to £1,000, contact Elaine on 01444 238204 or email Elaine@burgesshill.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can download application forms and details of necessary supporting documents from the Town Council website, www.burgesshill.gov.uk. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2008 .

Easter is nearly upon us, the evenings will be drawing out and the children will be on their school holidays. Are you at a loss to know how to entertain the family for an afternoon or a day? Fear not, Burgess Hill Town Council’s Help Point & Tourist Information Centre has produced a free leaflet listing various attractions in and around Burgess Hill where there will be special activities to keep the family happy during Easter and the school holidays.

Whether you fancy an Easter Egg Hunt at Borde Hill, Haywards Heath, Spring Bird Walk at Bedelands Farm, Burgess Hill, Days with Thomas at Mid Hants Railway, Watercress Line, Easter Special Cruises on the Wey and Arun Canal or special Easter activities at The Triangle Leisure Centre, Burgess Hill, there is so much to do.

For a copy of the free leaflet pop into Burgess Hill Town Council ’s Help Point & Tourist Information Centre at 96 Church Walk, Burgess Hill or telephone 01444 247726 or email helppoint@burgesshill.gov.uk and a copy will be sent to you. Alternatively check out our website www.burgesshill.gov.uk, via the homepage ‘Events In and Around Burgess Hill’ section.

A scheme has been set up whereby local people are invited to drop in to Burgess Hill Town Council’s Help Point, 96 Church Walk, to discuss any worries they may have with a community police officer.

Police Community Support Officer, Brian Patfield, will be available at a drop-in surgery session at the Help Point on Wednesday 2 April 2008 and his colleague, Katie Buckler will hold a surgery on Wednesday 16 April 2008 between 11.00 – 13.00 hours. Residents of Burgess Hill are invited to turn up on the day to discuss any issues or worries that they may have.