We are writing to advise you that we have been awarded further funding from the Government from the Rural England Prosperity fund for 2025/26.

The Rural Fund provides capital funding to:

– support new and existing rural businesses to develop new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy — and includes farm businesses looking to diversify income streams; and

– support new and improved community infrastructure, providing essential community services and assets for local people and businesses to benefit the local economy.

This funding is intended to help address the extra needs and challenges facing rural areas and must be used for capital projects only, i.e. on lasting assets such as a building or equipment.

Applications for the fund are now open and the deadline for completing submissions and returning to us is midnight on Monday 9^th June 2025. Consideration of projects will be undertaken either through Officer or Member delegation dependant on value.  It is expected that this process will be undertaken between June and July 2025 when applicants will then be advised if they have been successful.

To comply with the requirements of the scheme, projects must be delivered and completed between 1^st April 2025 and 31^st March 2026.

Please note the following key points due to the rural focus for the funding:

– Rural England Prosperity Fund cannot be used on projects in Chichester city, Southbourne or Westbourne.  Further details on specific locations of eligibility are in the links provided.

– Projects will require match funding of a minimum of 20% and individual grants will not exceed £25,000.

– Rural England Prosperity Fund cannot be awarded to any projects which have already benefitted from other DEFRA funding.

– There is specific criteria set by Government, which Chichester District Council will be required to adhere to and we will be asking grant recipients to sign up to a grant agreement to ensure that the requirements of the funding streams are met.

– Projects will need to follow our Procurement process as set out in the Rural England Prosperity Fund Grant policy.

Allocation of funds will be undertaken through a competitive process, and we will not be able to meet all requests.

All the information you will require to consider whether your project might be eligible is at the link below:

Grants programmes – Chichester District Council  Please note the requirement that applicants must discuss the project with a Funding Advisor prior to submission of an application, there is a link on the website

BULK BAGS

As many people will also be having a spring clear out, I also want to remind people of our Bulky Bag service. This provides a cost-effective and convenient waste removal solution for your home and business. With three different sizes to choose from, there’s a Bulky Bag to suit every job. They are perfect for house clearances; garden waste; DIY waste; and business waste. The bags are delivered straight to you and the price includes the delivery and collection of the bag. When you are ready, you can request a collection, and we’ll come and collect your bag. We are also offering a special Spring discount offer until the end of May 2025. Simply order your bag online at: www.chichester.gov.uk/bulkybag, and use discount code SPRING15 to get 15% off (terms and conditions apply, see website for full details).

Think Before You Throw – A4 poster

“Book-a-Bus” service in Chichester

The “Book-a-Bus” service currently operates in three zones: the “99 Bus” (semi-flex) and “99 Flex” covers rural areas in the south of Petworth, the “98 Flex” covers the north of Petworth, and the “96 Flex” covers north west Chichester. This February, “Book-a-Bus” journeys will be FREE and would be the best time for residents to try the service if they haven’t yet.

Introducing “Book-a-Bus”, your new way to travel in West Sussex! – YouTube

Also, please would you let me know if you’d like leaflets and posters of the Book-a-Bus service? We have a leaflet for each area the service covers. I can arrange for it to be sent to you to share. If so, please let me know a delivery address and how many copies you’d need, and I can get that sorted.

www.lovecleanstreets.com

A new website/app where you can report  Road Damage/Pot Holes/Fly Tipping/Signs etc

Tandem provides door to door transport for the not so young and not so able living in the Midhurst and Petworth area. The trips can be to and from the doctors, dentists, opticians, and hospital. A Tandem volunteer will drive their own car or one of the specially adapted wheelchair vehicles as required. The cost is a very modest mileage charge.

Tandem also arrange varied and interesting outings Wednesdays and Thursdays twice a month.

We are always in need of drivers and assistants for the outings, so if you have any spare time and would like to help, your community needs you.

To arrange a medical trip, become a driver or to subscribe to our outings call 0300 030 3962 and leave a message, one of the team will get back to you.