New Lib Dem Chair of Arun District Council
Cllr Amanda Worne was elected to the role of Chair of Arun District Council on 20th May, in a landmark (and long) meeting undertaken virtually.
Amanda is the second Lib Dem Chair of the Council since the Conservatives lost overall control of the council in May 2019. Arun District Council News Page
In a video message to the District, Amanda introduces herself and sets out her hopes for the year, given the unique circumstances in which she finds herself in the role.
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Award winning community consultation
Two Liberal Democrat councillors have expressed their pleasure at being involved in an award winning community consultation for a local development. 'The Landings' at Ford has just been shortlisted for a nationwide planning award, in the stakeholder engagement category.
Our Lib Dem District councillors worked with the residents of Ford, the Ford Neighbourhood Plan Group and Ford Parish Council. Together with the developers, including Redrow Homes and Wates, they helped shape the way the scheme would sit alongside the existing local communities.
New (and last) cabinet selected
Arun District Council is set to vote for its second, and last, Liberal Democrat cabinet on 20th May. The council will move to a more democratic and inclusive committee system from May 2021. The scrapping of the limited-member Cabinet system follows a council decision taken in January 2020 and was implemented as a Liberal Democrat commitment, to ensure more involvement of all community ward councillors regardless of their party alignment.
WSCC finally partially reopens Waste Sites
Conservative-led West Sussex County Council (WSCC) has finally arranged a limited opening of the county's waste recycling sites, under pressure from Liberal Democrats and the community. The sites have been closed for over a month, with a limited reopening only planned from 11th May.
Cllr Chris Blanchard-Cooper
It is with heartfelt sadness that we must share the news that one of our friends, members and District Councillors, Cllr Chris Blanchard-Cooper has passed away on 30 April 2020.
Arun Lib Dem Cabinet leads virtual meeting return
Wednesday 29th April saw the landmark, first of its kind, virtual meeting of Arun District Council, via Zoom. The Lib Dem led Cabinet meeting was streamed live for members of the public to view in real time.
The meeting was successfully chaired by Lib Dem Arun District Council Leader Dr James Walsh, and was conducted with excellent levels of participation from all, including questions submitted ahead of time by members of the opposition.
Permanent Schools closure
Liberal Democrats denounce the permanent closure of small schools in West Sussex by the Conservative administration.
West Sussex Liberal Democrats have denounced the decision by the Conservative administration at West Sussex County Council to close two small schools in the County despite overwhelming support for them to stay open from residents, parents and children, and against the recommendations of its own Scrutiny Committee.
Coronavirus update 2
Covid-19 has brought unprecedented change to Arun District Council. The Liberal Democrat Leader, Cabinet and the Chief Executive have been effectively running the council in this emergency situation.
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Coronavirus update
Following the Government's clear message on 23 March 2020, please adhere to the guidance and stay at home.
Arun District Council is working together with West Sussex County Council, the NHS, Public Health England and other partners and has established a Community Hub to support the most vulnerable people. Please let them know if you need help, or can offer help, at this difficult time.
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Pothole repairs 'not up to standard'
Conservative-run West Sussex County Council's director of highways, Matt Davey, admits that temporary pothole repairs in the county are "not up to standard". This follows significant reductions in the highways budget over the last ten years.
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