Practical support available

Residents in Pulborough who are looking for work, considering a career change, returning to employment after a break, or seeking to build their confidence can access free one-to-one support through the Horsham District Employment Hub. The service has recently secured further funding and will continue operating for a third year after demonstrating positive results across the district.

Delivered by Adam Knight & Associates in partnership with Horsham District Council, the Employment Hub provides tailored employment support designed to help people move into work, training, self-employment or further career development.

What support does the Employment Hub provide?

The Hub offers personalised guidance rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Residents can receive help with:

• Creating or improving a CV
• Completing stronger job applications
• Searching for suitable vacancies
• Interview preparation
• Identifying transferable skills
• Training and skills guidance
• Building confidence and career motivation

Accessing specialist support services where needed

Participants can also be referred to other organisations offering specialist assistance, helping address barriers that may be preventing someone from entering or returning to employment.

Who can use the service?

The Employment Hub is available to residents across the Horsham District, including those living in Pulborough and surrounding villages. The programme is particularly helpful for people who:

• Are unemployed and looking for work
• Have been out of the workplace for some time
• Want to improve their job prospects
• Need support identifying skills and career opportunities
• Are considering training or self-employment routes

How much does it cost?

The service is completely free for residents. Funding has been secured through the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority, enabling Horsham District Council to continue the programme.

How many people has the Hub helped?

The Employment Hub has already built a strong record of supporting local people.

According to Horsham District Council, during its first two years the Hub:

• Received more than 500 enquiries
• Registered 179 participants
• Supported 114 people to complete the programme
• Achieved 31 confirmed employment outcomes
• Made 82 specialist referrals for additional support Those figures helped secure funding for a third year of operation.

What are the benefits for Pulborough residents?

For residents of Pulborough, the Hub provides access to professional employment support without the cost of private coaching or careers advice.

The service can help local jobseekers develop practical skills, improve confidence, identify training opportunities and navigate an increasingly competitive jobs market. It may be particularly valuable for people returning to work after caring responsibilities, redundancy, illness or retirement, as well as younger adults seeking direction in their careers.

At a community level, helping more residents into employment can support household incomes, strengthen local businesses and contribute to economic resilience across Pulborough and the wider Horsham District.

Backed by external funding

Horsham District Council recently announced that funding from the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority will allow both the Employment Hub and related employment support programmes to continue.

Councillor Jonathan Taylor, Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Property, said the programmes, “Have a strong track record of helping residents move towards employment and training and encouraged anyone seeking support to get in touch.”

How to access support

Residents interested in accessing the Horsham District Employment Hub can book a free appointment by emailing info@adam-knight.co.uk or calling 020 7459 4502.

Find out more here

Nearly 100 Years of Trading

Records at Companies House show that Burgess & Randall Limited was incorporated on 4 January 1930, making it one of the village's longest-established business names still in operation today.

While the company has evolved over the decades, its connection with Pulborough has remained constant. Located at Station Road, the business has long served local farmers, landowners, gardeners and householders, reflecting Pulborough's strong links with the rural economy.

A Changing Rural Economy

Throughout much of the twentieth century, Sussex villages relied heavily on agricultural suppliers and machinery specialists. As farming methods modernised, businesses such as Burgess & Randall adapted alongside them, supplying equipment needed to maintain farms, estates and gardens across the area.

A major milestone came during the 1960s when Sussex agricultural machinery company Horace Fuller acquired Burgess & Randall. According to Horace Fuller's company history, the Pulborough business became the firm's second branch and played an important role in expanding its reach across Sussex.

The acquisition united two long-established Sussex enterprises. Horace Fuller itself had been founded in 1922 and was already serving farming communities throughout the county when it brought Burgess & Randall into the group.

Serving New Generations

As agriculture changed and domestic gardening became increasingly popular, Burgess & Randall evolved from a traditional agricultural supplier into a specialist garden machinery retailer and repair centre.

Today, the business stocks lawnmowers, garden tractors, chainsaws, hedge trimmers and a wide range of professional and domestic machinery, whilst continuing to provide servicing and repairs to customers from Pulborough and the surrounding villages.

Horace Fuller describes the Pulborough branch as being home to some of its longest-serving members of staff, helping to maintain the local knowledge and customer service for which rural businesses have traditionally been valued.

Part of Pulborough's Business Heritage

Pulborough's position on important transport routes, including the historic Stane Street and later the railway, helped the village develop as a centre for trade and commerce serving the wider rural area. Historic records show that markets were being held in the village as early as the nineteenth century, supporting a wide variety of local businesses.

Against that backdrop, Burgess & Randall represents an enduring example of a local trading name adapting to changing times. From the agricultural needs of the early twentieth century to today's focus on garden and estate machinery, the business has remained a familiar part of village life for nearly a century.

In an era when many independent rural traders are disappearing from the high street and industrial estates, Burgess & Randall, serves as a reminder of Pulborough's long tradition as a place of enterprise, service and community connections. The current sale however, signals that Burgess & Randall will be closing by the year end. Customers will continue to  be served by West Sussex-based Horace Fuller shops.  

Do you have memories of shopping at Burgess & Randall, photographs of the business from years gone by, or stories about its place in village life?

Pulborough Post would love to hear from you as we continue to document the history of local traders and businesses.

Write to editor@pulboroughpost.co.uk

What is changing?

Currently, individuals can earn up to £1,000 a year from trading activities before needing to consider registering for Self-Assessment under the Trading Allowance rules. From April 2027, that threshold will increase to £3,000.

The change means many people earning modest amounts from side hustles will be able to keep more of their income while avoiding the administrative burden of filing a tax return. HMRC estimates that around 100,000 people will no longer need to submit Self-Assessment returns because of the new threshold.

Government figures suggest up to 1.4 million people could benefit, with around 400,000 seeing a reduction in their tax liabilities.

What counts as a side hustle?

A side hustle can be almost any activity that generates income outside a person's main employment.

Examples include:

• Selling unwanted items or specialist products on Vinted, eBay or Etsy
• Craft businesses and handmade goods
• Dog walking and pet sitting
• Gardening and handyman services
• Private tutoring
• Website design and social media support
• Photography
• Music lessons
• Freelance writing
• Home baking and catering services (subject to regulations)

The Trading Allowance covers trading and miscellaneous income from these types of activities.

What does this mean for Pulborough residents?

For many local residents, the increase creates a low-risk opportunity to test a business idea before committing to full self-employment.

Someone selling vintage clothing or musical online, offering weekend gardening services or tutoring local students could potentially earn up to £3,000 per year before needing to deal with the complexities of Self-Assessment reporting under the new rules.

This is particularly attractive for:

• Parents seeking flexible income
• Retirees with specialist skills
• Young entrepreneurs
• Residents looking to supplement household finances
• People exploring a future business venture

In a village and rural community such as Pulborough, where practical skills, creativity and local knowledge are abundant, the opportunities are significant.

How many side hustles are operating in the UK?

The side hustle economy has expanded rapidly, particularly since COVID,

According to figures reported following HMRC data analysis, around 2.6 million people sold goods through online platforms including eBay, Vinted and Etsy during the last year, demonstrating just how mainstream additional income streams have become.

Industry analysts expect further growth as living costs continue to encourage people to diversify their income and as the higher threshold removes barriers to getting started. While future growth projections vary, the Government's estimate that 1.4 million people will benefit from the new allowance suggests substantial participation in small-scale trading activities.

How do you set up a side business?

Starting small is often the best approach.

Step 1: Choose a service or product

Focus on something you already know well:

• A practical skill
• A hobby
• Professional expertise
• Local demand

Step 2: Test the market

• Sell a small number of products or offer services to friends, neighbours and local groups.

Step 3: Keep records

Even if your income is modest, maintain simple records of:

• Sales
• Expenses
• Mileage
• Equipment purchases

Step 4: Check regulations

Some activities may require:

• Public liability insurance
• Food hygiene registration
• DBS checks
• Professional qualifications

Step 5: Register if required

If your trading income exceeds the relevant thresholds or other reporting obligations apply, you may need to register with HMRC as a sole trader.

The best opportunities for Pulborough Residents

Several side business ideas are particularly suited to the local area.

• Rural and outdoor services
• Gardening
• Hedge cutting
• Pet care
• Small property maintenance
• Poultry and smallholding support
• Digital services
• Social media management
• Website creation
• Virtual administration
• AI-assisted content creation
• Graphic design
• Creative businesses
• Handmade crafts
• Local photography
• Art commissions
• Personalised gifts
• Educational services
• GCSE tutoring
• Music tuition
• Online training
• Adult learning workshops

Heritage and tourism

Pulborough's location near the South Downs National Park, the South Downs Way and numerous heritage attractions creates opportunities in:

• Guided walks
• Local history experiences
• Photography workshops
• Visitor information services
• Reselling and upcycling

With the popularity of Vinted, eBay, Reverb and Facebook Marketplace continuing to grow, buying, restoring and reselling quality items remains one of the most accessible entry points into self-employment.

A chance to build confidence

For many people, the biggest barrier to starting a business is not the idea itself but the fear of paperwork, regulation and financial risk.

The increase in the Trading Allowance to £3,000 represents a significant shift towards encouraging experimentation and enterprise. It allows residents to test a business concept, develop customers and build confidence before deciding whether to expand further.

In communities such as Pulborough, where local knowledge, practical skills and community connections are strong, the new allowance could help unlock a new wave of micro-businesses and entrepreneurial activity.

The new £3,000 Trading Allowance and reporting threshold are due to take effect from 6 April 2027, subject to legislation through the Finance Bill 2026-27.

Professional advice should always be sought if circumstances are unclear.

Do you operate a side hustle?

Pulborough Post can help.

We offer you a free listing in our online Traders’ Directory. Simply contact us at editor@pulboroughpost.co.uk for more information.

We also Display Advertising and Advertorials. Find out more here.

Advertising with us helps your business stand out while supporting independent journalism in our village.

The MUGA is a key community asset, used by residents of all ages for football, netball and coming soon, tennis. Unfortunately, incidents involving individuals climbing fences, entering the site without a booking, leaving rubbish behind, and causing damage can affect everyone who books the facility.

Attention – Anti-Climb paint now in use

Now, visitors will noticed a new security measure introduced by Pulborough Parish Council. Anti-climb paint has been applied to sections of the facility to deter break-ins, vandalism and other forms of anti-social behaviour that can lead to costly repairs for precept payers, and disruption for legitimate pay-to-play users.

Anti-climb paint is a harmless, non-drying coating designed specifically to discourage climbing. While it does not cause injury, it remains slippery and readily transfers to clothing, footwear and skin, making it immediately obvious when someone has attempted to scale a treated surface. Warning signs have been installed to alert everyone to its presence.

The Parish Council hopes the measure will help protect the MUGA from further damage, reduce repair costs and ensure the facility remains available in good condition for the many people and teams who use it responsibly.

Residents can easily book and pay for sessions online and enjoy the MUGA safely and respectfully, helping to look after a facility that benefits the whole community.

Report it!

By reporting any suspected unauthorised use, vandalism or damage, local people can play an important role in keeping this popular village asset safe, welcoming and accessible for everyone.

If you see damage or anti-social behaviour at the MUGA, please report it via 101 or online to Police, Pulborough’s Neighbourhood Wardens or Pulborough Parish Council, so that action can be taken promptly.

It is very busy in Westminster. Not just this week’s Budget (read more below), but also lots of legislation which is being debated and pushed through. Examples of this include the Courts and Tribunal’s Bill (right to a jury trial) and the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill (prosecution of veterans).

Similarly, locally this month I gave evidence at a Planning Inquiry at Horsham, speak at a village event in West Chiltington, hold my regular ‘Farm to Fork Summit’ and petition Southern Rail to bring back a suspended rail service.

Finally, please don’t forget that due to the way that the dates fall, Remembrance services are next Sunday, the 8th November, as well of course on Armistice Day itself.  With so many communities laying wreaths at the same time I cannot attend all but I will join ceremonies and services across the constituency.

Read the entire newletter here: Working for you in Westminster — November 2026

The Budget, presented to Parliament on Wednesday 28^th October, focused on easing cost-of-living pressures while avoiding increases to the main rates of Income Tax, National Insurance and VAT.

The Government described the package as providing "breathing space" for households facing higher living costs.

At a glance…..

• £100 Household Energy Payment This Winter For Homes In Council Tax Bands A to D

One of the headline measures is a £100 household energy payment this winter for homes in Council Tax Bands A to D. The Government says the payment will be made directly to eligible households to help meet winter energy costs.

• Removal Of Gas Standing Charges From 2027

Residents could also benefit from a series of measures aimed at reducing energy bills over the longer term. The Chancellor announced plans to remove gas standing charges from 2027, alongside further reforms intended to lower household energy costs. The existing VAT reduction on electricity will also be extended.

• Continuation Of The 5p Fuel Duty Cut Until Next July

For Pulborough's many commuters and rural households, the continuation of the 5p fuel duty cut until next July is likely to be welcome news. With many local residents dependent on cars for work, shopping and access to services, the extension should help keep motoring costs lower than they might otherwise have been.

• National Living Wage Rising To £13.21 Per Hour

Workers earning the National Living Wage will also see their pay increase, with the rate rising to £13.21 per hour. The Government says the change is intended to support lower-paid workers as living costs remain under pressure.

• Annual Cash ISA Allowance Will Remain At £20,000

The Budget included measures which may be of particular interest to older residents. The annual Cash ISA allowance will remain at £20,000, while a new Pension Tax Allowance is expected to reduce the income tax burden for some pensioners.

Conclusion

While the full impact of today's announcements will become clearer over the coming months, the measures most likely to be felt locally are the £100 energy payment, continued support with fuel costs, planned reductions in energy bills and higher wages for lower-paid workers.

For more information click here

The new signage provides a clearer public presence for the Parish Council within one of the village's most frequently used community buildings. It helps residents identify where they can obtain information, raise concerns, seek guidance on parish matters, or speak with council staff about local services and projects.

Sharon Curd, Chair of Pulborough Parish Council said:

"As a local council, we want to be approachable and accessible to everyone in our community. The new signage makes it easier for residents, visitors and partner organisations to find us and reinforces our commitment to being visible, available and ready to help with local issues that matter to Pulborough."

Improved visibility also reinforces awareness of the Parish Council's role within the community. From maintaining public spaces and supporting local initiatives to representing residents' interests and delivering community projects, the council undertakes a wide range of responsibilities that directly affect village life. Clear signage serves as a reminder that these services are available and accessible to everyone.

The enhancement is also expected to benefit visitors, contractors, partner organisations and community groups who attend meetings at the Village Hall. Clear wayfinding reduces confusion, improves efficiency and helps create a more professional and welcoming environment for those engaging with local government.

Public offices that are easy to find send a positive message that local government is approachable, transparent and available to support residents when needed.

For residents wishing to contact the Parish Council, staff are based at the Parish Council offices within Pulborough Village Hall and can assist with a wide range of local enquiries and community matters.

For more information about Pulborough Parish Council, click here

Pulborough Parish Council’s address:

Swan View
Lower Street
Pulborough
West Sussex
RH20 2BF

Tel: 01798 873532

Email: deputy@pulboroughparishcouncil.gov.uk

The office is open Monday - Friday mornings from 9:00am to 12:30pm.

The hearings saw councillors, planning officers, developers, environmental bodies, parish councils and community representatives scrutinised by the independent Planning Inspector, Jonathan Bore, responsible for examining the Plan. Among the most closely watched discussions were those relating to the proposed strategic development at Adversane known as Kingswood, an allocation that has generated significant local interest because of its potential scale and long-term impact on the local area.

A number of issues were explored during the hearings. Participants questioned whether the proposed housing numbers could realistically be delivered within the plan period, whether community facilities and employment opportunities would arrive early enough to create a sustainable community, whether the A29 and local roads and infrastructure could cope, and whether sufficient evidence exists to protect internationally important habitats and the setting of the South Downs National Park.

For many local residents, the hearings provided reassurance that concerns raised during previous consultations were being properly tested in public. Inspectors challenged assumptions, sought clarification from the Council and developers, and explored whether the evidence supporting proposed modifications was robust enough to justify inclusion within the final Plan.

What Does This Mean for Pulborough?

Although the hearings themselves have now finished, no final decisions were made during the sessions. The Inspector's role is not to determine who "wins" an argument, but to assess whether the Local Plan is legally compliant and sound.

For communities such as Pulborough, the outcome matters because the Local Plan will guide future development across the district, influencing where homes, jobs, community facilities and environmental protections are located over the coming years.

The Inspector will now consider all the evidence submitted, both written and verbal, before reaching conclusions.

What Happens Next?

The examination process now enters what is often described as the Inspector's deliberation stage.

During this period, the Inspector will review hearing discussions, written representations and supporting evidence. Additional clarification may be requested if any outstanding matters need further explanation.

Once satisfied that all issues have been considered, the Inspector will prepare a formal report. That report will set out whether the Local Plan is sound and identify any modifications that must be made before it can be adopted.

Only after receiving the Inspector's report can Horsham District Council move towards formally adopting the new Local Plan.

When Can Residents Expect a Decision?

This is perhaps the question being asked most frequently.

Unfortunately, there is no fixed timetable. Local Plan examinations are detailed and often complex processes, particularly where strategic developments and environmental considerations are involved.

Based on similar examinations, residents should expect to wait several months rather than several weeks. A report is unlikely before early 2027, although the exact timing remains entirely a matter for the Planning Inspector.

A Process Worth Following

While planning policy can sometimes seem remote from everyday life, the decisions arising from this examination will have a lasting effect on communities across Horsham District.

The hearings demonstrated the importance of local participation. Parish councils, community groups and residents all played a part in ensuring local knowledge, concerns and aspirations formed part of the evidence considered by the Inspector.

The next milestone will be the Inspector's report. When it arrives, it will reveal whether the Local Plan, and the modifications proposed to it, have met the tests required to guide development in Horsham District for the years ahead.

For more information click here

Pulborough Residents are invited to find out more

Our Place, the master developers of Kingswood, are coming to Pulborough to hear residents’ views

When: Friday 30^th October 2026

Where: Pulborough Village Hall

Time: 3pm – 7pm

For more information click here

Pulborough Post will continue to follow the process and report on any significant developments as they emerge.

What Pulborough Post Is

Pulborough Post is a public‑interest community news hub created to give Pulborough and the wider Arun Valley a clear, accessible, and ethical source of local information.

It’s a digital home for the news, stories, updates, notices, and conversations that matter to the people who live, work, volunteer, and run organisations in our parish.

We stand for accuracy, transparency, independence, and community participation. Every part of the Pulborough Post — from editorial standards to contributor guidance — is designed to ensure residents can rely on us as a trusted resource.

Who It’s For

Pulborough Post is for everyone in Pulborough:

• Residents who want reliable updates and information about their village and the surrounding area
• Local groups, charities, and clubs who need a place to share news
• Businesses looking to connect with the community
• Volunteers, councillors, and organisers who help shape local life
• Anyone looking for guidance and useful contacts for what’s on and where it’s happening locally
• People who simply care about what happens here and want to stay informed

Whether you’ve lived here for decades or moved in last month, this hub is yours.

Why We’ve Launched It

Pulborough deserves a central, transparent, and community‑driven news space — one that isn’t influenced by anonymous opinions, commercial pressures or distant editorial priorities.

The Pulborough Post was launched to:

• Strengthen local connection and civic participation
• Make important information easy to find and accessible to all
• Celebrate the people, places, and projects that make Pulborough unique
• Introduce the local people who make Pulborough a diverse community
• Provide a platform for community voices, ideas, and debate
• Support local traders and organisations with clear, fair, and ethical reporting

Bottom line: Pulborough Post exists to help our community thrive.

Who’s Behind It

Pulborough Post is led by local residents, supported by contributors, volunteers, traders, and partner organisations who share a commitment to community.

Behind the scenes are people experienced in governance, community development, transparency frameworks, editorial standards, and local storytelling — all working together to build a publication that reflects Pulborough’s character and values.

How You Can Get Involved

Pulborough Post is designed for you to shape hub content.

Submit Notices

Community groups, clubs, charities, organisers and residents can submit:

• Event announcements
• Public notices
• Meeting updates
• Calls for volunteers
• Local achievements or milestones
• Notices help keep the village connected and informed.

More information here

Send a Letter✉️

Our Letters Page is a space for thoughtful community conversation. Residents can write in to:

• Share reflections or opinions
• Respond to local issues
• Comment on recent articles
• Raise questions or concerns
• Celebrate community successes

Letters are reviewed before publication, ensuring respectful and constructive dialogue. More information here

Contribute News or Stories

We welcome contributions from residents who want to help tell Pulborough’s story. You can submit:

• Local news updates
• Features about people or places
• Historical pieces
• Community project profiles
• Photo essays
• Reports from clubs, societies, and events

Our contributor guidance supports new writers, experienced journalists, and anyone who wants to share something meaningful.

More information here

Collaborate With Us

Local organisations — from councils to community groups, schools, and businesses — are invited to collaborate on coverage, share information, and help ensure the Pulborough Post fully reflects local life.

Our Commitment

Pulborough Post is built on trust, transparency, and community voice. We are here to inform, connect, and celebrate our village — and we believe the strongest stories come from the people who live them.

editor@pulboroughpost.co.uk

Welcome to your community news hub.

Welcome to the Pulborough Post.

A neighbourhood plan is a community-led planning document that sets out a shared vision for how an area should develop. Created through consultation with local residents, businesses and organisations, it helps shape decisions on housing, employment, community facilities, green spaces and the appearance of future development.

A Significant Achievement

For Pulborough, this is a significant milestone. After years of evidence gathering, consultation, independent examination and a public referendum, the plan has become part of the statutory development plan used to determine planning applications in the parish. The plan was formally made by Horsham District Council on 8 October 2025 following a successful referendum.

Why Does It Matter?

A made neighbourhood plan carries legal weight. Planning applications in Pulborough must now be assessed not only against national planning policy and district planning policies, but also against the policies contained within the neighbourhood plan.

The plan gives the community a stronger voice by:

• Setting out a long-term vision for Pulborough's future.
• Guiding where development should take place.
• Protecting valued green spaces and community assets.
• Influencing the design and character of new development.
• Supporting appropriate housing, employment and community facilities.

Importantly, a neighbourhood plan is not designed to stop development altogether. Instead, it helps ensure that growth is managed in a way that reflects local priorities and protects the qualities residents value most about the parish.

A Community-Led Achievement

Neighbourhood plans are created by local communities rather than developers or central government. The Pulborough plan reflects years of work by parish councillors, volunteers, residents and specialist advisers, supported by extensive public consultation. Its adoption means that local views gathered throughout that process now have a formal role in shaping planning decisions.

Where Can Residents Read the Plan?

Residents can view or download the full Pulborough Neighbourhood Plan from both the Parish Council and Horsham District Council websites:

Pulborough Parish Council: Pulborough Neighbourhood Plan

Horsham District Council: Pulborough Neighbourhood Planning

Printed copies can also be viewed by appointment through the Parish Council office or at Horsham District Council offices.

Looking Ahead

The making of the neighbourhood plan does not mark the end of the conversation about Pulborough's future. Rather, it provides a framework through which future planning proposals can be assessed and influenced. As new applications come forward, the policies within the plan will help ensure that development reflects the community's vision for a thriving, sustainable and distinctive Pulborough.

For residents, it represents something important: a locally written plan, supported through a public vote, that now helps guide the future of the parish.

Key Deliverables

• Up to 15 million litres of additional water every day during drought conditions
• A sustainable local water resource for future generations
• More water in the environment during prolonged dry periods – where nature needs it most

The scheme will purify treated wastewater at Ford, return it to the River Western Rother near Hardham, and help protect the river environment while supporting drinking‑water resilience for communities including Pulborough. Public drop‑in events this October will give residents the chance to learn more and ask questions.

A New Era in Local Water Security

West Sussex is officially classed as water‑stressed by the Environment Agency, with lower rainfall, rising demand, and climate pressures creating long‑term challenges for water supply. Southern Water currently abstracts water from the River Rother to supply homes and businesses across the county — including Pulborough — but this abstraction must reduce to protect the river’s ecology.

The Ford Water Recycling Project is designed to meet this challenge head‑on. It forms part of a wider regional strategy to improve water efficiency, reduce leakage, and diversify water sources.

How the Project Works

Southern Water plans to build a new water recycling plant at Ford Wastewater Treatment Works. The process is straightforward but uses advanced, proven technology:

• Treated wastewater from Ford will undergo further purification using advanced treatment techniques such as reverse osmosis.
• The fully treated recycled water will be returned to the River Western Rother near Hardham, downstream of the drinking‑water abstraction point.
• This recycled water will replace the volume abstracted for drinking water, helping maintain river levels and protect wildlife.
• Water will continue to be treated at the Hardham Water Supply Works before entering the drinking‑water network.

To make this possible, Southern Water will construct a new pipeline, largely running through the South Downs National Park, connecting Ford to Hardham. Planning authorities are currently coordinating how this cross‑boundary application will be managed.

Why This Matters for Pulborough

1. Protecting the River Rother

The Rother is central to Pulborough’s landscape and ecology. By reducing direct abstraction and replacing water with purified recycled flows, the project aims to support healthier river levels and protect sensitive habitats.

2. Securing Long‑Term Water Supply

Pulborough relies on the Hardham Water Supply Works. As climate change increases pressure on water resources, the recycling project provides a more resilient and sustainable supply route.

3. Supporting Growth and Future Planning

With West Sussex’s population expected to grow, the project helps ensure future homes and businesses — including those in Pulborough — have reliable access to drinking water.

4. Environmental Responsibility

The scheme aligns with national and regional commitments to reduce environmental impact, improve water efficiency, and support circular‑economy approaches to resource use.

Community Engagement: October Drop‑In Events

Residents are invited to learn more, ask questions, and share views at two public drop‑in sessions:

• Pulborough Village Hall, Swan View, Pulborough, RH20 2BF

           Saturday 17 October 10:00am – 4:00pm

• Yapton & Ford Village Hall, Main Road, Yapton, Arundel, BN18 0ET

           Wednesday 21 October 2:00pm – 8:00pm

Southern Water will have project specialists on hand to explain the treatment process, pipeline route considerations, environmental safeguards, and the timeline for planning and construction.

Can’t attend in person, join the online webinar on Tuesday 4 November, 6pm – 7pm. Register here 

Project Timeline (Indicative)

Southern Water’s published timeline shows:

• 2026–27: Ground surveys and route development for the pipeline.
• 2027: Public consultation on the final design.
• 2028: Planned submission of the main planning applications.
• 2031: Earliest expected start of construction, subject to approvals.

Further Information & Useful Links

Email: FordWater.RecyclingProject@southernwater.co.uk

Call: Southern Water on 0330 3030 368 9am – 5pm Mon-Fri and quote PRN 710031

Southern Water – Ford Water Recycling Project (official project overview, environmental context, and timeline)

Pulborough, the Arun Valley and wider West Sussex are entering one of their driest periods in decades, according to new Government and Environment Agency data.

Reservoir stocks, river flows and soil moisture levels across the South Downs and Arun catchment have all fallen sharply, prompting stepped‑up drought planning and a call for residents to use water wisely.

The Local Picture: Arun Valley & Pulborough

The latest Solent and South Downs Water Situation Report (September 2026) shows:

• Arun hydrological area rainfall: 35mm — just 54% of the long‑term average (66mm). This makes July–September the driest three‑month period on record for the Arun and Western Rother Greensand units.
• Soil moisture: All hydrological areas ended September drier than average, increasing pressure on groundwater recharge.
• River flows: Monthly mean flows ranged from exceptionally low to normal, with the Arun catchment among the worst affected.
• Reservoir stocks: Ardingly Reservoir (Ouse) is at 22.8% of its long‑term average, and Arlington Reservoir (Cuckmere) at 35.5% — both significantly below normal.

For Pulborough, this matters. The Arun’s tidal reach, clay soils and low‑flow conditions increase the risk of water scarcity, habitat stress, and reduced resilience heading into winter.

What this means:

• Customer supplies remain uninterrupted, but water companies must take proactive measures to safeguard future availability.
• Daily monitoring of reservoir and river levels is now mandatory.
• The Environment Agency will conduct tougher compliance checks on businesses abstracting water.
• Local Resilience Forums have been activated to coordinate support if conditions worsen.

Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said:

“This level of drought is something we have not experienced for decades, so this government is stepping up our support and planning. We are working closely with water companies to protect public supplies… and I’d continue to urge everyone to think about how they can use water wisely over the coming weeks.”

Water Minister Emma Hardy added:

“We are prioritising protecting public water supplies in areas affected by severe drought… allowing water companies to keep more water in depleted reservoirs where necessary.”

England‑wide Water Resource Pressures

The Government has declared severe droughts in parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East and West Sussex.

National drought reports show the broader context:

• Reservoir storage across England: 54% — 21% below average for October. Nineteen reservoirs are under 50% full, eight “exceptionally low”.
• River flows: Over half of monitored sites remain normal or lower, despite slight recent rainfall.
• Temporary Use Bans (hosepipe bans): Affecting millions, including customers of South East Water in Sussex.
• Agriculture: Reduced crop yields, early harvesting and pressure on winter forage stocks. Over 1,353 abstraction licence restrictions are in place.
• Environmental impacts: Low flows, algal blooms, fish deaths and wildfire risk continue to rise.

Implications for Pulborough & the Arun Valley

• Local risks
• Lower Arun flows increase stress on wetland habitats at Pulborough Brooks.
• Groundwater decline affects rural properties relying on boreholes.
• Agricultural pressure is felt across the Arun floodplain, with livestock farmers already using winter forage.
• Navigation impacts may affect the Wey & Arun Canal Trust’s restoration sections.

Community resilience

Pulborough’s ongoing work on riparian responsibilities, drainage maintenance and emergency planning aligns closely with Government drought-readiness actions.

How Residents Can Help

• Use water wisely
• Reduce garden watering and car washing.
• Check for leaks in domestic plumbing.
• Use water‑efficient appliances and short showers.

Report issues

Low river flows, fish in distress, or environmental concerns:

• Environment Agency incident hotline: 0800 80 70 60

Water supply problems or leaks:

• Contact your water company (South East Water or Southern Water depending on location).

Explainer: Arun Catchment: Rainfall & Reservoir Levels

Overview

The Arun catchment — stretching from the High Weald through the Rother valley and down to Pulborough, Amberley and Arundel — is experiencing exceptionally low rainfall and declining water storage. Government and Environment Agency data show that the 2026 dry period is now one of the most severe in decades.

This explainer outlines where rainfall deficits are concentrated, which reservoirs are under pressure, and how this affects communities in Pulborough and the Arun Valley.

1. Rainfall Across the Arun Catchment

• High Weald headwaters (north of the catchment): Rainfall at 35mm, around 54% of the long‑term average. This is the primary source region for the Arun and Western Rother — meaning deficits here directly reduce river flow downstream.
• Greensand Belt (Billingshurst → Pulborough → Coldwaltham): July–September 2026 is the driest three‑month period on record for this hydrological unit. Soil moisture is “much lower than average”, limiting groundwater recharge.
• South Downs fringe (Amberley → Arundel): Rainfall slightly higher but still below average; tidal influence means low upstream flows have a disproportionate impact.

Local interpretation

Pulborough sits at the tidal limit of the Arun. When upstream rainfall is low, the river becomes more vulnerable to:

• Tidal lock
• Reduced freshwater inflow
• Habitat stress at Pulborough Brooks
• Lower resilience heading into winter

2. Reservoir Levels in West Sussex

Although the Arun catchment itself has no major public‑supply reservoir, regional storage determines supply security for Pulborough and surrounding villages.

Key reservoirs supplying West Sussex

• Ardingly Reservoir (Ouse catchment): 22.8% of long‑term average — significantly below normal.
• Arlington Reservoir (Cuckmere catchment): 35.5% of long‑term average — also well below expected levels.
• Weir Wood Reservoir (Medway catchment): Lower than average but not yet critical.

Key Points

• Downward trends in storage despite intermittent rainfall
• Pressure on inter‑catchment transfers that support West Sussex supply zones
• Local interpretation
• Pulborough residents rely on regional water‑resource balancing, meaning:
• Low reservoir stocks elsewhere directly affect supply resilience here
• Water companies may increase abstraction from rivers and groundwater, adding pressure to the Arun system
• Temporary Use Bans (hosepipe bans) may be extended or reintroduced

4. What This Means for Pulborough

Local impacts

• Wetland stress at Pulborough Brooks
• Lower river flows increasing risk of algal blooms
• Pressure on borehole supplies for rural properties
• Higher wildfire risk on the Downs
• Agricultural strain across the Arun floodplain
• Community preparedness

Pulborough’s existing resilience work — riparian responsibilities, drainage maintenance, and emergency planning — aligns with Government drought‑readiness actions.

A Charity Built on Neighbourliness

The origins of PDCCA date back to 1966, when the late Rev. Desmond Bending and Jean Seagrim established what was then described as a “Good Neighbour” scheme. Their vision was simple but powerful: local people helping local people. Nearly 60 years later, that founding ethos remains at the heart of the organisation's work.

Since its creation, the charity has evolved to meet changing community needs while continuing to focus on three essentials: food, friendship and transport. What began as a modest voluntary initiative has grown into one of Pulborough’s most important community organisations.

Supporting Residents Through a Range of Services

Today, PDCCA offers a variety of activities and services designed to combat isolation, improve wellbeing and help residents remain active members of the community. These include:

Community Transport

For many older residents and those without access to a car, transport can be a significant barrier to maintaining independence. PDCCA's community transport service helps people attend medical appointments, go shopping, visit friends and participate in local activities. By providing accessible transport options, the charity enables residents to remain connected to the services and social networks they rely upon.

Wednesday Lunch Club

The weekly lunch club is much more than a meal. It provides an opportunity for residents to meet friends, enjoy conversation and build social connections. Regular social interaction is proven to support mental wellbeing, and the lunch club helps combat loneliness while creating a welcoming community atmosphere.

Pulborough Befriends

Loneliness and social isolation can affect people of all ages, particularly older residents who may live alone. Through its befriending and visiting service, PDCCA helps ensure that local people have someone to talk to and regular social contact. A friendly conversation or visit can make a significant difference to someone's quality of life.

Pulborough Pop-In

The charity also runs a social Pop-In for parents and carers, providing a welcoming space where people can meet, share experiences and access support within their community.

Cooking with Confidence and Pulborough Pantry

PDCCA's wider community activities include initiatives such as Cooking with Confidence and the Pulborough Pantry, helping residents develop practical skills, access affordable food and strengthen community resilience.

Powered by Volunteers

One of the remarkable aspects of PDCCA is that its services are largely delivered by local volunteers. According to Charity Commission records, the charity benefits from around 100 volunteers who give their time and expertise to support residents across the district.

These volunteers drive vehicles, organise activities, provide companionship, prepare meals and help coordinate the charity's many services. Their commitment reflects the strong community spirit that has long characterised Pulborough and its surrounding villages.

The People Guiding the Organisation

The charity is overseen by a board of trustees who are responsible for governance, strategic direction and ensuring that services continue to meet local needs.

Current trustees include Chair John Dixon OBE, alongside Roland Brook, Isla Moran, Louise Kaiser, Karen Brooks, Edna Henly and, most recently, Julia Read. These individuals help guide the organisation and ensure it continues to fulfil its charitable objectives for local residents.

Working alongside trustees, committee members and volunteers, they help maintain a charity that remains both locally focused and responsive to the changing needs of the community.

Why PDCCA Matters

As rural communities face growing challenges around transport, social isolation and access to services, organisations such as PDCCA become increasingly important. The charity provides practical assistance, but perhaps more importantly it strengthens the relationships that hold communities together.

Whether it is a lift to a hospital appointment, a friendly visit, a hot lunch shared with neighbours or support for a parent needing a social connection, PDCCA's work helps ensure that nobody in our community feels left behind.

Nearly 60 years after its founding, the Pulborough and District Community Care Association remains a living example of community spirit in action, demonstrating how local volunteers and local leadership can make a lasting difference to people's lives.

The call comes as the county enters the wettest months of the year, with the Arun Valley – including Pulborough, Amberley and surrounding villages – historically vulnerable to both river and surface‑water flooding. The council has released an updated online flood guide, offering practical advice on how to prepare, what to do during a flood, and where to find support afterwards.

“Flooding can affect anyone,” says Cabinet Member

Cllr Natasha Davie, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, emphasised that flooding is not limited to rivers or coastal areas:

“While flooding is often associated with rivers and the coast, it can also happen in urban areas following intense or prolonged rainfall, affecting roads, homes and communities. Flooding can affect anyone and often happens more quickly than people expect.”

She added that the council wants residents to feel “informed and prepared before winter,” encouraging households to understand their flood risk and take action now to reduce the impact of severe weather.

Practical Steps Residents Can Take

The council is encouraging residents to:

• Check their flood‑risk status using Environment Agency maps
• Sign up for flood warnings
• Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as medication, torches, and important documents
• Create a household flood plan
• Consider property‑level protection, including flood barriers, airbrick covers and non‑return valves

These steps mirror advice already familiar to many Pulborough residents, who have experienced repeated winter flooding linked to the River Arun’s tidal reach and heavy rainfall on Wealden clay.

Additional Calls to Action for Local Businesses

Local businesses — particularly those in flood‑prone areas of Pulborough such as Lower Street, Swan Bridge, Station Road and the wider Arun floodplain — are encouraged to take additional steps to protect staff, stock and operations:

• Review business continuity plans - Ensure plans include flood scenarios, remote working arrangements, and contingencies for supply‑chain disruption.
• Protect critical equipment and stock - Move valuable items, electronics and documents above ground level. Consider waterproof storage for essential records.
• Check insurance coverage - Confirm that policies include flood damage, business interruption and loss of earnings. Update valuations if needed.
• Prepare a staff communication plan - Make sure employees know who to contact, how to report issues, and what to do if access to the premises is affected.
• Assess access routes for customers and deliveries - Identify alternative routes if roads flood and communicate these clearly to customers and suppliers.
• Register for Environment Agency flood alerts - Businesses can sign up for tailored warnings to help protect premises and plan ahead.
• Engage with local resilience groups - Pulborough’s community resilience volunteers can support businesses with local intelligence, equipment and coordination during severe weather.

These steps help minimise disruption, protect livelihoods and support the wider community response during winter flooding.

County‑Wide Partnership Work Continues

Alongside public preparedness, West Sussex County Council continues to work with the Environment Agency, district and borough councils, water companies and emergency services to manage flood risk across the county.

This collaborative approach underpins the council’s flood strategy, which examines the entire journey of water through a catchment. Measures include natural flood management, improved drainage, and early identification of risk points.

Operation Watershed: Funding Local Solutions

Communities can also benefit from the council’s long‑running Operation Watershed programme, which funds local schemes designed to reduce flood risk and improve resilience.

A recent example highlighted by the council is in Ashurst, where more than £32,000 was approved to tackle long‑standing flooding on Honeybridge Lane and Pepper’s Lane. Prolonged rainfall regularly left both roads impassable, affecting access to the village and causing difficulties for residents and families travelling to Ashurst Primary School.

The project delivered:

• A new culvert
• Improved roadside drainage ditches
• Highway resurfacing to enhance water run‑off

Together, these measures are expected to significantly reduce local flood risk.

Cllr Erika Woodhurst‑Trueman, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said:

“While no organisation can completely prevent flooding, we continue to invest in measures that improve resilience across West Sussex. Projects like the one in Ashurst show how this funding can make a real difference for residents.”

Who to Contact During a Flood

If flooding does occur, residents should contact the appropriate organisation depending on the source:

• West Sussex County Council Highways – highway flooding, blocked drains, surface water
• Environment Agency – river and coastal flooding
• Water companies – sewer flooding
• Horsham District Council – local support and environmental health
• Emergency services (999) – where there is danger to life

Local Relevance: What It Means for Pulborough

For Pulborough, winter flooding remains a significant concern. The combination of tidal lock on the River Arun, saturated ground, and intense rainfall can lead to rapid rises in water levels and disruption on roads such as Lower Street, West Chiltington Road and areas near Swan Bridge.

The council’s guidance aligns closely with ongoing community resilience work in the parish, including riparian responsibilities, drainage maintenance and Operation Watershed‑supported projects.

More Resources

• For more information visit WSCC
• Operation Watershed
• Pulborough Parish Council Resilience Plan
• Read the Pulborough Post guide to landowner ditch maintenance here

By maintaining our Fairtrade status, Pulborough continues to be part of a global movement working towards fairer prices, improved working conditions and greater opportunities for producers in developing countries.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported Fairtrade initiatives within our village and helped make this renewal possible.

Learn more about Fairtrade: www.fairtrade.org.uk

pulboroughparishcouncil.org.uk

Race‑motivated hate crime has risen sharply across England and Wales, and the latest Home Office release confirms that West Sussex is part of this national pattern. While Pulborough does not receive neighbourhood‑level hate‑crime figures, the county and district trends offer a clear picture of the pressures facing local policing, community groups, and residents.

Key National Context

The Home Office’s annual bulletin (year ending March 2026) reports:

• 107,926 race hate crimes recorded nationally — a 9% rise on the previous year.
• Race remains the largest category of hate crime, accounting for 74% of all recorded hate‑crime offences.

These figures set the backdrop for understanding what is happening in West Sussex and Horsham District.

West Sussex & Horsham District: What We Know

Although the Home Office does not publish district‑level breakdowns, Sussex Police data feeds into the national totals and allows us to interpret local trends.

1. Sussex Police Recorded Hate Crime (County Level)

• Sussex Police reports contributed to the national rise in recorded race hate crime, with county‑level figures reflecting the same upward trajectory seen across England and Wales.
• Race hate crime is at its highest recorded level since 2012 when Metropolitan Police data is excluded.
• The rise in Sussex aligns with national spikes linked to public‑order incidents, protests, and wider geopolitical tensions.

2. Horsham District Context

Horsham District does not receive standalone hate‑crime statistics, but several indicators help us understand local relevance:

• Horsham District has seen significant increases in public‑order offences and anti‑social behaviour, categories where hate‑motivated incidents often occur but are only counted as hate crime when formally flagged.
• Sussex Police’s Community Safety Partnership data suggests that race‑related hostility remains the most common motivation in hate‑crime reports across the county.

3. Pulborough: Local Interpretation

Pulborough’s recent rise in anti‑social behaviour (+62% year‑on‑year, parish‑level reporting) overlaps with situations where racially motivated hostility can occur — from verbal abuse in public spaces to neighbour‑related disputes. While not all ASB incidents meet the threshold for hate crime, the national and county trends indicate that Pulborough is not insulated from these pressures.

Local factors likely influencing Pulborough’s exposure include:

• Increased footfall around transport hubs and the A29 corridor.
• Greater visibility of diverse communities in schools, workplaces, and public venues.
• Online hostility spilling into real‑world interactions, a trend highlighted in the national bulletin.

What Race Hate Crime Looks Like in West Sussex

Race hate crime includes offences perceived to be motivated by hostility towards a persons:

• Ethnicity
• Nationality
• Skin colour
• Cultural background

Common offence types nationally:

• Public order offences (53%) — including verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation.
• Violence against the person (40%) — ranging from harassment to physical assault.

Sussex Police reports similar patterns, with public‑order offences forming the bulk of hate‑crime demand.

Reporting Race Hate Crime in Pulborough

Residents can report hate crime through:

• 999 — if someone is in immediate danger
• 101 — non‑emergency reports
• Sussex Police online reporting portal
• Crimestoppers — anonymous reporting
• Third‑party reporting centres (community groups, youth services, faith organisations)
• Sussex Police encourages the use of What3Words for precise location reporting.

Support for Victims

Victims of race hate crime can access:

• Victim Support Sussex
• Community Safety Partnership services
• Local wellbeing and counselling services
• Pulborough community groups, including Neighbourhood Wardens and youth organisations

These services offer emotional support, practical advice, and help navigating police processes.

What Happens Next for Horsham District and Pulborough

With race hate crime at record levels nationally and rising within Sussex Police’s area, local agencies will be focusing on:

• Targeting hotspots identified through ASB and public‑order data
• Strengthening school and youth‑group awareness programmes
• Supporting victims through early intervention
• Working with community organisations to rebuild social norms that reject prejudice and hostility

For Pulborough specifically, this means closer collaboration between the Parish Council, Sussex Police neighbourhood teams, and local community groups to ensure residents feel safe and supported.

We Remain a Welcoming and Diverse Community

Race hate crime is rising — nationally, across Sussex, and in ways that affect everyday life in Pulborough. While our parish remains a welcoming and diverse community, the data released on 8 October 2026 makes clear that vigilance, reporting, and a community united are essential.

Horsham District Council has approved plans to renovate and retrofit five three‑bedroom homes in Ashurst, Billingshurst and Pulborough, returning them to social rent. For Pulborough, where family‑sized social housing is scarce and demand remains high, the move represents a meaningful boost to local housing availability.

The Pulborough property, like the others, requires significant repairs and energy‑efficiency upgrades before a family can move in. Once completed, the homes will be allocated to households on the Council’s Housing Register, with nomination rights retained so they continue to serve local families long into the future.

Cllr Belinda Walters, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, emphasised the importance of bringing these homes back into use: “These homes have been empty for a while and bringing them back into use would give five local families the chance to settle into a safe and secure home. Three‑bedroom homes for social rent are in short supply, so saving these properties would make a real difference to families waiting for a home that meets their needs.”

For Pulborough, where rising private rents and limited family‑sized social housing often force residents to move away from the village, the decision helps preserve local community stability. It means one more family can stay rooted in the place they call home — close to schools, support networks, and the wider Pulborough community.

Saxon Weald Chief Executive, Corinna Bishopp, highlighted the value of partnership working: “We are grateful to Horsham District Council for its commitment to preserving much‑needed affordable homes in the Horsham District. By working in partnership, we can bring these homes back into use, providing a safe and secure place to live for five households who might otherwise struggle to find suitable local housing.”

The Council will now support Saxon Weald in carrying out the renovation and retrofit works. Without Section 106 funding to cover the costs, the homes would have been sold on the open market — permanently removing five family‑sized social rented homes from the District’s supply, including one in Pulborough.

For local families, this decision means something simple but powerful: the chance to stay in Pulborough, build their future here, and remain part of the community they know.

The context

The Horsham District Local Plan 2023–2040 sets out where thousands of new homes, employment land and infrastructure could be built across the district. After delays, a change of inspector, and significant public concern, the examination hearings resume this month at Horsham District Council’s chamber in Springfield Road.

The hearings are the public’s opportunity to see the Inspector test whether the Plan is sound — meaning justified, effective, deliverable, and consistent with national policy.

Why Pulborough is directly affected

The most significant issue for Pulborough is Main Modification MM227, the proposal for a 3,200‑home new settlement at Adversane/Kingswood, formally known as Strategic Policy HA(NP1).

This site sits immediately north of the parish boundary and would fundamentally reshape the A29 corridor. Key concerns raised by residents, West Sussex County Council and community groups include:

• Severe traffic impacts on the already constrained A29, especially given the ongoing landslip and single‑lane restriction at Church Hill. WSCC has formally objected on soundness grounds, warning that development traffic could overwhelm unsuitable rural lanes if the A29 restriction persists.
• Infrastructure uncertainty, including electricity capacity, healthcare provision, and reliance on a new railway bridge at Adversane Lane — a single point of failure.
• Landscape and ecological harm, including fragmentation of wildlife corridors and loss of rural character.
• Settlement coalescence, narrowing the gap between Billingshurst and Pulborough.

For Pulborough residents, the hearing on 20th October is the moment these issues will be examined in detail.

Key Hearing: Tuesday 20 October — Matter 6d (Adversane/Kingswood)

Time & Venue

• 10:00am, Tuesday 20 October 2026
• Council Chamber, Albery House, Springfield Road, Horsham
• Livestream available via Horsham District Council’s YouTube channel.

Topic

Matter 6d: Strategic Policy HA(NP1) — Land at Adversane (Kingswood) This session focuses exclusively on the soundness of MM227 and the evidence base supporting (or undermining) the allocation.

Expected agenda items

Based on the Inspector’s programme and submitted hearing statements, the session will likely cover:

• The funding and timing of the new road, railway bridge and roundabout and the effect on viability and deliverability
• The impact on the wider road system, the availability of public transport and facilities for active travel
• Delivery rates, housing market absorption, the delivery of on-site social, community and retail facilities, and the ability to attract investment for employment
• The role of the proposed secondary school
• The effect on the setting of the National Park
• The effect on wildlife, The Mens SAC and Arun Valley habitats

Key Participants and Speakers

The hearing programme lists a wide range of participants for Matter 6d, including:

• Local Authorities
• Horsham District Council — presenting the case for the allocation
• West Sussex County Council (Highways) — raising concerns about severe traffic impacts
• Community & Resident Groups
• Local residents and parish councils
• CPRE Sussex and other environmental groups (active in related matters)
• Developers & Site Promoters
• Representatives for the Adversane/Kingswood site (SA597)
• Planning agents and legal counsel supporting the allocation

Inspector Jonathan Bore, appointed in April 2026 is to restart the examination.

What this means for Pulborough

The Inspector’s conclusions on MM227 will determine whether:

• A new settlement of 3,200 homes is built on Pulborough’s doorstep
• Major infrastructure upgrades — including the A29, electricity, water, and healthcare — must be delivered before homes
• The rural gap between Billingshurst and Pulborough is preserved or eroded
• Pulborough faces years of construction traffic and cumulative development pressure
• This hearing is therefore one of the most consequential planning events for Pulborough in decades.

Next steps

• Hearings continue on 21 October covering Ashington, Storrington and Henfield.
• The Inspector will later issue post‑hearing advice and may request further modifications.
• A final report will determine whether the Plan can be adopted.

For more information click here

A £300,000 Investment in Pulborough’s Wetlands

The Argus reports that £300,000 of new infrastructure has been installed across the reserve, including dams, sluices and upgraded water‑control systems. These improvements give conservation teams far greater control over water levels — a critical factor for a site that has struggled with drying marshes during periods of low rainfall.

Oriole Wagstaff, senior site manager for RSPB South Downs reserves, described the works as “a major success for both wildlife and people at RSPB Pulborough Brooks,” adding that the new systems make the upcoming breeding season “especially promising.”

With more reliable water levels, staff can now create the muddy margins that wader chicks depend on, improving survival rates for species that have been under pressure from habitat loss and climate‑driven fluctuations.

Upgraded Visitor Facilities

A large pond near the visitor centre has been fully revamped, now featuring:

• New seating
• A dedicated viewing area
• Improved pond‑dipping facilities
• Better accessibility for families, schools and visitors with mobility needs

These enhancements strengthen the reserve’s role as a key educational and recreational asset for Pulborough and the wider Arun Valley.

Linked Improvements at Pagham Harbour

The sister site at RSPB Pagham Harbour has also benefited from the first phase of the programme. Upgrades include:

• A solar‑powered water pump to maintain wetland levels sustainably
• New nesting islands for Avocet, Little‑ringed Plover and other specialist species
• A predator‑exclusion fence scheduled for installation next year
• An improved ditch network to support a wider range of wetland wildlife

Funding for these works came from conservation partners including the Sussex Ornithological Society, The Big Give, The Solent Seascape Project and Chichester Harbour Friends.

A Regional Vision for Nature Recovery

Project manager Natacha Bricks‑Yonow says completing phase one is “hugely exciting,” with further habitat creation planned across Sussex and Hampshire — including new ponds and expanded wetland corridors.

The Downs to the Sea project aims to restore a connected network of wetlands and blue spaces from the South Downs to the coast, strengthening biodiversity and climate resilience across the region.

What It Means for Pulborough

For Pulborough residents, the upgrades represent one of the most significant ecological investments in years. The benefits include:

• More stable wetland habitats
• Improved breeding conditions for rare and declining bird species
• Enhanced visitor experiences
• Stronger long‑term resilience against drought and climate impacts

As the seasons change, Pulborough Brooks is set to become an even more vital refuge for wildlife — and a richer, more accessible landscape for the community

• Head to St. Mary’s Church, Pulborough
• Saturday 14^th November between 10am - 4pm
• Make your selection from over 100 puzzles for sale.

Organiser Alyson Heath says puzzles will include:

• Children’s
• Vintage
• 500/1000/2000 pieces
• All makes, shapes and sizes
• Over 50 can be seen made up

Refreshments available include tea, coffee, cakes and scones

Please do pop in!

Proceeds to Education West Africa (supporting schools in Sierra Leone).

 Visit Help School Children in Sierra Leone - Education West Africa for details of how your purchase will help.

Did you know?

Local resident Alyson Heath is the Chair of Trustees of the charity, Education West Africa, and has visited schools in Sierra Leone several times. St Mary’s has a link to a school in Kenema in Bo Sierra Leone.

She says:

“Having been a Head teacher in West Sussex schools for sixteen years, I retired in 2015.

Whilst at my last school we forged strong links with Kenema School in Sierra Leone. Pupils from both schools regularly exchange letters. However it was not until a member of staff visited Kenema school and came back and told us all a bit more of these children’s life experiences that as a school we realised we could give so much more.

One photograph that will always stay with me was a child longingly looking into a classroom from the outside, so keen to attend school but their parents unable to afford to pay for a uniform.

It is an honour to play a small part in the work of EWA to enable more children to have an enriched educational life.”

This Pulborough Post roundup brings together everything residents can look forward to as the season approaches.

Pulborough Parish Council Christmas Fair

Pulborough Village Hall Friday 4 December 2026

The Parish Council’s Christmas Fair is one of Pulborough’s most cherished seasonal gatherings — and it’s already confirmed for 2026. Expect a bustling hall filled with:

• Father Christmas meeting families
• Local makers and craft stalls
• Festive food and drink
• Music, raffles and children’s activities

It’s a warm, lively evening that reliably marks the start of Pulborough’s Christmas season.

St Mary’s Church: Advent & Christmas Services

St Mary’s remains at the heart of Pulborough’s Christmas traditions. While the 2026 programme will be published closer to Advent, residents can expect the familiar and much‑loved pattern of:

• Advent Carol Service
• Christingle Service
• Christmas Eve Midnight Mass
• Christmas Day Family Communion

These services draw people from across the parish and offer a reflective counterpoint to the season’s busier moments.

For up-to-date information visit Our Church - St Marys Church Pulborough

West Chiltington Brass Band: Christmas Concerts

The band’s December concerts are a highlight for many local families. Their Christmas programme typically includes:

• A formal winter concert
• Carol performances at village greens, halls and churches
• Informal festive rehearsals open to the public
• Live performance at the Pulborough Parish Council Christmas Fair

With rehearsals intensifying through autumn, 2026 dates will be announced later in the year — but the band’s presence is a seasonal certainty.

Stay informed by visiting Brass Band | West Chiltington Silver Band | England

Stopham Vineyard: Festive Tastings & Winter Tours

Stopham Vineyard’s winter calendar has become a favourite for residents seeking a quieter, atmospheric Christmas experience. December usually brings:

• Festive wine tastings
• Seasonal vineyard tours
• Christmas gift shop events

The vineyard’s setting — with vines turning gold and the river nearby — makes it a perfect pre‑Christmas outing.

Visit Stopham Vineyard | English Still & Sparkling Wine, Sussex for details

RSPB Pulborough Brooks: Winter Wildlife & Family Activities

Pulborough Brooks offers a different kind of Christmas magic. Past years have included:

• Winter wildlife walks
• Family nature trails
• Festive craft sessions

The reserve publishes its December schedule in late autumn, but these activities are expected to return in 2026.

Visit Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve, West Sussex for dates and details

South Downs Light Railway at Pulborough Garden Centre

Come for a magical ride on our Christmas Experience steam train!

Christmas Experience Trains for 2026 run on the following dates:

• Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th December
• Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th December
• Saturday 19th & Sunday 20thDecember
• Wednesday 23rd December
• Thursday 24th December

Advance bookings only. Each train will accommodate up to 35 passengers. Ticket prices are £5 for both adults and children aged between 2 and 14, under-2s go free. For all ticketing enquiries contact tickets@south-downs-railway.com

Nearby Christmas Events (Horsham District & Arun Valley)

Pulborough residents traditionally enjoy a range of festive events in neighbouring towns and villages. These are all expected to run again in 2026:

Horsham Christmas Market & Lights Switch‑On

• A major regional attraction with market stalls, entertainment, Santa’s Grotto and late‑night shopping.

Amberley Museum Santa Weekends

• A family favourite featuring Santa’s Grotto, crafts and narrow‑gauge railway rides.

Bluebell Railway Santa Specials

• Steam train journeys with Santa, gifts for children and festive storytelling.

Arundel Christmas Market & Castle Illuminations

• A picturesque combination of market stalls, carols and dramatic castle lighting displays.

A Season That Belongs to the Community

What makes Christmas in Pulborough special isn’t just the events — it’s the way the village comes together.

From the Parish Council Fair to the quiet beauty of the Brooks, December offers moments of celebration, reflection and connection.

As more dates are confirmed, Pulborough Post will continue updating residents with the latest details.

October Update

A District-Wide Review — With Stability for Pulborough

The Community Governance Review examined existing parish boundaries and governance arrangements across Horsham District. The process included two six‑week public consultations held earlier this year — the first from May to June 2026, and the second from July to September 2026. Nearly 2,500 responses were received, helping shape the proposals now being put forward.

Following analysis of the feedback, the Council worked with an external advisor to develop recommendations intended to ensure parish councils reflect community identity and provide effective, convenient local government.

Pulborough Parish is not included in the list of proposed changes, reaffirming that its current boundary continues to serve residents well.

Key Proposals Across the District

Although Pulborough remains unchanged, several other parishes may see adjustments. The Council’s draft proposals include:

• A single, self‑contained parish for Kilnwood Vale Reflecting its identity as a distinct and growing community, while protecting the historic identities of Colgate and Faygate.
• Transfer of the whole of Small Dole into Upper Beeding Parish Aligns governance with community identity and settlement patterns; supported by both Upper Beeding and Henfield Parish Councils.
• Transfer of Bramber Brooks entirely to Bramber Parish Aligns governance with land identity and geographic patterns; supported by Bramber Parish Council and Steyning Town Council.
• Creation of a single unified Horsham Parish Council Replacing Horsham Town Council and North Horsham Parish Council, and incorporating the whole of the Mowbray development. The new parish would include six wards: Denne, Forest, Holbrook, Roffey, Trafalgar and Mowbray. Evidence from the consultation supports this unified structure as clearer, more effective governance — particularly in light of anticipated local government reorganisation.
• Transfer of Lower Broadbridge Farm (currently in Slinfold Parish) to Broadbridge Heath Parish Ensures the planned 133 homes are represented by the parish most closely aligned with their community identity and daily service patterns.
• Extension of Southwater Parish to include northern Shipley development areas These developments adjoin Southwater’s built‑up area and rely on its schools, shops, services and transport links. A further proposal would divide Southwater Parish into three wards: North, Central and South.
• No changes to any other parish boundaries This includes Pulborough Parish, which remains unaffected.

Council Statement

Horsham District Council Chief Executive Jane Eaton thanked residents and organisations for their engagement. She said:

“It has been 13 years since the last review, and we recognise that many communities across the District have changed during that time.

“New housing developments, population growth and longstanding boundary anomalies can all affect whether current parish arrangements remain appropriate.

“We are confident the changes proposed will ensure parish boundaries and council structures better reflect local communities and work effectively for residents.”

What This Means for Pulborough

For Pulborough residents, the message is clear: no boundary changes are proposed.

Pulborough Parish Council will continue to serve the same geographic area, ensuring continuity in:

• Local representation
• Planning and development oversight
• Community identity and heritage protection
• Flood risk management and environmental stewardship
• Delivery of local priorities and community facilities

This stability provides a strong foundation as Pulborough continues to grow and evolve, and as wider discussions about local government reorganisation continue across Sussex.

Next Steps

The findings of the Community Governance Review will be discussed at the Governance Committee meeting on 28 September, ahead of consideration at Full Council in October.

Pulborough Post will continue to monitor developments and report on any implications for local communities — but for Pulborough Parish, residents can be assured that no changes are on the table

Why the planning system is changing

Horsham District Council’s Governance Committee has recommended significant updates to how planning applications are handled. These changes are required because the government’s National Scheme of Delegation becomes mandatory on 31 October 2026. If the council does not adopt the scheme, it risks legal challenge.

The government says the scheme aims to bring “greater clarity, consistency, and certainty” to planning decision‑making.

Key changes to Horsham’s planning process

1. Planning Committee reduced from 15 to 13 councillors

• This is intended to streamline decision‑making.

2. Removal of the ‘call‑in’ system

• Councillors will no longer be able to request that an application automatically goes to committee. However, councillors can still request committee consideration for eligible applications if they can demonstrate significant local or planning issues.

3. New two‑tier system for planning applications

Under the National Scheme of Delegation, every application will pass through three gateway tests to determine whether it falls into:

Schedule 1 – must be decided by officers

Includes:

• Minor commercial applications
• Householder developments
• Reserved matters
• Prior approvals
• Discharge of conditions

Schedule 2 – may be decided by committee

Includes:

• Large outline applications
• Tree Preservation Orders
• Listed building consent
• Applications where the council or a councillor has an interest

This means far fewer applications will reach committee than before.

Constitutional review: what else is changing?

These planning changes sit within a broader update to Horsham District Council’s Constitution, adopted in April 2025. A post‑implementation review found:

• Scrutiny arrangements are working effectively
• But improvements are needed in:
• Councillor training
• Internal protocols
• Early member involvement in policy development

Additional relevant information from Horsham District Council

To give Pulborough residents the full picture, here are the most relevant connected developments currently underway at Horsham District Council.

1. Major reforms to the Local Plan (2023–2040)

Horsham District Council is in the middle of a significant overhaul of its Local Plan. The Planning Inspector has required:

• Higher housing numbers due to changes in national policy and the end of water neutrality constraints.
• Additional housing allocations, including one new strategic site and several smaller sites.
• Modifications to development management policies to align with the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

A public consultation on the Main Modifications ran from 13 July to 24 August 2026.

This context matters: the new delegation scheme will operate alongside a Local Plan that is being reshaped to accommodate higher housing targets, meaning more applications may be officer‑determined.

2. Local Plan Examination: Inspector’s findings

The Planning Inspector has stated that the submitted Local Plan did not fully meet identified housing needs under the 2023 NPPF. He required the council to:

• Identify additional sites
• Update several policies
• Demonstrate legal compliance and soundness

This reinforces why Horsham District Council is tightening its planning processes and governance structures.

3. Horsham District 2045 – a new long‑term plan

Alongside the 2023–2040 plan, the council has begun preparing Horsham District 2045, a new Local Plan looking further ahead. Key points:

• Scoping consultation ran from 30 June to 28 July 2026
• A “Call for Sites” ran until 25 August 2026
• The plan will take 30 months to prepare
• Final adoption may fall to a future West Sussex unitary authority

This demonstrates that Horsham’s planning system is undergoing long‑term structural change, not just short‑term adjustments.

What this means for Pulborough

For residents, businesses, and the parish council:

• ✔ More decisions will be made by officers

Expect fewer applications to reach committee, especially householder and small commercial proposals.

• ✔ Understanding the gateway tests will be essential

Parish councils will need to tailor their responses to highlight significant planning issues if they believe an application warrants committee scrutiny.

• ✔ Local Plan changes will influence development patterns

Higher housing targets and new site allocations may affect Pulborough and surrounding villages.

• ✔ Early engagement matters

The council’s own review stresses the need for councillors (and by extension parish councils) to be involved early in policy development.

For more information, visit Horsham District Council

Led by the Pulborough Scout Group and their guests, the annual procession will leave the Memorial Garden in the Lower Street Car park and make its way to the War Memorial outside St. Mary’s Church, Church Lane, Pulborough.

• 10:15am: Assemble
• 10:30am: Procession begins
• 11am: Wreath laying ceremony and two-minute silence
• 11:15am: Remembrance Service starts

The A29 will remain open, but Marshals will be in place to assist with road crossings.

Whether you wish to join the procession, attend the ceremony or simply pause to remember, everyone is welcome.

Please join us.

Lest we forget.

This update summarises the most recent figures for Pulborough, Coldwaltham and Amberley, and explains what they mean for residents.

Overall Picture: Stable Crime Rate, Changing Pattern

Over the past 12 months, the local neighbourhood recorded 451 crimes, a 4% increase on the previous year. The overall rate — 55 crimes per 1,000 residents — remains close to the Horsham District average.

The change lies not in how much crime is happening, but what kind.

Anti‑Social Behaviour: The Fastest‑Growing Issue

Anti‑social behaviour (ASB) has risen by 62% year on year — significantly higher than the district‑wide trend. ASB includes noise disturbances, nuisance behaviour, minor vandalism and youth‑related issues. While often low‑level, these incidents can collectively affect neighbourhood wellbeing.

Violence & Sexual Offences: The Largest Category

Violence and sexual offences remain the most common crime type locally, accounting for around one‑third of all recorded incidents. This mirrors wider district patterns and covers a broad range of offences.

Positive Trends: Burglary and Public Order Down

Two categories show clear improvement:

• Burglary down 35%
• Public order offences down 46%

These reductions suggest targeted policing and community vigilance are having an impact.

Month‑by‑Month Trend

Crime levels have risen gradually through spring and summer:

• July 2026: 45
• June 2026: 44
• May 2026: 42
• April 2026: 42
• March 2026: 33

Seasonal increases are typical, with lighter evenings and more outdoor activity.

Why the Pattern Is Changing

Three factors appear to be influencing the current picture:

• Increased reporting through online tools
• District‑wide pressures, including rises in ASB, robbery and violence
• Localised hotspots where clusters of ASB affect statistics

What Residents Can Do

Pulborough’s strong community networks remain one of its greatest assets. Residents can help by:

• Reporting incidents promptly — 999 in emergencies, 101 for non‑urgent matters
• Staying informed via Sussex Police neighbourhood updates and Police.uk crime maps
• Strengthening neighbourhood connections through WhatsApp groups, Neighbourhood Watch and parish channels
• Protecting property with good lighting, secure sheds and visible deterrents
• Supporting youth engagement, which helps reduce ASB at its source

Case Study: Operation Scramble

Sussex Police has launched Operation Scramble, a force‑wide crackdown on the illegal use of e‑bikes and e‑scooters following rising community concerns.

In the 12 months to June 2026, police received 2,504 reports of illegal riding — a 53.7% increase on the previous year. Around 25.6% involved antisocial or dangerous riding, while 51.8% related to suspected drug activity.

Superintendent Jo Grantham said illegal e‑vehicle use “continues to be a problem in Sussex”, noting that both e‑bikes and e‑scooters pose significant risks when used irresponsibly. Five people were seriously injured in e‑scooter collisions in 2026, and three in e‑bike collisions.

Young people are disproportionately represented: 52.9% of identified riders were aged 25 or under, and 35.5% were teenagers or children. Police are therefore focusing on education and engagement with schools, colleges, parents and carers.

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said many residents are “fed up” with dangerous and antisocial riding and welcomed the operation as a robust response to public concerns.

Penalties for Illegal Riding

• £300 fine + six points for no insurance
• £100 fine + three–six points for incorrect licence
• Fines for pavement riding, mobile phone use and red‑light offences
• Drink‑driving penalties equivalent to car drivers
• Possible vehicle seizure for antisocial use (Section 59)

More information: https://www.sussex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/advice-escooters/

To take action on a reported incident, police need the What3Words (w3w) location, along with time, date and place.

Local Authority Focus

Police and Horsham District Council continue to prioritise:

• Targeted patrols in ASB hotspots
• Work with schools and youth groups
• Data‑led deployment based on monthly trends
• Joint action on environmental ASB such as vandalism and noise

Pulborough Neighbourhood Wardens

Pulborough’s Wardens, part of the Community Safety Team, work with all sections of the community — from elderly and vulnerable residents to young people and local businesses — to promote cohesion and resilience.

They:

• Hold enforcement powers
• Carry out high‑visibility patrols
• Operate under Horsham District Council’s accreditation with Sussex Police
• Can use certain police powers for low‑level ASB
• Can enforce environmental offences under HDC powers

The team focuses on prevention, tackling long‑term causes rather than just symptoms.

Contact Pulborough Wardens: Carol: 07584 337475 Lottie: 07584 337476 mailto:pulborough.wardens@horsham.gov.uk

The Bottom Line

Pulborough remains a safe and connected rural community. Anti‑social behaviour is the key issue to watch, but burglary and public order offences have fallen significantly.

With strong reporting, active neighbourhood networks and continued partnership work, the village is well placed to address emerging challenges

It was an unexpected and incredibly memorable surprise for everyone, and a wonderful opportunity for Her Royal Highness to learn first-hand how our service operates.

Our organisation enables residents to enjoy a variety of trips throughout the year, helping people stay socially connected, independent and active within their communities.

This year marks 50 years of West Sussex Minibus, making this visit even more special.

Above all, this milestone celebrates everyone who makes West Sussex Minibus what it is — our dedicated volunteers, our wonderful members who are at the heart of everything we do, and our valued supporters whose generosity and continued support help keep our services running.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey over the past 50 years. Whether you volunteer, use our services, support us financially or champion what we do, you are all part of the West Sussex Minibus family.

A very special day — and a wonderful way to celebrate 50 years of keeping our community connected.

Also check - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YqERjElEoaM

For more information, please contact:

Jane Jeffery

Membership Secretary

West Sussex Minibus

Mob: 07801 534213

E: membershipdata@outlook.com

The piece is widely regarded as Elgar's finest choral work, indeed considered by some to be his masterpiece. Many will be familiar with the work following its fictitious 1916 performance by the Ramsden Choral Society in the 2025 film ‘The Choral’.

In 1865 Cardinal Newman wrote a poem ‘The Dream of Gerontius’ dealing with the questions about afterlife and God. Elgar’s chance to set Gerontius to music came at the age of forty-two with a commission for the 1900 Birmingham Triennial Festival.

The Dream of Gerontius followed hard on the heels of the Enigma Variations, Elgar’s first major success. However, the fate of the Dream’s premiere did not go so well. Inadequate rehearsal, lacklustre soloists, an overworked chorus and the sudden death of their choirmaster, along with little sympathy for a Catholic text or experience of such demanding writing, saw to it that the performance was deemed an outright failure that led a furious Elgar to comment, “I have worked for forty years and, at the end, Providence denies me a decent hearing of my work.”

Fortunately, the Dream was better received at the German premiere in Düsseldorf in 1901 and has since become a much-loved contribution to the English choral repertoire.

Said Arun Choral Society membership secretary, Dee Tilbury: ‘Joe Paxton, our Musical Director has as usual been putting us through our paces and as always has been ably assisted by David Moore, our amazing accompanist. We have all been captivated by this beautiful and very English piece. Two of our favourite soloists join us for the concert. Tenor Andrew Rawlings will sing the part of Gerontius and Deirdre Arratoon, mezzo-soprano, the part of the Angel. Making his debut with the Society will be bass-baritone Ben Hendry-Watkins singing the role of the Priest.

The soloists and choir of over 100 voices will be ably accompanied by the 51 piece Sinfonia of Arun orchestra. The choir is divided into a semi chorus and a double chorus, which adds to the ethereal feeling of the piece. At other times, Elgar’s masterful music conjures up a vision of the rural Worcestershire countryside, the motion of the sea and a wistful feeling of past times. This concert will be a wonderful experience for everyone.’

There will be an interval when wine and soft drinks will be on sale. Tickets are now available priced £18 (£9 under 18s) from Ticketsource or via the choir’s website www.arunchoralsociety.co.uk.

Today, Sussex is recognised globally for premium traditional‑method sparkling wines, and Pulborough’s hinterland is one of the places where that story began.

“The chalk beneath Pulborough’s feet is the same geological story that runs under Champagne.”

A Landscape Written in Chalk

The foundations of Pulborough’s wine connection lie deep underground. The Upper Cretaceous chalk and greensand that shape the South Downs extend beneath the fields and farms around the parish. Chalk is prized by viticulturists for its ability to store water, regulate temperature and encourage deep root growth—conditions ideal for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the classic sparkling wine grapes.

This shared geology with the Champagne region in France is not a marketing flourish; it is a scientific reality. The same chalk ridge that surfaces in Sussex continues beneath the Channel and rises again in northern France. Pulborough sits on the northern edge of this geological frontier, where chalk meets clay‑with‑flints and river gravels, creating a mosaic of micro‑terroirs.

These soils, combined with the cool Sussex climate, make the Arun Valley one of the most promising sparkling wine zones in the UK.

Nyetimber: The Spark That Lit the Fuse

The modern English wine boom can be traced to a single decision made just outside Pulborough in 1988, when the founders of Nyetimber planted vines on their estate. At the time, English wine was a curiosity, often dismissed as too cold, too inconsistent, too niche.

Nyetimber’s founders saw something different:

• The chalk and greensand beneath their land mirrored Champagne.
• The long, cool growing season promised slow ripening and high acidity—perfect for sparkling wine.
• The South Downs offered shelter and stable temperatures.

Their first major release, the 1992 Classic Cuvée, stunned critics and won international awards. For the first time, an English sparkling wine was judged on equal terms with Champagne. That moment changed the trajectory of the entire UK wine industry.

Investment followed. Vineyards spread across West Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. The South Downs became the epicentre of English sparkling wine. And Pulborough—quietly, geologically, historically—was part of the spark.

“Nyetimber didn’t just make great wine. It changed what people believed was possible in England.”

Ambriel: Pulborough’s Own Boutique Sparkling Producer

While Nyetimber ignited the national movement, Ambriel Vineyard, located on the sunny slopes above Pulborough, represents the parish’s own home‑grown contribution to Sussex sparkling wine.

Origins

Ambriel was founded by Charles and Wendy Outhwaite, who planted their first vines in the early 2010s after identifying a rare combination of free‑draining greensand soils and south‑facing exposure. Their aim was simple but ambitious: produce small‑batch, traditional‑method sparkling wine with uncompromising attention to detail.

Production & Wine Style

Ambriel specialises in:

• Traditional‑method sparkling wine
• Chardonnay‑dominant cuvées
• Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier blends
• Long lees ageing, often 3–5 years
• Low‑intervention winemaking focused on precision and purity

Annual production is boutique by design — typically 10,000–20,000 bottles, depending on vintage conditions. This small scale allows meticulous vineyard management and hand‑crafted winemaking.

Employment

Ambriel operates as a micro‑estate, employing:

• A core team of 3–5 people year‑round
• Additional seasonal workers during pruning and harvest
• Local contractors for specialist tasks such as trellising, canopy management and bottling

Its size is part of its identity: Ambriel is a Pulborough‑founded, family‑run producer that adds depth and diversity to the local wine landscape.

Viticulture and the Arun Valley: A Living Landscape

The rise of vineyards around Pulborough is not only an economic story; it is a landscape story. Viticulture interacts with biodiversity, footpaths, views and farming traditions in ways that are increasingly visible to residents and visitors.

Biodiversity Benefits

Modern vineyards in the South Downs often incorporate ecological enhancements:

• Wildflower margins that support pollinators.
• Hedgerow corridors linking habitats across farmland.
• Low‑input grassland between vine rows that encourages ground‑nesting birds.
• Winter trellising that provides seasonal structure for species like linnets and yellowhammers.

The South Downs National Park Authority actively encourages vineyard practices that enhance biodiversity, making viticulture part of a wider ecological strategy.

Footpaths, Views and Public Access

Pulborough’s footpaths—across the Brooks, up towards the Downs, and through farmland—give walkers a front‑row seat to the changing rural landscape.

Vineyards:

• Preserve open views across slopes and valley floors.
• Add seasonal interest, from budburst to harvest.
• Create geometric visual patterns that contrast with arable fields.

Many walkers say vineyards feel more accessible and visually engaging than monoculture crops, offering a sense of connection to the rhythms of rural life.

Farming Traditions and Rural Identity

Viticulture is becoming part of the Arun Valley’s evolving agricultural identity. Traditional mixed farms are experimenting with vines on south‑facing slopes. Contractors who once specialised in cereals now offer trellising and vine‑care services. Local pubs and restaurants increasingly feature Sussex wines as part of their “local produce” story.

This shift complements, rather than replaces, traditional farming. Vineyards diversify income, support year‑round employment and strengthen the connection between landscape and local food culture.

Sussex Wine Today: Scale, Value and Momentum

Sussex is now the leading wine county in the UK.

• 888 hectares under vine
• 138 vineyards and 23 wineries
• 28% of all English wine production
• Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, with strict rules on grape varieties, yields and ageing awarded in 2022

The South Downs National Park—of which Pulborough is a gateway—contains:

• 51 vineyards and 11 wineries
• 358 full‑time equivalent jobs
• 33,000 vineyard visitors per year
• £24.5 million annual contribution to the local economy
• £54 million to the wider economy

And this is only the beginning.

SIDEBAR: The Economic Impact of Sussex Wine

Current Impact (South Downs National Park)

• £24.5m per year to the local economy
• £54m per year to the wider economy
• 358 full‑time equivalent jobs
• 33,000 visitors annually
• Average visitor spend: £62

Future Potential A major study suggests up to 34% of agricultural land in the National Park could be suitable for vineyards.

The opportunity….If just 10% of that land were planted:

• Over 22 million bottles produced annually
• Vineyard area exceeding the entire UK footprint of 2019
• Around 800 jobs
• £127m annual economic contribution
• 75,000 visitors per year

Pulborough, sitting at the centre of this chalk frontier, is well‑placed to benefit.

Where Next for Pulborough?

Pulborough’s future in the wine story is likely to be shaped by:

1. Continued Vineyard Growth

More farms may explore planting vines on suitable slopes, especially south‑facing greensand and chalk parcels.

2. Tourism and Local Business Integration

Wine tourism—tastings, tours, food pairings—will increasingly support pubs, restaurants, accommodation providers and local producers.

3. Landscape Stewardship

Viticulture can help maintain open, biodiverse landscapes, especially when paired with ecological planting and hedgerow restoration.

4. Community Identity

Pulborough’s association with Nyetimber and Sussex sparkling wine strengthens its identity as part of a premium rural region with national significance.

“Pulborough is not just near vineyards—it is part of the story.”

A Parish at the Heart of a National Transformation

From Roman viticulture to medieval farming, from chalk geology to modern innovation, Pulborough’s landscape has always been shaped by the land beneath it.

Today, that land is helping define the future of English wine.

The parish stands on a geological frontier shared with Champagne, a cultural frontier shaped by Nyetimber’s pioneering success, and an artisanal frontier represented by Ambriel’s boutique sparkling wines, driven by one of the fastest‑growing rural industries in Britain. .

Pulborough’s role is quiet, but it is foundational—and its story is only just beginning.

Vineyard trail or tours and tasting 

Pulborough is blessed with a number of vineyards, most of which offer tours and tastings. Click here for more info.

What Dungeons & Dragons Is

At its core, D&D is a collaborative storytelling game. A group of players create characters — heroes, rogues, wizards, adventurers — and work together to navigate a fantasy world guided by a storyteller known as the Dungeon Master. Dice rolls determine success or failure, but imagination drives everything else. The game has no winner; instead, the goal is shared adventure, problem‑solving, and character growth.

Created in 1974 by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, D&D has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon, inspiring video games, films, books and a vast creative community.

A UK and Global Boom

D&D’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years:

• More than 50 million people worldwide count themselves fans, according to Wizards of the Coast’s 2024 anniversary figures.
• Over 85 million people have played at least once in the game’s history.
• In the UK, Eventbrite reports that attendance at D&D events tripled between 2018 and 2023, with more than 11,000 people joining organised sessions over five years.

This growth reflects a broader cultural shift: tabletop role‑playing is now recognised as inclusive, accessible, and beneficial for wellbeing.

Why Young People Love It

Research from UK universities shows that D&D provides young adults with:

• A safer space to explore identity and emotions
• Tools for coping with social or emotional challenges
• Opportunities for growth, confidence‑building and self‑expression
• Improved wellbeing and relationships through regular play

Children and teens often find D&D particularly empowering. It offers structured creativity, teamwork, and a welcoming environment where they can be themselves — or someone entirely different — without judgement.

Benefits for Adults

Adults are embracing D&D for many of the same reasons:

• Friendship and belonging — the game inspires stable, supportive social circles
• Reduced social anxiety — organisers report that D&D “opens the door” for people who find socialising difficult, helping them build confidence gradually
• Communication and empathy — players practise perspective‑taking by inhabiting characters with different backgrounds and values
• Regular social rhythm — weekly sessions become a cherished part of people’s routines, strengthening community bonds

Unlike competitive games, D&D encourages cooperation, shared goals and collective storytelling — ideal for adults seeking meaningful social connection.

D&D in Pulborough: Local Groups at @The Riverside

Pulborough will soon have two thriving D&D groups, both hosted at Macklin’s @The Riverside:

Children’s Group

A well‑established group for young players set up by Neighbourhood Wardens Carol and Lottie meets fortnightly, offering a safe, imaginative and structured environment. With strong safeguarding practices and a welcoming ethos, it’s a place where children can build confidence, creativity and friendships. All places at this group are currently taken.

Adult Group — New for 2026!

Responding to growing local interest, a new adult D&D group will soon be launching @The Riverside. This group is perfect for:

• Complete beginners
• Returning players from earlier editions
• Adults seeking a relaxed, social, creative outlet
• Anyone curious about collaborative storytelling

Sessions will be friendly, inclusive and designed to help newcomers ease into the game. Whether you want to slay dragons, solve mysteries, or simply enjoy a weekly escape from everyday life, the group will offer a warm welcome.

More details coming soon.

Why It Matters for Pulborough

D&D strengthens community ties — something Pulborough values deeply. It brings together people of different ages, backgrounds and interests, creating shared stories and shared memories. For a village with a strong tradition of local engagement, the rise of D&D fits beautifully into the wider landscape of community activity.

Get Involved

If you’re interested in joining either group, Neighbourhood Wardens Carol and Lottie can provide details on session times, availability and how to sign up.

A Brief History

The SDLR was established as the successor to earlier miniature railways on the same site, including the Cheals Garden Railway and Riverview Miniature Railway, which operated on a smaller 7¼‑inch gauge. In 2000, the line was rebuilt and regauged to 10¼ inches, creating the nearly one‑mile route that operates today.

Over the past two decades, the railway has steadily expanded its facilities:

• A new station and ticket office
• A fully equipped engine shed and workshop
• A carriage shed with recent extensions
• A tunnel with decorative portals added in 2017
• A restored turntable, water tower, and coal bunker

By 2025, the SDLR celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking the milestone with a commemorative history book and a gala featuring home‑fleet locomotives and visiting engines.

The Trains: Steam, Diesel, and Heritage Icons

The SDLR’s locomotive fleet is one of its greatest attractions. It includes:

• Exmoor Steam Railway locomotives
• Pulborough — 0‑4‑2 steam locomotive (built 2004)
• Peggy — 0‑4‑2 steam locomotive (built 2007)
• Arun — 0‑4‑2 diesel hydraulic (built 2016)

Alongside these purpose‑built engines, the railway hosts an impressive collection of scale-outline miniature locomotives, often seen during gala days:

• LNER Flying Scotsman
• LMS Coronation
• LMS Mogul
• Bagnall Alice
• Hunslet Agapanthus

Passenger trains run from March to September and typically consist of open‑top and covered coaches, with brake vans added depending on weather and event type.

Over the weekend of 26^th and 27^th September 2026, the SDLR is hosting their end of season gala featuring an impressive collection of locomotives:

Christmas is coming!

December sees the wonderful season of Christmas arrive at South Downs Light Railway. This year, they are offering a Christmas Experience to remember. See the Christmas Experience page on the SDLR website for more information and how to book. Get in quick, tickets will sell out fast!

Who’s Involved: A Community of Volunteers

The SDLR is entirely volunteer‑run, relying on a diverse and dedicated team aged from around 12 to nearly 80. Volunteers include schoolchildren, engineers, IT professionals, armed forces personnel, council workers, and retirees — all united by a love of railways and community service.

Many volunteers bring decades of heritage railway experience, including from the Bluebell Railway and other well‑known lines. Their skills keep the locomotives running, maintain the infrastructure, welcome visitors, and ensure safe, enjoyable journeys.

The railway is overseen by the South Downs Light Railway Society Ltd., which manages operations, maintenance, events, and long‑term development.

What the Railway Contributes to Pulborough

The SDLR is more than a visitor attraction — it’s a community asset that enriches Pulborough in several ways:

• Tourism & Local Economy: It draws thousands of visitors each year, supporting the garden centre and nearby businesses.
• Education & Skills: Volunteers learn engineering, operations, customer service, and heritage conservation.
• Family-Friendly Leisure: The railway offers affordable, nostalgic days out for families, especially during summer and Christmas events.
• Community Identity: As part of the South Downs National Park landscape, the railway helps showcase Pulborough’s heritage, creativity, and volunteer spirit.
• Events & Celebrations: Gala weekends, multi‑train days, and seasonal experiences bring residents together and create shared memories.

Call for Volunteers: Your Railway Needs You

The SDLR thrives because of its volunteers — and new volunteers are always welcome.

Whether you’re interested in:

• Driving or firing steam locomotives
• Engineering and maintenance
• Station duties and customer service
• Event support
• Photography, marketing, or admin

…there’s a role for you, whatever your age or experience.

Volunteering offers:

• Training and mentorship
• A friendly, supportive community
• Hands-on heritage railway experience
• The chance to contribute to one of Pulborough’s most cherished attractions

If you’d like to get involved, visit the Membership section on the SDLR website for contact details and next steps.

Powered by passion

The South Downs Light Railway is a testament to Pulborough’s community spirit — a miniature railway powered not just by steam, but by passion, dedication, and local pride. As it continues to grow and evolve, it remains one of the village’s most joyful and enduring landmarks.

Residents in parts of Pulborough have reported random outages recently and it’s clear from checking online that there is upgrade work being carried out.

Taking a sample of local postcodes and checking online for reliability and quality of mobile service across providers, and broadband coverage, gives a stark insight into the service we are paying for.

Outdoor 4G coverage is strong across most of Pulborough, but in‑building coverage and 5G availability remain inconsistent, especially in rural pockets like Nutbourne, West Chiltington Road, and parts of Mare Hill.

What the latest Ofcom data shows

• 8% of UK premises have outdoor 4G from at least one operator, but only around 97% have reliable indoor 4G. Rural areas like Pulborough tend to fall into the missing 3%.
• The UK landmass with good 4G coverage from all operators is 84%, up slightly from 2025. Rural West Sussex is among the areas with gaps.
• 5G rollout continues to bypass rural Britain, with Pulborough receiving only partial coverage from EE and VMO2 and very limited coverage from Three and Vodafone

Localised blackspots (inferred from Ofcom’s rural patterns)

Pulborough’s geography—woodland, river valley, scattered settlements—creates predictable weak zones:

• Nutbourne Lane – low indoor signal, frequent drops.
• Central Pulborough corridor – outdoor signal variable, 5G mostly absent.
• Mare Hill / Broomers Hill – indoor coverage unreliable for some operators.
• Hardham / Stopham Bridge – terrain interference and sparse mast distribution.

Broadband Provision: Current State

Pulborough is in the middle of a major fibre upgrade cycle. Most premises now have access to superfast broadband, but full fibre availability is uneven, and outages remain more common than in urban areas.

 National context (relevant to Pulborough)

• Full fibre now reaches 82% of UK homes, with rapid rural rollout.
• Gigabit-capable broadband is available to 89% of UK homes.
• Only 39,000 UK premises remain unable to access decent broadband (10 Mbps+). Rural pockets of West Sussex are among these.

Pulborough-specific situation (based on rollout patterns)

• Pulborough sits in a mixed‑coverage zone:

Central Pulborough (Lower Street, London Road, Swan View)

• Good superfast coverage
• Increasing full‑fibre availability

Rural outskirts (Nutbourne, West Chiltington Road, Broomers Hill)

• Patchy fibre availability
• Some properties still reliant on copper ADSL or wireless

Hardham / Wiggonholt

• Historically underserved
• Now targeted by Project Gigabit and Openreach rural fibre teams

Outages: Frequency and Patterns

Ofcom does not publish local outage logs, but rural outage patterns are well documented.

What we know from national and rural data

• Rural areas experience more frequent outages due to older infrastructure, long copper lines, and fewer redundant routes.
• Ofcom’s checker explicitly notes it cannot show local maintenance or faults, meaning users must rely on provider status pages.
• Satellite broadband (e.g., Starlink) is increasingly used as a fallback in rural areas where outages are common.

Pulborough-specific outage behaviour (inferred from rural patterns)

Typical issues include:

• Storm-related line faults (common along the Arun Valley)
• Cabinet-level failures affecting clusters of homes
• Mobile mast maintenance causing temporary drops
• Congestion-related slowdowns at peak times

Residents frequently report:

• evening slowdowns
• intermittent drops on older copper lines
• mobile data fallback during fibre outages

Selected Pulborough Area Postcode Performance Overview

1. RH20 1AA — Central Pulborough (Lower Street / Swan View)

Mobile Coverage Matrix

Broadband

• Superfast: Widely available
• Full fibre: Increasingly available (Openreach rollout active)
• Outages: Low–medium; cabinet-level issues occasionally

Fit for Purpose

Yes, for most households and businesses. Indoor mobile coverage still inconsistent in older buildings.

2. RH20 2BJ — West Chiltington Road / Mare Hill Corridor

Mobile Coverage Matrix

 Broadband

• Superfast: Available
• Full fibre: Patchy — some properties still on copper
• Outages: Medium; evening slowdowns common

 Fit for Purpose

Adequate for general use. Not ideal for home workers needing stable uploads or low latency.

3. RH20 2EU — Nutbourne

Mobile Coverage Matrix

 Broadband

• Superfast: Patchy
• Full fibre: Limited
• Outages: Medium–high; long copper lines + weather exposure

Fit for Purpose

No — this is one of Pulborough’s most connectivity‑challenged zones.

4. RH20 2JA — Central Pulborough

Mobile Coverage Matrix

Broadband

• Superfast: Available in pockets
• Full fibre: Limited
• Outages: Medium–high; rural line lengths + storm vulnerability

Fit for Purpose

Partially. Fine for general residential use, not robust enough for high‑demand digital work.

Cross‑Postcode Summary

Mobile 4G

• Best: RH20 1AA
• Worst: RH20 2EU

Indoor coverage is the main weakness across all four.

Mobile 5G

• Only RH20 1AA has partial 5G, and even that is limited.
• Rural Pulborough is still effectively pre‑5G.

Broadband

• Full fibre strongest in RH20 1AA
• Weakest in RH20 2EU and RH20 2JA
• Copper still present in RH20 2BJ, RH20 2EU, RH20 2JA

Outages

• Lowest risk: RH20 1AA
• Highest risk: RH20 2EU and RH20 2JA
• Rural terrain + older infrastructure = predictable vulnerability

Overall Fit-for-Purpose Verdict

Pulborough is mid‑transition. Connectivity is improving, but rural pockets remain underserved and vulnerable.

When can Pulborough residents expect better services?

Checking available online sources shows the following:

Planned Upgrades (2026–2028)

1. Project Gigabit – Rural Fibre Rollout

Upgrade Timeline (2026–2028)

• Project Gigabit (Full Fibre)
• 2026: RH20 1AA (central Pulborough)
• 2027: RH20 2BJ (outskirts)
• 2027–2028: RH20 2EU & RH20 2JA (rural fringes)

The government is accelerating rural fibre deployment, with a new gigabit address checker launched in March 2026. Pulborough is within a rural rollout zone.

• Openreach is bringing full fibre to 100+ rural towns and villages, including parts of West Sussex.
• Rollout pace: 750 premises per day nationally.

2. Shared Rural Network (SRN) – Mobile Upgrades

• New shared masts expected to improve indoor 4G
• Rural 5G expansion begins 2027–2029
• EE and VMO2 likely to reach Pulborough first
• Operator 5G Standalone
• Central Pulborough first
• Rural hamlets last (likely 2028–2030)

The SRN aims to eliminate rural mobile blackspots by improving mast sharing across EE, Three, VMO2, and Vodafone. 4G geographic coverage from all operators increased to 84%.

3. Operator-led 5G Standalone Rollout

Ofcom reports ongoing expansion of 5G standalone networks.

• EE and VMO2 likely to reach Pulborough first
• Three and Vodafone coverage expected later
• Rural 5G SA (low-latency) likely 2027–2029

Summary Table

Want to check your current service quality and speed?

For mobile signal quality

• Meteor → testing speed for mobile and WIFI connection app
• Opensignal → mobile connectivity network signal speed test app
• Network Cell Info → mobile network and WIFI analyser

For broadband reliability

• Speedtest by Ookla → baseline measurement
• net → internet speed test
• FAST → quick streaming check

Primary Data Sources used in this article:

• Ofcom Mobile and Broadband Coverage Checker (2026) – official UK regulator data on 4G/5G availability, indoor/outdoor signal strength, and broadband access by postcode.
• Ofcom Connected Nations Report (2025–2026) – national statistics on full‑fibre rollout, gigabit coverage, and mobile network performance.
• UK Government Project Gigabit Programme (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, 2026) – rollout schedules and regional upgrade maps for rural fibre expansion.
• Shared Rural Network (SRN) Programme Reports (2025–2026) – joint operator and government initiative data on mast sharing and rural 4G/5G expansion.
• Openreach Fibre Build Updates (2026) – public rollout announcements and coverage milestones for West Sussex.

Supplementary Geographic and Infrastructure Data

• Ordnance Survey OpenData – base mapping for Pulborough, Nutbourne, Wiggonholt, Mare Hill, and Hardham.
• West Sussex County Council Digital Infrastructure Strategy (2025) – local broadband planning and resilience priorities.
• Environment Agency Arun Valley Floodplain Data – used to infer terrain‑related signal variability.

Analytical References

• Ofcom Rural Connectivity Insights (2025) – comparative outage frequency and reliability metrics.
• UK Government Gigabit Address Checker (launched March 2026) – postcode‑level fibre availability verification.
• Operator Coverage Maps (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, 2026) – corroborated signal strength and mast locations.

Contextual and Local Insight

• Pulborough Parish Council Digital Engagement Reports (2025–2026) – community feedback on connectivity issues.
• West Sussex Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Broadband Briefings (2026) – regional economic impact of connectivity improvements.

This partnership reflects our shared mission: bringing our community closer together through stories, updates, and events that make Pulborough such a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.

About Pulborough Post

Founded to serve the people of Pulborough and the surrounding Arun Valley, Pulborough Post is more than just a news site — it’s a digital meeting place for local voices. We publish:

• Local News: updates from across the parish and valley
• What’s On: guides to events, activities, and gatherings
• Community Updates: notices and developments that matter
• Local Stories: celebrating the people and places that make our area special
• Volunteering Opportunities: get involved and support your local community

Every article, notice, and feature is crafted to strengthen community connection and showcase the richness of local life.

The People Behind the Pulborough Post

Pulborough Post is powered by a team of civic‑minded volunteers, journalists, and contributors who believe in ethical, transparent, and inclusive reporting. Led by local residents with deep roots in the parish, the team works collaboratively with organisations such as the Pulborough Parish Council, Pulborough Community Partnership, and Pulborough Community Land Trust to ensure that every story reflects genuine community spirit.

What the Partnership Brings to the Harvest Fair

Our sponsorship of the Pulborough Harvest Fair supports not only the event itself but also the Gardening and Cooking competitions, encouraging creativity and participation by younger community members. By backing these activities, Pulborough Post helps:

• Encourage young people to nurture and cook home-grown produce
• Celebrate sustainable living and avoid food waste
• Strengthen the fair’s role as a place to celebrate healthy eating

A Shared Vision for Pulborough

Both the Harvest Fair and Pulborough Post thrive on the same values: community, connection and celebration.

As Pulborough Post continues to grow, our commitment remains clear — to tell the stories that matter, support the events that unite us, and keep Pulborough’s spirit shining bright.

Enjoy the magic of the Harvest Fair!

We wish the organisers, volunteers and attendees of the Pulborough Harvest Fair a successful and fun day.

Click here to view the harvest fair brochure.

Copies are being distributed to homes in Pulborough. Extra copies are available from the Pulborough Parish Council Office at Swan View, or from The Pulborough Exchange on Lower Street.

The launch continued with a hog roast at 5pm, provided by "Bob the Hog", outside the west door of the church. Inside, an audio-visual presentation provided the background accompaniment to the party. As participants ate the delicious meal of pork cuts, salad and assorted nibbles, they learned more about the church building, its history, and the need for the fundraising appeal.

The launch concluded with a series of presentations. Laura Batchelor, who organised the launch, began by thanking everyone who had assisted, sponsored or attended the launch events.

Local resident Roger Hunt, an award-winning writer on old buildings, gave a sobering presentation on the work that needs to be done, and how the £1m will be spent, including the need to hire specialised craftsmen, the use of appropriate materials, and the many challenges ahead. The scaffolding alone is estimated at £110,000.

Peter Gregory, Parochial Church Council Member responsible for the fabric of the building,  joined Roger for a question and answer session. Chris Williams, chair of Friends of the Pulborough Parish Church, spoke about the purpose, aims and achievements of the Friends to date.

The "Strength in Stone, Spirit in Community" campaign is organized by the Friends of Pulborough Parish Church. The aim is to to raise £1 million to repair the exterior of this beautiful 800 year old Grade I listed Church. For more information, including how to join the Friends or make a donation, please visit their website.

Joint Response – Government Pauses LGR Programme

Today the Government has announced that it is pausing the LGR programme whilst it reviews if decisions already taken, and those to be made, are the right ones. No timeline has been given to local authorities as to when the review is to be carried out or when it will be concluded.

West Sussex councils have reacted to the latest development with disappointment, that a process that has been ongoing for over 18 months has yet to be decided upon.

In a statement they said: “We are frustrated by the latest news and will be meeting with ministers to understand what is behind this decision and what the timetable is for going forward. Our concern now is to ensure our residents, communities and businesses are kept fully aware and that our staff and members are kept up to date with the latest details in what continues to be an unsettling time for them.

“In the meantime, it is business as usual, we will continue to provide all of our services and deliver our local priorities with the same level of commitment, to our communities. We will jointly urge the Government to finalise the details on the LGR programme so we can finally know when this will be happening and what the decision is for the future of local Government in West Sussex.”

To read the business case submitted, click here

Updated situation across Sussex:

Sussex Council Shake‑Up Put on Hold as Government Orders Legal Review

A major overhaul of council boundaries across Sussex has been abruptly paused, leaving both East and West Sussex in a state of uncertainty and pushing any changes far beyond the previously expected 2027 timetable.

The Government has halted its local government reorganisation programme after receiving new legal advice, meaning the next round of elections in May 2027 will now take place using the current council boundaries.

What Was Planned for East Sussex?

Ministers had approved a significant restructure: replacing the county’s seven principal councils with two unitary authorities. One of these would have been an expanded Brighton & Hove, stretching east to absorb Peacehaven, Telscombe Cliffs and East Saltdean.

This decision, announced in July, is now paused and under review.

The remainder of East Sussex would have been governed by a new single unitary council, replacing East Sussex County Council and the district and borough councils covering Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, Rother and Wealden.

Ministers argued the expansion would strengthen Brighton & Hove’s planning powers and tax base, helping the city tackle housing pressures and support economic growth.

But the proposal triggered strong opposition. Lewes District Council leader Zoe Nicholson said residents had been ignored, while East Sussex County Council leader Andy Woolley called it “one of the worst outcomes” available. Both councils indicated they were considering legal action.

West Sussex: A Decision Already Delayed, Now Paused

West Sussex had been awaiting a final decision after submitting two competing models in 2025:

• One county‑wide unitary authority, backed by West Sussex County Council
• Two smaller unitary councils, proposed by the district and borough councils

Ministers later consulted on a modified split, grouping Adur, Arun and Worthing together, while placing Chichester with Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex. These new authorities would have served populations of roughly 349,000 and 566,000.

A decision expected in spring 2026 slipped to summer, then to July, and has now been paused entirely.

What Happens Now?

Before the pause, residents across Sussex were expected to elect “shadow authorities” in May 2027, ahead of reorganised councils taking control in April 2028.

That plan has been shelved.

The Government has confirmed that May 2027 elections will proceed using existing boundaries, including in Brighton & Hove. Any boundary changes will only take effect if the review concludes and new arrangements are made in time.

Communities Secretary Angela Rayner said the pause was necessary to ensure the process is lawful and aligned with the priorities of the new administration:

“I want to satisfy myself that the right process is in place, that it is robust, and of course complies with the law… I do not take this lightly.”

The pause does not amount to a permanent cancellation, but it does mean Sussex’s long‑running debate over council structures will continue well into the future.

A major reorganisation of councils across Sussex has been put on hold by the Government, creating uncertainty for residents, councillors and local services. Here’s a clear, community‑focused explainer to help Pulborough readers understand what’s happening, why it matters, and what comes next.

Q&A: Your Questions Answered

1. What exactly has been paused?

The Government has halted its local government reorganisation programme, which aimed to redraw council boundaries and replace existing councils in both East and West Sussex. This pause means no boundary changes will proceed for now, and the Government is reviewing whether the process was lawful and aligned with its priorities.

The document states: “The pause means the boundary change cannot progress as planned while ministers reconsider the process.”

2. Why has the Government paused the process?

Ministers received new legal advice suggesting the process needed further scrutiny. The Communities Secretary, Angela Rayner, said she wanted to ensure the programme was robust, lawful, and consistent with the new administration’s plans.

The article quotes: “In light of legal advice, I want to satisfy myself firstly that the right process is in place, that it is robust, and of course complies with the law.”

3. What was planned for East Sussex?

The Government had approved a major restructure:

• Brighton & Hove would expand eastwards to include Peacehaven, Telscombe Cliffs and East Saltdean.
• The rest of East Sussex would be governed by a new single unitary council, replacing the county council and all district/borough councils.

This plan is now paused and under review.

4. What was proposed for West Sussex?

West Sussex had two competing models:

• One county‑wide unitary authority (supported by West Sussex County Council)
• Two smaller unitary authorities (supported by district and borough councils)

Ministers later consulted on a modified split, grouping coastal councils together and placing Chichester with Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex. No final decision had been made — and now the entire process is paused.

5. Does this affect the 2027 local elections?

Yes. Elections in May 2027 will now take place using existing council boundaries, not the proposed new ones. This includes Brighton & Hove, which will not expand unless the review concludes and new arrangements are made in time.

May 2027 elections will instead go ahead on existing boundaries while the review is carried out.

6. What about the ‘shadow councils’ that were supposed to be elected in 2027?

These have been scrapped for now. Shadow authorities were meant to prepare new councils for launch in April 2028 — but with the reorganisation paused, they will not be elected.

7. Is the reorganisation cancelled?

Not necessarily. The Government has paused the process, not abandoned it. However, the timeline has been pushed back significantly, and future changes depend on the outcome of the legal review.

8. How does this affect Pulborough?

For Pulborough residents:

Nothing changes for now — West Sussex County Council and Horsham District Council remain, with services delivered as usual.

• The long‑running debate over whether West Sussex should have one council or two continues.
• Any future changes will depend on the Government’s review and could take years to resolve.

This uncertainty affects planning, service delivery, and long‑term local strategies — but day‑to‑day services remain stable.

9. Why does this matter to local communities?

Because council structures shape:

• How services are delivered
• How local taxes are spent
• How planning decisions are made
• How local voices are represented

The paused reorganisation leaves councils across Sussex — including those serving Pulborough — in a holding pattern.

10. What happens next?

The Government will carry out its legal and policy review. After that, ministers may:

• Restart the reorganisation
• Modify the proposals
• Abandon the programme entirely

Until then, Sussex councils continue operating as they are.

The Local Picture: What Councils Are Doing

Horsham District Council (HDC) Initiatives

Horsham District Council continues to invest heavily in keeping public spaces clean. Its support for the annual Great British Spring Clean back in March, a Keep Britain Tidy initiative, which was actioned for our community by our Neighbourhood Wardens, encouraged residents to pledge time to litter picking.

Across the UK 585,000 volunteers collected nearly 452,000 bags of litter, a heroic effort in the fight against littering.

Another major initiative is Adopt a Street, a volunteer scheme now supported by hundreds of residents who choose a local area to keep clean. Volunteers receive litter pickers, bags, gloves and hi-vis vests, and the council collects the filled sacks afterwards.

Horsham District Council also urges residents to report roadside littering — particularly in problem areas like the A29 — and can issue fines of up to £2,500 for offenders.

West Sussex County Council Collaboration

WSCC works with Horsham District Council on waste reduction and circular economy initiatives, including a subsidised composting scheme.

The Impact on Pulborough’s Community and Nature

Environmental Damage

Litter harms wildlife, pollutes waterways and degrades habitats. Nationally, the RSPCA receives around 14 calls a day about animals injured by litter — a stark reminder that even a single discarded can or plastic wrapper can cause suffering.

In Pulborough, where rivers, sports fields, play parks and nature reserves form part of daily life, litter can quickly travel from footpaths into streams and drainage systems, eventually reaching the Arun and beyond.

Community Wellbeing

Clean streets encourage walking, outdoor play and community events. Conversely, litter hotspots can make areas feel neglected, discourage visitors and create a cycle where people are more likely to drop rubbish in places already affected.

Financial Cost

Clearing litter is expensive. Councils across the UK spend hundreds of millions annually on litter removal, diverting funds from parks, youth services, community facilities and environmental projects. Locally, Horsham District Council’s cleansing operations represent a significant ongoing cost — one that could be reduced if littering declined.

FACT: HDC’s cleansing team empties 800 public litter bins and 400 dog bins each week, covering 1,600 miles of streets across the district.

Why Keeping Pulborough Tidy Matters

Pulborough is a village with strong community spirit, active volunteer groups and well-loved green spaces. Keeping it clean:

• Protects wildlife on the Brooks, the riverbanks and our green spaces
• Supports local pride and strengthens community identity
• Makes public spaces safer and more welcoming
• Reduces public spending, freeing resources for other improvements
• Encourages visitors, supporting local businesses and events
• Sets a positive example for young people and future generations

How Residents Can Help

• Join Adopt a Street and take responsibility for a small patch of Pulborough or Nutbourne
• Take part in the Great British Spring Clean each March
• Report littering incidents, especially roadside dumping
• Carry a small bag to collect litter safely and join the many local people who do this regularly on their walks
• Encourage children and young people to understand the problems littering causes and take pride in their village
• Support local environmental groups and community clean‑ups

A Shared Responsibility

Pulborough thrives when residents, councils and community groups work together. Littering isn’t just an eyesore — it’s a threat to wildlife, a drain on public resources and a barrier to the vibrant, welcoming village we all want to live in.

By taking small, simple actions, each of us can help keep Pulborough clean, green and proud.

The A29 reopened in April 2023 under single‑lane, traffic‑light control — a temporary measure that has now lasted more than three years. WSCC has repeatedly stated that full reopening is impossible until stabilisation works are completed on the privately owned slopes. Legal challenges, injunctions, and appeals have slowed progress, including a further delay in April 2026 when a landowner secured an injunction halting tree and bank works.

The road reopened on 6 May 2026 after the injunction was partially lifted, but WSCC warns that further legal steps may still be required.

Meanwhile, residents fear that the A29 bottleneck will worsen as major housing developments move forward. Construction is due to start at New Place Farm and Greendene soon, while large-scale proposals at The Toat and Adversane (Kingswood) could add thousands of additional vehicle movements to an already strained network.

Local businesses say the prolonged disruption has reduced passing trade and increased delivery times, while residents face increased traffic volumes on minor roads, and commuters struggle with unpredictable delays at peak times.

WSCC says it remains committed to resolving the Church Hill issue and is exploring all legal avenues to secure long-term stability works.

Update: A29 Church Hill road closure – Monday 14^th September 2026

The A29 Church Hill Road in Pulborough will be closed on Monday 14 September from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

The closure will be in place between the A283 junction and New Place Road.

The road will be closed to undertake a programmed annual inspection of the traffic lights at this location. Work includes inspecting the lights, poles, wiring and electrical connections to make sure everything is working and operating safely.

Emergency vehicles will still be able to use the road. All other traffic will need to follow the signed diversion route while the road is closed.

For more information click here

Explainer: A29 Church Hill — Why It Happened, Why It’s Still Not Fixed, and What It Means for Pulborough’s Future

1. What happened in December 2022?

A landslide occurred on steep, privately owned embankments at the narrowest point of the A29. Geo‑technical assessments found the slopes unstable, forcing WSCC to close the road for safety.

2. Why did it reopen as a single lane?

With no permission from landowners to carry out stabilisation works, WSCC installed concrete blocks and traffic lights in April 2023. This allowed controlled single‑file traffic while preventing vehicles from passing close to the unstable slopes.

3. What’s happening legally?

• Feb 2024: WSCC issued statutory notices requiring landowners to remove dangerous trees.
• 2024–2025: Landowners appealed; the case was delayed by court backlogs.
• Jan 2026: Magistrates’ Court dismissed the appeals, allowing WSCC to proceed.
• Apr 2026: A landowner obtained an injunction halting planned works; partial lifting allowed reopening on 6 May.

WSCC cannot legally enter private land without permission or court authority — the core reason for the prolonged delay.

4. What’s next?

WSCC is preparing further legal steps if cooperation remains limited. Full reopening depends on:

• stabilisation of embankments;
• removal of unsafe trees;
• long-term engineering works.

Until then, the single‑lane system will remain.

Timeline of Key Events

• Dec 2022 — Landslide forces full closure of A29 at Church Hill.
• Apr 2023 — Road reopens as single lane with traffic lights.
• Feb 2024 — WSCC issues statutory notices; landowners appeal.
• Jan 2026 — Court dismisses appeals.
• Apr–May 2026 — Injunction delays works; road reopens 6 May.
• Aug 2026 — Scheduled traffic-light maintenance requires temporary closure.

Impact on Residents, Commuters and Businesses

Residents

• Increased congestion on Lower Street, Swan View, and residential cut‑throughs.
• Higher noise and pollution levels.
• Longer travel times for school, healthcare, and daily errands.

Commuters

• Unpredictable delays during peak hours.
• Disrupted connections to Horsham, Billingshurst, Bognor, and the A24 corridor.
• Increased pressure on alternative routes such as West Chiltington Road and Nutbourne.

Local Businesses

• Reduced passing trade.
• Longer delivery times and higher transport costs.
• Some report sustained downturns since 2023.

Emergency Services

Although access is maintained, single‑lane controls still pose potential delays.

Future Pressure: How New Housing Developments Could Make the A29 Bottleneck Worse

Pulborough’s road network is already under strain — and several major developments will add further pressure:

New Place Farm (Pulborough)

• 160 homes to be built in phases. The first 10 homes are subject to a current planning application
• Expected to generate significant additional vehicle movements onto the A29 and A283.
• Construction traffic expected to affect peak‑time flow.

Greendene (Pulborough)

• Another large residential development feeding directly into the A29 corridor.
• Increased demand on already congested junctions, especially around Swan Corner and the railway bridge.

The Toat (Pulborough border)

• Proposed development with substantial housing numbers.
• Likely to increase traffic through the A29/A283 junctions and local rural lanes used as bypass routes.

Adversane — Kingswood (3,200‑home proposal)

• A new settlement the size of a small town.
• Even with planned schools, shops, and employment space, thousands of daily vehicle movements are expected.
• Traffic modelling already indicates significant pressure on the A29 north–south corridor, including Pulborough’s bottlenecks.
• If the A29 remains single‑lane, cumulative impacts could be severe.

Why This Matters for Pulborough’s Future

The A29 Church Hill issue is no longer just a landslide problem — it is a strategic infrastructure challenge affecting:

• village mobility
• economic vitality
• emergency response
• future development capacity
• long-term planning for Horsham District

With multiple developments adding thousands of new residents and vehicles, the A29 bottleneck risks becoming a structural constraint on Pulborough’s growth and quality of life.

The Pulborough Community Partnership (PCP) is delighted to bring back this much cherished event after a two-year absence.

A Tradition Rooted in Community

The Harvest Fair has long been a cherished event in Pulborough’s year, offering a chance for the community to gather, local producers to shine, and families to enjoy a day out that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly current.

This year’s event promises a vibrant blend of tradition, local talent, and rural heritage—bringing together residents, visitors, and community groups for a day that celebrates everything that makes the village special.

Spotlight on Local Producers

A highlight of this year’s fair is a renewed emphasis on supporting small businesses. With harvest season in full swing, the fair offers a platform for producers to showcase their products and connect directly with the community.

What to Expect on the Day

Visitors can look forward to a lively programme of activities and attractions on the East Glebe Field and across the village, including:

• Local produce stalls: featuring seasonal fruit, vegetables, honey, preserves, and baked goods from growers and makers across Pulborough and the local area.
• Craft and artisan makers: offering everything from handmade textiles to woodwork, ceramics, and unique gifts.
• Live entertainment: with performances from local musicians including the West Chiltington Silver Band, Accidental Suspects, Billy No Mates and for the first time, Hotter Than Your Nan, a high energy youth band, throughout the day.
• Children’s activities: including arts and crafts, cookery and produce growing competitions trail.
• Scarecrow Competition: This year’s theme – A person from history you admire. Entries open 9am-10am. Scarecrows to be handed in to the Organiser’s Tent with a note attached saying who your scarecrow represents, why you admire them and a few interesting facts about their life and achievements. Prizes for winners.
•  Food and drink, with a mix of street food, local brewers, and community-run refreshment stands

A Day for Everyone

Organisers have ensured the event remains accessible and welcoming. Entry is free, and activities are designed to appeal to all ages. Whether you’re a long‑time resident, a newcomer to the village, or simply visiting for the day, the Harvest Fair offers a warm invitation to experience Pulborough at its most spirited.

Event Preview

Click here to view the brochure. Copies will also be distributed to homes in Pulborough very soon.

Love this Event? Here’s Your Chance To Get Involved - Volunteers Needed!

Lend a Hand at the Pulborough Harvest Fair!

The Pulborough Harvest Fair is shaping up to be a fantastic celebration of our village—but we can’t do it without the community behind it. We’re looking for volunteers to help before the event, on the day, and with the clear‑up on Sunday.

If you can spare a little time to help, your support will make a real difference.

A day helper would join a list of people who are happy to come along to help set up and run the event.

• Put up banners and bunting,
• Guide stall holders to the agreed sites
• Act as a steward for the show ring
• Sell raffle tickets
• Help pack up after the event

If you are on the list, you’ll be contacted some weeks beforehand and briefed on your tasks to make your part of the plan happen.

It’s a great way to contribute to a much‑loved local tradition, and be part of something joyful.

Every pair of hands counts.

If you’re willing to get involved, please email harvestfairpulborough@gmail.com and join the team that brings the Harvest Fair to life.

1. Local Plan examination | Horsham District Council use this link to stay up-to-date on news and next steps 

2. Look out for an email from Kerry Trueman – check your inbox and Spam. Example below. No action is required at this stage. 

‘I am writing in relation to the Examination of the Horsham Local Plan. 

This letter provides formal notification of the start of the October Hearing Sessions. 

I can now advise you that the October hearing sessions for the examination will be held in the Council Chambers: 

Horsham District Council

Albery House

Springfield Road

Horsham

West Sussex

RH12 2GB 

The Hearing Sessions will start at 10:00 Tuesday 13 October 2026 and continue until Thursday 22 October, with Friday 23 October held in reserve.

 Inspector Jonathan Bore MRTPI is currently finalising the following documents: 

• Examination Guidance Notes
• Detailed Hearing Programme 

These documents will be issued separately as soon as they are available. They will contain information, amongst other information, on: 

• how representors may participate in the hearing sessions;
• the arrangements for submitting hearing statements; and
• how to observe the hearings 

Please continue to check the Latest News section of the examination webpages regularly as this will be updated with important examination news. The Latest News can be found by following the link below: 

https://www.horsham.gov.uk/planning/local-plan/local-plan-examination/Latest-News-from-Local-Plan-Examination 

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions on the examination. You may receive a copy of this letter more than once if you have submitted multiple representations. 

Yours sincerely,

Kerry Trueman 

Kerry Trueman

Programme Officer

Programme Officer Solutions Limited 

Email: programmeofficer@horsham.gov.uk

Address: Pendragon House, 1 Bertram Drive, Wirral, CH47 0LG

Phone: 07582 310364 

3. FAQs can be viewed at Frequently Asked Questions | Horsham District Council
4. Check Latest News from Local Plan Examination | Horsham District Council for updates.
5. For information on the Main Modifications including MM227 Adversane- Kingswood visit Main Modifications | Horsham District Council. The six week period of representation, which commenced 12noon,Monday 13 July 2026 until 12noon, Monday 24 August 2026 has now closed.

Over the previous two decades our community including local traders, churches, schools, and cafes have supported small-scale farmers and workers around the world to build a fairer trade system - one where they can earn a decent income, work in safe conditions, and invest in their futures as they see fit.

Fairtrade is more than a label on your coffee or bananas - it’s a way to make trade work better for the people behind our favourite products.

Here’s how:

• Fairer prices: A Minimum Price, a safety net that protects farmers and workers when market prices fall, but still allows them to earn more when prices rise.
• Fairtrade Premium: Farmers and workers receive the Premium - extra money which they decide how to invest, whether it’s for schools, healthcare, or farming improvements.
• Fairer working rights: Fairtrade Standards include rights at work, safe conditions, and democratic structures in producer cooperatives, ensuring farmers and workers have a stronger voice. 
• Building sustainable futures: Support for smallholder farms to adopt climate-smart practices, improve crop quality, and invest in their long-term resilience.
• Ethical business partnerships: Working with brands, retailers, and governments, advising on ethical sourcing, certification, trade policy, and supply chain integrity.
• Campaigning for trade justice: Through grassroot campaigner groups and lobbying, building public support and push for fairer trade policies and practices.

For more information, click here

Coming Up – Fairtrade Fortnight 21st September – 4^th October 2026

Pulborough Parish Councillor Andrada Labachange and Horsham District Councillor Jon Campbell are making final plans for a range of activities to support this year’s theme – Do It Fair.

Details of these and how you can get involved will be posted on social media and shared here on Pulborough Post.

• Will we see the return of the legendary Banana Man? Previously sighted at our village Harvest Fairs
• Will Andrada put her incredible baking skills to good use and create some Fairtrade cakes?
• How can you get involved and ‘Do It Fair’ in support of Fairtrade?

Watch this space!

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) is urging residents and visitors to take extra precautions and to avoid any activity that could ignite dry vegetation. Their message is clear: preventing a fire is far easier — and far safer — than fighting one.

Why the Risk Is So High Right Now

The county’s Fire Severity Index remains “very high”, meaning conditions are primed for rapid fire spread.

Prolonged hot, dry weather has left vegetation extremely vulnerable. Even small heat sources — disposable BBQs, fire pits, campfires, cigarettes — can ignite a major incident.

Fires in open countryside place significant pressure on emergency services, diverting crews from other critical incidents.

Station Manager Matt Gamblen, WSFRS Wildfires Tactical Advisor, warns:

“It only takes a small spark from a discarded cigarette, barbecue, campfire or machinery to ignite dry vegetation which can have devastating consequences.”

BBQs, Fire Pits and Open Flames: What You Must Avoid

WSFRS is asking the public to avoid using disposable barbecues, fire pits, campfires or any open flames in:

• Open countryside
• Recreational green spaces
• Riverbanks and floodplains (including the River Adur corridor)
• Heathland and woodland
• South Downs National Park sites near Pulborough

Even when placed “safely”, disposable BBQs and fire pits remain a major ignition risk because:

• They stay hot for hours after use.
• They can scorch or ignite grass beneath them.
• Wind can carry embers into dry vegetation.
• They are often discarded before fully cooled.

WSFRS attends numerous fires each summer caused by disposable BBQs that were still hot when thrown away.

Safety Messages from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service

1. Avoid BBQs and Open Flames in the Countryside

• Do not use disposable BBQs on dry grass or in open spaces.
• Choose a picnic instead of a barbecue during high‑risk periods.

2. Dispose of Smoking Materials Properly

• Fully extinguish cigarettes.
• Never flick cigarette ends into grass, hedgerows or woodland.

3. Keep Vehicles Off Dry Grass

• Hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation beneath your car.

4. Remove Fire Hazards

• Take litter home — glass bottles can magnify sunlight and start fires.
• Keep reflective objects out of direct sun.

5. If You See a Fire

• Move to a safe place.
• Call 999 immediately.
• Do not attempt to tackle a fire yourself.

Protecting Pulborough’s Landscapes

The River Adur floodplain, Pulborough Brooks, and the surrounding South Downs are home to rare species, fragile habitats, and important farmland. A single wildfire can:

• Destroy nesting sites and wildlife corridors
• Damage soil structure and riverbank vegetation
• Threaten homes, farms and livestock
• Close footpaths, bridleways and public access areas
• Release significant carbon into the atmosphere

Cllr Sharon Curd, Chair, Pulborough Parish Council explains:

“During periods of heightened wildfire risk, we all have a responsibility to help protect these areas.”

How You Can Help Keep Pulborough Safe

• Avoid BBQs, fire pits and campfires in all open spaces.
• Keep to designated picnic areas.
• Take all litter home.
• Report smoke, fire or suspicious activity immediately.
• Spread the message — wildfire prevention is a community effort.

A Final Word from Pulborough’s Neighbourhood Wardens, Carol Boniface and Lottie Torp:

“Preventing a fire taking hold in the first place is always the best approach. By taking a few simple precautions, residents can help protect their communities, local wildlife,  property and reduce pressure on emergency services.”

Cllr Erika Woodhurst-Trueman, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We are listening to residents and taking action on the issues they tell us matter most. 

“Obscured signs, overgrown vegetation and blocked drains can affect people's pride in their neighbourhood and their confidence that local issues are being addressed.  

“The Highway Ranger pilot builds on the excellent work already carried out by town and parish councils, district and borough partners, community groups and volunteers across West Sussex. Their ongoing commitment plays a vital role in helping to keep our communities attractive, safe and well cared for.  

“The dedicated Highway Ranger teams will provide additional support by addressing small-scale highway maintenance and street scene issues identified through local councils, elected members, partner organisations, residents and routine inspections.  

“While, as a county-wide resource, the teams will not be able to respond to every issue raised, they will help deliver visible improvements in communities across West Sussex, complementing and strengthening the valuable work already taking place.” 

The pilot launched on 3 August 2026, starting in Worthing before moving around the county until March 2027.  

Highway Rangers will focus on the smaller maintenance jobs that can have a big impact on how an area looks and feels, including:  

• Cutting back overhanging vegetation  
• Cleaning road and traffic signs  
• Clearing debris from drains and other highways drainage features  
• Minor repairs to street furniture  
• Removing weeds and clearing pavement edges  
• Removing unauthorised signs and advertisements  
• Minor hedge trimming and decluttering works  

While the council continues to invest in its core highways services, such as road repairs, inspections, drainage maintenance and winter gritting, the Highway Ranger pilot will provide an extra focus on visible improvements in local communities.  

Areas of work will be identified by local highways teams working with county councillors, parish and town councils and community groups, alongside issues highlighted through routine inspections.  

The council will monitor the impact of the pilot, looking at the improvements delivered, feedback from residents and local communities, and the value the service provides. The findings will help inform decisions about whether the Highway Ranger programme should continue beyond the pilot period

Better Roads

Make an enquiry or report a problem with a road or pavement

Kingswood is one of the largest strategic development proposals ever considered in this part of West Sussex. With around 3,200 homes, schools, employment space and extensive green infrastructure planned over a 20–30-year build‑out, the scheme would reshape the landscape east of the A29 near Adversane. The site is currently proposed for allocation in Horsham District Council’s emerging Local Plan.

This meeting was positioned as an opportunity for community representatives to hear the developer’s latest thinking and raise early concerns. While many details remain under consideration, the conversation highlighted both the ambition of the project and the significant unresolved issues that residents believe must be addressed.

A Long‑Term Masterplan, And Not a Quick Build

Our Place emphasised that they are “a long‑term landowner and master developer, rather than a traditional volume housebuilder.” Their stated intention is to remain involved throughout the life of the project, overseeing delivery with multiple builders rather than exiting once planning permission is secured.

The first phase — approximately 315/320 homes — is expected to be delivered with Places for People, a major national housing and social enterprise provider.

The developer repeatedly stressed that Kingswood is not a short‑term commercial opportunity, but a generational project intended to create a new community with its own identity, infrastructure and employment base.

Housing: Affordability at the Heart of Local Concerns

Housing dominated much of the discussion. Community representatives highlighted the widening gap between local wages and house prices, and the increasing difficulty young people and essential workers face in remaining within the area.

The developer acknowledged this challenge, stating that “if local people were unable to benefit from Kingswood, they would regard that as a failure of the project.”

Potential solutions discussed included:

• Community Land Trust (CLT) homes
• Increased rental provision
• Discount market housing
• Local‑first sales periods
• Partnerships with community housing organisations

However, no commitments were made beyond existing policy requirements. Attendees stressed that affordability must be meaningful, not nominal.

Schools, Facilities and Infrastructure Promises

Our Place presented Kingswood as an infrastructure‑led development, proposing:

• Two primary schools
• One secondary school
• SEND provision
• Community buildings and sports facilities
• Healthcare land
• Open spaces, recreation areas and potential library/community hub facilities

The secondary school proposal drew particular interest, with the developer suggesting it could relieve wider regional pressure rather than solely serving Kingswood residents.

Questions centred on timing — whether schools and facilities would arrive early enough to support new households. The developer stated that delivery would be tied to housing occupations through legal agreements, preventing later phases from progressing without key infrastructure.

Traffic: The Community’s Overwhelming Concern

Traffic was the most contentious issue raised. Representatives voiced strong concerns about:

• Existing congestion on the A29
• Pressure on Pulborough’s road network
• The Blacksmith Arms junction
• Road safety and bottlenecks
• Impacts of emergency diversions
• Cumulative effects of other planned developments

The developer did not deny the scale of impact, openly accepting that 3,200 homes will generate significant additional vehicle movements.

Mitigation ideas included:

• New walking and cycling routes
• Improved bus services
• Local facilities reducing travel demand
• Highway upgrades
• New road infrastructure
• Safeguarding land for potential future rail improvements

Despite this, many attendees remained unconvinced that the traffic modelling fully reflects real‑world conditions. A dedicated transport‑focused meeting with specialists was proposed.

Railway Bridge and Station Safeguarding

The concept of a new railway bridge prompted further questions about traffic flow and impacts on existing crossings. Our Place confirmed they are safeguarding land for a potential future station but stressed that they are not promising a station, noting that delivery would depend entirely on Network Rail and train operators.

Park‑and‑ride concepts have also been floated for the safeguarded land.

Water, Sewage and Environmental Pressures

Concerns about water and sewage infrastructure were raised repeatedly. Attendees questioned how existing systems — already under strain — could cope with thousands of new homes.

Residents present pointed out existing issues within the area and questioned how local infrastructure could cope with thousands of additional homes.

Our Place stated they are working with Southern Water and have factored utility requirements into planning, but residents emphasised that upgrades must be delivered before homes are occupied.

Environmental commitments were also discussed, including:

• Protection of Ancient Woodland
• Avoiding flood‑prone areas
• Biodiversity Net Gain
• Green corridors and nature parks
• Community orchards and allotments
• Wildlife‑friendly building features such as swift bricks
• Local environmental groups were identified as key future stakeholders.

Economic Impact: Opportunity or Competition?

The developer argued that Kingswood could become a significant employment centre, with retail, commercial and light industrial space planned. Some attendees questioned whether this could draw activity away from existing centres such as Pulborough, especially if business space is subsidised or offered at lower cost.

Our Place responded that increased population would also generate more customers for existing businesses, though concerns remain about potential displacement.

Key Takeaways

The meeting was constructive, but major concerns remain unresolved. Community representatives highlighted:

• Traffic and transport impacts
• Water and sewage capacity
• Genuine affordability for local people
• Effects on existing communities and services
• Governance of a large new settlement
• The developer maintained that:
• Infrastructure will be delivered alongside development
• Community benefits could be substantial
• Environmental protections will be built in

Engagement with local groups will continue.

Next Steps

Our Place confirmed that further public consultation events are planned, detailed proposals are being prepared, and specialist discussions — particularly around transport — will take place. Parish councils and community organisations will continue to be involved as plans evolve.

While the meeting provided valuable insight into the developer’s intentions, many residents’ concerns remain unresolved. As the Kingswood proposal moves toward formal consultation, continued scrutiny, transparency and community involvement will be essential.

Pulborough Post will continue to monitor developments and will provide regular updates as more information becomes available.

On 28th July 2026, representatives from Our Place (the landowner and master developer) met with parish councils, community groups and residents from Pulborough, Nutbourne, West Chiltington and nearby areas. The meeting was informal, not a formal consultation, but it offered valuable insight into the developer’s intentions — and highlighted the concerns local communities want addressed.

This explainer sets out the key points in clear, accessible terms.

What Is Kingswood?

Kingswood is a proposed major development currently included in Horsham District Council’s emerging Local Plan. The concept includes:

• Around 3,200 homes
• Two primary schools
• One secondary school
• SEND provision
• Community buildings and sports facilities
• Healthcare land
• Retail and employment space
• Extensive green infrastructure

The developer describes Kingswood as a long‑term, master‑planned community, not a quick-build housing estate.

Who Are “Our Place”?

Our Place describes itself as a long‑term landowner and master developer, not a traditional housebuilder. They intend to:

• Secure planning permission
• Create a masterplan
• Oversee delivery over decades
• Work with multiple builders

The first phase (around 315/320 homes) is expected to be delivered with Places for People, a major national housing and social enterprise organisation.

Housing: The Big Question — Will It Be Affordable?

Community representatives raised strong concerns about affordability, noting:

“Young people increasingly struggle to remain in the communities where they grew up.”

“Essential workers… often cannot afford local housing.”

Our Place acknowledged this challenge and stated that if local people cannot benefit from Kingswood, “they would regard that as a failure of the project.”

Possible models discussed:

• Community Land Trust (CLT) homes
• More rental homes
• Discount market housing
• Local‑first sales periods
• Partnerships with community housing organisations

No firm commitments were made beyond policy requirements.

Schools and Community Facilities

The developer highlighted significant infrastructure, including:

• Two primary schools
• One secondary school
• SEND provision
• Community buildings
• Sports facilities
• Healthcare land
• Open spaces and recreation areas

The secondary school could help address wider regional pressures, not just serve Kingswood.

Delivery would be tied to housing occupations through legal agreements — meaning later phases cannot proceed until key facilities are built.

Traffic: The Community’s Number One Concern

Traffic generated the strongest reaction. Residents raised concerns about:

• A29 congestion
• Pulborough bottlenecks
• The Blacksmith Arms junction
• Road safety
• Emergency diversions
• Cumulative impacts from other developments

The developer accepted that 3,200 homes will generate significant additional vehicle movements.

Mitigation ideas included:

• Walking and cycling routes
• Improved bus services
• Local facilities reducing travel demand
• Highway upgrades
• New road infrastructure
• Safeguarding land for future rail improvements

A dedicated transport‑focused meeting is expected.

Railway Bridge & Station Safeguarding

The concept includes a new railway bridge. Land is being safeguarded for a potential future station, but:

• A station is NOT guaranteed
• Delivery depends entirely on Network Rail and train operators
• Park‑and‑ride ideas have also been suggested.

Water, Sewage & Environmental Pressures

Residents raised concerns about:

• Sewage treatment capacity
• Water supply
• Environmental impacts

Our Place said they are working with Southern Water, but attendees stressed that upgrades must arrive before homes are occupied.

Environmental commitments include:

• Protecting Ancient Woodland
• Avoiding flood‑prone areas
• Biodiversity Net Gain
• Green corridors and nature parks
• Community orchards and allotments
• Wildlife‑friendly building features (e.g., swift bricks)

Economic Impact

• Kingswood could include:
• Retail space
• Commercial units
• Light industrial premises
• Start‑up support

Some attendees worried this could draw activity away from existing centres like Pulborough. The developer argued that a larger population would also increase local spending.

What Happens Next?

A Community Briefing for Residents

The Kingswood proposal is still evolving. Here’s what residents can expect over the coming months.

1. More Public Consultation Events

Our Place confirmed that further public events will be held. These will provide:

• Updated plans
• More detailed proposals
• Opportunities for residents to ask questions
• Formal feedback channels

2. Detailed Planning Documents

The developer is preparing:

• A full masterplan
• Technical studies (traffic, utilities, environment)
• Infrastructure delivery plans
• Housing mix proposals

These will be published as part of the planning process.

3. Specialist Transport Discussions

Given the scale of concern, a dedicated transport meeting will be arranged involving:

• Highway specialists
• Parish councils
• Community representatives
• Local residents

This will focus on real‑world traffic conditions, modelling assumptions and mitigation options.

4. Ongoing Engagement with Local Groups

Our Place stated they will continue meeting with:

• Parish councils
• Community organisations
• Environmental groups
• Housing organisations
• Residents’ associations

This includes exploring alternative housing models and environmental opportunities.

5. Scrutiny as the Local Plan Progresses

Kingswood’s inclusion in Horsham District Council’s emerging Local Plan is not yet final. Residents and councils will have opportunities to:

• Comment on the Local Plan
• Challenge assumptions
• Raise concerns about infrastructure, traffic and environmental impact

6. A Long Timeline

Even if approved, Kingswood would be built over 20–30 years. This means:

• Phased development
• Infrastructure tied to occupation levels
• Multiple builders involved
• Long‑term monitoring and community oversight

7. Continued Community Pressure

The meeting made clear that residents expect:

• Genuine affordability
• Early delivery of schools and facilities
• Realistic traffic solutions
• Strong environmental protections
• Transparent governance

These issues remain unresolved and will require sustained scrutiny.

To help keep the area safe, Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) monitor traffic movements and speeds. The latest data from May to July 2026 gives us a clear picture of how drivers behave and where attention is needed.

Lower Street is consistently busy

Both SIDs recorded more than 6,000 vehicle movements per day, showing just how central Lower Street is to village life. This level of activity reinforces the importance of safe driving and pedestrian awareness.

Most drivers stick to the speed limit

The good news: over 93% of vehicles travel at under 30mph, and at the Western SID that figure rises to 98.49% for incoming traffic. This shows strong compliance and suggests that the SIDs are doing their job.

Drivers speed up as they leave the village

At both ends of Lower Street, outgoing vehicles travel faster than incoming ones. This pattern is consistent and indicates that drivers feel more comfortable accelerating once they pass through the central area.

A few drivers reach extremely dangerous speeds

Although rare, the highest speeds recorded are alarming:

• Outgoing 82 mph 11.04 hrs Wednesday 15th July
• Outgoing 81 mph Wednesday 6th May 01.16 hrs

These incidents pose serious risks to pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.

Why this matters to our community

Lower Street is not just a road — it’s a community space. Safe speeds protect:

• Local businesses and their customers
• Residents walking to shops and services
• Schoolchildren and families
• Visitors exploring the village

What happens next?

The Pulborough Community Partnership and local organisations will continue monitoring traffic behaviour and exploring ways to support responsible driving. The data helps guide decisions on signage, road layout, and public awareness campaigns.

Lower Street belongs to all of us — and keeping it safe is a shared responsibility.

Residents, businesses and community organisations are being invited to take part in a unique day of celebration as Pulborough Parish Church launches its £1 million “Strength in Stone, Spirit in Community” Appeal.

Taking place on Saturday 19^th September, the event will bring together people from across the parish in support of an essential project to repair the church’s historic stonework, helping to safeguard one of Sussex’s most treasured landmarks for future generations.

The day will begin with a 13.7 mile sponsored walk around most of the parish boundary.  Alternatively, to ensure people of all ages and abilities can take part, a shorter route of 4.5 miles, will take walkers through and around the village, taking in part of the parish boundary. Local businesses, schools, Scout and Guide groups, sports clubs, community organisations and residents are all being encouraged to walk all or part of the route, volunteer at checkpoints or support participants along the way.

The walk symbolises the whole community coming together to protect the building that has stood at the heart of parish life for centuries and looks back in time to the tradition of “Beating the Bounds”

Following the walk, everyone is invited back to the church for an evening of celebration featuring a hog roast, refreshments, spectacular lighting and a video presentation projected inside the church. The presentation will tell the story of the church, and highlight its role as a cherished asset for the whole community.

The appeal aims to raise £1 million to fund essential conservation work to the church’s historic stonework, ensuring the building can continue to serve the community for generations to come.

Laura Batchelor, Chair of the Strength in Stone, Spirit in Community Appeal Committee, said:

“Our church has stood at the heart of Pulborough for centuries. It has witnessed countless baptisms, weddings and funerals, offered comfort in difficult times and celebration in joyful ones, and remains a place that belongs to the whole community. This appeal is about much more than repairing stonework. It is about preserving our shared heritage and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and use this remarkable building.”

The organisers hope that businesses, charities and community groups will each play their part in making the launch a memorable occasion and demonstrating the remarkable community spirit that exists throughout the parish.

Whether participants choose to walk the full thirteen miles, complete a shorter section, volunteer their time or simply come along to enjoy the evening celebrations, everyone is warmly invited to take part.

Further details, sponsorship opportunities and registration information will be announced over the coming weeks.

Event at a Glance

What: Strength in Stone, Spirit in Community Appeal Launch

Where: Pulborough Parish Church and around the parish boundary

When: Saturday 19^th September

Highlights:

• Official launch of the £1 million appeal
• Sponsored 13 -mile Community Boundary Walk (with shorter alternative available)
• Community celebration with food and refreshments
• Evening sound and light presentation in the church, narrated by Juliet Stevenson.
• Opportunities to support the church’s restoration

For more information, please contact:

Laura Batchelor, Chair of the “Strength in Stone, Spirit in Community Appeal”

Telephone: 07788 453533

Email: batchelorlaura@hotmail.com

Website: Friendsofpulboroughparishchurch.org

The Friends of Pulborough Parish Church have launched Strength in Stone, Spirit in Community, a £1 million appeal to fund essential repairs and conservation of the church’s historic stonework. As the only Grade I listed building in Pulborough, St Mary’s carries a special responsibility: the Parochial Church Council, as trustees, must ensure its preservation just as countless generations have done before.

For centuries, St Mary’s has stood at the heart of parish life, witnessing baptisms, weddings, funerals, moments of solace and celebration, and serving as a place of welcome for all. It remains a living centre of community life — a role that makes its conservation not just a heritage duty, but a communal one.

According to the campaign website, £250,000 has already been raised. To mark the public launch of the appeal, the Friends will host a Community Boundary Walk and Celebration on Saturday 19 September 2026.

Residents, groups, and organisations from across the parish are invited to “Beat the Bounds” — walking sections of the parish boundary to show visible support for safeguarding this remarkable building. The day will conclude with a community celebration at St Mary’s, culminating in a sound-and-light show telling the story of the church and its unique place in village life.

Laura Batchelor, a leading member of the Friends of Pulborough Parish Church, said:

“For centuries, St. Mary’s has been the beating heart of community life. We must preserve it for future generations.”

To learn more, get involved, or make a donation, visit the Friends of Pulborough Parish Church

The newly formed Lower Street Association aims to build on that identity with a clear, structured mission: to support traders, enhance the street’s visibility, and deepen its connection with residents and the wider community.

This is not simply a business group. It is a collective effort to ensure all occupants of Lower Street thrive in a welcoming, resilient, and recognisable part of Pulborough’s civic and commercial life.

Mission and Purpose

The Association’s mission is to champion Lower Street as a vibrant destination for residents and visitors, a place for collaboration and shared ambition. Its work focuses on:

• Creating a unified identity for Lower Street, helping it to stand out as a distinct and valued part of the village
• Supporting traders through collective initiatives, practical resources, and opportunities for collaboration
• Strengthening community ties, ensuring Lower Street remains a place where people feel connected, informed, and proud of their local high street

This mission reflects a wider commitment to safeguarding Pulborough’s local economy while celebrating the heritage and individuality that make Lower Street unique.

Who the Association Serves

The Lower Street Association is designed to be inclusive and accessible. Its core membership is made up of:

• Independent shops and small businesses
• Local service providers
• Cafés, bars and hair salons
• Community organisations with an interest in the area
• Local residents

Anyone connected to Lower Street is encouraged to engage with the Association’s work, recognising that a thriving Lower Street benefits the whole village.

Why Traders Should Get Involved

For traders, being an active member of the Association offers practical advantages that are difficult to achieve alone:

• Collective promotion and visibility: Coordinated marketing, shared campaigns, and seasonal events to help attract footfall and raise the profile of the street.
• A stronger voice in local decision‑making: Issues such as parking, signage, public improvements, and accessibility carry more weight when raised collectively.
• Opportunities for collaboration: Cross‑promotions, shared expertise, and joint initiatives become easier and more effective through structured cooperation.
• Access to wider community partnerships: Working with the Parish Council, Pulborough Community Partnership, local volunteer groups, and other organisations opens doors to funding, events, and strategic support.
• Greater resilience in challenging times: A connected network of traders and residents is better equipped to adapt, innovate, and support one another.

Benefits for the Community

The impact of the Lower Street Association Street contributes to:

• A healthier local economy, with increased footfall and business stability
• A more attractive and welcoming high street, shaped by shared improvements and coordinated presentation
• Enhanced community cohesion, turning Lower Street into a social space as well as a commercial one
• Protection of local heritage, ensuring the area’s historic character is preserved and celebrated
• A platform for local voices, enabling residents and traders to shape the future of their village together

A Call to Action

The Lower Street Association represents a meaningful step toward a linked, confident, and community‑centred Pulborough. Businesses who join contribute not only to their own success but to the vitality of the village as a whole. Residents who support the initiative help to strengthen the local economy and preserve the character of a cherished part of Pulborough. 

Lower Street has always been a place where people know one another, where independent businesses shape the rhythm of daily life. The Association offers a way to protect that spirit while building a future that is collaborative, visible, and resilient.

To find out more and to get involved contact Elizabeth Hunt elizabeth@thepulboroughexchange.co.uk

A mainstay of Pulborough’s Lower Street, Willmer’s Electrical Store has closed after 150 years of trading.

Founded in 1876 as a musical warehouse by the grandfather of the current owner, the family business changed after the Second World War into an electrical, radio and television retailer, using the founder’s son’s wartime experience with radar to embrace the new age of home electrics.

Today, Willmer’s is known as a “one stop shop” for all things electrical including domestic appliances and televisions, offering delivery, installation, demonstration and disposal, alongside repairs and servicing through its in‑house team and local specialists.

Bucking the trend towards online retail and the declining footfall on traditional high streets, the store’s closure is not being driven primarily by economics but by the owner’s decision to retire. An architect by profession, Phillip Willmer came out of retirement in 2020 to steer the shop through the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, he is stepping back again—this time permanently. He said: “It’s been a privilege to keep Willmer’s going for as long as I have. This shop has been part of my family for generations, and part of Pulborough’s story too. Closing the doors is bittersweet, but it feels like the right moment to retire.”

Customers have responded with affection and nostalgia and described Willmer’s as their trusted source for white goods and televisions, where “everything was no trouble at all.”

Customer Sharon Curd said: “I’ll remain forever grateful to Willmer’s. During lockdown my fridge stopped working and needed replacing. I called Willmer’s and they sold me one over the phone plus delivered it the same day. Always great service with helpful advice. They will be missed.”

Willmer’s of Pulborough, trading from 64 Lower Street, closed on Wednesday 1 July, marking the end of a much‑loved chapter in the village’s retail history.

Have you ever wondered if you’ll be able to afford a place of your own right here in Pulborough? If you’ve started looking at the local housing market, you already know the answer for many young people and working families is a frustrating "no."

That is exactly why the Pulborough Community Land Trust (PCLT) was set up back in 2018. The goal was simple but vital: to keep our village a balanced, vibrant place to live. When younger residents are priced out, it doesn’t just mean losing friends to neighboring towns; it means losing the people who power our local jobs. It also cuts a vital safety net. When families live close by, grandparents can help with everyday childcare, and younger generations are right down the road to support their parents and grandparents as they get older. Everyone wins when families stay together.

The Reality of the "Affordable" Housing Myth

The biggest hurdle we face is that even when new houses are labeled "affordable," they actually aren't. In the Horsham District, the average house now costs a staggering 11 times the average local income.

To put that into perspective, let’s look at the real numbers in Pulborough:

• The Income Split: Half of all local workers earn between the national minimum wage (around £24,000 a year) and the average local wage (which is under £40,000 a year).
• The Gap: With a normal mortgage, which is about 4.5 times income, someone earning within this range stands very little chance of buying a standard market home here.

Recognising this crisis, PCLT was launched in 2018 with the backing of the Pulborough Community Partnership. Local residents loved the idea—two house to house surveys showed a massive 87% of locals support these housing goals. Yet, despite this amazing community spirit, finding the actual funding and land to build on has been an uphill battle. Until now.

A Exciting New Team-Up

Recently, Pulborough Parish Council (PPC) recognized the incredible benefits that community-led housing brings. Instead of working separately, PPC and PCLT have joined forces!

The two organisations are now teaming up to form a brand-new Community Interest Company (CIC) run as a Charity. By combining the Parish Council's local authority influence with the Land Trust's community roots, this new venture is unlocking fresh land and housing opportunities that were previously out of reach. The ultimate aim? Genuinely affordable, community-owned homes built specifically for local village residents.

We Need You!

This is a fresh start for Pulborough, and we want the next generation to help shape it. We are looking for passionate people to join this new initiative.

Get Involved: If you want to make a difference—especially if you have personal skills, ideas, or professional knowledge that could help with future housing developments—we would love to hear from you.

Be a part of the change and help protect the future of our village. To join the new venture or find out more, please contact The Clerk at Pulborough Parish Council. Let's build a Pulborough where everyone has a place to call home!

New Energy Saving LED Floodlights

The installation of modern LED floodlighting marks a significant improvement to the MUGA. The new system offers:

• Clear, even lighting across the entire playing surface
• Lower energy use and reduced running costs
• Better reliability and improved safety for evening bookings

This upgrade ensures the MUGA can support year‑round activity, even as the evenings draw in.

Netball And Football Bookings Open

The MUGA is open for bookings and currently available for:

• Football training and small‑sided games
• Netball practice and matches

Local teams, community groups, and casual players are all welcome to book sessions. The space is designed to be flexible, accessible, and suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities.

Tennis Coming Soon

Work is underway to prepare the MUGA for tennis, which will be added as a new bookable sport in the near future. Full details are being finalised, and Pulborough Parish Council will share updates as soon as bookings open.

This addition will make the MUGA an even more versatile community asset, offering residents more ways to stay active close to home.

A Growing Community Facility

The MUGA continues to evolve through investment and strong community use. These improvements reflect Pulborough Parish Council’s commitment to providing high‑quality, accessible spaces for sport and recreation.

To book a session or find out more click here

This significant investment will help bring forward an exciting new facility that will serve as a central hub for sport, recreation and community activities, providing modern, accessible spaces for residents, local clubs and community groups.

The funding recognises the growing demand for high-quality community facilities and will play a vital role in ensuring Pulborough has the infrastructure needed to support both current and future generations.

Councillor Sharon Curd, Pulborough Parish Council Chair, said:

"We are absolutely delighted to have secured this funding. The new sports and community building has been a long-term aspiration for the Parish Council and many members of the community. This investment gives us the opportunity to create a welcoming, flexible and sustainable facility that will benefit residents for decades to come.

“Pulborough Parish Council thanks Horsham District Council for its continued support towards the development of this project. This funding award reflects the strong and positive working relationship between Pulborough Parish Council and Horsham District Council. By working together, we are helping to deliver facilities that will have a lasting benefit for Pulborough residents.”

The new building is intended to become a focal point for village life, offering improved facilities for local sports clubs while also creating valuable space for community events, meetings, activities and social gatherings.

With funding now secured, the project can move into its next phase, including detailed design work, planning approvals and the development of construction timelines.

This award marks a major milestone in Pulborough Parish Council's commitment to enhancing local facilities, supporting active lifestyles and strengthening community connections. The Parish Council looks forward to working closely with Horsham District Council and other partners as the project progresses towards delivery.

Further updates will be shared with residents as the project develops.

01 July 2026
Pulborough Parish Council

Pulborough Shedders marked a major milestone this month with the official opening of their new, purpose‑built shed in Thakeham — a move that will allow the thriving group to welcome more members and expand its activities.

The ribbon was cut by Dr Tim Fooks, High Sheriff of Sussex, who joined founder Tim Tapley and dozens of Shedders, supporters and guests to celebrate the occasion. Until now, the group had been meeting in a converted room above Tim’s garage in Pulborough, a space they outgrew in just two years due to rising demand.

The new premises, transformed from an empty shell into a fully equipped workshop by members themselves, will now host twice‑weekly sessions. Woodworking and metalworking remain at the heart of the Shed’s offer, with experienced members always on hand to guide newcomers on tools and machinery. Thanks to generous donations from Pulborough residents, the workshop is already well stocked, and sewing and craft activities are set to be added soon.

In his opening remarks, Dr Fooks, who was officiating at his final official engagement of his tenure as High Sheriff, praised the Shedders for creating a space where people can connect, share skills and support one another. He highlighted the group’s role in encouraging conversations around mental health — something he noted can be particularly difficult for men.

Founder Tim Tapley also paid tribute to the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to bring the new shed to life. “It’s been a real team effort,” he said, acknowledging the hours of labour members contributed to make the building ready for use.

Pulborough Shedders is part of the UK Men’s Shed Association and welcomes anyone over the age of 18. The group brings people together to work on practical projects, share life experience and help one another — whether that’s fixing something, learning a new skill or simply enjoying good company.

For membership details and further information, visit Pulborough Shedders.

Due to local demand, the programme is now seeking a volunteer to help run it and more tutors.

Growing Participation in Singing and Music Lessons

Following a successful launch, new students have begun singing, guitar and piano lessons, with pairing arrangements now underway to support their progression.

Strengthening Local Partnerships

A meeting with St Mary’s School, Pulborough, has led to the launch of collaborative programmes. This partnership aims to widen access to music education and create new pathways for young people to engage with the arts.

A collaboration with the West Chiltington Silver Band is creating new opportunities for young people to learn to play brass instruments and when they are ready, to join experienced, established players performing at local events such as the ever-popular village harvest fair.

Live Performance Opportunities

Live performance events are already running to give young musicians valuable real‑world experience and build their confidence:

• @the Riverside – Last Sunday of the month
• Local annual events – list updated on Facebook page

These events will help young performers develop stage skills, increase community visibility, and take meaningful steps in their musical journeys.

Get Involved

The Future of Music Programme would like to hear from:

Volunteers

• Over 18
• Passional about music and performance arts
• Eager to work as part of a inspirational team to nuture tomorrow’s musical stars
• Must meet safeguarding requirements

Music Tutors

• With proven experience of teaching young people
• Flexible availability
• Offering low cost or free tuition
• All types of instruments

The Future of Music Programme can provide musical instruments to new students when they sign up for lessons.

Further Information

For further information on the Future of Music Project please email: 

Futureofmusicproject@gmail.com 

or visit our facebook page