Help Is Out There

Pulborough residents struggling with rising winter fuel bills this winter have access to a range of national and local support schemes, according to updated guidance from West Sussex County Council and Citizens Advice.

1. Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel Payment, worth £100–£300, is available to people born on or before 27 June 1960, with most eligible residents receiving the payment automatically in November or December.

The Department for Work and Pensions warns residents to be alert to scams, as fraudsters have been sending fake texts and emails asking people to “apply” for the payment. Genuine payments never require bank details to be submitted by text or email.

What You Can Get and How to Apply

Winter Fuel Payment (£100–£300)

• Who gets it: People born on or before 27 June 1960.
• How it works: Paid automatically to most eligible residents in Nov–Dec. Important: If your individual income is over £35,000, HMRC will reclaim the payment via tax.
• Beware of scams: You never need to apply via text or email.
• More information: Winter Fuel Payment – GOV.UK

2. Warm Home Discount

Low‑income households may also qualify for the Warm Home Discount, which provides a £150 credit on electricity bills. Most eligible households receive this automatically, and residents can check their eligibility using the government’s online tool.

Warm Home Discount (£150 electricity bill credit)

• Who gets it: Pension Credit recipients. Some low‑income households (based on government criteria)
• How it works: Usually applied automatically by your supplier.
• More information: Warm Home Discount Scheme: Overview - GOV.UK

3. Cold Weather Payments

Those receiving certain means‑tested benefits—including Pension Credit, Universal Credit, income‑related ESA or JSA—may also receive Cold Weather Payments, issued in £25 instalments for each week of sub‑zero temperatures.

Cold Weather Payments (£25 per qualifying week)

• Who gets it: Residents receiving certain means‑tested benefits.
• Trigger: Temperature at or below 0°C for 7 consecutive days.
• More information: – Cold Weather Payments - GOV.UK

4. Crisis And Resilience Fund

Locally, West Sussex County Council has confirmed that the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which replaced the Household Support Fund earlier this year, is now providing emergency payments to low‑income households facing sudden financial shocks, including difficulty paying heating bills.

Eligibility is assessed individually, and support may include crisis payments or referrals to specialist energy‑advice services.

Crisis and Resilience Fund (West Sussex County Council)

What it provides:

• Emergency crisis payments
• Support with heating oil and energy costs
• Referrals to budgeting, debt, and energy‑efficiency services

Who qualifies:

• Low‑income households (assessed individually).
• More information: Crisis and Resilience Fund - WSCC

5. Citizens Advice West Sussex

Citizens Advice West Sussex continues to offer practical help, including fuel vouchers, energy‑debt advice, and support applying for national schemes. Residents are encouraged to contact their energy supplier directly, as many suppliers offer hardship grants, debt write‑offs, or payment‑matching schemes.

Citizens Advice West Sussex

Support available:

• Fuel vouchers
• Energy‑debt advice
• Help applying for national schemes
• Scam‑awareness guidance
• More information: Help with energy bills – Citizens Advice

6. Supplier Hardship Funds

Many energy suppliers offer:

• Debt write‑offs
• Payment matching
• Emergency top‑ups
• Energy‑efficiency support

Check your supplier’s website or call their customer‑support line.

7. Free Digital Support At Our Local Library

West Sussex County Council also reminds residents that free digital support is available through local libraries for anyone needing help accessing online applications or government tools.

Residents needing help accessing online forms or government tools can book free one‑to‑one digital support sessions at local libraries.

More information: Digital Support – WSCC Libraries

Quick Guide: What Pulborough Residents Should Do First

• Check your Winter Fuel Payment status – most eligible residents are paid automatically.
• Use the Warm Home Discount tool to confirm eligibility.
• Contact Citizens Advice for fuel vouchers or crisis‑support referrals.
• Speak to your energy supplier about hardship grants.
• Apply to the Crisis and Resilience Fund if you face a sudden financial shock.
• Get digital help at Pulborough Library if you need assistance applying online.

With 36.5 million pets living in UK households, cold‑weather risks affect many families in Pulborough and the wider Arun Valley.

From antifreeze poisonings to grit‑burned paws, the cold season is when small lapses can quickly become emergencies.

Winter Risks to Pets: What the Data Shows

• Antifreeze poisonings rise sharply every winter. Ethylene glycol — found in car antifreeze — is highly toxic to cats and dogs. Even a teaspoon can be fatal.
• Grit and road salt cause chemical burns, cracked pads, and inflammation in dogs.
• Cold stress in small pets is common: frozen water bottles, damp hutches, and inadequate insulation lead to hypothermia.
• Cats sheltering under car bonnets is a well‑documented winter behaviour, increasing risk of injury when engines start.
• Birds and reptiles are vulnerable to sudden temperature drops and heating failures, especially during power cuts.
• Horses and chickens face mud fever, frostbite on combs, and frozen water supplies.

With 62% of UK households owning pets, these seasonal hazards could affect almost every street in Pulborough.

Species-by-Species Winter Problems

Dogs

• Grit/salt paw burns
• Antifreeze exposure
• Ice‑related slips and injuries

Cats

• Antifreeze poisoning
• Hiding under car bonnets
• Cold stress for outdoor cats

Rabbits

• Frozen water bottles
• Damp bedding
• Draughty or poorly insulated hutches

Guinea Pigs

• Extremely vulnerable to cold — not suited to outdoor living in UK winters

Birds

• Draughts and sudden temperature drops
• Stress during power cuts

Reptiles

• Vivarium temperature crashes due to lamp or power failure

Horses

• Mud fever
• Lack of shelter
• Frozen water troughs

Chickens

• Frostbite on combs
• Damp coops
• Frozen drinkers

Why Winter Is Dangerous: Behavioural Shifts

Pets naturally:

• Seek warm, enclosed spaces
• Drink less indoors (risking dehydration)
• Eat more to maintain body temperature
• Shiver, especially short‑haired breeds
• Groom more to maintain coat insulation

These behaviours can mask early signs of illness, making owner vigilance essential.

Practical Winter Guidance for Pulborough Owners

1. Prevent Poisonings

• Store antifreeze securely and clean spills immediately.
• Lock away household cleaning products
• Ensure medicines are kept out of reach
• Check houseplants regularly for signs of chewing
• Keep Christmas foods — chocolate, mince pies, raisins — out of reach. December sees the UK’s highest spike in food‑related pet poisonings.

2. Protect Paws

• Rinse dogs’ paws after walks to remove grit and salt.
• Check between toes for cracks or redness.
• Consider boots for elderly or thin‑coated dogs.

3. Keep Small Pets Warm

• Insulate rabbit hutches: dry, draught‑free, raised off the ground.
• Check water twice daily to ensure it hasn’t frozen.
• Move guinea pigs indoors — they cannot cope with UK winter temperatures.

4. Check for Cats Before Starting Cars

• Look under the car
• Tap the bonnet
• Check wheel arches

5. Indoor Pets

• Provide warm resting spots away from draughts.
• Ensure constant access to fresh water — heated homes can dehydrate pets.

6. Outdoor Animals

Horses: provide shelter from wind/rain, unfrozen water, and adequate forage.

Chickens: keep coops dry and ventilated; check combs for frostbite.

7. Extreme Weather

• Avoid walking dogs on frozen ponds.
• Prepare for power cuts: backup heat sources for reptiles and indoor birds.

Local Emergency Contacts

• RSPCA 24‑hour emergencies: 0300 1234 999
• Poisoning emergencies (Animal PoisonLine): 01202 509000

Local vets:

Arun Veterinary Group, Pulborough – 01798 872 089

Reporting Animal Concerns

• RSPCA: injured or distressed animals: call: 0300 1234 999.
• West Sussex County Council: livestock, strays, public‑space hazards call: 033 022 22400
• Sussex Wildlife Trust: local wildlife issues call: 01273 492630

Be Vigilant

With millions of pets relying on us, winter care is a community responsibility. Pulborough’s pet owners can make a huge difference with simple, consistent habits that keep animals safe, warm and healthy until spring.

Why is This?

Many of us still address envelopes the way we learned at school: everything centred neatly in the middle. According to Royal Mail’s current guidance, though, that familiar method is no longer correct. Who knew?

Getting the address right on a letter or parcel might seem like a small detail, but it’s one of the simplest ways to ensure your item arrives at the correct address and without delay.

Royal Mail’s guidance designed to help both people and sorting machines read your item easily.

Here’s how to do it the right way.

Positioning the Address

Place the recipient’s name and full address in the bottom-left corner on the front of your envelope or parcel.

This is the zone Royal Mail’s automated systems scan first, so keeping it clear and legible helps your item glide through the network.

Leave a generous margin around the address block. Avoid decorative borders, stickers, or handwritten notes nearby.

Writing the Address Clearly

Royal Mail’s standards are all about readability:

• Use clear handwriting or a clean, easy-to-read font if printing.
• Choose ink that contrasts strongly with the colour of your envelope or parcel.
• Left-align every line — no centred text or stepped layouts.
• No commas or full stops anywhere in the address.
• Keep each part of the address on its own line.
• Write the postcode in CAPITALS, on its own final line.

Postage Placement

Place your stamp or postage label in the top-right corner. This is the standard location Royal Mail expects and helps avoid delays.

Protecting Privacy

Do not include phone numbers or email addresses on the outside of your item.

Adding a Return Address

Including a return address is strongly recommended. If your item can’t be delivered, it ensures it comes back to you rather than disappearing into the abyss of the undeliverable system.

Position your return address either on the back flap of the envelope or the top-left corner of the front — clearly separated from the main address.

Why It Matters

Correct addressing reduces sorting errors, speeds up delivery, and ensures your item reaches the right doorstep first time.

Quick Checklist

Before posting, check:

• Bottom-left placement of the delivery address
• Clear handwriting or font
• Strong ink contrast
• Left-aligned lines
• No punctuation
• Postcode in capitals
• Correct postage in the top-right
• No phone numbers or email addresses

Consequences of Incorrect or Poor Addressing

• Your item may be undeliverable - If the address is unclear, incomplete, wrongly formatted, or the label becomes unreadable, Royal Mail may be unable to deliver it at all.
• Delivery may be delayed - Items with unclear or poorly formatted addresses often require manual handling, slowing down the sorting process and increasing the chances of getting lost.
• Your mail may be delivered to the wrong address - Incorrect or unclear addressing can lead to mail going astray. Royal Mail delivers to addresses, not names, so a formatting error can easily send your item to the wrong property.
• The recipient may return it to sender - If an item arrives at the wrong address or the addressee has moved, the recipient may mark it “Not known at this address” and return it to Royal Mail.
• Your item may be held, opened, or ultimately discarded - If the item cannot be delivered and you have not included a return address, Royal Mail may hold it temporarily, then open it to try to identify the sender. If they cannot determine the origin, the item may be discarded.
• You may not be eligible for a refund - Royal Mail does not accept refund claims for missed delivery if the item lacked a return address or was incorrectly addressed.
• Business mail may disappear into internal post rooms - If the address is unclear or incomplete, items sent to businesses may end up in the wrong internal mailroom, causing further delays or loss.
• Redirection may fail or take longer - If the recipient has moved and the address is not correctly shown, redirection may be delayed or fail entirely.

Why This Matters for Local Residents

For Pulborough residents and businesses, especially those sending legal documents, prescriptions, council papers, or small‑business parcels, these consequences can mean:

• missed deadlines
• lost goods
• financial loss
• privacy risks
• delivered to the wrong address
• frustration for both sender and recipient

Correct addressing is one of the simplest ways to avoid all of this.

Surprisingly, there are no statistics for “lost due to incorrect addressing”

Ofcom confirmed in a 2024 Freedom of Information response that it does not hold data broken down by cause, and cannot release Royal Mail’s internal mail‑integrity data because it is legally protected under the Postal Services Act 2011.

Royal Mail’s public reporting groups all lost items together — whether caused by:

• incorrect addressing
• unreadable handwriting
• damaged labels
• operational errors
• theft or loss in transit

This means no UK regulator or postal operator publishes a statistic specifically for “lost due to incorrect addressing.”

While we cannot quantify the exact number lost due to incorrect addressing, the evidence shows:

• Lost‑mail complaints are at record levels.
• Delivery to the wrong address is increasingly common.
• Incorrect addressing is a known contributor to unreadable or misrouted mail (inference based on Royal Mail’s guidance and Ofcom’s emphasis on address clarity).

Given that Royal Mail’s sorting system relies heavily on machine‑readable addressing, poor formatting directly increases the risk of missed delivery or loss — but the UK does not publish a breakdown of how many items this affects.

Introduction

Autumn is often called the windy season, and with good reason.

Nearly 40 Years Ago This Month……

The Great Storm of 1987 occurred on the night of 15–16 October 1987 due to violent extratropical cyclone, also known as the Sevenoaks Hurricane, forming over the Bay of Biscay, which then made landfall on the UK mainland in Cornwall and Devon. The worst winds — including UK-record gusts of up to 115 mph at Shoreham-by-Sea and 122 mph at Gorleston, Norfolk — hit between midnight and dawn on 16 October. The storm caused catastrophic damage across England, France, and parts of the Channel Islands, killing at least 22 people and felling an estimated 15 million trees.

High Winds = Fallen Trees: Who Do You Call?

Fallen trees can block roads, footpaths, bridleways, rivers, and private land.

The correct organisation to contact depends entirely on where the obstruction is located. Use this guide to report hazards quickly and safely.

1. Public Roads & Pavements

Responsible: West Sussex County Council – Highways

• Urgent hazard: 01243 642105
• Out‑of‑hours emergencies: 01243 642104
• Life‑threatening danger: 999
• Report online: Trees, hedges, weeds and grass

2. Public Footpaths, Bridleways & Byways

Responsible: WSCC Public Rights of Way (PROW) Team

Phone: 01243 642105

Report online: Trees, hedges, weeds and grass

3. Rivers & Watercourses (River Arun, Nutbourne Streams)

Responsible: Environment Agency

24/7 Incident Hotline: 0800 80 70 60

Report online: Report a blockage

4. Private Land (Gardens, Farms, Private Woodland)

Responsible: Landowner

If ownership is unclear: Land Registry Title Search (£3)

5. Parish‑Managed Land

Examples: recreation grounds, Nutbourne Common, Rivermead Nature Reserve, Pocket Park, allotments – check PPC website

• Pulborough Parish Council
• Nutbourne: Land may fall under Pulborough or West Chiltington parish depending on exact location.

6. Tree Disease, Pests or Illegal Felling

Responsible: Forestry Commission

7. Trees Touching Power Lines

• This is an emergency.
• Do not approach.
• Call 999 Electricity emergency line: 105

Quick Decision Table

What3Words – download to your smartphone from the App Store

• Use What3Words to give precise locations when reporting.

Pulborough Key Points Examples – use the app to pinpoint your exact location

• Pulborough Recreation Ground: ///shredding.wriggle.thickens
• Cousins Way Park: ///stowing.variation.mirroring
• Rivermead Nature Reserve: ///commented.issued.massaging
• Lower Street: ///withdrew.commander.pocketed

Nutbourne Key Points

• Nutbourne Common: ///thumb.destiny.cheerily
• Nutbourne Vineyard: ///skater.index.shackles

Reporting Checklist

Include the following when making a report:

• Exact location (preferably What3Words)
• Type of obstruction (full tree, branch, leaning tree)
• Take photos
• Any hazards (power lines, flooding, traffic risk)
• Access issues
• Your contact details

Fallen Tree Data

• UK had 7 tree‑related fatalities in 2025 (none in West Sussex).
• No official statistics exist for fallen tree counts at local parish or district level.
• Forestry and coroner datasets do not track local treefall incidents.
• Autumn storms in 2025 caused widespread treefall nationally, but local incidents —were handled by WSCC Highways/PROW/Horsham District Council/Pulborough Parish Council and not published.

Pulborough and Nutbourne experienced routine seasonal treefall in autumn 2025, consistent with national storm patterns — but no serious injuries or fatalities were recorded.

✅ Inspect ditches twice a year

✅ Clear vegetation, silt, and debris

✅ Keep culverts unblocked

✅ Repair bank erosion

❌ Don’t dump garden waste

❌ Don’t divert or block water

❌ Don’t assume the council maintains your ditch

Riparian owners must keep water flowing freely.

Neglect can lead to flooding — including recent issues on West Chiltington Road.

Pulborough’s resilience depends on every landowner playing their part. Maintaining your ditches is not just a legal duty—it is a community responsibility. When watercourses are cared for, roads stay open, homes stay dry, and neighbours stay on good terms. When they are neglected, the consequences can be costly, dangerous, and far‑reaching.

Let’s protect our village — together.

Why Landowners Must Inspect and Maintain Their Drainage Ditches: Local Lessons, Legal Duties, and Practical Guidance

Blocked ditches and neglected culverts are not just an eyesore—they are one of the most common, preventable causes of flooding in Pulborough, Nutbourne and the surrounding rural lanes. When landowners fail to inspect and maintain the watercourses running through or alongside their property, the consequences ripple outward:

• flooded highway
• damaged home
• eroded banks
• costly enforcement action

Recent investigations in West Sussex show clearly that riparian responsibilities are not optional—they are a legal duty, and one increasingly enforced.

Why Ditch Maintenance Matters

Drainage ditches, culverts and small watercourses form the capillaries of Pulborough’s landscape. When they are blocked by vegetation, silt, collapsed pipes or debris, water backs up—often onto neighbouring land or the public highway.

Case study: A West Sussex County Council Riparian Drainage Project Officers (RDPO) investigation into West Chiltington Road, Pulborough, following heavy rainfall in winter 2023–24, found that highway flooding and road damage were linked to breaches of riparian responsibilities. The RDPO report notes that such failures can trigger enforcement action under the Land Drainage Act 1991.

This is not an isolated issue. Across the UK, councils are increasingly reminding landowners that ditch maintenance is a legal duty, not a courtesy. In April 2026, for example, Cambridgeshire County Council wrote to households along Duloe Brook after finding it “in a poor state of repair,” leaving one homeowner facing a five‑figure bill.

Understanding Riparian Rights and Responsibilities

Riparian rights are the rights and duties that come with owning land adjacent to, above or containing a watercourse—whether a river, stream, ditch, drain or culvert. Unless your title deeds say otherwise, you own the bed and banks up to the centre line, and with that ownership comes responsibility.

What You May Do (Your Rights)

• Receive the natural flow of water.
• Use water for ordinary purposes (e.g., limited domestic use, fishing with licences).
• Protect your land from erosion.
• Drain your land into the watercourse in certain circumstances.
• What You Must Do (Your Responsibilities)
• Keep the watercourse clear: remove silt, vegetation, litter, fallen branches.
• Maintain culverts and pipes: repair damage, prevent blockages.
• Avoid obstructing or diverting flow: do not build or place anything that narrows the channel.
• Prevent pollution: water must pass to neighbours “unblocked, undiverted and clean.”
• Report incidents to the Environment Agency.

These duties apply whether the watercourse is open or piped underground, natural or man‑made, and even if it runs dry for long periods.

What Happens When Responsibilities Are Ignored

Legal experts note that riparian disputes often begin with a practical failure: a blocked ditch, a collapsed culvert, or a bank that has eroded due to lack of maintenance. These issues can quickly escalate into:

• Flooding and nuisance claims
• Boundary disputes
• Enforcement action by councils
• Damage to highways or neighbouring land
• Costly repairs and legal bills

The RDPO investigation in Pulborough highlights how neglected ditches can cause highway flooding, leading to road damage and safety risks. The report is now part of the county’s long‑term flood risk record and may be used as evidence in enforcement cases.

Local Context: Pulborough & Nutbourne

Pulborough’s geography—low‑lying land, tidal influence from the River Arun, and numerous rural lanes—makes it particularly sensitive to blocked watercourses.

Nutbourne’s network of ditches and culverts plays a critical role in managing surface water from farmland and residential areas.

While no recent publicised Nutbourne enforcement cases appear in current records, the principles are identical: if a ditch runs along your boundary or across your land, you are responsible for its condition. The RDPO’s Pulborough findings serve as a clear warning for all neighbouring parishes.

Practical Steps for Landowners – See below for a more detailed checklist

• Inspect ditches at least twice a year—ideally before winter and after heavy rainfall.
• Clear vegetation, silt and debris regularly.
• Check culverts for collapse or obstruction.
• Work with neighbours—watercourses rarely affect just one property.
• Seek consent before altering the flow, volume or route of water leaving your land (to avoid nuisance claims).

Online Sources for Further Guidance

These sources provide clear, authoritative guidance:

Environment Agency – Owning a Watercourse Practical explanation of riparian rights and responsibilities. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/owning-a-watercourse (gov.uk in Bing)

West Sussex County Council – Flood Risk & Riparian Duties Local guidance and RDPO investigations. https://www.westsussex.gov.uk

Unda Consulting – Riparian Rights Guide Detailed overview of legal duties and common issues. https://www.unda.co.uk

Lester Aldridge LLP – Riparian Responsibilities Explained Legal insight into disputes and enforcement. https://www.lesteraldridge.com

Ditch Maintenance Checklist for Local Landowners

A simple guide to keeping water flowing and preventing avoidable flooding in Pulborough & Nutbourne

Maintaining your drainage ditches isn’t just good practice—it’s a legal responsibility under riparian rights. Regular checks help protect your property, your neighbours, and the wider community from flooding. This checklist breaks the job into manageable steps you can follow throughout the year.

Seasonal Inspection Routine

• Twice a Year (Spring & Autumn)
• Walk the full length of any ditch, stream, or culvert on your land.
• Check for vegetation growth, silt build‑up, fallen branches, or dumped debris.
• Look for signs of bank erosion or collapse.
• Inspect culvert entrances and exits for blockages.
• Confirm water can flow freely without pooling or backing up.
• After Heavy Rainfall
• Re‑check culverts and pipes for sudden blockages.
• Look for water overtopping banks or flowing onto roads or neighbouring land.
• Note any areas where water is slow to drain—these may need clearing or repair.

Routine Maintenance Tasks

• Vegetation Management
• Cut back overgrown brambles, nettles, and saplings.
• Remove invasive species that choke water flow.
• Keep both banks accessible for future inspections.
• Silt & Debris Removal
• Clear silt build‑up from the ditch bed.
• Remove leaves, litter, and natural debris.
• Ensure culvert grilles are free from obstructions.
• Culvert & Pipe Care
• Check for cracks, collapse, or misalignment.
• Remove blockages from pipe entrances and exits.
• Ensure any flap valves or grilles are working properly.
• Bank Stability
• Repair small collapses promptly.
• Avoid driving heavy machinery too close to ditch edges.
• Do not place fencing, posts, or structures where they could obstruct flow.

Things You Must Not Do

• Do not block, fill, or pipe a ditch without proper consent.
• Do not divert water in a way that increases flood risk to neighbours.
• Do not dump garden waste, soil, rubble, or grass cuttings into a ditch.
• Do not assume the council maintains your ditch—most are private.

Signs You Need Professional Help

• Persistent flooding or pooling even after clearing.
• Culverts that appear collapsed or misaligned.
• Erosion that threatens fences, boundaries, or buildings.
• Disputes with neighbours about water flow or ditch ownership.

DEFIBRILLATORS IN PULBOROUGH

AVAILABLE 24/7

• Cordens Chemist: On the right hand side of the door
• Railway Station: Platform 1 (London Bound) on the outside of the Waiting Room; Platform 2 (Southbound) by the door to the ticket office from the platform
• RSPB: Outside the main building close to front door
• Sainsburys: Outside near the Cash Machine/Telephone Kiosk
• Outside the Lower Street Sorting Office
• Village Hall: On the right hand side of the main door
• Outside Wall of Philips Surveyors, 73 Lower Street, next to the bus stop

ONLY AVAILABLE WHEN FACILITY IS OPEN

• Bowls & Social Club: Outside the bowls club in the car park, but keys are with clubs that use the car park so only available when they are there 
• Ken Hall Dentist: Only when open
• Masonic Hall: Only when open
• St Mary’s Church: Inside the porch so only available when church open
• St Mary’s School: Inside the office so only available when staff present
• Tesco’s: Only when open. It is inside the shop, as you enter the store from the porch on the one-way system it is opposite and slightly right, about three steps from the threshold.

A briefcase-sized box on the wall contains a defibrillator. It is there for anyone to use on someone in cardiac arrest and it is quick and easy to use with instructions. Usually you have to call 999 to unlock the box and get initial instructions.

If you have a cardiac arrest away from hospital, having a defibrillator close at hand can be an essential lifesaving step towards your survival. The device creates an electric charge to shock the heart and help to establish a normal heartbeat.

Pulborough Parish Council publishes a map and list of locations as part of its Resilience Plan.

Go to: 23-resilience-plan-adopted-06th-oct-2025.pdf

Horsham District Council’s website also published a list of locations

Go to: Defibrillators | Horsham District Council

PUBLIC BUILDING LOCATIONS

Pulborough Library

Brooks Way, RH20 2BP    01798 872891

Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays 13:00-17:00

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays 09:00-13:00

Pulborough Village Hall  http://www.pulbvh.org.uk

Swan View, RH20 2BF                                         

Contact:  01798 874697,  admin@pulbvh.org.uk

The Local Picture: Rising Incidents in Pulborough & Nutbourne

While hyper‑local statistics for Pulborough and Nutbourne are not published separately, West Sussex and national trends show a year‑on‑year rise in fly‑tipping, particularly on rural verges, country lanes and industrial edges. West Sussex County Council confirms that fly‑tipping is increasing across the county, with roadside verges and rural lanes among the most affected areas.

Known Local Hotspots (based on council reports, warden feedback and resident observations)

Pulborough:

• Rural verges along Stane Street
• Laybys near Hardham
• Tracks around Wiggonholt Common
• Edges of Pulborough Brooks access roads

Nutbourne:

• Country lanes between Nutbourne and West Chiltington
• Verges near Black Gate Lane
• Isolated pull‑ins along the A283 corridor

These locations match the wider pattern of fly‑tipping in rural West Sussex: secluded, low‑traffic areas where offenders believe they will not be seen.

What’s Being Dumped: Common Types of Waste

National and regional guidance identifies the most common forms of fly‑tipped waste:

• Bin bags of household waste
• Furniture (sofas, mattresses, wardrobes)
• Garden waste
• Small commercial loads (builders’ rubble, plasterboard, timber)
• Hazardous waste such as asbestos sheets or drums of industrial waste .
• Across West Sussex, councils report increasing problems with:
• Construction waste from unlicensed “man‑with‑a‑van” operators
• Green waste dumped in woodland
• White goods left in laybys
• Tyres and vehicle parts on rural verges

Why It Matters: Dangers to Residents, Wildlife & the Local Economy

• Fly‑tipping is not just unsightly — it is dangerous.
• Risks to Residents
• Sharp objects, asbestos, chemicals and broken furniture pose direct injury risks.
• Dumped waste can block pavements, verges and access routes.
• Fires started in dumped waste can spread rapidly.
• Risks to Wildlife & Environment
• Toxic substances can leach into soil and watercourses, harming habitats.
• Plastic and chemical waste can injure or kill wildlife.
• Garden waste can introduce invasive species into sensitive habitats such as Pulborough Brooks.
• Impact on Local Economy
• Clean‑up costs fall on local taxpayers.
• Dumping near nature reserves and walking routes harms tourism and visitor appeal.
• Businesses face reputational damage when waste is dumped near commercial premises.

How to Report Fly‑tipping (and Who to Contact)

Reporting correctly ensures fast removal and helps enforcement teams track offenders.

1. Neighbourhood Wardens (Pulborough)

For small‑scale fly‑tipping on public land within Pulborough:

Carol: 07584 337475

Lottie: 07584 337476

Email: mailto:pulborough.wardens@horsham.gov.uk

Wardens can investigate, gather evidence, and escalate to Horsham District Council.

2. Horsham District Council (HDC)

For most fly‑tipping on:

• Public land
• Highway verges
• Parks and open spaces
• Small commercial or household waste dumping

Report via the council’s environmental health team (the standard national route for small‑scale fly‑tipping).

Download the HDC App from the App Store and use the ‘Report It’ function.

3. West Sussex County Council

Responsible for:

• Waste on main roads
• Waste affecting drainage, watercourses, or highway safety
• Larger incidents requiring specialist removal

4. Environment Agency

Contact only for large‑scale or hazardous dumping, including:

• 20 tonnes or more
• Hazardous waste (e.g., asbestos >5 cubic metres)
• Waste linked to organised crime
• Waste posing significant flood or pollution risk
• Environment Agency Incident Hotline: 0800 80 70 60 (24 hours)

5. Crimestoppers

To report anonymously: 0800 555 111 (24 hours)

What Information You Should Provide

Authorities advise gathering only what is safe:

• Exact location (What3Words if possible)
• Date and time
• Type and amount of waste
• Photos (from a safe distance)
• Vehicle details if witnessed (make, colour, registration)
• Any people involved (description only — do not confront)

This aligns with national guidance requiring councils to gather circumstances, land type, waste type and potential effects when investigating.

Penalties for Fly‑tipping (2026)

Penalties have recently increased significantly.

Fixed Penalties

• Up to £1,000 for fly‑tipping (FPN) — increased in July 2026
• Up to £600 for householders who breach their duty of care by using unlicensed waste carriers

Court Penalties

• Magistrates’ Court: Up to 12 months’ imprisonment and/or fines up to £50,000
• Crown Court: Unlimited fines and up to 5 years’ imprisonment
• Vehicles used for fly‑tipping can be seized and crushed

These penalties reflect the government’s zero‑tolerance approach and new waste‑crime enforcement powers introduced in 2026.

Recent Convictions & Enforcement Trends

While Pulborough‑specific convictions are not published, national and regional enforcement shows:

• Councils and the Environment Agency are increasingly seizing vehicles used for fly‑tipping.
• Courts are issuing higher fines following the July 2026 increase in maximum penalties .
• West Sussex councils actively pursue prosecutions, particularly where waste is traced back to householders who used unlicensed carriers .
• Local wardens confirm that evidence such as packaging, receipts or addressed mail often leads to successful enforcement.

What’s Being Done to Prevent Fly‑tipping

Local Actions

Neighbourhood Wardens: High‑visibility patrols, evidence gathering, community engagement.

Horsham District Council:

• Rapid removal to prevent repeat dumping
• CCTV in hotspots
• Joint operations with Sussex Police
• West Sussex County Council:
• Targeted patrols on rural lanes
• Improved signage and barriers
• Collaboration with the Environment Agency on hazardous waste

National Actions

• Digital waste‑tracking service to prevent rogue operators disposing of waste illegally.
• Tougher background checks for waste carriers.
• Vehicle seizure powers strengthened.
• Higher fines introduced in July 2026 to deter offenders .

If you spot fly‑tipping:

• Report it quickly
• Provide clear information
• Never confront offenders

Pulborough’s strong community networks, active wardens and engaged residents are key to protecting the countryside from further harm.

Pulborough Parish Council (the local tier) https://pulboroughparishcouncil.gov.uk/

Pulborough Parish Council is the most immediate layer of government. It looks after the village’s public spaces, comments on planning, and represents residents’ views upward. 

• Manages community assets such as children’s play areas, recreational fields, sports facilities, green spaces, allotments and bus shelters.
• Reviews planning applications and contributes to the Neighbourhood Plan.
• Oversees Neighbourhood Wardens and community engagement initiatives.
• Raises a precept (part of council tax) to fund local services.
• Operates through 15 councillors, a Clerk and a Deputy Clerk, with published agendas, minutes, and policies.
• This tier is where residents can most easily influence decisions—meetings are open, and councillors are local. Check online or see local noticeboards for details of meetings and copies of minutes to find out what’s happening in your parish.

Horsham District Council (the district tier) https://www.horsham.gov.uk/

Horsham District Council covers a much wider area, including Pulborough. It handles services that are too large for a parish council but still local in nature.

• Planning decisions and development control.
• Waste and recycling collections.
• Environmental health, licensing, and housing services.
• Leisure centres, parks, and economic development.
• Pulborough Parish Council feeds into many of these decisions but does not control them. It has two district councillors sitting as parish council members

West Sussex County Council (the county tier) https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/

West Sussex County Council is responsible for the big, strategic services that affect the whole county.

• Roads, pavements, and highways.
• Schools and education.
• Social care for adults and children.
• Libraries, fire and rescue, and public health.
• Major transport and infrastructure planning.
• These are high‑budget, long‑term services delivered at scale

How the pieces fit together

Pulborough’s governance works because each tier handles a different scale of responsibility:

Parish = hyper‑local spaces, community voice, and village‑level improvements.

District = services that need professional teams and regulatory powers.

County = large systems requiring major budgets and specialist expertise.

Residents often interact with all three without realising it—for example, a pothole (county), a planning application (district), and a broken piece of playground equipment (parish) all sit with different authorities.

What does Local Government Reorganisation mean for Sussex?

Sussex is undergoing a major local government reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to unitary authorities and establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) with elections for a directly elected mayor in 2028.

Overview of Changes

The UK Government is implementing devolution and local government reorganisation in Sussex to streamline governance, improve service delivery, and give local areas more control over strategic decisions. The key elements include:

• West Sussex County Council
• Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA): A new strategic authority covering East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton & Hove, led by a directly elected mayor. The MCCA will oversee transport, housing, economic growth, climate and environment, public health, and safety.
• Unitary Authorities: The current two-tier system of county and district/borough councils will be replaced by single-tier councils responsible for all local services, including social care, waste collection, housing, and planning.

Proposed Models

Several proposals have been submitted by councils:

East Sussex: Two unitary councils proposed—one covering Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, Rother, and Wealden; Brighton & Hove to remain unchanged. Brighton & Hove City Council proposed five unitary councils across Sussex.

West Sussex: West Sussex County Council proposed a single unitary authority for the entire county. District councils suggested two unitary authorities: one for Adur, Arun, Chichester, and Worthing, and another for Crawley, Horsham, and Mid Sussex.

The government will decide the final structure, with a Structural Change Order sent to Parliament for approval.

Implications for Residents

Day-to-day services will continue uninterrupted until the new unitary authorities are operational.

Strategic decisions on housing, transport, and economic development will shift to the MCCA under the mayor.

Town and parish councils will remain in place, with potential new town councils in some areas to maintain local identity.

This reorganisation represents the most significant structural change to local government in Sussex since the 1970s.

For more information – West Sussex County Council

Latest details: Government makes announcement on future of local government in West Sussex

Information for East Sussex  

Here’s a useful guide to help you through the process for Horsham District Council (HDC) and the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA).

For planning, Pulborough Parish is split between HDC and the SDNPA, if you’re unsure which authority applies, the SDNPA boundary map is the fastest way to check: https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning-process/residents/

Planning Applications in Horsham District (outside the National Park) 

If your property is not within the South Downs National Park, your planning authority is HDC.

The basic process:

1. Check if you need permission - many small works fall under permitted development. HDC provides guidance and links to the national Planning Portal.
2. If you do need planning permission, prepare your documents. This usually includes:

• Site location plan
• Existing and proposed drawings
• Design & Access Statement (for some applications)
• Supporting reports (heritage, ecology, drainage) if relevant

3. Submit your application - applications are submitted online via the Planning Portal, which routes them to HDC.
4. Validation - the council checks your documents. If anything is missing, they’ll ask for it before the application is validated.
5. Public consultation - neighbours, parish councils, and statutory bodies are notified. Comments are invited for 21 days.
6. Pulborough Parish Council holds planning meetings every three weeks to consider local planning applications – check pulboroughparishcouncil.gov.uk for dates. These are meetings held in public. You can attend to speak about your application and hear it being considered and the decision made by the planning committee. After the parish planning meeting the decision is then sent to Horsham District Planning team for their assessment.
7. Assessment and decision - a planning officer assesses the proposal against local and national policy. Decisions are usually made within:

• 8 weeks for household/residential applications
• 13 weeks for major applications

For more information, go to Horsham District Council planning guidance: https://www.horsham.gov.uk/planning

Planning Applications in the South Downs National Park

If your property lies within the SDNP boundary, the planning authority is the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) — even if your postal address is in Horsham District.

The basic process:

1. Check if you need permission - https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning-process/do-i-need-planning-permission/
2. The process is similar to HDC but with additional concern for:
   1. Landscape impact
   2. Dark skies
   3. Heritage and conservation
   4. Biodiversity and ecosystem services
3. If you do need planning permission, prepare your documents. This usually includes:

• Site location plan
• Existing and proposed drawings
• Design & Access Statement (for some applications)
• Supporting reports (heritage, ecology, drainage) if relevant

4. Pre-application advice (recommended) - Because of the protected landscape, early advice can save time and cost.
5. Submit your application - applications are submitted via the Planning Portal but processed by SDNPA or a partner district council acting on their behalf.
6. Validation and consultation - Similar to HDC, but with additional consultees such as Natural England or SDNPA landscape officers.
7. Decision - determined by SDNPA or delegated officers. Timescales follow national standards (8 or 13 weeks).

For more information go to: https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning

“WSCC recognises that requests have been made asking for the removal of flags fixed to street furniture, typically lamp columns, and the removal of the St George’s cross on mini roundabouts, other road markings, and signage. These activities are unlawful and potentially dangerous to both the individual carrying out this activity as well as motorists and other road users.

WSCC will respond to these reports as part of its usual operational approach. Any issue considered safety critical, or containing offensive or discriminatory language, will be prioritised. Examples include obscured road signs or compromised visibility splays. Other removals will be carried out when they can be scheduled alongside other highway works.”

How to report concerns:

• Highways matters (flags, markings, potholes, flooding, blocked drains, etc.): Report to WSCC Highways. https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/make-an-enquiry-or-report-a-problem-with-a-road-or-pavement/
• Streetlights, illuminated signs, and bollards: Report to Enerveo https://www.lightsoninwestsussex.co.uk/public/ReportFault.aspx

Please use the links above to report them directly, or contact the Parish Council office for further information or reassurance.