Useful information and News
News and general interest items appear here in the date order they were entered - latest first.
Helping Hand Scheme
If you would like a little extra help when using the bus the Helping Hand Scheme is designed to give bus passengers a helping hand and is a simple way to help the drivers help you. A credit card sized information card, which is yellow, has been produced which can hold a brief written instruction for the driver, the passenger simply shows the card to the driver when they board the bus. The driver is therefore made aware of the passenger’s needs or requirements quickly, directly and discreetly without the passenger having to verbally communicate it. For example “please wait until seated” for passengers that may be unsteady on their feet. Most bus companies across Sussex are joining in this scheme and applications can be made to Helping Hand Scheme, 43 Conway Street, Hove, BN3 3LT or apply online at
www.buses.co.uk or phone 01273 886200. Some of the examples of Helping Hand messages: Speak loudly and clearly, Please lower the step, Please face me, I lip read, Please be patient if I am confused, and many more.
As Storm Bert is affecting the UK, if you have not already done so this is a good time to consider registering for extra advice and support, including when there could be interruptions to your electricity, gas or water supply.
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is free to join. It helps utility companies, including energy suppliers, electricity, gas and water networks, to look after customers who have extra communication, access or safety needs. It helps tailor services to support households who need extra help in the event of a power cut, gas or water supply interruption.
To find out who these organisations are in your area please visit www.thepsr.co.uk and enter your postcode. Your electricity and gas suppliers will be shown; you just need to click the sign up button there to join their PSR. Electricity companies are, where possible, sharing PSR information with water companies, so you can get vital help and support from them too if there's a break in your water supply.
Who can join
You can ask to join your supplier or network operator’s Priority Services Register if you:
have reached state pension ageare pregnant, or have young childrenstruggle with speaking or reading English.You can also join if you’re living with a disability or a long-term medical condition, including:
mental health conditionsconditions affecting your sight, hearing or sense of smellconditions that mean you need to use medical equipment that requires a power supply.Help is also available if your circumstances have recently changed, for example if you:
are recovering from an injury, or need support after a stay in hospitalhave been bereavedhave lost your job.What help should I expect from being on the Priority Services Register during a power cut?
A priority number that you can call 24 hours a dayText and voice message alerts, letting you know when they are aware of a large power cut in your areaTailored support if needed such as home visits, hot meals, advice and keeping your friends and relatives updatedWhere possible, text and voice messages when severe weather is expected, to help you prepareIn certain scenarios they may also offer a free hotel overnight and transport to the hotelFor complex power cuts their community welfare teams provide on-site support which includes hot drinks, hot meals, a Wi-Fi connection and charge points.
MP surgery - 11th January 2025 9.30-11.30 am. Appointments must be made by emailing james.maccleary.mp@parliament.uk. This is not a drop-in session, so please ensure you have an appointment.
WDC Christmas Recycling & Rubbish Collection 2024
Deer Alert
As part of its #DeerAware campaign, East Sussex County Council is encouraging people to take care in heavily wooded areas or where there are deer warning signs as these are places where deer are most likely to venture out, particularly around dawn and dusk.
Cllr Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and environment, said: “Collisions with deer can result in injury or death for animals and drivers, and significant damage to vehicles.
“With plenty of rural roads across the county, I would urge drivers to take extra care this time of year as deer can appear on the road unexpectedly.
“By following some simple tips, we hope that drivers can keep themselves safe and ensure our deer population can roam freely and thrive in our countryside.”
Advice to motorists includes;
· Drivers are advised to use full-beam headlights at night if no other cars are around, as they will reflect the deer’s eyes, but dip their headlights when they see a deer to avoid startling it.
· Deer often cross the roads in the same locations. Where there are deer warning signs motorists should slow down, stay alert and be prepared to stop.
· Deer often travel in groups so if drivers see one crossing the road they should slow down and drive with caution as others may follow.
If motorists hit deer they should to park in a safe place with hazard lights on and call 101 if the deer is on the side of the road and not causing a danger to others, or 999 if someone is injured of the deer is in the road and a danger to other road users.
More information and advice available at https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/roads-transport/roads/road-safety/deer