Have you got

your 2014

Parking

Disc?Did you know that

you can park for 2 hours FREE in either Fitzleet

Multi-storey car park, Hothamton car park in the

Queensway or Lyon Street car park.

All 3 of these car parks are part of the 2-hour FREE Disc Parking

Scheme. The Scheme began in December 2011 with just 2 car

parks and a white parking disc. From January of this year, the

Hothamton car park has been added. To use all of

the 3 car parks the new yellow disc is

required. Once purchased, the disc

can be used as often as needed,

following the instructions given.

Although the 2 hour car parking

is free to those using the disc,

it does have a cost. The

Scheme is funded by the

Town Council, Arun District

Council and the local Traders

Association. The £1 cost of

the disc goes towards the

Traders’ contribution to the

Scheme and also to pay for new

discs. The discs can be purchased

from the Traders displaying the

Shoppers’ logo. So if you haven’t already got

your new 2014 disc, now is the time to get one!

YourSpring 2014

Contact us

BOGNOR REGIS

Have YOU visited the local Museum yet?Town Mayor Councillor Paul Wells was amongst the guests at the re-opening of

Bognor Regis Museum for the 2014 season. The Town Council has been a keen

supporter of the Museum through its grant aid program since Arun District Council

withdrew its financial support in 1993. Run and staffed

by volunteers from the Bognor Regis Local History

Society, the Museum in West Street is open Tuesday to

Sunday 10am-4pm plus Bank Holidays. New for this

year are displays on D-Day, WWI, a mock-up Air Raid

Shelter, a Grocer’s Shop, and a dressing-up box for

kids of 1920s clothes in the Radio Room. Entry is free.

www.bognorregisbeach.co.uk/live

it will take you to the live

webcam sited

on the Pier.

You can sit and

watch the

waves without

getting sand in your

toes!!!

that you can see the sea from

your computer? If you go to

Did youknow...

Message from the Mayor (2013-2014)

It’s been an honour and a privilege to serve as your Mayor in what has been

a fantastic year meeting so many people and organisations and attending

well over 100 events on behalf of the town.

There have been many highlights during the year. It began with the official

opening of the refurbished Picturdrome Cinema building that the council has purchased

on behalf of the town and continued with the opening of many fetes and events in the

town, and cheering on the Rocks at the Amex stadium last year in the Sussex senior cup

final. Bognor Regis Town Council is a very active council delivering all sorts of services

for the benefits of the 4 wards of the town. We continue to deliver Bognor in Bloom and

many events in the town. Regeneration is a very hot topic of conversation and has been so

for many years. It is important in my view that our District Council now come forward and

listen to the residents’ views in making sure we deliver the right regeneration for the future of

Bognor Regis and future generations. Bognor Regis Pier is very close to the hearts of local

people and a main focal point on our seafront. I was keen to put something back into the

town so I chose the Bognor Pier Trust as my charity for the year. I was delighted to hand

over a cheque recently for £7,250.00 towards the work of the Trust, whose aims are to bring

the Pier back into community ownership and work towards a lottery bid. Finally I’d like to

thank everyone I’ve met during the course of my year in office for their kindness and

hospitality. It’s been a wonderful experience and one I will treasure for years to come.

DESIGNED & PRINTED BY TOP LEVEL DESIGNS - UNIT 4, CHRISTIE PLACE, BOGNOR REGIS, WEST SUSSEX PO22 9RT TEL 01243 868809

Find us onFacebook

Tel 01243 867744 Email bognortc@bognorregis.gov.uk

Web www.bognorregis.gov.uk for more information

Bognor in BloomThe Bognor Regis In Bloom working party are once

again entering the South & South East In Bloom

Regional competition. Last year we achieved a

magnificent Silver Gilt and overall winner of our

category. With all the new exciting things we have

planned for this year we would love to turn our Silver

Gilt into Gold. The competition is not only about civic

floral displays but community projects and

encouraging the participation of all members of the

community to make Bognor Regis an

environmentally friendly and pleasant place to live.

The Regional Competition is due to be judged on the Thursday 17th July 2014

and BRiB would love the whole town to get behind them and help in any way

possible. From keeping the gardens lovely to picking up litter – it all helps. BRiB

run their own local competitions and projects so why not join us for one or even

all of them!

BRIB Annual Competition: Do you have a lovely front garden, hanging basket,

tub or window box that can be seen from the roadside? Either floral or

sustainable, why not enter you could be a winner at our annual awards evening.

Closing Date Saturday 28th June

Scarecrow Competition: A brand new competition open to families,

individuals, schools, community groups and businesses. Make a scarecrow with

something growing on him, i.e. cress for hair or grass in his pockets – anything

goes. Judging date Saturday 5th July

Big Beach Clean Up: Come along and help us

litter pick the beach

On Sunday 25th May at the Bandstand on the

Promenade. Entry forms for any of the above

competitions are available from the Town Hall or to

get involved or for more information please do not

hesitate to give us a call on 01243 825535 email

bognortc@bognorregis.gov.uk. Thank you.

Funshine Days

Monday 28th July MALCOLM THE MAGICIAN BANDSTAND

Tuesday 29th July DONKEYS BANDSTAND

Wednesday 30th July ZAZ - CIRCLE SKILLS SKATE PARK

Thursday 31st July MARACAJACKS BANDSTAND

Friday 1st August TRICKY NICKI - MAGIC! BANDSTAND

Monday 4th August DETECTIVE WORKSHOP BANDSTAND

Tuesday 5th August TRIBAL DRUMMING SKATE PARK

Wednesday 6th August WARTIME SEASIDE PROM

Thursday 7th August PUNCH AND JUDY BANDSTAND

Friday 8th August WILD BEACH (SUSSEX WILDLIFE) BEACH

Monday 11th August MALCOLM THE MAGICIAN BANDSTAND

Tuesday 12th August JUMPING JACKS BANDSTAND

Wednesday 13th August PAVEMENT ART PROM

Thursday 14th August DONKEYS PROM

Friday 15th August BEACH GAMES BEACH

Monday 18th August PLAYRANGERS RINGWORLD BEACH

Tuesday 19th August BEACH EXPLORERS (SUSSEX WILDLIFE) BEACH

Wednesday 20th August TEAM EXTREME SCOOTERS SKATE PARK

Thursday 21st August PUNCH AND JUDY BANDSTAND

Friday 22nd August PLAYRANGERS RINGWORLD BEACH

See www.bognorregis.gov.uk for more information

Bognor Regis EventsBOGNOR REGIS RAILWAY Sunday 1st JuneA celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the first railway station building in

Bognor. Following a fire which destroyed the original

the current building was built in 1902.

PROMS IN THE PARKSaturday 7th June - 6.30pmRousing evening of free entertainment by the

Bognor Regis Concert Band and the Lancing

Brass of the Royal British Legion. Bring your chair,

grab a picnic and enjoy the beautiful surroundings

of Hotham Park. Beer tent & food available.

BOGNOR REGIS STREET CARNIVAL Sunday 15th JuneSchools, community groups, individuals welcome. Innovative street carnival

along the seafront and into the town. Theme Pirates! Dress up and join in!

ARMED FORCES DAY Sunday 22nd JuneEvent to mark Armed Forces Day. Day includes a Drumhead Service, music,

exhibitions, displays in Waterloo Square Gardens and the Pier area.

INTERNATIONAL BOGNOR BIRDMANSTOP PRESS Due to circumstances beyond the control of the

organisers the 2014 Bognor Birdman event has been cancelled

but will return in 2015

A DRIVE THROUGH TIME MOTOR GALA

Sunday 6th JulyA day of classic and vintage motor vehicles at West Park

includes: craft & charity fair, hog roast. Live broadcast of

the Silverstone Grand Prix on a big screen.

ROX MUSIC AND ARTS Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th JulyRox free Music & Arts festival. Weekend of superb live music from some of the

region’s top bands. www.the-rox.com

FUNSHINE DAYSFREE fun activities for children of all ages on weekdays throughout the school

holidays. See separate listing for details.

HOTHAM PARK COUNTRY FAIR

Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd AugustBig crafts display and stalls, music and dancing in the idyllic setting of the town’s

biggest and most beautiful park.

ILLUMINATIONS GALA

Sunday 24th AugustSunday night spectacle of floats and walking characters,

all lit up. In support of Bognor Regis Seafront Lights

SOUTHDOWNS FOLK FESTIVAL

Friday 26th – Sunday 28th September Ticket holders will have FIVE great afternoon and evening concerts to attend, plus

a free Folk Club, sessions, workshops, dancing and all the music, vintage and

crafts and other attractions in Hotham Park and various venues in the Town

Centre. www.southdownsfolkfest.co.uk

SWITCH ON OFCHRISTMAS ILLUMINATIONS

Sunday 30th NovemberContact 01243 825535 for details or see

www.bognorregis.gov.uk

Have you visited

‘Cloudhopper

Gallery’ yet?(It’s in Little High Street,

opposite The Unicorn)

Exhibitions coming up

27th May - 21st June David Shannon Solo exhibition - ‘All at Sea’

24th June - 5th July ‘Planes Trains and Automobiles’

11th August - 24th August Catherine Barnes Solo exhibition

16th September - 27th September Rita Herbert - Artist in

Residence at Hotham Park

Bognor Regis

Railway StationThe railway came to Bognor Regis in 1864.

Before that time it had been served by a small

halt at Woodgate and people had to walk the

rest of the way to town, or use a horse bus.

In 1864 a new branch line was built and Bognor had its own station. However,

this only survived until 1899, when it was destroyed by a fire, and was

replaced by the current building in 1902.

The railway has played a huge part in Bognor’s role as a seaside attraction. In

the 1930s day trippers flocked to the town. On many occasions the number

of visitors arriving by train far exceeded the number of residents and over the

August Bank Holiday in1937, 50,000 visitors arrived at the station. Extra trains

had to be laid on to deal with the number of passengers.

On Sunday 1st June a celebration event will take place at the Railway Stations

of both Bognor Regis and Barnham. The event will include music from Rox

Music and Arts; Bognor Regis Concert Band will be playing; there will be stalls

and displays; a

model railway

exhibition; and a

mosaic workshop.

There will be free

vintage bus rides

to Bognor Regis

Pier and also to

the restored

Barnham

signal box.

Details correct at time of going to press but all events may be subject to change.

= Events organised by

Bognor Regis Town Council

Picturedrome Update

Last Autumn the

Town Council

undertook a

public

consultation on

the proposal to

improve the

viability of the

Picturedrome by

building a 2

storey extension to house an additional screen and

community room. The consultation had a very good

response rate and of those who gave their views, over 90%

wished to go ahead with the proposed expansion.

Following the consultation exercise, the Council is now

looking in detail at the costs and resource implications of the

scheme, so that a final decision can be made.

Are you a local business?Are you looking for new ways of promotion?

The Town Council co-ordinates, in liaison with West Sussex County Council, a sponsored planting

scheme in Bognor Regis. This is

a unique, green and cost-effective

way to promote your business to

thousands of people every day.

There are planting sites all around

the town, and they can be in the

form of a verge planter or a bed on

a roundabout. They are planted

and maintained by the Town

Council’s Town Force team.

Businesses that sponsor the

planters have their own sign, to

their design but within the

parameters set by the County

Council. The Town Council also publicise the businesses as a sponsor in

various publications and the Council’s website. If this is something

that you would like to consider for your business then find out

more by contacting Erika Adams on 01243 825535.

More volunteers

needed to help

older people in

West SussexRoyal Voluntary Service

(formerly WRVS) is

calling on local people to

dedicate a couple of hours a week to help older

people in their community.

The charity’s Community Meals on Wheels service

provides older and housebound residents with

much more than a hot meal; the service is a

source of vital social contact for people who might

not otherwise see anyone else from one week to

the next.

Volunteers can give as much or as little time to

volunteering as they are able. To find out more,

contact the charity on 0845 600 5885 (quoting

West Sussex) or visit

www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/westsussex.

St Modwen DevelopmentUnder the Development Agreement that Arun

have with St Modwen, a planning application

should be submitted by 31 December 2014.

The issue is to be debated further at the Arun

Full Council meeting in June.

Public Realm WorksThe improvements to London Road are well

under way. Although it is looking likely that

the original finish date of the end of May will

not be met, the scheme should be finished in

time for the summer. The original plans

drawn up for the scheme included the area in

front of the station, leading all the way

through the town centre down to York Road

and the seafront, although funding was only

available for the London Road work.

Following a successful bid to the Coastal

Communities Fund, an additional grant of

£1.65 million has been awarded which will

enable most of the remaining elements to be

delivered by the end of 2016. Work in front

of the station is likely to begin in the autumn.

Oldlands Farm and

Enterprise Bognor RegisAlthough outside of the 4 wards of the town,

important developments are in the planning

stage for Enterprise Bognor Regis, which

includes the Oldlands Farm site. Enterprise

Bognor Regis has been identified as a priority

location in the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP)

recently submitted to government by the

Coast to Capital Local Enterprise

Partnership. The Plan is bidding for funding

to support major infrastructure improvements

in the region. Enterprise Zone status has

been proposed for the site and this is a joint

proposal with the University of Chichester.

Update on your

Neighbourhood PlanWe are the Tortoise Committee… also known as the

Bognor Regis Neighbourhood Planning Committee! We

have seen several ‘Hares’ rush to get their Plan done in

other areas, while we plod along slowly and methodically.

Some Hares have then found they had to make significant changes, or have

ended up with a less than effective Neighbourhood Plan….’ Slow and steady

wins the race’, and we are making excellent progress now, with a finishing line

ahead of us in early 2015, when you will get a chance to vote on the finished

product, which will then become part of the planning process at Arun- if the vote

is 50% or more in favour.

Whether you know of sites for new housing, have views on where you do or

don’t want shops, or thoughts on where green space should be retained or

created, there is still plenty of time to contribute your ideas. We are now at the

stage of writing the key policies. Consultation on a draught version of the Plan

will take place around September time and you will have an opportunity then to

make further comments on the Plan before it goes to Referendum. If it passes

the Referendum, it will be used as a planning tool to guide developers and

householders when they apply for planning permission. We want to produce a

comprehensive and respected document that will reflect the strongly held views

of people who live in, or use our town; a Plan that will lend legal weight to those

views once adopted by the District Council.

Please get in touch if you would like to be involved in the ongoing development

of our plan or have any comments or suggestions to make, your views, as

always, are most welcome!

Cllr Sandra Daniels (Chairman of NP Committee)

Dear local elector...Since having been Chairman of the Policy & Resources Committee for the past

year, we have tried to deliver to all our local chargepayers the best value

possible in what is a very challenging financial environment. For the 2014-15

financial year, we have had to make some difficult decisions which have

resulted in cuts to Grant Aid for local organisations, reducing the amount we

spend on CCTV for the Town and trying to streamline the money we spend on

our Events Programme. We have had to do this against a background of

threats by Arun to reduce our Council Tax Support Funding and on a national

level, Central Government threatening to `cap` local and parish councils for the

first time. In order to protect the Town Council`s financial position, regrettably

we had to ask for an increase in our Band D precept of just over 3% for the

new financial year. However, we are still making progress and I believe,

delivering good value for money.

• We are still delivering many events, including a new style Carnival and

many popular events in Hotham Park and around the Town

• The refurbishment and expansion of the Picturedrome Cinema is gathering

pace and planning applications should be made in the next few months

• We are still helping fund events like Rox, the Folk Festival and important

services like the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, and continue to contribute

significantly to the town seafront lights.

• We continue to employ Town Force who keep the town clean and tidy and

provide us with beautiful floral displays.

• We have pledged to continue funding Two Hours Free Parking for another

year, along with the other partners in the scheme.

• We have put money into the employment of a new Town Centre Manager

who will play an important role in the Town`s continued improvement, and

our Town Force have contributed to the new precinct improvements

which should be finished very shortly

We will continue in our quest to do whatever we can to make Bognor Regis a

better place to live, work and play and rest assured, we will consult as widely

as possible about what local people want and the difficult financial choices we

will have to make over the next few months and years.

Cllr Roger Nash (Chairman P&R Committee)

Bognor Pier TrustThis year has been a whirlwind one in more ways

than one for Town Mayor Councillor Paul Wells!

Traditionally each Mayor chooses and supports a

charity for their year in Office, and Paul decided to

dedicate his civic year to raising

funds for the Bognor Pier Trust - a

Community Interest Company.

The Trust was set up to aim to

bring our much loved Pier back into

community ownership, so it can be

protected, and eventually restored

and regenerated as the true icon of

our seaside heritage-it is hoped that lottery funds will be forthcoming to

enable this to happen.

Over the year Paul held several successful fundraising events, starting

off with the glittering Picturedrome Gala Night, followed by the fabulous

Caribbean Party on the Pier, and culminating with the Mayor’s Charity

Fun Weekend with a Street Band, Bon Jovi Tribute, Fun Fair and Easter

Egg Hunt all helping to showcase the work of the Trust, entice more

Members and raise funds!

It doesn’t stop when Paul’s mayoral year ends, as the work of the Trust

will continue in earnest, and they are planning many more promotional

events and fun activities. The Trust need the support of the local people

to show the Lottery that everyone is right behind them, and really want

the Pier to be the splendid eye catching attraction it once was. They are

also inviting ideas and suggestions as to what people think the Pier

should look like, and what facilities it should have! All ideas are

welcome, so keep checking the Facebook Page and the website for

more details of what’s happening and to send in your own comments

and suggestions, or follow us on Twitter at Friends of Bognor Pier.

If you would like to become a Friend of Bognor Pier, you can become

one by going to our website, www.bognorpier.co.uk and downloading a

membership form, or joining online, or by calling 07773 209979, or

07714 099134. We are also seeking volunteers and committee

members, and would be delighted to hear from you!

Are you part of a local charity or

community group? Do you need financial

support for the work that you do?Every year the Town Council supports local groups

and organisation via its Grant Aid programme. The

scheme recognises and supprts the valuable

contribution made by the voluntary sector to the well

being of the community. It provides financial support for community

organisations working for the benefit of residents, with the intention of

improving the range of services and activities in the town. To find out if your

group meets the criteria, or for more information, see the Town Council’s

website www.bognorregis.gov.uk.

The application forms are available at the end of July.

The Heritage StoryThere is no doubt that Bognor Regis has a fascinating

heritage. The definition of Heritage is everything of value that

has been inherited from

previous generations that we

want to share today and pass

on to future generations. Of course

the term ‘heritage’ means different things to different people

and can be interpreted in a variety of ways but always provides

us with links to our past.

In developing their new corporate strategy the Bognor Regis

Town Council were keen to build on the strong heritage which

once made the Town great. This was reflected in its strapline

‘back to the best of Bognor Regis’. In 2013 a new Heritage

Vision Board was established to enhance the heritage offering

through the development of the Pier and the Picturedrome.

Although initially a joint project it has subsequently been

decided to separate them at an operational level but to

include them within a strategic heritage theme.

To develop this further, the Town Council has decided to

broaden the scope and set up a more strategic Heritage

Board to focus on heritage across the whole of Bognor. In

doing this the Town Council are confident that Bognor

Regis’s heritage will be celebrated and enjoyed by local

communities, visitors and businesses alike.

WiFiComing SoonWifi internet access in the

precinct being offered free to

residents and visitors as part of

a pilot scheme for a town-centre

wide project being funded by

the Town Council

Highways & Transport

£18,200.00

Street Scene

enhancement (net costs)

£40,074.00

Corporate & Democratic

Management

£333,234.00

Weather Recording

£9,410.00

Surplus for anticipated

loss of precept

Support Grant

£16,500.00

TOTAL

£820,506

Events and

Christmas activities

£38,167.00

Allotments

£6,336.00

Tourism and Visitor Info

£14,100.00

Public conveniences /

community safety

£44,000.00

Promotion & Marketing

of Area (incl. floral displays

and environmental projects)

£240,485.00

Grant Aid

£60,000.00

Town Council Budget 2014/15

£

Regeneration Update