District Dispatch - 3 May 2023

If you're not sure where to vote, then you can find your local polling station through the Where Do I Vote website (opens new window).

I also want to remind you that you will need to show photographic ID to vote. Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or a Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers' licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. The full list can be found on the Electoral Commission website (opens new window). Voters will be able to used expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

The count will take place on Friday (5 May) and we expect the first results to start coming through around midday. We will be posting the results on our Facebook (opens new window) and Twitter social media pages (opens new window), as well as our election results webpage.

We are continuing to work hard to support the Midhurst businesses and community. As you know, we are working with the South Downs National Park Authority; West Sussex County Council; and Midhurst Town Council as part of a Multi-Agency Recovery Group. Now that we are aware of the length of time it will take for the owners to access any insurance payments, South Downs National Park Authority, Chichester District Council and West Sussex County Council have stepped in to ensure this work happens without unnecessary delay. As the local planning authority, South Downs National Park Authority is using its statutory planning powers so that this work can be carried out. Such decisions are rare for very good reason and have to be carefully considered. A further update on the timescales will be released as soon as possible. Updates are being issued regularly and so it is worth looking on our latest news page for the very latest update.

One of our key roles is to focus on the business recovery. We understand how challenging it is for the businesses affected and so we have seconded a member of our Economic Development team to support the local businesses for the two months following the fire. He has already been in contact with over 100 businesses working in the town and is working with the Business Recovery Group, which consists of local businesses, to help deliver a recovery plan. We have also set aside £300,000 to support the businesses and help get the town back on its feet. From this money we have launched a £200,000 grant fund to assist Midhurst town centre businesses who are reliant on footfall and have seen a negative impact on their business since the A286 North Street has been closed to vehicles. I'm pleased to say that we have already received over 60 applications for the funding, and we will be issuing the grants as quickly as we can. We have also given £10,900 to the Midhurst Town Team - a business group - to help with promotions and marketing. All of the agencies and the owners of the buildings are committed to doing everything they can to get the road reopened to vehicles as soon as possible and helping Midhurst to recover from this dreadful incident. 

We have also created a .

We really want people to get behind Midhurst by shopping and spending in the town, which boasts an array of local and independent businesses, so please do show your support if you can.

Finally, this weekend will be a historic one, marking the Coronation of King Charles III. As I mentioned last week, many celebrations are taking place across the district and so I hope you manage to participate in some of them and have a wonderful bank holiday weekend.

Best Wishes

Diane Shepherd

Chief Executive at Chichester District Council