Last week, it was very touching to see people come out of their homes across the country to clap for our carers. Coming together to support one another in times such as this is what makes our country great.
As I said in my last district dispatch, we are experiencing one of the most challenging and unprecedented times that we have ever known.
The latest advice and service updates
Residents and businesses are being reassured by Chichester District Council that vital community services are being prioritised in response to the Coronavirus crisis.
Chichester city centre will welcome three new start-up businesses to the High Street as part of Chichester District Council's exciting Pop Up Shop Initiative.
Priory Park in Chichester will receive welcome improvements to its north west corner, thanks to a new enhancement project.
Chichester District Council Cabinet members have taken another step in the fight against climate change by recommending that the council switch its largest energy contract to 100% renewable electricity and gas.
Chichester District Councillors have agreed to increase the average council tax bill by around ten pence a week for a Band D property in order to protect vital services across the district.
Chichester District Council has approved a new housing strategy, which sets out how the council plans to meet local housing needs over the next five years.
You may have heard that there was a fire on Monday night at West Sussex County Council's Household Waste Recycling site in Westhampnett.
The Novium Museum has been awarded a grant of £10,500 from Arts Council England to help make this year's Chichester Roman Week the biggest and best yet.
This afternoon the Chief Medical Officer for England announced three further patients who were 'close contacts of a known case', had tested positive for COVID-19. These relate to a man who tested positive in Surrey on Friday 28 February so brings the total number of confirmed cases in Surrey to two. We can also confirm the other two cases in this family cluster have been confirmed in West Sussex. All cases are adults and are not health workers.
Chichester District Council has announced that it plans to redevelop and refurbish St James Industrial Estate in Chichester, subject to planning permission.
Chichester District Council has joined forces with local organisations at a working party in Fishbourne this week to help protect one of the district's rare chalk streams.
The former owner of the White Horse Public House in Rogate has been fined after breaching a number of food safety regulations.
A new timetable for Chichester's Local Plan is to be introduced, following advice from Government officials.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for rain on Sunday 16 February.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for wind on Sunday 9 February.
Parish, town and city councils in the Chichester District are being invited to apply for grant funding to mark VE Day, which will be celebrated this year on Friday 8 May.
Chichester District Council has successfully bid for £230,465 of funding from the Government's Rough Sleeper initiative, as part of its ongoing commitment to support rough sleepers.
Residents and businesses are being encouraged to sponsor a tree in one of the Chichester District's many parks and gardens, as part of a council scheme that aims to help tackle climate change and protect the local environment.
Two amateur photographers in the Solent region have scooped a prize in a competition designed to raise awareness of protected winter birds.
Northgate underpass in Chichester has been given a welcome makeover thanks to a multi-agency vision for the city.
Chichester District Council is calling for local entrepreneurs to take part in an exciting Pop Up Shop Initiative, which is being launched this week to help support small and start-up businesses in the district.
The secrets of an Iron Age Warrior, who is thought to have been a real-life Asterix resistance fighter, will be revealed through a new exhibition at The Novium Museum in Chichester from 25 January 2020.
The Met Office has issued a Level 2 Cold Weather Alert between Sunday 19 January and Tuesday 21 January.
Chichester District Council has selected its preferred development partner to deliver the Southern Gateway regeneration project.
Leading councillors at Chichester District Council have taken a key step forward in the fight against climate change by officially adopting a first stage Climate Emergency Action Plan and recommending that the Council fund a new Climate Emergency Officer for the district.
Over £1m of grant funding could potentially be accessed to support and enhance wildlife in the district after leading councillors at Chichester District Council agreed to invest in a Strategic Wildlife Corridors project.
Chichester District Council has been consulting on a range of proposals that aim to help balance demand for car parking spaces across its car parks.
Chichester District Council's Cabinet declared an Air Quality Management Area at Rumbolds Hill in Midhurst at its meeting on 7 January.
The secrets of an Iron Age warrior, who is thought to have been a real-life Asterix resistance fighter, are to be revealed this month through a major exhibition at The Novium Museum, Chichester.
Eighteen new electric vehicle charging points have been installed in the Chichester District to encourage more people to use electric vehicles and to support existing electric vehicle drivers.
Chichester District Council has joined the 'Premier League' of public toilets after winning an array of awards at the Loo of the Year Awards 2019.
Chichester District Council is urging people to carry out important welfare checks before buying a puppy.
The Council offices at East Pallant House will be closed from 3pm on Tuesday 24 December 2019, re-opening at 8.45am on Thursday 2 January 2020.
The Chichester Wellbeing team is launching a programme of 'Move it and Lose it' workshops to help residents lose weight, get fit, and lead a healthier lifestyle in the new year.
Residents in the Chichester District are being encouraged to make a note of the changes to their waste and recycling collections over the festive period.
A special campaign aimed at supporting High Streets and local businesses in the Chichester District has been a huge success, reaching over a million people on social media.
Bathing water at Selsey beach has achieved excellent status for the second year running.
Chichester District Council has been reminding businesses of their legal duties around smoking in the workplace, as part of Stoptober - a national campaign that encourages people to stop smoking.
_2.jpg "Countdown to Christmas campaign banner for Chichester District Council: Link to 'There is still time to take part in the Countdown to Christmas campaign!'")
Councils, organisations, businesses and the local media in the Chichester District have joined forces to support their local High Streets and businesses by launching a very special Christmas campaign.
Residents of the Chichester District are being reminded of the need to register to vote in the run up to the UK Parliamentary General Election on 12 December 2019.
The original King Charles I bust from Chichester's Market Cross will be returning home from the Tate Britain this winter.
Chichester District Council will soon be consulting on a range of proposals that aim to help balance demand for car parking spaces across its car parks. If given the go ahead, the changes would be introduced from April 2020.
Leading Councillors at Chichester District Council have approved important updates to its Economic Development Strategy and introduced a new Inward Investment and Growth Strategy to help support district businesses and the local economy.
Four people have been nominated for election in the Loxwood by-election which will take place on 21 November.
The Leader of Chichester District Council, Cllr Eileen Lintill has met with the Minister for Local Government and Homelessness, Luke Hall, to ask for more time to complete the review of the council's Local Plan.
It's that special time of year that welcomes thousands of birds returning to the Solent.
Councils, organisations, businesses and the local media in the Chichester District are joining forces to support their local High Streets and businesses by launching a very special Christmas campaign.
New children's play equipment, improvements to community buildings, and traffic calming measures are just some of the projects that have been funded as part of a scheme overseen by Chichester District Council.
Councillors have agreed for officers to undertake a consultation exercise to consider a more flexible licensing approach to street trading in Chichester city centre.
A £2.1 million project to increase the amount of much-needed temporary accommodation for people facing homelessness in Chichester District has begun.
A military artefact from the Second World War will be put on display, following its discovery on a development site in Chichester.
The Met Office and the Environment Agency has issued a Flood Alert for coastal areas of the district on Sunday 29 and Monday 30 September.
Volunteers are being thanked for their part in a successful weekend beach clean at Selsey's East Beach.
Chichester District Council has been recognised for its efforts in keeping the A27 clean and litter free. In an independent assessment, commissioned by The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the A27 achieved consistently high standard of cleanliness.
We are supporting this national project to help keep our beaches clean.
Chichester's Southern Gateway project has reached another important milestone after securing an important relocation site.
Leading councillors at Chichester District Council have given their support to the creation of a new scheme, which aims to support local High Streets by getting vacant shops back into business.
We are extremely fortunate to live near the Solent as it offers a wealth of wonder to our lives.
Hundreds of people got into the party spirit at Chichester's first ever Summer Street Party on Thursday 22 August.
Chichester City Football Club has kick started its 2019/2020 season by signing a new lease with Chichester District Council for its home in Oaklands Park.
The Council offices at East Pallant House, Chichester, will be closed on Monday 26 August.
Be prepared! This autumn, The Novium Museum is set to unleash a band of weird and wonderful aliens, zombies and monsters with the launch of a fun, interactive and immersive new exhibition.
Eighteen new electric vehicle charging points will soon be introduced in the Chichester District.
With just days to go before Chichester holds its first ever Summer Street Party in East Street, shoppers and visitors are being invited to get into the party spirit and join in the celebrations on Thursday 22 August.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind on Saturday 10 August.
Chichester District Council has started work on the development of a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for Chichester city centre and its links to adjoining parishes.
A much loved statue that has been in Chichester's Priory Park since 1873 will soon be repaired and restored.
Looking for something to do in the Solent this summer? Whether you're a local, new in town or just cruising through, during the holidays there are lots of events happening across the region.
Shoppers and visitors are being encouraged to get into the party mood on Thursday 22 August, when Chichester holds its first ever Summer Street Party in East Street.
A bakery in East Wittering has been fined after selling a bacon and cheese pastry containing maggots.
The secrets of an Iron Age warrior, who may have fought alongside King Commius during Julius Caesar's wars with the Gauls, will finally be told through a major exhibition at The Novium Museum, Chichester.
The Met Office has warned that the country is likely to experience hot weather over the coming week.
Chichester District Council's Cabinet declared a climate emergency at its meeting on 9 July.
The Novium Museum is asking people to give their views on its services to help shape future plans.
Small enterprises across the district will be able to boost their business thanks to another grants scheme, which was launched by Chichester District Council this week.
A package of support is being introduced by Chichester District Council to help support local retailers, as part of its commitment to support the High Street.
Residents and community groups are invited to attend free events in Midhurst and Fishbourne to learn about community safety and the work of local crime prevention services.
On Tuesday 4 June a Solent based partnership that helps to protect coastal birds, was recognised at the National Planning Awards with a prestigious environmental award.
A new exhibition, which celebrates over 1,000 years of Selsey's fishing industry, will be launched at The Novium Museum in Chichester on Saturday 15 June and will be on show until March 2020.
Thousands of people attended events to celebrate this years' Chichester Roman Week which ran from 25 - 31 May.
Residents and visitors in Selsey will soon be visited by a shoal of printed yellow fish, as Chichester District Council introduces a national scheme to help improve bathing water in the area.
On 22 May Bird Aware Solent, an initiative that helps to raise awareness of coastal birds that spend the winter on the Solent, teamed up with a Keep Britain Tidy ambassador, Wayne Dixon, and 'The Final Straw Solent' to litter pick a beach in Eastney, Portsmouth.
The Council offices at East Pallant House, Chichester, will be closed on Monday 27 May.
Chichester District Council has today announced its new Cabinet, Chairman and Vice-Chairman, following the recent district elections.
People are being asked to give their views on which events they would like to see in the Chichester District as part of public consultation which goes live on Monday 27 May.
The award winning Chichester Roman Week is back this May half term for its fourth year and is set to be bigger and better than ever.
Residents and visitors to Chichester will be able to experience a taste of France on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 May between 9am and 5pm, at an authentic French market in the city centre.
The hunt is now on to find a development partner for Chichester's major Southern Gateway regeneration project.
People can book onto a powerboating course with Chichester District Council's foreshores team this summer.
Residents and visitors of Chichester District are being encouraged to help provide vital information on local wildlife in the area by reporting sightings through a dedicated phone app and website.
The Council offices at East Pallant House, Chichester, will be closed on Monday 6 May.
Chichester District Council has today apologised for an error on the electoral register and has assured residents that this has now been corrected.
Residents of Chichester District are being reminded to make sure their voice is heard by voting on Thursday 2 May when district and parish elections will be taking place.
The Chichester Wellbeing 'Move it and Lose it' workshops help residents lose weight, get fit, and lead a healthier lifestyle.
The Council offices at East Pallant House, Chichester, will be closed on Friday 19 April and Monday 22 April.
Residents are being reminded to check the location of their polling station for the upcoming district and parish council elections to ensure there are no problems on the day.
Visitors to The Novium Museum in Chichester will be able to delve into the world of big-screen historical legends as part of its colourful new exhibition - Hollywood Rome: Reel Life in the Ancient World.
A project to resurface and reline the North Street car park in Midhurst will start on Monday 8 April.
Residents of Chichester District are being reminded to register to vote and ensure their voice is heard in this May's local elections.
Students from Bourne Community College are benefitting from the advice and expertise of officers from Chichester District Council as part of a national mentoring scheme.
Residents of Chichester District are being encouraged to play a part in local democracy and run to become a councillor in the upcoming district and parish council elections.
Walkers, joggers and users of our wonderful Solent coast have all been treated to flocks of fantastic coastal birds over the winter, but unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.
Work will start this week to deliver a new Lidl supermarket on land at Barnfield Drive, Chichester.
The Government has launched a public information campaign giving residents and businesses key information about how to prepare for Brexit.
Residents and visitors will see a freeze to parking charging charges across Chichester District car parks over the next year.
Vital services across Chichester District will be protected after councillors agreed a 10p a week council tax rise for a Band D property.
.jpg "Westhampnett air quailty monitoring station: Link to 'Westhampnett Road air quality to be monitored following residents' concerns'")
Air quality at Westhampnett Road will be monitored by Chichester District Council, now that an air quality monitoring station has been installed in the area prompted by residents' feedback.
The Novium Museum in Chichester has been awarded a grant of £10,130 from Arts Council England to run this year's Chichester Roman Week.
Encouraging people out of their cars to help improve air quality is the aim of three projects that Chichester District councillors have authorised funds to be spent on.
A project to build six new industrial units in Terminus Road, Chichester to boost local businesses has been completed and is open for business.
People are being asked for their views on a new housing strategy for Chichester District which sets out how the council plans to meet local housing needs.
An exciting new exhibition coming to The Novium Museum this spring will bring Hollywood to Chichester, for an entirely new take on Ancient Rome.
Cabinet members at Chichester District Council have approved an ambitious business plan which is looking to expand the current success of Chichester's award winning Novium Museum and Tourist Information Centre (TIC).
A project to update certain CCTV cameras in Chichester is being recommended by leading councillors.
Local residents will continue to have access to justice now that rooms at Chichester District Council are being used for court sittings.
Local teenagers will benefit from a wellbeing project which teaches them skills to look after their emotional and mental health, thanks to the support of local company, Natures Way Foods.
Please note that the Met Office is warning that our area may experience severe weather conditions over the next few days. Here you will find up updates on any disruption to our services.
A convenient new location and exciting new stalls will be the perfect excuse to visit Chichester Farmers' Market this coming month.
Chichester Careline will benefit from significant investment and further expand its presence in the telecare market after it was agreed that PPP Taking Care should take over the service.
The Leader of Chichester District Council has received the formal written response regarding the rejected A27 proposals from Highways England.
Helping the economy and improving residents' sense of place and community are the aims of key projects that have been recommended for approval by leading Chichester District councillors.
The audio recording of key council, cabinet and committee meetings is to continue after Chichester District Council's cabinet agreed to continue the scheme in 2019 and beyond.
Options put forward by the Build a Better A27 group to improve the A27 have been rejected by Highways England it has been announced today.
Emma Pagett from Arun and Chichester Wellbeing was named a Heat Hero at a special awards ceremony at the Houses of Parliament this week.
Following Government advice that is designed to help reduce the spread of coronavirus, the council has taken a number of steps to help ensure the wellbeing of customers, staff and the wider community, while also keeping essential services running.