Latest news with #AdurandWorthingCouncils
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'You are absolutely mad': Plans to move town beacon met with scepticism
Plans to move a town's beacon have been met with scepticism. Worthing Borough Council's decision to reposition the Worthing Beacon, with approval from Adur and Worthing Councils on April 9, has drawn mixed reactions. The beacon, initially installed in 1999 to mark the millennium celebrations, is set to be moved from its current position between the Lido and the pier to a spot 150 metres west, adjacent to West Buildings Shelter. The council has stated that the new location is more accessible and can safely accommodate larger crowds, making it suitable for events such as the 80th anniversary of VE Day in May. A spokesperson for the council said: "This new location has been chosen as it is a much more accessible gathering place that can accommodate larger crowds safely and ensure future events and attractions, like the observation wheel, can be more easily accommodated between the pier and the lido." The planning report noted that the beacon is 'hidden' by the observation wheel (Image: Adur and Worthing Councils) However, The Worthing Society hinted at another reason for the move. In comments submitted in response to the plans, the society noted: "Following a discussion with the Councillor for Regeneration, we understand the reason for relocating the beacon is so that it will not be overshadowed or obscured by the return of the wheel. "Therefore, the Society has no objection to the proposal." The Adur and Worthing Council's planning committee report also mentioned that the beacon's current site is very close to the wheel's location, causing the beacon to become hidden when the wheel is in situ. READ NEXT: Church in need of serious repairs after repeated vandalism The report stated: "The reason for the relocation is that the site for the wheel is very close to the existing site of the beacon. "Its proposed location to the west of the Lido and the existing seafront shelter would enable a wider view of the structure, particularly when viewed from the west." The cost of moving the beacon is being funded by income from the extended period that the wheel will be in place on the promenade this year. The wheel has returned to Worthing seafront (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) However, some Facebook users have questioned the move. Sue Waton commented: "Isn't the point of a beacon that it is visible to the next ones in line? Will that still be the case in this new position?" Ian Leedham questioned: "Why is West Buildings a better location?" Along similar lines, Debbie Andrews asked: "How does that position make it a more accessible gathering place?" READ NEXT: Car showroom could be demolished to make way for new Sainsbury's Dolly Danish advised: "Leave things alone and save the money!" Iona Harte expressed disbelief: "You are absolutely mad." Kirsty Lester asked: "Will it be completed in time?" Steve Hinton remarked: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Dorset council chief 'unanimously' recommended
A new chief executive for Dorset Council has been unanimously recommended. The authority has revealed it is backing Dr Catherine Howe to take over, after former chief executive Matt Prosser left for New Zealand. She has been recommended by the cross-party staffing committee, but the appointment is subject to a final vote on 10 April. Dr Howe would take on the role from interim chief executive, Sam Crowe. Mr Crowe has held the role since Mr Prosser announced he was leaving to join Wellington City Council. In a statement, the council said Dr Howe was "a highly experienced local government leader". It explained she had "extensive experience" in managing organisational change, promoting community-led initiatives and "driving digital transformation". Dr Howe is currently working as chief executive of Adur and Worthing Councils and previously held senior roles at Cancer Research UK and Capita PLC. She said: "I have been watching with great admiration the work which Dorset Council has done since it was created in 2019 and I feel both excited and very privileged to have the chance to be part of where we go next." Council leader Nick Ireland said: "Catherine brings a wealth of experience, expertise and energy to the role. "She has a clear vision and I am confident that she will drive delivery of excellent services for the people of Dorset." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. English chief executive appointed to lead NZ council Advert for £200k role as new council chief executive Dorset Council
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
More work to be carried out on Worthing Pier
More work is set to be carried out on a West Sussex pier which was closed for more than seven weeks towards the end of 2024. Adur and Worthing Councils said contractors were carrying out minor repairs to Worthing Pier's substructure for about a week and the site would stay open throughout. The repairs, which were expected considering the pier's age, were identified while the site's new steel support structure was installed in November and December. A council spokesperson said: "The tides are suitable so our contractors are back on site tightening bolts and replacing tie bars and bull bars underneath the pier." The council said it would keep residents updated on the maintenance, as well as plans to safeguard the pier, lido and other key heritage sites along the coast. The pier was closed towards the end of 2024 after damage was found to its iron supports. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Damaged Worthing Pier to reopen after emergency repairs Work to begin on temporary fix of damaged pier Worthing Pier's 'hidden damage' uncovered Adur and Worthing Councils
