MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

HELD ON 12 JANUARY 2012 AT

BRACKLESHAM BARN, BEECH AVENUE, BRACKLESHAM.

PRESENT: Council Members

Cllr. Rod Tranchant (Chairman) Cllr. Geoff Breeze

Cllr. Ted Croucher Cllr. James Fitch

Cllr. Eleanor Johnson-Cadwell Cllr. Jean Koennecke

Cllr. Basil Lambert Cllr. Ray Lowe

Cllr. Sylvia Main Cllr. Joe O’Sullivan

Cllr. Steven Warner

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: District Councillor Graeme Barrett and County Councillor Pieter Montyn.

IN ATTENDANCE: District Councillor Peter Clementson, Mr. S. Dobbin and 6 members of the public.

12.1 Declarations of Interest. None.

12.2 The minutes of the meeting held on 8 December 2011 were confirmed by the Council as a

correct record and signed by the Chairman.

12.3 Matters arising from the last Council meeting not included on the Agenda. None.

12.4 Public Questions. None.

12.5 Report from District Councillors Graeme Barrett and Peter Clementson

Youth Centre Awaiting Guides to submit Business Plan to WSCC. WSCC will continue to support the Club at the current level until the asset issue has been resolved.

Cabinet Meeting 5th January 2012

Public Convenience Review Update – see also minute 12.8

The Cabinet agreed to defer the consideration of options until later in the year. The Officers were tasked to go back and within 3 months provide more positive alternatives that focus on retaining the facilities but at lower cost to CDC. The main message from the meeting was for more community involvement in retaining services which at local level means more involvement by the Parishes in terms of financial support or directly providing the support. In East and West Wittering there are 3 facilities, all of which are under threat and if these were to close the only facility in the area would be that at Bracklesham. If either Option 1 or 4 were to be adopted this would mean a major loss to the local community, in particular the tourist trade. District Councillors have been asked to raise this issue with their local Parishes. Until a decision has been made there will be no closures.

Transfer of Equity Loan Portfolio to Parity Trust

This fund is available to 1st time buyers who can secure 75% mortgage. The purpose of this additional loan is to part cover the deposit on the property. There will be close scrutiny of any applicant as they must show that they have adequate income to repay both loans, have close links to Chichester and are 1st time buyers. There is no age limit and this initiative is to encourage 1st time buyers into the housing market.

Securing Beach Management Plan Works in 2011/12

The area of beach under consideration for works extends from northern end of Selsey to 1 mile west of Shore Road. The first year expenditure of £150,000 out of the £750,000 over 5 years must be spent by 31st March 2012. The intention is to improve and stabilise the timber defences at Wittering in preparation for significant recycling of shingle during the next and subsequent years.

Northern Crescent Car Park – see also minute 12.8

Paul Over is currently addressing the issue of double yellow lines at the entrance to Northern Crescent Car Park as it is considered that parking close to the entrance presents a hazard. The quality of road markings in the area will also be addressed.

Localism Act and Neighbourhood Plans

Briefing materials for councillors involved in planning can be found at:

http://www.pas.gov.uk/pas/core/page.do?pageId=714986#contents-8

12.6 Finance.

12.6.1 The Council received a statement of the current financial position.

12.6.2 The Chairman had agreed and signed the bank reconciliation prior to the meeting.

12.6.3 The Council received the following list of previously agreed Direct Debits and Standing Orders withdrawn since the last meeting.

Volwona (OakProperties) Office rent 400.00

Konica Minolta Photocopier hire & copy charge 58.87

Eon B Barn gas 249.07

Southern Electric B Barn Electricity 203.30

BT B Barn phones- 2 lines (Alarm line & land line) 37.20

CDC B Barn Rates 739.80

Portsmouth Water B Barn water supply 14.00

Southern Water B Barn Waste water & drainage 126.35

S. Blunden B Barn Refund of deposit 955 100.00

Southern Electric Downview electricity 956 15.62

Bibby Factors Ltd Xmas Lights & installation for Bracklesham 957 1,174.50

Walsh Contribution for electricity for Xmas lights 958 20.00

A. Halter B Barn Refund of deposit 959 200.00

12.6.4 On a proposal from Cllr. Croucher, seconded by Cllr. Breeze the following

accounts totalling £9,281.38 were approved for payment.

J. Griffith Clerk’s salary and overtime from June 2011 960 3,113.84

J Griffith Clerk’s expenses* see below 961 899.72

L.Wright Assistant to Clerk salary & tax refund 962 951.10

HMRC Clks NIC & Tax 963 443.86

Doug Goodman Handyman pyt Dec & Xmas decs work 964 340.00

Travis Perkins Handyman supplies 965 25.00

Oak Properties Balance of office rent 966 25.00

Oak Properties Office electricity 967 91.02

Kent County Council Grass Cutting Downview/Brack Park 2nd pyt 968 1,964.18

Southern Electric Street Lighting energy 969 330.66

Bee Expert B Barn cleaning contract November 2011 970 400.00

Bee Expert B Barn cleaning contract December 2011 971 400.00

Detect Fire & Security B Barn Alarm call-out 972 135.00

Access By Design B Barn annual website hosting 973 144.00

EW Village Hall Mngt Cttee Hire of hall for Switch On 974 18.00

*CLERK’S EXPENSES £

Dec/Jan Office Window Cleaning 40.00

9.12.11 Stamps 12.96

Xmas poster winners prizes 10.00

2.12.11 Colour Photocopying 1.20

24.11.11 Village Christmas Tree lights 508.89

19.12.11 Binliners 1.58

Dec/Jan BB Window Cleaning 50.00

11.11.11 BB Dog leash rings 13.32

29.11.11 Xmas lights batteries 3.99

25.11.11 BB Barn Dance refreshments 7.00

11.10.11 BB Barn Dance refreshments 13.92

19.12.11 Binliners 1.58

28.11.11 Reindeer food ribbon 0.99

28.11.11 Reindeer food oats 3.57

28.11.11 Reindeer food oats 0.64

1.12.11 Santa’s Grotto presents 10.00

11.11.11 Santa’s Grotto presents 4.00

8.12.11 Santa’s Grotto/ Festive songs supplies 44.00

4.11.11 Santa’s Grotto supplies 22.00

BB Xmas Decorations 65.00

4.11.11 BB Xmas Decorations 44.89

4.11.11 BB Xmas Decorations 13.85

3.11.11 BB Xmas Decorations 26.34

TOTAL 899.72

12.6.5 Allotments The Council was asked to reconsider the grant request to West Wittering allotments in the light of further information about the number of East Wittering and Bracklesham residents using the allotments (17). After discussing the matter at length on a proposal by Cllr. Lambert, seconded by Cllr. Main it agreed to defer it to the March agenda when it would consider distributing any monies left in the donation fund.

12.6.6 Budget and Precept for 2012/13.

The Council considered the items suggested for inclusion in the budget. The Council agreed the following specific items:

a. Bracklesham Barn and Park budget of £45,500 broken down as attached. The

Bracklesham Park Committee can adjust the breakdown as required. This figure includes the provision of an administrator and some late night attendance for Bracklesham Barn.

b. Having received numerous complaints from Parishioners about the lack of Christmas lights in 2011 the Council decided to provide a budget of £5,000 but would be encouraging more local traders and individuals to make contributions. It noted that the cost in 2009 to install the emblems on the streetlight columns was about £3000 and cheaper alternatives to those lights would be considered. It is likely that the streetlight columns will be replaced soon and money may be required for new electrical sockets and brackets.

c. The Council is concerned about the future of the youth facility for young people housed in the Wittering Youth and Community Centre, Church Road (adjacent to the school grounds). The Council recognised the building’s importance in the community and to reflect this raised the ‘donations’ budget from the current £2500 to £5000 and will consider a substantial donation to the running of these facilities when and if required.

d. The Council agreed to place a figure of £8000 in the budget for the Community

Warden and would discuss the terms of any grant at a later meeting.

On a proposal by Cllr. Croucher, seconded by Cllr. O’Sullivan it was agreed by the Council to adopt the above items, agree the attached budget on page 591 of the minutes and that a precept of £112,000 be set for 2012/2013.

12.7 Neighbourhood Plan The Council was very concerned about the effectiveness and power of a Neighbourhood Plan and decided to put its development on hold. The Council is concerned that the District Council has been discussing large developments with developers when the proposals do not conform to the existing Local Plan. District Councillor Peter Clementson offered to find out more details.

12.8 Chichester District Council Public Convenience Review

The Council received an update from Chichester District Council advising the following costs of public toilets in:

Northern Crescent car park: £17,000/pa

Bracklesham seafront car park: £18,000/pa

Marine Drive car park: £19,000/pa

The review considered the following options

Option 1 to permanent close the public toilets in Northern Crescent car park and Marine Drive car park.

Option 2 to charge a suggested fee of 20p which would help towards the running costs.

Option 3 to make arrangements between the District Council and local businesses that are prepared to provide access for the public to use their toilets for an annual fee from the District Council (a survey showed that very few businesses had suitable facilities).

Option 4 to close or pass to others some or all of the following:

Pound Road, West Wittering

Marine Drive, West Wittering

This would affect visitors to the coast and could be contentious.

Option 5 to sell advertising space on either internal or external walls. The maintenance of a such a plan may outweigh the cost benefit.

The overall response from members of the District Council suggested that they do not support a further programme of closures therefore would look at other ways to raise funds to run these facilities.

12.9 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

West Wittering Estates will be holding festivities at its car park on Monday June to raise funds for the Friends of Wittering Medical Centre. The Estate is asking for anyone interested in running a stall to contact them.

12.10 Adoption of Commemorative Seat

Proposed by Cllr. Koennecke seconded by Cllr. Lowe the Council agreed for the adoption of a seat at Bracklesham Foreshore by Miss Davina Caswell in memory of her grandmother in a response to a donation of £100 towards its upkeep.

12.11 Highways

12.11.1 Street Lights. Cllr. Breeze carried out an inspection on Wednesday 12th January

Four lights were unlit.

The inspection took place on Tuesday 10th January beginning at 20.00

Seven lights were unlit (four belong to WSCC, three are unadopted by WSCC)

Middleton Close: Un-numbered column on the corner

Un-numbered column outside House numbers 28 & 29

Robinson Way: Un-numbered column outside House No 5.

Shore Road: Column No 9

Coney Six: Column No 1

Seafield Way: Column No 3

Kestrel Close: Column No 1

The Clerk has reported all the faults.

12.11.2 Parking

12.11.2.1 To Council is still hoping that the County and District Councils will find a solution to parking facilities in the village for the West Manhood Venturers minibus and are awaiting further discussions.

12.11.2.2 To receive any further information on the condition of the yellow lines in the Parish. This item was deferred to the next meeting.

12.12 Downview Playground renewal The Clerk reported that the Council’s application for funding from the District Council has been successful and a donation of £20,000 has been confirmed. The Council unanimously agreed to ask the Woodger Trust if it would be able to help to fund the shortfall.

12.13. Bracklesham Park and Barn

12.13.1 The Clerk gave a general update on the bookings and defects.

12.13.2 Proposed by Cllr. Lambert, seconded by Cllr. Warner the Council agreed to employ Mrs. Susan Moon on a part time basis to carry out the administration of Bracklesham Barn for 15 hours a week at £8.50/hr. Mrs. Moon has already been working in this position as a volunteer.

12.14. Christmas Lights Switch On No further updates.

12.15. Parish Council Office.

Any information from the Clerk and the Chairman regarding the office. None.

12.16 Urgent matters that the Chairman wishes to bring to the attention of the Council.

Signed______________________________Chairman Date_________________________

THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL WILL BE AT 7PM ON

THURSDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2012 AT BRACKLESHAM BARN, BEECH AVENUE.

EAST WITTERING & BRACKLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL

You are hereby summoned to the Meeting of the Parish Council to be held on

9 February 2012 at 7pm in BRACKLESHAM BARN, BEECH AVENUE, BRACKLESHAM

AGENDA

(Approximate start times are in brackets at the end of each item – these may be altered)

1. Apologies for absence. (7pm)

2. Declarations of Interest. (7.02pm)

3. Minutes of the Council’s meeting held on 12 January 2012. (7.04pm)

4. Matters arising from the last Council meeting on 12 January 2012 not included elsewhere on the agenda. (7.08pm)

5. Public Questions. (7.10pm)

6. Reports from District and County Councillors. (7.12pm)

7. Finance.

7.1 Statement of current financial position – copy provided to Councillors before meeting. (7.15pm)

7.2 Bank reconciliation approval. (7.18pm)

7.3 Accounts for payment – copy to be provided to Councillors before meeting. (7.20pm)

8. Proposed development adjacent to Bracklesham Park (7.30pm)

To consider the provision of 50 houses.

9. Highways

9.1. Street Lights. To receive a streetlight report from Cllr. Breeze (8pm)

9.2 Parking

9.2.1 To receive any further information on parking facilities in the village for the West Manhood Venturers minibus. (8.05pm)

9.2.2 To receive any further information on the condition of the yellow lines in the Parish.(8.10pm)

9.3 Infrastructure Works To receive the latest highways programme for 2012/13. (8.15pm)

10. Downview Playground renewal Update. (8.20pm)

11. Parish Lands To review the tenure of Parish lands.(8.25pm)

12. Bracklesham Park and Barn

To receive a general update on the provision of community facilities and consider any outstanding matters

from the Bracklesham Park Committee. (8.40pm).

13. Parish Council Office. Any information from the Clerk and the Chairman regarding the office. (8.45pm)

14. Urgent matters that the Chairman wishes to bring to the attention of the Council. (8.55pm)

J B Griffith Clerk

Unit 12, Wittering Walk, The Parade, East Wittering, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 8RR

3 February 2012

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE MEETING, HOWEVER THEY MAY NOT SPEAK AT THE MEETING UNLESS INVITED TO DO SO BY THE CHAIRMAN. Members of the public may be invited to speak during Public Questions or briefly at the start of an item and at the Chairman’s discretion. Any member of the public wishing to comment on any of the above items should advise the Clerk or the Chairman before the meeting.

*THE COUNCIL MAY BY RESOLUTION DECIDE TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND PUBLIC FROM ANY PART OF THE MEETING.

EAST WITTERING & BRACKLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Notice of a meeting of the Planning Committee to be held on Monday 6 February 2012 at 9.30am in the Parish Council Office, 12 Wittering Walk, East Wittering

AGENDA

1. Apologies for absence.

2. Declarations of interest.

3. Minutes of the Committee meeting held on 9 January 2012.

4. Matters arising from the last Committee meeting not included elsewhere on the agenda.

5. Public questions.

6. Decisions to be taken at this meeting:

6.1 EWB/11/05421/FUL Mr And Mrs N Blyth Seaward, West Bracklesham Drive, Bracklesham.

Amendment to Conditions 4 and 7 of planning permission EWB/10/04212/FUL. Provision of 20 no. Photovoltaic panels onto the roof.

6.2 EWB/11/05511/FUL Mrs Janice Stepney Witterings Medical Centre, Cakeham Road, EW

Two storey extension and internal alterations (to the existing medical centre) including a new vehicular entrance to an extended car park, and other external works.

6.3 EWB/11/05423/DOM Mr And Mrs R Howard. Seholm Charlmead EW. Alterations, extension and re-roofing.

6.4 EWB/11/05467/FUL Mr Rosario Cinquemani. First Floor Offices 12 Oakfield Road EW. Change of use B1 to A3 including external alterations.

6.5 EWB/12/00030/DOM. Mr And Mrs Chater. 1 Charlmead EW. First floor extension, change in roof design, increase in ridge height, porch and rear balcony.

6.6 EWB/12/00074/FUL Mr And Mrs Nigel And Karen Hampshire. Four Winds 9 Harmony Drive Bracklesham. Part change of use of site to cattery erection of wooden pens (x 7) on concrete base and provision of a separate isolation pen.

6.7 EWB/12/00102/DOM Mr Hewitt. 6 Manton Close Bracklesham. Proposed side extension to dwelling.

7. To consider any new planning applications received since the preparation of this Agenda.

8. To receive a report from the Clerk on planning decisions taken by this Committee and Chichester District Council since the last meeting. Copy attached for Members. This will not be read out but a copy is available from the Clerk.

9. Enforcement Enquiries

To receive any further information on the following enforcement enquiries and receive an update on any new enquiries.

9..1 EWB.10/02353/COU 63 Shore Road, EW – carrying out Watersports business from land south of 63 Shore Road. The Clerk was asked to find out if this requires planning permission. 09.09.10 Ongoing. 04.10.10 Ongoing. 28.10.10 Appeal allowed permission until 30.9.2012. 10.10.11 Ongoing. 01.11.11 Ongoing. 21.11.11 Ongoing. 12.12.11 Ongoing. 9.1.12 Ongoing.

9.2 EWB/11/00005/CONBC Longacre Bracklesham Lane Bracklesham.Logging being undertaken on the concrete apron contrary to condition 2 of 10/02314/FUL.. The screening related to condition 5 of the same planning permission has not been implemented as trees within Red Roofs overhang the boundary. 26.4.11 Ongoing. 23.5.11 Ongoing. 13.6.11 Ongoing. 18.7.11 Ongoing. 15.8.11 Ongoing. 26.09.11 Ongoing. 10.10.11 Advised by CDC that only the provision of a hedge or tree screen along the boundary remains outstanding. 01.11.11 Ongoing. 21.11.11 Ongoing. 12.12.11 Ongoing. 9.1.12 Ongoing.

9.3 EWB/11/00300/CONBC Mortimer, 30 Church Road – large garage in front garden – garage not built in accordance with plans 06/03399/DOM. 18.7.11 Ongoing. 15.8.11 Ongoing. 26.09.11 Ongoing. 10.10.11 Advised by CDC that building not in accordance with plans and pergola erected without consent. Retrospective application to follow. 01.11.11 Ongoing. 21.11.11 Ongoing. 12.12.11 Ongoing. 9.1.12 Clerk asked to enquire about progress.

9.4 EWB/10/00133/CONENF Land North of Hawthorns, Bracklesham Lane, Bracklesham. Ongoing. 01.11.11 Ongoing. 21.11.11 Ongoing. 12.12.11 Ongoing. 9.1.12 Ongoing.

10. To receive information concerning Planning Appeal APP/L3815/A/11/2160759/NWF Easton Farm Glasshouses.

11. Urgent matters that the Chairman wishes to bring to the attention of the Committee.

J. B. Griffith, Clerk

Unit 12, Wittering Walk, The Parade, East Wittering, CHICHESTER, West Sussex PO20 8RR

2 February 2012

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE MEETING, HOWEVER THEY MAY NOT SPEAK AT THE MEETING UNLESS INVITED TO DO SO BY THE CHAIRMAN.

Members of the public may be invited to speak briefly at the start of an item and at the Chairman’s discretion. Any member of the public wishing to comment on any of the above planning matters should advise the Clerk or the Chairman of the Committee before the meeting.

It is believed that an individual has been knocking on local residents’ doors stating that they have been sent by the local vicar. It appears that they have carried out research about the local area as they are able to quote the vicar’s name, stating that they are collecting any money that the residents are able to give on his behalf.

After speaking with the local vicar named on this occasion, it has become apparent that under no circumstances are residents to hand over any money. The vicar was not aware of this and has not asked any person to collect money on his behalf.

Please pass this onto to others within your area. If you or a neighbour are approached by a person stating the above or similar then please call the police immediately. If able, gain descriptions and details of the person and pass these details on.

The police very much want to catch up with this individual before our local residents fall victim to this scam.

From

Lisa Shadbolt

PCSO 27388

Chichester Police Station

Neighbourhood Policing Team

Telephone: 101

www.facebook.com/chipolice

www.twitter.com/#!/chi_police

If you see anything suspicious please report it immediately.

It might be the vital piece of information we need! Sussex Police gratefully receive information on all suspicious activity, suspicious persons and Anti-Social Behaviour, occurring in your area. We thank you for your vigilance and together, in partnership, we will effectively reduce and detect crime.

Sussex CRIMESTOPPERS: 0800 555 111

Call anonymously with information about crime

Help to safeguard your bicycle by freewheeling down to Bracklesham to have your bike marked.

Security conscious pedal-pushers should go to Bracklesham Barn on Wednesday 15 February at 1pm to have a free unique registration number stencilled onto their cycle frame. The PCSOs have set up the event, to permanently mark bikes and register them on a security database.

All types of bicycle will be welcome at the session, including any trikes, unicycles, tandems, and vintage two-wheelers!

There is a public exhibition at Bracklesham Barn on Wednesday 1 February 2012 of draft proposals for new family homes at Beech Avenue, Bracklesham to ‘help meet the need for new homes locally’.

The Wates Developments team invite you to an exhibition showing the draft propoals for a mix of up to 55 new family homes on land off Beech Avenue, Bracklesham.

Wates Developments think that community engagement is very important in order to create well-designed places where people want to live. Your comments and views on the draft proposals will help evolve these detailed proposals via feedback from the exhibition.

The events will take place at Westgate Leisure Chichester. They are aimed at disabled children, and those with additional needs and their family.

The first will take place this Sunday (22 January) from 10am to 3pm. A second fun day will also take place on Sunday 25 March from 10am to 3pm.

Other activities at the two sessions include:

• arts and crafts;
• Sensory sessions;
• hydrotherapy sessions;
• fencing;
• wheelchair basketball and football;
• circus skills;
• messy play;
• a bouncy castle;
• soft play;
• inflatable fun swim.

Councillor Eileen Lintill, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Wellbeing at Chichester District Council, says: “It is important to have activities where everyone in the family can take part. Events like this provide a great opportunity for families to enjoy new activities together.”

Booking for each event is advisable, to do this please call 01243 521103.

Children’s and adult’s lunch boxes are available to be pre-bookable in advance, please ask when calling to book your space. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Cafe Ravenna.

For more information on any of the activities, or to discuss accessibility requirements please call the centre on 01243 785651 or email lsargant@chichester.gov.uk

Chichester District Wellbeing is a free, friendly and impartial service that can help you make changes to your lifestyle and improve your health and general wellbeing.

www.chichester.gov.uk/wellbeing

Call 01243 521041 for more information

OFTEC (the Oil Firing Technical Association for the petroleum industry) offers advice and guidance for those who use and store oil at their premises. There are certain rules and regulations that may apply to you and OFTEC will help clarify these for you. They can be reached at www.oftec.org or by calling 0845 6585 080. They also produce ‘An easy guide to domestic oil storage’ which is a very straightforward and useful document.

Positioning your oil tank

The position of the tank can have a significant effect on how hard a target it is in the eyes of the thief. If the tank is close to the house, with one or more windows capable of giving a view of it, then the thief may consider the chances of being seen too high. If the tank is close to a road, path, drive or alleyway then it will be a far easier target. Hiding the tank behind the garage, shed or some other type of outbuilding is fairly commonplace, but it does give the thief the advantage.

Control switches

Control switches that control the flow of oil should be turned off and the electricity supply isolated when the tank is not in use.

Padlocks

A thief will usually come equipped with a limited range of tools to attack your tank so it’s worth spending a little more on good quality locks. Close shackle padlocks are the best as they offer most resistance to the most popular of burglar tools; the bolt cropper! Due to their design, close shackle padlocks have very little of the metal hoop (shackle) exposed and bolt croppers cannot get a good grip.

Oil level gauges

Remote electronic oil level gauges are now available which will set off an audible alarm if the oil level in the tank suddenly drops or falls below a quarter full. These gauges can be located in the kitchen, or perhaps a utility room to warn of any potential problem.

Security lights

Security lights can have a very positive effect and make any property a much harder target for the thief. It’s not always necessary to floodlight the area with high power beams, as a more subtle level of lighting may be all that is needed. Low energy ‘dusk ’til dawn’ lights positioned close to the tank should, in most cases, provide sufficient light to illuminate any suspicious activity. This type of light can be both effective and inexpensive. High powered lights can be used but care should be taken not to cause any nuisance to neighbours or road users.

Defensive planting

Defensive planting is nature’s way of helping to reduce crime. Thieves will not wish to force their way through or over a prickly hedge. The smallest trace of blood or shred of ripped clothing could help the Police identify the offender. These shrubs can, if planted around your tank, provide an effective and decorative thief proof barrier.

Securing your oil tank

Following on from the defensive planting tactic, fences and walls can also make life difficult for the thief. A wooden or metal fence, trellis or wall can give significant protection to the tank but it must be remembered that the oil tanker driver will need access to fill the tank. A metal grill or cage with a lockable access point across the top of this wall or fence can further improve security. The wall or fence should be as close to the tank and as high as possible.

Closed circuit television

The use of CCTV as a crime prevention and detection tool has grown massively in recent years. It could play a part in the protection of oil tanks but before you spend lots of money on equipment make an assessment of your needs.

Ask yourself:

1. What do I hope to achieve by using CCTV?
2. How much am I prepared to spend?
3. Is there a reasonable level of light where the cameras will be operating or do I need to think about using cameras with low light capability? (Most thefts take place at night).
4. What am I going to record the captured images on? Digital recording is best.
5. How am I going to provide the Police with any evidence I may capture?

Working with the Sussex Biodiversity Records Centre, Chichester District Council has identified twenty parishes within the District where there are low levels of biological records and East Wittering is one of them.

If you would like further information or training on how to record protected species or more information on the project please contact Stephanie Evans or Liz Rogers on 01243 534854 or environmentalstrategy@chichester.gov.uk