Project: In-Person Conversations | Adur and Worthing Councils

Adur & Worthing Councils Team11 months ago Key Themes Across All EventsWhat People Love About Worthing: Seafront & Beach: Clean, attractive, and vibrant (e.g., saunas, Coast Café, pier). Arts & Culture: Strong grassroots music, theatres (Dome, Pavilion), festivals, and local talent. Community & Green Spaces: Homefield Park (skate park), small-town feel, friendly community, and proximity to South Downs. Accessibility: Walkable town, good local pubs, and events like Worthing Farmers Market. What People Want to Improve or Lose: Traffic & Transport: Poor traffic management, unreliable buses/trains, need for better cycling lanes and pedestrian safety. Declining High Street: Empty shops, too many coffee/pound shops, lack of diversity. Anti-Social Behaviour: Linked to drugs/alcohol, safety concerns. Infrastructure Issues: Water pollution, Guildbourne Centre’s decline, poor consultation on projects (e.g., Hemiko Heat Network). Accessibility for Elderly/Disabled: Difficult beach access, hazardous road crossings. Ideas & Wishes for Worthing’s Future: Revitalising Spaces: Repurpose The Lido, regenerate Chapel Road/Montague Street, more pop-up events. Transport & Mobility: Better-connected public transport, park-and-ride, 20mph zones, safer cycling. Economy & Tourism: Free weekend parking, more diverse nightlife, incentives for businesses, festivals year-round. Community & Youth: Affordable housing, safe social spaces, youth facilities, retaining local talent. Sustainability & Environment: Tackle water pollution, more green initiatives. Governance & Representation: Clear priorities for elected officials, inclusive decision-making. Event-Specific Highlights:Toad in the Hole Pub (13–20 July 2025) Loved: New train station look, East Beach Studios, Worthing Festival. Frustrations: Disrespect for elderly, lack of beach accessibility. Ideas: Rock pool at The Lido, 20mph speed limits, boost arts/culture. Selden Arms (13–20 June 2025) Loved: Proximity to London, local pubs, night safety marshals. Frustrations: Antisocial behaviour, unreliable buses/trains to Brighton. Ideas: Car-free town centre, more festivals, better youth support. Worthing Festival – Homefield Park (22 June 2025) Loved: Beachfront events, community pride (e.g., street parties). Frustrations: Poor transport links, Guildbourne Centre. Ideas: More small parks, better nightlife, regenerating Forest Row. Overall Sentiment:Residents appreciate Worthing’s seaside charm and community spirit but want urgent improvements in transport, high street vitality, and youth/elderly support. There’s strong demand for creative reuse of spaces (like The Lido), better governance, and sustainable growth.Individual Event Write-ups:Event / Engagement name: TOAD IN THE HOLE PUB, NEWLAND ROADDate: 13 – 20 JULY 2025 Facilitator: LISA BASKOTT (LOVE/LOSE COMMENT BOX)Attendees (number and description of who (residents, partner org, business VCSE, mixed): MIXED/RESIDENTSAge and gender split of who is in the conversation: VARIEDThe place where we live and work: WORTHINGWhat we love New look Worthing Train station/approach (paving, signage etc.)Good looking seafrontPavillion Theatre/Dome CinemaHomefield Park – skate park and tennis courtsWorthing FestivalEast Beach Artists’ StudiosLocal community eventsWorthing Farmers Market (Wednesday)Food, arts and culture focusSmall seaside/market town feelEverything easily accessibleWhat we would losePoorly controlled trafficMake road speed limit 20 mph south of BroadwaterPeople ‘taking the piss’ out of Markwick Mews residents - they are people not mongrels!Lack of respect for aged population (double parked cars make crossing roads risky/hazardous)Lack of accessibility to beach for elderly/disabledPoor transportationThe LidoChapel Road – especially estate agents!Empty hight street premisesThe Guildbourne CentreInfrastructure works without adequate prior consultation with residents e.g. Hemiko Heat NetworkLack of variety of shopsIdeas: We wish we could …Better pedestrian rights, safe cycling and improve public transportA thriving economy on our high streetDo up the pier – make it lovelyMore bars on the seafront near Coast CaféMake road speed limit 20 mph south of BroadwaterFree weekend parking in Worthing town centreCreate a rock pool where The Lido currently isEnsure that we have affordable housingLocal growth – while still preserving or environment e.g. water pollutionCreate more local jobsBoost arts and culture – local talentGet more people to visit – offer incentives to ‘set up shop’ in WorthingEvent / Engagement name: THE SELDEN ARMS, LYNDHURST ROADDate: 13 – 20 JUNE, 2025 (LOVE/LOSE COMMENT BOX)Facilitator: LISA BASKOTTAttendees (number and description of who (residents, partner org, business VCSE, mixed): MIXED/VARIEDAge and gender split of who is in the conversation: VARIED (35 – 70 APPROX.)The place where we live and work: RESIDENTSWhat we love Clean/attractive seafront and beachGreen spaces/parksCloseness to South DownsWalking distance to town centre, beachNice communityArts sceneWarwick Street – prettyWorthing Theatres and MuseumWorthing LibrarySummer Activities on the seafrontThe PierNight Safety MarshalsProximity to LondonSkate Park (Homefield Park)Nice variety of local pubs (New Amsterdam, Toad in the Hole, The Corner House, Selden Arms)Local bands, talent, grassroots music scene What we would loseBad traffic managementGuildbourne CentreAntisocial behaviour connected to drink and drug misuseEmpty shops on hight streetLow value/pound shopsToo many coffee shops - need more variety/diversityInfrequent bus serviceBetter connection (bus and rail) to Brighton especially on the weekend at nightWater pollutionUnreliable train serviceRoadworksUnreliable bus service/lack of routes/times etc.Ideas: We wish we could …Make better use of The LidoFree weekend parking for residentsBetter hospital parkingMake town centre a car free zone/park and ride optionCommunity neighbourhood spacesMore/better cycle lanesMake the Wednesday market more frequentTidy up – regenerate Chapel RoadMore affordable housing Safe social spaces for migrant communitiesStronger community identity – ‘what makes Worthing so unique?’Improved skills for job seekersSupport for young peopleTackle the cost of living crisis more effectively in WorthingSee more private/public partnership on major initiativesMore designated festivals/events throughout the calendar yearDo more around sustainabilityMore activities for youthSafe spaces in town centreMore reasons for people to want to visit WorthingEnsure that a diverse mix of voices and perspectives are heard and acted onWe clearly outline what priorities we want for an elected mayor, their advisors and the tiers of devolved governance – and that we can hold them all to account!More public bins on roadsMain supermarket chains with longer opening hoursEvent / Engagement name: WORTHING FESTIVAL – HOMEFIELD PARKDate: SUNDAY 22ND JUNE, 2025Attendees (number and description of who (residents, partner org, business VCSE, mixed): MIXED (spoke to 43 people)Age and gender split of who is in the conversation: _RANGE: 25 - 70The place where we live and work: CENTRAL WORTHING, TARRING, DURRINGTON, EAST WORTHINGWhat we love Beachfront – especially Coast CafeSense of community pride e.g. Portland Square Street Party, Worthing Festival/FringeWorthing Library/Spun RecordsDome TheatreSummer fireworksWarwick StreetSaunas on the beachWorthing Wednesday MarketBeach House Park/Cream TeasWhat we would loseAwful transportation infrastructure - lack of connectedness to other towns on coastlineWater pollutionAntisocial behaviourForest RowGuildbourne CentreIdeas: We wish we could …Have more small local parks for families with young childrenBetter, more connected transportationRenovate, repurpose The LidoMore pop-up events utilising our communal assets e.g. Worthing Pavillion and Connaught TheatreBetter night-time economy (diverse range of bars, restaurants and evening entertainment for all demographics – lean into grass roots local music talent e.g. Audio Active, Skool FestBespoke facility for youth especially 14- 17 year oldRetain skills talent – especially young peopleBetter use of communal spaces e.g. Montague SquareRe-generation of Montague Street (Whiskey Room end..)Re-generate Forest Row

Adur & Worthing Councils Team11 months ago CREW are a climate resilience group and they had two meetings in June about Thriving Together:CREW conversation 1As a climate resilience group, they focus on the environmental and healthy resilience of the town, a town people want to live in and visit. To reduce carbon emissions, they envisage priority for walking, cycling and use of public transport. For those who have to drive, 20mph speed limits, one-way systems in the town centre and improved parking for people with disabilities and those visiting the hospital would be a important.Their vision is of a greener town for those who live here and those who visit, with more trees, wildflowers and other green community spaces. The sea is a natural asset – the seafront could be developed with more community spaces inside and outside; the lido needs to be reopened as a lido. Abandoned/derelict buildings need developing, empty shops could be let to charities and a coherent circular economy developed that reduces waste and the need for new materials, encourages re-use and resource sharing. There needs to be more opportunities for young people including youth clubs, and the young people should be involved in the planning for the future. Housing needs to be more affordable.TRANSPORT more walking, buses and bikes more/bigger car free zone pedestrianised roads no cars in the town centre less traffic more cyclist friendly roads better bike lanes improved public transport cheap, frequent buses hovercraft service from Portsmouth to Brighton a bridge across the bay to be an alternative to the existing polluting A27, to provide a sea wildlife haven more disabled parking better parking at the hospital stop pavement parking (obstruction for pushchairs, wheelchairs etc.) 20mph speed limit on some roads one-way systems HOUSINGmore affordable housingEDUCATIONmore youth clubsECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT opportunities for young people more for young people to do joined up thinking around recycling, re-using and resource sharing more coherent circular economy reduce waste and necessity to mine for materials more investment in planning from young people access to vegan, veg food reopen the lido as a lido ( like Saltdean lido) alternative green corridor from the station develop empty shops – let them out to charities shops to reduce online shopping develop derelict/abandoned buildings green town centre trees on the streets trees proximity to the sea more wildflowers, greenery more community green spaces more re–wilding bee highways friendly neighbourhoods community spaces inside and outside a town that people want to visit Stitch it _CREW 1, 7 June 25They love the community spirit, variety of entertainment, friendliness, safety even at night and that Worthing is less busy than bigger places. But they say there is not enough evidence of creativity, with nothing to attract people to the town.The environment needs improving – an attractive walk from the station to the sea, a user-friendly Guildbourne Centre decorated sustainably and creatively, revitalised shopping in the town centre, some free parking, a developed West End and seafront with wine bars and watersports, and celebration of the pirate history. More green spaces could include planting of fruit trees and vegetable growing areas, and other trees. Awareness of environmental issues is needed in public areas as well as in schools. Young people need youth projects with opportunities to learn skills, be creative, have recreation appropriate for them, youth clubs for today, suitable community spaces, maybe a Festival for kids. Housing needs sorting with more temporary housing. If there was always an initial consultation with Worthing people especially young people, tendering to do the work properly, and creative people involved with the outcome, it could save money in the long run. TRANSPORT more free parking improve walk from station to the sea HOUSINGimprove bad housing situation EDUCATION opportunities to learn skills festival of kids and young people ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT consultation FIRST with Worthing people – creative people involved with the outcome + do it properly, properly tendered for town centre shopping revival regenerate West End celebrate the pirate history Guildbourne Centre decorated sustainably, creatively, user friendly beach – watersports, get energised, skinny dipping wine bars on the beach HEALTH youth gardens, own spaces, art boards to share feelings, emotions, youth projects youth centres for today – dj-ing, community stuff open spaces for young people on bikes ENVIRONMENT increased environmental awareness in schools, public places more trees more community vegetable growing and orchards, more green spaces and fruit trees

Adur & Worthing Councils Team11 months ago Lancing Conversations - Thriving Together DevolutionHere’s a concise summary of the two Lancing-based conversations:1. Pop-Up Outside Asda, Lancing (18 June 2025)Attendees: 30 mixed residents (50/50 gender split)What People Love: Natural beauty: Brooklands Park, proximity to sea & Downs, tidy seafront. Community spirit: Friendly, safe, volunteer efforts (e.g., youth volunteering). Quality of life: Good schools, convenient facilities, satisfaction with council support for housing. Key Concerns: Anti-social behaviour: Vandalism, dog fouling, parking on grass verges. Poor infrastructure: Chaotic roads, overstretched GPs, lack of disability-friendly activities. Waste issues: Bins not collected, limited recycling/food waste options. Declining high street: Dominated by charity/vape/fast-food shops; demand for healthier/local businesses. Wishes: Transport: More frequent buses. Environment: Wildflower verges, wildlife conservation, easier recycling access (no online booking). Development: Halt excessive housing builds; invest in high street revival. Youth: More activities for young people. 2. Charity Chat Hosted by AVA (11 June 2025)Attendees: 7 mixed stakeholders (local orgs, care providers, council reps; 2 male/5 female).Key Concerns: Public services: Crisis in elderly/disability support, GP/dentist shortages, unsafe sewage. Politics: Disconnect between community needs and political agendas; oversized mayoral area. Utilities: Clean/adequate water supply, affordable community internet. Wishes: Devolution opportunity: Boost local engagement via citizen assemblies, workshops, neighbourhood charters. Accountability: Clear mechanisms for listening to residents ("human in the loop"). Jobs & equity: Well-paid local jobs, lower-cost internet for community access. Shared Themes Across Both Conversations: Pride in Lancing’s environment but frustration with anti-social behaviour and infrastructure gaps. Demand for better public services (healthcare, waste, transport) and community-led decision-making. Environment & economy: Desire for wilder green spaces, high street regeneration, and sustainable jobs. Key Difference:The Charity Chat focused more on systemic issues (devolution, political representation, utilities), while the Asda pop-up highlighted day-to-day livability (parks, shops, youth activities).Full meeting notes - see pdfs attached

Adur & Worthing Councils Team11 months ago Central Worthing Conversations (Summary followed by individual write-ups)Here’s a concise summary of the five Central Worthing conversations:Key Themes Across All ConversationsWhat People Love: Proximity to the sea, beach, and Downs. Green spaces, parks, and trees. Community spirit, friendliness, and safety. Arts, music, and cultural scenes (e.g., pier, festivals, voluntary-run venues). Walkability and small-town feel. Common Concerns: Traffic and transport issues (poor parking, congestion, need for better cycling infrastructure). Declining town centre (empty shops, lack of investment, need for regeneration). Housing affordability and poor-quality housing. Lack of activities for young people. Environmental concerns (litter, need for more greenery, wildlife protection). Key Ideas & Wishes:Transport & Infrastructure Better public transport (frequent, affordable buses, ferries between coastal towns). More pedestrian & cyclist-friendly areas (car-free zones, safer cycle lanes, 20mph limits). Improved parking (hospital, seafront, free/simpler parking for locals). Innovative solutions (hovercraft service, bridge across the bay). Housing & Development More affordable housing. Repurpose empty shops/buildings (for charities, community spaces, creative hubs). Consult residents first in planning decisions. Culture & Economy Revitalise the town centre (shopping revival, youth projects, live music). More activities for young people (youth clubs, skill-building, creative spaces). Restore the lido (like Saltdean) and improve seafront attractions (boat trips, watersports). Support arts & culture (bookshops with social spaces, festivals, eco-friendly gatherings). Environment More greenery & rewilding (street trees, wildflowers, community gardens). Beach & sea protection (cleaner shores, bans on jet skis/motorboats, seaweed harvesting). Circular economy & sustainability (better recycling, eco-initiatives in schools). Event-Specific Highlights: Crew Social (2 June) – Strong focus on transport improvements and repurposing empty shops. Family Conversation (3 June) – Requests for seafront upgrades (Ferris wheel, boat trips) and free parking for locals. Stitch It @CREW (7 June) – Emphasis on youth spaces, housing, and creative regeneration. Mirth for Earth (13 June) – Ideas for eco-friendly events (seaweed gathering, nudist beach) and cultural vibrancy. Stitch It @Fringe (21 June) – Desires for affordable kid-friendly spaces, a university campus, and better WiFi. Overall Sentiment:Residents cherish Worthing’s natural beauty and community but want better infrastructure, more opportunities for young people, and sustainable development. There’s a strong call for inclusive, creative solutions to revive the town while protecting its environment.Individual Write-ups:Event / Engagement name: CREW SOCIAL at TOAD IN THE HOLE PUBDate: 2 June 2025Facilitator: Sally LemsfordAttendees (number and description of who (residents, partner org, business VCSE, mixed): 9 (residents)Age and gender split of who is in the conversation: all ages, prefer not to define genderThe place where we live and work: WorthingWhat we love calmness, not 90mph next to the sea and Downs the beach having the sea and greenery on our doorstep seafront and access to green spaces the sea, the beach and pier are unspoilt and not over-developed the sea air the proximity to the sea parks, especially beach House Park trees friendly neighbourhoods community the nightlife particularly the voluntary-run Cellar Bar the artscene it’s flat Worthing is a relatively small town and most things are within easy walking/public transport distance What we would lose pavement parking traffic problems empty shops and derelict/abandoned buildings empty shops- they should be let out to charities or CICs shops declined, centre run down so have to order online nobody wants to come and visit Ideas: We wish we could …TRANSPORTBetter buses especially in Broadwaterhovercraft service from Portsmouth to Brighton20mph speed limit on some roadsmore disabled parkingbetter parking at the hospitalmore cyclist friendly roadsmore cycle lanesneed more safe cycle lanesless traffic e.g. one-way everywhere so that one lane’s for wheelsbetter busesmore car-free zonesbetter bike lanesno cars in the town centrecheap, frequent busesmore/bigger car free zoneless trafficimproved public transport infrastructure (although I usually walk if I can)pedestrianised roadsless cars, more walking, buses and bikesmore cycle lanesbetter bike lanesa bridge across the bay to be an alternative to the existing polluting A27, to provide a sea wildlife havenstop pavement parking (obstruction for pushchairs, wheelchairs etc.)one-way systemsHOUSINGmore affordable housingCULTURAL/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTa town that people want to visitopportunities for young peoplemore for young people to domore youth clubsmore investment in planning from young peoplereopen the lido as a lido ( like Saltdean lido)user-friendly places to go to socialise/interactjoined up thinking around recycling, re-using and resource sharingmore comprehensive recycling schemea more coherent circular economy where resources are rcycled as fully as technically possible to reduce waste and necessity to mine for materialsaccess to vegan, veg foodmore neighbourhood schemesmore community spaces e.g.in empty shops etc!community spaces inside and outsidejoined up town from the station to the seadevelop empty shops – let them out to charitiesshops to reduce online shoppingdevelop derelict/abandoned buildingsENVIRONMENTalternative green corridor from stationgreen town centregreen city for the futuretrees on the streetsmore trees on the streetsmore community green spaces, friendly neighbourhoodmore wildflowers, greenerymore re–wildingbee highwaysEvent / Engagement name: FAMILY CONVERSATIONDate: 3 June 2025Facilitator: Sally LemsfordAttendees (number and description of who (residents, partner org, business VCSE, mixed): 2 (residents)Age and gender split of who is in the conversation: all ages, prefer not to define genderThe place where we live and work: WorthingWhat we love sea and DownsWhat we would losehave to pay for car parking in advanceIdeas: We wish we could …free Ferris wheel more interesting shells and other and fascinating thingsunderwater slide to see the sea animalsfloats out with toys on a platform to go out to (cover ups in case it rains)develop the seafront – boat trips from the pier (pier renovated)be allowed to park at the seafront – no yellow lines for localspedestrian crossing at Broadwater Greenmore shops less onlineEvent / Engagement name: Stitch It @CREW workshop at WSK café hubDate: 7 June 2025Facilitator: Sally LemsfordAttendees (number and description of who (residents, partner org, business VCSE, mixed): 7(residents)Age and gender split of who is in the conversation: all ages, prefer not to define gender The place where we live and work: Worthing, BrightonWhat we love less busy than bigger placessea on south of the Downsvariety of entertainment here, cinemas, theatrefriendliness – feel safe here even at nightcommunity spiritWhat we would losemad traffic system near the town hall with underpasstoo much shutting down temporary housing to create expensive flatsbad housing situationnothing in town to attract peoplenot enough creativityplaces shut downIdeas: We wish we could …TRANSPORTmore free parkingimprove walk from station to the seaHOUSINGimprove bad housing situationCULTURAL/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTconsultation FIRST with Worthing people – creative people involved with the outcome + do it properly, properly tendered fortown centre shopping revivalregenerate West Endcelebrate the pirate historyGuildbourne Centre decorated sustainably, creatively, user friendlytown centre shopping revivalbeach – watersports, get energised, skinny dippingwine bars on the beachless cafesyouth gardens, own spaces, art boards to share feelings, emotions, youth projectsyouth centres for today – dj-ing, community stuffopen spaces for young people on bikesopportunities to learn skillsfestival of kids and young peopleENVIRONMENTincreased environmental awareness in schools, public placesmore treesmore community vegetable growing and orchards, more green spaces and fruit treesEvent / Engagement name: MIRTH FOR EARTH OPEN-MINDED MIC EVENING Date: 13 June 2025Facilitator: Sally LemsfordAttendees (number and description of who (residents, partner org, business VCSE, mixed): 16 (residents)Age and gender split of who is in the conversation: 18+, prefer not to define genderThe place where we live and work: Worthing, BrightonWhat we love a lot of poets in Worthing & musiciansa lot of musicgeography – from the sea to the Downsproximity sea – Downsbeachthe parksnature, fresh airwarmthWorthing’s urban democracy – happily sharing the same space – inclusivefriendliness – sea front easy to walk alongthe communitythe piernow – better – more cosmopolitan, cafes open in eveningits restaurantscafes, markets, businesses – lots of opportunities to meet peopleIdeas: We wish we could …TRANSPORTferries for day trips and transport between seaside townsban jet-skis & motorboats, ban cruisesCULTURE/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTunderwater aquariummore children’s activities there (beach)a low-tide ceilidhcommunity eco-friendly gatherings + productive activities to improve the environmentEcstatic Dance Sessionshave the Lido, a real draw for people to come to Worthing (from September let the dogs in too)community of people repairing, trying to save resourcesseaweed gathering for foodmake it a nudist beachENVIRONMENTrepurpose the shingle to form a causeway to enable freedom of movement – shingle causewaykeep it cleanclean it up – no shit!respect the beachleave undisturbedlet it run free and rehouse the beachies in a wetland (with free wellies & mosquitos)Event / Engagement name: Stitch It @CREW workshop in Colonnade House for Fringe and Fibres (part of Worthing Festival)Date: 21 June 2015Facilitator: Sally LemsfordAttendees (number and description of who (residents, partner org, business VCSE, mixed): 12 (residents)Age and gender split of who is in the conversation: all ages, prefer not to define genderThe place where we live and work: Worthing, BrightonWhat we love Splashpoint (better than Brighton pools)beach is less busy than Brighton beachbeach and seaWhat we would losecarparksempty shopsLitterIdeas: We wish we could …CULTURAL/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTnot develop the beachopen the lido as a lido affordable activity cafes for kidscollege or university campus in the heart of the townbookshop to go in and knit, sofas to sit on, bookclubs, book swapsmore live musicactivities in townwifi that works

Noel Hatch11 months ago Designing the future council – workshop summaryAs part of shaping the future council at our Community Leaders session on 11 June, local groups and organisations explored how we could better support our communities across four key themes. Each group identified current strengths to build on, barriers we need to unblock, and the future roles the council should play.1. How the future council can support housing What we need to unblock Infrastructure must come before new housing – including transport improvements like the A27 and stronger planning conditions. Too many empty buildings and underused homes. Planning enforcement should ensure spaces are lived in, not left empty. The planning process needs to be quicker and easier, especially for new kinds of development like pre-fab housing and small developer schemes. What strengths we can build on Local examples like Turning Tides show how we can tackle homelessness effectively. Community land trusts offer potential for using small sites more creatively. We have strong housing providers – we need to work more closely together. What role the council could play Invest in homes that help people contribute to their communities. Bring housing and transport planning together more clearly. Support and regulate the private rented sector by enforcing decent standards and backing up local landlords to do preventative maintenance. 2. How the future council can support those most in need What we need to unblock The narrative – we need to challenge myths that stigmatise people in need and shift focus away from the loudest voices. Siloed working – departments need to stop passing the buck. Meetings without action – relationships matter, but they must lead to real change. What strengths we can build on We have good data to predict who’s most at risk. The voluntary sector brings deep grassroots knowledge and should help shape solutions. We’ve seen what works – for example, Housing First models and linking housing with social care. What role the council could play Prioritise genuinely affordable and social housing. Align housing, social care, and public health services with shared budgets and outcomes. Invest in green spaces and communal transport, recognising the link between nature, space and wellbeing – especially for vulnerable people. 3. How the future council can grow the economy What we need to unblock Inertia and bureaucracy slow down good ideas. National politics can limit local ambition. Poor transport, air quality, school inequality and housing affordability hold people back. Communication is often unclear – we need more plain English. What strengths we can build on The port and Gatwick are key economic assets. Our natural environment, biosphere and tourism offer big opportunities. There’s a strong local spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. What role the council could play Support small businesses with pop-ups and meanwhile use of spaces. Create a ‘Sussex Rover’ – a joined-up local transport offer. Back up good ideas with pooled funding, local taxes or philanthropic investment. Foster a pro-active, ‘can-do’ culture that joins up planning and infrastructure with the local economy. 4. How the future council can work with communities in neighbourhoods What we need to unblock Lack of space, funding and recognition makes it harder for community groups to step up. Community voices aren’t always heard, especially when decisions are made further away. Meetings often happen at times that exclude councillors and officers – making collaboration harder. What strengths we can build on Community groups hold deep local knowledge and expertise. Participatory methods like action research and people’s assemblies can build trust and involvement. Local initiatives like Sussex Bay show what’s possible when communities lead. What role the council could play Be a consistent and responsive partner – give clear timescales, follow up, and communicate openly. Create a clear liaison point in each community to maintain a two-way relationship. Recognise the power and expertise in local groups and help them organise and grow. Work jointly with communities on issues like the cultural sector, neighbourhood transport, and education – including SEND. Ideas for future working Run regular community summits and problem-solving meetings. Explore joint funding pots and shared knowledge systems. Shift power closer to communities – the smaller and more local the structure, the better.

Adur & Worthing Councils Team11 months ago Free 'Pop up' Family event - Lisa BasketA collaboration between Upper Central (Central Worthing's newest community space - a secret yard where community thrives - showcasing good food, drink. live performances, art and Slake Spirits (an independent artisan distillery based in Worthing bringing unique gin recipes from head distiller and forager - Dr Thomas Martin-Wells) - who put on a fantastic days' entertainment. There was even a live mural being created on a wall during the event!There were anywhere between 150 - 180 people at its busiest point throughout the day.I managed to chat/connect with 30 people that day.I used a simple Poll created from the First List (controversial ideas / statements from the online conversations etc.). I asked each person I interacted with to list in order of importance from the following:1) More youth-centric demands - 17 votes2) Bolder environmental actions - 31 votes2) Radical transport ideas - 38 votes4) Social and community experiments - 34 votesThe attendees ranged from the following areas:BroadwaterGoringCentral WorthingWest WorthingTarringShorehamSouth Farm RoadNewland StreetAge Demographic: 5 - 80 years old (inter-generational fun!)Connaught Theatre - Lisa Baskott - Mon 30 JuneIn the foyer at the Connaught Theatre - at the "Silver Screeners' screening of F1: The Movie (with Brad Pitt).There were anywhere between 80 - 100 people at its busiest point throughout that time.Chatted/connected with 22 peopleSimple Poll created from the statements from the online conversations. I asked each person I interacted with to list in order of importance from the following:1) More youth-centric demands - 36 votes (40.0%)2) Bolder environmental actions - 22 votes (25.0 %)2) Radical transport ideas - 19 votes (22%)4) Social and community experiments - 11 votes (13%)The attendees ranged from the following areas:BroadwaterGoringCentral WorthingWest WorthingTarringSouth Farm RoadNewland StreetN. LancingAge Demographic: 65 - 80 years old

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