Community partnerships recognised

The final signatures were added at a meeting at Pulborough on Wednesday September 2. The two-page memorandum was the result of negotiations with the two councils over many months, if not years.

Much of the credit goes to Julian Carrington of Horsham District Council who drove the project up until his departure.

“It places the relationship between the community partnerships and the two councils on an official level where everyone understands what is expected of the others” said Reina Alston of Steyning Community Partnership.”

“The community partnerships can help the council officers understand more about the communities they are trying to help, and working together can achieve more for the community,” said Les Ampstead from Pulborough Community Partnership.

“Both they and the parish councils have a deep knowledge of the places they live in and that knowledge can save hard-pressed councils much time and money. Instead of employing a consultant, just come and ask the people on the ground.”

Pictured standing ( fromleft to right): David Hurst - P ulborough Community Partnership (CP), Les Ampstead - Pulborough CP, Ken Johnson - Billingshurst CP, Andy Castle - Storrington & Sullington CP, Denise Campbell - Billingshurst CP, Tony Jackson - Henfield CP and Patrick Perks - Billingshurst CP.

Seated (from left to right) : Mary Crosbie - Horsham Town CP, Jane Apostolou - Horsham Town CP, Kate Rowbottom - Horsham District Council, Cabinet Member for Communities & Wellbeing and Reina Alston- Steyning CP.

Report and picture contributed by David Hurst.