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Characteristics of National Parks


The ONS has just released a report [PDF] on the national parks in England and Wales based on the 2011 census. Residents of the South Downs National Park (SDNP) should find some of the content to be of interest:

  • The population of the national parks taken as a whole has increased by 7,400 since 2001. Of this, the SDNP is responsible for 7,200.
  • The population density of the SDNP is the highest of any national park and 36 times greater than that of the Northumberland park.
  • The SDNP had the lowest median age at 46 (compare the Broads and Exmoor, both at 53).
  • National park residents are older than the general population but consider themselves healthier: 82% describe their health as good or very good. The SDNP has the highest proportion who describe their health as very good.
  • Among the parks, the SDNP has the lowest proportion of UK born residents at 91% (the figure is 87% for the population as a whole and 97% in Snowdonia).
  • 40% of SDNP households occupy detached houses or bungalows (the figure is 23% for the population as a whole and 66% for the New Forest).
  • The SDNP has the lowest proportion of homes with “no usual residents” at 6% which is a bit higher than the national average but much lower than the national park average (14%) and the Pembrokeshire Coast (28%).

GJMG

Living in vans on the Downs

Living in a van
Van dwellers appeal eviction notice
The Argus reports:

The group of van dwellers have been on the site, which is in South Downs National Park .. for at least four months. When The Argus visited earlier this month, it included a university student, a roller-skating teacher and a telesales worker. Some members of the current encampment were part of a group which was evicted from land bordering Devil’s Dyke Road in May 2012.

Ward councillor Ken Norman .. said “The big issue here is human rights, whatever they are.”

Illegal encampments can be reported to West Sussex County Council by contacting Esther Quarm on 033 022 23736 or email esther.quarm@westsussex.gov.uk

Road Closures

Road_Closed_Sign

Carriageway Patching to_Clappers Lane. Fulking: ref#_9110137

West Sussex Highways will shortly be improving the surface of Clappers Lane. This work will commence on the 25th February 2013 and will last 2 days.

This process will involve removing the surface layer of tarmac, then replacing with new material.

Due to the large plant used to surface the carriageway a road closure will be in operation to enable us to safely carry out these works in a timely manner. This closure will be in place along the whole length of Clappers Lane, and will be in force between 0800 and 1700. A signed diversion via A281, Poynings Road will be in place.

Before the work starts ‘advance warning’ signs will be erected stating the start date, duration and marking the extent of the works. We shall do our utmost to minimise the impact of the works and you can help us by following this advice:-

  • On the day of the works please don’t park on the road unless you have off street parking.
  • Access to your properties will be maintained where possible: however during periods when materials are being laid access may be limited
  • For safety and cleanliness reasons please do your utmost to keep children and pets away from the area of work
  • When driving on the new surface please keep to the signed temporary speed limits and avoid heavy braking to allow the surface to stabilise

Whilst work is being carried out we would ask that you follow any instructions given by the expert personnel on site. If you have any concerns about access please speak to the site foreman who will be happy to help you.

Please note that the date of this work may change in exceptional circumstances.
Yours faithfully
West Sussex Highways

Free Health Checks for National Heart Month

healthcheckFreedom Leisure and the Mid Sussex Wellbeing team have joined forces this month to offer health checks to local people in the form of some free Wellbeing MOTs.

February is National Heart month, a British Heart Foundation initiative that aims to raise awareness about the importance of looking after your heart. The Mid Sussex Wellbeing team is supporting this campaign by offering free Wellbeing MOTs.

At the Wellbeing MOTs, the team will take height and weight measurements before asking some simple questions about lifestyle. Everybody who takes part will receive a computerised printout that shows all the results, including BMI (Body Mass Index), metabolic age and even percentage body fat. After the check there will be an opportunity to discuss the results with a trained health adviser, who will provide personalised advice on how to lower the risk of future problems and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Wellbeing MOTs are available at the following locations:

Triangle Leisure Centre, Burgess Hill, Friday 15 February 2-6pm
Kings Leisure Centre, East Grinstead, Thursday 21 February 2-6pm
Dolphin Leisure Centre, Haywards Heath, Monday 25 February 1-5pm

All Wellbeing MOTs are by appointment only. To book a place call the Mid Sussex Wellbeing team on 01444 477191 or email jann.palmer@midsussex.gov.uk.

“We all lead such busy lives these days, it can sometimes be difficult to find the time to slow down and take stock of our health,” said Councillor Christopher Snowling, Cabinet Member for Health and Community. “Fortunately, with these Wellbeing MOTs it is possible to squeeze some quick health advice into even the busiest schedules.

“The MOT takes less than half an hour but it could make all the difference to your health. The checks can help to identify lifestyle risks to your health at an early stage before they go on to cause serious problems in the future.”

The Mid Sussex Wellbeing Team provides free advice and guidance on all aspects of health and wellbeing, including eating healthily, losing weight, giving up smoking, becoming more active, cutting down on drinking, managing stress and feeling happier. Residents can contact the team directly or visit the Mid Sussex Wellbeing website www.midsussexwellbeing.org.uk, which provides a ‘one stop shop’ for information and advice on physical and emotional health matters.