Applications for funding in the fourth round of the Coastal Communities Fund is now open.
Around £36 million is available in this funding round, covering the period 2017-19.
The aim of the fund is to support the economic development of UK coastal communities by awarding funding to projects which will deliver sustainable growth and jobs.
The Big Lottery Fund is helping to deliver the latest bidding round on behalf of the Government.
Simon Kirby MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven is encouraging local groups and organisations to apply.
He said:“This is a great opportunity for coastal communities in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven. I am hoping that local groups will seize the opportunity this new bidding round offers.”
For full details of eligibility and how to apply for a grant for Round 4, click here:
The closing date for submitting applications in England is June 30, 2016.
With the Spring bank holiday and school half-term coming up next week, Brighton & Hove City Council is encouraging everyone to take responsibility for picking up and disposing of litter safely.
The council is putting out additional bins on the beach and on some popular green spaces such as the Old Steine and Hove Lawns. The extra bins include distinctive yellow ones which have been successfully used in recent years during busy periods.
Over the last Bank Holiday weekend the city council’s street cleaning teams collected 24 tonnes of rubbish each day from the beach and the communal bins along the seafront.
Crews work from 5am to 10pm seven days a week and empty litter bins on the seafront and in the city centre several times each day, so help and support from the public is greatly appreciated.
Council staff and volunteers have been working hard to make sure the city’s parks and green spaces are in good condition for the holiday season and the council is asking visitors to look after these too and to recycle where possible.
Councillor Gill Mitchell
Councillor Gill Mitchell, chair of the city’s environment committee, said:“We have some fabulous open spaces and great facilities and people love coming here to relax and soak up the atmosphere.
“We want to encourage people to take pride in our city and help us keep it clean and tidy for everyone to enjoy. Cityclean do a great job keeping places clean and collecting rubbish, but if everyone picked up just one piece of litter it would greatly help keep down the volumes we see left behind following a hot weekend.”
There are hundreds of refuse and recycling bins across the city centre, along the seafront and even on the beach itself to make it easy to dispose of litter. There are also bins for barbecues on the seafront. The council asks people not to take glass onto the beach as it is difficult to clear up smashed glass among the pebbles.
Recycling bins take cans, tins, plastic bottles, card and paper. There are separate recycling bins for glass.
Brighton & Hove City Council looks after more than 100 open spaces in the city, from small pocket squares to large parks such as Preston Park, Stanmer Park and newly restored The Level.
Help spread the message by using the hashtag #BHlitter on Twitter.
Jane Ellison MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health announced this morning that a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination pilot for men who have sex with men (MSM) will start from June, 2016.
Jane Ellison MP
An HPV vaccination programme for girls has been delivered since 2008 to help prevent cervical cancer but HPV infection is also associated with ano-genital and oral cancers.
In November 2015, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation advised that a HPV vaccination programme should be introduced for MSM aged up to 45 years who attend genitourinary medicine (GUM) and HIV clinics, subject to procurement of the HPV vaccine and delivery of the programme at a cost-effective price.
Through this pilot, the HPV vaccine will be offered during existing appointments at selected GUM and HIV clinics in England to test delivery in these settings. Public Health England is in the process of agreeing which GUM and HIV clinics will take part in the pilot.
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has welcomed the news.
Simon Kirby MP
He said:“I was pleased to learn of today’s announcement of the HPV vaccination pilot for MSM. Ano-genital and oral cancer and its prevention is an important issue which directly impacts on the lives of many of my constituents in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven.”
Christina Chatfield
Local dental hygienist Christina Chatfield has been campaigning for HPV vaccinations for all boys. She is presently walking over the Pyrenees to bring attention to the issue.
On hearing the news, she said:“I have spent my days on the Camino pondering why if 5% of all cancers are caused by HPV, why it is not a done deal and offered to everyone. With men being 3 times likely to get mouth cancer than women because of HPV, it’s a step in the right direction.”
For more information about Christina’s awareness raising walk, click here:
Recent statistics from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) reveal that cases of animal cruelty are falling in East Sussex.
Latest statistics reveal that the number of owners offered and accepting animal welfare advice is showing an increase, with 81,475 people nationally accepting advice in 2015 compared to 78,000 in 2007.
RSPCA maintain they would always rather improve animal welfare through education and advice, with legal action saved for the most extreme cases.
However, despite the positive news, the analysis highlights that there are still unfortunate instances of animal cruelty finding that dogs are the most abused pet in the UK totalling almost 57% of the RSPCA’s complaints, compared to just 24% for cats.
Simon Kirby MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven who owns dogs and a cat has welcomed the news.
He said:“Whilst there are still many instances of animal cruelty, these latest statistics are encouraging and testament to the work the inspectors carry out across England and Wales.
“I am always pleased to raise awareness of the important work that the RSPCA do to help improve standards of animal welfare in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven and across the UK.”
Thirty LGBTI MPs and members of the House of Lords have today signed a cross-party letter urging Britain to vote to stay in the EU to protect the rights of the LGBTI community.
Pictured left to right: (Nick Herbert, Chris Bryant, Baroness Elizabeth Barker, Lord Michael Cashman, Lord Jonathan Oates, Ben Howlett, Mike Freer)
Published today, to coincide with International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, the letter has been signed by figures including Chris Bryant, Angela Eagle, Baroness Jenny Hilton and Margot James.
The letter cites job security, the protection of human rights, the ending of discrimination and promotion of same-sex marriage as some of the examples of how Britain’s membership of the EU has benefitted the LGBTI community.
It concludes: “A lot has been achieved but there’s still more to be done. This year the EU hopes to secure agreement on the advancement of LGBTI equality covering education, employment, health and asylum across all 28 member states. Why would we risk all of this by leaving the EU?”
Wes Streeting MP
Wes Streeting MP, said:“Being a part of the European Union has been fundamental in the progression of LGBTI rights in the UK by helping to fight discrimination in the workplace and across society more generally. Leaving the EU would be a backwards step for the LGBTI community and is a move that we must resist. That is made clear by the overwhelming support for today’s letter.”
Actor, Sir Ian McKellen also joined the debate today confirming to Gay Star News that he would be voting for Britain to stay in the EU.
Sir Ian McKellen
He said:“It bothers me a bit that if Europe begins to break up then the idea that gay people should be looked after may go out the window. I think on those grounds, that’s why I’ll be voting to stay in.
“Also we are international, we have the same experience, let’s say, of coming out as someone in Russia, someone in Africa, someone in New Zealand – we have connections. So the idea that we should withdraw to our little island and be on our own doesn’t make sense to me.
“I don’t really feel very excited about the idea of not knowing what’s going to happen. And we really don’t know what’s going to happen. The impulse of a lot of people to get out of Europe is contrary to my view, which is that we should get closer to people.”
The full letter reads:
As LGBTI MPs and members of the House of Lords, we’re voting to remain in the EU in the upcoming referendum on 23rd June. And here’s why:
LGBTI people are more secure in our jobs – Europe introduced laws preventing discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. We’re safer travelling across Europe and the world – The EU protects and promotes human rights, and it prioritises action to end discrimination against the LGBTI community. This strong position has been supported with £1 billion to fund international campaigns making the world a better place for LGBTI people like us.
It promotes recognition of same-sex marriage – The EU requires that same-sex marriage is equally recognised across all member states that treat same-sex unions equally to opposite sex couples. The European Parliament is pushing to extend recognition to all EU member states. A lot has been achieved but there’s still more to be done. This year the EU hopes to secure agreement on the advancement of LGBTI equality covering education, employment, health and asylum across all 28 member states. Why would we risk all of this by leaving the EU?
Angela Crawley MP
Angela Eagle MP
Ben Howlett MP
Ben Bradshaw MP
Chris Bryant MP
David Mundell MP
Gerald Jones MP
Gordon Marsden MP
Hannah Bardell MP
Joanna Cherry MP
John Nicolson MP
Margot James MP
Martin Docherty – Hughes MP
Mike Freer MP
Nia Griffith MP
Nick Boles MP
Nick Herbert MP
Stephen Doughty MP
Steve Reed MP
Stephen Twigg MP
Stewart McDonald MP
Peter Kyle MP
Wes Streeting MP
Baroness Elizabeth Barker
Lord Guy Black
Lord Michael Cashman
Lord Ray Collins
Baroness Jenny Hilton
Lord Jonathan Oates
Lord Brian Paddick
A new law comes into effect today requiring all dogs in England, Scotland and Wales to be microchipped.
If local authorities find a dog is not microchipped, the owner will have up to 21 days to comply with the law or be fined up to £500.
Simon Kirby MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven who is an animal lover and the owner of three dogs himself, has been helping charities such as Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club to raise awareness of the importance of microchipping.
He said:“A large part of being a responsible pet owner is ensuring that pets are microchipped, registered to a database and that all details are up to date.
“As a nation of animal lovers, we all want a quick and successful reunification should our pets go missing.
“I welcome this new law and am encouraging dog owners to visit the Dogs Trust website for more information on microchipping.”
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, supports a call by research charity Bowel Cancer UK, urging more people to take part in bowel cancer screening and help save lives during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in April.
Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK, affecting both men and women. Every year over 41,000 people (one every 15 minutes) are diagnosed with bowel cancer and 16,200 people die of the disease.
Bowel cancer screening can save lives but at the moment in some areas of the UK only a third of those who receive a test complete it. Thousands of people are missing out on the chance to detect bowel cancer early when it is easier to treat.
Simon Kirby MP
Simon said:“As the local MP, I am totally committed to improving uptake rates for bowel cancer screening, both locally and nationally.
“I would urge my constituents who are sent a bowel screening test to use it. Taking part in bowel cancer screening is the best way to get diagnosed early. If you are over 60, take the test when you receive it in the post. If you are younger, tell the people over 60 in your life to take the test. Early diagnosis really can save lives.”
Deborah Alsina, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, added:“I’d like to thank Simon Kirby for supporting our campaign during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month to raise participation levels for bowel cancer screening. One in 14 men and one in 19 women will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime but it is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.”
The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme can detect bowel cancer at an early stage in people with no symptoms when it is easier to treat. Since its launch 10 years ago, it has been proven to save lives.
If you’re registered with a GP and aged 60-74, you will receive a test in the post every two years. You carry out the simple test at home in private and it comes with step by step instructions. The test looks for hidden blood in your poo, which could be an early sign of bowel cancer.
For more information about Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, click here:
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, joins local residents in the Peacehaven Easter Parade.
Simon said:“I was delighted to join the Peacehaven Easter Parade and would like to thank Peacehaven Town Council and local residents for all their hard work and effort in making it such a great event. Well done to everyone for the great costumes and to all the Scouts, Brownies and various community groups that took part.”
Cllr Rachael Coles, added:“This was the first ever Easter Parade to be held in Peacehaven. The parade was to mark 100 years of Peacehaven and was led by our Town Mayor Cllr Robertson and our MP Simon Kirby. We had massive support from our local groups, clubs and charities. The day was enjoyed by all and we all went back to the hall after for a hot dog, refreshments and a disco.”
Green Councillors are concerned over a consultation currently underway to introduce communal bins into historic seafront squares in the city.
Greens claim the Labour administration has failed to make a compelling case for changing the current system of collecting from basement wheelie bins and has made it clear their preference for communal bins. Greens are concerned that the consultation will be ignored if it shows a lack of support.
At the latest meeting of the council’s Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee, Greens put forward an amendment for the consultation to include the option of keeping the current system, however this was defeated by Labour and Conservative councillors. As a result, the consultation makes the assumption that the present system will be changed, and asks residents whether they prefer to use communal bins or leave rubbish sacks out on the streets overnight for collection.
Cllr Ollie Sykes
Green councillor Ollie Sykes, of Brunswick and Adelaide ward, said: “After a protracted engagement period with residents, the Labour council has completely failed to listen to their concerns or make a compelling case for why the current system needs to be changed beyond vague health and safety concerns. They have shown no willingness to work with residents to address any health and safety issues or improve the current system.
“Labour’s track record on consultation is very poor, with consultations on children centres and youth services showing over 87% of people opposed to cuts, but Labour continuing with its plans regardless. We are not convinced this consultation will be any different, and are concerned that the Labour Council has already made up its mind.
“Currently Labour is living up to its reputation as the Council that doesn’t listen. There is a better option. As ward councillors, Greens can help Labour to engage properly with residents and come to a joint solution that works for everyone. It’s time Labour stopped trying to work against the city”.
Cllr Gill Mitchell
Chair Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee, Cllr Gill Mitchell, responded saying:“With the ending of refuse collections from basements, the council has been working with residents for some time to look at practical alternatives.
“Basement collections are ending due to the health and safety risks posed to staff. The council has a legal and moral duty to reduce risks to its staff where at all possible and in respect of basement collections alternatives are available now that are safer and more hygienic.
“At the specific request of the Spokesperson for the Greens on the Environment and Transport Committee, residents will be consulted on the options of communal bins or a kerb-side sack collection and so it is baffling as to why the Greens are now raising objections in this way. During the consultation residents will be able to suggest alternative methods.”
Britain stronger in Europe marked the 100 days point until residents in Brighton and Hove will join voters from across the country in deciding whether to remain or leave the European Union.
Whilst the Conservative Party has not adopted an official position, opposition parties in the city have united to stress the importance of voting to remain.
Hove and Portslade MP, Peter Kyle, Liberal Democrat Chris Bowers, and Green Party co-Chair Davy Jones joined their activists as well as people of no political affiliation on Saturday to hand out leaflets on behalf of the Britain Stronger in Europe Campaign.
Peter Kyle, who is spearheading Labour’s Remain campaign in the South East, stressed the economic and mobility benefits the EU brings the city.
Peter Kyle MP
He said:“We have just 100 days to secure our future—that’s a future where the small businesses of Brighton and Hove will have a bigger market and more ability to succeed in the modern economy. That’s 100 days to vote to have freedom of travel across the European Union knowing that our roaming charges will stay low and that we have free access to healthcare. And we have 100 days to ensure that together as a group of 28 nations we can tackle the big challenges our country faces and have a better chance to succeed in the long run.“
Liberal Democrat Chris Bowers highlighted the importance of making a positive and passionate case for staying in the EU because of the stability and environmental benefits it brings.
Chris Bowers
He said:“It’s very important that the people who want to stay in make the case passionately. Firstly, the EU has played a massive role in helping us keep the peace in Europe. The out campaign want to attribute this to NATO, but it’s more than NATO, it’s about creating the economic incentives and ways of working together that mean we never go to war again. The other thing that’s important to stress is how being a part of a 28-nation bloc means we can achieve decent environmental legislation. Climate change deniers try to resist environmental laws by arguing they will damage international competitiveness, but if all countries in Europe are bound by the same laws, that argument holds little water. For example, legislation to reduce CO2 emissions from cars would not have been possible if it didn’t apply to all carmakers with factories based in the EU.”
Brighton and Hove Green Party co-Chair and 2015 Parliamentary candidate for Brighton Kemptown, Davy Jones spoke up for how the EU guarantees high environmental and safety standards across Europe.
Davey Jones
He said:“The Green Party Stands for staying in Europe. We think there are lots of benefits to being in Europe, things we take for granted like good beach quality, high quality standards on things like food regulation, and other important issues which come from our being members of the European Union. Also, most of the major problems in the world, things like the refugee crisis, the economic crisis, and climate change can’t be solved by us being a little country out on our own. We have to co-operate globally, internationally with our friends and neighbours. That’s why we support internationalism, that’s why we support the European Union, and working to make the European Union a better organisation.”
Michael Wilbur
Michael Wilbur, who chairs the Brighton and Hove Liberal Democrats and helped organise the cross-party event, added:“It’s a great feeling to put aside our differences and to work together on this very important issue. Of course this decision isn’t really about what political parties think, but we have a role in standing up for our Union with Europe and we can help make the case effectively by working together.”
The Conservative Party has not adopted an official position, however, Prime Minister David Cameron has confirmed his view that leaving the EU would push up prices in shops, put jobs at risk, and make the country’s streets more dangerous. Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown, backs Cameron’s plan for a renegotiated relationship with Europe.
Around £36 million is available in this funding round, covering the period 2017-19.
Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK, affecting both men and women. Every year over 41,000 people (one every 15 minutes) are diagnosed with bowel cancer and 16,200 people die of the disease.
Deborah Alsina, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, added: “I’d like to thank Simon Kirby for supporting our campaign during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month to raise participation levels for bowel cancer screening. One in 14 men and one in 19 women will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime but it is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.”
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