Remembering the Fallen at Kenley Airfield

Remembrance Day parades and services will be taking place across the district to commemorate the soldiers, sailors and airmen killed and injured in the two World Wars and all conflicts since then.

On Sunday 9 November at 1.30pm, the Chair, Councillor Mike Crane and his consort, will be attending the RAF Kenley Tribute at the Kenley Airfield.

Councillors will represent the Chair at church services across the district which are listed on our website. To help accommodate the parades, there will be road closures in some parts of the district.

Chair of the Council, Councillor Mike Crane, said: “I’m honoured to represent the Council in remembering all those who have served and those who gave their lives in conflict. Across our district there are many opportunities for residents to come together, reflect and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Please do buy a poppy as your support helps veterans, serving members of the Armed Forces and their families.”

Residents are also invited to join the Vice chair of the Council, Councillor Deb Shiner, the Royal British Legion, council officers and councillors, outside the main entrance to the Council Offices on Tuesday 11 November to observe a two-minute silence.

Poppies are available at the Council Office reception.

Crawley to See Cash Injection to Help Tackle Homelessness

Over £400,000 is set to be injected into Crawley to tackle homelessness in the area.

The town’s MP Peter Lamb has helped to secure the money as part of a nationwide campaign ahead of winter.

Children and families will be prioritised with the funding going towards helping cover essentials like food and school travel.

Mr Lamb said, “The need to fix our broken housing system is one of his biggest motivations in politics”.

Government announces consultation on West Sussex Local government reorganisation

The government has announced the start of a Sussex-wide consultation on Local Government Reorganisation.

The consultation will seek views on three proposals that include Crawley.

The options include create two unitary authorities, one covering Crawley, Horsham, and Mid Sussex, one unitary authority covering the entire county and create five unitary councils across Sussex, including one covering Crawley, Horsham, and Chichester.

Information on the consultation and how to respond can be found on shapingwestsussex.org

Surrey County Council facing £21m deficit

Surrey County Council is estimating it will have a £21m deficit in the draft budget for its final year of operating before being replaced by two unitary authorities.

Officials warned the council needed “to reduce costs and take difficult decisions” to close the forecasted shortfall for 2026-27.

It will be the local authority’s final budget before it’s  replaced by two unitary authorities.

Cabinet members will vote on a final budget after its consultation closes on 4 January, before the full council votes on the plans in February.

Luggage thief fined for stealing from mother

A 52-year-old man has admitted to stealing luggage from a mother while she breastfed her daughter at Gatwick Airport.

John Brooks, pleaded guilty to stealing a suitcase and a child’s backpack on 30 October.

He also admitted causing criminal damage worth £88.30 after breaking a security barrier with his head as he escaped with the luggage.

Brooks was fined £388.30, £300 as compensation to the victim, and the rest for damaging the barrier.