As this goes to print the elections for eleven new Parish councillors will be upon us and we’re optimistic for a high voter turnout. The first post-election meeting on 20 May will have full complement of eleven councillors, including three new members.

West Sussex Highways have confirmed that they are moving ahead with lowering the speed limit to 40mph on the B2139 from the north edge of Storrington into Thakeham. Indications from another Highways-led safety audit of the build-outs in the Abingworth 30mph zone seem to be a decision to retain the current arrangement, subject to further minor visibility works.

Now some dates for the diary. We have some excellent community events coming up, including:

• The Annual Thakeham May Day Walk on Monday 6 May starts at 10am. Meet outside the new Village Hall and choose from several routes through our countryside, which is looking even more beautiful after our successful Village Spring Clean back on
  12 April. On behalf of the Parish we’d like to thank all the volunteers who gave up their time to collect litter.
• There is a Fire Safety talk on the evening Wednesday 15 May at the Village Hall led by a full-time fire fighter, who is also a new resident to the area. More information can be found on the Parish website.
• Don’t forget that Thakeham Village Day will take place on Saturday 6 July at the Abingworth football fields.

Eagle-eyed readers may have noticed this piece has a new author; as the new Assistant Clerk my brief focuses on communication between the Parish Council and residents and I’m excited to engage with my local community.

Charlotte Dumbrill, Assistant Parish Clerk. Find us at thakehamparish.co.uk