September 2023 | Parish Council News Village Centre, Trinity Road, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9UY Tel: 01273 833264 Email: office@hurstpierpoint-pc.gov.uk www.hurstpierpoint-pc.gov.uk
Green and pleasant land?
Many of our residents like to walk both for recreation, getting to school, work or shops, or as a way of enjoying our lovely countryside. As well as the health benefits, choosing to walk reduces the amount of traffic on our roads which can only be a good thing. Sadly however, walking around Hurstpierpoint and Sayers Common is not always as relaxing, enjoyable, or safe as it could be. The Parish Council has recently received several complaints about the following issues: • Pavements obstructed by encroaching vegetation It is the responsibility of the landowner with trees and hedges that overhang or grow out into the pavements, to keep the pavements clear. Please remember that pavements are vitally important to children, the frail, and wheelchair or pushchair users who cannot step into a road to avoid obstructions. For example, at the Parish Council we love bramble for its value to wildlife – but in the wrong place e.g., hanging over a footpath it can be dangerous especially to those with limited sight. How can you help? Regularly check your hedges, trees and plants are not growing out across the footpath and trim where necessary.
Are your child’s immunisations up to date?
In the light of a worrying increase in cases of measles, an infection which spreads easily and can cause serious and potentially long-term problems such as pneumonia and meningitis, we have been asked by Alison Challenger, Director of Public Health for West Sussex, to encourage parents and carers to protect their children from preventable illnesses by making sure their childhood immunisations are up to date. She states: “Immunisation is the best defence against diseases, including measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Every child deserves the best start in life. Vaccines protect your child, yourself, and other members of your family from a range of unpleasant and often serious childhood diseases.” Many childhood vaccines are given more than once, at different ages and in different combinations. Ensuring your child has their vaccinations at the right time gives them the best protection, but it is always possible to catch up on any vaccinations your child has missed. Every child is still entitled to their jab, even if they have missed an appointment, which can be rescheduled. Vaccinations are offered free of charge in the UK. You can call your GP to book an appointment. If you are not sure whether your child has had all their vaccines for their age, you can: • Check your child’s RED BOOK • Ask your health visitor • Contact your GP practice Visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/childhood -immunisations to find out more about childhood vaccinations.
To read the full council newsletter, please click the images provided to enlarge them or turn to page 18 & 19 of September’s Hurst Life.