The deadline for residents to register their vote in time for May’s local elections is midnight tonight.

Voters can apply online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. 

For the first time, in May voters will need to show photo ID to vote in person at a polling stations.  This is a new requirement introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act. 

Five Surrey authorities, including Tandridge, and Reigate and Banstead, have elections for a third of their members. Crawley is one of two councils in West Sussex electing a third of its councillors also.  Mid Sussex is among four West Sussex councils holding full elections in May.  Boundary changes mean the number of seats being elected in Mid Sussex will drop from 54 to 48.

Gatwick Airport has been announced as headline sponsor for this year’s Crawley Pride event which takes place on 19th August in Goffs Park. 

Gatwick has recently launched an employee network, Gatwick Pride, who will lead the airport’s involvement in this year’s Crawley Pride event.

Liberty X is this year’s headline act; the event will be hosted by Sandi from Channel 4’s Gogglebox.

The Chief Fire Officer for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has commented on the findings from a recent report into values and culture within the fire and rescue sector.

The report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, found evidence of bullying, harassment and discrimination in every fire and rescue service in England.

Sabrina Cohen-Hatton says she accepts the findings from the report. The Chief Fire Officer says an external organisation will carry out a cultural development programme with West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to ensure all staff understand expected values and behaviours.  An external, confidential reporting line for the service’s staff will also be put in place. 

She commended the courage and bravery of those who have spoken up and raised awareness of their experiences.