News & updates

Stay informed about Andrew's work for Bourne and local initiatives. Regular updates on vital local issues to keep you in the loop.

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Road and transport improvements

I'm working with Westbourne, Southbourne, Chidham and Hambrook, Compton and Stoughton Parishes to create safer roads and better travel options for everyone.

I've also fought to get potholes fixed and for road surface improvements, with 20 miles of residential and rural roads relaid, five times the average of other Councillors.

In 2022, after being a member of the WSCC Road Safety Group, I created a road safety masterplan for Bourne. These are designed to enhance connectivity between villages, improve active travel, slow traffic and reduce congestion in our villages.

Four years later, with all five Parishes involved, I've delivered four Community Highways Schemes and 16 other road safety and parking improvements through WSCC Highways for Bourne Parishes.

Improvements include the revised school drop-off area at Chidham school, crossing points on Broad Road, road safety improvements in Aldsworth, safer home to school routes in Southbourne (Spring 2026), reduced speed limits all along the B2146 (Summer 2026), better parking and traffic management in Westbourne (due 2028), a new 20mph zone on all residential roads in Southbourne (due 2028) and championing the Bourne Village Active Travel Scheme (BVATS) that runs along the A259 from Chichester to Emsworth.

Renewable energy initiatives

The aim is to deliver a cleaner, more sustainable future for Bourne communities, as well as a welcome reduction in household bills and reduced CO2 in the environment.

I'm managing a solar meadow project in Westbourne with Energise South Downs and Greening Westbourne. The project is progressing well and aims to make Westbourne self-sufficient in electrical power.

I am working with WSCC and CDC to promote renewable energy access and better insulation in all Bourne homes, plus home solar and ground and air source heat pumps.

This approach is in line with the Government Warmer Homes Plan and Local Power Plan, due summer 2026.

Community policing and safety

I am committed to working with local residents and Parishes to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.

This includes getting Sussex Police to expand the Rural Crime Team and to get police patrol cars, police and PCSOs back as a visible presence in Bourne villages. This will help tackle crime, shoplifting and anti social behaviour on the ground, rather than having to wait up to an hour for a police team to arrive from other areas.

I'll also continue to put pressure on Sussex Police to introduce a true community policing strategy, like the one in Hampshire since 2023, that appears to work well.

Tackling sewage pollution

Residents are appalled by the lack of action on sewage works improvements and ongoing storm sewage discharges into our local rivers and Chichester Harbour.

Over the last 5 years I've organised four public demonstrations for residents, outside Chichester Council and West Sussex County Councils and along the A259.

I've spoken to Southern Water's legal team and CEO Laurence Gosden about the impact of sewage overflows flooding Thorney Island barracks causeway in Nov 2023.

I've worked with Southern Water's Water Management teams in 2023 and 2024 to get commitment to funding to improve Thornham, Bosham and Lavant sewage works, resulting in £26m for Thornham alone 2025 - 2030.

See Channel 4's Dirty Business about sewage
Hear the sewage song I wrote called 'Brown Stuff'

Environmental protection

We need to maintain the quality of our waterways, so that we can all enjoy the benefits of living in a coastal area.

I am dedicated to protecting our rivers, the harbour and watercourses from sewage and other pollutants.

I am also committed to protecting our valuable chalk streams, of which there are only 200 in the world.

With almost a month's rain falling in a few days in early 2026, every Parish needs emergency and flood plans to avoid the challenges we all face due to climate change.

There's also the challenge of getting gullies and culverts cleaned regularly, a key area I've focused on with WSCC.

Make your vote count – put results ahead of politics

I aim to provide updates weekly on social media, so you have the latest information. The goal is to build your confidence in my ability to deliver positive change for Bourne villages. I hope, by staying informed, you feel empowered to vote for a brighter future.