Local News

Tourism and hospitality businesses in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton have warned that rising costs, policy uncertainty and employment regulations are making it increasingly difficult to open, recruit staff and invest.

Community organisations across Arun are being invited to apply for grants of up to £2,500 for projects aimed at reducing crime, tackling antisocial behaviour and protecting vulnerable residents.

A man who fled the UK while under investigation for serious drug offences has been jailed for ten years after being extradited from Georgia.

Police are increasingly pulling neighbourhood officers away from their communities due to a surge in 999 calls, Hampshire’s police commissioner has admitted.

June’s heatwave led to an increase in deaths and a sharp rise in strokes, Southampton hospital leaders have said.

A wildfire warning has been issued for large parts of southern England as the continuing hot and dry weather increases the risk of fires breaking out.

A West Sussex animal welfare charity has led tributes to its long-serving patron Anne Widdecombe, as a murder investigation continues into her death.

British Transport Police have issued an image of a man they would like to speak to following a serious assault at a pub in Southampton.

Two men have been sentenced after being found guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Police have seized an e-bike following reports it was being ridden in an anti-social manner in Horsham.

The National Joint Council should “Pay up for Pompey” as council workers face strike ballot, the union UNISON says.

A 40-year-old man has been fined for unlicenced tree felling and habitat damage in Horsham

A giant tortoise believed to have been abandoned in Bognor Regis has found a new role as an educational ambassador for a Sussex reptile charity.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue have been called out this afternoon to a fire on the busy A27 between Boxgrove and Fontwell.

The Church of Scientology has been given permission to set up an events arena at its East Grinstead home.

A routine training exercise became a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the volunteer crew of Littlehampton RNLI after their lifeboat was surrounded by dolphins.

Tributes have been paid to former West Sussex County Councillor Richard Burrett, who has died at the age of 57.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is urging residents and visitors to take extra care outdoors as the South East experiences the UK’s third heatwave of the year.

The University of Chichester has received outstanding results in the National Student Survey (NSS).

More than 350 objections have been received by Mid Sussex District Council to plans to build up to 117 homes in Haywards Heath.

A company and its director have been ordered to pay almost £17,000 after a trailer loaded with hundreds of bottles of tomato ketchup was dumped in a Littlehampton car park.

Police in the Horsham district are trying to identify three people seen on CCTV after a burglary at The Dragon Pub in Colgate.

A Horsham charity is marking 20 years of supporting local people with its first sponsored walk.

A 38-year-old man has been charged following a serious collision on the M23 in West Sussex.

New plans to tackle fly-tipping have been welcomed by Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan.

People living on the Isle of Wight and in parts of Hampshire face hosepipe restrictions from today as dry weather continues to put pressure on water supplies.

The MP for Chichester has written to David Wilson Homes after learning that open days were being advertised at the Fossil Bay development in Earnley, despite a stop notice remaining in force.

An amber heat health alert is in place across the South.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed gets underway today, bringing four days of world-class motorsport to Goodwood House, near Chichester.

Flight EZY87PX issued the emergency alert at around 9.05pm on Wednesday evening after departing from Gatwick Airport.

Police in Hampshire are investigating a reported robbery in Eastleigh.

Chichester International Film Festival is returning this summer with 15 days of films, special events and open-air screenings.

National Highways has joined forces with mental health charity Chasing the Stigma to help people access support more quickly across the South.

The Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner’s Independent Custody Visiting Scheme has been recognised nationally for the quality of its work.

A new University of Brighton project is bringing together international researchers to challenge structural bias in body image science.

Firefighters have extinguished a blaze involving two sheds in Littlehampton.

The expansion of a special school in Worthing has been approved by West Sussex County Council.

More than 11,000 people visited Chichester Cathedral’s Festival of Flowers over four days in June, helping to raise £176,403 towards the preservation of the historic cathedral.

Two stolen motorbikes, multiple police units, one very good girl — and a well-earned box of chicken nuggets.

A Gosport man has pleaded guilty to attempted false imprisonment and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence after breaking into a home in Rogate.

The family of a man who died following a fire in Cowes have paid tribute to a much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend.

People in Horsham are being advised about upcoming roadworks to improve safety at a key town centre junction.

Two men have been found guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after a 34-year-old man died following an assault in central Brighton.

Police in Eastbourne are seeking to identify six men in connection with a robbery.

A young 999 caller from East Sussex has met the ambulance call taker who helped him stay calm when his mum suffered a severe allergic reaction.

People in the South East are underestimating how much water they use each day by more than 100 litres, according to new research.

Calls to end a controversial booking system at rubbish tips in East Sussex are set for debate by councillors.

Chichester’s MP is calling on the government to rethink proposed changes to payments for coastguards.

A public inquiry into Chichester District Council’s refusal of an application to set up 22 gypsy/traveller pitches in Sidlesham has been reconvened.

Littlehampton Lifeboat is warning people heading to East Beach during the hot weather to take extra care in the water.

People across the South are being urged to take care as a yellow heat-health alert remains in place during another spell of hot weather.

Two new NHS dental clinics could soon open in Portsmouth as part of efforts to improve access to care in the city.

Families are being invited to explore Chichester city centre through a new creative trail this summer.

Mid Sussex District Council has approved five community grants totalling £16,855.

Sussex has crowned the Peacock as its favourite butterfly, and now residents are being urged to help find out how the much-loved species is faring this summer.

Staff, students and families from the University of Chichester have celebrated the achievements of nursing and physiotherapy students who took part in the Time for Dementia programme.

Work on a permanent repair scheme to protect Worthing Pier for future generations is set to begin this August.

Police in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are launching a new free course for young and inexperienced motorcyclists.

Southern Water is introducing a temporary hosepipe ban for customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as hot, dry weather continues to put pressure on local water supplies.

The family of a 14-year-old boy who died in Southampton on Sunday 21 June have described him as a “beautiful, loved boy”.

Police in Littlehampton are trying to identify two men following a robbery at Wickes.

People across the South are being urged to check in on vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives as the region faces its third spell of hot weather so far this year.

Worthing Pride has been hailed a success after a colourful weekend of celebration, music and the LGBTQI+ community.

Residents have warned that a proposed block of 32 flats could worsen “overcrowding” and parking problems as plans go out to consultation.

Visitors to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will be able to see HMS Victory from a new perspective this summer, with rare objects and new views.

The Conservative MP for Farnham and Bordon is set to speak to MPs this week about efforts to prevent sewage overflows and protect local waterways.

Businesses across the Chichester District are being encouraged to find out more about a new series of council grants on offer.

A West Sussex County Council officer has helped protect a nesting pair of swans and their young near Arundel Castle, following a swift response from councils and the local community.

Lewes is coming alive today as Patina’s Moving On Parade returns to the streets of the town.

Work to prevent the failure of sea defences at Selsey has been approved by Chichester District Council’s planning committee.

East Sussex-based International Animal Rescue is inviting people across the UK to take part in its latest fundraising challenge to support bears rescued from captivity.

After a fatal high-speed collision near the village of Warninglid, West Sussex, a man has been sentenced.

A man has been charged with two counts of murder after a 66-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman were found deceased at an address in St Leonards.

Major repair work is needed at Adur District Council’s new seafront social housing development in Southwick before residents can move in.

A former councillor who dedicated more than 30 years of his life to representing Crawley has died, aged 57.

The expansion of a school for children with special needs has been approved by West Sussex County Council.

Anyone who has ever fancied travelling the world without the airport queues, lost luggage or passport panic may want to head for Cowdray this summer.

Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead has officially opened a new learning space in honour of Bob Marchant and his lifelong commitment to education, mentoring and supporting future generations of healthcare professionals.

Hats, heels, sharp suits and a fair bit of sparkle are expected at Fontwell Park Racecourse next month as Ladies Evening returns.

A warning has been issued about the risks of open water after a number of visitors fell ill following trips into Southwater Country Park lake.

Worthing Fire Station will be throwing open its doors later this month for its annual open day, held in conjunction with Broadwater Carnival.

A woman in her 80s has been seriously injured after being hit by a car in Fareham.

Police in Bexhill are seeking to identify these women seen on CCTV in connection with enquiries following a high-value theft at Boots in Ravenside, at around 6.10pm on 19 June.

A Gosport MP has blasted the Home Office over plans to expand Haslar Immigration Removal Centre, branding the public consultation “utterly derisory”.

A yellow heat-health alert has been issued across the South, with vulnerable people being warned to take extra care as temperatures rise.

A burglar in Brighton who caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage in order to access a till containing just £20 has been jailed.

Three boys have been arrested after reports of pigeons being killed in Portsmouth.

Hundreds of millions of wet wipes are being removed from sewers across Sussex and Hampshire every year, according to new estimates from Southern Water.

135 sheep have been stolen from a farm in Hursley in Hampshire.

Plans have been submitted to replace cladding at the Portsmouth Marriott Hotel to comply with fire safety regulations.

A pioneering youth-led programme is continuing to grow across Sussex, helping young people protect themselves and their peers from online grooming.

Family and friends of an 11-year-old boy from Chichester are raising money after he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.

Internationally renowned singer, songwriter and artist Holly Johnson has become a patron of The Sussex Beacon.

Authorities across the South are backing Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, a national campaign aimed at highlighting the impact of antisocial behaviour and encouraging communities to report problems.

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is urging people not to dismiss the signs of stroke after a Portsmouth teenager suffered a life-changing stroke at the age of just 15.

More families in East Sussex are waiting longer for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), county council leaders have heard.

Police have arrested a man on suspicion of two murders in St Leonards on Tuesday (30 June).

Primary Teaching students at the University of Chichester are calling for more communication-friendly classrooms after taking part in Makaton training.

Sussex Weald MP Nusrat Ghani has visited Seaforth Farm Surgery in Hailsham to meet the new medical team providing care for more than 11,000 local residents.

A group of friends have walked from Chichester to Birdham to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease after their childhood friend Jamie was diagnosed with the condition.

Council workers across Portsmouth could be asked to strike later this summer after UNISON rejected this year’s local government pay offer.

West Sussex County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service Scrutiny Committee has elected a new chair and vice-chair.

Police have arrested two people in connection with a vehicle scam in the Worthing area.

A replica of Christopher Columbus’s flagship is set to arrive in Shoreham for the first time.

The Chichester International Film Festival is returning this summer with a packed programme of cinema, live events and open air screenings.

Anti-social dogs and dog walkers, drone pests and campers all face a crackdown as the council looks afresh at its power to regulate public places.

A further appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage is being made to assist in the investigation into a collision on the A23 at Pease Pottage on Saturday (27 June).

Residents are being invited to have their say on proposed improvements to walking, wheeling and cycling routes between Crawley Town Centre and Manor Royal Business Park.

South East Coast Ambulance Service has stood down from the critical incident declared during the recent period of extreme heat.

Four people have been escorted safely back to Littlehampton Marina by the RNLI after their boat broke down near Bognor Regis.

A van has been destroyed by fire in Worthing.

Motorists who were issued fines at West Quay Retail Park have started to see them cancelled after months of waiting.

A sinkhole which appeared on a street in Bognor Regis is being repaired.

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has held its annual conference in Brighton, bringing together more than 200 staff, partners and people with lived experience.

Charges have been authorised following a knife incident in Silwood Street, Brighton.

Police in the Horsham district are investigating a serious crash involving a car and a motorcycle on the A24.

Television presenter and business turnaround expert Alex Polizzi is coming to the University of Chichester as headline speaker at a major new event for the Sussex business community.

A 28-year-old man has been jailed for seven years and six months for multiple sex offences involving a child in West Sussex.

Portsmouth is set to introduce clear-cut rules on fly-tipping fines – with culprits having to pay at least £400 if they are caught.

People in Sussex will be able to put their questions directly to Southern Water when its next Your Water Matters event arrives in Worthing next month.

Chichester MP Jess Brown-Fuller has visited Chichester Priory Park Cricket Club to hear about the challenges facing one of the city’s busiest community sports clubs.

The South of England remains in the grip of very hot weather, with heat warnings continuing across Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex.

An urgent appeal has been launched by Bognor Regis Foodbank as organisers ask people to help support families and individuals in crisis.

A rapist who threatened a woman at knifepoint in Brighton has been jailed.

Fire crews are tackling a house fire near Wartling after a bonfire is believed to have got out of control.

Plans to turn a former Homebase building in Chichester into a 55,000 sq ft Marks & Spencer store have been submitted to the district council.

A plan to support families in East Sussex on low incomes has secured the backing of another county council cabinet member.

Police in Southsea are appealing for witnesses following a collision between a car and a bicycle.

A man who groomed young girls via social media to sexually abuse them in West Sussex has been jailed.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has secured almost £796,000 in additional Home Office funding to support policing in Crowborough.

South East Coast Ambulance Service has launched a new charity appeal, challenging local communities to see if they can ‘Outrun An Ambulance’.

The heat wave continues for much of the South as the Met Office extends the red extreme heat warning.

Extra police patrols are taking place in Eastbourne during the town’s famous tennis open.

Domestic abuse specialists embedded in police control room under Raneem’s Law pilot taking place in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Plans to open a dog walking area in Bosham have been submitted to Chichester District Council.

Police investigating a shoplifting and assault incident in Petersfield are trying to identify a man who may be able to help with their enquiries.

West Sussex County Council’s fostering service has been shortlisted in two categories at the Sussex Chamber Business Awards 2026.

Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth has declared a critical incident after several vital chiller units stopped working during the heatwave.

A “lessons learnt” report about Brighton and Hove City Council’s decision to broker a £36 million loan for the i360 will go before councillors for debate in September.

A 22-year-old man has been jailed for 44 months for his involvement in running the White J drugs line in Bognor Regis.

People across West Sussex, East Sussex and Hampshire are being urged to take extra care, with disruption continuing for schools, travel and public services.

A new mural has transformed a substation outside Havant’s Public Service Plaza, following a collaboration between Havant Borough Council staff and illustration students from the University of Portsmouth.

Picture if you can 41,000 tins of baked beans – that’s the equivalent amount of food waste collected each day by Mid Sussex District Council.

A 22-year-old man has been jailed for 16 months after carrying out a violent and unprovoked assault on a motorist in Portsmouth.

Police are working to identify the man in the images after a fraudulent incident was reported at a business in Hove.

Police are urging the public to remain vigilant as a drainage scam in the Adur and Worthing area is investigated.

New technology is helping a Worthing leisure centre cut water use, reduce waste and protect the environment.

A number of schools across the South are closed today, while others are finishing early as extreme heat affects the region.

A man has been sentenced for the rape of a woman in a car park in Worthing.

Police are searching for a suspect after a man was seriously injured in an incident involving a bladed weapon in Aldwick.

Residents and businesses are being asked to have their say on major plans to regenerate part of Crawley town centre.

Security measures at the former Toys R Us site could be ramped up after people entered the vacant building.

A major report setting out the current position of East Sussex County Council will be presented to Cabinet next week.

A very rare red extreme heat warning has come into force for inland parts of the South, with temperatures expected to climb as high as 36 Celsius in some areas.

The University of Chichester has taken its first steps into space research as part of an international project testing a prototype spacesuit for future lunar exploration.

Air quality in part of Chichester has improved so much that it no longer needs to be classed as an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).