Sussex news bulletin on Monday, February 19

Sussex World reporter Sam Morton brings you the news making the headlines on Monday, February 19.

Transcript

00:00 Hello, I'm Sam Morton and here is your Daily Sussex News Bulletin on Monday, February 19th.

00:07 Education Secretary and Chichester MP Gillian Keegan has said mobile phones have no place

00:12 in our classrooms after the government launched a crackdown.

00:16 Mobile phones are set to be prohibited in schools across England as part of the government's

00:20 plan to minimise disruption and improve behaviour in classrooms.

00:24 New guidance issued today backs headteachers in prohibiting the use of mobile phones throughout

00:28 the school day, including at break times.

00:31 Mrs Keegan said "Mobile phones have no place in our classrooms.

00:34 We are giving our hard-working teachers the tools to take action to help improve behaviour

00:39 and to allow them to do what they do best - teach."

00:42 Many schools around the country are already prohibiting mobile phone use with great results.

00:46 The Department for Education said the new guidance would ensure a consistent approach

00:50 across all schools.

00:52 Meanwhile, motorists faced major traffic delays during rush hour after the closure of the

00:56 A27 near Chichester.

00:58 The A27 was closed eastbound between the A285 Portfield roundabout and the Boxgrove roundabout

01:03 around 4am.

01:05 This was for the recovery of a large vehicle which overturned onto the side of the road,

01:10 a spokesperson for National Highway said.

01:12 The recovery is complex and requires specialist equipment.

01:15 Currently, it is expected the road will remain closed into the morning peak travel period.

01:20 Traffic was diverted around the closure via the A285 through West Hampton Itts, Temple

01:24 Bar to Hanukkah and then via the street to the A27 at the Boxgrove roundabout.

01:30 National Highway reported at 9.20am that the road had now reopened, adding "Thank you

01:34 for your patience.

01:35 Please have a safe onward journey."

01:36 Finally, building work has been completed on a new apartment block in a South Downs

01:41 village.

01:42 Belway Homes have announced completion of a nine-new two-bedroom flat at its Abingworth

01:47 Field development in Thakem.

01:49 Meanwhile, construction is continuing on houses within the 75-home development of Abingworth

01:54 Crescent with 36 properties now built.

01:58 Belway South London Sales Director Daniel Williamson said "Our apartments at Abingworth

02:02 Field represent the perfect first step onto the property ladder for people looking to

02:06 move on from renting as well as being ideal for those looking to downsize."

02:09 For all of those stories and much more, you can see our website, sussexworld.co.uk.