Independent Worthing
Cookie Policy
Last updated: 9 February 2026
This Cookie Policy explains how Independent Worthing ("we", "us", "our") uses cookies and similar technologies on our website (the "Site").
Under UK law (the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)), we must provide clear information about cookies and (unless an exemption applies) obtain your consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device.
1) What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. We also use similar technologies (e.g., tags/pixels/local storage) that store or access information on your device.
2) How we use cookie consent on our Site
When you visit the Site, you will see a cookie banner/consent tool that lets you accept, reject, or manage cookie preferences (via "Settings"). This tool also stores your cookie preferences so we can remember your choices.
You can change your choices at any time by using the Site's cookie settings (where available) and/or your browser settings (see Section 6).
3) Cookies we use
We use cookies in the categories below.
A) Strictly necessary cookies (always on)
These cookies are required for the Site to function, including security and core features such as member login and account access.
Because our Site runs on Next.js and uses Firebase Auth for authentication, Firebase sets cookies such as:
- __session — Firebase Auth session cookie for authenticated users
- firebaseToken — stores the authentication token for maintaining login state
Our cookie consent tool also stores your preferences (so we remember what you chose).
B) Analytics cookies (optional) — Google Analytics (GA4)
We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to understand how visitors use the Site (e.g., pages visited, approximate location, device/browser, and interactions). GA4 cookies are only set if you consent to analytics cookies.
GA4 cookies may include:
- _ga — distinguishes users
- _ga_<container-id> — persists session state
C) Embedded content / functionality cookies (optional) — Google Maps
If the Site displays or loads Google Maps, Google may set cookies and use similar technologies for security, fraud prevention, preferences, analytics and (in some contexts) advertising measurement/personalisation depending on your Google settings and how the embed is implemented.
We aim to load non-essential third-party cookies (including map-related cookies where applicable) only after you consent via our cookie settings.
D) Marketing / communications cookies (optional) — Mailchimp
We use Mailchimp for newsletter sign-up and email communications. Depending on which Mailchimp features are enabled, Mailchimp may deploy cookies and/or use local storage for measurement and to manage form display frequency.
If any Mailchimp features on our Site use cookies beyond what's strictly necessary, we will only enable them after you consent through our cookie settings.
E) Security / bot-protection (strictly necessary) — Google reCAPTCHA
Our newsletter sign-up and contact forms are protected against automated abuse by Google reCAPTCHA. reCAPTCHA loads only once you start filling in one of those forms — never on a page view alone — and may set cookies and collect device/browser information to help distinguish a human visitor from a bot. This is strictly necessary for those forms to work safely.
4) Cookie table (typical examples)
Cookies can vary depending on configuration, updates, and which pages/features you use. Here are common examples based on our current setup:
| Category | Cookie name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strictly necessary | __session | Firebase Auth | Session cookie for authenticated users | Varies |
| Strictly necessary | firebaseToken | Firebase Auth | Maintains login state | Varies |
| Strictly necessary | consent preference cookie | Cookie consent tool | Remembers your cookie choices | Up to ~1 year |
| Analytics (optional) | _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users | 2 years |
| Analytics (optional) | _ga_<container-id> | Google Analytics | Persists session state | 2 years |
| Embedded content | SID, HSID, NID (may vary) | Service security/preferences | Varies | |
| Marketing/Comms | (varies) | Mailchimp | Supports Mailchimp features | Varies |
| Strictly necessary | _GRECAPTCHA (may vary) | Google reCAPTCHA | Distinguishes human visitors from bots on protected forms | Varies |
5) Third-party cookies
Some cookies are set by third parties whose services appear on our Site (e.g., Google and Mailchimp). These third parties may process information about your visit according to their own policies. Where required, we seek your consent before enabling non-essential third-party cookies.
6) How to control cookies
You can control cookies in several ways:
- On the Site: Use the cookie banner/settings to accept or reject optional cookies and change your preferences later.
- In your browser: Most browsers let you delete cookies and block cookies. Blocking strictly necessary cookies may stop parts of the Site (like member login) from working.
7) Changes to this Cookie Policy
We may update this policy from time to time (for example, if we change tools or features). We'll update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page.
Contact us
If you have any questions about cookies on our Site, contact:
Independent Worthing Ltd
Email: info@independentworthing.co.uk