OUR young people are our future. I don’t say that as a vague platitude or as the father of young children but in a very practical sense.

They are tomorrow’s doctors, nurses, construction workers, teachers, retail workers and so on.

Or rather they have the potential to be.

Parliamentary arguments over the economy can often seem a bit detached and fuelled by political point scoring but they have very real consequences.

We are facing a crisis of youth unemployment. The latest figures make for grim reading and show there are now over one million young people out of work – that means nearly one in four 18-24 year olds is unemployed; the highest number since records began. That is a disaster for our young people and a disaster for the future of Britain.

Worse, it now appears that unemployment is becoming entrenched. The number of young people claiming JSA for over six months is rocketing:

In East Sussex the figure has jumped 92 per cent in the last year.

In West Sussex there has been a 48 per cent increase in long term claimants.

Spending so long on the dole at a young age can have life-long consequences. Far too many skilled youngsters are being left frustrated and idle because the jobs they want simply don’t exist.

We often hear Conservative Ministers blaming unemployment on laziness or scrounging, but the truth is that in some of these places there are up to 20 JSA claimants per vacancy at the job centre!

This is a jobs crisis not one of apathy.

The Government is creating a jobless generation, with more young people out of work than ever before. It is painfully clear that the Government’s welfare to work programmes are not doing the job and the time for dithering is over – Ministers must act now before a generation is left scarred by their mistakes.

As part of Labour’s five point plan for jobs I want to see a £2billion bankers’ bonus tax with the proceeds invested in up to 100,000 jobs for young people and a tax break for small firms taking on new employees.

We need to get the economy going again and we need to protect our young people from the blight of unemployment.

If you want to get in touch just email me at {mailto:southeast@peterskinnermep.eu|southeast@peterskinnermep.eu|southeast@peterskinnermep.eu}

And don’t forget you can learn more on my website {http://www.peterskinnermep.eu/|www.peterskinnermep.eu|www.peterskinnermep.eu} and you can follow me on Twitter (@PWSkinnerMEP) and Facebook (Peter Skinner MEP).

PETER SKINNER

Member of the European Parliament for the South East Region

]]> 1.3548919 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:20:51 +0000 http://www.wscountytimes.co.uk/find_it_and_qype_take_down_thousands_of_fake_reviews_1_3548765

Find It, powered by Qype, Europe’s leading consumer reviews site, has cut thousands of misleading or malicious reviews from its 13.5 million online listings.

Taking a tough stance on third parties who abuse online reviews, Find It and Qype have taken down over 2,000 fake reviews in the last month. Around three per cent of new reviews have been deleted since the partnership declared war on unethical listings.

With a new review appearing every 30 seconds on everything from hostels and tourist attractions to hairdressers and minicab companies, Find It and Qype have implemented a continuous campaign to keep the directory clean and ensure all business listings and reviews for the Horsham district are accurate and fair.

Find It, powered by Qype, is committed to stopping people who use its listings for financial gain, and aims to stamp out biased or unreliable reviews.

“Find It is the number one source for trusted local reviews and listings, and working with Qype we want to ensure every single listing is independent and impartial,” Andy Prior, Digital Product Manager at Johnston Press.

Find it, powered by Qype, gives you immediate access to over two million independent reviews on everything from quirky cafés and clubs to plumbers and primary schools. Covering 166,000 locations worldwide, including thousands of real reviews on the best places to go in the Horsham district, Find it powered by Qype is an indispensable guide for locals, at home or away.

Find businesses listed in your local area at www.wscountytimes.co.uk/findit

]]> 1.3548765 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:52:36 +0000 http://www.wscountytimes.co.uk/women_included_in_proposed_new_council_cabinet_1_3546583

ACTING Council Leader Ray Dawe today announced the make up of the new Cabinet he intends to introduce if elected leader at the Horsham District Council meeting tonight (Wednesday February 22).

The previous Cabinet was all male and Mr Dawe (Con, Chantry) now intends to bring in two women members, who were elected for the first time in May 2011.

Sue Rogers (Steyning) will be the new Cabinet Member for a Safer and Healthier District, a portfolio which was previously held by Roger Arthur (Con, Chanctonbury).

In this role Mrs Rogers will be able to draw on her experience as a local magistrate.

Helena Croft (Con, Roffey North) will become the Cabinet Member for Communication, Special Projects and Horsham Town, a newly created and additional portfolio encompassing strategy, internal and external communications and special projects.

Mr Arthur, who was elected on Monday night as Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group, will assume the portfolio vacated by Mr Dawe, the important post in these challenging financial times of Cabinet Member for Efficiency and Taxation and Deputy Leader of the Council

The other existing Cabinet Members will retain their current portfolios.

Mr Dawe said: “It’s vital that Horsham has a Cabinet that brings together the right combination of different skills, talent and experience of all parts of our District, north and south.

“It’s also important that the Council Leadership is as reflective as possible of the communities we serve.

“So I’m delighted to bring two new younger women members into the Cabinet, who are both in their different ways actively engaged in community service.

“Their practical experience will be invaluable to our discussions.”

He added: “The fresh perspectives that Sue and Helena can offer will complement the continuity provided by the existing Cabinet Members.

“We will have a really strong and balanced team and I’m looking forward to working with the new team.”

IF THE drought situation continues, it could spell disaster for West Sussex’s much-loved wildlife, says the RSPB in response to the crisis meeting held yesterday (Tuesday) by the Environment Secretary, Caroline Spelman.

The meeting of businesses, wildlife groups and other river users was called after the Centre for Hydrology and Ecology (CEH) stated that the average rainfall so far this winter has been the lowest since 1972.

With counties in the south east of England being home to some important wetland sites for wildlife this drought could hit species hard, threatening their survival into the summer if the rain doesn’t fall in the next few weeks.

Paul Spiers, warden at RSPB Pulborough Brooks in West Sussex said: “Our natural spring lines and surface water runoff have really slowed down. This is a worrying situation approaching the end of February.

“At the moment our water levels are down on average winter conditions, and we are taking steps to hang on to all the water we can on the reserve. If low rainfall persists into March, spring conditions for breeding waders on the reserve will be far from ideal.”

The offspring of birds that breed on wet meadows, such as lapwings and redshanks, must find their own food as soon as they hatch. Invertebrates get harder to find as fields dry out and the young are unable to fly to find other sources of food until they fledge.

According to the Met office, there is only a 15 per cent chance of the next three months being abnormally wet. This means that restrictions on water use across the UK will be imminent and will have huge impacts on the management of nature reserves.

Rob Cunningham, Head of Water Policy at the RSPB said: “The RSPB is in the process of assessing how vulnerable our nature reserves are to future drought. We are taking action to ensure our reserves can hold more water when it does fall and making sure we use it efficiently.”

“A winter flood is good because it leaves pools and a high ground water table for the spring. We are very concerned that 2012 could be another disastrous nesting season. We are working with the Environment Agency and Drainage Board to use the water that is available as wisely as possible.”

In the wider countryside rivers and reservoirs are also running low with stocks substantially below the previous minimum for Ardingly and the second lowest in a series from 1998 at Bewl (East Sussex).

Many birds will struggle to find food under drought conditions. The abundance of insects is reduced as many need open water, or damp conditions, to breed.

Songbirds, even ones like sparrows that are mainly seed-eaters as adults, rely on invertebrates to feed their young. If adult birds have to travel greater distances to find food and water, feeding rates diminish and the chicks can suffer from malnutrition, dehydration or exposure.

House martins and swallows, those iconic birds of summer, which use mud to build their nests, will struggle to find building material, reducing their nesting success.

Rob Cunningham added: “We’re pleased to see the Government taking the drought situation so seriously. But fundamentally, the system we have for allocating water, ensuring it’s not wasted and protecting the environment is nearly 50 years old and creaking at the seams.

“The Government’s recent Water White Paper has some excellent proposals for reform but their timescale suggests they won’t be in place until mid 2020’s when the pressure is being felt now.”

]]> 1.3548422 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:06:39 +0000 http://www.wscountytimes.co.uk/audio_county_council_initiative_as_drought_hits_county_1_3548378

WITH West Sussex now officially in a state of drought, a decision by the county council will help with the problem.

It’s joined the Aquafund Shared Saving Scheme, which will help to save water and reduce the bill for what is used.

Plus it will help a charity.

Cabinet Member Michael Brown, who is in charge of the West Sussex purse strings, says he’s delighted that over five years it’s a significant saving.

He chats to Chris Rider, the county council’s broadcast media relations manager.

HORSHAM District Council is seeking offers from parties interested in leasing or buying Horsham town hall.

Originally, the district council sought a leasehold arrangement for the grade II listed Market Square building restricting its future use to that of a restaurant.

However, at its meeting on December 21, the council agreed to extend the marketing of the premises, without prescribing the use to which it should be put, other than to require that it should be one suitable for the town hall’s status as a listed building and its location in the Horsham town centre conservation area.

In addition to removing the use restriction, rather than only offering the building on a leasehold basis, it proposed that bids for the freehold should also be entertained. Expressions of interest are invited by noon on April 13.

If offers for uses other than those that already exist (including the A3 (restaurant) use granted in 2009) are put forward, and they are considered suitable, agreement with the successful bidder would need to be made, subject to the necessary planning approvals being obtained.

The council has also agreed that consideration would be given to bids received from community organisations or other non-commercial parties.

Deputy council leader Ray Dawe said: “I believe that removing restrictions on the possible use of the building and allowing bids both on a leasehold and freehold basis will be in the best interests of the town and of the district’s council tax payers.

“By taking this action, we hope to become aware of any organisation that would be interested to re-activate and make positive use of the town hall.

“When making a final decision about it, the council will of course also need to take into account local sensitivities that surround this historic building.”

Further details are available online at www.horsham.gov.uk or by calling the joint sole agents: Crickmay Chartered Surveyors – 01403 264259 or Davis Coffer Lyons – 0207 299 0745.

For the full story and reaction, buy your County Times on Thursday February 23.

A HORSHAM man has been charged with attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.

Aaron Lopez, 25, of Albion Way, was charged following an incident in Horsham Park in the early hours of Sunday February 19.

Police say a local couple were approached by a man brandishing a pool cue threatening to rob them.

No-one was injured and the victims ran away.

Lopez appeared at Haywards Heath Magistrates court on Tuesday February 21 and was remanded to appear at Crown Court on May 11.

THE IMAX Experience® is coming to Crawley Cineworld next month.

This cutting-edge cinematic experience will provide even more enjoyment for major block-buster films.

A special gala screening of the amazing sc-fi drama John Carter is being held on Thursday March 8 and we have teamed up with Cineworld Crawley for an amazing prize.

We have five pairs of tickets for the gala to be won.

These will be issued via e-tickets so they will be emailed to you if you are one of our winners.

To take part just email an answer to the question below, adding your name, address and an email address (if different to the one you’re sending from) to {mailto:steve.payne@sussexnewspapers.co.uk|steve.payne@sussexnewspapers.co.uk|steve.payne@sussexnewspapers.co.uk}.

The closing date is noon on on Monday February 27.

The IMAX experience offers an’ immersive cinematic experience’ with digital surround sound, custom designed auditoriums and sharper images.

Cineworld said: “IMAX offers cinemagoers the most immersive cinematic experience.

“With ground-breaking digital projection, cutting edge audio technology and one of the largest screens around, the IMAX Experience® will allow Cineworld’s film fans to enjoy the biggest blockbusters like never before.

“Cineworld Crawley is proud to announce that we shall be opening an IMAX screen from Friday March 9. Launching with Disney’s John Carter Carter in IMAX 3D, we shall be screening other IMAX releases such as The Avengers, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Dark Knight Rises, The Hobbit and many others throughout 2012 and beyond.”

John Carter stars Taylor Kitsch as a American Civil War veteran who is transplanted to Mars, a planet inhabited by 12-foot tall barbarians.

Finding himself a prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter a princess who is in desperate need of a savior.

With all manner of amazing creatures and settings, this will be an amazing experience in IMAX.

Winners will each receive a pair of tickets to the gala screening on March 9 at Cineworld Crawley, England.

No refunds, alternate prizes and tickets cannot be redeemed for cash.

QUESTION: Who plays John Carter in the movie?

THE A24 in Horsham has been re-opened northbound between Hop Oast Roundabout and Broadbridge Heath Roundabout.

It was closed because of an earlier police incident.

There was a report of someone walking along the road.

Did you see anything? Have you been held up? Let us know

Follow us on {http://twitter.com/#!/wscountytimes|Twitter|Follow us on Twitter} and {http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/West-Sussex-County-Times/100933270006213|Facebook|Click here for Facebook}

See this Thursday’s West Sussex County Times for full story

A HORSHAM charity is to host an open evening to show people what they do.

Care for the Wild is inviting the public to a showcase at its new home on Brighton Road next Thursday, February 23.

People can drop in and learn more about the animal welfare and conservation charity, which supports wildlife protection projects in the UK and around the globe.

Philip Mansbridge, the charity’s chief executive, said: “We’re looking to build our local volunteer base, and there are many ways everyone can help, all of which will make a massive difference.

“We really look forward to meeting as many people as possible on the day – so please do pop in and say hi.”

The event will take place at 72 Brighton Road, Horsham, 5pm until 8pm.

For further information visit www.careforthewild.com or call 01403 249832.

POLICE have arrested a 33-year-old man after a fire in Jarvis Lane, Steyning, this morning (February 21).

The man, described as local, was arrested on suspicion of arson shortly after a small fire at a house of someone he knows in Jarvis Lane.

No occupants were in the house at the time when an armchair was set alight just after 11am and brought under control by West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.

Detectives are actively investigating a spate of fires across the town.

These include a fire in the porch of a house in Mill Road, Steyning, in the early hours of today (21 February).

A couple and their child were woken at 3.20am by the sound of the smoke alarm. They then found a fire inside their porch, where umbrellas and walking sticks had been set alight, and quickly extinguished the fire themselves.

Detective Inspector Jo Banks said: “It was fortunate that the alarm roused the family and the fire in the porch was quickly put out. However it led to smoke filling the house causing the family some discomfort, although they did not require any treatment from paramedics.

“This fire could have proved very serious. We are investigating it as arson with intent to endanger life and we will be linking it to a series of fires in the village.”

The more recent fires took place on 16 February. The first was in a shed at the rear of a house in Church Street at about 7.35pm and the second took place shortly after 8.30pm in a skip in Station Road. Both were extinguished by West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and no other property was affected and no one was hurt.

DI Banks added “We are actively investigating the series of fires which have been set in bins, skips, porches and sheds and concentrating our resources in solving this crimes. With the fires taking place after dark, patrols have been stepped up in the village each night. We are working with colleagues from Horsham District Council and the fire service as well as the community to identify the person responsible.

Horsham District commander Chief Inspector Sharon Parker said: “I am aware that this series has caused residents concern and we will be advertising a multi-agency street meeting in the next few days so that people can discuss these issues with us.

“We would appreciate residents checking their smoke alarms and securing their porches and sheds, making sure their bins are out of sight and away from their homes. These are opportunist arsons and would like residents to try and reduce the chances of being a victims of crime whilst we investigate the series.

“We would ask for the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0845 60 70 999.”

]]> 1.3545042 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:08:23 +0000 http://www.wscountytimes.co.uk/famous_falcons_need_your_help_1_3541089

VOLUNTEERS are needed to help the RSPB show visitors the famous peregrine falcons at Chichester Cathedral.

The charity’s Date with Nature project has grown in success each year, delighting local people and visitors from further afield who come to watch the birds of prey as they raise their young.

This year the RSPB will be based at the cathedral from April 13 through to July.

As well as pointing out the birds as they perch on the corners of the spire and fly in and out overhead, visitors will be shown live footage direct from the Peregrines’ nest.

This will be the 12th consecutive year they have bred on the building and RSPB staff and volunteers will be on hand to enthuse people with stories about the history and lives of these magnificent birds.

Molly Dailide, of RSPB South East, said: “Volunteering at RSPB events is a great way to get involved with our conservation work.

“You don’t need to be an expert – just passionate about wildlife and good with people.”

The conservation charity is looking for people of all ages and backgrounds to help with the project this year.

You’ll help people to get the most out of their visit by providing information and helping them to get great views of the birds from the cathedral grounds using binoculars and spotting-scopes.

Training will be provided, so no previous experience is necessary.

Ms Dailide added: “If you can help out during the project for a couple of days a month, or even several days a week as some past volunteers have done, I’d love to hear from you.”

This is an opportunity to meet people and inspire them to learn about birds and other wildlife while making a genuine contribution to conservation and spending quality time with the fastest animals on Earth.

You’ll be following in the footsteps of many others who have supported the charity over the years.

The RSPB was founded by volunteers in 1889 and today more than 17,500 people help the charity by giving their time for free.

Those wishing to volunteer should contact Molly Dailide on 07713 392175 or by email at molly.dailide@rspb.org.uk before March 11.

A MEETING to decide Berkeley Homes’ plans for up to 550 homes for Southwater is due to be adjourned dramatically today (Tuesday February 21) due to English Heritage upgrading a listed building on the site.

Councillors on the development control committee of Horsham District Council were due to vote on the outline application for land west of Worthing Road at 6.30pm but will instead be told listed Great House Farm has become grade II* listed.

A spokesperson for Horsham District Council said this new information was received on Monday afternoon.

“Due to this new grading, Horsham District Council is statutorily obliged to consult English Heritage and consider the upgrading within the assessment of the application,” they said.

“Council officers are therefore unable to make a recommendation for the above application and as a result the application is unable to be debated at tonight’s meeting. The meeting will, however, open and the chairman will read a statement.”

See this week’s County Times for the full story and for revelations of where more development is being planned in Southwater.

]]> 1.3544952 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:40:31 +0000 http://www.wscountytimes.co.uk/steyning_home_damaged_in_arson_attack_1_3544677

A HOUSE porch was damaged in an arson attack in Steyning in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday Feb 21).

Firefighters were called to the home in Mill Road at around 3.15am.

There was a small fire in the porch which caused around 30 per cent smoke damage.

Police are investigating the incident.

AN APPEAL has been made by a Langhurstwood Road resident after Horsham District Council refused to release details of a proposed development of 4,500 houses north of the A264.

At the beginning of January Brian Johnson wrote to the council asking for information of the plans revealed in the County Times for homes, a new railway station, a business park, schools, leisure facilities and a site for a hospital.

The development would take up an 800-acre site and increase the town’s population by 25 per cent.

The plans were revealed by Crickmay Chartered Surveyors, which was acting for 12 major landowners in partnership with American owned development company Liberty.

Crickmay submitted ‘evidence based proposals’ for the development to Horsham District Council before Christmas.

“There was obviously a dossier sitting in the council offices and I was given an indication I would get some details,” Mr Johnson said.

“The council got back to me and said they would look into it under Freedom of Information and I was pretty hopeful they would give me some information.”

This week, however, Mr Johnson was angry when he received a two-page email stating no details would be released, despite also saying 2004 regulations had a ‘presumption in favour of disclosure’.

The Freedom of Information page on the council’s website cites a request for sight of all information held about the north of the A264 development.

It states: “Resolution: Information withheld - reg 12 (s)(d) - provided in confidence.”

After contacting the council, Mr Johnson was advised an appeal would be dealt with by the legal department and he now has to wait another 20 days for the result.

“There have been lots of meetings for at least 18 months yet I went to a North Horsham Parish Council meeeting last Thursday and we knew more about the plans than they did.

“It is terrible really. There are lots of people who own land who know more than the councillors do.

“I think we know more than the district councillors do.”

District councillor Peter Burgess (Con, Holbrook West) said he was looking after the interests of residents like Mr Johnson and also seeking more information to be released to councillors.

“I have asked officers to urgently reassess the refusal with a view to giving out any information they can,” he said.

“As the local member for Holbrook West I am hoping to have a meeting and have asked for any information the council has to bring me up to speed on all the issues involved with the possible use of land north of the A264 for any new development.

“I will do my best to look after the interests of residents and keep them informed.”

A COMMUTER from Southwater has created a smart phone programme to make it easier for passengers to claim refunds when their train is delayed.

IT worker Arun Gopalam, who travels from Horsham to Clapham Junction every day, was so frustrated with train delays that he has designed an i-Phone app called Delay Repay for people to use on Southern and South Eastern train services.

And this week the app has also become available for use on the London Underground.

Arun, aged 34, of Grange Way, who worked on the programme during his journeys to work, said: “I’ve been in IT for a long time but it was just this year with the delays in the same week the fares went up I decided to design the app.

“You were paying more, but the train was delayed in the morning and the evening that week.

“I needed to claim for it online and I got £6 or £7 back, but I think most people don’t claim.”

He said he hopes his app will make it easier for passengers to claim.

“If your train gets delayed by half an hour or an hour, you enter your details on the app and I pass them onto the train company.

“It operates on the criteria of the train companies.

“They do provide this on their websites, but I’m just helping people to make it easier.

“You can take a picture of your ticket and enter your journey details all on one screen.

“All your personal details are installed on the phone, so for any claim you make, it saves your details rather than having to enter them every time.

“You will get an email from the train company, they will look at the train journey details and will send a cheque.”

He said the app could be available for Android phones in the near future.

AN EXPLOSION at an electrical sub-station in Horsham has caused wide-spread disruption across the town centre after power was lost this morning (Tuesday February 21).

Firefighters attended the scene in North Street near the Horsham offices for West Sussex County Council at 8.51am.

A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire and Rescue said: “We were called after an explosion was heard and smoke was seen coming out of the vents at the sub-station.

“We had to stand by and wait for the electricity company to deem it safe. They have now entered the station and isolated the electrics.”

More than 100 people had to be evacuated from the county council building and the Royal Sun Alliance building to Horsham park.

While shops, offices and units across Horsham town centre have been forced to close due to the large scale power cut.

More than 1,500 customers of UK Power Networks lost power this morning.

However, the company say it was regained at 9.59am.

Swan Walk shopping centre is up and running again after nearly all its units closed earlier.

Gill Buchanan, Swan Walk shopping centre manager told the County Times at 9.35am: “We like many other shops and offices all around town are currently without power.

“At this moment in time we have Marks and Spencers on a back up generator still open.

“We are running our generator to make sure the safety of our fire panels and the emergency lighting at the back of shops are still running.”

She added it was likely ‘for the safety of customers’ Swan Walk would be forced to close if power was not restored this morning.

A spokesperson from UK Power Networks said: “UK Power Networks worked as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to 1,574 customers in Horsham, whose supplies were interrupted at 8.46am today following a fault on the high voltage electricity network.

“Power was restored to 178 customers almost immediately and the remainder were back on supply at 9.59am.

“We would like to apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused.”

County Times reporter Ollie McAteer said he could “smell smoke right across Horsham Park” where more than 100 staff from County Hall North have been evacuated to this morning.

Are you affected? Were you evacuated from the building?

Contact Ollie McAteer on 01403 751267 or email your pictures to ollie.mcateer@sussexnewspapers.co.uk

FIREFIGHTERS are tackling a blaze near the Horsham offices for West Sussex County Council.

A West Sussex Fire and Rescue spokesman said there was an explosion in an electrical sub station and the WSCC County Hall North, on North Street, and the Royal Sun Alliance building have been evacuated.

They were called to the scene at 8.51am and have requested the electricity board to attend.

Are you affected? Were you evacuated from the building?

Contact Ollie McAteer on 01403 751267 or email your pictures to ollie.mcateer@sussexnewspapers.co.uk

A HIGHLY controversial planning application for 103 dwellings on a green field site in a strategic gap between Codmore Hill and Pulborough will come before the Planning Control (South) Committee today, February 21. It follows 11 months of research, campaigning and demonstrations by The Campaign to Protect Rural Pulborough Village and other residents of Pulborough.

The large number of objection letters that have been submitted to this application from all across the Pulborough Parish, and not just from those living next to the application site, has demonstrated widespread opposition to the scheme from Pulborough community.

Residents througout the village have repeatedly emphasised that they do not want this latest proposal to be permitted. They have consistently objected to issues of pollution, traffic, sewerage, over development, loss of wildlife, pressure on schools, trains and buses at a time of large cutbacks and the loss of a green field site.

A spokesman for the campaign group said: “This surely highlights that the objections are for genuine reasons of concern for the village and the existing residents and are not just the disgruntled ramblings of a few so-called Nimbys wanting their voices heard.

“With all the development in Pulborough over the past ten years impacting upon the overburdened infrastructure, and with this current application now encroaching into green field land, we – The Campaign to Protect Rural Pulborough Village – appeal to the planning committee to make the right decision and refuse planning consent.

“We all know that if permitted, this application is just the beginning of further expansion into the countryside west of the railway line. Is Pulborough destined to become a single large housing estate? Or is now the time to stand up and say ‘No’ before this becomes a reality? Once farmlands have been built over, there is no turning back. We cannot live on bricks, concrete and mortar once all the land has gone.

“Horsham District Council has come under a lot of flack in recent months over some of their decisions, such as cancelling the fun fair in Horsham town, issues with Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre and the hike in car park charges. Now comes the chance for them to show that they do in fact listen to the people who have elected them.

“They should make a decision in favour of the people of the Horsham District rather than the interests of the few who benefit from urbanisation and destruction of the countryside.”

FRANCIS Maude confirmed he had been following ‘with interest’ the very public debate on the fate of Broadbridge Heath leisure centre over the past three months.

However, he did apologise for writing a column published in the County Times during this period which focused on the nation’s 2012 Olympic legacy.

At the time he was accused by readers campaigning to save the leisure centre of being insensitive. Could he understand that?

“Yes I can see that, and I put my hand up and plead guilty to that,” he said. “I hadn’t made the connection when I wrote the piece abut the Olympic legacy.”

Mr Maude continued: “I think the sporting legacy we want is actually less about sporting facilities, which actually Horsham is pretty rich in. There’s no shortage of very well used sporting facilities.

“The legacy one’s really after here is more people taking part in sport and that’s one of the things I’m working with Jeremy Hunt on.”

But participation would surely be affected by the closure of the district’s leading athletics facility, home to many other clubs and societies. Did he agree the Olympic legacy is at risk locally if plans to decommission and demolish Broadbridge Heath leisure centre are fulfilled?

“I don’t think it’s at risk,” he said, “but there does need to be proper provision for people who do athletics.”

Mr Maude reiterated that the decision is ‘classicly something for the local council’ though.

He said his Government ‘fiercely believes in localism’ and it is Horsham District Council that is accountable to its electorate on this issue. “They’ve got to make those decisions in a considered way,” he said.

But what warrants a considered way? Revelations from Freedom of Information (FOI) requests this week demonstrate that HDC possesses no formal written records on the controversial Leisure Future’s Study published last November that paved the way for the centre’s potential demolition (see page 7 Horsham edition).

HDC has confirmed the consultant was only given a verbal brief, and ‘no central file is maintained’ on the study. There is no written brief to confirm the consultant’s directions.

Was Mr Maude surprised by this? “I haven’t seen that detail, so I can’t really comment, but it does seem surprising,” he confirmed.

We asked Mr Maude hypothetically, that if a local authority commissions a study, the outcome of which significantly alters community provision, whilst at the same time that authority is saving money and generating significant funds, should formal records of that process be maintained in the public interest?

“It’s surprising if there were no records at all,” said Mr Maude, “but beyond that it is hard for me to comment.”

See page 7, Horsham edition

]]> 1.3540106 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:02:24 +0000 http://www.wscountytimes.co.uk/shock_at_lack_of_records_on_leisure_centre_plans_1_3540105

A CONSULTANT engineer from Horsham was incredulous to learn Horsham District Council (HDC) has kept no written records concerning a key report.

The Leisure Futures Study was the controversial document that last November paved the way for the potential demolition of Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre.

With a career of more than 45 years encompassing marine engineering, hospital engineering services and operational maintenance, two decades in the public sector, and a further eleven years as a private sector engineering and building services consultant, Faruq Ahmed of Chesworth Gardens is well qualified to hold HDC to account.

He could not not understand how the plan to bulldoze the sports centre could come so suddenly out of the blue and he wanted answers from his local authority.

What started as a series of unsatisfactorily answered phone calls, resulted in forensic probing under the Freedom of Information Act, today exclusively revealed in the County Times.

HDC’s answers shocked and angered a frustrated Mr Ahmed, who has now stopped his correspondence with the council due what he terms their ‘reluctance to give him straight answers’.

However, some of the responses he extracted under the FOI legislation did reveal some startling aspects regarding the commissioning of the report – first and foremost that the local authority maintains no central file on the Leisure Futures Study, and that the consultant was given no formal brief, just a verbal instruction.

Mr Ahmed told the County Times: “I feel like the council has something to hide.

“They’re saying they don’t keep any records.

“They don’t have any records of how they commissioned the consultant.

“They don’t have an appointment letter. There’s no brief!

“As far as the leisure centre is concerned and its maintenance, no schedule has been produced.

“I feel they have not actually maintained the building.

“It is that bad!” he exclaimed.

The 71 year old member of the Chartered Institution of Building Services, who has extensive experience of maintaining public buildings, could not understand how £1.5 million was stated to be needed to keep the leisure centre open.

Having worked as a consultant for many years, Mr Ahmed, a chartered engineer who is also a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, wanted to know what academic and professional qualifications the consultant author of the Leisure Futures Study possesses.

Whilst the council has published the consultant’s relevant experience, no details about his actual qualifications have been forthcoming. “They have avoided the question,” said Mr Ahmed.

However, the engineering consultant’s main concern is how, by whom, and why the study’s consultant was initially commissioned last year.

Published in November 2011, the Leisure Futures Study which cost the council £6,400 concluded there is an over supply of sports halls in the north of the district, which justified an HDC cabinet decision to recommend Broadbridge Heath Leisure for decommissioning and demolition.

Mr Ahmed, along with many others, including this paper, wanted to know what formal brief was given to the consultant.

On December 16 last year he wrote to HDC: “Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am asking to see the contents of the File that HDC maintains on the Leisure Centre Study – from initiation to date; and the maintenance arrangements applied to the BHLC from the time HDC accepted it from the builders.”

A month later, replying to the council’s response that they do not maintain central records, Mr Ahmed wrote: “What records do you keep?” followed by a series of other questions pertaining to the report’s commissioning, such as how was the study initiated?

On February 2, a council respondee wrote: “I repeat my earlier response that no central file is maintained on Leisure Futures Study.”

An astounded Mr Ahmed, who has never appointed a consultant, nor accepted a consultancy on the basis of only a verbal agreement, told the County Times: “I think this is very wrong.

“I am shocked because it is a public body, and they should keep records of what they have said and what they haven’t.”

In the course of his communications with the council Mr Ahmed learned that HDC rules on tendering permit a consultant to be cherry picked for one off assignments if the fee is less than £10,000, but he still believes a formal record should be made of any brief or discussions pertaining to the work.

He posed a hypothetical premise which makes obvious the inherent dangers of not keeping records.

“I’m not saying that they did, but how are they going to prove they didn’t tell the consultant to go and do a study for £9999, and the report should conclude that Broadbridge Heath leisure centre should be knocked down because it does not serve any purpose. How are you going to prove that you didn’t say that?”

HDC has confirmed in writing: “The brief was conveyed verbally in meetings with the consultant.”

An exasperated Mr Ahmed said: “It is a public body. How are they spending our money?

“Is everything done by word of mouth? Are no records kept of anything?”

Told he could not view the council’s file because none existed, Mr Ahmed questioned how the whole sports centre saga began.

Speaking to this paper he remarked: “All of a sudden it happened. How did it happen?

“How do you start on a study without someone saying you should look at the minutes of a meeting of councillors or something? It should be on the file.

“And all of a sudden you’ve got a study, and a consultant has been picked, but no formal written brief has been given to him, and you get a report.”

Is this due process? “I wouldn’t have thought so,” said Mr Ahmed, who worked in the public sector for 20 years.

He added: “I have never come across this, that one person can just verbally say do it and it’s done. There is no record to say how all this started.

“There is only a verbal brief,” the details of which have not been outlined.

Mr Ahmed’s discourse with the council has led him to one conclusion, oft repeated by others concerned about the threatened sports facility.

“I think they are in trouble, with not enough money. They have squandered a lot of money they haven’t got and they aren’t getting enough from the Government so they want to find some money and one way is to get rid of the leisure centre, to help balance the books.

“The site is worth a lot of money,” concluded Mr Ahmed. “They have an agenda to knock it down irrespective of what people say.”

]]> 1.3540105 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:00:53 +0000 http://www.wscountytimes.co.uk/listen_to_ann_widdecombe_1_3541201

GUEST speaker at a reception in Steyning will be Ann Widdecombe, the former British Conservative Party politician, who retired from politics at the 2010 election. She has been a novelist since 2000.

The reception is being held at Wiston House, Steyning by the Arundel & South Downs Conservative Association on Friday, February 24 from 6.30-8pm,

It is offering a chance to meet this highly popular former Minister and listen to what is likely to be an extremely witty talk.

Ann will be signing some of her books at the end of the evening.

Some tickets for the event are still available £27.50 each, including wine and canapes. It is a lounge suit event.

Contact 01903 816880 or office@southdownsconservatives.com to book your place.