FIRST, an update on the clamping situation at Jengers Mead, Billingshurst.
I've met with the owner of the car park and I made it clear that local residents are so fed up with the situation that they are reluctant to shop in Billingshurst and that visitors have been put off coming to the village. Local traders are really suf
fering.
Well, he agreed to change the signage which is currently very confusing. People have been paying £3 for all day tickets when parking is restricted to one hour – they've been clamped when they thought they'd paid for a full day.
He also agreed to remind the clampers that they should behave reasonably at all times – intimidation and aggression will not be tolerated. There have been too many complaints about the behaviour of some of the clampers for this to be overlooked.
I'm hoping that once the changes have been made we'll see real improvements.
I've been supporting the campaign for a new sports hall at Warnham Primary School. Sadly, they recently lost out on a substantial grant but that has in no way dampened the spirits of the campaign team and the rest of the close-knit Warnham community.
And so, on Saturday June 20 a barn dance has been organised to raise much-needed funds. A Warnham farmer has donated the use of his barn and a hog roast has been supplied by Warnham butchers. Tickets are £12.50 and more information can be obtained from the school on 01403 265230.
The hall would obviously be used by children from the school but it would belong just as much to the rest of the children of the parish. Clubs and organisations would benefit and it would be a great incentive for lots of local people to get fitter and healthier!
Not many people will have forgotten HFC's FA Cup 2nd round replay last season against Swansea City. The man responsible for both goals was Lee Farrell. He left the club at the end of last year but he is remembered with great affection.
Profoundly deaf, Lee also scored the GB team's winning goal in the final of the 2005 Deaf Olympics. He's been called up again this year but must pay £3,000 to play. Why? Because funding is not available from UK Sport because of the 2012 Olympics.
As a region we are going to benefit from the London Olympics but in order to foot the bill, charities and sports groups may lose out on funding they have relied upon for years.
Lee has set up his 'Sports Match Challenge' where he will match any donations made towards his trip to Taiwan. I thought I'd spread the word for Lee as I'm sure there're people in Horsham who would like to help him on his way. Donations can be made via: justgiving.com/leefarrell.
