3 minute read
Letters Page
KEEP ROOKWOOD GREEN ALLIANCE
Horsham District Council’s (HDC) latest version of the Plan acknowledges the ground-swell of protests from residents. However, it is far from ideal and HDC can change it at any point in the future. Sadly, ‘Nature’ is clearly not the motivation – rather it is financial benefit to HDC. Councillor Chowen, with cabinet accountability for green spaces, frequently refers to Rookwood as an ‘under-performing asset’ that should yield a higher return. Apparently golfers have had no representation, although in this Covid-19 year, use of the course increased. Rookwood is well regarded as the only public ‘pay and play’ course in the area. Other courses nearby have closed down for development or require expensive membership.
Advertisement
HDC promoted a new partnership with Sussex Wildlife Trust, Wilder Horsham District, with laudable aims. Inconsistently, ignoring the environmental connectivity of a well-maintained golf course by building on the southern part of Rookwood. Rookwood is not just a monoculture of mown grass. It provides a complex matrix of habitats supporting a vast range of wildlife, contributing to reversing climate change and providing an attractive amenity.
Cllr. Chowen talks about a shortfall in HDC budgets, despite a substantial capital reserve being available, and mentions that the Capitol and Horsham Museum could be at risk if the Rookwood sale does not proceed. The real issue is that HDC must give away 50% of the land sale proceeds to the Lucas Trust, if sold before 2070, and will only gain half the benefits from this asset!
Two public footpaths cross the site and a network of other pathways are used recreationally by many. Recognising the diversity of users, there is mutual tolerance between golfers, cyclists, dog walkers and exercisers. Rookwood represents more than a third of Horsham town’s large green space with great benefits for residents’ physical and mental well-being. This significance does not appear in the accountants’ view on which HDC are basing their decision. Why reduce green space, when Horsham’s growing population will need somewhere to exercise? It makes no sense!
Should the Plan be implemented, the new park will increase HDC’s maintenance cost, whereas today, the Rookwood franchisee pays and also contributes income to HDC. Anti-social behaviour, as frequently reported at Southwater Country Park, will affect the nature reserve, adding further cost. In future years, the new park could be ‘financially under-performing’ and this sorry cycle will repeat. Our children, and their children, will be forever thankful if we don’t build on this irreplaceable natural space. www.keeprookwoodgreen.org Neil Henry (for Keep Rookwood Green Alliance) On page 50 you can read about Horsham District Council’s plan for Rookwood.
PLANNING LONG-TERM CARE
It is estimated that around two in five (41%)* people in residential care in England are ‘self-funders’ – this means they are paying for their own long-term care. This also means they are responsible for choosing and arranging their own care and making crucial financial decisions about how to pay for it – often without any guidance.
Researchers at the University of York found that this process involved key skills which ‘read like a job description for a highly skilled manager’ (Baxter, 2021) including searching and managing information about different options, decision-making, managing finances, and people management skills.
Whether it’s care at home or a move into a residential or nursing home, the process can feel overwhelming. That’s why it is strongly recommended that you start the planning at an early stage. This will give you the opportunity to seek independent specialist advice about the care that you want and how’ll you fund it.
Carewise – care funding experts you can trust
The Carewise care funding scheme offers impartial information and advice to guide you through all the important decisions. The Carewise care fees specialists are independent financial advisers with specialist knowledge of care funding, as well as inheritance tax, pensions, and lasting power of attorney.
Your first consultation is free so there really is nothing to lose to explore how Carewise can help lighten the load when it comes to planning your longterm care. To find out more, visit carewiseadvice.com, call 01243 642121 or email socialcare@westsussex.gov.uk. *Figures from National Institute for Health Research 2021
For many people with busy lives and lack of time, it’s not easy to keep on top of all those odd jobs and home improvements. So, let your local Smarthomes Handyman do the hard work for you…
