Starke & Co.Family Law
Southwater Xmas Festival
Celebrates Horsham expansion
Santa, lights switch on & much much more
Page 11
Pages 14 & 15
Friday 17.11.2017 thedistrictpost.co.uk
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HORSHAM | BILLINGSHURST | HENFIELD | PULBOROUGH | SOUTHWATER | STEYNING | STORRINGTON
Residents rally amid fears of losing iconic New Street Gdns martin read
Reporter
Anybody who has lived in Horsham for a few years will have witnessed the exponential growth in the town. Long gone are the days when Horsham was a sleepy market town and the geographical location not far from the coast, within easy commuting distance from London and with a major international airport on the doorstep make it a convenient location. And, the absence of major industry, low crime rate and the pleasant surroundings to the town make Horsham a favoured place to live with the south east already under considerable pressure to provide many new homes, a target of 800 new houses a year in the district between 2011 and 2031 would mean an additional 16,000 homes with the consequent need for supporting infrastructure. Major schemes are already being constructed in Southwater, Broadbridge Heath and Kilnwood Vale with even bigger developments to come. It is therefore, many consider, all
the more necessary to preserve the much valued oases, especially those in urban environments. One such gem under threat is the New Street Garden, described by the Friends as “a pleasant community garden for use by the residents of (built up) surrounding streets. A place to sit for a quiet read where youngsters can play football and have a good run around in safety or where local families can hold children’s birthday parties.” The Friends are committed to maintain and enhance the gardens and to encourage its use as a community open space. And, when the ‘pocket park’ was opened not too long ago, the transformation of the area from its previously somewhat run down state was celebrated – a triumph of collaboration between local residents, Horsham in Bloom, HDC and Forest Neighbourhood Council. At that time Project Chairman Councillor David Skipp said that the 18 month scheme had created ‘a safe green space where all could come and relax, play with their children or just sit and enjoy the flowers.’ There is a grassy area with seating, flowers and fruit trees, Dr Skipp stating that: “The importance of preserving green spaces for community use in an urban setting cannot be over-
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Residents of New Street emphasised. And hopefully New Street Green will be one of many such schemes in the district.” The project was funded by Horsham in Bloom from the government’s Department of Community, which
assisted with payment for levelling and tree and other works. New fencing was installed and there were donations from both the Tesco ‘Bags of Help’ scheme and Tanbridge House School with
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