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Friday 05.04.2019 thedistrictpost.co.uk
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Hustings held to discuss issues in the run up to local elections There will be local elections for Horsham District Council on May 2nd and, to inform electors of the issues, the Horsham Society arranged a “Question Time” hustings in the Causeway’s Barn on Monday evening to enable voters to question candidates about their plans for the town. The open meeting was to be chaired by BBC Parliamentary Correspondent Mark D’Arcy, but he was retained at Westminster on Brexit matters, Horsham Society Chairman Malcolm Willis taking over, explaining that the Society is a non political organisation before asking the candidates to outline their plans. David Hide, Chair of Horsham Labour Party, said his top priority is affordable housing with 50% of such units in new developments while preserving our ancient woodlands and green areas, adding that it is totally unacceptable to see homeless people living on the street in our affluent area, although it was not stated whether these are local people. Next Dr David Skipp, Liberal Democrat, echoed the need for affordable housing, but with a 3540% target, saying that ring fenced money – £12.5 million – is available from developers, and stating that
568 families await housing, with 26 people placed in B&Bs. Ray Dawes, Head of the local Conservatives then told the substantial gathering that Tory strategy is to maintain and improve the quality of local life with prudent planning for the future in relation to shopping, parking, leisure, transport and services and the protection of wild life. He subsequently disputed the number of families on the waiting list, saying that homelessness had been reduced by 14%. Catherine Ross of the Green Party was also invited, but was not in attendance. Questions from the floor included: how Labour could hold Horsham District Council to book - as stated in their leaflet distributed at the venue – when they have no councillors? David Hide replied that issues are raised on the doorstep and in the press and that the quality of scrutiny of HDC needs to be a lot tighter. How could voters be sure of whom they are voting for, given the currently divisive state of British politics? Ray Dawes responded: “We are a diverse group just trying to do our best for the town.” Then came impassioned concern from the Wimblehurst Road Residents’ Association regarding the former Novartis site, which had been originally reserved for educational occupation but now seems destined for housing and business use with severe doubts as to the adequacy of the transport arrangements, coupled with pollution fears. David Skipp agreed that traffic is already
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New Sports Bar to open this weekend
This Saturday, the doors open to a new venue in town and it’s one that may fast become your local. The Clubhouse is a sports bar that caters for everybody,
busy in the area, which is not inviting for cyclists and he regretted that the hoped for university campus will not materialise. David Hide said that the development should reflect the consideration of jobs, social housing and the environment, Ray Dawes adding that HDC have made representations to West Sussex County Council and that any new facilities will be subject to a planning decision. Other questions related to: the controversial incinerator proposal
complete with dart boards, English pool tables and a huge variety of drink options, you can settle back with a pint of your favourite and enjoy the football, the F1, the rugby, the
(leading to a discussion on both the need for more re-cycling - including food waste - and climate change) And, how would Labour pay for everything that they propose? David Hide said there are significant funds available and that a lot of money is being spent on developments like Piries Place, inaccessible to many because of ticket prices, while Ray Dawes referred to the “Labour money tree” and David Skipp commented that it is easy to promise the
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cricket and more. Pop in this Saturday and you could even watch the Grand National with the team after you have placed your bets! More on page 5
earth, but less easy to deliver it. The lack of safe cycling infrastructure was discussed with general agreement that considerable improvement is required, with attendant health benefits. The cost of parking fees for disabled drivers was then raised, differing opinions emerging, and the lively meeting closed after a deliberation on the excellence of Horsham Park and the need to safeguard its unique character.