A meeting to discuss controversial plans for more than 500 new homes has been postponed at the 11th hour.

Rod Brown, head of planning and environmental services, had recommended Horsham district councillors support Berkeley’s scheme for up to 550 houses west of Worthing Road, Southwater.

The issue was due to be discussed by the development management committee in the council chamber, Park North, Horsham, from 6.30pm today.

But Ian Thwaites, of pressure group Keep Southwater Green, said he had been told the meeting could not be held yet because Great House Farm has been upgraded to Grade II* listed status.

Bill Smith, another campaigner against the plans, said the council was obliged to consult English Heritage so the meeting was now likely to be held in April or May.

The Resident has asked Horsham District Council to comment on the postponement.

As well as the houses, Berkeley’s application includes a site for a secondary school, a replacement community building, a new and larger sports pavilion, a multi-use games area, play areas, an extended cemetery and open areas.

Planning permission should be granted subject to a legal agreement being finalised within six months, Mr Brown said in a 131-page report to councillors.

West Sussex County Council’s share of council tax bills for 2012/13 will be frozen for the second year running, following today’s budget meeting at County Hall.
In his budget speech Michael Brown, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, said the decision ‘reflects our continuing belief that wherever possible monies available to hard pressed residents should be left in their pockets and purses and not taken away in tax by us’.
He also said the County Council had achieved ‘down to the last penny’ its £38 million savings target for 2011/12, and, although he was presenting a budget without ‘frippery or extravagance’ it contained ‘absolutely no new cuts’.
Today’s budget means that the average Band D taxpayer will continue paying £1,161.99 for services delivered by the County Council.
But, still to be added to that figure, will be the amounts required by individual district or borough councils, Sussex Police, and town or parish councils.
The County Council is having to reduce its spending by £79 million over three years largely driven by reduced government grants.
Michael said the £503 million revenue budget for the next financial year took into account the savings target of £21.5 million set for 2012/13.
Looking at the national picture he said that local government might have to look for more economies in future years.
He said: “Low growth means lower business profits and lower employment rates. Both translate into lower tax proceeds for the Treasury, and in November the Chancellor announced that the nation’s books would not now be balanced until 2017.
“That means we must expect further reductions in Government support. It would be rash, and foolhardy, to assume that, like the NHS and International Aid, local government budgets will be protected  - they simply will not.”
The County Council’s capital programme includes the £15 million infrastructure and development package to boost the local economy announced at the end of last year, including investment in super-fast broadband.
Michael also announced that the value of a plan to accelerate a series of capital building schemes, such as new classrooms for schools, would now be worth £55 million instead of £35 million as previously announced.
He said it meant that construction and other contracts ‘can be awarded now, when they are desperately needed, rather than in three or four years time, when hopefully the economic omens will be much brighter’.
He added: “Some of the larger projects being brought forward cannot readily be split or sub-divided. When they are accelerated, they are accelerated as a whole, or not at all. The consequence of this is that the originally planned £35m acceleration will in fact be £55m.
“Adding that to the £15m Infrastructure Fund, it means that over the next three years £70m will be directly invested into the county’s infrastructure.”
He told the Council –
“We could hardly live in more difficult or challenging economic times, but I can assure you that this budget is designed to -

·       Help us live within our means

·       Borrow sparingly

·       Face up to whatever new austerity measures central government may demand of us

·       Help stimulate the local economy

·       Continue to lower the real burden of taxation across West Sussex.”

A Liberal Democrat attempt to provide a £3million boost for community social services for the elderly, for preserving bus services, and to support the careers service for young people was rejected by the Tories at West Sussex County Council budget meeting.

Liberal Democrat Group leader Morwen Millson said : “The Conservatives inherited a debt-free County Council from the Liberal Democrat led council in 1997. Since 2000 they have racked up a massive debt burden of £400million, and are now making massive cuts in front-line services. Last year, whilst pleading shortage of cash, they stashed away £7 million extra in reserves; this year they are planning to double that to another £15 million into cash reserves, taking the total usable reserves to around £140million!. Our amendment to reduce the effect of cuts on home care services for the elderly,and those with learning difficulties or mental health problems, to reduce cuts to bus services, and to provide 9 career advisors for unemployed and untrained young people was to take a mere £3m from this £140 million reserve. But the Conservatives chose to put it into reserves rather than helping the most vulnerable poor and elderly in West Sussex.”

Dr James Walsh, deputy group leader, said: “Our amendment would still freeze the Council Tax for another year, and use help ease the burden on thousands of vulnerable young and older people in our county. These cuts will produce short term cash savings, but they will mean less preventative work, and lead to more elderly admissions into expensive NHS care, or more quickly needing substantial social service care. For many young people it may lead to more anti-social behaviour, petty criminality, and in the worst case repeats of last summer’s rioting spreading to towns in West Sussex.
“The Tory words calling for earlier intervention and preventative work in adult and youth services, and the NHS are not matched by action, and still less by funding.”

Lib Dem Transport spokesman Nigel Dennis said: “It was Mrs Thatcher who realised that privatisation would not work for all bus services, and that subsidies would be required to sustain many of them, especially in rural areas. Some 20% of our communities rely on bus services for their social life, shopping and medical care. The Tory cuts are going to make life still more difficult for many of these people in West Sussex.”

Cllr Louise Goldsmith, leader of the county council:

1.We have listened to the residents of WS. For the second year running there is no increase in Council Tax.
2. A massive investment of 70million in infrastructure to help the local economy and the businesses and residents in the County.
3 This is a budget for long term sustainability, to ensure we can continue to deliver good value for money service, responsive to residents needs, and protecting the very frail and vulnerable.
4 The County Council has  to deliver 79million pounds of savings in the next 3 years to help the government sort out the horrendous deficit left by the previous Government. Despite sustained poor grant settlements over the last 10 years it has managed to find 38million pounds of savings this year. 80% is by cutting bureaucracy driving out savings known as back office so we are  protecting the majority of front line services.
5. The County Council  is  working with partners such as the NHS to cut out duplication and proved streamlined services to our residents
It is leading the way in preventative work and early interventions – something the Lindens choose not to see, but there statements are scaremongering and irresponsible when so much good cooperative work is going on. 

LG ctd:

“The LibDeM proposal to use 3 million is short term ism and only shows they do not understand the scale or seriousness of the financial situation of the County Council. It is only delaying these difficult cuts for 1 year, if that.
It is the worst of all worlds provides poor value money by deferring cuts for 1 year only, next year we will be back to the same situation, one has to ask if this fair!”

Sharon Bowles MEP, who represents South East England in the European Parliament, is supporting Don’t Cut Us Out, a campaign in West Sussex fighting to protect vulnerable adults from council cuts.

The campaign was started after Conservative-led West Sussex County Council decided to cut its adult services budget, leaving many elderly people and those with learning disabilities without vital support.

Sharon Bowles MEP said:

“Some cuts are necessary in this time of economic hardship, but West Sussex Council is wrong to cut support for elderly people and adults with learning disabilities.

“Other County Councils in the region, including Kent, have managed to safeguard their adult services budgets. West Sussex could and should find a way to do the same.

“The people affected by these cuts are at poverty levels, either nearing the end of their lives or with life-long disabilities that prevent them from working. They need our support, not to be left out in the cold.

“I urge West Sussex Council to come to their senses and re-instate these life-line services and am proud to join my fellow Lib Dems in West Sussex in fighting these shamefully mistaken cuts.”

HEAD:

Cllr Ray Dawe

HEAD:

Cllr Stuart Ritchie quote promised Wed am

Conservative Stuart Ritchie has won the Horsham District Council by-election for  Itchingfield, Slinfold and Warnham.

Mr Ritchie polled 557 votes, 237 more than Liberal Democrat Ian Shepherd (320). UKIP’s George Tribe polled 173 votes, Green Justin Pickard 65 and Labour’s David Hide 60.

Cllr Ray Dawe, Conservative group leader, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Stuart has held this seat with nearly 50 per cent of the vote despite the low turnout (27 per cent). I’m really looking forward to having him join our team at Horsham District Council.”

The by-election followed the resignation of Cllr Robert Nye in December for personal reasons related to the finances of his business.

HEAD:

Police have launched an investigation, after a woman was seriously sexually assaulted in a Steyning alleyway at around 8pm on Valentine’s Day (Tuesday 14 February).

The 34-year-old local victim was attacked as she walked along the alleyway between Middle Mead and Breach Close. Her attacker ran off in the direction of Coxham Lane.

Detective Sergeant Colin O’Hare said: “The victim has been incredibly brave in coming forward and we are offering her specialist support at this difficult time. We are yet to obtain a full account from the victim, as we are in the very early stages of the investigation.

“Police were contacted by the victim yesterday and have since cordoned off the alley for forensic examination.

“Sussex Police treats reports of this nature with the utmost urgency and local officers will be making house-to-house inquiries as part of ongoing investigation.

“Crimes of this nature are extremely rare in this area and we believe this to be an isolated incident. Local neighbourhood officers will be increasing high visibilty patrols.”

The suspect is described as 5’8, wearing dark coloured trousers and hoody, with either a hood or hat on.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 1611 of 15/2 or anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

PICS

HEAD:

Swimarathon at Pavilions

HORSHAM LIONS SWIMARATHON SUNDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2012

The  first  Swimarathon organised by Horsham Lions  at Horsham Pavilions proved an outstanding success so much so that it is intended to make this an annual event.

17 teams of  young people, including scouts, cubs, guides, brownies and youth groups took part, swimming a total of 1,817 lengths ie 30.28 miles and received  sponsored pledges  of  £4,532.10.      Particular mention must be made of  Sunbeam Swimming Club for the disabled who swam  81 lengths equalling 1.35 miles.  A great achievement

Each team comprised 6 members and were sponsored on the basis of the number of lengths swum  in 55 minutes.   The teams donate 50% of  funds raised  to  the Horsham  Lions  defibrillator  project, which will provide portable defibrillators to  3 local schools, The Forest School, Millais and Tanbridge.

The 11th Horsham Reform Church Scouts & Cub Packs   : 3 Teams

United We Swim  - 120 Lengths  Pledged £305

Swimming Seals - 64 Lengths   Pledged £277

Horsham Hurricans -  81 Lengths   Pledged £262.35

The 1st & 9th Horsham Cub Packs – 84 Lengths   Pledged  £127

Kingslea (Kingslea Kings) – 97 Lengths     Pledged £337.40

The 1st Southwater Sea Scouts (Salty Sea Dogs) – 107 Lengths   Pledged £103

The Sunbeam Swimming Club   -    81 Lengths     Pledged £237.20

The 4th Horsham Scout Group    -   100 Lengths   Pledged £487

The Forest School : 3Teams :

Forest Skyhawks  – 186 Lengths         Pledged £117

Forest Flying Fish - 134 Lengths        Pledged £180

Forest Deep Blue Team 137 Lengths    Pledged £189

The 4th Roffey Brownies - 83 Lengths    Pledged £112.35

The Southwater Youth Project - Southwater Stingrays -    96 Lengths  Pledged £600

The 1st Harwood Guides   – 139 Lengths  Pledged £148.70

The 1st Chesworth Rainbow Pack   2 teams:

Tri Hard 2 – 140 Lengths     Pledged £237.60

1st Chesworth Swimmers – 82 Lengths     Pledged £151.50

Medals were presented to all the participating teams by Lion President Deryck Wright who said “ I would like to thank all those  who took part.  The money raised should go a long way towards our aim of providing defibrillators  for the three Horsham secondary schools. This event is a great example of members of the community helping a worthy cause that will benefit  our young people in Horsham and should the need ever arise save lives”

Lion Tom Osborne, chairman of  the Horsham Lions Fund Raising Committee says “Many thanks for all the schools and youth organisations who have risen to this challenge and for their support”

The Southwater First Responders also attended bringing along a portable defibrillator and a practice Manikin.  These were on show in the Foyer and attracted a great deal of interest.

KathrynFelton

Children at Renee’s Saturday morning drama group have been handed a letter terminating the course as of Saturday 10th March.

This will bring the end to a legacy in young person’s acting coaching in the Horsham area.

Renee’s students were given this letter on Saturday 11th February.  This gave the students, and their parents, a month’s notice of the end of a course that has been running for thirty years.

The outcry from students past and present has rippled through the Horsham community.  A Facebook group has been set up, where students past and present have been voicing their opinions.  The depths of the dissatisfaction have been demonstrated by setting up an online petition to Horsham District Council.

If the petition reaches 1000 signatures, the Council will be forced to reconsider the decision.

While it has been reported that leaflets will be given out to students in the upcoming sessions, detailing other drama groups in the area, ex-student Mill Goble doesn’t think that these will hold the same value as the current class.  “Renee offered something which the majority don’t seem to… everyone was given a chance to shine in their own way, whether that was through acting, singing, movement, improvisation, or dancing”.

Ex-students have gone on to a wide range of professions, but a significant number have remained in an artistic field.  Adam Hoskins, a post-graduate studying Orchestral Conducting, went to the classes from the age of 7 years old, and has been back to teach at the sessions.

“Renee is old school; clever, witty, sharp and not afraid to drill pupils in the rigours of what it takes to ACT. When she asked me to teach for her, I couldn’t say no! It has literally been the cornerstone of my artistic life.”

The value this class has extended beyond the obvious, and students are able to take the skills they learn into school.  Goble recalls, “exposure to scripts and poems, and encouragement to speak in a public situation were all incredibly helpful when it came to the school curriculum. It encouraged reading, learning, an appreciation of language and literature, and also the ability to give verbal presentations in front of teachers and classmates.”

This is the latest drama group to come under threat.  Recently, the West Sussex County Youth Theatre lost all its funding.  In times of budget cuts, the arts always suffer as they are deemed as “unnecessary”. Suggestions to merge groups across the County are not always the most useful tactic.  The target ages for Renee’s drama classes are 6-17; children too young to travel far for such activities.

The petition can be found on the Horsham District Council website, under open e-petitions.  The call for signatures is great, from current students and ex-students alike.

Eric Silvester, of Heron Way, Horsham, a parent of former and current drama workshop children: “The action of the council in closing the drama workshop shows a complete lack of understanding of the tremendous work Rennee has done with the young people of Horsham over the years.  It beggars belief that the council has arbitrarily decided to close the workshops.  We, the parents and tax payers, haven’t been approached with any alternatives or options.  If it was about timing, location, funding there are other approaches that should be considered first.  It is a true testament to the success of the group that it has attracted the number of attendees it does, given the council does virtually no advertising of its existence!  Even offers of free advertising have been turned down!  It strikes me there is a hidden agenda behind the closure and not the need for council budget reductions at all.”

17/2/12: Update this

Horsham District Council has defended its controversial decision to end drama workshops for young people at The Capitol.

Artistic director Renee Martin, from Southwater, has run workshops for nearly 30 years, at the old Capitol, the Drill Hall and the new theatre. Six to 17-year-olds attend sessions at The Capitol for up to two-and-a-half hours each Saturday.

But Cllr Jonathan Chowen, council Cabinet member, told The Resident: “The team at The Capitol have been asked to review their operations in light of the current economic crisis, along with all venues operated by Horsham District Council.

“We have been looking at ways to increase income and reduce costs so that we are able to maintain these much-loved and valued amenities.

“Recently, The Capitol has introduced Children’s Saturday Morning Cinema and its success has led to a plan to develop more children-oriented productions.

“The Saturday drama drop-in workshops at The Capitol have been running for many years, with initially over 100 children and young people attending the session.

“For the last few years, the number of children attending has fallen significantly, averaging only 30 per week.

“The additional difficulty is that the 2½-hour workshops have become used to using several rooms across The Capitol for practice and rehearsal sessions. This now compromises current and any new initiatives for developing The Capitol’s Saturday programme.

“As The Capitol develops further, plans to use the ‘studio’ and other rooms more intensively will require more flexibility in the Saturday programme.

“We recognise the considerable work and commitment which has taken place over the years by Renee Martin and thank her for all her efforts in the nurturing of young local talent.

“Renee will still provide drama advice and assistance to pupils and they have been provided with her details.

“We are however aware that alternative group drama tuition is available in other venues in Horsham and a leaflet detailing these will be issued to current users at the next session.

“While there is intense pressure on budgets, Horsham District Council is committed to its high standard of drama and arts provision and is looking actively at ways to maintain and, if possible, improve its offering.

“Our number one priority is to maintain The Capitol as the prime arts venue of the district.”

One of Miss Martin’s former pupils played with the Royal Shakespeare Company, three were in The Mousetrap in the West End and another appeared as William in the BBC’s Just William.

Miss Martin said: “We don’t do it specifically for theatre, but it seems to be a really good grounding.

“We’re not a production group. It’s really for creative drama and they look to explore character and situation. They can ‘be’ three different people in one morning.”

Kate Stredder, 14, who has attended the sessions for almost two years, said: “The council has a duty to give the youths of today something to do on the weekend. This is the only thing of its type provided for the young people of Horsham and the surrounding areas.

“Many of the senior students have been coming for a good 10 years and I know of many people who have come and gone. These drama sessions are a huge part of their childhood and I know they are distraught about the closure of the sessions.

“Renee Martin is one of the most inspirational people I have ever met. She fills the sessions and courses with a spark of ambition and has so much passion for drama.

“This drama group is a huge part of all our lives and for many of us is the highlight of our week. I have made so many new friends and have learnt so much.”

Victoria Skinner, Kate’s cousin, has started a Facebook group – Don’t let the council close our drama group – and more than 100 people have signed an online petition at http://petitions.horsham.gov.uk/petitions.ti/saveourdramagroup