Continued closure of A23 due to "sinkhole" only a minor inconvenience, say businesses

June 17, 2014, 3:50 am

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THE continuing roadworks on the A23 after the sudden appearance of a "sinkhole" appear to have been little more than an inconvenience to many local businesses.

The northbound stretch of the dual carriageway from the Fleming Way roundabout to the Lowfield Heath roundabout is still closed, two months after the "void" appeared in the road.

Access to a number of businesses along that section of road and around Lowfield Heath has been restricted as a result, with drivers having to take diversions to get to some.

But aside from a few lost delivery drivers and late meetings, business owners say the repairs have not damaged their operations.

Retail distributor Cecil McDonald and Co, based in Lowfield Heath, has had a few confused drivers on the phone but has not experienced a lot of disruption.

Receptionist Debbie Newton said: "We've had to take a different route to get here (from Crawley) past The Beehive and Gatwick Airport but it hasn't been too bad.

"We have had a couple of phone calls from lost delivery drivers but it's been easily sorted out."

Peter Brooks, an operations director at Telcon, also in Lowfield Heath, added: "It has been little more than a minor inconvenience really.

"It was more difficult when they had both carriageways closed but now they have opened the one going southbound."

Agne Gacionyte, marketing manager for Glass Eco in Lowfield Heath, agreed that the closure has not caused major problems.

She said: "It has been more difficult to reach us but it's not been too bad.

"Because of the diversion our clients have been late for a few meetings and got lost a few times but it hasn't really been a problem."

Work on the road is expected to finish soon, although a date has not been set.

Repairs were needed after a sewer pipe burst and caused a void to open up in the road.

Initially, it was expected to be closed for about a week but the work has taken much longer than anticipated.

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Crawley Police Station closed off as roof comes loose

June 17, 2014, 4:03 am

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THE entrance to Crawley Police Station has been closed off for safety reasons. Officers have taped off the entrance to the front office, on Woodfield Road, as a precaution after a member of staff noticed that part of the metal fascia above it had become dislodged. The force contractors have been contacted and it is hoped any repairs will be carried out so the office can open again later this afternoon (Tuesday). PCSOs are currently outside the station to deal with any members of the public who have queries. Anyone who has an appointment will be escorted into the building via a different entrance. Inspector Paul Scott said: "All services are still being provided at Crawley police station. "We are not closed but we do not want to take any chances with people's safety."

Police officer assaulted after pulling over "badly driven" car

June 17, 2014, 4:28 am

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POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an officer was assaulted having pulled over a car. A "badly driven" vehicle was stopped by police with their blue lights on at Balcombe Road, Pound Hill, at 9.30pm on Friday, May 30. An officer was then pushed by a passenger in the car, who fled on foot towards Heathfield. The driver was detained. The silver Vauxhall Astra had been driven north along Balcombe Road. It had picked up speed and at a roundabout at the junction with Turners Hill Road failed to give way, causing other vehicles to brake sharply. Anyone who saw the manner in which the vehicle was being driven, who saw what happened once it was stopped or who has any other relevant information is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk, quoting serial 1580 of 30/5.

Crawley Town sign Portsmouth defender Sonny Bradley

June 17, 2014, 5:00 am

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CRAWLEY Town have signed Portsmouth defender Sonny Bradley on a two-year deal. The 22-year-old centre-back made 38 appearances for the south coast side last season and was the subject of much interest from both Championships and League One clubs, according to Bradley's agent. Bradley had a year to run on his deal at Fratton Park, and Crawley have confirmed an "undisclosed fee" - believed to be relatively small - was paid to the League Two club. Bradley, who can also play at left-back, will wear the number four shirt at Crawley. And Reds boss John Gregory believes the addition of Bradley will provide competition for Joe Walsh, Kyle McFadzean and Connor Essam. "Sonny is a commanding defender and someone I have been targeting for some time," Gregory said. "We have good depth in our central defensive positions now but Sonny will be challenging the others for a regular place. "There was a lot of interest in him, I'm delighted to have signed him."

Rotherham United sign former Crawley Town defender Mat Sadler

June 17, 2014, 6:15 am

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FORMER Crawley Town left-back Mat Sadler has joined Championship side Rotherham United. Sadler, who played for Birmingham City in the Premier League, was offered a new deal by Crawley boss John Gregory but did not sign. The 29-year-old defender has signed a one-year deal with Steve Evans' Millers.

Man indecently exposes himself to two teenage girls and sexually assaults one of them

June 17, 2014, 7:45 am

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A MAN indecently exposed himself to two teenage girls and sexually assaulted one of them as they walked from West Green to Ifield on Saturday (June 14). Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened as the girls were walking on a footpath towards The Mill Primary School from The Dingle at 4.10pm. The man who indecently touched one of the girls was on a grey/silver bicycle and after they shouted at him to go away he rode off in the direction of Tangmere Road. He is described as white, aged 20 to 30, about 6ft tall, with blond hair. He was wearing grey shorts, a dark blue top, a black baseball cap with white on the front and he spoke with an Eastern European accent. Anyone who saw the incident or the suspect, or who has any other information that may be of help, is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101 or e-mail 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk, quoting serial 1088 of 14/6.

Sussex Police launches recruitment drive for more special constables

June 17, 2014, 8:15 am

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SUSSEX Police have launched an appeal for more volunteers to become special constables.

More than 400 people currently spend a minimum of four hours a week as volunteer police officers serving the local community.

Special constables have the same powers and much of the same training as full-time officers, playing a vital role in neighbourhood policing teams.

These officers can also be trained to undertake specialist roles, such as responding to 999 calls or working in the Roads Policing Unit.

Assistant Chief Constable Robin Smith said: "Our volunteers are a vital part of our policing family. Special constables have worked in Sussex for over 100 years.

"Last year, special constables volunteered over 80,000 hours with us; their professionalism, commitment and enthusiasm are admirable."

In depth training is provided to volunteers covering the duties of a police officer, powers of arrest, how to prepare evidence for court and personal safety.

The recruitment push follows on from the force announcing last month it is hiring an extra 120 police constables.

For more information or to apply visit www.sussexspecials.com

Former heroin addict started taking drugs as he couldn't speak English, court hears

June 17, 2014, 10:15 pm

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A FORMER heroin addict has admitted being in possession of methadone that was not prescribed to him by a doctor. Edley Marie, 28, from Hazel Close in Langley Green, pleaded guilty to possessing the heroin substitute when he appeared at Crawley Magistrates' Court last Wednesday (June 11). Gaynor Byng, prosecuting, told the court: "Just after midnight on March 25 officers saw Mr Marie walking to a garage compound just off Langley Place. "Given the time of night, Mr Marie was stopped for a search. In his possession was a black bin bag in which officers found a small bottle labelled as methadone." Magistrates heard that Marie, who speaks Mauritian Creole and was assisted in court by a translator, had been cautioned by police on March 10 this year for possession of methadone. Geoff White, mitigating, said: "This young man arrived from Mauritius around six years ago and life was difficult for him as he doesn't speak the language. "He experimented with drugs, including heroin. He rapidly became addicted to that drug and it's an expensive habit. "He decided he wished to break that habit and he was given a heroin substitute, that being methadone." The court heard Marie carried a small amount of methadone to take whenever he craved heroin. He had been found with 33 millilitres of methadone, which had not been prescribed to him by a doctor. Chairman of the bench Eric Trevett gave Marie a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay a £15 victim surcharge and £85 costs. He ordered the methadone to be destroyed.

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Cycle helmet saves life of cyclist who crashed into deer during London to Brighton Bike Ride

June 17, 2014, 11:00 pm

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A CYCLIST who was rushed to hospital after crashing into a deer during Sunday's London to Brighton Bike Ride has urged others to wear a helmet after his own saved his life. Makrum Dudgeon, who grew up in Worth and went to Hazelwick School, escaped with just major bruising and grazes when the animal ran out in front of him - but only thanks to his cycle helmet. Several medics have told him he is lucky to be alive after hitting his head when the deer clipped his front wheel and sent him flying through the air at more than 20mph between Ardingly and Lindfield. The 44-year-old, who now lives in Brighton but whose parents still live in Saxon Road, Worth, has praised the small army of people who came to his rescue - while urging other cyclists not to risk going for a ride without a helmet. He said: "It was the doctors, the paramedics - it was repeated to me so many times - 'you are one lucky person. If you hadn't been wearing a helmet, you would've died today'." Mr Dudgeon was with his friend Roy Truett, from Pound Hill, when the accident happened. Mr Truett was badly winded and suffered cuts and bruises himself after being brought down in the collision but it was Mr Dudgeon's injuries which caused the greatest concern. A group of cyclists, one of whom was a doctor, came to his aid and alerted oncoming cyclists to slow down. An ambulance, which contained another casualty, diverted to the scene as Mr Dudgeon was seen as in more serious need of help. The other casualty was taken out of the ambulance to wait for another while Mr Dudgeon was rushed to Royal Sussex County Hospital, in Brighton. He had to be cut out of his cycling lycra and there were fears he had suffered a spinal injury. Mr Dudgeon said: "There were so many people who came to my aid. "Cyclists helped me while I was flat out on the ground and the ambulance staff and people at the hospital were amazing." It was the first serious accident Mr Dudgeon has had on a bicycle since he careered into a brick wall when he was seven years old. Mr Dudgeon wants to impress upon people the importance of wearing a helmet, after seeing several cyclists taking part in Sunday's fundraiser without one. He said: "I did notice there were a lot of people that were cycling without helmets on Sunday. "Even if you are just cycling down the road you never know what is going to happen. "I wouldn't be here today telling my story without my helmet. People think about messing up their hair but, you know what, put that aside and just wear a helmet." Despite his injuries Mr Dudgeon has only so far raised £45 in donations for the British Heart Foundation, which organises the annual bike ride. He received part of that money from a friend "for being alive" after the accident. Two other people who suffered bad injuries after separate crashes in Sunday's ride remained in a serious condition in hospital as we went to press yesterday (Tuesday). *If you would like to sponsor Mr Dudgeon go to www.justgiving.com/Makrum-Dudgeon

Traffic slowing commuters heading into and out of Crawley

June 17, 2014, 11:29 pm

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TRAFFIC is affecting commuters this morning (June 18) heading into and out of Crawley. Around the roundabout where Ifield Road and Pegler Way meet it is busy but moving in both directions around Asda. And Station Way is also busy but moving between County Mall and the Brighton Road level crossing. Elsewhere, and for those travelling west on the M25, traffic is building up on the motorway clockwise between junction nine for Leatherhead and junction 11 for Chertsey.

Two people seriously injured after car crashes into tree in Bewbush

June 17, 2014, 11:48 pm

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TWO people have been left seriously injured after a car crashed into a tree this morning in Bewbush. It came to rest a matter of inches from a house and the impact of the crash was so severe that it snapped the tree. The emergency services were called to Breezehurst Drive at about 2.30am. The Toyota Starlet lost control and collided with the central reservation and then the tree. The driver, a 21-year-old man from Crawley, and his 25-year-old passenger from Tewkesbury, were both taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital, in Brighton, with serious injuries. No other vehicle was involved in the crash. A firefighter at Crawley Fire Station has told the Crawley News the car came to rest on a grass verge about two inches away from the side of an end-of-terrace house. No damage was done to the house. Two fire engines and a heavy rescue vehicle, ambulances and an air ambulance were called to the scene. The car was at a 45 degree angle when fire crews arrived and had to be stabalised before the occupants could be cut out. Unconfirmed reports online have said that the car had crashed at high speed. It is understood to have been towed away having been left in severely damaged by the impact of the crash. On the Spotted: Crawley Facebook page Megan Shelley said: "You can barely see what car it is, was in a right mess." Katie Brown added: "It really wasn't good, driver was in a bad way, my partner was the one who called the ambulance, passenger was conscious but driver wasn't, it was so bad." *More details as we get them.

League One odds: Sheffield United favourites for promotion, Crawley Town 10/1

June 18, 2014, 1:16 am

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THE football fixtures are out and the bets are being placed and according to bookmakers William Hill, Crawley Town are in with a shot of promotion. The Reds, who have only 12 players on their books, already have odds of 10/1 to get promoted to the Championship. However, the bookies think John Gregory's men are outsiders to win League One, with odds at 33/1. LEAGUE 1 To Win: 6/1 Sheff Utd, 9/1 Preston, 10/1 Bristol City, 11/1 Peterborough, 12/1 Barnsley, 12/1 Doncaster, 12/1 Leyton Orient, 14/1 MK Dons, 14/1 Yeovil, 20/1 Chesterfield, 20/1 Coventry, 20/1 Fleetwood, 20/1 Scunthorpe, 20/1 Swindon, 20/1 Walsall, 25/1 Rochdale, 33/1 Crawley, 33/1 Notts County, 40/1 Bradford, 40/1 Oldham, 40/1 Port Vale, 50/1 Crewe, 66/1 Colchester, 66/1 Gillingham. Promotion: 7/4 Sheff Utd, 5/2 Preston, 3/1 Bristol City, 10/3 Peterborough, 4/1 Doncaster, 9/2 Barnsley, 9/2 MK Dons, 5/1 Leyton Orient, 5/1 Yeovil, 6/1 Chesterfield, 6/1 Coventry, 7/1 Fleetwood, 7/1 Scunthorpe, 7/1 Swindon, 8/1 Walsall, 10/1 Crawley, 12/1 Bradford, 12/1 Notts County, 12/1 Oldham, 12/1 Rochdale, 16/1 Port Vale, 20/1 Colchester, 20/1 Gillingham,25/1 Crewe.

PHOTOS: Scene of serious crash which left two in hospital and snapped tree

June 18, 2014, 2:04 am

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THIS is the scene in Breezehurst Drive this morning after a crash that has left two people with serious injuries. A car crashed into a tree and came to rest a matter of inches from a house. The impact of the crash was so severe that it snapped the tree. The emergency services were called to Breezehurst Drive at about 2.30am. The Toyota Starlet lost control and collided with the central reservation and then the tree. The driver, a 21-year-old man from Crawley, and his 25-year-old passenger from Tewkesbury, were both taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital, in Brighton, with serious injuries. No other vehicle was involved in the crash. A firefighter at Crawley Fire Station has told the Crawley News the car came to rest on a grass verge about two inches away from the side of an end-of-terrace house. No damage was done to the house. Two fire engines and a heavy rescue vehicle, ambulances and an air ambulance were called to the scene. The car was at a 45 degree angle when fire crews arrived and had to be stabalised before the occupants could be cut out. Unconfirmed reports online have said that the car had crashed at high speed. On the Spotted: Crawley Facebook page Megan Shelley said: "You can barely see what car it is, was in a right mess." Katie Brown added: "It really wasn't good, driver was in a bad way, my partner was the one who called the ambulance, passenger was conscious but driver wasn't, it was so bad." *Updates on the condition of the two men will be posted on this website as we get them.

Race For Life Crawley 2014 preview

June 18, 2014, 2:09 am

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THIS evening Race For Life will once again be coming to Tilgate Park and thousands of women are expected to turn the park into the ideal hiding place for a fugitive flamingo. If you want to see more pink outfits than you can shake a stick at and cheer on an army of people running in memory of loved ones or in celebration of winning their own battles with cancer, head down to Tilgate Park for 7.30pm. There will be a group warm-up ahead of the 5k race, so arrive a bit earlier if you want to take part in or watch that. If you are taking part, look out for a photo gallery on our website shortly after the race tonight. See next Wednesday's paper for full coverage of the event.

Luton Town admit pursuit of Crawley Town's Drury has stalled

June 18, 2014, 3:33 am

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LUTON Town admit their attempt to sign Andy Drury "it isn't going to go any further at this stage" after failing to match the release clause in the midfielder's Crawley Town contract. The Hatters had a bid rejected for Drury last week, and now accept the ball is in Crawley Town's court, with the pursuit unlikely to continue. Luton managing director Gary Sweet told the Bedford Times: "We made an offer which didn't meet their valuation and didn't reach the apparent release clause in his contract, which was positioned as a minimum hurdle to get over. "Sometimes, you have to accept it isn't going to go any further at this stage unless there is a compromise on the other party's position."

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Car ends up in ditch after two-vehicle collision in Maidenbower

June 18, 2014, 4:41 am

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ONE car ended up in a ditch after a two car incident in Maidenbower. The collision happened at about 10.25am yesterday (Tuesday) on Balcombe Road. Firefighters helped someone from one of the cars before they were checked over by paramedics. The driver of the other car managed to get out of their vehicle before a fire engine and heavy rescue vehicle arrived from Crawley Fire Station. Those involved are noth thought to have suffereds erious injuries.

Driver of car in crash which killed Crawley mum has bail extended

June 18, 2014, 4:51 am

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THE driver of a car which crashed, leading to the death of Crawley mum Lisa Watling, has been bailed again. Miss Watling was a passenger in a black BMW Z3 sports car which careered off Crawley Avenue, between the Tushmore and Hazelwick roundabouts, and collided with a fence at about 1.40am on March 9. The 28-year-old mother-of-two, from Kestrel Close, in Langley Green, who worked at Rush hair salon, in the town centre, died later that day from her injuries. The 35-year-old man driving the car was treated in hospital and arrested on his release on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was on bail until last Friday (June 13) and has now been bailed again until September 5 while inquiries continue. Police have not released the name of the driver. Lisa was mum to Alicia, 9, and Mason, 6, pupils at Pound Hill Junior School. After her tragic death her brother David, 32, from West Green, paid tribute to his "fun, bubbly and outgoing" sister. He said at the time: "She would go out of her way to help other people and devoted her life to trying to provide for her children in the best way she could. "She was outspoken and she always stood up for what she believed in. "Beneath her strong exterior she was sensitive and loving, and ultimately had a heart of gold. "Once you'd met her you wouldn't forget her in a hurry. Lisa was unique, one of a kind, and we miss her dearly."

Records tumble for Crawley athletes at county schools championships

June 18, 2014, 5:26 am

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FOUR Crawley Athletic Club records fell and new championship bests were set at the county school championships on Saturday. In the Surrey Schools Championships, held in Kingston, Crawley thrower Munroe Ritchie beat his own record of 65.70 metres to win the U17 men's hammer, throwing 65.89m. Meanwhile sprinter Joe Massimo won the U15 300m in 36.17sec, setting a championship record and also beating his own club record of 36.24. But while Massimo was setting one record, another of his club records was beating beaten at the Sussex Schools Championships, held at K2. Josh Persad beat Massimo's U15 100m time of 11.63 to win the race in 11.5. And Toby Harries won the U17 200m in 21.8, beating a Crawley record than had stood for 13 years – 22.4 from Matt Barclay in 2001. Also setting a championship best, but not a club record, was James Lasis in the Sussex senior boys' hammer with a new PB of 61.26m. Lasis also won the discus with a throw of 49.90m. Other medal-winning performances: In Surrey: Senior Girls 100m; first Taiye Musa (12.56). Intermediate Boys 800m third Matthew Boxall (02:01.30); high jump third David Bishop (1.81m). In Sussex: Senior Girls; 400m second Paige Clark (63.8); high jump first Beth Crocker (1.60m); long jump first Beth Crocker (5.45m). Senior Boys; 400m hurdles first Sam Cunningham (62.4); 1500m third Ben Golding (4.34.5); 3000m third Matt Burt (10:23.3); hammer second Woody Cox (46.11m); shot second Sam Cunningham (11.28m). Intermediate Girls: 3000m second Kathy Peters (11.43.9); third Kennagh Marsh (11.58.7); 300m hurdles second Melissa Cheeseman (49.2); pole vault first Tamsin Campbell (3.00m); long jump first Steph Shackel (4.83m); second Jade Page (4.39m). Intermediate Boys: pole vault second Scott Devlin (3.70m); hammer first Johnny Haines (54.10m); second Aaron Lewis (40.99m); 200m third Tapiwan Mupfupi (23.1); 400m third Owen Wyeth (53.03). Junior Girls: 100m second Sophie Linturn (12.7); 200m first Orla Brothers (25.9); 1500m second Jade Doncaster (5.04.4); high jump first Lily Franks (1.65m); long jump third Sian Bishop (4.64m). Junior Boys: 800m third George Crocker (2.04.7); triple jump third Joshua Loach (11.27m); javelin third George Cook (41.35m).

Crawley Martial Arts Academy fighting on two fronts

June 18, 2014, 5:40 am

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CRAWLEY Martial Arts Academy were fighting on two fronts last weekend with events in both London and Bournemouth. A team of Muay Thai fighters took part in an inter-club competition at Stars Gym in London, which was designed as a confidence-builder. Tom Cork, 34, from Cuckfield, in his first time out, put in a lot of work and kept trying a lot of techniques, putting the pressure on. Next in was Leigh Thompson, 32, from Pound Hill, having his second time out, a warm-up to his full fight in Liverpool on June 29. Thompson kept his opponent out of range and knocked him to the canvas several times. Danielle Peters, 25, from Horsham, having her first time out with Lumpini, had a fight against a tough, aggressive fighter; she moved and coped well. Becky Pegler 23, from West Green, who has been training at the club for a couple of years, was very nervous before the bout but fought brilliantly using her range and listening to the advice from her corner. Last but not least, Luke Insley, 26, from Ifield, encountered a very aggressive and hard-hitting challenger, but he coped very well under great pressure. Crawley also had a team out in Bournemouth, showing their incredible skills in Brazilian jiu jitsu. Crawley's first female Brazilian jiu kitsu fighter, Miranda Doyle 31, from Charlwood, had two fights on the night, beating her girl on points with a tap out, and winning a silver medal. Meanwhile Sam Hewitt had three fights and won a gold medal. Conrad Gedzik, blue belt, also had three fights, and won silver. Crawley are anticipating a busy summer with a charity boxing match later this month before their two times World champion Paulo da Silva fights in Watford on July 5.

Miss Crawley 2014: You can enter now

June 18, 2014, 6:30 am

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FORGET the World Cup, it's time for the real contest of the summer – as the search for the town's most beautiful woman is back with the launch of Miss Crawley 2014. To enter, simply click here, and upload a good quality photograph of yourself.

Or, with their permission, you can nominate a family member or friend.

From today (Wednesday) until July 6 you can enter yourself, a relative or a friend for the competition.

This year's fairest maiden – who will be chosen by a public vote – will receive a fantastic prize package worth hundreds of pounds.

This includes a stay at one of the region's most exclusive hotels – where the winner will be pampered like a true beauty queen – and a professional photoshoot.

Our competition is being sponsored by The Felbridge Hotel and Spa and LGM Photographic. The winner will follow in the footsteps of previous title holders Shannon Duggan, Natalie Fagence, Dephne Madyara, Bryony Elsey and reigning champion Nicole Aitken-Smith. Nicole is urging readers to enter this year's contest, whether they are interested in a modelling career or wanting to take part simply for fun.

Nicole, 17, said: "I have had the most amazing year and I would tell anybody interested in taking part to absolutely do it.

"It is the best feeling being Miss Crawley.

"I owe it all to my mum. I wanted to enter the competition but thought I had missed the deadline.

"I had no idea my mum had submitted my photo until I got an e-mail confirming I had been shortlisted.

"My advice would be – don't let it be a missed opportunity. Definitely go for it."

Winning the contest gave Nicole a welcome confidence boost.

She added: "I was bullied due to my height at school and I didn't feel capable, so it was lovely to know people out there voted for me and thought I deserved it.

"It was a big boost. I have had people refer to me as 'Miss Crawley'. It will be a lot of fun for the next winner."

Nicole, from Blackheath, in Pound Hill, hopes the Miss Crawley title will help open doors in the modelling world.

She said: "I have always wanted to be a model since I was a little girl and both runway and fashion appeal to me.

"I have been focusing on my last year at Central Sussex College but I am planning on having a gap year where I hopefully get into modelling.

"I have been building a portfolio for when I turn 18 and I think having been Miss Crawley will give me an edge and provide extra opportunities."

In this year's beauty contest there will be a public vote to select the top four finalists, who will be treated to a special photoshoot.

Voting will then reopen to decide a winner.

Whoever gets the most votes will enjoy an overnight stay for two in a luxury suite at the Felbridge Hotel and Spa with welcome drinks.

A three-course meal will be served in the AA rosette fine dining Anise Restaurant, and breakfast in the Bay Tree restaurant.

The pampering will not end there, though, because the winner will get full use of the Chakra Spa facilities plus a choice of a 25-minute facial, massage, manicure or pedicure.

An additional prize this year will be a one-hour photoshoot with LGM Photographic at their studio in Crawley.

This will include a 10 x 8 framed print and three 8 x 6 mounted prints to take home.

Contestants must be aged 16 or over and live within the Crawley News' circulation area. The closing date for nominations is July 6.