Cyclist training for world record calls for drivers to take more care after almost being knocked off his bike

October 6, 2014, 3:35 am

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AN experienced cyclist who is training to break an unusual world record is calling on drivers to "think bike" after he was almost hit by a car. Andy Muskett, from Woodlands Close, Crawley Down, is aiming to cycle 1,000 kilometres in a quicker time than anyone has ever done before. The 50-year-old is planning to make a bid for the record in the Atacama Desert in Chile next Christmas. But, in order to make it there safely, he is urging drivers to be more aware of cyclists. The 50-year-old was cycling along Top Road in West Hoathly last month when he came within a few feet of colliding with a car. He explained: "I was coming along the road and this woman pulled out right in front of me. "I was ten feet from hitting her and I had to swerve to the left and put my brakes on as hard as I could. "The road was wet and greasy, so the conditions weren't great, and when you're going at speed on a racing bike it is difficult to stop quickly. "This lady obviously wasn't expecting me to be doing the speed I was doing, and I had a lucky escape. "The problem is it seems to be happening more now than it ever has done before. "People either pull out in front of you or cut you up. I wear fairly bright clothing so people can see me, but a lot of the time they simply don't seem to care. It's about courtesy and having respect for those around you. "You might lose a couple of minutes of your life as you spend a little more time travelling, but at the same time you could save a life." Mr Muskett suggests that by getting out on a bike drivers would relate more to the dangers cyclists face. He added: "I think people need to think about bikes in the same way as cars, because they are capable of doing the same speed. "But you really need to put drivers on a bike to get them to learn what it feels like to be travelling on a bike at that speed. "I drive as well, so I see it from both sides and it has to work both ways. "We, as cyclists, need to stop at lights and junctions as any other vehicle would, and drivers need to be aware of other road users around them. "People need to realise we're human beings; we're not just idiots who shave our legs and our bodies. "The other thing I find frustrating is the number of cyclists who don't wear crash helmets. "There are more cars on the roads these days than ever before, meaning you are more likely to be involved in an accident." *Do you think drivers need to take more care to look out for cyclists? Or do you think cyclists could ride more safely? E-mail your views to editor@crawleynews.co.uk

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CCTV to be used on Crawley ambulances to protect paramedics from attacks

October 6, 2014, 3:45 am

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AMBULANCES in the town are going to start using CCTV to protect paramedics from abuse.

South East Coast Ambulance Service has agreed plans to improve staff safety by tackling verbal and physical abuse on ambulance staff.

Many of the service's ambulances and single response vehicles already have CCTV and discussions have been taking place with staff to finalise the policy on its use.

The systems, which only record images and not sound, are expected to come into operation in the coming weeks.

The CCTV will also be used for crime prevention, investigations into traffic collisions and the prosecution of offenders.

It is hoped it will also act as a deterrent to thieves who target the vehicles.

The footage will be encrypted and password protected so it can only be viewed by those with the appropriate authority to do so.

Goals from Cox and Lyons secure Oakwood comeback against Little Common

October 6, 2014, 5:01 am

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Sussex County League Division Two Challenge Cup First Round Oakwood 2 Little Common 1 OAKWOOD came back from a goal down to secure their place in the second round of the Division Two Cup thanks to goals from Liam Cox and Tom Lyons. The first half looked promising albeit Oakwood had to defend from the start with the Oaks keeper stopping shots early in the game. Oakwood were trying to play the attractive football they have been known for on the pristine Tinsley Lane pitch. However the oaks seemed to over play in the middle of the park and became unstuck quiet few times in the first half allowing the Little Common strikers to have opportunities on goal. Oakwood created a few opportunities in the first half, but the final pass or lucky bounce just wasn't going the Oaks way and with 38 minutes played the Little Common Striker Steve Morris, received the ball on the edge of the Oaks penalty area and was allowed to turn unchallenged and with a cheeky chip, Morris lobbed the stranded Jess Grimstone. Oakwood came out after their half-time team talk a different side, with energy and vigour. Closing the ball down high in the Little Common's half and forcing a corner in the 47th minute. Harry Lowe delivered a sweet out-swinging corner for Liam Cox to rise unchallenged to power the headed ball in the back of the net. From then on Oakwood were in the mood and the entire team worked to close the Little Common players down and breaking up play. Tom Lyons looked a different player in the 2nd half he seemed interested in getting on the ball and making things happen, delivering the ball from the left and setting up Toby Gilbert on numerous occasions. One of which Gilbert just needed to touch the ball and he would have scored and somehow he managed to touch it in a way that only a centre back could have hoped for and cleared the ball high and wide from within a yard of the goal line. Gilbert, Lyons and Lowe all had opportunities to put the Oaks 2 or 3 clear but the luck was still not in the Oaks' favour. In the 58th minute Tom Lyons picked up the ball outside the Little Common area and with one bounce he struck a volley over the Little Common defence and the planted keeper to put the Oaks ahead. Little Common managed to make the odd opportunity breaking through the Oaks defensive high line on the odd occasion, and when they did, they faced the formidable force of Jess Grimstone, who time after time pulled off some amazing saves keeping the tie on the edge and Oaks management on tender hooks. Scott Faber who played a great game out of position as right back and Liam Coughlan both had to retire early, which required a re shuffle of the Oaks team and in the final minutes the Oaks makeshift defence had to battle to keep the pressure off the Oaks goal. Grimstone, Man of the Match performance undoubtedly guaranteed the Oaks progression to the next round. Oakwood: Grimstone, Faber, (Monnery),Cox, Coughlan, (Farr) Jemwa, Arthur, Miller, Piller, Lyons, Gilbert, Lowe, Unused Sub – Maher, Jenner

Incredible £900,000 home for sale - which comes with its own windmill

October 6, 2014, 5:15 am

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IT'S not often a house comes up for sale with a windmill thrown in as a "garden ornament". But that's the enticing prospect on offer after 349-year-old Outwood Mill came on to the market – along with a three-bedroom property – for a cool £899,999. The mill, located in Gayhouse Lane and standing 39 feet high with sails about 60 feet across, dates back to the time of the Great Fire of London. Brett Chenery, from Howard Cundey estate agents in Bletchingley, said: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a genuine slice of Surrey history. "Outwood Mill is one of the area's most famous landmarks, now protected by a Grade I listing, and a fascinating piece of local history. "It is believed to be Britain's oldest working windmill." And he joked: "The windmill will be a great garden ornament for the owners, a lot better than a garden gnome." Work to build the windmill began in 1665 on behalf of miller Thomas Budgen. Legend has it that the builders sat and watched the smoke and flames rising out of London in 1666 during The Great Fire. Another windmill, built later, stood alongside it for many years but it was demolished in the last century. Formerly known locally as The Kitten, the surviving mill is a Grade I listed building. Its sails were damaged by 50mph winds in January 2012, but they have since been repaired. Though the windmill does still work, the site has potential for other uses, according to Mr Chenery. He added: "It would make a great venue for things like weddings and antique fairs. The property has commercial potential." The windmill is in a good working order and, until about a decade ago, held occasional open days where visitors could see it in action. Mr Chenery said: "A new owner could go 'old school' if they wished and produce their own artisan bread alongside their new home. "But I'm not sure if they could make the windmill work as a business." The windmill is built around a 1,000-year-old oak post, so the mill can be turned by just one person to grind grain. Along with the mill, the sale includes a three-bedroom detached bungalow-style home offering "spacious, open-plan living and a luxury fitted kitchen". Alongside the house is a garden complete with a large pond, a children's play area and a detached garage. To find out more, contact Howard Cundey's Bletchingly office on 01883 743400.

Cheryl Cole to star in Crawley's Christmas panto (sort of!)

October 6, 2014, 7:15 am

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AN IMPRESSIONIST will be bringing Cheryl Cole, Joe Pasquale and a famous voice from Gavin and Stacey to the stage in this year's Christmas panto in Crawley. Hilary O'Neil is taking a break from entertaining crowds around the world to return to The Hawth, in Sleeping Beauty, to play the role of the Wicked Queen. Her career began as a dancer with Ken Dodd at the London Palladium and she has starred in shows alongside Jim Davidson, Brian Conley and Joe Pasquale. Hilary will be most recognisable thanks to her TV breakthrough in the hit comedy series Copycats in the mid 1980s – which showed off her talent for impressions. She said: "It all started for me at the age of two when I was sat on the potty singing 'You're My World' as Cilla Black. "Then at school I would do impressions of my biology teacher that made my friends laugh. That was when I realised I could copy how other people speak. "At one stage you could hear my impressions every time you opened a greetings card. I recorded phrases as Lorraine Kelly, Sybil Fawlty, Dolly Parton, Dame Edna, Anne Robinson, the characters from Ab Fab, Kylie and Madonna. "I've always found I can either do an impression or I can't, straightaway. "My mum is my ear. She will stop me in my tracks and point out a voice I am going for. "I will be bringing out a few impressions for the audiences in Crawley. "Cheryl Cole, Catherine Tate's characters and Nessa, from Gavin and Stacey, are all on my list, plus Joe Pasquale. I love Joe. I've worked with him many times over the years and know he has performed at The Hawth." For Hilary, Sleeping Beauty will be panto number 32, but only her second time playing a villain. "Funnily enough, the first time I was asked to play a baddie was here at The Hawth in Snow White, 11 years ago," she said. "I'm a real veteran now. I feel as though I am Nana Panto." Coming back to Crawley, this will be Hilary's first panto since 2007 after she was persuaded to return by co-star Stephen Mulhern. She added: "I have known Stephen for years and my last panto was with him in Canterbury. "We had such a laugh and, every year since, he has been on the phone bugging me to join him back on stage. "This year the timing was perfect. "After years of performing, there's still a buzz from being on stage in a good panto that you don't get elsewhere. "This year is a really good script, which is important because pantos can get thrown on and they just think putting on a bit of silly blue eye-shadow and putting a dress on is all you need. "You don't - you need a heart to the show." Sleeping Beauty opens at The Hawth on December 12 and runs until January 4. Tickets are on sale from The Hawth's box office on 01293 553636.

Road partially closed in Ifield after accident - police and ambulance at scene

October 6, 2014, 11:34 am

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REPORTS are coming in that part of Ifield Drive has been closed this evening after an accident. Police and an ambulance are reported to be at the scene close to the shops in Ifield Parade. It is not clear at this stage exactly what has happened but witnesses have reported seeing a badly damaged car. Police are directing traffic at the scene. *More details as we get them.

Crawley Town defender Joe Walsh in line for senior Wales call up

October 6, 2014, 11:58 am

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CRAWLEY Town's Joe Walsh is expected to receive his first call up to the senior Wales squad after a number of defensive injuries. The Wales squad was named today [Monday], but have had couple of defenders pull out, including West Ham United's James Collins (hamstring) and Crawley News sources suggest Walsh will be called up instead. Former Swansea City player Walsh, 22, has been a regular with the Wales U21s but could now make his full international bow should he be named by boss Chris Coleman. Any call up would mean Walsh would miss Saturday's game against Peterborough United. Wales are due to play European Qualifiers with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Cyprus at Cardiff City Stadium on the October 10 and 13.

Golfer hits second hole in one on same course as his first

October 6, 2014, 9:20 pm

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A GOLFER has achieved the holy grail for every fan of the sport by hitting a hole in one. Chris Wells was stunned to achieve every golfer's dream when his tee shot during a senior members competition went straight into the hole at the Copthorne Effingham Park Golf Course last month. And, as every fan will know, it is tradition for any player who hits an ace to get their wallet out and buy a drink for everyone in the clubhouse. But luckily for Mr Wells, who lives in Maidenbower, the senior members at the club have a hole-in-one fund they all contribute to - meaning whenever one is struck the money is taken from there. The 70-year-old said: "It was our annual seniors Summer Cup competition on September 3 and to be honest my round wasn't going that great until that tee shot. "I hit the ball in the general direction of the flag and I was hoping for the best from there. "There was a lot of fortune involved. I cannot begin to claim it was the greatest shot ever seen, but they all count. "The ball was trickling up the green towards the hole but then it disappeared from view. "I thought it had gone past the hole and ended up in the semi-rough. "The group I was playing with were definitely more optimistic than I was, though. "They were saying it had gone in but I didn't believe them so it was a lovely feeling to walk up to the hole and find my ball. "Although I didn't have to pay, the drinks were still on me in a sense. "We have about 30 members and they were all waiting in the clubhouse with their tongues hanging out for a drink when I got in." The 20-handicapper was already a member of the exclusive hole-in-one club - having hit one three years earlier on the same course. He added: "I've been playing golf about 20 years and always been a member at Copthorne Effingham Park. "The hole-in-one in September was on the 154-yard par three hole number three. "I've previously hit one on the par 3 fourth hole. "I think I was the last person to get one in a members competition so our fund total had been rising." On top of the congratulations from other members Mr Wells is also going to receive a special prize for his rare feat - a limited edition Hugo Boss watch worth £225, as golfers who hit a hole in one can join the fashion label's H1Club and secure the gift.

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Gregory praises Crawley Town's wounded warrior Smith

October 6, 2014, 11:30 pm

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MANAGER John Gregory insisted midfielder Jimmy Smith should take extra praise for playing 90 minutes against Coventry City on Saturday, despite breaking his nose in the first half. Smith was injured while jumping for a header towards the end of the first 45, going down clutching his nose straight away. But after being seen to by several medical personnel, the midfielder elected to continue with the Reds eventually earned a point at the Ricoh Arena. And Gregory admits other players would not have carried on after such an injury. "Jimmy Smith has got a broken nose in the first half," the Reds boss said. "I'm surprised the officials didn't see that he got an elbow in the face. I was only three or four metres away, so I saw it quite clearly. I don't think it was intentional but I thought it was dangerous play and he's smashed his nose. "But it shows the character of the kid that he's wanted to stay on and that he's stayed on for the whole game. He has got to take accolades for that; it shows the sort of person that he is that even with a broken nose he wants to carry on. "I can think of other people who would have gone off straight away and we probably wouldn't have seen them for two or three weeks, but that's what Jimmy is like. He wants to be part of it all the time and he continued to work hard even with a broken nose."

Crawley residents are happier than most people in the UK survey shows

October 6, 2014, 11:30 pm

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CRAWLEY residents are happier and less anxious than the average person in the UK, a survey has suggested.

The Office for National Statistics has carried out research into personal wellbeing and published its findings last Wednesday.

It asked people across the country how satisfied they are, whether they think their lives are worthwhile and how happy and anxious they felt the day before being questioned, and asked them to answer on a scale from one to ten.

The results also show Crawley residents are more satisfied and feel their lives are more worthwhile than the UK average.

Dr Amit Bhargava, head of Crawley Clinical Commissioning Group, believes there are lots of reasons to be cheerful if you live in the town.

He said: "Happiness is an individual thing, but if people say they are happy, that's great.

"I've always thought Crawley is a positive and happy town. There are lots of leisure opportunities and green spaces, pubs and places to eat.

"Crawley as a new town was created with neighbourhoods, so what we do have is community.

"When we, as the Clinical Commissioning Group, talk to neighbourhood forums in our planning meetings, we can see the community part of it.

"You have neighbours looking after neighbours."

Dr Bhargava believes the likes of the K2 leisure centre, The Hawth theatre, Tilgate Park and its proximity to London all make the town a happy place to live.

He added: "And, of course, there's employment. If there's one thing that improves mental health, it's employment.

"Employed people are happier than unemployed people. And we have fantastic GPs."

Against other local areas, Crawley came out as a happier place than Arun, Worthing and Horsham, which is the unhappiest region in West Sussex.

But we were below Chichester, Mid Sussex and Adur, which is the happiest region.

Chichester residents felt their lives were the most worthwhile, while Horsham's residents are also the most anxious.

Crawley's "wellbeing team", based at the K2, is dedicated to improving residents' happiness and general health.

Alan Heaton, Crawley Borough Council's senior wellbeing officer, said: "We have several outreach officers working on various different areas.

"One officer works with older people and organises seat exercises for the over-50s.

"We've got another officer who co-ordinates our 'wow' programme – the 'weight-off workshop' – which is a referral programme from GPs for people who are overweight.

"And another officer organises inclusive cycling events at Cherry Lane Playing Fields for people with learning difficulties and physical disabilities, every other Saturday.

"It's extremely important to promote wellbeing and it's an invaluable service we offer."

Crawley wins gold at South East in Bloom awards

October 7, 2014, 2:30 am

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CRAWLEY has been named the best "small city" at the South and South East in Bloom Awards.

The town picked up a "gold" award in the contest – which aims to celebrate the cleanest and greenest neighbourhoods, towns and cities in the region – and was named winner of the category, over finalists Fareham and Salisbury.

At the ceremony in Brighton on September 17, Manor Royal also won the business improvement district category, as well as a "silver" award.

Judges gave Crawley a score of 178 out of 200 – commenting that it was "a very clean town with very little litter evident".

Crawley has previously won gold awards in the contest in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

In the It's Your Neighbourhood category Boswell Road, Tilgate won a champion of champions prize. St Andrew's Church, in Furnace Green, won a "level 5 – outstanding" award in the same category.

And 7th Crawley Beavers, Bewbush Action Group, Ifield Village Conservation Area Group, residents in Staplecross Court, in Bewbush, and Worth Conservation Area Group all picked up "level 4 – thriving" awards.

Residents in Bolney Court, in Bewbush, won a "level 3 – developing" award.

Crawley will now represent the south east in the large town/small city category at the Britain in Bloom Awards next month.

The town won this category in 2010 and this year is up against Bath, Bracknell, Chorley, Derry City, Harrogate, Loughborough and Tamworth.

Walsh to miss Crawley Town's Luton clash after training with Wales today

October 7, 2014, 3:48 am

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CRAWLEY Town boss John Gregory has confirmed defender Joe Walsh travelled last night to meet up with the senior Wales squad today ahead of this week's Euro 2016 qualifiers. Wales are due to play Bosnia-Herzegovina and Cyprus at Cardiff City Stadium on the October 10 and 13, meaning Walsh will miss tonight's Johnstone's Paint Trophy fixture at Luton Town and Saturday's League One match against Peterborough United. And while Reds boss Gregory admits the 22-year-old will be missed, he is also very proud of Walsh's achievement. "I'm very proud. It's great that he has got himself recognition at long last," Gregory said. "I've been calling for it for some considerable time. He won player of the season for us last season and I thought his performances for us warranted a call up to the national team, but obviously I'm not the manager. "I shall miss him incredibly both tonight and Saturday. We got the email from the Welsh FA yesterday and he went last night and I should imagine he's training with the Wales squad today. I haven't spoken to Chris [Coleman] yet but the reason I haven't got hold of him yet is probably because they are training. "We considered resting him tonight because he has played every minute of every game for us this season so far. We try to look after them physically. We decided in the end that we would go with Joe tonight but as it turns out we don't have that option. We are very sad to have lost him, but it's great that he's part of that."

Crawley Town launch disabled supporters' club

October 7, 2014, 4:30 am

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CRAWLEY Town are launching a disabled supporters' club to make watching the Reds accessible for everyone in the town.

The Crawley Town Disabled Supporters' Association will be formed at a meeting in the Redz Bar at the Checkatrade.com Stadium tomorrow (Thursday) at 7.30pm.

Chris Cheshire, chairman of the Crawley Town Access Group, which campaigns for better access to facilities for disabled people, is the driving force behind the supporters' club.

She has received help from supporters' liaison officer Barbara Robinson, as part of the club's ongoing commitment to embrace all sections of its fan base.

The inaugural meeting will include a new video being shown.

It has been made for Crawley Town's website and provides disabled access information for matchdays.

Crawley Town chief executive Michael Dunford said: "We hope there will be sufficient interest to discuss how the group might operate and create an organising committee."

All disabled supporters are welcome to attend the launch meeting.

For more information, call 01293 410000.

Children threatened by man with knife in Crawley as they walk to school

October 7, 2014, 4:53 am

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A GROUP of children were threatened by a man believed to have had a knife as they walked to school in Crawley. At about 8am last Friday (October 3) a group of five schoolchildren were threatened by a man in Lady Margaret Road, Ifield. The two 12-year-old boys, two 12-year-old girls and an 11-year-old were threatened by the man as they headed towards Ifield Community College. One of the five children has reported to police that they saw the man holding what they believe was a knife. The man walked off towards Ifield Drive and at this point the children ran away. Sussex Police have released a description of the suspect. He is described as white, 5' 10", around 40 and of average build. He had dark brown hair and was wearing a grey tracksuit top and grey tracksuit bottoms. A Sussex Police spokesman said: "There is nothing to suggest that the man was going to harm the children but we need to track him down to interview him anyway. "If you recognise the description of the man or have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area please contact us urgently." Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101.

Three Bridges give 'sacked' Whitehawk footballer another chance

October 7, 2014, 4:56 am

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PAUL FAILI insisted "everyone deserves another chance" after Three Bridges signed former Whitehawk player Hakeem Adelakum, who was found not guilty of match fixing at a trial in June. The midfielder was one of a number of players at Whitehawk who were accused of rigging games, but the 23-year-old was subsequently found not guilty of conspiracy to commit bribery after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court. Adelakum was sacked by Conference South club Whitehawk last December when the allegations were revealed, and has not played competitive football since. He made his debut for Three Bridges on Saturday, impressing in their 3-2 win over Hastings United, and manager Faili is keen for the youngster to put the accusations behind him. "He was found not guilty and everyone deserves another chance in football," the Bridges boss explained. "He's only 23 and he's an outstandingly good footballer and a lovely young man. "He has been dragged through a lot in the last year, and wasn't exactly the favour of the month. "He needs a club like Bridges where we are one big family, he needs someone to just put an arm round him. "Hakeem is a friend of Ben Godfrey, so we had a look at him and were impressed from the start. "He is a great addition and his attitude is second to none. "He hasn't played for nearly a year but you couldn't tell from his performance on Saturday – he was excellent." Adelakum had a hand in Bridges' opening goal on Saturday, providing the goal from which Hastings' Tim Olorunda headed into his own net. Abu Touray then extended the lead, but a second-half collapse saw Hastings draw level before a late Sam MacVicar header earned the home side all three points. Faili declared it a "game of two halves" and was left lamented a lack of consistency. "We were terrific in the first half but we let ourselves down in the second half," he said. "We started making silly mistakes and played too deep. We can play a lot better than that. "We just need a bit of consistency. Consistency will make this good team a great team."

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Rose returns to Rotherham after failing to bloom at Crawley Town

October 7, 2014, 5:41 am

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MITCH Rose has returned to his parent club Rotherham United after his loan spell at Crawley Town came to an end. The midfielder made just two appearances for the Reds during his loan, the last of which was in the 4-0 defeat to Rochdale more than a month ago. Manager John Gregory said: "We've had increased our midfield options in recent weeks and it was hard for me to guarantee Mitch first-team football as a result. He has been a model professional during his time with us and we wish him all the best for his future career."

Walk to explore fungi growing in Tilgate Park to take place this weekend

October 7, 2014, 7:45 am

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AN annual walk takes place again this week in Tilgate Park, where the world of fungi will be explored.

Gatwick Greenspace Partnership is holding the event in the park on Saturday (October 11).

Adults and children are invited to take part, with the help of expert Nick Aplin, from the Sussex Fungi Group. The walk, which will take place from 9.45am until 1pm, costs £3 for Gatwick Greenspace Partnership members and £5 for non-members.

The event is not suitable for children under ten. Entry is free to children aged ten and above, although children must be accompanied by an adult.

Keen explorers are asked to meet at The Barn classroom, by the entrance to Tilgate Nature Centre, and wear appropriate walking gear.

To book a place, go to www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk

Top prize in sight for hardy wildlife photographer

October 7, 2014, 4:01 pm

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SITTING in a freezing cold wood or on a damp river bank waiting for the perfect photo opportunity may not be everyone's cup of tea.

But this level of dedication is what led an amateur photographer to be shortlisted in a competition which aims to find the county's best wildlife photographer.

Martin Munn, a regular contributor to the Crawley News' Picture of the Week feature, is up against 11 other talented snappers in Sussex Wildlife Trust's annual Simply the Best contest.

His entry is a stunning photo of a ladybird taking refuge amid the petals of a tulip.

Mr Munn, 41, from Alberta Drive, Smallfield, took the snap in his father's garden in Roffey.

Martin fits his passion for photographing wildlife around his job in design and print, although he admits that finding the perfect picture comes at a price.

He said: "First you have to find your subject and then find the patience to sit or lie somewhere and hope that you get one great shot."

The ladybird photo has already been selected to appear in this year's RSPB Love Nature calendar.

Sussex Wildlife Trust judges picked the final 12 from 600 photographs – the most ever submitted for the annual competition – and all 12 will feature in an online calendar, available to download in December. The winner will be decided by a public vote.

To vote for your favourite photograph visit www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk. Voting closes on Sunday, October 19.

Crawley's newest park and nature reserve opens to the public

October 7, 2014, 10:00 pm

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AN AREA in Manor Royal that was once overgrown and covered in refuse including empty bottles of beer is now the refuge of wildlife such as kingfishers and deer. The Crawter's Brook People's Park, which can be accessed at each end from Fleming Way and the road called Manor Royal, opened to the public last Tuesday (September 30). Work to clear the site and create the park, which has a pedestrian and cycle path running through it, has taken six months. Facility The project, costing £400,000 – with £350,000 coming from a West Sussex County Council grant – has been developed by the Manor Royal Business Improvement District (BID). Steve Sawyer, the group's executive director, said: "It's very satisfying to see the difference it makes. First of all we have provided a facility that wasn't there before. It is a key project to come out of the bid. "Another thing is it is helping to raise the profile of Manor Royal." Mr Sawyer said that the park had a "significant" part in the area winning the business improvement district category, as well as a "silver" award, at the South and South East in Bloom Awards in September. Crawter's Brook People's Park has been created to offer those working in the business district a green space where they can relax. Mr Sawyer said: "The extent of the park stretches from Manor Royal [the road] to the Fleming Way end. The front, we call that the south entrance, has more sculptural elements. "There is a massive Corten steel sign for the park – it's got a solar panel on the top of it and it's a very important feature. "The sign will be lit by up-lighters from the ground at night, with power generated through the solar panel. "We have also got these big steel arches, which draw the eye in, and seating and benches. "From there you can go into the main north wood which is a more natural area. That's where we found the boardwalks that jut out over the pond and give a view of the brook. "That leads to the south wood and onto Fleming Way." The park was named after Crawter's Brook stream, which flows from Three Bridges through Manor Royal and towards Gatwick. The green space boasts a bridge, believed to be 1,000 years old, a wetland meadow about the size of a football pitch that has been converted into a nature reserve, and a host of different wildlife. Mr Sawyer said: "We spotted a woodpecker during construction. There's also been deer there, buzzards, along with jays and invertebrates, and someone saw a kingfisher." Volunteers from Crawley Borough Council and Manor Royal businesses including Tesco.com, B&CE and Doosan have played a part in clearing the formerly overgrown site, which had been "impassable". Volunteers Mr Sawyer said: "We are going to work with Sussex Wildlife Trust to engage the Gatwick School pupils – they will be doing things that are aligned to their science curriculum. "The pupils will be creating bug hotels and bird and bat boxes at the park. "The help of volunteers has been important," Mr Sawyer added. "We always wanted the area to bring the community together." The Crawter's Brook People's Park is to be officially opened by HRH Duke of Gloucester on Monday, November 3.

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October 7, 2014, 11:30 pm

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DARTS: The Swan continue to exude their dominance at the top of Division A with a 8-1 win against The Lions in the Monday League, taking their lead to 26 points.

The Plough Ifield lost 6-3 to The Rebels and Three Bridges All Stars lost by the same score to The Dart Side of the Moon.

In the B Division, The Consort lost 8-1 to Outhere and Xcons lost 5-4 to the Plough Ifield. Labour Rebels are topping the table on 29 points, beating second in the table Jubilee Scouts 7-2.