HEAVY-duty equipment was deployed to the scene of a crash today (Friday) after an oil spill caused two vehicles to spin out of control.

The collision happened on Warren Drive, after a car and a taxi skidded on oil on the road surface.

An appliance from Crawley Fire Station, along with a heavy rescue vehicle, attended the scene around 1pm to help clear the road.

No one was trapped, but one person needed assistance from ambulance services at the roadside.

A RELATIONSHIP charity with a base in Crawley has seen enquiries about its services rise by 50 per cent already this year.

Staff at Relate, whose Crawley branch is in Southgate, were expecting a rush to their doors this January.

Last year Relate counsellors saw a 75 per cent increase in new clients in January and, in the first two weeks of this year, telephone enquiries are already up 50 per cent.

Sue Quinn, manager of Relate North and South West Sussex, said: "This is certainly a busy time of year for us. Clients come to us for a plethora of reasons. The New Year seems to be a time when people re-evaluate their lives and look for new beginnings.

"Our counsellors provide the opportunity to make sense of individual circumstances, help identify the choices for change, support you during the process of change and help reach a point where you are better equipped to cope with the future."

Counsellors also help reduce the trauma to children and families when a relationship breaks down.

For more information or to talk to a counsellor, call 01293 657055, e-mail reception.crawely@relatesussex.org or visit www.relatesussex.org

AN ONLINE radio station with listeners from across the world is applying for a licence to broadcast on the FM frequency in Crawley.

Southstar Radio, which currently airs from a converted barn at Burstow Golf Club, in Shipley Bridge, is applying to communications regulator Ofcom to become a community station.

Community radio stations reflect different cultures and interests and can cater for specific genres of music, while others are aimed at younger people, religious communities or the Armed Forces and their families.

Southstar Radio's owners are hoping to inspire the next generations of musicians in Crawley by hosting events to encourage them into DJing.

DJs Ross Demishev, Ricky Murray and Nathan Cook, who all live in Crawley, launched Southstar Radio online in March last year and the station now has listeners from as far afield as Colombia, France and Jamaica.

Ross, who goes by the DJ name Captain Rosko, said: "We think there's a niche in the market – there's no radio station based in Crawley and we think we have everything to progress to an FM licence."

The DJs are looking for a venue within Crawley itself and if the licence is approved, it would be the first time Crawley has had its own radio station since Mercury FM shut down in 2010.

Before submitting their application to Ofcom the trio will record four weeks' worth of broadcasting to prove they can run a station, and demonstrate what work they do in the community, such as going to youth clubs. This, it is hoped, will give their application more chance of success.

Ross, who lives in Pound Hill, is keen to encourage youngsters in Crawley to take up DJing and get more involved in music.

The 27-year-old, who has been a DJ since 2003 and specialises in UK garage and house music, said: "We want to go out to youth clubs and involve the community. I feel like there's nothing out there for the youth. We feel there's something missing.

"That's why we are doing Southstar pop-up shows, to encourage more kids to come out and learn.

"We intend to go out to youth centres and maybe a couple of schools and teach them the basics of mixing and presenting, and about sound engineering."

DJs on Southstar Radio play everything from UK garage to house and drum and bass to northern soul and reggae, appealing to a wide age range.

They actively encourage DJs to perform on air with them, including younger people, to boost their confidence, and have DJs from Romania and America playing to audiences in Crawley via the internet.

Ross and co-owners Ricky, from Pound Hill, and Nathan, from Northgate, also have a record label, called Southstar Records UK.

They have just released their first EP, called Be The Same, which was produced by Junior UK featuring Martin Carr and Sharky P. The EP has one original garage track and three remixes and went to number one in the Juno Download UK Garage chart.

Ross wants to bring more music to Crawley and show the benefits it can bring.

He said: "I love music and the way it makes people happier. You could be in a bad mood and hear one song and it automatically changes your mood."

What do you think of the plans for Crawley to have its own radio station again? E-mail your views to editor@crawleynews.co.uk

GATWICK Airport bosses have said a pot of money is available to help contribute towards the cost of a new hospital serving Crawley if they are allowed to build a second runway.

Last week Crawley Borough Council announced that it will tell the Airports Commission a new hospital for Crawley and Horsham must be built if Gatwick is expanded.

Members of the council's overview and scrutiny commission debated a report by council officers which stated that the Commission – which will advise the Government on where a new runway should be built – had "significantly underestimated" what healthcare needs would be created by expansion.

Gatwick Airport has pledged a £46.5 million fund for community infrastructure projects if it is selected to get a new runway.

And the airport confirmed to the Crawley News this week that part of that money could go towards building a new hospital.

Local GP Dr Howard Bloom, who is also a borough councillor for Pound Hill South and Worth, said: "When it comes to health provision Crawley is one of the few towns of this size that doesn't have its own dedicated general hospital.

"We rely heavily on East Surrey Hospital and if we head towards an increase in population due to airport expansion I think a new general hospital would be needed. This would have to include A&E and maternity services, with consultants, specialists and clinical staff.

"At the moment East Surrey is coping but how much more could the hospital deal with?"

Dr Amit Bhargava, chief clinical officer for Crawley Clinical Commissioning Group, said that over the next five years the focus is on bringing more services back to Crawley Hospital and refurbishing the site.

However, he added that options remain open beyond that if Gatwick does expand.

Henry Smith, Crawley's MP, has called for Gatwick to help urgently draw up detailed plans of what infrastructure changes would happen in Crawley if a second runway is allowed.

He said: "A brand new area hospital for Crawley would be an absolute must.

"A second runway at Gatwick Airport would be transformational for the town in terms of the amount of housing needed and new workers coming here to live and on a daily basis.

"This is a red line issue for me. There is no getting around it."

He added: "When the government makes its decision I imagine the airport selected will want to move pretty quickly so if it is to be Gatwick we need to know exactly what will happen."

While offering their support towards a new hospital, Gatwick bosses have stressed the need for extra infrastructure would be spread between south London and the south coast, not just focused on Crawley.

A Gatwick Airport spokesman said: "Gatwick has pledged £46.5 million to deliver essential community infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools.

"That's £5,000 towards the infrastructure costs for each new house built because of airport expansion, which is on top of the funds the government would provide towards infrastructure costs for every new house.

"Hospital funds are typically paid for by the government and we believe Gatwick's contribution is a first in relation to a privately-funded major infrastructure project."

The spokesman added that the estimated 9,300 new homes that would be needed would be spread over a "wide area and not just in localities close to the airport".

He said: "New homes would be built in a dozen or so local authority areas, including as far away from Crawley as Lewisham and Arun, and over 20 to 30 years.

"More people will come to live locally because of airport expansion, but these numbers will be regulated by other factors.

"For example, rail capacity at Gatwick is set to nearly treble by 2035 and many workers would commute from outside the local area, including deprived areas in south London and the south coast."

A PLAN to convert an office building in Broadfield Park into homes has been submitted to the council.

Caridon Property Services has applied for prior approval to change the use of Ashburn House. The developer wants to transform the four-storey building into 69 homes.

The proposal was submitted to Crawley Borough Council on Wednesday last week.

The council is already considering a separate prior approval plan from Equity Partnerships Limited to create 28 flats at the building – four one-bedroom flats and 24 two-bedroom flats.

This was submitted in December and a decision is due at the start March.

A relaxation of planning laws means developers can change the use of a building from office space to housing without it going through the usual planning process, providing that no alterations are made to the outside of the building.

When the applicant believes full planning permission is not required they can apply for prior approval and show why there would not be transport, flooding or contamination issues.

Council officers are expected to announce a decision on the Caridon Property Services plan by March 11.

A MAN has been arrested following a number of suspicious incidents in Horley in recent days.

The man, aged 50, was arrested in Twickenham on Friday afternoon.

Yesterday (Friday), officers were appealing to the public for help in tracing 50-year-old Stuart Grimshaw, although police have not confirmed whether it was Mr Grimshaw who has been arrested.

Mr Grimshaw has no fixed address, but is known to regularly travel by bus and often spends time in Crawley and Horley.

This morning, police advised the public to remain vigilant with regards to their personal safety at all times. 

Jay Davis appeared at Crawley Magistrates' Court on January 7 charged with theft, and admitted the offence.

On September 10 last year, the 29-year-old stole a pair of Gucci aviator sunglasses worth £637.50 from The Sunglass Hut in the departures lounge of the North Terminal.

Magistrates sentenced Davis, of Chase Cross Road in Romford, Essex, to a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay back the full cost of the sunglasses in compensation.

He must also pay a £15 victim surcharge and £85 court costs. He paid £50 of the £737.50 on the day, and will pay the rest in £50 payments each fortnight.

RESIDENTS at a Copthorne care home have their binoculars handy and their feeders filled to the brim as they prepare to take part in a national bird-watching survey.

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, known as the largest wildlife survey in the world, is taking place on Saturday.

People living at Francis Court care home, on Borers Arms Road, will be looking out for any feathered friends darting in and out of the grounds.

The event encourages people to take a closer look at the nature on their doorsteps by counting the different birds which visit their garden in any one hour, as well as recording any non-bird species such as badgers and hedgehogs.

Nicola Palladino, home manager, said: "Connecting with our outdoor space and taking the time to observe birds and wildlife can be extremely beneficial for residents, particularly for those who are living with dementia.

"The quiet, calming nature of bird-watching can help lower anxiety, while the colourful sights and distinctive sounds of our feathered friends provide plenty of sensory stimulation.

"Bird watching can also be a valuable reminiscence activity, with the appearance of certain species and the sounds of bird song evoking memories and helping residents recall their love of nature."

In preparation, staff have been busy setting up a bird table and feeders in the garden, as well as equipping dedicated 'twitching' stations around the home with binoculars and guides to identifying different species.

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch has taken place annually over the last 35 years, with the information collected each year helping the RSPB form a picture of bird populations across the country and highlighting any trends or changes.

For more information, go to www.rspb.org.uk

Ben Godfrey came off the bench to earn 10-man Three Bridges a last-gasp draw as a thriller at Ramsgate ended 3-3.

It was a game that had almost everything as both goalkeepers saved a penalty, and Godfrey himself had also managed to be booked before coming onto the field.

John Lansdale in particular had a memorable afternoon, conceding the Rams penalty – superbly saved by Kieran Thorp – before seeing his own effort from the spot saved and then being sent off for a second yellow card.

Allan Tait had given the visitors an early lead, but Macualey Murray and Tom Chapman put the hosts ahead at the break.

Nathan Crabb – who later hobbled off with a hamstring problem – levelled but James Sherman looked to have won it for the struggling Rams until Godfrey's smart finish deep into stoppage time.

The Rams will have wanted to get off to a good start in a bid to end their winless run, but instead they conjured up the exact opposite by falling behind with just three minutes gone.

Nick Shaw had already had to run off his line to save a Tony Garrod shot, but the second time he was beaten to the ball by the Bridges man, whose cross eventually found Sam MacVicar – and although his shot was blocked, Tait was on hand to fire home the rebound.

It could have been 2-0 when Hakeem Adelakun's ball put MacVicar one-on-one with Shaw, but the Rams keeper saved well.

The home side finally got going, and almost levelled when Aaron Quain's cross – after his corner had been cleared back out to him – was scrambled off the line, and Calum McGeehan's follow-up was well saved by Kieran Thorp.

But they were level on 13 minutes when Chapman received the ball on the edge of the box and eventually passed square to Murray, who rifled in a low shot.

The Rams were almost ahead three minutes later but in the end an incredible goalmouth scramble – following another cross from Quain – was cleared, despite the best efforts of Murray and debutant Junior James in the middle.

It was an entertaining first quarter, and the Rams again had a chance when Sherman won the ball and sent James away, but with men over James and then Sherman were unable to find the right pass.

Murray had a golden opportunity to put his side ahead when Sherman's high cross towards James was inexplicably handled by Lansdale in the box, but Thorp saved the spot-kick high to his right.

And the pay-off for Thorpe's heroics was almost instant as Crabb broke into the box but his shot skimmed the crossbar on its way over.

Football took second place to farce for a few minutes on the half-hour as first Bridges sub Godfrey was booked as he stopped Curtis Robinson taking a long throw, and then, when the initial throw was cleared, assistant referee DaQuincy Bailey staggeringly gave the throw to the visitors rather than the Rams.

He was overruled and eventually Robinson's second throw was headed just wide by Sherman.

Bridges should have restored the lead when some slack defending presented Crabb with a chance but he shot straight at Shaw – and five minutes before the break the Rams had the lead when Chapman broke down the left and his cross deceived everyone and went straight in.

Shaw came out of his box to block another Crabb chance and Bridges were unable to take advantage, with eventually the ball coming to Garrod, whose shot was blocked.

Tait spurned a golden opportunity to level early in the second half when he leaned back on a close-range chance and fired over, before Sherman inadvertently blocked McGeehan's effort.

Tait was in again moments later when a quick throw-in caught the Rams out and sent him through on goal, but his shot was just past the far post.

But the leveller did come on 57 minutes when MacVicar's shot from close range was blocked by Shaw but Crabb was on hand to force home the rebound.

It was almost a miraculous turnaround in less than a minute but Tait missed his kick after Garrod had got down the right to cross, before he then set up sub Callum Donaghy, who fired into the side netting.

But the Rams retook the lead on 62 minutes. Quain crossed from the left to the back post and James, and although his effort was blocked, Sherman made sure.

Sherman could have had a second when another high cross from Quain caused Thorp problems but the skipper's header was wide.

Chapman shot wide from distance before Bridges had a great chance to level when Shaw brought down Crabb in the box, but Lansdale's penalty was sent the same way as Murray's earlier in the game and brought the same result – a fine save.

Crabb then totally missed his kick when through on goal in what was a captivating second half, before Shaw saved well from Garrod after McGeehan's touch had accidentally sent him through on goal.

But Rams broke and should have extended their lead as James and Sherman worked it well but were both denied before Murray fired wide.

Bridges huffed and puffed in the latter stages and when Lansdale was shown a second yellow card following some handbags with Jamie Taylor, it looked as though the Rams would hold on for a vital three points.

But the visitors kept plugging away deep into what was eventually seven minutes of stoppage time and Garrod shot wide before Godfrey came up trumps with a smart finish to earn his side a point.

A CRAWLEY fire crew attended reports of flooding at a private property after a burst water pipe led to a ceiling to fall in on itself. The property on St Sampson Road had been empty for some time, and by the time the flood was discovered, it had already caused considerable damage. Firefighters attended the interior flood at 10.41am on Sunday, January 25, where they isolated the water and spoke to the agency in charge of the property about the necessary repair works.

A MIRACLE toddler born with two rare life-limiting conditions has surpassed all medical expectations to reach his third birthday – and his parents have been overwhelmed by the support they have received since making his plight public two weeks ago.

Nathan Ghinn-Morris was born with Edwards' syndrome, a serious genetic condition where babies are highly unlikely to even reach birth and if they do are only anticipated to live a matter of weeks at most.

He was also born with Jacobsen syndrome, an extremely rare condition associated with heart defects and prolonged bleeding, affecting one in every 100,000 births.

Nathan, who has severe mental and physical disabilities, is the only child in the world known to have both conditions, making his third birthday in November a special milestone for his family as he continues to defy the odds.

Nathan's mum, Sadie Ghinn-Morris, who lives in Nuthurst Close, Ifield, said: "We were told of Nathan's diagnosis when I was 32 weeks pregnant. Up until then every scan had been normal and the pregnancy was absolutely fine.

"Then all of a sudden we were told there was no hope. We were told Nathan would not survive and given the suggestion to terminate.

"Doctors said they had never encountered a diagnosis of both Edwards' and Jacobsen syndromes and this meant they could only presume the two genetic disorders would multiply the severity of the condition and make it 100 times worse.

"Babies with Edwards' syndrome can stop breathing at any moment. I was hysterical at the thought my son was going to die.

"It was a very negative time apart from one solitary doctor, Dr Ivor Lewis at East Surrey Hospital, who gave us hope by asking what care we would like after birth.

"The birth was a terrifying experience. Nathan's heart rate was lower than usual and all Stuart [Mrs Ghinn-Morris's husband and Nathan's father] and I could do was cry and hold each other.

"Nathan didn't make any noise, he wasn't crying. The medical team had to help him breathe and resuscitate him.

"It wasn't until he was ten minutes old that Nathan took his first actual breath."

Due to the seriousness and complexity of the conditions Nathan was born with, the hospital remained on high alert and at just six days old he required a life-saving heart operation.

Mrs Ghinn-Morris, 27, added: "Without that surgery there is no way Nathan would have made it to day seven."

Edwards' syndrome disrupts the baby's normal development and sadly, in many cases, causes them to be miscarried or stillborn.

Of those who survive birth, about half die within two weeks and only about one in five live to three months with severe physical and mental disabilities.

The mum-of-three has two other boys. Her son Harrison Morris is ten and Joey Ghinn-Morris is nine. She said: "If you didn't know Nathan was three you would probably think he was only one.

"He is very small for his age, he cannot support himself to sit or stand, nor can he crawl or roll over. He is unable to talk but does make sounds.

"Despite all this he is making progress faster than everyone expected. Nathan is a really smiley little boy, he loves cuddles and laughing, and is generally very, very happy."

Doctors are unable to give the family an estimate for how long Nathan will live, primarily due to there being no other known cases of both disorders, so they continue to take things day-by-day.

Mrs Ghinn-Morris, who works at the urgent treatment centre at Crawley Hospital, said: "Every day we have with Nathan is a blessing.

"There is no cure for either condition. Nathan will be genetically disabled for the rest of the time he is with us."

His parents are determined to make the most of the time they have with Nathan and to make sure it is as enjoyable and comfortable for him as possible.

To do this they need to buy specialist equipment for him such as a food blender, sterilising tools and sensory products.

Since setting up an online fundraising page two weeks ago they have received £1,200 from kind people wanting to help.

Mrs Ghinn-Morris added: "Nathan is fed a formula through a tube in his stomach but we'd love to be able to give him food full of natural vitamins and to do this we need a high-powered blender.

"They aren't available on the high street so we are having to order one from America. Thanks to the generosity in the last two weeks we are hoping to be able to put down a deposit on a specialised electric wheelchair that could cost £4,250."

To support the family visit www.gofundme.com/k0n8z4

Reporter Kimberley Ballard takes us through ten mouth-watering treats everyone in Crawley needs to eat at least once.

1: Chips from Troy Kebab

IN the same way as you have to have Gordon Skeggs as the DJ at your 40th birthday party if you come from Crawley, any big night out in the town has to end in a trip to Troy Kebab.

It's probably the law.

And regardless of whether you prefer a shish, a doner or a kofte kebab, you have to get chips with it.

They obviously taste even better after a few drinks but the fact that so many people eat them when stone-cold sober suggests they are particularly good.

2: The mega-buster breakfast at Kim's Kitchen

IF, rather than a slice of toast or bowl of Crunchy Nut Cornflakes, you prefer an eating challenge for breakfast then this is the dish for you.

Kim's Kitchen, now at The Plough, in Three Bridges, having previously been at The Pelham Buckle, in Ifield, knocks up the gargantuan feast for £9.30.

It is made up of four bacon rashers, two jumbo sausages, four eggs, chips, two black pudding slices, fried bread, fried onions, bubble and squeak, double tomatoes, double beans, double mushrooms, two hash browns, four slices of bread and butter or toast, and two teas or coffees.

And if you're still hungry after all of that ... there's something wrong with you!

3: Tilgate Bakery's cupcakes

WE all secretly like a steak bake from Greggs.

But while there seem to be more Greggs stores in Britain than stars in the sky there are fewer and fewer independent bakeries on neighbourhood parades.

So it is worth making the most of Tilgate Bakery, on Tilgate Parade, which was opened by Jane Kirkham in January 2012.

It sells freshly baked pies, cakes, breads and tarts but its quirky cupcakes are perhaps the best reason for visiting.

We can't imagine much gets left on the shelves at the end of each day, but if anything is it is donated to Crawley Open House homeless hostel.

4: A pizza from Italian Pizza

IF you work in Manor Royal there aren't many places you can walk to for your lunch.

So we can imagine that some workers probably get pizza five days a week from this takeaway in Gatwick Road.

But when it is this good who could blame them.

Last year it was named the UK's best pizza takeaway by the website hungryhouse.co.uk

The team use fresh ingredients and dough they make throughout the day.

Pizzas are also prepared in front of customers – so you can be sure no one has sneezed on them out the back!

5: Peanut butter milkshake from Ed's Easy Diner

A DRINK made of peanut butter will sound, to some of you, as appealing as being offered the chance to drink your own wee.

But it is worth a visit to Ed's Easy Diner in County Mall for the milkshakes alone – and the peanut butter shake is our favourite.

There are also butterscotch, mint and Oreo shakes, as well as some more traditional flavours.

They can help wash down an array of American treats, from chilli dogs and pulled pork burgers to fluffy pancakes and eggy bread.

6: Slow-cooked beef and merlot pie at The Hillside

YOU visit your favourite local pub and spend a good 20 minutes scouring the menu – asking the waitress for more time on at least three occasions.

And, after a deliberation worthy of someone trying to solve the world's hardest Sudoku puzzle, you then opt for what you always go for.

That's the case for us at The Hillside, in Balcombe Road, Pound Hill. They have all kinds of delicious meals, such as pan-fried rolled belly of pork or vintage hunter's chicken.

But we always go for the pie!

7: Doner kebab from Kismet Kebabs

WE'VE all been there. It's the morning after the night before. You wake up and, suddenly, remember you gave in to temptation. Your wife is going to be furious – especially as it's the third time you've done it this month after a couple of drinks too many.

That's right, you ate a doner kebab on the way home and now your breath tastes like you've been licking a urinal. And you definitely didn't lick a urinal. Not this time anyway.

But that aftertaste can be avoided with a visit to Kismet Kebabs on Broad Walk in the town centre.

Owner Zulkuf Demir makes his kebabs using lamb shoulder – which even the wife will approve of.

8: Chicken tikka at Al Naseeb

WHETHER you like your curries as mild as a korma that hasn't even been cooked in the same postcode as a chilli or as fiery as a phall that leaves anyone who eats it in hospital, you will love this starter to get the tastebuds ready for the main event.

Al Naseeb, in Dorsten Square, Bewbush, is known for its large portions and decent prices.

As well as the chicken tikka we are fans of the crispy vegetable samosas and pillow-soft naan bread.

9: Pork dumpling at Giggling Squid

GIGGLING Squid is one of those restaurants where you could just order seven starters and not bother with a main course.

When you visit the restaurant on Crawley High Street you know that you will end up ordering at least three more starters than you intended.

The steamed pork dumplings should always be one of your choices but then there is the chicken satay and the seared scallops. And, of course, the steamed mussels and the fishcakes.

In other words, if you do order a main course you'll be too full up to eat it by the time it arrives.

10: Spring rolls from New Lotus House

NO matter how much you love Chinese food, it is easy to become disillusioned with Chinese takeaways.

So many seem to have almost identical menus and lots even have identical names.

But the spring rolls at New Lotus House, in Gales Drive, Three Bridges, stand out from the crowd.

The crispy parcels of deliciousness hit the spot as effectively as a professional zit-popper.

It is the sort of comfort food that is so comfortable you quickly knock back half a dozen and then find things aren't quite so comfortable as your waistline fights your suddenly tighter trousers for freedom.

Tell us about your favourite food and drink in Crawley by e-mailing editor@crawleynews.co.uk

A MAN has been arrested over an attempted bank robbery in Horsham last month.

On Saturday (January 24) a  26-year old Horsham man was arrested on suspicion of an attempted robbery on Tuesday, December 9 at the HSBC bank in West Street, Horsham, and on suspicion of possession of cannabis.

He was later released on police bail until March 1 while enquiries continue.

Detective Constable Jon Robeson said: "We have already received a lot of help from local people but our investigation is continuing and anyone else with information that might assist is asked to contact us via 101@sussex.pnn.police.ukor call 101, quoting serial 0496 of 9/12/14. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Crawley Borough Council has announced the panel for this year's debate, which takes place on February 4 from 6.30pm at The Hawth.

There are no set topics this year so attendees can put forward any questions, on issues such as health, housing, Gatwick Airport's bid for a second runway or the future of the town centre.

The panel will include council leader Peter Lamb, leader of the opposition Duncan Crow and cabinet member for community engagement Chris Oxlade.

Dr Amit Bhargava, the chief officer for Crawley Clinical Commissioning Group; Sussex Police's district commander for Crawley, Justina Beeken; and Sam Trumpeter, vice chairman of Crawley Young Person's Council, will complete the panel.

To attend and ask a question, or just listen to the debate, you need to register.

Call Caroline Horner on 01293 438103.