Crawley not full of festive cheer after consecutive defeats

December 16, 2013, 5:38 am

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Kent & Sussex Regional Division Two Crawley 1 Sevenoaks II 3 WITH Sevenoaks' first team without a fixture, Crawley knew it would be a hard game on Saturday as they went down 3-1 to the Kent team. After a disappointing result last week, Crawley were looking to bounce back but now go into the Christmas break on the back of consecutive defeats. Crawley got off to a slow start with Sevenoaks moving the ball around well, this was only enhanced when Bettesworth was sin binned for a foul on a Sevenoaks forward. The home side rallied well and even with the 10 men they created a couple of half chances it was quite even until a short corner for the visitors was flicked low and under Dunn s right glove 1-0 Sevenoaks. And they went further behind when a move down the Crawley left saw a defender beat Dunn at his near post 2-0 Sevenoaks. The game became an uphill struggle then against a well drilled compact Sevenoaks side, the home side did go close again as a good ball into the circle found Seb Watson who managed to turn the keeper but could not find the net from a tight angle. The visitors went further ahead when a Sevenoaks attacker managed to find the backboard to make it 3-0 Sevenoaks. Crawley knew they would have a long way to come back from this but it wasn't through a lack of trying especially in the second half even with Alex Watson, Baz Ahmedi and Rob Gate found their way into the sin bin at different periods the home side grew in confidence and managed to find there way back into the game when a short corner rebound came back to Steve Innes to finish on the reverse 3-1. Crawley were not done and created three more brilliant chances with Gate getting in the way of one on the line and the same player also not quite finding the finishing touch on the back post when he looked certain to score. With another ball cleared off the line from a Carl Wright chance the home side knew it wasn't to be there day and that the slow start to the game had probably cost them today. Crawley: Gareth Dunn, Carl Warner, Mark Brightwell, Adrian Bettesworth , Alex Watson (C), Carl Wright, Rob Gate, Brendan Maccaoilte, Seb Watson, Reece Banton, Steve Innes. Subs: Baz Ahmedi, Joe Raddoux, Hassan Yousaf.

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Access lane to Tilgate Forest threatened with closure

December 16, 2013, 6:00 am

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A COUNTRY lane in Pease Pottage used to access Tilgate Forest has been threatened with closure for a year.

Residents have raised concerns that to access the forest from Parish Lane drivers will have to park at Pease Pottage Services, which is a "20-minute walk" to the entrance, should a planning application be granted and the lane closed.

The application was submitted to Mid Sussex District Council to remove and replace a dam at Clay's Lake, on Parish Lane, to allow more water to be stored there in times of flooding.

Users of the forest have until December 20 to oppose the closure of the road and Peter Munro, of Southgate Road, Southgate, is urging objections to be made.

Mr Munro, who drives to Parish Lane to run in Tilgate Forest every weekday, said: "The proposal is to shut the lane, but people will be able to access it by foot or on a bicycle, or if you live there or work there you can drive in.

"There will be no access to members of the public by car.

"If planning permission is granted, Parish Lane would be a very long road to walk along from the nearest car park, which would be at Pease Pottage service station.

"For the majority of visitors who wish to access the forest for 20 minutes or so daily to walk their dog or jog in nature, it is simply not practical."

The 41-year-old added that Tilgate Forest is a unique area in Crawley.

"Somewhere like Goffs Park, it's not big enough for running," he said.

"Also, the forest is quite hilly, which is why there is a mountain bike course there, so it's more of a challenge for running."

Kate O'Riordan, of Sissinghurst Close in Pound Hill, who drives there to walk her dog Bitz in the forest, is "irritated" at the proposed closure.

The 25-year-old said: "I wouldn't be able to go there as there would be nowhere to park.

"I would have to go to another park.

"Tilgate Forest is an undisturbed place to have a really long walk with my dog. It is quite a relaxing place."

The Crawley News has previously reported how Mr Munro started a petition in November to have a car park installed at the Parish Lane entrance to Tilgate Forest, where runners, cyclists and dog walkers have been restricted from parking by recently installed fencing and bollards.

Mr Munro has contacted everyone who signed his petition to urge them to object to the planning application.

Two men charged with spate of Crawley gold burglaries

December 16, 2013, 6:16 am

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TWO men have been charged in relation to a spate of burglaries in Crawley. The burglaries were part of a series of break-ins where gold jewellery was stolen from Asian families across Crawley between July 2012 and February 2013. During the burglaries a substantial amount of gold jewellery was stolen, as well as cash and safes. Patrick Coyle, 25, of Springhouse Road in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, has been charged with conspiracy to commit a burglary with intent to steal, aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving. Levi Wilson, 31, of no fixed address, has been charged with conspiracy to commit a burglary with intent to steal. The burglaries were committed on September 26, 2012 in The Birches, Martyrs Avenue, Crabtree Road, Eden Road and Lark Rise; on October 1, 2012 in Bedale Close, Woodfield Road and Lismore Crescent; and on October 12 in North Road, Newark Road and Buckswood Drive. Coyle and Wilson have been bailed to appear at Crawley Magistrates Court on December 18.

Labour anger at closure of group that helped Crawley's poor

December 16, 2013, 9:00 am

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LABOUR councillors have reacted angrily to the decision to close down a council panel set up to help people deal with financial troubles.

The majority of Crawley Borough Council's overview and scrutiny commission (OSC) voted to disband the financial deprivation scrutiny panel at a meeting on December 2.

The decision was made to end the panel at this point, but members agreed a new single issue panel should be established at an appropriate time in the future with the specific focus of scrutinising the delivery of universal credit in Crawley.

The panel met 13 times and OSC members questioned whether it was setting strong enough recommendations and querying if it was duplicating other work.

Labour councillor Peter Smith, a panel member, reacted angrily to the decision to wind up the panel.

He said: "It is frankly astonishing that the Tories have decided to end the panel at exactly the time that our residents are starting to feel the effects of (national and local) cuts.

"Some people are being supported with discretionary top-up grants to help them through the implementation of the cuts, but this will come to an end, so we don't yet have the full picture relating to the impact of the cuts on either our residents or the council's staff."

The panel was set up to examine the council's approach to the claiming of benefits and develop ways of helping people deal with financial difficulties.

Speaking at last week's meeting, OSC vice chair Michael Jones said: "I do believe that a decision to close this now will look like the councillors who vote for that don't care about the impact of the cuts."

A previous attempt to shut the panel down in January 2013 was stopped.

£2,000 reward for help in catching suspects in Crawley shooting

December 16, 2013, 11:03 am

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POLICE are offering a £2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a shooting in Crawley last month. Investigations are continuing after a man was shot while he was outside a block of flats in Commonwealth Drive, Three Bridges just after 9.30pm on November 28. The victim left the scene, at the Pembroke Park estate, and was later found by police at a hospital after checking himself in with shotgun wounds to his hand. The occupants of a flat in Commonwealth Drive, a 38-year old man and a 26-year old woman, were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm but have since been released without any further action. Detective Chief Inspector Dave Wardley Wilkins said: "We are offering this reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for this. "This was a serious but isolated incident for the area. We are following active lines of enquiry and it is already clear that this was not a random attack. "Local people have been reassured that there is no current risk to their safety and we are continuing our intensive investigation to establish what has happened." Anyone who has information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Flockton. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Crawley's Barack Obama: President who runs group of islands from office in Three Bridges

December 16, 2013, 5:00 pm

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THE president of a group of islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean is masterminding the resettlement of its people from his White House - an office in Three Bridges.

Allen Vincatassin, is president of the Provisional Government of Diego Garcia and the Chagos Islands, and leading the fight for the community to be allowed to return home.

Despite being elected the archipelago's most powerful man he cannot step foot on the islands without being arrested by the US military.

The British overseas territory's residents were evicted between 1967 and 1973 to make way for a US Air Force base and have fought a long-running court battle for the right to return.

The people of Chagos have taken a huge step towards this following the UK Government's launch of a feasibility study into resettlement last month.

Mr Vincatassin, from Northgate, is hoping his fellow Chagossians could begin moving back home from 2015.

He said: "The feasibility study will not be finished until the end of 2014 and if it has positive results I would like to start with a pilot resettlement.

"All of the older members of the archipelago are dying so I would push for it to start as quickly as possible in 2015.

"There is already a population of about 2,000 people on the islands due to the military base so we know it is viable for a small population.

"There are already jobs available and other opportunities on the islands. And whatever steps are taken to move back will be environmentally friendly."

Mr Vincatassin was born on the Chagos Islands in 1970 and only lived in his homeland for a year before his family was forced to leave.

Since then he has only been able to return to the archipelago three times, including one visit after he was elected president in 2011, as part of organised environmental visits.

The 43-year-old's presidential office is based in Eastpoint Plantation House, at Crawley Business Centre, in Stepehenson Way, Three Bridges, where he works with the elected cabinet on plans to return.

In 2002 the Chagossian community were granted UK citizenship and many flew to Gatwick Airport – mostly from Mauritius and The Seychelles where they had initially been moved to – and made new lives in Crawley.

Mr Vincatassin added: "The office is my White House and my wife, who is the First Lady, is based here with me. The Chagos community is extremely friendly so I have a lot of stops and chats. I walk freely, though. There are no demands of bowing to me."

The British government's study will look into the possibility of resettlement of the main island Diego Garcia and outer islands such as Salomon and Peros Banhos.

The practical aspects of life in a remote location will be explored, including employment opportunities, transport requirements and health, education and law enforcement needs.

Whether a resettlement would impact the unique marine life around the islands will also be investigated. A 50-year lease, which allowed the creation of the US base, expires in 2016, with negotiations on an extension due to begin next year.

If approved the air base will continue for another 25 years.

Mr Vincatassin is confident resettlement could work alongside the military base.

But he added: "I have asked Her Majesty's Government to place a requirement on the US government to pay rent as part of the next agreement.

"The USA currently pays nothing because the UK agreed Diego Garcia should be set aside for defence purposes.

"I would like the US government to pay for the cost of resettlement and also to put money in a fund for the members of our community who stay in the UK."

If resettlement is approved the provisional government would dissolve and an island council would be set up.

Primark store in County Mall to open tomorrow

December 16, 2013, 9:30 pm

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PRIMARK will be opening its new County Mall store just in time for a late shopping spree ahead of Christmas.

The budget retailer will open the doors of its new two-floor shop in the shopping centre for the first time at 9am tomorrow (Wednesday).

The large unit will be the company's 270th store and customers will be able to shop for a range of goods across the new store's 37,800 square feet of retail space.

A Primark spokesman said: "It represents the modern Primark, offering our customers a full selection of the most exciting and distinctive new fashion collections for women, men and children complete with key ranges of accessories, shoes, jewellery and homeware."

This latest opening follows the launch of a new Next shop over two floors of County Mall in November plus new Yours Clothing and Vodafone stores.

Airports Commission report: Gatwick & Heathrow on shortlist for expansion

December 16, 2013, 10:47 pm

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GATWICK Airport is on a shortlist of two airports that could be expanded - along with Heathrow. The Airports Commission has this morning published its interim report setting out its preferred options for increasing UK aviation capacity. The commission, led by Sir Howard Davies, has only named two airports as options, although two possible alternatives at Heathrow will be considered. A second runway at Gatwick would be between the airport and Crawley, it has been confirmed - which would almost certainly mean the loss of homes in Lowfield Heath and potentially some businesses in Manor Royal. Homes in Langley Green and Ifield are likely to be very close to a second runway. If selected a second Gatwick runway would be over 3,000 metres in length and the two runways would "be spaced sufficiently apart to permit fully independent operation". This means of three options put forward by Gatwick the one being considered is the one closest to Crawley. The report explains: "Gatwick Airport Ltd has proposed that a new runway should be constructed south of the existing one. It has identified three options: close-spaced, wide-spaced/dependent operation and wide-spaced/independent operation. "The Commission's assessment has focused on the last – a runway over 3,000m in length spaced sufficiently south of the existing runway (at least 1,035m) to permit fully independent operation. "This offers the greatest increase in capacity while still having relatively low environmental and noise impacts compared with some other potential sites." The report adds that "related new terminal facilities" would be built. A final report is due by the summer of 2015, after the next general election. The so-called Boris Island option in the Thames Estuary is not on the shortlist, although further research will be carried out to see if it merits adding to it. The report, published at 7am, states: "The Airports Commission's independent review into airport capacity and connectivity in the UK has concluded that there is a need for one net additional runway to be in operation in the South East by 2030. "Its analysis also indicates that there is likely to be a demand case for a second additional runway to be operational by 2050. "The Airports Commission's Interim Report published today has announced that it will be taking forward for further detailed study proposals for new runways at two locations: "*Gatwick Airport: Gatwick Airport Ltd's proposal for a new runway to the south of the existing runway; "*Heathrow Airport (two options): Heathrow Airport Ltd's proposal for one new 3,500m runway to the northwest; and Heathrow Hub's proposal to extend the existing Northern runway to at least 6,000m, enabling the extended runway to operate as two independent runways. "The next phase of its work will see the Commission undertaking a detailed appraisal of the three options identified before a public consultation in autumn next year. "The Commission has not shortlisted any of the Thames Estuary options because there are too many uncertainties and challenges surrounding them at this stage. "It will undertake further study of the Isle of Grain option in the first half of 2014 and will reach a view later next year on whether that option offers a credible proposal for consideration alongside the other short-listed options. "The Commission has not shortlisted proposals for expansion at Stansted or Birmingham, however, there is likely to be a case for considering them as potential options for any second new runway by 2050. In its final report the Commission will set out its recommendations on the process for decision making on additional capacity beyond 2030." The report has also urged the Government to take immediate action to enhance Gatwick Airport Station and to carry out further work on developing a strategy for enhancing Gatwick's road and rail access. Gatwick has set out its case for a second runway as being a relatively cheap option, which would cause limited environmental damage compared to other options. James Colman, Gatwick's corporate affairs and sustainability director, has previously told the Crawley News that expansion at Gatwick is crucial to the future prosperity of our town. He said: "Gatwick has a vision and an ambition which goes beyond the airport boundary fence. "One which is for a vibrant and growing community which secures the economic wealth of future generations. "You only have to visit the airport today to see how we have transformed it over the last three years and to get a measure of our commitment. "That is why we are putting such a strong case for an additional runway to the Airports Commission. "Today, Gatwick contributes about £2 billion a year to the region, employing over 23,000 people on the airport and another 13,000 off it. "Companies like Nestlé have moved here because of the airport and we want to attract more. "By building a new runway Gatwick could create up to 19,000 new jobs across the region by the 2040s. It would also pump an extra £1.66 billion a year into the region." Those who oppose a second runway at Gatwick fear extra noise, environmental damage and have called on the airport to release more details of its exact plans. Some have questioned whether there is another room for a second runway, while others have questioned whether enough passengers will use the airport in the years ahead for a second runway to be needed.

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Surface water slowing commuters this morning

December 16, 2013, 11:03 pm

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THERE is no traffic reported on roads in and around Crawley this morning (December 17). But surface water after heavy rain may slow commuters on their journey to work. And congestion is clogging the M25 in Kent and Surrey. There is queuing traffic clockwise between junction four (A21) and junction five (M26), in the roadworks area. Heavy traffic affects the M25 clockwise around junction 10 (A3). There are no reported delays to trains.

Gatwick Airport boss: Second runway at Gatwick is the right choice

December 17, 2013, 1:11 am

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GATWICK'S chief executive believes the airport is the "right choice" for a new runway for the South East. An interim report by the Airports Commission, published this morning, says that a new runway will be needed by 2030 - and Gatwick and Heathrow are the only options on a shortlist for providing it. The fact that Gatwick is in the running has delighted Stewart Wingate, the airport's chief executive. He said: "I am very pleased that the strength of London Gatwick's case has been recognised by the Airports Commission and that the shortlist has been narrowed down to two main locations. "Expansion at London Gatwick can give the country the economic benefits it needs at an environmental cost it can afford with the lower fares and greater choice that passengers want. It can be delivered more quickly and at lower cost. "London Gatwick is also uniquely placed to help meet all the different aviation needs of the future. "It is the only option which can the deliver the right type of capacity for the UK as it is the only airport serving all airlines models including both low cost and legacy airlines as well as both transfer passengers and people flying direct. "I believe the critical importance of this to the aviation debate will become far more widely recognised over the coming months. "I welcome the growing local support over the last year for our proposals. We do not take any of it for granted and we will do everything we can to engage with local people in the months ahead - including formal consultation on our proposals in the spring. "The real debate starts now, not least on the environmental impacts and business case of each option. "There is a lot of hard work ahead and intense scrutiny ahead but we are confident that by summer 2015 there will be a wide recognition that expansion at Gatwick is the right choice for the future." *Do you think a second runway should be built at Gatwick? E-mail your views to editor@crawleynews.co.uk

Gatwick Airport "too small" for second runway claims opposition group

December 17, 2013, 1:34 am

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A GROUP campaigning against the expansion of Gatwick says the airport is too small for a second runway. The Airports Commission has this morning listed Gatwick and Heathrow as its two options for a new runway for the South East, which it says will be needed by 2030. But the Gatwick Airport Conservation Campaign (GACC) believes Gatwick isn't a realistic option. Brendon Sewill, chairman of GACC, said: "This is no surprise. For the past year GACC has assumed that Gatwick would be included in the shortlist of potential sites for a new runway. "Now we know that only the so-called 'wide-spaced' runway option will be examined – the one that would cause most environmental damage. "Now the battle is for real. The battle lines are drawn. "Now the spotlight is on Gatwick the next step will be to examine the runway plans in detail, and it will be found that Gatwick is an unsuitable site. It is too small. "Research shows that no other city in the world has two competing hubs. "We are delighted that our friends at Stansted have had the threat to their homes and environment lifted. Over the past 10 years they have fought a good fight and won a worthy victory. Now we at Gatwick must do the same. We have done it before in 1970, 1993, and 2003 and we will do it again." Georgia Wrighton, director of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (Sussex), said: "A second runway at Gatwick, together with sprawling development and urbanisation anticipated on a massive scale, would concrete over cherished open countryside. "A heady cocktail of increased flights, HGVs and cars would erode the tranquillity of rural communities, and the health and quality of life of people living under its shadow. "The national obsession with expansion will land a disaster on the countryside whilst making runaway climate change unstoppable. Instead of airport expansion we need genuine support for and promotion of alternatives."

Sussex residents set to be charged more to park outside their homes

December 17, 2013, 3:00 am

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RESIDENTS in controlled-parking zones could be hit as West Sussex County Council considers raising the annual fee they pay to park outside their homes.

The move, which would affect car owners across the county, could see the price of a first permit increased by £5 and second and subsequent permits by £10 each.

Labour councillor Michael Jones, who represents Southgate and central Crawley on the Conservative-controlled county council, is not impressed.

"The increase in charges would affect anyone who has a car and lives in a controlled-parking zone," he said. "They can be found in Southgate, West Green, Northgate and Three Bridges.

"If you have got two people in a house with a car each, that is an extra £15 a year. The annual charge would increase from £120 to £135."

Jean Lloyd, who lives in Malthouse Road, which is in a controlled-parking zone, feels the council is penalising residents.

The 63-year-old said: "I was shocked initially when I heard about the latest proposed increase. In April 2011 we had an increase from £90 to £120, which was a 33 per cent increase.

"And we are now facing a 12.5 per cent increase, which is well above inflation. It is a charge on top of council tax.

"I don't think it is fair. It is not our fault we live in a street near the station. I know it is a help to be able to park outside your house, but we shouldn't be penalised for it. It feels like a penalty."

Cllr Jones believes the county council is looking to "claw money back" from residents.

He said: "These are tough times, and we've got working families and pensioners suffering from the pressures of the rising cost of living who don't need the county council adding to that with unnecessary additional charges.

"People don't have a choice because they live in the zones; they can't park a mile away from their homes."

Cllr Jones explained that the county council will raise an additional £155,044 if the proposal is adopted.

But he added that last year the county council's parking account was already £746,000 in surplus.

Whittingham: Being sacked by Portsmouth knocked my confidence

December 17, 2013, 3:06 am

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GUY Whittingham says he is loving his new role at Crawley Town after his sacking by League Two side Portsmouth last month 'knocked his confidence'. Whittingham was dismissed on November 25 after just more than a year in charge, first as caretaker and then as their permanent manager. After three spells, and nearly 200 appearances, at Portsmouth as a player and then being part of the Fratton Park backroom staff since January 2009, the sacking, which was the first of his career, effected the former striker's outlook. But one of his former managers at Portsmouth, John Gregory, was quick to get Whittingham back into football; announcing him as Crawley Town new first team coach last Friday. And the Reds boss admitted he intended to protect Whittingham from the harsher elements of football. Gregory said: "Guy has had his fingers burnt a little bit where he has been and he comes here under my wing; I can protect him and look after him and get his confidence back on the training ground, which is important." And Whittingham agrees with Gregory's analysis, but is hoping to build his confidence at Crawley doing his first love - coaching. "I think once you are in the position of manager and then you are sacked, to put it bluntly, then your confidence does take a bit of a knock," Whittingham said. "But I'm delighted John Gregory has said that. "It's just nice to be back on the training ground. I think with any job you want to be good at it, enjoying it and appreciated." He added: "I always wanted to coach and took my badges when I could, and I think I was very hands-on in coaching as a manager as well, and I know John Gregory is a bit like that too."

Sussex Police name and shame 18 suspected drink drivers

December 17, 2013, 4:16 am

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SUSSEX Police have named another 18 people who have been charged with drink-related driving offences across Sussex. The force has promised to name everyone arrested on suspicion of drink driving in the run up to Christmas, as a deterrent to stop people getting behind the wheel when over the limit. Chief Inspector Natalie Moloney said: "We know that there are a group of drivers who do not believe the drink-drive limit is there for them but I still feel sad and frustrated when so many people are being charged with offences. "Drink and drug driving makes the roads of Sussex more dangerous for everyone. Clearly some are not listening or are choosing to ignore our attempts to educate them through our warning campaign. They need to know that we will make every effort to find them and get them off the roads." Neville McNair, 47, was arrested at 1.50pm on Thursday after a crash on the A27 at the Tangmere roundabout. McNair, of Brighton Road, Worthing, was charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis and released on bail to appear at Worthing Magistrates' Court on 7 January. Darren Porter, 34, was arrested after his car was stopped at 11.50pm on Friday by a patrol in Warrior Square, St Leonards. Porter, of Cornwallis Terrace, Hastings, was charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis and released on bail to appear at Hastings Magistrates' Court on 15 January. Andrew Doyle, 76, was arrested at 11.55pm on Friday after officers saw a car being driven with no lights on in St Leonard's Road, Horsham. Doyle, of Orchard Road, Horsham, was charged with drink-driving and released on bail to appear at Crawley Magistrates' Court on 8 January. Bruno Dos Santos Olim Felix was arrested at 12.55am on Saturday after officers stopped his car in Horsham Road, Crawley. The 28-year-old, of Curteys Walk, Bewbush, was charged with drink-driving and released on bail to appear at Crawley Magistrates' Court on 8 January. David Callman, 25, was arrested at 1.40am on Saturday after officers stopped a car speeding in The Broadway, in Crawley town centre. Callman, of Parkway, Pound Hill, was charged with drink driving and released on bail to appear at Crawley Magistrates' Court on 8 January. Graham Sinclair, 24, was arrested at 2.45am on Saturday after officers stopped a car in Albion Way, Horsham. Sinclair, of Birches Road, Horsham, was charged with drink-driving and released on bail to appear at Crawley Magistrates' Court on 8 January. Freddy Unt, 25, was arrested at 7am on Saturday in Gloucester Place in Brighton after his car was stopped by a patrol. Unt, of Freshfield Close, Furnace Green, was charged with drink driving and released on bail to appear at Brighton Magistrates' Court on 9 January. Haidar Bege, 35, was arrested at 7am on Saturday in Madeira Drive, Brighton, after officers found a man in a car with the lights and engine on. Bege, of Sheridan Terrace, Hove, was charged with drin -driving, driving without insurance, driving without a licence and possession of cocaine. He was released on bail to appear at Brighton Magistrates' Court on 16 January. Nick Crossley, 45, was arrested on the A27 westbound at Falmer at 4.15pm on Saturday after a car crash. Crossley, of Linkfield Lane, Redhill, was charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis and released on bail to appear at Brighton Magistrates' Court on 9 January. Rik Cowlard, 44, was arrested at 11.50pm on Saturday after his vehicle was stopped in Ninfield Road, Bexhill. Cowlard, of Villa Road, St Leonards, was charged with failing to provide a specimen and released on bail to appear at Hastings Magistrates' Court on 22 January. Arturs Mukans, 22, was arrested at 12.15am on Sunday after a car was seen driving in a bus lane in High Street, Bognor Regis. Mukans, of Norfolk Mews, Littlehampton, was charged with drink driving and released on bail to appear at Worthing Magistrates' Court on 4 February. Neil Dawson, 29, was arrested at 12.50am on Sunday in Hawth Avenue, Furnace Green, after police were called to a car crash. Dawson, of Caburn Heights, Southgate, was charged with drink driving and released on bail to appear at Crawley Magistrates' Court on 8 January. Chelsea Potter, 21, was arrested at 1am on Sunday in Little London, Chichester, after officers pulled her vehicle over. Potter, of East Row, Chichester, was charged with drink driving and released on bail to appear at Worthing Magistrates' Court on 4 February. James Smith, 29, was arrested at 1.25am in Queens Road, Hastings, after officers on patrol stopped his car. Smith, of Redwings Lane, Tunbridge Wells, was charged with drink driving and released on bail to appear at Hastings Magistrates' Court on 22 January. Chris Morris, 21, was arrested at 3.45am in Stane Street, Five Oaks, after a car crashed into four parked vehicles in Church Lane, Southwater, and then drove off. Morris, of Stane Street, Five Oaks, was charged with drink driving and released on bail to appear at Crawley Magistrates' Court on 8 January. Daryl Barnes, 33, was arrested at 8.50am on Sunday after he was stopped at a road safety check in Preston Road, Brighton. Barnes, of Wyngates, Leighton Buzzard, was charged with drink driving and released on bail to appear at Brighton Magistrates' Court on 9 January. Leon Davies, 40, was arrested at 9.35am on Sunday on the A26 at Ringmer after reports of a car being driven erratically in the area. Davies, of Framfield Road, Uckfield, was charged with drink driving and released on bail to appear at Brighton Magistrates' Court on 9 January. Gareth Maggs, 32, was arrested at 12.30pm on Sunday after a van hit and unmarked police car in Farm Road, Hove. Maggs, of Farm Road, was charged with drink driving and released on bail to appear at Brighton Magistrates' Court on 9 January. If you know someone is driving after drinking or taking drugs call 999.

Sussex Police searching lorries for guns, drugs and immigrants

December 17, 2013, 6:30 am

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GUNS, drugs and fake goods are all being targeted in a new Sussex Police clampdown.

Operation Hedgehunter was launched on December 4 at Pease Pottage Services, which became the focus of a crackdown on criminal networks that smuggle goods across Europe.

The operation intends to tackle the importation of illegal items, and even people, by dodgy lorry drivers.

PC Phil Badman, who is part of the Sussex Police roads policing unit, said most lorry drivers and companies are law-abiding.

He added: "They are not able to compete on a level playing field because some of their rivals are using the proceeds from organised crime to expand their business unfairly, such as by bringing deliveries of drugs or counterfeit alcohol into the country."

With about 220,000 people, using 425,000 vehicles, in the UK haulage industry, PC Badman admits the actual level of illegal smuggling in Sussex is hard to quantify.

He said: "It is a little bit of an unknown quantity, but it is a problem nationally and I don't doubt that a lot of illegal goods travel through Sussex."

Part of Operation Hedgehunter is to encourage the haulage industry and the public to report hauliers that break the law.

Its launch coincided with a monthly meeting at Pease Pottage Services, where lorry drivers from across the country and the continent talk to officers about any issues they have or anything odd they have spotted.

PC Badman said: "That could be anything from people acting suspiciously around vehicles to an unexpected number of people getting into a vehicle or unusual things being put on it."

The meetings are held at Pease Pottage Services because of the sheer number of lorries that stop there.

Describing what police are looking for in the clampdown, PC Badman added: "You have got things like counterfeit tobacco and alcohol, which usually have restrictions on how they're made and what they're made with.

"Counterfeit products are made with more chemicals than normal which can seriously damage people's health.

"Drugs have an impact wherever they go and it's the same with guns.

"Profits from the sale of these fund more criminal activity, serious organised crime, gangs and even terrorism."

PC Badman has known of items being smuggled inside tyres and fuel tanks.

He added that lorry drivers sometimes unwittingly smuggle people into the country.

"The most recent one was about two years ago, on the A27 at Chichester," PC Badman said.

"There was a 14-year-old Iranian boy who had tucked himself under the wind-deflector on top of the cab of a lorry.

"We had a call from a member of the public about it. We stopped the lorry, took him into custody and then handed him over to the Border Agency."

JACK, a five-and-a-half-year-old Springer Spaniel, plays a special role in stopping smuggling. He has been trained to sniff out illegal goods hidden deep inside lorries.

Handler PC Simon Hunt explained how Jack was abandoned at Eastbourne Police Station when he was a pup.

"Jack is trained to search for drugs, cash and firearms," he added. "He is very active when searching and when he finds something he becomes static. Then he expects the tennis ball. That is his prize.

"He is an essential part of the team, in my opinion."

Jack's searching skills were honed on an initial eight-week course but he is reassessed annually.

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Henry Smith: Gatwick Airport now needs to prove why a second runway is good for Crawley

December 17, 2013, 8:39 am

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MP Henry Smith believes Gatwick Airport must show the town's residents why a second runway is so important for the future prosperity of Crawley. With Gatwick and Heathrow alone on an Airports Commission shortlist for where an extra runway for the South East should be built by 2030, he gives his thoughts on the prospect of a second runway at Gatwick. "GATWICK'S economic, employment and environmental impact on Crawley is significant. It is both our community's opportunity and challenge. It is the world's busiest one-runway/two-terminal airport and is vital to local and national future wellbeing. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Sir Howard Davies Commission into aviation capacity in London and the South East has confirmed it will continue to consider it as an expansion option. Since Gatwick has been independently operated for just over four years now, it has come into its own, becoming the low-cost and charter airline leader, in addition to expanding new scheduled routes across the globe to both emerging markets and established economies alike. I welcome the £1 billion spent to upgrade the terminals, including important rail connections which the Government have contributed million too also. Additionally I support the further £1 billion investment that is planned. An additional runway means far more than just an extra mile or so of concrete; therefore, if the airport wants to see runway expansion, then over the next 18 months, before the Commission finally reports, it must clearly demonstrate how it would manage and mitigate the impact on the Crawley area, including a comprehensive plan for upgrading local infrastructure such as highways, housing and a new hospital. There are approximately 35 million passenger movements through Gatwick at present, and on its current configuration it could grow by about a further ten million. Additionally, a legal agreement between the Airport and the local authorities states that an additional runway cannot start to be constructed before 2019. I certainly would not support expansion before 2020. Predicting growth up to 2030 and even 2050 is uncertain and, therefore, the Government was right to establish this independent airports Commission to gather evidence and conclude its preferred option in 2015. The onus is now on Gatwick to prove its case for our future economy, employment, environment and, crucially, infrastructure here in Crawley." *Would you like to see a second runway built at Gatwick Airport? E-mail your views to editor@crawleynews.co.uk

New passport gates at Gatwick Airport which open automatically

December 17, 2013, 9:00 am

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A NEW generation of "ePassport" gates, which use facial recognition technology to compare a passenger's face to the digital image in their passport, have been opened at Gatwick Airport.

The unveiling, by Immigration Minister Mark Harper on December 4, means the airport now has the largest single bank of ePassport gates at any entry point into the UK.

Passengers' details are automatically checked against Border Force systems and watch lists.

Once the checks are made, the gates open automatically to allow passengers through.

The system is monitored by Border Force officers and anyone rejected by the gates will be sent to an alternative channel to have their passport checked.

Mr Harper said: "Keeping the UK's border secure is our priority. At the same time we want to welcome legitimate visitors and trade which contributes to the UK economy.

"Using the latest technology helps us to do both and is popular with passengers."

Stewart Wingate, CEO of London Gatwick, added that the technology will make passengers' journeys easier.

He said: "We will offer the largest bank of ePassport gates of any UK airport – ensuring that as many passengers as possible benefit."

Three Bridges U18s hold on for win over Chipstead

December 17, 2013, 4:01 pm

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YOUTH FOOTBALL: Three Bridges U18s deserved their 3-2 win against Chipstead in the Ryman Central Youth division last weekend.

Bridges took control from the whistle with Danny Leach opening the scoring with a low shot evading Chipstead goalkeeper Jack Fuell.

Clyde Jacques made it 2-0 after 38 minutes when he found himself unmarked in the area after a free-kick by Ollie Gill.

Chipstead came out strongly in the second half, which paid off after 50 minutes when Nathan Hull pulled a goal back.

It was all Three Bridges now, which led to a header from a corner after 55 minutes from an unmarked Louis Bradford to make the score 3-1.

Chances came and went for Alfie Slark, Louis Dereham and Elias Ainine, who then got himself sent off for a second yellow card.

Three Bridges were down to ten players and then conceded a penalty following a handball to make the final score 3-2.

Bridges: King, Jacques, Bradford, Reid, Palmer, Bassala, Gill, Ainine, Leach, Hodson, Mase.

Crawley Down church vicar praises community spirit that raised £250,000 for new hall

December 17, 2013, 4:15 pm

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A LONG-MOOTED church hall has finally been opened after a community dug deep to raise £250,000 to build it.

All Saints' Church has been planning a new hall for more than 20 years after the old Parish Rooms grew old and outdated.

But after a three-year mission the Crawley Down church is set to welcome its first group to the hall after it was opened on Sunday by the Bishop of Horsham.

Reverend Jon Hale, who has led the church's congregation for 15 years, said the community had united to fund the new hall.

He said: "I recognise that people do not come to church as much as they used to but the hall remained the focus of the community.

"About 40 per cent of the donations came from individuals who are not church worshippers.

"We have shared our vision with Crawley Down and they have believed in it.

"The church needed a better hall, the old buildings were falling down, and now groups beyond the church will benefit.

"The first group will move into the hall in January and then it will be open to the public from February as it is still yet to be furnished and there are fittings required."

Collision causes lane closure on A23 at Handcross

April 29, 2014, 11:46 pm

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A ROAD traffic collision has caused the closure of one lane on the A23 this morning (Wednesday). The incident occurred on the southbound carriageway at Handcross at about 7.30am. Queues currently stretch back to Pease Pottage services.