Worth Park Winter Family Event

Worth Park Winter Family Event
Sunday December 7th 2014
2pm – 4pm
Free – all welcome

Meet at Milton Mount Community Centre
Worth Park, Pound Hill,
Crawley, RH10 3DU

image001

Get into the Christmas spirit with this free event for families at Worth Park.

Find out how our plants and trees were used to celebrate Christmas in the past, learn to listen out for robins and other birds and decorate one of our new paths with stars using items we find on our walk.

Then it’s back indoors for tea and mince pies where we will make traditional Christmas decorations using foraged natural items from the park.

The afternoon will be rounded off perfectly with a performance of carols by Crawley’s very own Silver Birch Choir for us all to sing along to. Perfect!

Please get in touch with me at the address below for any further information or to book. I look forward to seeing you there!

Edwina Livesey
phone 01293 438027
phone 07826 917846
email edwina.livesey@crawley.gov.uk

Participation Officer – Worth Park
Crawley Borough Council
Town Hall, The Boulevard
Crawley, RH10 1UZ


Facebook worthparkcrawley
email worthpark@crawley.gov.uk
website www.crawley.gov.uk/worthpark

Crawley Observer – Parking

Parking Restriction Plan gets Thumbs-up
28th November 2014 – Crawley Observer
website www.crawleyobserver.co.uk

By Observer Reporter
email crawleyobserver@jpress.co.uk
phone 01293 845058

Plans to extend parking restrictions on a busy stretch of road have been given the thumbs-up despite some objections from residents.

Restrictions will be extended at the south end of Grattons Drive, Pound Hill, in an attempt to ease parking congestion and improve safety.

A meeting of the East Crawley County Local Committee on November 18 was told nine objections to the scheme had been received.

But the committee felt the benefits to the community outweighed the concerns raised.

The scheme became necessary after restrictions were put in place in Worth park Avenue and Milton Mount Avenue, leading to drivers parking in Grattons Drive instead. The bottleneck caused by the sheer number of cars led to congestion and some impatient motorists endangering the safety of pedestrians by driving on the footpath to get through.

The meeting was told some of the objectors actually supported parking restrictions but felt the proposal for Grattons Drive was not enough.

The restrictions will include extending the double yellow lines just north of Milton Road and introducing single yellow lines, to limit the times people can park, outside homes on the west side of the road.

Objectors felt the latter would simply shift the problem to the east side of the road and asked for a single yellow line to be placed there as well.

GACC Press Release – Protest Meeting

From the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign
23rd November 2014

Thank you to all of you who came to our Protest Meeting on Saturday – I hope you enjoyed it. And thank you to those who helped to publicise it. It was a great success and you may be interested to see the attached press release. There are some good photos on
website http://www.airportwatch.org.uk/

It is good news that Kent County Council is in the process of deciding to change from supporting a second Gatwick runway to opposing it. See
website http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-30173769

Some of our members have asked how to respond to the consultation by the Airports Commission on the runway issue. We are still in the process of analysing the consultation document and the mass of supporting documents, and will be sending you information and advice in due course – it will be important that many people respond, but please wait for our advice. The consultation runs to 3 February.

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Brendon Sewill
Chairman
Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign

GACC Press Release 23-11-2014<

For more information about Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign
phone 01293 863369
email gacc@btconnect.com
website www.gacc.org.uk
Facebook www.facebook.com/doyoucaregatwick

Alternatively contact directly
phone John Byng 01293 537234
phone Peter Barclay 01293 862821

Crawley Observer – Gatwick News

Standing room only as hundreds protest airport expansion
28th November 2014 – Crawley Observer
website www.crawleyobserver.co.uk

By Observer Reporter
email crawleyobserver@jpress.co.uk
phone 01293 845058

Proposed expansion at Gatwick Airport has led to the largest protest meeting the town has seen in a long while.

Around 1,000 people crammed into the Apple Tree Centre, Ifield Avenue, on Saturday (November 22) where they asked questions of some 20 environmental groups who had set up stands in the hall.

There was standing room only when a panel of five local MPs spoke of their concern about the possibility of a second runway being built at Gatwick.

No subject has divided Crawley more than this, with some fearing the town would be irreparably damaged if expansion were granted and others fearing the same would happen if the extra runway went to Heathrow.

There was a similar situation at this meeting – though this time the division was between those who didn’t want a second runway at Gatwick and those who didn’t want one built anywhere.

Crawley MP Henry Smith found himself being ‘boo-ed’ when he stated the country did need another runway.

But the ‘boo’s turned to applause when he spoke of the “significant impact” expansion would have on housing and infrastructure in Crawley as well as school places, GP surgery sizes and healthcare.

He added: “Gatwick have not made the case for expansion here.”

Henry’s words were supported by Cllr Brenda Smith (Lab, Langley Green).

While acknowledging the economic benefits Gatwick has given to Crawley, Cllr Smith said: “I believe the current proposal is too high a price for us to pay.

“I really do question the need for additional runway space in the south east. We have many regional airports that are well under capacity and all would be very interested in improving their services to people in the south east.”

Given the meeting was organised by the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign (GACC), it was no surprise to see the environmental impact of expansion high on the agenda.

MPs Crispin Blunt (Reigate), Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex), Paul Beresford (Mole Valley) and Charles Hendry (Wealden) all voiced their concerns with Mr Soames adding: “A second runway would be a disaster for our local environment.”

Mr Blunt branded expansion a “disaster for surrounding communities and environment” and Mr Hendry said: “A second runway does not make economic sense and it does not make environmental sense.”

It did not go unnoticed by those present that, while speakers discussed the increase in noise which expansion would bring, the sound of aircraft rumbling overhead was clearly audible.

Messages were read out from Horsham MP Francis Maude, who was abroad on Government business, as well as MP for East Surrey Sam Gyimah and John Stanley MP for Tonbridge.

All three threw their support behind the protest, which a spokesman for GACC said helped “disprove the assumption in some national newspapers that Gatwick would politically be the easiest option for a new runway”.

Sally Pavey, of GACC and the Campaign Against Gatwick Noise Emissions (CAGNE) said organisers had been “overwhelmed” by the sheer number of people who turned out to support their protest.

She added: “People are genuinely angry. They do not want a second runway at Gatwick.

“Gatwick is big enough. That is our message loud and strong and we will be taking that to the Department for Transport.”

Last December, the Airports Commission short-listed one option at Gatwick and two at Heathrow to go to public consultation before a final recommendation is made to the government in July 2015.

The consultation was launched on November 11 and will run until 11.45pm on February 3. GACC urged residents to read and respond to the consultation documents, which can be found online at
website www.gov.uk/government/organisations/airports-commission
or by writing to Freepost RTKX-USUC-CXAS, Airports Commission Consultation, PO Box 1492, Woking GU22 2QR.

3350882828

Crawley Observer – Gatwick News

Concern Crawley’s voice is being “under-heard”
Council urged to ‘get off the fence’ over expansion
19th November 2014 – Crawley Observer
website www.crawleyobserver.co.uk

By Karen Dunn
email karen.dunn@jpress.co.uk
phone 01293 845058

Crawley Borough Council has been called on to “get off the fence” and oppose expansion at Gatwick.

The message came from Ifield residents whose homes would be 600 metres from the airport if Gatwick’s bid to build a second runway south of the current one was accepted.

Jenny Frost, of Ifield Green, said she felt “queasy and disappointed” when she heard Gatwick had made it on to the Airports Commission’s short-list for expansion.

And she called on the council to help make the town’s voice heard by letting residents know whether it was for or against the building of a second runway.

Jenny, who has lived in Crawley for 45 years, said: “They have been entirely sitting on the fence and I think it is an unreasonable position to take.”

She added: “The Crawley voice is being under-heard and is being under-stated and Crawley is the town that is going to be really affected.”

Her concerns were shared by Peter Jordan, of the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign, who also lives in Ifield Green. He said: “We would like to see them come off the fence and oppose the new runway.

“The reason they are sitting on the fence is they haven’t studied the information.

“They think there’s more to come but there isn’t – all the information is out there.”

As well as her concerns about planes taking off at full throttle so close to her home, Jenny felt some people did not fully appreciate how big an impact a second runway would have on Crawley.

She said: “It’s only when you show people the maps and pictures of where it’s going to be that people wake up and say they didn’t realise it was going to be so big.”

The Gatwick option being considered by the Airports Commission would see a runway, more than 3,000m in length, built to the south of the current runway.

It would mean parts of Manor Royal, including City Place, would be engulfed by the airport, with the boundary coming as far south as County Oak.

While not confirming whether the council would be supporting or speaking out against expansion, a spokesman said it would be putting the views of Crawley residents and businesses first.

He added: “The council has been working with the Airports Commission to put the views and interests of all Crawley residents and businesses on the agenda, and to try to ensure that Crawley will be fully consulted on the implications for Crawley, whether the new runway capacity comes to Gatwick or not.

“We will be participating fully in the consultation on the remaining shortlisted options and will at all times be putting the views of Crawley residents and businesses first.”

3129153529

jpco 19-11-14 Jenny Frost and Peter Jordan are very opposed to the expansion of the Gatwick airport. (Pic by Jon Rigby) SUS-141117-135718001

Crawley Observer – Three Bridges Station

Have our Say on Train Station Plans
19th November 2014 – Crawley Observer
website www.crawleyobserver.co.uk

By Observer Reporter
email crawleyobserver@jpress.co.uk
phone 01293 845058

People are invited to comment on proposals to improve access and safety at Three Bridges Train Station.

Crawley Borough Council in partnership with Southern Rail and West Sussex County Council, are putting forward two proposals for people to comment on which will help Crawley’s councillors make a decision in
February next year.

The aim of the proposals, which focus on the forecourt and/or road, is to make the station safer and easier to access.

Large numbers of pedestrians, cyclists, cars and public transport can make the area confusing and unsafe during peak hours.

There arc two options to consider and both have different benefits and potential short-term issues.

Option one proposes changes that impact the€ way pedestrians, cyclists, cars, buses and taxis access and move around the station forecourt, including changes to the highway.

Option two impacts how cars and taxis move around the station without making changes to the exit and entrance or the highway.

A series of exhibitions will be held in the town where proposals can be viewe€d, also giving visitors an opportunity to ask questions.

These take place on:

  • Wednesday 19 November, 5pm-7pm, Three Bridges Station
  • Saturday 22 November, 10am-2pm, Crawley Library
  • Wednesday 26 November, 10am-2pm, County Mall Crawley
  • Thursday 27 November, 10am-2pm, County Mall Crawley
  • Saturday 29 November, 10am-12pm, Three Bridges Station

Work could start in 2016, depending on the scheme, and is expected to last between 6 and l2 months. It’s likely to be carried out in phases to minimise disruption.

Crawley Observer – Gatwick News

Horley Council to Support a ‘majority View’
Council to oppose runway
19th November 2014 – Crawley Observer
website www.crawleyobserver.co.uk

By Berny Torre
email berny.torre@jpress.co.uk
phone 01293 845052

Horley Town Council says it is supporting the views of residents by opposing expansion at Gatwick.

The decision was made at an Extraordinary Full Council Meeting to discuss a survey on the proposed second runway on Tuesday last week (November 11th).

A council spokesman said: “Horley Town Council has resolved to endorse the majority view of local residents who are against the proposal for a second runway at Gatwick Airport following results received from an extensive
questionnaire.

“However, should the Government decide to select Gatwick as its preferred option for a second runway, then this council will strive to achieve the best possible outcome for local residents with particular regard to infrastructure.”

The council received 1,096 questionnaires since April 26.

Horley residents completed and submitted, 745 hard-copies and 268 digital questionnaires to the council in September and October.

A total of 615 (56 per cent) were against the second runway, 368 (3+ per cent) in favour and 113 (10 per cent) not sure.

The four most common reasons for opposing the runway were increased plane noise, road congestion, air pollution and flooding risks.

The two most common given in favour were improvements to Horley’s economy and more secure jobs in the town.

The residents who were unsure questioned the impact to road infrastructure and the facts behind the noise and pollution.

Only 15 people aged 16 to 25 submitted a survey.

Cllr Mike George, vice-chairman of the council, said it promoted the survey to the age group on social media, by contacting schools and colleges and accepting electronic submissions for the first time.

He added: “All you can do is publicise the survey as widely as possible. But in the end, like any election, you can only go by what votes come in.”

The proportion of responses from people aged 46 or more accounted for 64 per cent of the total. The percentage was around twice of the proportion of the group’s population in Horley, 35 per cent.

The report stated women were more likely to vote against the runway than men.

The spokesman said 12 out of 18 councillors and Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign members attended the meeting. For the report, visit
website www.horleysurrey-tc.gov.uk

Gatwick high res

Mike George, vice-chairman of Horley Town Council

email crawleyobserver@jpress.co.uk
phone 01293 845058

GACC Press Release – New Flight Paths

From the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign
19th November 2014

To all GACC members and supporters

Buried in the mass of documents published last week by the Airports Commission we have found a map illustrating where the new flight paths might be if a new runway were to be built. You may like to see the map (attached) and also this press release which we have put out today.

We are looking forward to seeing you all at our protest meeting on Saturday. Please do all you can to ensure that as many people as possible come.

2nd_runway Arr_Dep-paths_2

Brendon Sewill
Chairman
Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign

GACC Press Release 19-11-2014<

For more information about Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign
phone 01293 863369
email gacc@btconnect.com
website www.gacc.org.uk
Facebook www.facebook.com/doyoucaregatwick

Alternatively contact directly
phone John Byng 01293 537234
phone Peter Barclay 01293 862821

Access and Safety at Three Bridges Train Station

Crawley Borough Council, in partnership with Southern Rail and West Sussex County Council, are putting forward two proposals to improve access and safety at Three Bridges Train Station.

Crawley residents, businesses and rail users are asked to comment on the proposals which will help Crawley’s councillors make a decision in February next year.

The aim of the proposals, which focus on the forecourt and / or road, is to make the station safer and easier to access. Large numbers of pedestrians, cyclists, cars and public transport can make the area confusing and unsafe during peak hours.

The two options have differing benefits and potential short-term issues. You can see details and comment on the proposals by visiting website www.crawley.gov.uk/rail

There will also be a series of exhibitions held where you can view the proposals and ask questions:

  • Tuesday 18 November, 6pm – 7pm, Crawley Library
  • Wednesday 19 November, 5pm – 7pm, Three Bridges Train Station
  • Saturday 22 November, 10am – 2pm, Crawley Library
  • Wednesday 26 November, 10am – 2pm, County Mall Crawley
  • Thursday 27 November, 10am – 2pm, County Mall Crawley
  • Saturday 29 November, 10am – 12pm, Three Bridges Train Station

The consultation will run until Friday 5 December 2014

website www.crawley.gov.uk
Facebook www.facebook.com/crawleycouncil

Crawley News – More trains at Gatwick

More trains every hour at Gatwick

22th October 2014 – Crawley News


Facebook www.facebook.com/crawleynews

PLANS announced by Network Rail on Friday could see an additional six trains an hour on the Brighton Main Line by 2024.

This, on top of a planned doubling of rail capacity at Gatwick by 2020, would increase the frequency of trains between the airport and London to 24 per hour at peak times, with a train to the capital every two-and-a-half
minutes.

The changes would also see increased services at Three Bridges, although not all trains would stop at the station.

Network Rail says the improvements are necessary to deliver the extra capacity at peak times to meet the anticipated growth in passenger demand on the line – one of the UK’s busiest rail routes – up to 2043.

As well as commuter demand, Network Rail believes the extra services would make room for all the extra passengers a second runway at Gatwick would create.

New fleets of high quality trains between London and Brighton are set to be introduced by new franchise holder Govia Thameslink from as early as next year.

The improvements will also allow for more 12-carriage trains to be run.

Julia Gregory, from Gatwick Airport, said: “Rail capacity from Gatwick to London will double by 2020 and the robust case put forward by Network Rail would see us well on the way to a near trebling by 2035.”