Ray Chapman, Horsham Labour Party's secretary, launched the 'Spot the Blot' campaign with this letter to the West Sussex County Times, printed in today's paper.I am pleased to learn that Horsham District Council do have a strategy for dealing with the eyesore that is the neglected builders' encampment in the Forum. (Forum Works Described as A blot on the Landscape, Page 5, October 23rd )
It is, however, disappointing that we will still have to endure this blot on the landscape for at least three or four months to come. It is further disappointing that it is only through raising this issue in the pages of your newspaper that I have been able to get the council to respond.
However, if this the only effective way to ensure action can I also raise the scar on the environment that confronts not only residents but any visitors arriving in Horsham from the New Road side of the Railway Station? This is the derelict and now decaying site of Bryce Lodge, a former county council care home that closed down many months ago and now stands boarded up and overtaken by vegetation.
This site provided accommodation for those in need for many years and could continue to do so, having been designated appropriate land for an affordable housing development. But it seems that the county and local councils are incapable of taking the important decisions needed to progress this much needed provision.
The councils at district and county level are quick enough to remind us of the delights of living amongst the beauty of the Sussex countryside but do little to ensure that the urban environment that they are responsible for, compliments nature’s work.
We think it is about time local communities put more pressure on the council to meet their obligation to deliver a decent environment for local residents. We are launching a ‘Spot the Blot’ campaign to raise awareness of some of the eyesores that are directly related to council neglect.
If any readers have such a site in their area can they please let us know via secretary@horsham-labour.org.uk and we will pass the information on to the council
Ray Chapman
Secretary Horsham Labour Party
