Why we do it

by Andrew Skudder

Towards the end of an election campaign, any election campaign, candidates, party workers and activists, and even supporters can start to flag a bit as polling day approaches.  Whether the prospects are good or bad, there are few people involved in elections who do not, at some point, look forward to it all being over so they can get their lives back.

It is even tempting to look back at the time spent writing and delivering leaflets, knocking on doors and manning street stalls while normal people enjoy their shopping, to look back on all that and wonder "why do I do all this?"  We have all done it, but today I happened to find my own personal answer.

Labour launch play scheme petition

Labour's parliamentary candidate, Andrew Skudder, stepped up our campaign to reinstate the district-wide council play scheme in time for the summer holidays, when he joined fellow Labour party members in Horsham town centre this Saturday, as Labour launched its petition to reinstate the play schemes and to protect youth services.

Happy Easter holidays - unless you used the council's play schemes

Tomorrow is the start of the Easter holidays, when many working parents would have been using Horsham council's play schemes to look after their children while they work - if the council had not decided to scrap the scheme.

It is too late now for Easter, but Horsham Labour party are continuing to put pressure on the council to reconsider their decision before the summer holidays.

No thanks to Lib Dem Councillors

David Hide, Chair of Horsham Labour party, wrote to the West Sussex County Times last week about the vindication of the party's stance on affordable housing and his personal disappointment at the level of support from Liberal Democrat councillors on this, and on other issues.

Horsham council votes to kill off play schemes

Horsham council decided in the full council meeting on Feb 24th to cease their play schemes in order to save an estimated £52,000.  The budget report also included the transfer of about £400,000 to reserves so the scheme could easily have been saved by reducing the transfer accordingly.

Play scheme closures put jobs and children at risk

Horsham Labour Party became aware this week that Horsham council are proposing to cancel several play schemes in the district.  One concerned parent also wrote to the County Times, resulting in a story on page three.