Editor's letter May
Above: May cover
It’s like some kind of weird government-run talent show. Congratulations Ford, you’re through to the next round of Eco-town Factor. If none of our panel of judges in Whitehall votes you off, you could soon have a whole new town on your doorstep with 5,000 new homes. Aren’t you excited?
Well no, actually we’re not. We don’t want a new town dressed up as some environmental breakthrough thank you very much. We never even entered the competition. Just think of the pressure all those new homes and the people that live in them would put on an already creaking infrastructure. Anyone who has tried to drive from Arundel to Chichester along the A27 will testify that it’s jammed enough without the 15,000 or so extra cars it would bring.
The government has insisted that all proposals will be subject to full local consideration but according to Arun leader Gillian Brown, no one has listened to their objections so far.
Of course development and the investment that comes with it can be a very good thing and should often be welcomed. Take any number of regeneration projects along the south coast: Littlehampton, Bognor, Shoreham or St Leonards-on-Sea. The difference is all of these were approved and run by Sussex authorities rather than central government. MP Nick Gibb argues the case against the Ford development on page 107 and we’d like to hear your thoughts on this and other developments – you can either email or visit our forum.
On a more positive note, you’ll also find some great features inside this month. From the county’s entries in the high society bible Who’s Who to a cracking interview with One Fat Lady Clarissa Dickson Wright. She grew up in Hove and is as passionate about the area, and protecting it, as she is about cooking fabulous food. You’ll find her thoughts on the Sussex countryside as well as a few surprises starting on page 140.
And finally, Sussex Life staff writer Nancy Cremore says goodbye to the team this issue. She’s off to start a new life in France and we all wish her the best of luck.
Enjoy your Sussex Life.
Jonathan Keeble
Editor
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