We have all heard the story of Jesus' face being seen on a slice of toast - but what about Donald Trump's face in a garden wall?

While the 45th president of the United States of America sets his sights on the Mexico border, perhaps he should be looking to East Sussex to find his coveted wall.

Dave Wax from Glynde, near Lewes, is the proud owner of the bizarre new attraction - created after a branch smashed into the garden wall of his property last week.

He described the occurrence as 'rather remarkable'. He said: "Last week as Donald Trump was on the radio banging on about his wall I heard this mighty crack and looked out of the kitchen window just in time to see a big branch fall off a chestnut tree and smash into my garden wall.

"This garden wall is made of stone and brick, and it took a mighty wallop to smash it and mighty whallop indeed it turned out to be, for the wall was now smashed like a knife through butter.

"But here is the peculiar thing, imagine my amazement when I saw that the smashed wall was now presenting a perfect silhouette of none other than President Donald Trump himself!

"So it seems Trump’s Wall is here in East Sussex!

"Now what are the chances of that?"

We would approach the president for his response - but we have the feeling his press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders has bigger fish to fry.

What do you think of the wall? Have you found faces in strange places? Email us or message us on Facebook.

Opposition to 16 and 17-year-olds being given the vote has been compared to the resistance faced by women more than 100 years ago.

A lengthy discussion at County Hall in Chichester on Friday, saw West Sussex councillors vote to support the idea and pledge to call on MPs and the government to do the same.

It was a close-run thing, though. Members were given free rein on how they voted, with 29 in favour, 24 against and two abstentions.

A Notice of Motion was written by the West Sussex Youth Cabinet as part of their Votes at 16 campaign and tabled by Dr James Walsh (Lib Dem, Littlehampton East).

Dr Walsh joked that because ‘we are all past our prime’, councillors should be planning for the next generations to succeed them.

Speaking about the women’s suffrage of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he said: “There was a huge opposition to that at the time and, as with any changes to the voting system, or anything like that, there is always an entrenched conservative – with a small c – opposition, who think things tick along very well as they are.

“But we have to move with the times.”

The Notice of Motion pointed out that Scotland had lowered its voting age to 16 in 2015, while the Welsh Assembly is considering the change by 2021.

This was a point picked up by Michael Jones (Lab, Southgate & Gossops Green) who said: “How can any of us defend a situation where Welsh and Scottish 16 and 17-year-olds are deemed able to cast their vote but English counterparts aren’t?”

Speaking against the idea, Duncan Crow (Con, Tilgate & Furnace Green) suggested Scotland had only made the change ‘because polling had shown at the time that 16 and 17-year-olds were more likely to support Scottish independence’.

Pointing out the various legal protections in place for under 18s, he added: “If you believe in reducing the voting age, it is inconsistent not to believe in reducing the age of adulthood.

“These two things go together.”

Stating ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’, Mr Crow wondered how many young people would include ‘voting in the West Sussex elections’ on their list of things to look forward to when they turned 18.

Amanda Jupp (Con, Billingshurst) disagreed, saying she could understand some of the ‘frustration’ felt by young people, particularly given the ongoing Brexit saga.

Mrs Jupp added: “I would claim that some people over the age of 18 probably don’t have much knowledge of politics or wish to engage.

“I don’t think it’s an age thing. I think it’s how young people are encouraged to become involved.”

While supporting the idea, Mrs Jupp pointed out that, until the government brought about a change in the law, there was nothing the county council could actually do.

Speaking after the meeting, Ellie Roberts, chairman of the Youth Cabinet, said: “It’s so important that our Votes at 16 Campaign has been heard and supported by councillors, it shows that the voice of youth matters in West Sussex.

“At 16 we can get married or enter a civil partnership, serve in the armed forces, pay tax and make other key decisions but currently we don’t get a say on who runs our councils and government. We think that’s wrong and it’s great that senior councillors think the same.”

The topic generated a huge amount of discussion on the Herald and Gazette Facebook pages.

Comments included ‘they don’t have enough experience of life’, ‘most are not mature enough’, ‘let them be children’ but also ‘young people deserve a say in their future’,

But another reader wrote: “Let them have a crack, it will be them most affected in the coming years, so let them have a say.”

Members of West Sussex Youth Cabinet are aged 11-18 and are elected by their peers to represent the voice of all young people in the county. To find out more about the Youth Cabinet visit the county council’s website.

Last week the Votes at 16 All Party Parliamentary Group released a campaign report to mark one year since the group was established.

The report draws together evidence gathered by the all-party group throughout its first year, with contributions from parliamentarians from across the political spectrum, academics, youth organisations, campaigners and think tanks.

Worthing West MP Sir Peter Bottomley, vice-chairman and former treasurer of the All Party Parliamentary Group said: “If we are in favour of the average new voter taking part in a national election aged 18, to achieve this, voting eligibility needs to be 16.”

“My appeal to Conservatives, the Government and supporters of other parties who oppose this is not to approach this issue with calculations of party advantage.”

“The United Kingdom’s democratic story is more important than party advantage.”

Opposition to 16 and 17-year-olds being given the vote has been compared to the resistance faced by women more than 100 years ago.

A lengthy discussion at County Hall in Chichester on Friday, saw West Sussex councillors vote to support the idea and pledge to call on MPs and the government to do the same.

It was a close-run thing, though. Members were given free rein on how they voted, with 29 in favour, 24 against and two abstentions.

A Notice of Motion was written by the West Sussex Youth Cabinet as part of their Votes at 16 campaign and tabled by Dr James Walsh (Lib Dem, Littlehampton East).

Dr Walsh joked that because ‘we are all past our prime’, councillors should be planning for the next generations to succeed them.

Speaking about the women’s suffrage of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he said: “There was a huge opposition to that at the time and, as with any changes to the voting system, or anything like that, there is always an entrenched conservative – with a small c – opposition, who think things tick along very well as they are.

“But we have to move with the times.”

The Notice of Motion pointed out that Scotland had lowered its voting age to 16 in 2015, while the Welsh Assembly is considering the change by 2021.

This was a point picked up by Michael Jones (Lab, Southgate & Gossops Green) who said: “How can any of us defend a situation where Welsh and Scottish 16 and 17-year-olds are deemed able to cast their vote but English counterparts aren’t?”

Speaking against the idea, Duncan Crow (Con, Tilgate & Furnace Green) suggested Scotland had only made the change ‘because polling had shown at the time that 16 and 17-year-olds were more likely to support Scottish independence’.

Pointing out the various legal protections in place for under 18s, he added: “If you believe in reducing the voting age, it is inconsistent not to believe in reducing the age of adulthood.

“These two things go together.”

Stating ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’, Mr Crow wondered how many young people would include ‘voting in the West Sussex elections’ on their list of things to look forward to when they turned 18.

Amanda Jupp (Con, Billingshurst) disagreed, saying she could understand some of the ‘frustration’ felt by young people, particularly given the ongoing Brexit saga.

Mrs Jupp added: “I would claim that some people over the age of 18 probably don’t have much knowledge of politics or wish to engage.

“I don’t think it’s an age thing. I think it’s how young people are encouraged to become involved.”

While supporting the idea, Mrs Jupp pointed out that, until the government brought about a change in the law, there was nothing the county council could actually do.

Speaking after the meeting, Ellie Roberts, chairman of the Youth Cabinet, said: “It’s so important that our Votes at 16 Campaign has been heard and supported by councillors, it shows that the voice of youth matters in West Sussex.”

The topic generated plenty of discussion on the County Times’ Facebook page.

Comments included ‘16-year-olds shouldn’t vote because they are children, school children in many case’ and ‘they are not classed as adults until they are 18 and there is a reason for that’.

One reader suggested they are ‘too easily swayed by social media propaganda’ but another suggested young people ‘are a lot more critical of what they read online - they’ve been brought up with it’.

Another Facebook user wrote: “I’m all for giving our young people a chance at life, but we should be providing youth clubs, jobs experience, helping them with education, and allow them to be young people who can grow, inspire, lead and impact. Let our young be young.”

Worthing Samaritans has celebrated 50 years of listening with a civic reception toasting the many volunteers and supporters.

The independent branch, affiliated to the national Samaritans charity, opened in April 1969 and in the first year, took 175 phone calls. Now, 50 years on, volunteers in Worthing answer more than 25,000 phone calls, 1,500 emails and 2,000 text messages each year.

Director Liz Riach said the branch was totally reliant on donations and all involved were proud of how far it had come. She hopes the trustees will go on to celebrate more milestones in future years.

Guests at St Paul’s Worthing on Monday heard the longest-serving volunteer had been with the charity for 48 of the 50 years.

Worthing mayor Paul Baker congratulated the branch and spoke of his own experience of losing a friend to suicide.

More than 100 volunteers are needed at any one time and trained listeners respond to phone calls, text messages, emails and face-to-face callers at the office in Lennox Road, Worthing, from 9am to 9pm every day.

Mark White, 51, has been a listener for two years and says the hardest thing is the harrowing calls, hearing what some people are having to deal with and how low they are.

“Some calls just can’t shift from my mind but you can’t dwell on them,” he added.

Mark has severe glaucoma and took on the role after recovering from alcoholism.

He said: “I got in a bad way due to the loss of my eyesight and then I learned how important listening was from my own experience of counselling and group therapy. Giving someone five minutes to talk can be crucial.”

Blanche Potter, 38, has been part of the speakers team and is currently a listening volunteer. She has helped deliver talks at businesses, groups and events on topics including emotional awareness and how to recognise the signs of poor mental health.

She said: “The Samaritans provide such a vital service for so many people and I’ve always had the greatest of respect for what they do. I had been commuting to work for a year and was shocked by the number of fatalities announced on the tracks during that time.

“On a particular day, after yet another fatality, I went on to the Worthing Samaritans website and contacted them to become a volunteer.”

She urged anyone thinking about volunteering to ‘do it’ and said the thorough training was good preparation for the first call. There is also post-training mentoring and ongoing emotional and practical support to help volunteers build their confidence.

Blanche said: “It may seem daunting but joining the Samaritans is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. What struck me when I joined was the immense sense of support and community.”

Samaritans was founded in London in 1953 by vicar and cartoonist Chad Varah, after he conducted a funeral for a 14-year-old girl who had taken her own life.

He had previously offered informal counselling to parishioners and, wanting to do more, officially founded Samaritans to try to save the lives of people who were contemplating suicide.

Nowadays, the free service goes way beyond suicidal callers. Worthing Samaritans will help anybody of any age who is going through a difficult time and needs someone to talk to anonymously.

Since 2008, Worthing Samaritans has also supported the Samaritans Prison Listeners Scheme at Ford Prison.

How to help:

• Worthing Samaritans has a charity shop in Strand Parade, The Boulevard, Durrington, which helps fund the branch. Clothing and other donations are always welcome.

• As part of its 50th anniversary, Worthing Samaritans has launched a 50/50 appeal and is seeking 50 companies to kindly donate £50 via the donation link at www.samaritans.org/branches/worthing

• The will be an indoor cycle ride, Help Us To Keep Going, in October and people are invited to take part to help with fundraising.

• Contact Worthing Samaritans at 2 Lennox Road, Worthing, or via @WorthingSams on Twitter if you are holding an event and are able to collect donations, or you are a school or organisation that would like to book a speaker.

• Volunteer. Information sessions are held monthly, all dates are posted on Twitter and listed online.

Opposition to 16 and 17-year-olds being given the vote has been compared to the resistance faced by women more than 100 years ago.

A lengthy discussion at County Hall in Chichester on Friday, saw West Sussex councillors vote to support the idea and pledge to call on MPs and the government to do the same.

It was a close-run thing, though. Members were given free rein on how they voted, with 29 in favour, 24 against and two abstentions.

A Notice of Motion was written by the West Sussex Youth Cabinet as part of their Votes at 16 campaign and tabled by Dr James Walsh (Lib Dem, Littlehampton East).

Dr Walsh joked that because ‘we are all past our prime’, councillors should be planning for the next generations to succeed them.

Speaking about the women’s suffrage of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he said: “There was a huge opposition to that at the time and, as with any changes to the voting system, or anything like that, there is always an entrenched conservative – with a small c – opposition, who think things tick along very well as they are.

“But we have to move with the times.”

The Notice of Motion pointed out that Scotland had lowered its voting age to 16 in 2015, while the Welsh Assembly is considering the change by 2021.

This was a point picked up by Michael Jones (Lab, Southgate & Gossops Green) who said: “How can any of us defend a situation where Welsh and Scottish 16 and 17-year-olds are deemed able to cast their vote but English counterparts aren’t?”

Speaking against the idea, Duncan Crow (Con, Tilgate & Furnace Green) suggested Scotland had only made the change ‘because polling had shown at the time that 16 and 17-year-olds were more likely to support Scottish independence’.

Pointing out the various legal protections in place for under 18s, he added: “If you believe in reducing the voting age, it is inconsistent not to believe in reducing the age of adulthood.

“These two things go together.”

Stating ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’, Mr Crow wondered how many young people would include ‘voting in the West Sussex elections’ on their list of things to look forward to when they turned 18.

Amanda Jupp (Con, Billingshurst) disagreed, saying she could understand some of the ‘frustration’ felt by young people, particularly given the ongoing Brexit saga.

Mrs Jupp added: “I would claim that some people over the age of 18 probably don’t have much knowledge of politics or wish to engage.

“I don’t think it’s an age thing. I think it’s how young people are encouraged to become involved.”

While supporting the idea, Mrs Jupp pointed out that, until the government brought about a change in the law, there was nothing the county council could actually do.

Speaking after the meeting, Ellie Roberts, chairman of the Youth Cabinet, said: “It’s so important that our Votes at 16 Campaign has been heard and supported by councillors, it shows that the voice of youth matters in West Sussex.”

The topic generated plenty of debate on the Observer’s Facebook page, with the majority opposing lowering the voting age to 16.

One reader wrote: “They are children and should be left as children until they’re 18. Leave them to enjoy the lack of responsibility and any remnants of childhood.”

Opposition to 16 and 17-year-olds being given the vote has been compared to the resistance faced by women more than 100 years ago.

A lengthy discussion at County Hall in Chichester on Friday, saw West Sussex councillors vote to support the idea and pledge to call on MPs and the government to do the same.

It was a close-run thing, though. Members were given free rein on how they voted, with 29 in favour, 24 against and two abstentions.

A Notice of Motion was written by the West Sussex Youth Cabinet as part of their Votes at 16 campaign and tabled by Dr James Walsh (Lib Dem, Littlehampton East).

Dr Walsh joked that because ‘we are all past our prime’, councillors should be planning for the next generations to succeed them.

Speaking about the women’s suffrage of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he said: “There was a huge opposition to that at the time and, as with any changes to the voting system, or anything like that, there is always an entrenched conservative – with a small c – opposition, who think things tick along very well as they are.

“But we have to move with the times.”

The Notice of Motion pointed out that Scotland had lowered its voting age to 16 in 2015, while the Welsh Assembly is considering the change by 2021.

This was a point picked up by Michael Jones (Lab, Southgate & Gossops Green) who said: “How can any of us defend a situation where Welsh and Scottish 16 and 17-year-olds are deemed able to cast their vote but English counterparts aren’t?”

Speaking against the idea, Duncan Crow (Con, Tilgate & Furnace Green) suggested Scotland had only made the change ‘because polling had shown at the time that 16 and 17-year-olds were more likely to support Scottish independence’.

Pointing out the various legal protections in place for under 18s, he added: “If you believe in reducing the voting age, it is inconsistent not to believe in reducing the age of adulthood.

“These two things go together.”

Stating ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’, Mr Crow wondered how many young people would include ‘voting in the West Sussex elections’ on their list of things to look forward to when they turned 18.

Amanda Jupp (Con, Billingshurst) disagreed, saying she could understand some of the ‘frustration’ felt by young people, particularly given the ongoing Brexit saga.

Mrs Jupp added: “I would claim that some people over the age of 18 probably don’t have much knowledge of politics or wish to engage.

“I don’t think it’s an age thing. I think it’s how young people are encouraged to become involved.”

While supporting the idea, Mrs Jupp pointed out that, until the government brought about a change in the law, there was nothing the county council could actually do.

Speaking after the meeting, Ellie Roberts, chairman of the Youth Cabinet, said: “It’s so important that our Votes at 16 Campaign has been heard and supported by councillors, it shows that the voice of youth matters in West Sussex.”

The topic prompted plenty of debate on the Middy’s Facebook page.

Comments included ‘if you pay tax, you should be able to vote’, ‘this is their future as well’, but also ‘they are not mature enough’.

Burglars escaped with jewellery when they broke into a house in Horsham on Friday.

Police say that the break-in happened between 7pm and 10.15pm at a property in Redford Avenue.

The thieves smashed a conservatory window and broke patio doors during the burglary.

During a separate break-in the following day, thieves stole a trolley when they broke into the garage of a ouse in Gardeners Grove, Rusper.

And in another incident, Sussex Police say that power tools were stolen when containers were broken into at Chanctonbury Ring Road, Wiston, yesterday.

Kindness will be the focus for a new mental health anti-stigma campaign being launched by Coastal West Sussex Mind.

The Worthing-based charity is busy preparing the campaign, which will demonstrate people’s kind acts.

People who receive support from the mental health charity are collecting stories and experiences of acts of kindness they feel have helped with their mental health.

These will be printed on pocket-sized kindness cards and included in mini wellbeing boxes that will be given out to raise awareness and start conversations.

The charity says stigma stops people seeking support so it is vital to create opportunities for people to be open and talk.

Louisa Hernandez, anti-stigma co-ordinator, said: “There will be plenty of opportunities to talk to our staff and mental health champions. Over one weekend, we will have two free workshops to create mini wellbeing boxes. Everyone is welcome.”

The charity’s Open Minds champions have dubbed the campaign Human Kindness to Open Mindness. It will feature a week-long public arts event at Colonnade House during Mental Health Awareness Week in May.

Theatre design degree and diploma students from Northbrook MET will have their own exhibition at Colonnade House, including props, scale models, costumes and photographs, and will also help at the event, creating a colourful stand for the ‘pick and mix’ trinkets and tools people will be able to choose from to include in wellbeing boxes.

Alongside will be plenty of pre-packed wellbeing boxes with gifts such as Body Shop miniatures, clay hearts and shapes, tools and tips for managing mental health, and printed affirmations for people to take away.

Artists at The Corner House in Southwick have been involved, too, by designing unique wrapping paper.

The campaign follows the success of Coastal West Sussex Mind’s pebble painting anti-stigma activities and the charity hopes community groups, schools, colleges, workplaces will hold their own similar events. Anyone interested can email louisa.hernandez@coastalwestsussexmind.org.

The charity has pre-packed mini wellbeing boxes to give away to the first 30 people to let them know what act of kindness has helped their mental health. Email Louisa or post on Facebook @CoastalWestSussexMind or Instagram @MindWestSussex using #NoStigmaHere.

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from May 13 to 19, and the Human Kindness to Open Mindness arts event will be at Colonnade House, Warwick Street, Worthing, from May 14 to 20.

Walk on hot coals for St Barnabas House hospice in Worthing as part of an Epic Games Day in partnership with Worthing Rugby Club.

The charity is offering supporters the opportunity to take on a 20ft firewalk on June 15 and hope the adrenalin-fuelled evening will inspire people to do something they did not think possible.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural firewalk, many people are expected to take part in memory of a loved one to raise vital funds for the hospice.

Jo Bacon, community fundraiser officer, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing back the event for a second time in June. With the support of Worthing Rugby Club, last year’s firewalk raised £5,040. This is enough to fund the cost of a 24-hour stay on our in-patient unit for eight of our patients.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming lots of new firewalkers this year and together we hope we can beat last year’s total.”

Helena Juric, 25, faced her fears and completed the first firewalk challenge in March 2018, raising more than £600. She was motivated to take part after witnessing the care the hospice gave to her mother, Nadine Byrnes.

Helena said: “When my mum was diagnosed with cancer, St Barnabas were remarkable with their end-of-life care. The firewalk was an amazing experience. It pushed me to come out of my comfort zone and made me try something new. I would recommend it to anyone. It’s so much fun and for such a great cause.”

Paddy Hooper, a St Barnabas House ambassador and Worthing Ruby Club Minis coach, is looking forward to hosting the event again this year.

Paddy said: “One of the best things about the firewalk is that you can turn up and have a fantastic experience without having to spend six months beforehand doing fitness work.

“On the evening, we have a world class fire master instructor who has undergone a minimum of 200 separate firewalking events at different locations.

“By getting the community involved, we can improve the quality of life for people receiving hospice care and have loads of fun at the same time.”

Think you can handle the heat? Register to firewalk before May 15 and take advantage of the early bird offer of £20 at www.stbh.org.uk/firewalk

Pupils from a village school who have been campaigning for more Government cash came face to face with education secretary Damian Hinds on Friday.

Youngsters at Billingshurst Primary School have been writing regular heart-felt letters to Mr Hinds urging him to meet up with headteachers to discuss West Sussex’s school funding crisis.

And two of the youngsters got their chance to hand over letters in person to the education secretary when school parent-governor Abi Smith took them to Petworth church on Friday where Mr Hinds was giving a talk about faith in schools.

Said Abi: “We decided to use the opportunity of him being nearby to give him some of our letters in person!

“He said he had been getting them and had seen the campaign. We said we would continue to send the letters until he agrees to a meeting.”

Children at the school have already pledged to send Mr Hinds a letter - signed by a different pupil - ‘every single day until he agrees.’

In their letters the children state: “We are worried about our school and that it doesn’t have enough money to help us to learn.

“Please can you meet with the headteachers and talk to them about our future?In class when we have a problem we know that talking helps us find the answer.”

And they add: “If we were the boss of schools we would make sure they had enough money so that everyone can learn lots and lots.”

A Bognor Regis pub showed ‘signs of improvement’ in dealing with noise and disturbance before it closed earlier this year, according to its owner.

Marilyn Moore, a neighbour of the Unicorn Pub in the High Street, described her life as ‘absolute hell’ between April and December last year due to the noise and behaviour of its customers.

She submitted an application for a review of the Unicorn’s premises licence, but since this was received by Arun District Council the owner has shut it down for the time being.

This application was heard by the council’s licensing sub-committee on Friday (April 5), which decided to make a number of changes to the pub’s licence.

The three-member panel resolved that the current Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) be removed from the licence and replaced.

Councillors also decided that regulated entertainment and late night refreshment should cease at 12.45am Monday to Saturday and that no customers should be allowed to use the front entrance after 1am except in case of an emergency.

The committee also asked for a comprehensive dispersals policy to be submitted to Arun and Sussex Police within 14 days.

Andy Cooper, chairman of the sub-committee, said: “It would be inappropriate at this stage to consider suspension, revocation or any other significant reduction in the operating hours.”

Noise complaints

Speaking about the noise from the pub last year, Mrs Moore said: “This was not a one-off, this was night after night after night.”

She was not asking the pub to be closed but wanted its opening hours to be reduced ‘in line with other premises in Bognor’.

However she did concede the situation had improved over the last few months the pub was open.

The main issue discussed by the committee was the noise generated by people in the vicinity of the pub late at night.

While it was acknowledged that many of these were either leaving or entering the Unicorn it was suggested some of this disturbance was caused by people merely passing through the area.

On this point Mr Cooper said it was ‘not up to the panel to oversee the wider night-time economy of Bognor’.

Officers suggested the pub attracted a lot of people who are looking for somewhere to go after other premises have shut.

They described how the DPS ‘seldom seems to be present when we visited during peak trading hours’ and on occasions staff had acted obstructively.

Pub ‘going the right way’

Vinny Mulhern, the Unicorn’s premises licence holder, suggested before the pub closed ‘it was going the right way with dispersals’.

He explained how they had closed the front entrance at the end of the night so customers had to leave by the side door and asked them to be quiet outside.

They had also worked hard to make sure people left in a staggered way to minimise disruption to neighbours.

But he also acknowledged the team he had in place at the Unicorn ‘was not strong enough’.

Licence review a ‘springboard’ to move forward

Barrister Duncan Craig, representing Mr Mulhern, acknowledged the pub had ‘in some respects fallen short’ but Mr Mulhern did not want to upset any neighbours and ‘has engaged with responsible authorities’.

Mr Mulhern had already submitted an application to make minor variations to the licensing conditions.

Mr Craig said: “What he has not had the opportunity to do is demonstrate they can work with these conditions that mitigate the real and manifest concerns and issues.”

He suggested the licence review was a ‘springboard for the premises to move forward in a positive and purposeful way’.

Mr Craig continued: “There are some signs of discernible improvement. I’m not taking that as evidence that the job is done.”

Speaking to the Observer Mr Mulhern said he was mulling a number of different options for the future of the Unicorn and one of these would be for it to re-open as a community pub.

A bogus Gatwick parking company promised holidaymakers to look after their cars in a secure compound but instead left them damaged and unlocked in fields.

The £1.4m operation - run by owner Asad Bashir Malik - was busted after trading standards were told that more than 1,000 vehicles were being parked in a field in Bonnetts Lane.

An investigation revealed fake reviews on London Parking Gatwick Ltd website as part of the attempt to mislead customers, West Sussex County Council said.

Malik, of Jura Close in Crawley, was jailed today for 14 months and disqualified from being a director for four years.

Richard Sargeant, Trading Standards team manager, said: “Malik and his company deceived thousands of customers between 2014 and 2016, causing damage to their cars and making false claims on its website.

“This was a complex investigation for our team and I am very pleased with the outcome.

“I would urge anyone using a Gatwick meet and greet business to only use a Trading Standards-approved company.”

Malik and his company London Parking Gatwick Ltd - which was turning over £.1.4 million - were found guilty at Brighton Crown Court of misleading customers, the council confirmed.

Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings are still pending.

The company said on its website that all cars left with them would be parked in a secure compound.

But in 2016 reports to West Sussex Trading Standards claimed that over 1,000 vehicles were being parked in a field in Bonnetts Lane, West Sussex.

Trading Standards officers visited two fields, Bonnetts Lane and Keepers Knight, in July 2016, and confirmed that London Parking Gatwick Ltd was using these to park its customer’s vehicles, the council said.

Some of the vehicles had been left unlocked with their windows open and keys on the windscreen.

Some of the vehicles were damaged and others had been issued with parking tickets.

Officers contacted the customers and established that they had been misled by claims on the website.

Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of an unfair trading practice can contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice on 03454 04 05 06 or online via www.westsussex.gov.uk/tsreport
To find a list of all parking companies that have been vetted and checked by West Sussex Trading Standards, visit: http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?eid=9ae2d29f-5202-4743-ba68-ad399ef574c5

“If I lived in Wimblehurst Road I would probably be looking to move, because the traffic around that area is going to increase.”

This was the message from one of the candidates at the Horsham Society Hustings where questions were asked about the future of the former Novartis site.

After the pharmaceutical firm left town, West Sussex County Council bought the site for £16m, with plans to create a world-leading science park.

Since then, plans for 300 new homes and 25,000 square metres of employment space along with commercial and community buildings have been submitted to the district council.

At the hustings, Ray Dawe (Conservative), David Hide (Labour) and David Skipp (Liberal Democrats) were asked what assurances could be given that the best would be achieved in terms of housing, air quality, parking and others.

One questioner asked if it was ‘time to rethink the use of the site’.

Dr Skipp said he thought there were ‘problems’ with the site – particularly the transport plan – and if he lived in neighbouring Wimblehurst Road he would ‘probably be looking to move’.

Calling the transport plan ‘deficient’, he said he was worried about air quality in the area as well as the amount of traffic which would go into and out of the site.

He said: “We could be doing more to use alternative transport such as bikes. It’s cleaner, it’s more efficient.”

Mr Dawe said the transport assessment was one point the district council had raised with West Sussex.

He told the meeting that, if the council opposed the plans for the site, the matter would pass to government inspectors with the power to give the OK to the whole thing – despite any concerns raised.

He added: “We have to try and modify those and come to something that’s quite reasonable and would be acceptable at the same time.”

But there was applause for one member of the public who was less than happy with the response.

He said: “It’s ridiculous washing your hands of it and saying there’s a planning application coming in – it’s coming in from your party in the same county.

“Surely you should get together and get a decent solution for the town?”

While he did not comment on the Novartis situation, scrutiny and holding the council to account for its decisions were high on Mr Hide’s agenda.

With no Labour members having been elected to the council this century, he was asked how he and his colleagues planned to do this.

Mr Hide said issues had been raised ‘day in day out’, including concerns about the North of Horsham development, adding: “The quality of scrutiny in this council needs to be a heck of a lot higher.”

He was also critical of the number of affordable homes in the district, accusing the council of failing to meet the community’s needs, ‘resulting in a housing crisis’.

Stating that his party would only approve planning applications with 50 per cent affordable homes, he added: “We believe it is unacceptable in an area as affluent as Horsham that people are forced to sleep on our streets.”

Housing was a concern shared by Dr Skipp, who said there were 568 families in Horsham who were waiting for homes, with 26 people in bed & breakfast.

While acknowledging the temporary accommodation recently built by the council – with more in the pipeline, he added: “I don’t think  we’ve done enough.”

Looking at the quality of life in Horsham, Mr Dawe spoke about the work carried out in the town centre under the Horsham Vision – including the £8m pumped into the new Piries Place.

He added: “We have a prudent and financially strong district council, planning for the future while recognising the heritage of the past.”

Catherine Ross (Green Party) was invited to the debate but did not attend.

A new business park on the edge of Billingshurst could be approved by councillors next week.

The Dunmoore Group is looking to develop the greenfield site north of the village to create modern and flexible industrial units.

The eight hectare-site is south of New Road and east of the A29 and would be accessed by a new roundabout just south of the existing junction.

A hybrid application is due to be discussed by Horsham District Council’s planning committee south on Tuesday April 16, with officers recommending the plans be approved.

Detailed permission is sought for the first phase of the development on the western part of the site.

This would comprise 13 new business units in four blocks with a total external area of 4,998 square metres.

Outline approval is sought at the same time for phase two.

This includes 12 units in eight blocks totalling 14,075 square metres along with a petrol station, ancillary retail offer and drive-thru cafe.

According to the application: “The edge of settlement site represents a suitable option to deliver such sustainable growth, being located immediately to the north of a scheme for 475 dwellings which is being brought forward now, and by reason of its enclosure by a robust and defendable boundary formed by the A29 to the west and New Road to the north which would ensure that development on the site would have limited amenity impacts.”

It continues: “Not only will this address an existing shortfall in employment floorspace in Billingshurst in both quantitative and qualitative terms, it will also secure, via the introduction of new jobs in an accessible location close to the centre of Billingshurst, knock-on benefits for town centre businesses and other local businesses in the supply chain. It will sustain and enhance the economy of Billingshurst and help consolidate its role as a second-tier settlement in the development hierarchy.”

Billingshurst Parish Council has not objected but 17 letters opposing the application have been received compared to two in support.

Objectors have raised concerns about a lack of need for the proposed facilities including the petrol station, negative impact on rural landscape character and the loss of greenfields, increase in traffic congestion and impact on road safety, the effect on the high street, noise and light pollution, impact on biodiversity and the potential for flooding problems to be exacerbated.

In their conclusion council planning officers said their determination of the proposal is ‘very finely balanced’.

While the application conflicts with the Horsham District Planning Framework they argued the developers present a ‘compelling case in favour of employment development on this site’.

Their report said: “Whilst the primacy of the adopted development plan and its conflict with the proposed development carries significant weight in the overall acceptability of this development, the material considerations that demonstrate the acute need for additional and high quality employment floorspace in Billingshurst and the wider district are compelling.”

Having been through emotional times over the years, a charity supporter especially grew her hair to knee length, then had it cut off as a way of releasing memories.

Mum-of-two Rachel Bennett, 38, had done a lot of work with victims of domestic abuse and, shocked by what she learned, she wanted to do something to help.

She raised money for Victim Support, Worthing-based charity Safe in Sussex and Bognor Regis-based charity My Sisters’ House through a charity haircut, and donated the hair to Little Princess Trust.

Rachel, who grew up in Littlehampton, said: “Ever since I was at primary school, I found people were able to open up to me. In 2014, my mum was co-setting up My Sisters’ House and part of the services planned was to support women through and after domestic abuse.

“I was able to be part of the early domestic abuse working party to give my thoughts on services they could offer. I was shocked to learn that one in four women goes through domestic abuse in their lifetime and each week, at least two women are killed through domestic abuse.

“I have been through emotional times over the years myself and having my hair cut off was part of overcoming that, kind of releasing memories. So I decided to grow it as long as I could and turn it into a positive when it was cut off.”

Rachel, who now lives in East Grinstead, said she found the haircut ‘really emotional’ and became tearful but, with the support of hairdressers at TONI&GUY, she was able to see it through.

She added: “Lauren, who cut my hair, was brilliant and kept me positive. I was so grateful as it was something I was determined to do.”

Annabell Alexander, Rachel’s mother, still lives in Littlehampton, where Safe in Sussex runs the Amber House Community Refuge and drop-in centre. She has been part of Sussex International Women’s Day group for 15 years, founded The Goddess Foundation and is a former chairman of My Sister’s House.

Annabell said her passion is female empowerment and she has played a key role in co-ordinating International Women’s Day events each year.

Rachel said: “My mum is a real source of inspiration for me, my hero. My mum is part of the Sussex International Women’s Day event committee and I love helping out when I can, too.

“The choice of charities made sense to me. Little Princess Trust makes wigs for child victims of cancer. I was very proud of my long hair and I hope it brings happiness to whoever gets it. Victim Support helped me greatly at a difficult time in my life and they help men and women. Safe in Sussex is a great charity and they cover a wide area throughout Sussex to help victims of domestic abuse.

“Being abused is more common than people think, it is not right, it’s not something to be ashamed of, or blame oneself for, which often happens. Domestic abuse happens at all levels of society.

“It is known that one in ten men go through domestic abuse, although this figure is thought to be higher as a level of stigma prevents men from speaking out and seeking help.”

Donations online at www.gofundme.com/raising-money-for-victims-of-domestic-abuse will be going to Safe in Sussex and Victim Support, while cash donations will go to My Sisters’ House.

A project celebrating transatlantic links between West Sussex and the USA has been awarded a $100,000 (£76,000) grant, the county council has revealed.

West Sussex County Council said the record office has been awarded the grant for its new Transatlantic Ties project by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in New York.

A spokesman said: "The project will explore and promote the close historical connections between America and West Sussex through the wealth of archival material for the county.

"The Record Office in Chichester is home to the Sussex Declaration, a rare copy of the US Declaration of Independence – one of only two ceremonial parchment manuscript copies in existence. The other is housed in the National Archives in Washington DC.

"Transatlantic Ties will build on recent discoveries about the Sussex Declaration and the research project that has been carried out by Harvard University, the Library of Congress, the British Library and West Sussex Record Office over the last two years. Last year scientific testing of the document supported the hypothesis of Harvard University researchers that the document dates from the 1780s."

Louise Goldsmith, county council leader, said: “We are thrilled at this news! It is almost unheard of for a major US foundation to honour a British Record Office in this way and will allow us to celebrate our transatlantic ties.

“I am delighted staff will be able to build on the discoveries made about the Sussex Declaration which has definitely put West Sussex and the Record Office on the map and highlighted the importance of our collections and West Sussex heritage.”

Wendy Walker, County Archivist was also 'delighted' by the news. She said: “It has been a very real pleasure to work with colleagues at Harvard University, the Library of Congress and the British Library on this voyage of discovery over the last two years.

"I am delighted that we are now able to build on this work and am extremely grateful to The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for awarding us this grant."

The county council said the Transatlantic Ties project will 'celebrate and open up access to the wealth of historical resources' relating to American history dating from 1701-1865.

The spokesman added: "The project will include; the development of an American collection of digital resources using original archives at the record office; a new Transatlantic Ties website providing access to all of these research resources on both sides of the Atlantic; the development of online teaching and learning resources for schools; colleges and universities

and a a public outreach programme, exhibition and other activities culminating in an international symposium."

Runner Pete Okines will be heading to America for his 18th marathon, his first in the States.

Pete, 61, of Shepherds Mead, Findon Valley, will be running for Worthing charity Superstar Arts, in memory of member Martin Dickinson, and chose the Boston Marathon as it is the world’s oldest annual marathon.

Read more: Marathon runner inspired to support Superstar Arts

Read more: Superstar Arts celebrates achievements having recently changed status

Superstar Arts provides creative activities for people with learning disabilities and Pete first met Martin a couple of years ago, after he and partner Pam Nye went along to one of their choir concerts at St Paul’s Worthing.

Pete thought it was a lovely charity to get involved with, so he then ran two marathons, last year’s Brighton Marathon and London Marathon, to raise money for the charity.

Sadly, Martin died in October, two days after his 31st birthday, so Pete wanted to run another marathon in his memory.

Pete said: “He was a lovely fellow. He was a very enthusiastic guy and he had done a lot of public speaking. People thought quite highly of him.”

Pam said they were told Martin liked to watch the London Marathon from start to finish, so it was an appropriate tribute.

“Martin always had a smile on his face,” she said. “It is a lovely little charity. You can’t help but be uplifted by one of their concerts.”

Pete added: “They were just amazing. They looked like they were having a fantastic time. It moved me to tears.”

Although Martin was not in the choir, he was a keen artist and helped to organise raffles for the charity.

Martin’s parents asked Pete to donate half the money raised to a charity of his choice, so as well as Superstar Arts, he will be supporting Portsmouth Kidney Unit, which looked after Pam when she had a kidney transplant in 2015.

Pete has been training since November, including on the South Downs to help him prepare for Heartbreak Hill, a well-known steep challenge in mile 20 on the Boston course.

He has previously run in various parts of the world, including marathons in Barcelona, Nice, Berlin and Athens, inspired by the origins of the word marathon from 2,500 years ago.

Pete has always loved running, having started at school. He said his favourite training run was along the seafront and through Kingston Gorse to Littlehampton.

The marathon takes place on Monday, Patriots’ Day in America. Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/pam-nye to make a donation.

Shana had been stalked by ex-boyfriend Michael Lane in the lead up to her killing and police were heavily criticised for how they handled the case.

Lane, then 27, of Portslade, was convicted of her murder in 2017 and jailed for life with a minimum of 25 years.

Two years on, inspectors have found that Sussex Police's approach to stalking and harassment incidents has improved.

However they said that 'stalking and harassment cases are not always investigated effectively' and 'many victims of these crimes do not receive the support they require'.

A report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) into Sussex Police was published this morning.

Why is stalking such a focus for Sussex Police?

Assistant Chief Constable Nick May said: “Following the tragic death of Shana Grice who was murdered at her home in Portslade in 2016, we are committed to improving our understanding of stalking and harassment and our response to it."

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne commissioned inspections by HMICFRS in order to ensure that there is no repeat of the failings that contributed to Shana's death.

Since then, the number of stalking crimes recorded by Sussex Police has spiked. Incidents increased by 98 per cent in the 12 months to September 30, 2018, according to the report.

READ MORE: Sussex Police ‘accept’ recommendations from IPCC over stalking in wake of Shana Grice murder

What did inspectors find this time?

Her Majesty's Inspector Wendy Williams said: “We found that Sussex Police has made some significant improvements to the way that it deals with stalking and harassment crimes.

“There is still work the force has to do, however. Despite some cases being dealt with well, there were still more that could have been handled better.

"Following the murder of Shana Grice, the force developed a stalking and harassment improvement plan. This is a positive step and the force needs to continue to develop this and ensure that all victims receive an appropriate and consistent service.

“We have now made further recommendations for the force to respond to. I am encouraged by the commitment we have already seen from the force but want to see further improvements to the service it provides to victims of stalking and harassment.”

READ MORE: Katy Bourne: ‘Sussex Police has an awful lot to learn’ from Shana Grice’s murder

Inspectors find causes for concern

A spokesman for HMICFRS identified several areas of concern: "We are concerned that in cases of non-domestic abuse stalking or harassment, the force does not make risk assessments and therefore the force might not be properly protecting victims from the danger of becoming repeat victims.

"We are concerned that Sussex Police does not use the power of entry and search effectively, and therefore stalking investigations are not as thorough as they could be.

"We are concerned that Sussex Police is not properly protecting some victims of stalking or harassment who have been victimised online because: officers record some of these crimes incorrectly as malicious communications only and/or the crime prevention advice the force gives to victims is not always
appropriate.

"We are concerned that Sussex Police’s response to victims of stalking or harassment is not always as effective and consistent as it could be. This is because not all officers have received enhanced stalking training."

Sussex Police pleased with improvements and promises to grow

Responding to the report, Sussex Police welcomed the investigators view that they had made 'significant improvements' and promised to work on the areas highlighted.

ACC Nick May said: “The report acknowledges that we have significantly improved our understanding of what stalking and harassment is, and what our response should be. It also sets out where there is even more work to do and we accept this.

“Stalking and harassment has a long-term and debilitating effect on victims and we will continue to make improvements to ensure people are safe and can feel safe, and bringing perpetrators to justice.

"We are pleased that victims have the confidence to contact us so we can help support and protect them, even if this doesn’t mean that a prosecution is the final outcome.”

Sussex PCC: It is clear there is much more work to do on stalking

Sussex police commissioner Katy Bourne - who is elected by the public to hold Sussex Police to account - said she was pleased with the progress the force has made.

But she added: "It is clear there is much more the force can do and needs to do if victims of stalking are to receive the service which I firmly believe they deserve. HMICFRS’s observations show that Sussex is committed to a journey of improvement and is probably further down that path than many other forces nationally.

"Having read the report, I can see there are five key areas that we need to discuss: the police (including a victim’s own) knowledge and understanding of stalking; police procedures including recording incidents correctly and making appropriate risk assessments; and the capacity within the victim support system to provide specialist local services.

"I am pleased to say that the Victims Minister has asked me to present to him our collective thoughts and recommendations from the roundtable so that PCCs can work with Government to inform the national response to stalking and harassment and ensure that victims are given the best advice, the necessary protection and the most appropriate support."

Adur Art Club will be holding a sale for one day only, raising money for St Barnabas House hospice in Worthing.

There will be artwork, prints and cards to buy, plus a St Barnabas tombola.

The sale will be at the Shoreham Centre, Pond Road, Shoreham, on Saturday, April 13, from 10am to 2pm.

Supporter Mike Henderson said: “The art club brings together a bunch of enthusiastic local amateurs and this sale is an ideal opportunity to take a look at what they get up to.

“Come and join us in support of St Barnabas House hospice.”

An 84-bed hotel and a Beefeater restaurant could be built as part of a business park near Bognor Road roundabout in Chichester.

Plans for Cathedral Way business park at the former fuel depot site east of the junction previously included a giant discount supermarket.

Now a new application is seeking permisson for eight units with mix of different uses, including a Premier Inn hotel, a Beefeater restaurant of 196 covers, a drive-thru possibly for Costa Coffee, a gym and other trade and business units.

Access for the scheme, as previously permitted for the supermarket idea, would necessitate a signalised junction on the A259 Bognor Road.

It comes after discount retailer Lidl confirmed it would be moving to a new site in Westhampnett Road across from its existing Chichester store.

Read more: New Chichester Lidl to open next year

The Cathedral Way complex would have around 430 car parking spaces, along with 11 electric vehicle charging points, a taxi rank and bicycle storage.

Details in planning documents submitted to Chichester District Council include traffic movements for the roadside trade units and a ‘Costa Coffee’ drive-thru.

Costa currently has permission to build a drive-thru unit next to McDonalds at Portfield roundabout: Drive-thru Costa approved for Chichester

The usage classes for the remaining buildings would allow for 7,810sqm of employment space, as well one 930sqm building for leisure uses, such as a gym.

An employability assessment for the site stated that the development would create 296 jobs, equivalent to £5.6million a year in wages, more than the 239 jobs that would have been created from the discount supermarket plan.