Plans for a new £12m Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre celebrated a ‘fantastic milestone’ this week as full-scale building work is now underway.

Representatives from Horsham District Council, key organisations, and user groups involved in the delivery of the project gathered on-site to mark the start of construction yesterday morning (Thursday September 21).

The development is one of the council’s most significant investments in years and will deliver the biggest public dry-side sports and leisure centre in the district.

The new facility will include a six court sports hall, an 80-station gym, a cycle studio and three fitness studios, a new café, a sensory room, and new changing facilities for indoor and outdoor activity, including a Changing Places disabled changing facility.

A new clip and climb facility is being added while five multi-use games areas will be provided for users.

Treatment rooms for beauty and sports therapy sessions will be retained and whilst the athletics track will ultimately be relocated it will also be retained until a new site is secured.

Jonathan Chowen, cabinet member for leisure and culture at HDC, said: “This is a fantastic milestone in the delivery of what will be a superb sports and leisure facility for local people.

“I am delighted that after the years of planning and negotiation that have gone into such a major project, we are now at the stage when we are actually building this exciting new development.

“My thanks go out to all those who have supported us in reaching this milestone.

“I am confident the new centre will exceed all expectations in providing a vibrant hub for sporting and leisure activity, whilst at the same time it will be more cost effective and sustainable to manage in the future.”

Construction work on the main sports and leisure centre is set to be complete in Summer 2018

Campaigners are hoping 3,000 signatures are the shot in arm needed to bring a pharmacy back to Arundel.

Local resident Colin Stepney said support has been fantastic but a ‘huge battle’ still remains before a chemist can return.

“Our campaign would not have been as successful without the tremendous support we have received from so many businesses in the town.

“Our presence at the farmers market each month has given us a fantastic platform from which to tell people about what we are trying to achieve.”

The town centre has been without a pharmacy since Lloyds Pharmacy left several years ago and moved to a new building at the doctors’ surgery in Canada Road.

Colin, 72, added: “Local residents feel completely embarrassed when stopped by a visitor to the town who needs a chemist.

“The Lloyds Pharmacy isn’t particularly accessible on foot.

“Elderly people who no longer drive or have mobility issues are completely reliant on neighbours or friends to help them.”

But despite a huge wave of support for the pharmacy campaign, Colin knows the fight is not over.

Unlike a hardware store or supermarket, Boots or another company cannot simply decide to open a pharmacy in Arundel.

The final decision, after a long consultation process, is made by NHS England.

After months of rallying support and signatures the consultation has arrived and Colin and others are asking residents for one final push.

Colin added: “This is the last opportunity for us to make our case.

“We hope everyone who has supported our campaign will also take part in this Survey, and explain in their own words the need an in-town’ pharmacy.

“We have a huge battle ahead, but we are determined to make our voice heard.”

Click here to fill out the survey.

Road users have been warned to expect delays when the A259 cycle route between Bognor Regis and Littlehampton starts next week.

The main construction work for the direct pedestrian and cycle route is due to start on Monday, September 25, and last six months, weather permitting, West Sussex County Council (WSCC) said.

The A259 will remain open throughout but temporary traffic lights will be used during some of the works.

Short sections of Worms Lane and Yapton Road at Comet Corner will be closed.

West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, Bob Lanzer, said: “Delays for road users are inevitable when this type of major improvement scheme is taking place, so we would advise people to allow extra time for their journeys.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and will do all we can to keep disruption to a minimum.”

Many cyclists currently avoid the A259 because of the volume and speed of traffic, plus the number of heavy goods vehicles, WSCC said.

Cllr Lanzer said: “It will also make it easier for commuters and visitors to get to Bognor and Littlehampton on foot or by bike, and so benefit the environment and the local economy.”

The 4.5km-long route will include:

A new footway/cycleway, averaging three metres wide, from Hoe Lane, Flansham, to the west of Yapton Road, along the northern verge of the A259.

Widening the existing footway from Yapton Road to Church Lane in Climping to around three metres.

Widening of the existing footway just west of Ferry Road junction.

There will also be new and crossings at:

Yapton Road, north of the junction with the A259 (Comet Corner)

A259 at its junction with Climping Street

Church Lane roundabout with the A259

A259, west of its junction with Ferry Road.

The work will be carried out from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, although some work may have to be carried out overnight.

Advance information signs will be placed at key locations to keep people informed.

Road users on the A259 in the Littlehampton area may also notice survey work taking place, ahead of another major improvement scheme, WSCC said.

The scheme, to widen about 2km of single-lane road to dual carriageway, is due to start in mid to late 2018, but surveying the verges and footways has started and will last two to three weeks.

Surveys of the carriageway itself will then be needed and temporary traffic lights will be used in sections of the A259 north of Littlehampton, starting Monday, October 16.

Weather permitting, this will take about five weeks and the traffic lights are essential for the safety of both the public and workforce.

Details on the two major schemes, and proposals for building a new bypass of the A284 Lyminster Road, can be found at: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/roadworks-and-projects/

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County councillors will be encouraged to back a controversial bypass route for the A27 at Arundel.

West Sussex County Council officers have looked at the three bypass options and have recommended councillors support a route that threatens the village of Binsted.

Read our analysis of the three options here.

In a draft response sent out to councillors, county council officers said: “The West Sussex Transport Plan identifies improvements to the A27 at Chichester, Arundel and Worthing as its highest priority.

“The poor performance of A27 disrupts businesses, residents and visitors to West Sussex on a daily basis.”

The officers addressed each of the three options for Arundel released by Highways England in August (Option 1, Option 3 and Option 5A):

Option 1:

“Option 1 would have beneficial traffic impacts by attracting traffic to the A27 from parallel local roads that are used as rat-runs.

“The alignment through Arundel will mean that existing severance and noise issues would not be resolved and may be exacerbated. For these reasons, Option 1 is not preferred.”

Option 3:

“Option 3 would have beneficial traffic impacts by attracting traffic to the A27 from parallel local roads.

“The economic benefits of this option are better than Option 1 but not as high as Option 5A and it has the lowest value for money of the options presented.

“The adverse environmental impacts of this option are greater that Option 5A due to the amount of ancient woodland

that would be lost, which will require very extensive environmental mitigation.

“Although it is considered this option is potentially deliverable it is not preferred.”

Option 5A:

“Option 5A would have beneficial traffic impacts by attracting traffic to the A27 from parallel local roads.

“The economic benefits of this option are the greatest of the options presented.

“The adverse environmental impacts of this option are greater than Option 1 but significantly less than option “Overall, it is considered that the environmental impacts of Option 5A, if appropriately mitigated, are likely to be significantly outweighed by the substantial economic benefits of this option over the longer term.

“Therefore, provided that a detailed and high quality package of environmental mitigation measures is identified and delivered as part of the scheme, Option 5A is the county council’s preferred option for an Arundel bypass.”

What do you think? Email your views to news@littlehamptongazette.co.uk

The district council is considering making a request to pilot retaining 100 per cent of its business rates.

Currently, Chichester District Council (CDC) keeps 40 per cent, with the county council retaining ten per cent.

“In practice, however, a system of tariffs means that we actually retain much less, and most significantly we only retain 20 per cent of any growth in business rates due to a 50 per cent levy being applied to our 40 per cent district share,” John Ward, CDC’s head of finance and governance services said in a report ahead of a October 3 cabinet meeting.

Members will consider requesting to take part in the pilot for 2018-19 by the October 27 deadline.

The government wants to eventually fully localise business rates, but although 100 per cent could be retained, pilot authorities will take on extra responsibilities.

Some city centre businesses have said their business rates rose by up to 20 per cent this year after a major hike.

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The following are the latest results contributed by HM Courts Service, for cases sentenced by West Sussex Magistrates’ Court sitting at Worthing from September 1 to 14, 2017.

Alice Lindfield, 24, of Sedbury Road, Lancing, was fined £100 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £100 costs, after admitting being the registered owner of a vehicle which did not meet insurance requirements in Lancing on January 11, 2017.

John Savage, 43, of Offington Avenue, Worthing, was fined £261 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting failing to stop at a red light when driving in Broadwater Road, Worthing, on November 23, 2016. His driving licence was endorsed with three points.

Michael Gooding, 24, of Manning Road, Wick, was given a community order with rehabilitation activity requirement and two restraining orders after being found guilty of using threatening words or behaviour with intent to cause distress in Littlehampton on March 25, 2017. He must pay £85 victim surcharge, £100 costs.

Clive Sim, 47, of Ham Road, East Worthing, was given a community order with drug rehabilitation requirement and rehabilitation activity requirement after admitting receiving stolen goods, including jewellery, binoculars and foreign money, on July 13, 2017. He must pay a total of £2,350 compensation.

Lisa Howe, 40, of Byron Road, Worthing, was given a community order with rehabilitation activity requirement after admitting assault in Marine Parade, Worthing, on June 20, 2017; and stealing a bottle of wine and chocolates worth £16 from M&S, Worthing, on June 20, 2017. She must pay £85 victim surcharge.

Andrew Wall, 51, of Shandon Gardens, Broadwater, was given a community order with rehabilitation activity requirement and must pay £85 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting assault by beating in Worthing on August 18, 2017. He also admitted breaching a suspended sentence order, no action taken.

Timothy Cecil, 53, of Poling Street, Poling, was fined £200 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (95mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Poling Street, Poling. He was disqualified from driving for 24 months.

Scott Holden, 29, of Myrtle Crescent, Lancing, was fined £500 and must pay £50 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (73mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) on the A24 Worthing on August 21, 2017. He was disqualified from driving for 40 months. He was fined £500 after admitting driving without insurance and admitted driving a vehicle without an MOT certificate, no separate penalty.

Michael Coghlan, 42, of Fastnet Way, Littlehampton, was fined £180 and must pay £80 victim surcharge, £150 costs, after being found guilty of using threatening words or behaviour likely to cause distress in Fastnet Way, Littlehampton, on August 5, 2017.

James Goudy, 72, of Brighton Road, Lancing, was fined £180 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting driving without due care and attention in Brighton Road, Shoreham, on February 17, 2017. His driving record was endorsed with six points.

Ross Johnson, 38, of Meadway Court, Southwick, was given a community order and must carry out 40 hours’ unpaid work after admitting driving while disqualified on the A27 Chichester on June 18, 2017. He must pay £85 victim surcharge, £85 costs, and was disqualified from driving for three months. He also admitted driving without insurance, no separate penalty.

Michael Moloney, 53, of East Ham Road, Littlehampton, was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, with rehabilitation activity requirement after admitting fraud by dishonestly failing to notify the DWP of work undertaken for Rustington Recruitment, affecting Employment and Support Allowance between December 14, 2012, and April 7, 2015. He must pay £115 victim surcharge, £85 costs. He was given a 12-week concurrent prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, for fraud by dishonestly failing to notify the DWP of work undertaken for Rustington Recruitment, affecting Employment and Support Allowance between May 15, 2015, and October 29, 2015. He was given a 12-week concurrent prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, after admitting fraud by dishonestly failing to notify the DWP of work undertaken for Rustington Recruitment, affecting Jobseekers Allowance between April 8, 2015, and May 10, 2015.

Zac Walker, 21, of Ashfold Avenue, Findon Valley, was given a community order and must carry out 180 hours’ unpaid work after admitting having an offensive weapon, an extendable metal baton, in Chapel Road, Worthing, on May 6, 2017; and three charges of drug-driving (38ug/l cocaine, 305ug/l benzoylecgonine, 5.6ug/l Delta-9-THC) in Chapel Road, Worthing, on May 6, 2017. He must pay £85 victim surcharge, £85 costs, and was disqualified from driving for two years.

Ricky Kilshaw, 27, of Downside, Shoreham, was fined £120 and must pay £100 compensation, £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting assault by beating in Shoreham on July 5, 2017.

Callan Swadling, 27, of Walberton Green, Walberton, was discharged conditionally for six months and must pay £20 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting damaging a door frame in Bognor Regis on May 7, 2017.

Julijs Andrianovs, 35, of Roundstone Drive, East Preston, was given a community order and must carry out 160 hours’ unpaid work after admitting possessing an offensive weapon, a knuckleduster, in Fastnet Way, Littlehampton, on August 22, 2017. He must pay £85 victim surcharge, £85 costs.

Kieran Elliot-Moore, 21, of Aglaia Road, Worthing, was fined £400 and must pay £40 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (41mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Oxford Road, Worthing, on August 23, 2017. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Bradley Popham, 50, of Beechlands Cottages, Beechlands Close, East Preston, was fined £138 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (69mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Fairlands, East Preston, on August 24, 2017. He was disqualified from driving for 17 months.

Jamie Branson, 39, of Taw Close, Durrington, was given a community order with programme requirement (Building Better Relationships) and rehabilitation activity requirement, and must carry out 80 hours’ unpaid work, after admitting harassment through numerous phone calls, text messages and WhatsApp messages, all unwanted, between March 16, 2017, and April 12, 2017. He was also given a restraining order and must pay £85 victim surcharge, £135 costs.

Stephen Ray, 54, of Wantley Hill Estate, Henfield, was jailed for 18 weeks and must pay £115 victim surcharge, after admitting using threatening words or behaviour with intent to provoke violence in Christchurch Road, Worthing, on May 27, 2017. He admitted breaching a suspended sentence order and the six-week suspended sentence was implemented to run consecutively. He also admitted breaching a community order and was dealt with for the original offence, receiving a six-week concurrent prison sentence for common assault in Henfield on December 10, 2016.

Fahad Kakooza, 29, of South Terrace, Littlehampton, was discharged conditionally for 12 months and must pay £20 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting stealing food worth £5 from Sainsbury’s, Littlehampton, on June 2, 2017. He was discharged conditionally for 12 months and must pay £7.95 compensation after admitting stealing food and alcohol worth £9.95 from Sainsbury’s, Littlehampton, on June 1, 2017.

Ivan Stamenov, 51, of North Lodge Mansions, Christchurch Road, Worthing, was fined £250 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, after admitting drink-driving (76mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Heene Road, Worthing, on August 26, 2017. He was disqualified from driving for 20 months.

Daniel Thyer, 29, of Chilgrove Close, Goring, was fined £120 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting resisting a police constable in Worthing on August 26, 2017.

Hayley Vickery, 25, of Upton Brooks, Barnham, was fined £120 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (42mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Crookham Road, Fleet, on July 15, 2017. She was disqualified from driving for 12 months. She also admitted driving without insurance, no separate penalty.

The following are the latest results contributed by HM Courts Service, for cases sentenced by West Sussex Magistrates’ Court sitting at Worthing from September 1 to 14, 2017.

Michael Jones, 23, of St Winifred’s Close, Bognor Regis, was jailed for four weeks after admitting stealing a Bosch angle grinder worth £43 from B&Q, Bognor Regis, on July 24, 2017. He must pay £115 victim surcharge, £85 costs.

Henry Brown, 22, of Bosham Hoe, was given a community order and must carry out 200 hours’ unpaid work after admitting drink-driving (136mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in North Street, Chichester, on August 19, 2017. He must pay £85 victim surcharge, £85 costs, and was disqualified from driving for 36 months.

Bethany Harris, 25, of The Bridleway, Selsey, was fined £311 and must pay £31 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (51mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Chichester Road, Selsey, on August 18, 2017. She was disqualified from driving for 14 months.

Michael Mark, 26, of St Richard’s Road, Westergate, was fined £40 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting riding a cycle while unfit through drink or drugs in Main Road, Yapton, on August 17, 2017.

Bethan Schofield, 20, of June Meadows, Midhurst, was fined £461 and must pay £46 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (63mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) on the A286 Cocking on August 18, 2017. She was disqualified from driving for 20 months.

Timothy Cecil, 53, of Poling Street, Poling, was fined £200 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (95mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Poling Street, Poling. He was disqualified from driving for 24 months.

Dawid Dobosz, 40, of Berghestede Road, Bognor Regis, was fined £369 after admitting driving without insurance in Flansham Lane, Flansham, on May 27, 2017. He was fined £615 and must pay £85 costs after admitting driving while disqualified in Flansham Lane, Flansham, on May 27, 2017. He was disqualified from driving for eight months.

Spencer Haywood, 21, of Flatt Road, Nutbourne, was given a community order with rehabilitation activity requirement and must pay £100 compensation, £85 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting assaulting a police constable in Chichester on August 18, 2017.

Biren Patel, 39, of Orchard Croft, Palmer Place, North Mundham, was discharged conditionally for 18 months and must pay £20 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting using threatening words or behaviour with intent to cause distress in Chichester on August 20, 2017.

Toby Ash, 22, of The Courtyard, Northchapel, was fined £240 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting driving without due care and attention on the A272 Eastbourne on April 30, 2017. His driving record was endorsed with six points.

Callan Swadling, 27, of Walberton Green, Walberton, was discharged conditionally for six months and must pay £20 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting damaging a door frame in Bognor Regis on May 7, 2017.

Daniel Whiting, 23, of William Street, Bognor Regis, was fined £133 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting being in charge of a vehicle while over the drink-drive limit (42mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Queen Street, Arundel, on March 29, 2017. His driving record was endorsed with ten points.

Barbara Gawlik, 30, of The Croft, Bognor Regis, was fined £170 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (57mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in North Bersted Street, Bognor Regis, on August 25, 2017. She was disqualified from driving for 14 months. She also admitted driving without the correct licence, no separate penalty.

Stuart Whyman, 36, of Green Lane, Chichester, was fined £40 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting possessing 5g of cannabis in Oaklands Way, Chichester, on March 16, 2017. He was fined £80 and his driving record was endorsed with ten points after admitting being in charge of a vehicle while over the drug-driving limit (3.9 cannabis) in Oaklands Way, Chichester, on March 16, 2017. He also admitted failing to surrender to custody at Chichester Police Station on April 30, 2017, no separate penalty.

Joseph Cameron, 27, c/o Ambleside Close, Bognor Regis, was given a community order and must carry out 100 hours’ unpaid work after admitting driving a vehicle without consent in Bognor Regis. He must pay £85 victim surcharge, £85 costs. His driving record was endorsed with six points after admitting driving without insurance, no separate penalty. He also admitted driving without the correct licence, no separate penalty.

Luke Martin, 28, of Linden Road, Bognor Regis, was given a community order with programme requirement (Resolve Anger Management) and must pay £85 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting assault by beating in Chichester on August 27, 2017.

Lewis Staddon-Winslet, 20, of Victoria Road, Chichester, was given a community order and must carry out 80 hours’ unpaid work after admitting drink-driving (72mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Bosham Lane, Bosham, on August 27, 2017. He must pay £85 victim surcharge, £85 costs, and was disqualified from driving for 20 months. He also admitted failing to stop after an accident in Bosham Lane that damaged a road side and building, driving without insurance and driving without the correct licence, no separate penalties.

Kestutis Urbonas, 49, of Hazel Road, Bognor Regis, was fined £320 and must pay £32 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting driving without due care and attention in Chalcraft Lane, Bognor Regis, on May 9, 2017. His driving record was endorsed with six points.

Hayley Vickery, 25, of Upton Brooks, Barnham, was fined £120 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (42mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Crookham Road, Fleet, on July 15, 2017. She was disqualified from driving for 12 months. She also admitted driving without insurance, no separate penalty.

Residents will get a chance to have their say on whether Arundel needs an A27 bypass at a special meeting next week.

Organised by Arundel Town Council, the meeting will take place at St Nicholas’ Church in Arundel at 7pm on Monday.

The event will also feature speeches from Nick Herbert, MP for Arundel and South Downs, as well as contributions from Alan Feist of Highways England.

Also on hand will be ecology specialist Jackie Thompson.

Places are likely to be limited to a couple of hundred due to the size of the venue.

Worried you won’t get a seat or can’t make it? No problem.

This newspaper plans to broadcast the entire meeting live on Facebook, and make it available to watch again later.

Look out for the link on our Facebook pages on Monday evening.

A pay award for police officers has been branded ‘insulting’ by the chair of Sussex Police Federation.

The rank and file are set to receive a two per cent increase in 2017/18, according to an announcement made by the Home Secretary earlier this month.

However half of this is a one-year bonus, and will have to be funded from existing budgets.

In an open letter sent to Prime Minister Theresa May, police federations across England and Wales including in Sussex described how forces could not cope with any further falls in police numbers and it was a ‘disgrace’ to dress the ‘insulting’ award as a pay rise.

The letter describes how many police officers are ‘unable to cope with the mental and physical demands placed upon them by having to work in depleted environments’.

Matt Webb, chair of Sussex Police Federation, said: “Our members are angry and forces have been put in an impossible situation.

“We feel the Government has not been truthful and honest about the pay award given to officers, and that is insulting to our members and the wider public.

“The two per cent awarded, half of which only lasts for a year, has to come from existing policing budgets which means forces may have to choose between officer numbers and public safety. That cannot be right.”

The letter claims the Government has failed in a number of areas and demands answers on a range of issues, asking for more information on crime figures, police numbers, and claims of ‘extra’ officers.

Mr Webb added: “We don’t want meaningless platitudes, we want a properly funded and well-resourced police service.

“The public rightly want and expect this, which is why we have called for answers.”

Katy Bourne, Sussex’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said the Government announcement ‘goes some way to acknowledge the selfless dedication of police officers and the long period of pay restraint they have worked through’.

She added: “Whilst the pay award is modest, it does have implications for our already squeezed police budgets.

“Based on current assumptions in our medium term financial strategy, Sussex Police will still have to save £26 million over the next four years.

“That is why I - and other PCCs - have been negotiating with Government for enhanced core police grant funding, as well as asking for the removal of the current cap on the police precept element of council tax.

“The people of Sussex and our officers and staff deserve more certainty about the funding of policing so I am currently undertaking a comprehensive review of funding held in our reserves.

“This could release resources to continue investment in critical areas such as public protection and counter-terrorism capability and also to help to soften the impact of long term reductions in local policing numbers.

“As all areas of the public sector make savings and efficiencies, police have had to increasingly fill the void left behind. Around 40 per cent of calls to police are not police matters- this strain on resources also puts additional physical and mental strain on individual officers.

“I want to reassure Sussex officers and staff that I don’t see today’s announcement as the complete picture on police funding and we will have to wait for the provisional police settlement in December to see how successful we have been in securing more investment.”

Announcing the pay award, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: “The tireless work and contribution of police officers in responding to some of the most challenging situations our country has faced for a very long time has been extraordinary.

“This award strikes a fair balance for police forces, officers and taxpayers. We want to reward and attract the very best police officers within the resources we have, whilst making the right decisions for the economy overall.”

Two men have been charged with the murder of a Sussex man, police have said.

Nicholas Bridge, 18, from Loughborough Park, Brixton, London, and Daniel Omofeghare, 20, of no fixed abode, have both been charged with the murder of Anthony Williams, who was stabbed to death at a property in Park Way, Horsham, on Tuesday (September 19).

They will be appear at Brighton Magistrates Court today (September 23), said police.

A 22-year-old woman of no fixed address, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released on bail until October 17, pending further enquiries, said police.

A 30-year-old man from Broadbridge Heath, arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released with no further action.

Two other men, both from Horsham, aged 50 and 36, were arrested yesterday (September 22), on suspicion of aiding, abetting or assisting the offence, added police.

They have both been released under investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Heater said: “We are continuing to appeal to anyone with information to please come forward.”

Contact police online or by phoning 101 quoting Operation Edgewood. Alternatively visit Crimestoppers or speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The family of Sussex murder victim, Tony Williams, have paid tribute to him.

The 37-year-old was stabbed to death at a property in Park Way, Horsham, on Tuesday (September 19).

Two men have been charged with the murder. Read our other story on our website.

The family said: “Tony was an amazing father, partner, son, brother and friend. He had a heart of gold and always put others before himself.

“He was supportive, kind and caring to all he met.

“He was inquisitive about life, he always talked about new places, new ideas and ways in which he could change the world for the better.

“He was full of laughter, always smiling and full of love.

“He was popular and well known among the local community and will be sadly missed by all of us.

“His memory will always live on in his children.”

The family have asked for privacy during this distressing time.

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Heater said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Anthony Williams who have lost a son, brother and dad.

“This was a violent attack and I am encouraging anyone who has any information regarding this incident to have the courage to come forward and speak to the police.”

Police closed off a Sussex road earlier today after a report of someone with a weapon in a house.

Officers were called to an address in Vale Road, Seaford, at 10.10am today (September 23).

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Officers attended and found the property empty. The road was closed for 90 minutes while they were on scene to make sure those in the area were safe.”

Detective Superintendent Carwyn Hughes added: “We are reassuring people in the area we are doing all we can to investigate the details about what they may have seen.

“The road has now reopened and we thank all the residents for their patience.”

Eyewitness Dan Jessup said an air ambulance had landed nearby.

Anyone with more information is asked to contact police online quoting serial 459 of 23/09.

A body, believed to be that of missing Sussex man, Jamie Douglas, has been found, police have said.

The 45-year-old, from Polegate, was last seen leaving his home in Windmill Road on Thursday morning (September 21), at 6.30am and did go to work before going to a work appointment in Hove.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Although the body has not been formally identified, it is be believed to be that of Jamie.

“The body was found in woodland in Chalvington near Firle shortly after midday today (September 23).

“His next of kin have been informed and we are supporting them at this time.

“His death is not believed to be suspicious and the coroner has been informed.”

An air rifle has been found after a search at a house in Sussex, police have said.

Police closed off Vale Road in Seaford earlier today after a report of someone with a weapon in a house. Read our original story on our website.

Officers were called to the property at 10.10am.

Detective Superintendent Carwyn Hughes said: “Our officers went into the property and found a lawfully held air rifle.

“We would like to publicly thank the member of the public who phoned us with their concern. Thankfully the weapon seen was an air rifle, however we would encourage anyone who sees anything suspicious to call us.

“We’d also like to thank all the residents of Vale Road for their patience while we have been in the area.”

Nineteen coaches have been destroyed in a fire in West Sussex.

Firefighters were called to the huge blaze at the old Shoreham cement works, between the A238 and the River Adur, at 2.30am this morning (September 24), after receiving reports of buses on fire.

Six fire engines were sent to tackle the blaze, which had ripped through 23 coaches, completely destroying 19.

Four other coaches were affected by heat and two portacabins and a large workshop nearby were completley destroyed, said a fire official.

A West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Crews are still at the scene. We sent crews from Steyning and Shoreham and they arrived and found a range of coaches on fire and required further assistance.

“The fire was put out at 5.30am this morning. Fire investigation officers will be meeting with police this morning, to start an investigation.

“There has been no reports of any injuries.”

A farmer has praised the fire service who tackled a huge blaze at an old cement works in West Sussex in the early hours of this morning.

Six fire engines were sent to the blaze at the old Shoreham cement works in Upper Beeding. Read our original story on our website.

Jenny Passmore, of Church Farm in Coombes, near Lancing, said she woke up to ‘loud bangs and explosion noises’, just after 2am.

She said: “We didn’t know what it was like everybody else. Going out the house we then saw the fire.

“It was incredible – it looked like the whole of the cement works was going up.

“The whole of Coombes was awake and watching it – we knew it was buses as we heard from other people.

“My son went to see what was going on as we were concerned about the animals. Harvest was done fortunately as were were concerned about the crops too.

“It reminded my mother of the war, who is 97.”

Mrs Passmore said she was ‘amazed’ by what the fire service had done.

“I take my hats off to the fire service,” she said.

“There wasn’t even smoke this morning, it was just misty – they did a fantastic job and it must have been incredibly dangerous for them.”

Fire investigation officers were due to meet with police this morning to start an investigation.

Thousands of people gathered to see Jeremy Corbyn at a rally in Sussex last night.

The leader of the Labour Party spoke to supporters at The Level in Brighton as part of the annual Labour Party conference in the city.

The conference takes place over a number of days.

The rally is followed by a number of planned marches across the city today.

Sussex Police has been preparing for the busy weekend.

In addition to the conference, Brighton and Hove Albion’s match against Newcastle United kicks off at The Amex at 4pm today, and large crowds are anticipated throughout the day.

Superintendent Jane Derrick said: “As always, we ask that people demonstrate a certain level of personal responsibility including things like taking care of belongings, following personal safety advice and flagging any issues or suspicious behaviour to event staff or police.

“Disruption is being kept to a minimum with city centre car parks open as usual and fencing at the front of the Brighton Centre placed to enable people to walk by without having to cross the road. The only planned road closure will be the crescent in front of the Grand Hotel.

“Passes and a search will be a condition of entry to the Brighton Centre and people elsewhere may be stopped as part of the overall policing response with several fringe events planned in the city.

“You will see more officers in the area in the lead up to and throughout the conference. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Policing levels for the city and the rest of Sussex will not be affected by the operation.”

That’s what away days are all about.

The 196 Crawley fans that travelled to Barnet last Saturday were rewarded with a last minute Jimmy Smith winner that silenced the Bees.

It’s was Reds’ first win at the Hive stadium in three attempts.

Not since a Scott Davis goal at Underhill in April 2012 during our league two promotion campaign had Crawley won at Barnet.

It was about the only contribution Scott Davis made for us apart from a 25-yard screamer at Torquay.

He then famously went on to mimic us Reds fans when he left for ‘bigger club’ Oxford Utd. Sorry who do you play for now Scott? ‘Chelmsford City?’ I rest my case.

This isn’t a personal attack on Scott, far from it. A lot of average players were signed under Steve Evans’ management.

For every gem, their was a dodo. Richard Brodie has just signed for Solihull Moors for heavens’ sake!

Let’s get back to the current crop, and the class of 2017. The win at Barnet thanks to Jimmy Smith’s brace will certainly restore confidence amongst the squad and fans alike.

With two home games coming up this week Newport (Tuesday) and then Carlisle (Saturday).

By the end of the week we could be comfortably in the top half of League Two.

That’s something that looked a long way off after last week’s 1-0 defeat to leaders Notts County.

Football fans and newspaper columnists can be a fickle bunch and us Reds fans are no different.

But what myself and the other loyal Reds would like to see is an increase in numbers and noise on the terraces both home and away.

I know I preach this most weeks, but at the end of the day your town needs you!

It took the club 115 years to make it into the Football League. I for one am not ready to give it up just yet. Come on you Reds!

A West Sussex town had a surprise visit from Jeremy Corbyn yesterday.

The leader of the Labour Party was in Worthing as part of a number of visits along the coast.

Labour councillor Dr Beccy Cooper was left ‘delighted’ after a surprise visit.

They met up at the social enterprise café, Baked, in Rowlands Road.

He had come from spending time in Mash Barn where he’d been helping Labour candidate Lee Cowen who is standing for Labour in a by-election for Adur Council on October 5.

Councillor Cooper said: “I knew a front bench minister was coming, but for security reasons I wasn’t told it was Mr Corbyn until a few minutes before he arrived,

“I was delighted to hear that he knew all about our Marine Ward by-election victory and the fact that I was the first Labour councillor in Worthing for over 40 years,

“But he got even more excited when I told him Labour is very confident about winning more seats on the council next year.

“He pledged to come down to Worthing again to help in our campaign. That’s something we’ll definitely be holding him to.”

“But we didn’t just talk about politics, Over a cup of tea we talked about family things, my work in public health education and we even talked about his famous allotment.”

Mr Corbyn said he was confident Labour would win the by-election and would follow that up with Labour MPs being elected in the area in the next General Election, added councillor Cooper.

Montezuma’s has completed a fun-filled week of charity events for customers and employees to raise money for Children on the Edge.

The Chichester based charity works to restore the ingredients of a full childhood to forgotten children, living on the edge of their societies. Fundraising activities included online donations, in-store competitions and a packed week of activities for the team at Chocolate Towers, Montezuma’s HQ. As well as all money raised, Montezuma’s will be donating its profits made during the charity week to Children on the Edge.

Throughout the week Montezuma’s encouraged customers to get involved in its stores in Chichester, Winchester, Woking, Kingston, Brighton and Spitalfields with a range of competitions including Guess the Mystery flavour. Back at HQ, Montezuma’s staff took part in a jumble sale, bingo, cake sales, an auction of promises and a sports day.

Children on the Edge has been Montezuma’s chosen charity for over ten years and Helen Pattinson, Montezuma’s co-founder, has just been appointed a trustee to help with the ongoing operations of the business.

Helen Pattinson said: “Our annual charity week is an important time in the Montezuma’s year. We are proud and privileged to work so closely with Children on the Edge, and all our teams and customers love getting involved to raise as much money as possible. The Auction of Promises at HQ was a keenly fought battle with promises such as tarot reading, trips in a RIB on the Solent and an hour of pug love! We’re also pleased to have decided that this year, all business profits made during the week are being donated alongside our other fundraising efforts.”

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