Why not buy Bosham?

I read Louise Goldsmith’s piece about the sale of Bosham with mixed feelings.

I absolutely agree Bosham should never be seen as simply a source of income and it is indeed ‘a critical environmental area’ and a ‘very, very special place’. My problem with this is the treatment of the whole of the rest of West Sussex and Chichester by Chichester District Council and West Sussex County Council.

Much as Bosham is important, it sadly does not seem to be a priority to save our beautiful countryside as it is apparently absolutely fine to cover the area in houses no matter what.

Infrastructure? Whatever. Road capacity? Oops – but how about a motorway across Goodwood? Full schools? Mmmm. One hospital? Don’t get ill. And then there’s the damning report on child services. And the other one on the fire service. And the fact that the council(s) are judged as not working hard enough. Oh, and the £28million cuts/savings that have to happen. Bosham is up for sale for £6million. Instead of weeping and wailing, do something. Chislehurst in Kent bought their common so it will remain a common. Buy Bosham and in 15 years you’ll get your money back from mooring fees (15x£400000). Start crowd-funding. Sell shares for £10 each so it belongs to the community. Just do something.

The councils are busy building a legacy of concrete that nobody likes or wants, but this would be a real legacy for future generations, something to be proud of. Each councillor could start by giving a month’s salary. Lead by example. So Mrs Goldsmith are you going to rise to the challenge? I’m quite prepared to put my money where my mouth is. BRIDGET STAP Godwin Way, Fishbourne