Protected status for Rookwood

I am speechless as to how HDC can claim to be following Government initiatives and directives regarding re-wilding and protecting the local wildlife and habitat through their various documents and statements, whilst continuing to plan to destroy one of the best wildlife and leisure areas close to Horsham, namely Rookwood.

In addition, the articles trying to discredit the viability of the golf course reminds me of how Jonathan Chowen and HDC colleagues commissioned a report by a private company with the intention of justifying why they had no intention of replacing the original BBH Sports Centre.

Fortunately, the outcry of public opinion won in the end, as HDC had to admit that they had not looked forward to assess the need and demand for future sports facilities.

Now HDC are again looking at putting housing on the BBH Running Track.

This facility is closely linked to the Bridge Leisure Centre, hence there is efficient use of personnel across both facilities, it is close to the school, has great car parking facilities and almost certainly would not be replaced if it goes.

I have no doubt that public opinion is that the running track is needed.

It is a great asset for the young community in particular and athletics would be badly affected in the Horsham area if it was built on.

The track is accessible by the youngsters on foot, which would be an unlikely outcome of any new track. Another point on this is that the MOD left the whole area (including where Tesco now stands), for the people of Horsham to enjoy as a sport and leisure area.

As with the town hall, HDC continue to ignore the covenants and have attempted to squeeze and squeeze the sport and leisure activity portfolio with no thought of future requirements for the next 30 years.

Although the province of WSCC, but similar by example, once the school sports fields are built on, they are gone, there is no chance of return…and then we wonder why teenagers can be so troublesome! Short-sighted planning once again!

Some HDC councillors that have direct responsibility for many of these things are not being transparent, even with their fellow councillors on occasions, and Rookwood is one example of this, where plans were being made in 2015, but not discussed openly until 2020, after £150,000 or more had been spent.

Public opinion seems to have little influence on the decision making, yet the members are there to serve the public and listen to and respond to local concerns.

I wonder how this can be changed with the voting system as it is and the total lack of representation for Horsham town on HDC Cabinet.

I am not politically motivated, but just want to see the people of Horsham and our town area better protected from this poor, undemocratic, decision making.

Somehow Rookwood needs to get protected status. Our garden backs onto the Riverside Walk and we see first-hand what a wildlife haven this entire Rookwood area is. Are there any ideas on protection status for Rookwood, anyone? BOBGRANGER Cootes Avenue,

Horsham