Rookwood and wellbeing

My wife and I have just returned from one of our lovely daily walks in the countryside close to where we live and we appreciate just what a big part that plays in maintaining our physical and mental wellbeing – but I am also so happy at having been able to play golf at Rookwood again since the end of March.

However it is during such walks that I have realised just how many golf clubs have been lost to the west of Horsham in the last twenty years.

Recently we walked through Wildwood, which is now a sea of earth mounds and restrictive plastic barrier fencing. Other walks have taken us close to Foxbridge and also Shillinglee: two more that have been lost to the people of this area.

It reminds me that even for those living beyond the district boundary, Horsham as a town plays a major role in providing much needed amenities. Whilst HDC has no duty to provide amenities for residents, like me, from outside their district they do benefit economically from these people who use Horsham as their economic and social hub.

Surely Horsham wants as many people as possible to come in to the town to enjoy the Capitol Cinema and Theatre, The Bridge Leisure Centre and, of course, all the restaurants, cafes, bars and shops that make up the town centre.

Just like Rookwood these amenities are open to all and Horsham, as our local town, needs them to thrive.

The term ‘wellbeing’ is absolutely central to the argument for keeping Rookwood open as a golf course.

HDC has a responsibility primarily to those who live within their boundaries but I believe that a town also has a duty to provide amenities for country folk; just as the countryside outside of HDC welcomes people to enjoy its pleasures. Wouldn’t so many people living in the built-up area of Horsham be upset if WSCC decided to close footpaths in the surrounding countryside?

People come before profit, their wellbeing is vital, and Rookwood provides that in abundance.

JOHN PHILPOTT The Drive, Ifold