Protect the Park

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Protect the Park

Protecting Horsham Park for future generations

We launched a campaign asking local election candidates to pledge their support for our green spaces. We asked them to pledge to work with us to protect Horsham Park in perpetuity.
 
As a group Friends of Horsham Park does not have any political affiliations but we are keen to make sure that those who do have political aims make it clear where they stand regarding protection for the park. Our aim is to work together with the new administration to protect the park for future generations.
 
 
 
We would like to congratulate Horsham Lib Dems on winning overall control of Horsham District Council. We are now looking forward to working with both them and other successful elected councillors who signed up to our pledge to protect Horsham Park in perpetuity.
 

Why were we asking for local election candidates to pledge to protect Horsham Park?

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The Friends of Horsham Park aim to work with the newly elected administration to protect Horsham Park in perpetuity.

We were disappointed that on 3 November 2022,  an informal cabinet meeting decided against using the Fields in Trust ‘Deed of Declaration’ scheme to protect the Horsham Park.  This is widely used across the country to protect large green spaces such as Horsham park and we think it is the best vehicle to protect the park for recreational use only.  Following a FOI request, we have discovered that there was a complete misunderstanding of the scheme and the objections raised are unfounded.  We have also found that the existing covenants do not protect the whole park.

We asked candidates to pledge that they will work with us in seeking the best legal vehicle for protecting the park in perpetuity and will also support our local green spaces. 

This comment from Helen Griffiths, chief executive of Fields in Trust, summarises the need to protect the Park:

“Parks are where we all make life-long memories, and we all have memories of our local parks.  We can all play our part to make sure local green spaces remain a healthy part of the local environment contributing to our wellbeing, our community connections and mitigating the impact of climate change.   

“It might surprise people to know that although parks are probably the most universal of our public services, they are not a statutory local government service, so are not seen as vital or as something to be protected.  This is something we at Fields and Trust are trying to change because once green spaces are lost, they are lost forever. “

Ahead of the local elections in May, we asked all candidates to pledge their support for Horsham Park and other green spaces in Horsham District, using the Fields in Trust pledge as a guideline:  https://www.fieldsintrust.org/pledge.

We contacted the main political parties who have candidates planning to stand in the Horsham District local elections on 4th May, those being the Conservative, Green, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties and asked for their candidates to sign up to our pledge.  

The candidates/parties below pledged to:

  • Seek to protect Horsham Park in perpetuity 
  • Value Horsham’s parks and green spaces for their vital contribution to residents’ physical and mental wellbeing.According to research by Fields in Trust, parks and green spaces generate £34.2 billion worth of physical and mental health benefits each year.
  • Champion the important public service parks and green spaces provide locally
  • Advocate for policies that safeguard parks and green spaces
  • Encourage sufficient and equitable provision of parks and green spaces for all
  • Support community volunteers in our Park and other green spaces

Horsham Labour Party confirmed their support to the above pledge and the commitment is contained within their manifesto.  Additionally some Labour Party candidates listed below have also provided their individual support with some additional supporting comments.  Visit their website https://www.horsham-labour.org.uk/

“Friends of Horsham Park, this is a great initiative, many of our candidates have already signed the pledge, please follow link in main post to see what Labour candidates are saying. As I mentioned to Sally Sanderson, chair of the Friends , it is one of our key manifesto commitments to protect the park in perpetuity. This is our pledge in full. ‘I would like to confirm that every Labour candidate pledges their support for creating Fields in Trust status as we have made this a manifesto commitment.
We deliberately launched our local election campaign in Horsham Park as we wanted to make a very public statement of our commitment to this vitally important green space in the centre of our town.
You may be interested to learn that many of our members, are also Friends of Horsham Park and a many of us volunteer for the Friends in a number of capacities.”
 

Horsham Liberal Democrat Party confirmed their support to our pledge for all of their candidates standing in the upcoming local election.  

“The Horsham Liberal Democrat Party is fully behind protecting Horsham Park in perpetuity as the heart of life in Horsham and an essential green space, and have already written to the Friends of Horsham Park voicing our support.
As one of only two local parties to have represented Horsham town constituents for decades, we have worked tirelessly to see Horsham Park protected, and its numerous leisure amenities and facilities enhanced – whilst the Conservatives have preferred to keep their options open for future development opportunities.
It goes without saying Horsham Lib Dems and our growing number of Horsham District Councillors will continue to support Horsham Park on behalf of all of Horsham’s residents.”

 

Horsham Green Party confirmed their support to our pledge for all of their candidates standing in the upcoming local election. 

“OF COURSE the Green Party candidates all fully support the Pledge to protect Horsham Park in perpetuity, along with as much public green space as possible throughout the whole District! 

Many Green councillors and candidates already work with volunteer groups in their own parishes supporting diverse projects such as placing swift boxes, creating wildflower meadows and campaigning to protect green fields from inappropriate development.

Some of us already work closely with the HDC’s Wilder Horsham District project aiming to link nature corridors across the entire District and Horsham Park clearly plays a big role for the town in this, as well as being a haven for the human species too.

The Green candidates get the bigger picture around the climate and ecological emergency legislation yet also know the importance of getting down to practical work alongside the other wonderful volunteers we are so lucky to have here.

The economic benefits of green space are also well understood (see the government’s Das Gupta Report of Feb 2021) so there’s NO EXCUSE for anyone not to support keeping Horsham Park beautiful FOR EVER!”

 

Although not signing up to the pledge, here is a comment from  Roger Noel, elected Conservative councillor and former Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture which covered Parks and Greenspaces:

“As you are aware, I cannot possibly make any comment under pre-election rules on the Park’s future within the Fields in Trust framework, but I can assure you that this will very much be on my radar after the election, irrespective of where I eventually end up, inside or outside the new administration!”

 

In additional to any Party support, some individual candidates who were standing also pledged:

Candidate Party Ward
Chris Henson Labour Billingshurst Ward
Jonathan Austin Labour Billingshurst Ward
Samantha Bateman Liberal Democrats Billingshurst Ward
Trishna Julha Labour Billingshurst Ward
James Brookes Liberal Democrats Broadbridge Heath
Jonathan Taylor Liberal Democrats Broadbridge Heath
Clive Trott Liberal Democrats Denne Ward
Hilary Key Labour Denne Ward
John Milne Liberal Democrats Denne Ward
Matthew Verrall Labour Denne Ward
Ruth Fletcher Liberal Democrats Denne Ward
Colin Minto Liberal Democrats Forest
David Skipp Liberal Democrats Forest
Jon Olson Liberal Democrats Forest
Carol Hayton Labour Forest Ward
David Hide Labour Forest Ward
Gerard Kavanagh Labour Forest Ward
Chris Franke Liberal Democrats Holbrook East Ward
Florian Yeates Green Holbrook East Ward
Nick Grant Liberal Democrats Holbrook East Ward
Nigel Emery Liberal Democrats Holbrook East Ward
Warwick Hellawell Liberal Democrats Holbrook East Ward
Ray Chapman Labour Holbrook West Ward
Ros Shiel Labour Holbrook West Ward
Hazel Lamb 
 Labour
Nuthurst & Lower Beeding Ward 
Morag Warrack Green
Pulborough, Coldwaltham & Amberley Ward 
Kyle Wickens
 Labour Roffey North
Ian Nichol Green Roffey North Ward
Jay Mercer Liberal Democrats Roffey South Ward
Sam Raby Liberal Democrats Roffey South Ward
Sara Loewenthal Labour Roffey South Ward
Jill Clarke Labour Southwater North
Diane Burstow Labour Southwater South & Shipley
Adam Key Labour Trafalgar
Joanne Kavanagh Labour Trafalgar
Martin Boffey Liberal Democrats Trafalgar
Tony Frankland Liberal Democrats Trafalgar
 

Additional comments received from some of these candidates can also be viewed here

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“As someone who has grown up in Horsham. It’s excellent that horsham has such a great space open, accessible and welcoming to everyone from all walks of life.

As a green Party Candidate for Holbrook East I pledge to protect Horsham Park in perpetuity, as it is vital we protect the green open spaces.” Florian Yeates, Green Party, Holbrook East Ward

 

“As one of the Labour candidates for Roffey South, I view Horsham Park as one of our jewels in the town and there’s no question that it should be protected in perpetuity. I spent many days during the first lockdown in 2020 walking through the park to enjoy some small moments of peace and a semblance of normality during difficult times when I wasn’t working. I pledge to protect the park if elected as I do already as a “Friend” of Horsham Park. The Fields in Trust initiative must be adopted for this important local space that gives so much pleasure.” Sara Loewenthal, Labour, Roffey South Ward

“The government has created a rule that councils must always seek to obtain ‘best value’ for any public asset. It’s had disastrous consequences, leading to a relentless sell-off of public land. For example, WSCC is still trying its hardest to concrete over Muggeridge Field at Chesworth. We must do whatever we can to ensure that Horsham Park doesn’t meet the same fate.’” John Milne, Liberal Democrats, Denne Ward

 

“We must protect Horsham Park. As the town has grown, it has become even more important for relaxation, recreation, fitness and nature. Accessible and free, it has something for everyone whether for few minutes’ break or a full day out.” Ruth Fletcher, Liberal Democrats, Denne Ward

 

“I do pledge to protect Horsham Park in perpetuity. My son played football there. The family often played/sat around in the park over the 23 years we have lived here. I believe I am still on your mailing list as a supporter! I believe in the protection of all public green spaces but I am particularly annoyed that the council refuses to use the Fields in Trust ‘Deed of Declaration’ scheme to protect Horsham Park.“ Gerald Kavanagh, Labour, Forest Ward

 

“As one of the Labour candidates in Trafalgar Ward, I am more than happy to pledge to support the preservation of Horsham Park in perpetuity including by gaining Fields in Trust status for it. I grew up playing and socialising in Horsham Park. I did my cub scout map reading badge there – not very well! I taught my sons to ride bicycles in the Park and I walk through it to and from the railway station most weekdays during the lighter months. It is a beautiful space and hugely important to so many in the town.  If elected as a Labour councillor for Trafalgar I will vote in favour of a motion to create Fields in Trust status for the Park and if no motion is forthcoming within six months of the elections I will propose such a motion.” Adam Key, Labour, Trafalgar

 

“My personal pledge is unequivocal. I want to see our park protected from unwanted development in perpetuity so that we are confident that future generations can continue to enjoy our beautiful park in the centre of town. 

I believe that the best way to achieve this is through Fields in Trust Status. If elected as the Labour councillor for Forest I will vote in favour of a motion to create Fields in Trust status and if no motion is forthcoming within six months of the elections I will propose such a motion.” David Hide, Labour, Forest Ward

 

“I believe Horsham Park is one the best parts of Horsham. Is good for nature  & wildlife with the pond gardens and trees.  There is something for all  in park, with play park, skate park, pond, gardens and plenty green spaces for playing football etc.  I think I read some where that somewhere Horsham park was left to the people of Horsham for the community use from old family who use to old the old house at north street end of the park. Is vital green space in the Centre of town for everyone in the community to use and Enjoy.  I personally believe that best way of protecting  park form any future development and preserving it future generations like my 9 year old daughter is making a Horsham Park a Fields in Trust status.

If If elected as the Labour councillor for Denne I will vote in favour of a motion to create Fields in Trust status and if no motion is forthcoming within six months of the elections I will propose such a motion.” Matthew Verrall, Labour, Denne Ward

 

“It is with great pleasure that I pledge to support and indeed promote the measures proposed by the Friends of Horsham Park, should I be elected as the Labour councillor for Holbrook West. Our beautiful park is an invaluable community asset and should be protected as such for the enjoyment of current users and future generations.  It is clear that Fields in Trust status is the best way to protect the park from unwanted development, in perpetuity, and I would certainly want to see this route pursued as soon as possible”  Ros Shiel, Labour, Holdbrook West Ward

 

“I am standing as a Labour Party candidate in Forest in this year’s local election. I am a volunteer gardener and for 11 years have been part of the team that maintains the North Street Ribbon Borders at the entrance to our park.

I fully support the campaign to protect our park from future development. I believe that this vital public greenspace should be enjoyed by future generations and I am convinced that the best way to protect our park in perpetuity is by delivering fields in trust status. If elected as a Labour councillor for Forest I commit to working with the Friends to achieve this.” Carol Hayton, Labour, Forest Ward

 

“As a Labour candidate for Southwater in the council elections, I pledge to support the preservation of Horsham Park in perpetuity with a Fields in Trust status. 

I was born and raised in Horsham and have made regular use of the park with my family throughout my life.  I even remember swimming in the pool when it was an outdoor lido. It was a lifeline during the Covid restrictions when we were able to meet a friend in the open air. 

Community open spaces are vital for everyone.” Diane Burstow, Labour, Southwater South & Shipley

 

“Hello, I am standing as a prospective Labour Councillor for Trafalgar Ward in the forthcoming Horsham DC elections. I have lived opposite Horsham Park for over 20 years and visit it regularly as have my children and now my grandson who greatly enjoys the toddlers’ playground. 

I am very keen that we protect it as a public green space. 

I have read the Pledge to Protect Horsham Park and am committed to the principles it sets out and if elected as a Councillor, pledge my active support to them.”  Joanne Kavanagh, Labour, Trafalgar

 

“Hello, I am standing as a prospective Labour Councillor for Trafalgar Ward in the forthcoming Horsham DC elections. I have lived opposite Horsham Park for over 20 years and visit it regularly as have my children and now my grandson who greatly enjoys the toddlers’ playground.  I am very keen that we protect it as a public green space. 

I have read the Pledge to Protect Horsham Park and am committed to the principles it sets out and if elected as a Councillor, pledge my active support to them. “ Jonathan Austin, Labour, Trafalgar

There is more information on the research by Fields in Trust on the benefits green spaces provide on their website.

Key Documents & Useful Links

Copy of our Pledge Document

https://www.fieldsintrust.org

https://www.fieldsintrust.org/pledge

 

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