I am sure everyone in East Worthing & Shoreham will unite in support of the people of Ukraine facing the wholly unjustifiable aggression of Russian forces under the deranged dictator Putin. The courage of the Ukrainians has been truly inspirational, and many people have asked what they can do to help. We also have a small community of Ukrainian citizens in Shoreham and Worthing who I am working with to help family members fleeing their homes.
This is obviously a fast-moving situation with implications for all of us in the West. I will be posting advice to people needing help or wanting to help on my website as things become clearer.
Whilst anything else seems to pale into insignificance aside the horrors faced by Ukraine there was one piece of good news locally following on from my write up last week about the campaign to save Chesham House in Lancing. Such has been the force of the strength of the local community to news that this much-loved facility was to close (240 people signed up to the Facebook group in the first 24 hours alone) that the RVS has put the plans on hold.
This is only the first stage, and it is good that the RVS have acknowledged that their proposals which came out of the blue had not been thought through and they need instead to work with the local community to find solutions. I look forward now to sitting down with senior RVS management to look at alternatives that would keep the building open or at the very least make sure that the much-used services continue to be available for local people.
Congratulations to Councillor Steve Chipp and local traders who organised the appeal for the new defibrillator unveiled on Saturday outside the Beer Engine in Southwick Square. This is a great addition as more and more of Adur is covered by these life saving devices. Remember, Councillor Tania Edwards is also organising an appeal for up to 3 more defibrillators to be located across neighbouring Southlands ward and you can find more details on Just Giving Caring 4 Hearts.
