IAN HART: Don't underestimate a sense of civic pride

As a local businessman, I know how much hard work and organisation goes into the event. We are extremely fortunate to have had the hardcore committee for well over a decade and, frankly, without them I doubt the event would ever get off the ground.

Obviously the big yellow thing in the sky helped but the massed crowds, right across the age demographic, packing the Green for most of the day was a sight to behold. It was more of the same in the evening, with the action moving south to Steyne Gardens for the annual More (formerly Splash FM) Garden Party.

Three excellent local acts, Synthony 101, Violet and Murdoch’s Crazy Eyes kicked off proceedings before a Michael Jackson tribute act topped the bill.

I do find it almost bizarre that in the wake of Jimmy Savile that while there’s no doubt Jacko was extremely talented, some of the more sinister aspects of his life have been all-but airbrushed out.

Anyway I digress. It was a great night. I’m already looking forward to next year, and would humbly suggest that More look at upping the ante and getting the Bootleg Beatles. Both events highlighted the positives of the town and there was a real case of civic pride. For all its faults, the overwhelming majority of local people love living in Worthing.

Also testament to this was the public meeting at Worthing College over the latest proposals to the A27. With 700 people inside for the meeting and an estimated additional 300 outside, it’s clear this issue is a real hot potato. The planned widening of the Upper Brighton, Warren and Arundel roads into full scale dual carriageways make no real sense to me whatsoever.

Anyone with a modicum of intelligence can see that the only real solution is to do what they did to the east of the county and start at the back of the former Sussex Pad and go round the back of the downs then link back up with the A27 before reaching Arundel.

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