CRAWLEY is still hearing the shock news that local footballing legend Alan Wormull has died.

His passing was a shocking discovery for his son Simon on Saturday.The town’s sporting community this week paid heartfelt tributes.

Three Bridges manager Paul Faili said: “It’s absolutely devastating news. His son Simon played for Three Bridges last season so I saw a lot of him and knew him for the last 15 years.

“He was always good for a chat and was a massive influence.

“He kept a keen interest in local football and I offer my deepest condolences to his family.

Ali Rennie said: “Alan was a nice fellow and was always a font of knowledge. I liked the way his sides played.”

Observer photographer Jon Rigby said: “Alan will be sadly missed because his for his knowledge and enthusiasm for the game was immeasurable.

“He was a true inpiration to all in football, especially the youngsters and I’m proud to have known him.

“Our thoughts are with Simon and his family.”

Geoff Thornton said: “It’s a very sad loss and I certainly thought he was a lovely bloke.”

Farewell dear Alan page 54

THREE BRIDGES have lost the services of their explosive Pakistani all-rounder Hisam Ul-Haq who has joined local rivals Horsham

The big-hitting top or middle order batsman and right arm fast bowler was Bridges’ stand-out performer in an otherwise miserable season which saw them finish bottom of the table and relegated.

Ul-Haq, 21, from Southgate, was both the leading wicket-taker for the first team with 28 wickets and top batsman with 776 runs from 22 games.

Bridges captain Danny Alderman was not happy his star player had not told him himself he was leaving and the news was not confirmed until the Crawley Times informed him.

He said: “It is news to me he has departed and we wish him well.

The Premier League is probably where he needs to be although up to today we were building our plans around him for next season’s promotion campaign.

“He is a quality cricketer and will be very difficult to replace.”

Horsham beat off a number of other interested Sussex Premier clubs to snap up the talented Pakistani, and captain Craig Gallagher was delighted with the coup.

He said: “We’ve just sent-off registration to the league after Hisam emailed us yesterday (Wednesday) to say he was very happy to join Horsham.

“I know he had been approached by a few other clubs, including Roffey and some others so we’re glad to get him here.”

“He was Bridges top wicket-taker and their player of the year so he’s a top or middle order batsman and a very good bowler as well so it’s a great signing for the team.”

]]> 1.3549450 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:08:37 +0000 http://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/evans_wary_of_morecambe_threat_1_3549249

STEVE Evans says his Crawley side have ‘to deliver’ during a crunch run of games, starting tonight at home to Morecambe.

The Reds are likely to field a much changed side to one which lost 6-0 to the Shrimpers in September, and while Evans expects the personnel to be completely different on the pitch, he is wary about coming unstuck against a Morecambe side who have won seven games on the road. Crawley go to fellow promotion chasers Shrewsbury on Monday, before hosting a Torquay side who have been on a terrific run in recent weeks, and another Monday night trip, this time to Southend, another of the title contenders.

“We are a different team from that game, Morecambe are a different team.

“I watched them at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday and they played extremely well. They have got a great away record in League 2 and always do well against the better teams.

“Jim (Morecambe manager Bentley) is a good young manager and I have got a lot of time for him. We have a period in front of us, we need to deliver. We are still the big scalp, hence being on television away, the cameras want to see us beat.”

A CARE HOME which closed after residents were found to be at risk of serious neglect is to reopen under new management.

Orchid View in Copthrone will be bought and reopened by Care UK in the summer.

The home was plunged into crisis in October 2011 when three former staff members were arrested on suspicion of ill-treatment and neglect.

It was closed by owner Southern Cross.

According to a subsequent Care Quality Commission (CQC) report, vulnerable residents with dementia were at risk of serious neglect, patients’ dignity was not maintained and major concerns were raised over management of medicine.

Richard Pearman, director of business development at Care UK, said: “This empty building has the potential to be a really fantastic, high-quality home providing compassionate care for older people including those living with dementia.

“We won’t be reopening until the summer because we are absolutely committed to recruiting and training the finest team to deliver the high quality care that we are known for.”

OUR young people are our future. I don’t say that as a vague platitude or as the father of young children but in a very practical sense.

They are tomorrow’s doctors, nurses, construction workers, teachers, retail workers and so on.

Or rather they have the potential to be.

Parliamentary arguments over the economy can often seem a bit detached and fuelled by political point scoring but they have very real consequences.

We are facing a crisis of youth unemployment. The latest figures make for grim reading and show there are now over one million young people out of work – that means nearly one in four 18-24 year olds is unemployed; the highest number since records began. That is a disaster for our young people and a disaster for the future of Britain.

Worse, it now appears that unemployment is becoming entrenched. The number of young people claiming JSA for over six months is rocketing:

In East Sussex the figure has jumped 92 per cent in the last year.

In West Sussex there has been a 48 per cent increase in long term claimants.

Spending so long on the dole at a young age can have life-long consequences. Far too many skilled youngsters are being left frustrated and idle because the jobs they want simply don’t exist.

We often hear Conservative Ministers blaming unemployment on laziness or scrounging, but the truth is that in some of these places there are up to 20 JSA claimants per vacancy at the job centre!

This is a jobs crisis not one of apathy.

The Government is creating a jobless generation, with more young people out of work than ever before. It is painfully clear that the Government’s welfare to work programmes are not doing the job and the time for dithering is over – Ministers must act now before a generation is left scarred by their mistakes.

As part of Labour’s five point plan for jobs I want to see a £2billion bankers’ bonus tax with the proceeds invested in up to 100,000 jobs for young people and a tax break for small firms taking on new employees.

We need to get the economy going again and we need to protect our young people from the blight of unemployment.

If you want to get in touch just email me at {mailto:southeast@peterskinnermep.eu|southeast@peterskinnermep.eu|southeast@peterskinnermep.eu}

And don’t forget you can learn more on my website {http://www.peterskinnermep.eu/|www.peterskinnermep.eu|www.peterskinnermep.eu} and you can follow me on Twitter (@PWSkinnerMEP) and Facebook (Peter Skinner MEP).

PETER SKINNER

Member of the European Parliament for the South East Region

]]> 1.3548919 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:20:51 +0000 http://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/find_it_and_qype_take_down_thousands_of_fake_reviews_1_3548778

Find It, powered by Qype, Europe’s leading consumer reviews site, has cut thousands of misleading or malicious reviews from its 13.5 million online listings.

Taking a tough stance on third parties who abuse online reviews, Find It and Qype have taken down over 2,000 fake reviews in the last month. Around three per cent of new reviews have been deleted since the partnership declared war on unethical listings.

With a new review appearing every 30 seconds on everything from hostels and tourist attractions to hairdressers and minicab companies, Find It and Qype have implemented a continuous campaign to keep the directory clean and ensure all business listings and reviews for the Crawley district are accurate and fair.

Find It, powered by Qype, is committed to stopping people who use its listings for financial gain, and aims to stamp out biased or unreliable reviews.

“Find It is the number one source for trusted local reviews and listings, and working with Qype we want to ensure every single listing is independent and impartial,” Andy Prior, Digital Product Manager at Johnston Press.

Find it, powered by Qype, gives you immediate access to over two million independent reviews on everything from quirky cafés and clubs to plumbers and primary schools. Covering 166,000 locations worldwide, including thousands of real reviews on the best places to go in the Crawley district, Find it powered by Qype is an indispensable guide for locals, at home or away.

Find businesses listed in your local area at www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/findit

WITH West Sussex now officially in a state of drought, a decision by the county council will help with the problem.

It’s joined the Aquafund Shared Saving Scheme, which will help to save water and reduce the bill for what is used.

Plus it will help a charity.

Cabinet Member Michael Brown, who is in charge of the West Sussex purse strings, says he’s delighted that over five years it’s a significant saving.

He chats to Chris Rider, the county council’s broadcast media relations manager.

BRIDGES lost a pulsating RUR Cup semi-final 3-2 at the hands of County League leaders Rye thanks to a late winner from Sean Kelly, but both sides came out with a lot of credit despite being without key players through a combination of suspensions, injuries and holidays.

The game had an explosive start with both teams scoring within the first four minutes.

James Grant appealed in vain for a throw-in as the ever dangerous Liam Upton broke away on the right after two minutes, waltzed across the face of the goal and then laid the ball into the path of Wes Tait to give Rye the early advantage.

But Lee Carney cancelled that lead out from the penalty spot after Abu Touray had been clipped on the back of the heel by Ben Radley.

Charlie Cooke, Elliott Romain and Tim Rivers all came close to putting Bridges in front, but finally after 28 minutes the excellent Carney won possession, drifted wide right and then delivered the perfect low cross for Touray to slam in.

Rye were level again within six minutes when Upton got the better of Cooke, the only player cautioned all evening by an excellent referee, and shot across goal into the far corner of the net.

Bridges’ keeper Simon Lehkyj had to leave the action at half time after he’d injured his shoulder in a fall, but it was Rye keeper Josh Pelling who was the busier of the keepers as the second half unfolded.

Excellent play by Grant ended with Marlon Maxwell being denied by a last ditch tackle, while Touray and Carney combined to set up Tim Rivers, who was denied by the post!

Rob Woodward had to make some timely interceptions as Rye threatened again, and there was a good shout for a penalty turned down as Bridges’ defence had to show its mettle.

But a poor clearance five minutes from time gave Kelly the chance to hit a speculative 25-yard lob that beat Woodward all ends up, and Bridges will left to rue what might have been.

]]> 1.3548221 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:03:45 +0000 http://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/arsonist_sets_fire_to_wheelie_bin_1_3548134

FIREFIGHTERS were called to Broadfield last night (Tuesday February 21) after an arsonist set fire to a wheelie bin.

A crew was on site at Heather Walk from 11.30pm to 11.50pm.

]]> 1.3548134 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:40:21 +0000 http://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/reds_keeper_shearer_does_not_need_surgery_1_3546200

REDS goalkeeper Scott Shearer will not need surgery on his knee injury, but expects to miss the rest of the season.

It was feared Shearer would have to go under the knife after an MRI scan last Wednesday revealed cruciate ligament damage sustained in the 4-2 win against Cheltenham two weeks ago. But now the 31-year-old former Coventry and Wrexham shot-stopper has spoken to a consultant, he does not need to undergo surgery.

“I don’t need surgery and that’s a massive boost for me,” Shearer said.

“The specialist told me it was a bad injury but it was the best possible bad injury as there is no damage inside the knee. It’s still going to finish me for the rest of the season, but I will be ready and fit for the start of next season.

“Having an operation is the last thing I wanted, you never know how long you will be out if you go under the knife. At least this way it will heal naturally. It’s quite a common injury for a goalkeeper to get; Chris Kirkland and David James have had the same injury, they have come back and are strong. It is all positive.”

Shearer suffered the injury when he collided with Cheltenham striker Jermaine McGlashan, he was on the bench for last week’s trip to Swindon, but after the scan revealed the extent of the damage - on his birthday - was forced to watch Sunday’s FA Cup Fifth Round tie against Stoke City from the stands.

Shearer added: “It was very difficult watching the match on Sunday, but that’s the sort of thing which happens, you have to take it and you always want to support the others.”

Manager Steve Evans acted swiftly to replace Shearer, bringing in Watford stopper Rene Gilmartin on-loan, initially for a month. Republic of Ireland under-21 international Gilmartin, 26, has been on-loan perviously at League 1 Yeovil this season, and rejected the advances of another league 1 club to the come to the Broadfield Stadium. He made his Crawley debut against Stoke.

Shearer added: “He is Championship quality and you can see he will be good enough.”

]]> 1.3546200 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:29:38 +0000 http://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/win_tickets_to_imax_gala_film_screening_of_john_carter_1_3544102

THE IMAX Experience® is coming to Crawley Cineworld next month.

This cutting-edge cinematic experience will provide even more enjoyment for major block-buster films.

A special gala screening of the amazing sc-fi drama John Carter is being held on Thursday March 8 and we have teamed up with Cineworld Crawley for an amazing prize.

We have five pairs of tickets for the gala to be won.

These will be issued via e-tickets so they will be emailed to you if you are one of our winners.

To take part just email an answer to the question below, adding your name, address and an email address (if different to the one you’re sending from) to {mailto:steve.payne@sussexnewspapers.co.uk|steve.payne@sussexnewspapers.co.uk|steve.payne@sussexnewspapers.co.uk}.

The closing date is noon on on Monday February 27.

The IMAX experience offers an’ immersive cinematic experience’ with digital surround sound, custom designed auditoriums and sharper images.

Cineworld said: “IMAX offers cinemagoers the most immersive cinematic experience.

“With ground-breaking digital projection, cutting edge audio technology and one of the largest screens around, the IMAX Experience® will allow Cineworld’s film fans to enjoy the biggest blockbusters like never before.

“Cineworld Crawley is proud to announce that we shall be opening an IMAX screen from Friday March 9. Launching with Disney’s John Carter Carter in IMAX 3D, we shall be screening other IMAX releases such as The Avengers, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Dark Knight Rises, The Hobbit and many others throughout 2012 and beyond.”

John Carter stars Taylor Kitsch as a American Civil War veteran who is transplanted to Mars, a planet inhabited by 12-foot tall barbarians.

Finding himself a prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter a princess who is in desperate need of a savior.

With all manner of amazing creatures and settings, this will be an amazing experience in IMAX.

Winners will each receive a pair of tickets to the gala screening on March 9 at Cineworld Crawley, England.

No refunds, alternate prizes and tickets cannot be redeemed for cash.

QUESTION: Who plays John Carter in the movie?

CRAWLEY Town’s Tyrone Barnett has left to join Peterborough United.

The Reds’ top scorer, who has 15-goals this season, will join Darren Ferguson’s Posh on loan until the end of the season which will become a permanent move - said by the club to be a League 2 record.

Championship Peterborough’s offer also far exceeded the £1 million price tag placed on the player by manager Steve Evans during the January transfer window.

Barnett was signed for £150,000 in the summer, and forged a prolific partnership with Matt Tubbs, who left for Bournemouth in the transfer window for a reported £800,000.

Chief Executive Alan Williams said: ‘’Steve Evans spotted Tyrone Barnett at Macclesfield Town when he was relatively unknown.

“We paid a significant transfer fee for him but our manager always maintained that with hard work and good coaching on the training ground he could make him a million pound player - he has done better than that.

“To be fair to Peterborough United, and Director of Football Barry Fry in particular, they have conducted their business in the most professional manner. I understand Darren Ferguson has watched the lad on a number of occasions and he has persuaded his Chairman to smash their transfer record to secure Tyrone’s signature.

“We all wish Tyrone every success and he leaves with our best wishes. He has scored some fantastic goals here and has always been a top class professional.

“As Steve Evans has always maintained, Tyrone Barnett is the best striker playing outside the Premier League and the combined loan and transfer fee certainly recognises that fact.

“Our manager is extremely disappointed that Tyrone is leaving but the offer from Peterborough not only met but exceeded our board of directors’ valuation. We must never forget we are first and foremost a business and this is a great deal for us.”

THREE Bridges managed to overcome incredible odds following a two-week lay-off due to the wintry weather.

Manager Paul Faili said it was a massive game, especially with key players missing and the frustration of losing two weeks to the weather.

He said: “It was a case of getting the season started again. No-one wanted to drop out of the top-five.

“We also had four top players out, so this was a really good win. we worked hard.”

Bridges are currently fifth, and although they trail leaders Rye by 14-points, have six games in hand.

They got straight on the front foot from kick-off and showed their intentions.

The hosts started brightly, and were on the front foot early on. And the impressive Elliott Romain could have put them in front from a fourth minute corner, but his shot went wide. For the next ten minutes it was one-way traffic and but for the final ball in the last third of the pitch you forgot there were two teams on the pitch.

Eventually Crowborough got forward and a blistering shot from Mike Culverhouse scraped the bar and went over and out.

Another corner for Bridges saw Charlie Cooke send over a dangerous cross which Abu Touray should have converted but some how sent the ball over the bar.

Dean Carden playing in an unaccustomed left back position tried to play himself out of trouble in the box and lost possession, which allowed Scott Taylor a shot on goal only to be saved by Simon Lehkj on the line.

Bridges gained a free-kick just on the edge of the box which Lee Carney swung in, the ball bobbled around in the box and was cleared out to the edge of the six-yard area to find Andy Howard who shot on the volley and straight into the roof of the net.

Just before the break Romain who was a pain to the Crowborough defence all afternoon found himself one-on-one with the ‘keeper but shot straight into his hands.

The second half saw Crowborough come flying out of the traps and pushed forward on to the Bridges defence.

This soon evaporated when Romain put Bridges two-up after confusion in the box allowed him to score. After this both sides seemed to settle for the result with Howard and Callum Donaghey marshalling the defence with ease.

Substitute goalkeeper Robert Woodward replaced Donaghey at centre back.

The final piece of action saw Romain go on a solo run from the centre circle and his pace took him past the defence and slot home wide of the keeper.

l Bridges faced Rye last night in the Sussex RUR Cup semi-final.

BRIDGES: Lehkj, Cooke, Carden, Howard, Donaghey (Woodward), Faber, George, Carney, Romain, Rivers (Maxwell), Touray (Moore). Unused sub: Buchan

AEROTRON MAN OF THE MATCH:

Elliott Romain

]]> 1.3545149 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:56:34 +0000 http://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/interest_in_interest_only_1_3544856

Interest Only remains in the Spotlight this week as Lloyds Banking Group and Leeds Building society impose restrictions on those wishing to obtain an interest only mortgage. This is following Santander’s interest only loan reduction last week and Barclays/Woolwich previous to that.

Although Santander reduced the maximum LTV on interest only to 50 per cent, they did not change their criteria. However, Lloyds Banking Group (Lloyds, Halifax, C&G) have restricted acceptable repayment plans so that, despite keeping Interest only at 75% of the property value, many borrowers may not qualify. These repayment vehicles include providing proof of a pension pot in excess of £1m, cash savings are no longer accepted and sale of any residential property can only be used if current equity is over £50k and only 80 per cent of current equity can be used. It is reported that the other high street providers are not looking to follow suit. But we will see!

In more positive news, those who know AToM will know that, in addition to arranging mortgages for the general public, we are also a specialist packager/distributor looking after and arranging mortgages for other mortgage brokers, estate agents and independent financial advisers nationally. For some lenders, AToM acts as their administration arm, collating information, instructing valuation and processing applications right up to mortgage offer status.

For other lenders, AToM will often be allocated a tranche of funds to distribute for them and AToM advertises and controls the administration process. Any mortgage broker, independent financial adviser or similar, who require these certain products, will often have to come via AToM to gain access to such products. The benefit to the lender is that AToM carry out all the work, including taking telephone calls, requesting information from employers/accountants, collating documentation, and more. So it’s cost effective for the lender.

With this in mind, we are delighted to announce our latest lending partner in this arena, called MBS Lending (part of the Melton Mowbray Building Society) and we now package and distribute products for them. This lender specialises in assisting customers who have had financial issues.

This is one area, more so in recent climates, that appears to be on the increase again and there are lenders actively looking to lend. Terms & Conditions apply and APRs will be based upon individual circumstances.

Dale Jannels - AToM director

]]> 1.3544856 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:02:22 +0000 http://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/woman_rescued_after_three_car_crash_1_3544765

FIREFIGHTERS rescued a woman from a car after a three-car collision in Horsham Road on Tuesday (February 21).

The crash happened near Breezehurst roundabout on the A264 at around 8.30am and involved a Honda Civic and Peugeot 306.

South East Coast Ambulance confirmed it treated a 28-year old woman who was bleeding from the nose following the incident.

Crawley crew manager Bernard Broadway said: “We removed the seats of the car and opened the boot to get her out. She had spinal injuries.”

The woman was taken to East Surrey Hospital by ambulance.

WEST SUSSEX is officially in a state of drought, according to the Environment Agency.

In parts of south east England groundwater levels are lower than the dry summer of 1976, according to Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman.

Water companies may bring in hosepipe bans from early spring where necessary, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) added.

South east England received just two-thirds of the long-term average rainfall for January.

HERE we are again in the world of ANIME, this time it`s all about gods and mega beings, ASURA`S WRATH (sounds like something you get after a chilli cook off) is a new game from CAPCOM and CYBER CONNECT 2 .

Like I have said before this is a game that is for the ANIME enthusiast, if you’re looking for something conventional then this is not the place for you, instead this title is more of a movie with some gameplay thrown in for good measure.

The story revolves around a character known as ASURA, a rootin` tootin` kick bottom DEMI-GOD ,betrayed by his fellow gods (usual story, these god`s can`t be trusted) and is thrown out of heaven, losing his wife and child into the bargain, and is resurrected centuries later, by the force of his anger, seeing what a mess the world is in ASURA becomes more agitated (this guy certainly has some issues) and embarks on a series of outrageous mega battles with other deities, resulting in some spectacular fight scenes.

This all takes place over a period of 12,000 years and you can imagine after being “stitched up” by his mates, having his wife murdered, and daughter kidnapped, ASURA is not in any mood to relax and move on.

In fact he runs about ranting and raving like a madman beating the living daylights out of any thing that gets in his way.

ASURA WRATH like many of the ANIME type games is story driven, which of course means many drawn out cut scenes, which are beautifully rendered and thought out, intercut with what I would describe as “Boss battles” ,certainly not conventional but very ANIME.

The game itself is 18 episodes long, each one consisting of opening credits and some really nice illustrations which make ASURAS WRATH more of an experience rather than a game, and there is plenty of variety in the game play even though it is mainly 10 minutes of “cut scene” and 5 minutes of “Boss battle”.

If you are looking for a conventional RPG then this isn`t for you and I am sure many gamers will feel a bit cheated by the lack of actual gameplay. In fact the whole thing is only 6 hours long, most of which is “cut scenes“.

This fusion of Science fiction and Asian mythology has been done before and the really over the top battle scenes certainly are very spectacular, it’s just a pity that the game doesn`t have more game play.

Granted the story is interesting, but is this a game or a DVD? For the price I do think there should be more interactivity, and I can imagine that many gamers will be hitting the “skip” button often after a few hours of play.

There will be DLC sometime in the near future but will it be more “cut scenes” or gameplay?

The actual gameplay itself is good and I enjoyed it with plenty of variety and a selection of different moves.

There are a number of QTE`s (quick time events) in which you are prompted to press certain buttons at certain times, but these really have no bearing on the outcome, just on you ratings at the end.

ASURA`S WRATH is a great game, if you are into the whole ANIME, Japanese crazy over blown action genre, otherwise be warned that if you are willing to fork out forty bucks or so, and expect an normal RPG then you will be disappointed.

It is refreshing to see companies that are willing to try something new, and push the boundaries, that is a healthy thing in the industry, this is a great concept but the lack of game play for the price will put many people off, it certainly is a great experience to behold but it should have been released on download with each level as a DLC to keep the cost down.

Summary

ASURAS WRATH is a game like no other, rich in story and beautifully animated, it would work as just a movie in itself, but to non ANIME lovers it would just be a bit long winded and lacking in game play.

If you are thinking of giving it a go just be aware that you will be sitting around watching more than playing, and it is not a very long experience for the money.

I give ASURA`S WRATH 8 out of 10 because it is another ground breaking and original idea but the lack of game play is off putting.

Asura`s Wrath

Developer: Cyber Connect 2

Publisher: Capcom

Xbox 360©

Playstation 3©

Genre: Action

Age Rating: 18

Release Date: 9th march 2012

Review by Dayvid Ryan

]]> 1.3544141 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:57:29 +0000 http://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/police_link_five_burglaries_in_crawley_1_3542852

POLICE are linking five burglaries which happened within hours of each other in Crawley.

Between 6.45pm and 8pm on Wednesday February 15 a house was broken into in Tinsley Lane, Northgate, and a red bag with white, yellow and green spots containing Indian gold bracelets and a number of watches were stolen.

At about 8.15pm on the same day three men were seen leaving a house on Highams Hill, Gossops Green, and getting into a silver five-door Volkswagen Golf car index T30 BBS.

A distinctive Omega watch with a thick silver metal strap with a blue/purple circular dial was stolen, along with a number of other jewellery items.

Then at about 9pm an elderly occupant in North Road, Three Bridges, disturbed two men who had broken into her address. The victim saw a small grey or silver car parked outside her home.

Between 7pm and 9.35pm a house in Gainsborough Road, Tilgate, was broken into and a safe and a number of distinctive watches were stolen including an Omega Seamaster silver diver’s watch with blue trim and a chrome strap with quick release clips stolen.

Then overnight between 4.50pm on February 15 and 6am on February 16, an attempt was made to break into a house on Ifield Road, West Green. Damage was caused to the front door of this property.

Detective Constable Rebecca Wilde said: “We are linking all five burglaries and need to hear from any witnesses who may have seen these men or the Volkswagen Golf registration T30 BBS. All five burglaries are believed to be linked.

“We have carried out house to house enquiries and have given crime prevention advice to householders. Anyone who has any information should contact Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 1411 of 15/02.”

]]> 1.3542852 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:58:34 +0000 http://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/hospital_told_its_hygiene_and_care_must_improve_1_3540034

EAST Surrey Hospital has been told to improve its standards in patient care and cleanliness following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The CQC, which checks whether hospitals, care homes and care services are meeting government standards, reviewed the hospital earlier this month because of concerns that one or more of those standards were not being met.

And while areas such as treating people with respect, staffing and management were given top marks, improvements were called for when it came to cleanliness and making sure patients received safe and appropriate care.

The report stated: “The hospital maintains an appropriate standard of cleanliness and is taking reasonable steps to protect people from infection.

“However, there is an indication that a lack of consistent diligence exists in the prevention and monitoring of MRSA infections.

“On the basis of the evidence provided and the views of people who use the service, we found there are areas of non compliance with this outcome. We have set a compliance action upon the provider to address this.”

The report also said that proper steps had not been taken to ensure patients were protected against the risks of receiving unsafe or inappropriate care or treatment in the hospital’s pre-operative/ pre-assessment area.

Responding to the report, the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust assured patients it had taken “concerted and focused action” to address the issues raised.

Chief executive Michael Wilson said: “Whilst there were a number of very positive things said by our patients, we recognise that we still have further work to do to ensure the care we provide meets the highest standards in every case.

“Following the inspection, we have invested significantly in both time and resource, to make immediate improvements and to plan and implement medium to long term changes to achieve sustainable improvements across all areas of concern.

“I was also heartened by the many positive comments that patients made to the CQC inspectors. They were also positive about the openness, honesty and transparency of our staff.

“Our priority is to make sure that we are able to sustain this progress and I am confident that we will be able to do this, not least because many of the actions were already in train at the time of the inspection.

“I give my absolute commitment to our patients that we will continue to make progress and ensure the right quality of care is always delivered in our hospitals. Complying with the strict standards which the CQC lays down is the number one priority for the Board and everyone at the hospital.”

CRAWLEY Town have snapped up Millwall midfielder Shaun Batt on loan.

Batt joins from Kenny Jackett’s Championship side, and can play either as a winger or in a more advanced role. He has featured 19 times for the Lions since signing from Peterborough in 2010, his only two appearances this season have come in the FA Cup; in the Third Round tie and subsequent replay against Dagenham and Redbridge.

The 24-year-old has joined on an initial 36-day loan.

Manager Steve Evans said: “Shaun Batt is a talented lad who I have watched many times.

“He has good technique and explosive pace. That gives defenders in the Championship a headache and will cause League 2 defenders even more problems.

“In fairness to the lad he had a number of options in respect of clubs wanting to sign him so I am delighted he has joined us.

“I watched Shaun last week when he was outstanding in a closed-doors match. I made my move then but with him being cup-tied it did not have to happen until yesterday and we are delighted he is here.”

]]> 1.3542639 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:04:56 +0000 http://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/wolves_hungry_to_snap_up_poyet_brighton_boss_second_favourite_for_job_1_3542529

Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers are eyeing up Brighton’s Gustavo Poyet as a potential replacement for recently sacked Mick McCarthy.

The Black Country outfit had interviewed Alan Curbishley, Neil Warnock and Steve Bruce but were left having to widen their search after all three turned their backs on the job.

Reading’s Brian McDermott is also believed to also be on the Molineux club’s shortlist and is considered a more likely option than Poyet because of his greater experience in the second flight.

Poyet has previously said he would remain loyal to the Albion unless faced with an offer he considered too good to turn down.

However, with a relative inexperience in management and a CV which currently boasts a single promotion from League One, the popular boss is unlikely to be in the running for more high profile vacancies in the near future.

Online bookies SkyBet currently have Poyet as joint second favourite at 5/2 with McDermott at 9/4.

CRAWLEY’S David Hunt has revealed the tackle which earned Rory Delap a red card in Sunday’s FA Cup Fifth Round defeat to Stoke has left him with a broken foot.

Delap was dismissed after the 17th minute challenge at the Broadfield Stadium, and Hunt took to twitter to reveal the extent of the damage after manager Steve Evans described the injury as a four inch gash.

Hunt said on the social networking site: “Enough’s enough All stoke fans callin me divin cheat & disgrace 2 football..Fractured foot & out for 4 weeks!”

Sussex County Cricket Club have announced that they will be returning to Dubai in March as part of their pre-season preparations.

It is with thanks to the Crimson Hotel Group and Sport Arabia Ltd that Sussex are able to make another trip abroad following the Caribbean T20 last month and the club are grateful of their support and the continued partnership between themselves and the club.

The squad will fly out to the UAE on Tuesday 20th March and will play initially in the Emirates Airlines Twenty20 2012 Tournament, alongside Durham Dynamos, Lancashire Lightning and an MCC XI, featuring Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly, with the matches taking place at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai.

The tour’s primary objective though will be preparing the squad for four-day cricket with a program of practise sessions planned, culminating in a two-day game against Durham, as they look towards their season opener against Surrey at the Kia Oval, which begins on Thursday 5th April.

Sussex’s Professional Cricket Manager Mark Robinson said, “Guaranteeing being able to play on good wickets against good opposition in good weather is a key commodity in pre-season, and we’re grateful to our sponsors for not making us rely on the unpredictable English weather during this vital time.”

Sussex supporters can win a trip for two to Dubai to watch the Emirates Airline Twenty20 by visiting the Sport Arabia Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sportarabia

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