Police are appealing for information after a woman was left with serious injuries and four others were hurt in a Horsham crash.

Police said the collision took place on the A264 Dorking Road at 6.50pm on Friday (August 12), 800 metres away from the Great Daux roundabout and the A24 junction.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said a purple Ford Fiesta and a black Audi TT, travelling westbound, collided. The Fiesta was also in collision with a white Fiat 500 travelling eastbound.

A 21-year-old woman, from Horsham, who was a passenger in the Fiesta, sustained serious injuries.

She was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital by the Air Ambulance with critical injuries, the spokesman added.

A 24-year-old man, who was driving the Fiesta, along with a 34-year-old man, driving the Audi, and a 60-year-old man, driving the Fiat, sustained minor injuries, police said.

A 55-year-old woman, who was a passenger in the Fiat, also sustained slight injuries. All four were from Horsham and were treated at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, in Brighton.

Road policing officer Sergeant Alan Spicer, said: “We’d like to hear from anyone who saw what happened or noticed any of the cars prior to the crash.

“And in particular we’re keen to trace the driver of a red car travelling west towards Great Daux roundabout who could be an important witness.”

The A264 was closed to until 2.45am while emergency services dealt with the incident.

Any witnesses or anyone who may have other information is asked to email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or phone 101, quoting Operation Beckton.

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Crunch talks between unions and rail bosses to end a dispute that has plunged Southern services into chaos have ended with no agreement in place.

The RMT union halted strike action mid-way through last week and returned to the table to negotiate with Govia Thameslink Railway over plans to change the role of conductors on trains.

However Acas, the mediation service, confirmed that talks have ended without an agrement being reached, and GTR said it would now forge ahead with its ‘modernisation plans’.

Angie Doll, GTR’s passenger services director, said: “We have been talking to the union for nine months now and, despite several visits to Acas, the union won’t agree a deal.

“Passengers will be rightly exasperated that the RMT won’t agree to what most fair-minded people would believe is an incredibly good offer.

“We are guaranteeing jobs, pay and a second person on as many trains as we do today and also offered to work with the RMT to agree modern working practices to reduce cancellations and passenger disruption.

“The RMT’s position does not help our passengers at all. We have guaranteed to have a second person on as many trains as today, but the union is rigidly refusing our offer to agree a list of exceptional circumstances when we would be able to run our trains without a second staff member on board, such as during disruption to still get people home.

“This would create the crucial flexibility we need to ensure fewer cancelled trains for our passengers.

“The RMT has repeatedly tried to play the safety card as the issue but it did not raise this issue at all during these latest talks, confirming this dispute is purely about union power and control. The fact is that, day in, day out for decades, up and down Britain’s railways and the Tube network, we’ve had the driver operating the doors, safely. This is backed up by independent research and expert opinion, including that of the Rail Safety and Standards Board.

“We will now move forward with our modernisation plans which will deliver better customer service for our passengers. Our eight-point proposal is still on the table and we urge the RMT to give this serious consideration.

“Over the coming weeks, we will be working closely with our staff as we start to implement these vital changes. After so much unnecessary industrial action, we must all get back to the job of giving our passengers the service they expect and deserve.”

But the RMT said it had tabled a ‘reasonable and practical document’ that would have set the ground for resolving all aspects of the dispute without dilution of safety standards, addressed the needs of the business, and ensured that disabled, elderly and other groups could rely on a member of staff being on board to assist and facilitate their travel.

Mick Cash, general secretary at the RMT, said: “We had a golden opportunity in these talks to make some serious progress on the core issue of a second person on the train who would have protected the safety of passengers, delivered customer service and ensured access to services for those with disabilities or needing assistance.

“‎It’s a bitter blow that a firm set of union proposals that could have allowed us to move forward were rejected out of hand. The matter will be discussed by the union executive this afternoon.”

Passengers have faced months of disruption on Southern services due to staff shortages, with both GTR and the RMT blaming each other for problems.

GTR is proposing to introduce driver-only operation on Southern trains, which would see drivers and not conductors operating the train doors.

The RMT has objected to the proposals on safety grounds and potential job losses.

The union has released the full set of proposals it tabled at the talks, which would have seen the creation of a ‘train services manager’ to replace conductors.

These would be responsible for customer service requirements, as well as ‘safe and efficient train operation and high levels of accessibility for all passengers on all services’.

Mr Cash said: “We are releasing the full details of our ACAS proposals so that the travelling public can see that RMT was making every possible effort to ensure a positive outcome in these talks.

“Our proposals covered all the three main areas requiring agreement to allow us to move forwards and we are bitterly disappointed that they have been rejected out of hand. We know that the public who use these services will share our anger and frustration.”

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A man has appeared in court charged with attempted murder following a report of a shooting in Broadfield.

Daniel Harris, 39, of no fixed address, is accused of shooting a 35-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman in Jersey Road, possession of a shotgun, and criminal damage to a fence on July 23.

Police said the victims were in a car when a man approached them at 8.50am. The man got out of the vehicle, fired a gun and drove off. 
The woman suffered a burst eardrum, officers added.

Harris appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Friday (August 12).
A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said he was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Lewes Crown Court on September 9.

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A body has been found ‘hanging from a tree’, Sussex Police has confirmed.

According to police, at 9am this morning (August 15) officers discovered the body of a man near an underpass in Clay Lane, Chichester.

Police have said that the death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroners officer has been informed.

Clay Lane has been closed off between Fishbourne Road and Salthill Road junction.

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A man and a woman who were killed at the scene of a collision in Eastbourne on Friday (August 12) have been named by police.

A Seat Leon car collided with a Volkswagen Polo in Bolsover Road at 9.34pm which then hit two parked cars - a BMW and Audi A3.

The driver of the VW Polo Richard Lewis-Clements, 46, of Gordon Road, Buxted, near Uckfield, and his front seat passenger Maria Smith, 48, of Edmund Close, Eastbourne, sadly died at the scene.

No one else was injured.

Officers conducted a search of the area and arrested a man in Grand Parade, Eastbourne, at about 12.05am on Saturday (August 13).

Jodan Hunt, 23, of Hobart Quay, Eastbourne, has appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court today (Monday, August 15) charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop after a road traffic collision.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Guildford Crown Court on September 1.

Dan Pitcher, of the East Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said, “This has been a fast moving investigation into a tragic hit-and-run collision. Trained officers are working with the families of the deceased, offering support and guidance.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has assisted police with enquiries. However I am still very keen to hear from anyone who may have information concerning the collision, or who saw the Seat Leon prior to the collision.”

UPDATE 2.30pm: Sussex Police have updated an earlier media release to correct the name of the driver of the VW Polo. His correct name is Richard Lewis-Clements not Richard Clements-Lewis as earlier reported.

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Hassocks Sports Centre is taking part in ‘I Am Team GB’, billed as the nation’s biggest sports day, on Saturday August 27.

The national event, which is being run by The National Lottery and ITV, supported by the British Olympic Association, will see the leisure centre open for a day of events and taster sessions, most of them free of charge.

Ivan Horsfall Turner, MD of Freedom Leisure which operates the leisure centre, said: “Freedom Leisure are extremely proud to be supporting the ‘I Am Team GB Sports Day’, because not only are we incredibly proud of our team out in Rio, but also of the local communities our centres serve! This day is the opportunity for our centres to open their doors and welcome in local residents who may not have tried these activities before.”

ITV has announced that it will encourage attendance by switching off transmission for an hour at 9.30am, across all seven of its TV channels.

Visit http://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/iamteamgb for details.

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Tesco has come under fire for selling school shoes with giant ‘wedged’ heels for girls as young as five.

Campaigners say the F&F patent ‘platform’ shoes are inappropriate for children’s feet and ‘normalises’ adult fashions among youngsters.

Tesco says the £15 footwear - which can be bought as small as a child’s size nine - matches “style with comfort” and is the “chic choice for your girl”.

But they have been criticised on the Facebook group ‘Let Clothes Be Clothes’, which campaigns for sensible kids’ fashion.

Mum Sarah Jackson wrote: “School range??? Really??!! It’s bad enough they are selling heeled childrens’ shoes anyway....but as appropriate for school?! Shame on you, Tesco.”

Heidi Leaning added: “This should come with a health and safety warning.

“Not only do they damage growing feet I’m sure they’d cause problems and lead to more twisted ankles for girls running around in the playground.”

Pictures of the shoes were posted on the page under the headline: “Children’s feet are not meant to wear heels, wedges or platforms!”.

The post continued: “Heels can cause PERMANENT damage to feet, ligaments and posture... so it’s not prudish to say “I’m not ok with this.”

“When parents see big brands selling this it’s easy to normalise, it’s easy to think “it must be ok...”

“Play shoes, occassionwear - becoming more acceptable - but school shoes? No.

“Tesco F&F could you imagine a boy wearing these? Yet acceptable for girls... please help END this - share if you agree, and help us raise awareness on this issue.”

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We listen closely to all feedback and are always guided by our customers.

“We’ll review this product carefully based on what our customers tell us.”

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Rail campaigners are calling on the Government to freeze prices for Southern season tickets next year.

The annual rail fare increases for next year is expected to be announced tomorrow (Tuesday August 16) and the Campaign for Better Transport believes that commuters should be given a break from yearly rises due to the problems on services operated by Govia Thameslink Railway.

The rail operator and the RMT union have been locked in a bitter dispute over the future role of conductors on trains, with staff shortages leading to months of misery for passengers.

James MacColl, head of campaigns at the Campaign for Better Transport, said: “In the face of continuing delays, cancellations and overcrowded trains, it would be outrageous if Southern Rail commuters’ season tickets prices were put up again.

“The Government has an opportunity to show it is listening to passengers’ demands by freezing the fares - in fact this is the least they can do.

“Passengers also expect to be properly compensated for cancelled services and we want Ministers to attend a Passenger Assembly meeting to answer directly to the people affected.”

Action For Rail is holding protests at a number of railway stations on Tuesday morning, including at Brighton, Hastings, Hove, Lewes, Moulscoomb, Portslade, Preston Park, Seaford, St. Leonards, and Worthing.

Meanwhile crunch talks between unions and rail bosses to end a dispute that has plunged Southern services into chaos for months ended today (Monday August 15) with no agreement in place.

The RMT union halted strike action mid-way through last week and returned to the table to negotiate with Govia Thameslink Railway over plans to change the role of conductors on trains.

However Acas, the mediation service, confirmed that talks have ended without an agrement being reached, and GTR said it would now forge ahead with its ‘modernisation plans’.

Angie Doll, GTR’s passenger services director, said: “We have been talking to the union for nine months now and, despite several visits to Acas, the union won’t agree a deal. “Passengers will be rightly exasperated that the RMT won’t agree to what most fair-minded people would believe is an incredibly good offer. “We are guaranteeing jobs, pay and a second person on as many trains as we do today and also offered to work with the RMT to agree modern working practices to reduce cancellations and passenger disruption.

“The RMT’s position does not help our passengers at all. We have guaranteed to have a second person on as many trains as today, but the union is rigidly refusing our offer to agree a list of exceptional circumstances when we would be able to run our trains without a second staff member on board, such as during disruption to still get people home. “

This would create the crucial flexibility we need to ensure fewer cancelled trains for our passengers.

“The RMT has repeatedly tried to play the safety card as the issue but it did not raise this issue at all during these latest talks, confirming this dispute is purely about union power and control.

“The fact is that, day in, day out for decades, up and down Britain’s railways and the Tube network, we’ve had the driver operating the doors, safely.

“This is backed up by independent research and expert opinion, including that of the Rail Safety and Standards Board.

“We will now move forward with our modernisation plans which will deliver better customer service for our passengers. Our eight-point proposal is still on the table and we urge the RMT to give this serious consideration.

“Over the coming weeks, we will be working closely with our staff as we start to implement these vital changes. After so much unnecessary industrial action, we must all get back to the job of giving our passengers the service they expect and deserve.”

But the RMT said it had tabled a ‘reasonable and practical document’ that would have set the ground for resolving all aspects of the dispute without dilution of safety standards, addressed the needs of the business, and ensured that disabled, elderly and other groups could rely on a member of staff being on board to assist and facilitate their travel.

Mick Cash, general secretary at the RMT, said: “We had a golden opportunity in these talks to make some serious progress on the core issue of a second person on the train who would have protected the safety of passengers, delivered customer service and ensured access to services for those with disabilities or needing assistance.

“‎It’s a bitter blow that a firm set of union proposals that could have allowed us to move forward were rejected out of hand. The matter will be discussed by the union executive this afternoon.”

Passengers have faced months of disruption on Southern services due to staff shortages, with both GTR and the RMT blaming each other for problems.

GTR is proposing to introduce driver-only operation on Southern trains, which would see drivers and not conductors operating the train doors.

The RMT has objected to the proposals on safety grounds and potential job losses.

The union has released the full set of proposals it tabled at the talks, which would have seen the creation of a ‘train services manager’ to replace conductors.

These would be responsible for customer service requirements, as well as ‘safe and efficient train operation and high levels of accessibility for all passengers on all services’.

Mr Cash said: “We are releasing the full details of our ACAS proposals so that the travelling public can see that RMT was making every possible effort to ensure a positive outcome in these talks.

“Our proposals covered all the three main areas requiring agreement to allow us to move forwards and we are bitterly disappointed that they have been rejected out of hand. We know that the public who use these services will share our anger and frustration.”

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The Bull has been shortlisted in the ‘Best Free House’ category of the Great British Pub Awards.

The Ditchling pub, which is the taphouse for Bedlam Brewery in Albourne, has made it to the final six of the national competition.

“I’m very proud that the team has been recognised for their efforts, not just over the last year but ever since we bought The Bull 13 years ago,” said Dominic Worrall, MD of Bedlam Brewery and owner of The Bull.

“I also think that it recognizes the amazing loyalty of the customers who have stuck with us, shouted about us and made the atmosphere at The Bull what it is: unique.”

Dominic said he was ‘absolutely ecstatic’ when he heard that they were on the shortlist.

“It’s quite an unbelievable achievement for a country pub off the beaten track,” he said. “We are a small business and a close team who have worked really hard together to make a difference.

“The Bull has seen continuous growth every year, for 13 years. We have just acquired planning permission for a major expansion, which will see the currently derelict barns we own converted in to further letting accommodation, a new state of the art kitchen and further dining space. This will be completed and open in 2017.

“Meanwhile Bedlam Brewery, which we launched a couple of years ago is also growing at an amazing rate and has seen growth way beyond our expectations. The result is that we will be building a brand new brewery and relocating the business closer to Ditchling in early 2017.

“What started out as a hobby for us has quickly gained a reputation for producing beautiful beers and we are now supplying over 200 pubs, bars and restaurants across Sussex, London and the South East - we have even started exporting the beer into Europe!

“Perhaps the most satisfying part is that it will enable us to create real jobs for local people and generate further income for other local businesses supplying us.

“I don’t know of another brewery that owns a pub that has gained the level of recognition that we have at The Bull. We have always been focused on offering the highest level of service, along with sourcing the best produce we can find - at both The Bull and the brewery.

“These range from working with other brilliant Sussex producers and suppliers such as Ridgeview Estate and Blackdown Spirits through to the short range boats out of Shoreham harbour and amazing local farms like ‘Trenchmore’, based in Cowfold.

“But lastly, it’s down to the teams at both The Bull and Bedlam Brewery, who all share the same desire to deliver beyond our customers’ expectations. Not for a moment have we rested or been completely satisfied and it’s that collective drive that keeps us focussed and determined to improve.”

The winner will be announced at the Great British Pub Awards ceremony in London in October.

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A road has been reopened after a body was found ‘hanging from a tree’ this morning.

According to police, at 9am this morning (August 15) officers discovered the body of a man near an underpass in Clay Lane, Chichester.

Police have said that the death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroners officer has been informed.

A spokesperson from Sussex Police said: “We believe the man is a 28-year-old who lived in Chichester. His family have been informed but formal identification has not yet taken place.”

Clay Lane was closed off for a number of hours between Fishbourne Road and Salthill Road junction, however has now been reopened.

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The BBC has revealed that air passengers using London Gatwick face the most flight delays in the UK.

BBC News analysed aviation data and the routes and airports where customers faced the worst punctuality between January 2015 and March 2016.

The investigation found that Gatwick Airport passengers experienced the longest delay in the UK as they waited an average of 18 minutes beyond their scheduled time per flight.

In comparison, Heathrow had an average delay of 13 minutes per flight, with a larger number of flights than Gatwick, and delays averaged 11 minutes per flight from Newcastle airport over the same time period.

A spokeswoman for Gatwick Airport said: “We regret any delays our passengers experienced however several incidents beyond Gatwick’s control influenced the airport’s performance during this period, including numerous air traffic control strikes across European airspace, impacting the airport’s whole flight schedule including our long haul routes.

“Gatwick has more flights to Europe than any UK airport and can therefore be impacted disproportionately by events on the continent.

Luton Airport was second to Gatwick with delays averaging 14 and a half minutes beyond the scheduled departure time per flight.

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Two exceptional local residents were thanked for their outstanding contributions to the community.

Peter Chisholm and Melvin Phillips, who were both included in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List, were thanked by Mid Sussex District Council Chairman, Peter Reed.

Mr Reed invited them to join him and Vice Chairman Councillor Bruce Forbes for morning coffee, so that he could show his appreciation for everything they have done for the community.

In the Queen’s Birthday Honours Peter Chisholm, who is the Deputy Head teacher at Warden Park School in Cuckfield was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to education, charity fundraising and sport for young people.

Melvin Phillips became a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to the community in East Grinstead.

Mr Reed said: “People often say ‘it’s the people that make the place’ and it’s the wonderful people of Mid Sussex who make this such a special place to live. We are so fortunate to have people living here who are willing to put the welfare of others before their own and who work hard to make our communities stronger.

“I always have a sense of pride when I see people from Mid Sussex named on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List and I’m delighted when they get the recognition they deserve.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Peter and Melvin to the Council recently so I could thank them and find out more about the great work they are doing in the community. They deserve a great deal of credit and I’m thankful that I was able to show my appreciation personally for everything they’ve done for our district.”

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A man has been injured following a crash involving a motorbike and a lorry this morning (Tuesday August 16).

Emergency services were called to the collision on Crawley Road, in Faygate, at 7.40am.

Police said a man, who was riding the motorbike, was treated at the scene by paramedics.

The road is currently blocked.

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More safe pedestrian crossings are needed on the eastern stretch of the Haywards Heath relief road, according to residents.

The second phase of Taylor Wimpey’s proposals for 113 homes on land off Greenhill Way has already been agreed by Lewes District Council (LDC) since the majority of the site is in East Sussex.

But since the access is within Mid Sussex, the district council’s district planning committee also had to approve the application which it did on Thursday August 11.

Simon Carter, speaking for Greenhill Way and Lewes Road residents, argued that West Sussex County Council’s highways department was ignoring concerns about the capacity of Hurstwood Lane, and raised concerns around pedestrian safety.

He asked why the relief road was ‘so difficult to cross’ and added: “There should be a safe way for residents to cross this road.”

Mr Carter also questioned the logic of LDC taking most of the developer contributions when the majority of not all the new residents would access services in Haywards Heath.

He added: “In what sane, fair world does this make any sense at all?”

Leader of Mid Sussex District Council Garry Wall (Con, Haywards Heath - Franklands), who started off by apologising for appearing before the committee without a tie, suggested the impact of extra traffic from a number of developments in the area should be looked at cumulatively not individually.

He echoed the point about the need for a safe way for pedestrians to cross the relief road, and the issues around how developer contributions were divided between the two district councils.

Christopher Hersey (Con, High Weald) suggested Lewes was getting the money while they ‘get the aggravation’.

Robert Salisbury (Con, Cuckfield), chair of the committee, suggested they could write to West Sussex County Council about the possibility of pedestrian controls, but who received the developer contributions would be down to negotiations still to take place.

Officers explained that the access into the new development would see the loss of two trees covered by preservation orders and while the loss was ‘regrettable’, it would be mitigated by landscaping near the site’s entrance.

Colin Trumble (Con, Hurstpierpoint and Downs) suggested that while some of them might think parts of the application were ‘bonkers’ they were not going to receive any support from WSCC highways.

The committee resolved to approve the application unanimously.

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Ask anyone who has ever owned a Rover or enjoys A Question of Sport how they think Britain could be improved, the response ‘being tougher on crime’ would be a popular one.

The perception by some that we live in a post apocalyptic, lawless society may be at odds with the facts - crime has long been on the decline and our prisons are as full as they ever have been - but that doesn’t stop a huge chunk of the population worrying themselves daft about it.

Yes, hundreds of thousands of crimes are recorded each month still but it could be worse, it could be the 1970s.

Letters pages in newspapers, not to mention the comment sections of their websites are full of shrill folk imploring politicians, police chiefs and our judges to take a tougher stance against criminals. So last week the news that a Crown Court judge had played a foul mouthed yob at his own game, and used language which would make a Scottish sailor blush, before sending him down was universally applauded right? Or so you would have thought.

The moment Judge Patricia Lynch uttered the most offensive swear word in response to a horrible racist who had already slung that particular four letter insult in her direction it was clear that this would be a national talking point.

And to prove she really wouldn’t be cowed, Judge Lynch returned defendant John Hennigan’s unpleasant suggestion what she could do to herself with bells on.

One can only imagine the reaction in that courtroom and especially that of the journalists present as it would have seemed like all their Christmases and birthdays had come at once, such was the extraordinary nature of the exchange between judge and foul individual before her.

It not only led to the 64-year-old judge becoming something of a media sensation, both here and around the world, but also left her facing an official investigation into her own conduct after the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office received a number of complaints.

Naturally, officials at the JCIO are remaining tight lipped about their investigation and have even refused to say how many complaints have been made so it is unclear what the motives are that lie behind them.

There are a small but vocal number of keyboard warriors who believe that the language used by Judge Lynch was unbecoming of someone who is paid handsomely to uphold both the law and the standards set by the Crown. Yes, judges are duty bound to live by standards which are higher than most of the rest of ours but that doesn’t mean that they cease to be human beings.

Gone are the days when court clerks had to tell dusty, out-of-touch lawmen who Pele or Gazza were because, thankfully, we now have a judiciary which is beginning to reflect the society we live in. By responding to Hennigan in the only way that he knows, before giving him an 18 month sentence following his conviction for racially abusing a mum and the ninth breach of an ASBO, she made it clear that he wouldn’t have the final word.

Morons like him don’t understand complicated English and the judge recognised this and, I suspect, she probably enjoyed putting him in his place before ordering that he be taken away.

This is what being tough on crime looks like and if you are offended by it then that’s your problem.

Essential maintenance works to Mid Sussex District Council’s offices in Haywards Heath are expected to be completed by November.

Several failed lintels need to be replaced in the council chamber and structural lintels need to be installed above the windows to maintain and improve the structural integrity of the building, which is off Oaklands Road.

Meanwhile the existing flat roof coverings are beyond repair and will be replaced, while general repairs will be carried out to ensure the roof is well maintained.

The work started late last month and is expected to be completed by November 11.

The council was asked for, but did not confirm the total cost of the works.

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West Sussex County Council’s leader is due to hold a live question and answer session on Twitter later this week.

Louise Goldsmith will be tweeting about the work the authority is doing to boost the local economy, devolution plans, and a campaign to keep control of fire and rescue services from 7-8pm on Thursday August 18.

Residents can also send in questions in advance or on the night by sending a tweet to her directly to @goldsmithlouise or @wsccnews and using the hashtag #LouiseLive.

In her latest blog post she said: “Another campaign that has been running for some time is What Matters to You?

“We have been highlighting much of the work that the county council does over the last few months to make residents aware of the sheer scale of services that we deliver across West Sussex.

“Why are we doing this? Well, as you know, money is really tight for us at WSCC and it is going to become tighter –and in the autumn we will start preparing for next year’s budget – so it is really important to me to hear your views and that is what our What Matters to You? campaign is all about.

“We haven’t done many of these live question and answer sessions over Twitter before so it’s all a bit new. However, I’m very much looking forward to Thursday and hope lots of people engage with the idea and send in lots of questions.”

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Rail union members have backed strike action over cuts to station ticket office opening hours planned across Sussex.

Govia Thameslink Railway, which runs Southern, Gatwick Express, and Thameslink services, is proposing to bring in ‘station hosts’ to sell tickets on concourses, while most station ticket offices would only be open during peak hours, normally between 7-10am.

More than two thirds of members of the RMT union who responded to the ballot voted in favour of strike action, while almost 80 per cent voted in favour of industrial action short of a strike.

The result will now be considered by the union’s executive committee.

RMT assistant general secretary Steve Hedley said: “The Govia Thamelink franchise is in meltdown and not fit for purpose. Not content with axing catering services, closing ticket offices and attacking the role of their guards they now want to threaten 130 station jobs and compromise the safety of both their passengers and staff alike.

“These plans fly in the face of the response from the thousands of passengers who objected to the closure of ticket offices and the de-staffing of stations as Govia drives on with plans for a ‘faceless railway’ where the public are left to fend for themselves on rammed-out, dangerous and unreliable services.

“In light of this strong mandate from our members our National Executive Committee will be considering the course of industrial action.”

A number of locations would only have their ticket office open from 7-10am from Monday to Friday, including Angmering, Barnham, Bexhill, Bognor Regis, Burgess Hill, Chichester, East Grinstead, Eastbourne, Hassocks, Horley, Horsham, Hove, Lewes, Littlehampton, Polegate, and Shoreham.

Crawley will be open from 8-11am, Portslade will be open from 8.55-10am, with Worthing open from 7.30-10.30am.

Meanwhile ticket offices would close completely at Falmer and Lancing.

The concept is due to be ‘soft launched’ at a small number of stations towards the end of the summer before being rolled across all the affected locations.

According to the RMT, the proposals will have a ‘devastating impact on both staff and the safety and services offered to the travelling public’.

The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) is also balloting its members on possible strike action over the cuts.

The RMT has already held four separate wakouts between April and August over GTR’s plans to change the role of conductors.

The company is looking to bring in driver only-operation on Southern services, where drivers instead of conductors would operate the train doors.

It claims the system is already in place on other services across the country, but the union has raised safety concerns.

Talks to solve the dispute, which has seen passengers face months of disruption due to staff shortages, ended on Monday (August 16) with no agreement in place.

GTR said it would forge ahead with its ‘modernisation plans’.

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A musical pressure group has apologised after mistakenly using a terrorist group’s logo to salute Sussex war hero Henry Allingham in its new video.

The anti-Brexit video and song called Little Englanders by Society Syndrome launched last week but instead of the Royal Air Force logo in honour of Mr Allingham, it showed the logo from German terrorist group the Red Army faction.

Mr Allingham, who died in 2009 at the age of 113, was the oldest ever surviving member of any of the British Armed Forces, one of the oldest surviving veterans of the First World War, the last survivor of the Battle of Jutland and one of the founding members of the Royal Air Force.

He lived in Eastbourne up until shortly before his death.

Michael Desmond from Society Syndrome said the video and song was being temporarily withdrawn pending a re-edit.

He said, “The anti-Brexit piece was successfully launched last week but unfortunately in the edit, a line relating to war veteran and former Eastbourne resident Henry Allingham, a founder member of the RAF, who became the oldest man in the world living until 113, mistakenly included a logo from the German terrorist group RAF - the Red Army Faction - commonly known as the Baader-Meinhof Gang.

“Ironically, it was edited by a EU citizen from Romania who was obviously unfamiliar with the famous RAF logo, a target with circles.

“It’s certainly something we should have picked up, we only did so following a complaint from a pro-Leave campaigner who spotted the mistake.

“We apologise to Henry’s family and will replace the current version with an amended one shortly.”

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Firefighters are urging residents in West Sussex to take up a free electric blanket test to help them stay safe from fire.

These tests come after a man was killed in April this year in a fire caused by an electric blanket.

The sessions, running throughout October, aim to warn residents of the potential dangers of electric blankets.

The free tests will be available at fire stations and other selected venues across the county from Tuesday, October 4 to Thursday, October 27.

This year, the testing sessions are supported by Dreamland’s who are offering a 25% discount off the recommended retail price on their heated blankets presented at the events, to replace electric blankets found to be a potential fire risk.

Jackie Boyle, community fire safety manager for West Sussex fire and rescue service, said: “Last year, we tested 375 electric blankets and more than a third carried a potential fire risk. Such a high proportion really highlights the value of getting them checked regularly.

“Sadly, in April this year, a man in his 70s from Littlehampton died as a result of a fire started by an electric blanket. The elderly can be especially vulnerable, which is why we’re urging people to take the free test.”

Jacqueline Townson, marketing manager at Dreamland added: “All Dreamland blankets come with our patented sleep guardian total safety system, which offers ten specialist safety features for total peace of mind, and a three year UK guarantee.

“We are delighted to offer a 25 percent discount and free delivery on our blankets featured at the events through October, and would encourage all West Sussex residents to take up the free safety testing service.”

Booking is by appointment only on a first come first served basis, please call 0845 872 9719 to find your nearest venue.

For information on the safe use of electric blankets, please visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire

Information on heated blankets from Dreamland’s can be found at www.dreamlanduk.co.uk.

Testing dates and venues:

Tuesday, October 4 - Age UK, 1 Town Barn Rd, West Green, Crawley

Wednesday, October 5 - Lavinia House, Dukes Square, Horsham

Thursday, October 6 - Fire Station, School Hill, Storrington

Tuesday, October 11 - Fire Station, Mill Green Road, Haywards Heath

Wednesday, October 12 - Town Hall Chamber, 96 Church Walk, Burgess Hill

Thursday, October 13 - Fire Station, Stoney Lane, Shoreham-By-Sea

Tuesday, October 18 – Fire Station, West Meads Drive, Bognor

Wednesday, October 19 - Fire Station, New Road, Midhurst

Thursday, October 20 - Lacy House, Stockbridge Road, Chichester

Tuesday, October 25 - Fire Station, 49 Ford Road, Arundel

Wednesday, October 26 - Fire Station, North Lane, East Preston

Thursday, October 27 - Oak Room, Field Place, The Boulevard, Worthing

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