|
|
|
Rank: Horsham Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 02 October 2007
Posts: 3,
Visits: 21
|
|
Glad this has been resolved so promptly, agree that it shows that the internet is a powerful tool on a local level as well as a global one, whilst sticking up posters, seminating pamphlets- use of tv/radio is all very easily moderated.
I am late to post this but still, here are the contents to an email I received from Gary Shipton, editor in chief.
Hi Dave
I wanted to thank you personally for sending us a copy of your photo of the Swan Walk swans being removed.
I am delighted that after much up-front and behind the scenes lobbying the swans are to be returned to Swan Walk and as I understand it, if the public wishes, to the spot from where they were removed. A report now appears on our website.
I have read the comments on the Horsham Forum with interest – and gratitude. A reader referred me to them and they certainly helped convince me we should launch the County Times campaign. Can you pass on my thanks to all concerned?
I did note one comment – that perhaps concern at the possible loss of advertising revenue might influence our editorial position. I have many faults but believe me when I say I only ever adopt the editorial line which I believe is in the best interests of Horsham and our readers – and am never influenced by commercial considerations.
Very best wishes
Gary
Gary Shipton
Editor:
West Sussex County Times group
Editor In Chief:
Sussex Newspapers North
14-16 Market Square, Horsham
West Sussex RH12 1HD
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Horsham Forum Kingpin
Group: Moderators
Last Login: Today @ 21:46
Posts: 523,
Visits: 1,195
|
|
| Son of M says 'woo hoo, the swans are coming back!' M says: Great news and well done to the WSCT, Horsham Forum and the Horsham Society for recognising the wishes of all of Horsham and campaigning on their behalf. I think that DNW will confirm that this is the busiest thread / posts per day (or any other metric) that the Horsham Forum has seen. Well done to everyone who took part in the campaign - at all levels 
www.hiddenhorsham.co.uk 
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Horsham Forum Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 03 June 2008
Posts: 37,
Visits: 38
|
|
I'm glad we've got the Swan's coming back...... whenever that may be!
____________________________________________ Royal United Football Club An FA Chartered Standard Club based in Horsham & Southwater Under 7's to Under 16's http://www.royalunited.net
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Horsham Forum Kingpin
Group: Administrators
Last Login: Today @ 17:22
Posts: 793,
Visits: 1,769
|
|
M (02/10/2007)
I think that DNW will confirm that this is the busiest thread / posts per day (or any other metric) that the Horsham Forum has seen. M - Thanks for starting this thread of in the first place. You are right it has been the busiest thread since starting this forum. TheDave - Thanks for posting Gary Shipton's email. Gary Shipton - Thanks for the feedback and acknowledging the influence that this forum had in your decision to launch a campaign. I think the smiley after the comment you refer to shows that it was made slightly tongue-in-cheek. I can't speak for M but I read that as more of a 'call for action' than a genuine accusation. I don't think there is any doubt that the County Times has acted in the best interests of Horsham. Everyone else - thanks for caring enough about your town to make your feelings known and ultimately helping to make Horsham a great place to live in.
--------------------www.visithorsham.co.uk | www.virtualhorsham.co.uk
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Horsham Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 29 October 2007
Posts: 7,
Visits: 51
|
|
It’s not over yet! Sorry, but my experience of the latest trends in business is that it has become common practice for businesses under ‘the spot light’ to agree they have made a mistake and then do nothing about it. There have been many examples of this recently. This debacle is not over until a date of repatriation, in the original spot, is announced And even then pressure needs to be maintained to make sure it happens. Otherwise there will be a whole string of excuses s to why the deadline was not met. May I suggest that as the County Times has done such a great job, you push to get that date and then when it is announced you organise ‘a public opening’ This way it will be too embarrassing for them not to deliver. We done everyone!
Jonny
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Horsham Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 03 October 2007
Posts: 3,
Visits: 4
|
|
| It's great news. The County Times is very keen to include all of your comments on this. Can everybody who has left messages since my last post yesterday (Tuesday October 2, 15.48) call me on 01403 751231 or email raw@sussexnewspapers.co.uk with full contact details as soon as possible to help me to get these comments into the paper, please? Thanks And well done!
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Horsham Forum Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Today @ 21:12
Posts: 30,
Visits: 3,082
|
|
Jonny is right. This is a significant victory of commonsense over corporate greed but as Churchill said, it is only the end of the beginning. We must make sure that the consultation that we have been promised is real and that the views of the people of Horsham help frame the outcome rather just rubber stamp a final plan.
There can be no doubt that this highly successful campaign will have surprised our elected representatives. The fact that it was a genuine uprising of anger from normally compliant voters rather being orchestrated from a single source makes it even more significant. People who would never dream of manning a picket line or joining a march have discovered they can have as much, or more, impact by sending an email. Local politics is not going to be the same again after this because a similar campaign could be unleashed just as easily against the Council. But there are dangers, mob rule can be ugly. There is however a simple solution. The Council should learn from this experience and harness the public's new found desire for participation by running genuine consultations in future on big issues facing the district before they make up their minds.
A lot of good can come out of the last 10 days if the right lessons are learned.
|
|
|
|
| | |