Goodwood will pay tribute to John Dunlop at its Bank Holiday fixture this weekend.

The Ladbrokes March Stakes, a Group 3 race on Saturday, will be run in the memory of the legendary trainer John Dunlop, who was based at Arundel and died last month.

Dunlop, who sent out more than 3,500 winners, embodied the spirit of Goodwood. He was champion trainer in 1995 and trained ten British Classic winners, including two Epsom Derby victories with Shirley Heights (1978) and Erhaab (1994).

A previous director of Goodwood Racecourse, Dunlop had nearly 200 winners on the Downs, starting with Storm Bird taking the 1967 New Ham Stakes and including one of his career highlights, when the Pat Eddery-ridden Posse landed the 1980 Sussex Stakes.

Dunlop’s sons, Ed and Harry, have been training since 1994 and 2006 respectively. Ed Dunlop said: “We are extremely delighted to have a race run in my father’s honour. Goodwood was his favourite racecourse in the world and he was also a director, so to have a prestigious race for him there is fantastic.”

Ladbrokes sponsor all seven races on Saturday, one race on Friday evening and three on Sunday.

Frankie and fireworks could be spectacular
The fixture begins on Friday evening with six races and family entertainment, finishing with a fireworks display set to music.

Across the three days there will be a traditional fairground, circus tutors, Punch and Judy shows, invisible cricket, a pantomime horse, live music and a replica beach front, fish and chips and ice cream.

Goodwood favourite Frankie Dettori is just one victory away from riding his 200th winner at Goodwood and will be out to reach the milestone.

Should the inimitable Italian reach the milestone, he would become only the second jockey to have done so since Goodwood first staged racing in 1802.

On Sunday, the Silk Series Lady Riders’ Handicap will showcase the talents of some of the leading female jockeys.

Tickets to the August Bank Holiday Weekend start from just £12 per day, with under 18s going free. All of the additional entertainment and activities are free on entry. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit goodwood.com

Attendance fall is not a worry at Goodwood

South Downs Riding for the Disabled Group has had to relocate due to redevelopment.

The group, which was founded in Upper Beeding in 1977, was sad to have had to leave Bridge House Equestrian Centre in Slinfold but it is pleased with its new home is at Horsham and Mid Sussex Equestrian Academy (HMSEA) in Albourne, near Burgess Hill, where three sessions are run on Wednesday mornings.

Jayne Simpson, public relations officer, said: “The group enjoyed five successful and happy years at Bridge House, during which time the owners, Liz and Chris McIlwraith, and the wonderful liveries who so kindly loaned their ponies to the group, were always incredibly supportive.

“However, HMSEA have extended a very warm welcome to the group and their riders and after the upheaval of the move, all are settling nicely into their new surroundings.

“They are now on their summer break but are all looking forward to getting back in the saddle on September 12 and are eager to encourage new volunteers and local organisations and companies to get involved.”

The group will have a stand at the Albourne Village Show on Saturday, 12pm to 4.30pm, and would be delighted to chat with anyone interested in the work of the group.

Treasurer Fiona Wright, who lives in Steyning, received the highest volunteer award in her field from the Princess Royal in 2015. She was presented with the RDA’s President’s Award for service of an exceptional nature over more than 30 years.

The group celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2017 and one of the highlights of the year was the selection of one of its riders, Amanda Worne from Yapton, to feature in the BBC television programme DIY SOS.

Amanda suffered an horrific cycling accident in August 2015 on Bury Hill and was left paralysed from the waist down, but has refused to let it get her down and has been an inspiration to many.

For more information about the group, visit www.southdownsrda.org or telephone Carolyn Heitman on 01403 711867.

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Sussex Police could be in contempt of court if it fails to respond to Crystal Palace fans over why it claimed supporters had ‘knives and knuckledusters’ at a Brighton and Hove Albion game.

And the force says it ‘fully intends to comply’ with a notice which gives it 35 days to respond to fans – or face contempt of court.

In December 2017, Five Year Fanzine, a Crystal Palace fan site, launched Freedom of Information (FoI) requests asking why Sussex Police claimed Palace fans had brought weapons to a game at the Amex Stadium on November 28, 2017.

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Sussex Police later admitted this claim was false and apologised, but did not explain why the statements were made.

At the time, police said: “The reference to weapons being found discarded at the stadium following the Brighton v Crystal Palace match on November 28 was based on information logged by our officers on the night and done so in good faith. Subsequently, it has been established that no such items were physically recovered at the stadium or in the city. We accept that this information was incorrect and the tweet published earlier today by one of our officers was wrong.

“Sussex Police apologises to both clubs and their supporters.”

The FoI requests from Palace fans sought to establish the number of arrests at the match relating to the possession of weapons, the number of weapons Sussex Police recovered at the stadium, how many weapons Brighton and Hove Albion recovered and reported to the police, and whether there was any communication about weapons discovered by the police or club at the match.

Now, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said Sussex Police could be in contempt of court if it fails to respond to the Palace fans’ FoI request or offer a valid refusal notice.

The report from ICO was published on Wednesday (August 22), and said Sussex Police must respond in 35 days.

Sussex Police said: “FOI requests in relation to policing of the match were received in December last year. Sussex Police responded to these and in doing so explained that some of the information sought had already been placed in the public domain by Sussex Police in the form of press releases.

“An internal review by the force under the Act was then sought in relation to some information which we refused to supply under the Act. We regret there has been delay in completing this review.

“We fully intend to comply with the ICO Decision Notice by responding to the specific FOI applicant within the timescale required, with the outcome of that internal review. If the applicant is dissatisfied with the outcome it will be open to them to appeal to the ICO.”

Bicycles, a Playstation and a motorbike were just some of the items stolen in recent weeks from the Horsham district.

Here are the latest burglaries and attempted break-ins across the district.

- Fay Road, Horsham, between the August 17/18.

Screws were removed on a lock and the lock prised off to gain access to a garage. Two pedal cycles were stolen along with bike parts.

- Redford Avenue, Horsham, between 9am and 1.50pm on August 17.

It is not known how entry was gained to the property and nothing was stolen.

- Kings Barn Villas, Steyning, between noon and 12.30pm on August 19.

An attempt was made to break into a property. No access was gained

- Coombe Hill, Billingshurst, between 7pm and 7.30am on the August 23.

Entry was gained to a property via an insecure window. A Playstation and vehicle were stolen.

- The Causeway, Partridge Green, between August 18/19.

A padlock was broken off of a garage to gain access. A motorbike was stolen.

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Electronic dance legends The Prodigy are heading to Brighton on their UK and European tour later this year.

The band behind hits Firestarter, Out of Space and Breathe will play the Brighton Centre on Monday, November 5.

Tickets are from £45 and go on sale next Friday (August 31) at 9.30am.

The 20-date tour coincides with the release of new album, No Tourists.

The band have clocked up a six number 1 albums, sold 30 million records, played to many millions around the world, and won multiple honours (two Brits, two Kerrang! awards, five MTV awards, two Grammy nominations).

For tickets, call the box office on 0844 8471515, or visit: www.brightoncentre.co.uk

For more entertainment news, click here.

The following are the latest results contributed by HM Courts Service, for cases sentenced by West Sussex Magistrates’ Court sitting at Worthing from August 17 to 23, 2018.

Alastair Gorton, of Surrey Street, Arundel, was fined £600 and must pay £60 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting driving over the 30mph speed limit the A23 Purley Way, Croydon, on July 8, 2017. He was fined £660 and must pay £66 victim surcharge after admitting failing to identify a driver when required by police in Shoreham on August 4, 2017. His driving record was endorsed with a total of 11 points.

Michelle Bradbury, 45, of Corbishley Road, Bognor Regis, was fined £40 after admitting disorderly behaviour while drunk in a public place in Bognor Regis on August 2, 2018. She must pay £50 compensation after admitting assaulting a police constable in the execution of her duty in Bognor Regis on August 2, 2018.

Edward Keet, 43, of Stane Street, North Heath, was fined £350 and must pay £35 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (48mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Rock Road, Storrington, on August 2, 2018. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

David Lambert, 68, of Canada Road, Arundel, was fined £65 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting driving over the 40mph speed limit on the A281 Long Hill, Lower Beeding, on November 4, 2017. His driving record was endorsed with three points.

Patrick Welch, 44, of Hastings Close, Bognor Regis, was fined £300 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting failing to identify a driver when required by police in Penrith on September 27, 2017. His driving record was endorsed with six points.

Paul Jones, of Copper Beech Drive, Farlington, was given a community order with Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and must carry out 100 hours’ unpaid work after admitting harassment in Chichester by sending a number of text messages and making phone calls between June 12 and 14, 2018. He was given a restraining order and must pay £85 victim surcharge, £85 costs.

Cherrill Betton, 69, of The Street, Nutbourne, was fined £40 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £50 costs, after admitting driving over the 30mph speed limit on the A29 London Road, Pulborough, on November 3, 2017. Her driving record was endorsed with three points.

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The following are the latest results contributed by HM Courts Service, for cases sentenced by West Sussex Magistrates’ Court sitting at Worthing from August 17 to 23, 2018.

Carerina Narvaez-Jimenez, 28, of Ardingly Drive, Goring, was fined £60 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after being found guilty of failing to identify a driver when required by police in Shoreham on October 3, 2017. Her driving record was endorsed with six points.

Alastair Gorton, of Surrey Street, Arundel, was fined £600 and must pay £60 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting driving over the 30mph speed limit the A23 Purley Way, Croydon, on July 8, 2017. He was fined £660 and must pay £66 victim surcharge after admitting failing to identify a driver when required by police in Shoreham on August 4, 2017. His driving record was endorsed with a total of 11 points.

Gabriella Heffer, 27, of Oaksheath Gardens, Worthing, was fined £146 and must pay £85 costs, £5 vehicle excise back duty, after admitting using an unlicensed vehicle in Patcham on November 14, 2017.

Jaroslav Meckovskij, 34, of Broadwater Road, Worthing, was fined £146 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting driving over the 40mph speed limit on the A27 Upper Brighton Road, Lancing, on October 20, 2017.

Shantel Boothe, 24, of Crescent Road, Worthing, was fined £40 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £100 costs, after admitting driving over the 60mph speed limit on the A24 West Grinstead on October 7, 2017. Her driving record was endorsed with three points.

Jonathan Araromi, 20, of Rushton House, Albion Avenue, Lambeth, was fined £185 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting possessing heroin, a Class A drug, in Tarring Road, Worthing, on August 3, 2018. He also admitted possessing crack cocaine, a Class A drug, in Tarring Road, Worthing, on August 3, 2018, no separate penalty.

Michael Chappell, 30, of Daniel Close, Lancing, was fined £40 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting disorderly behaviour while drunk in Primrose Close, Littlehampton, on August 1, 2018.

Robert Johnson, 33, of Orchid View, Stanmer Heights, Brighton, must pay £350 compensation, £85 costs, after admitting causing £350 damage to a conservatory door panel in Worthing on July 31, 2018.

Josh Jones, 23, of Queen Street, Broadwater, was fined £75 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting disorderly behaviour while drunk in Brighton Road, East Worthing, on August 3, 2018.

David Lambert, 68, of Canada Road, Arundel, was fined £65 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting driving over the 40mph speed limit on the A281 Long Hill, Lower Beeding, on November 4, 2017. His driving record was endorsed with three points.

Liam Palmer-Kearns, 43, of Brighton Road, Shoreham, was discharged conditionally for two years and must pay £750 compensation after admitting stealing various items of tiling goods, including adhesive and grout, worth £1,511.90 from Hampshire Tile Warehouse, Southwick, between April 27, 2017, and May 11, 2018.

Harry Best, 24, of Hinchcliff Drive, Wick, was given a nine-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, and must pay £500 compensation after admitting sending an electronic message that was grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character on May 17, 2018. He was given a 12-week consecutive prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, and must pay £100 compensation after admitting assault by beating on April 19, 2018. He was fined £145 and must pay £115 victim surcharge, £300 costs, after admitting damaging a television and furniture on February 11, 2018. He was fined £145 after admitting destroying a picture frame, ornament and glass bowl on April 19, 2018. He must pay £100 compensation after admitting assault by beating on February 11, 2018, no separate penalty. He was also given a restraining order.

Joshua Hansford, 20, of Ten Acres, East Worthing, was given a community order with Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and must carry out 100 hours’ unpaid work after admitting two charges of assault by beating in Worthing on February 24, 2018. He must also pay £85 victim surcharge, £300 costs.

Deborah Wiltshire, 22, of York Road, Littlehampton, was fined £54 and must pay £30 victim surcharge after admitting being drunk and disorderly in Wick Street, Littlehampton, on April 11, 2018. She also admitted breaching a suspended sentence order and was dealt with for the original offences, receiving an eight-week prison sentence for assault by beating in Littlehampton on September 4, 2017; two eight-week concurrent prison sentences for assaulting a police constable in the execution of his duty on September 4, 2017; an eight-week concurrent prison sentence for assault by beating in Littlehampton on September 4, 2017; and an eight-week concurrent prison sentence for assault by beating in Littlehampton on May 24, 2017.

Jake Denyer, 24, of Maybridge Crescent, Goring, was fined £80 and must pay £60 costs, after admitting breaching supervision requirements following release from prison by failing to attend appointments on March 23, 2018; June 27, 2018; and July 24, 2018.

Santino Naddeo, 23, c/o Downsway, Southwick, was fined £50 and must pay £60 costs after admitting breaching a community order by failing to attend RAR sessions on July 17, 2018, and July 24, 2018.

Tyrone Rogerson, 33, of Old Shoreham Road, Shoreham, was fined £100 and must pay £100 costs after admitting breaching a community order by failing to attend RAR sessions on June 28, 2018, and July 25, 2018.

Kieran Denver, 45, of Alderney House, St Catherine’s Road, Littlehampton, was given a six-week prison sentence, suspended for six months, and must pay £115 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting possessing cannabis resin, a Class B drug, in Littlehampton on July 21, 2018. He also admitted being drunk and disorderly in Surrey Street, Littlehampton, on July 21, 2018.

Annette Law, 50, of Middle Mead, Littlehampton, was given a community order with Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and fined £50 after admitting failing to promptly notify Arun District Council of a change affecting Housing Benefit in Littlehampton between September 5, 2016, and December 17, 2017. She must also pay £85 victim surcharge, £85 costs.

Derek Cook, 51, of Chester Avenue, Worthing, was fined £80 and must pay £200 compensation, £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting causing £200 damage to entrance doors at the Grand Victorian Hotel, Worthing, on July 22, 2017.

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Shoreham shopkeeper warns of scammers

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An 80-year-old man from Billingshurst was conned out of £1,000 worth of gift cards after being told there was a warrant out for his arrest.

Police are reminding local residents across Sussex, especially the elderly, to remain vigilant about phone and online fraudsters who use Apple iTunes vouchers (and some vouchers provided by other companies) as a means to receive payment from victims.

The majority are frauds using the names of HMRC, PPI and online loans, though it has been seen as a payment method in romance and investment cases too.

Typically, a victim is contacted by telephone, threatened with legal action over an outstanding, non-existent debt and persuaded to purchase vouchers from a local store. The voucher numbers are provided to the fraudster over the phone as a means of payment.

Data from Action Fraud shows that nationally £6.5 million has been lost to this type of fraud during the three years to March 2018, with a significant proportion of the victims being over the age of 60.

The Billingshurst man received a call on his mobile on Friday (August 17) from a man allegedly calling from HMRC, telling him that there was an arrest warrant out for him due to unpaid taxes.

He explained that a way to make the arrest go away was to go pay them some money and then passed the phone to another man who told him to stay on the line and not let anyone know that he was on the phone to them.

The victim was asked to go to local stores and buy ten £25 Apple Gift cards from one and £750 worth of Google Play gift cards from the other one.

He went back home and passed the gift card codes over the phone for the suspect to use, thus losing £1,000.

During the conversation with the suspect the victim also inadvertently said that he had access to funds and was asked to attend a local bank to transfer £3,980 into an account. If this should fail then Western Union transfer could be done instead.

Fortunately, the bank realised that this was a fraud. They called police and prevented him from transferring the money.

PC Bernadette Lawrie, Sussex Police’s Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, said: “We have recorded 47 attempts of this type in Sussex so far this year – 24 of them have been unsuccessful thanks to a combination of awareness by people who answered the calls, and intervention from vigilant bank and shop staff.

“Gift cards, including App Store and iTunes gift cards can only be used to purchase goods and services from the retailer named on the card. Never provide the numbers on the back of iTunes Gift Cards to someone you don’t know.

“Most of these frauds use iTunes but we had a recent example of a slightly different method using Amazon vouchers.

“Earlier in August, a 78-year-old widow was contacted on Facebook Messenger by someone who seemed to be a good friend she has known for over 30 years. He told her that he had successfully received a grant from ‘Federal Government Social’ and saw her name on the list of people eligible for the grant.

“He then encouraged her to talk to a woman on Facebook Messenger who confirmed that she was due a grant of $150,000 which she would get delivered to her door in cash via UPS upon them receiving £1,550 in Amazon vouchers.

“She went to a nearby store and asked for the voucher. The staff there questioned her purchase and dissuaded her from buying the vouchers.

“On returning home and talking to the woman online again she was convinced that she would receive the grant and should go back and get the vouchers. She returned to the store and this time successfully bought the vouchers, sending all the receipts and voucher codes to the woman.

“When speaking to her friend by phone later that day he told her that his Facebook had been hacked, it was not him talking to her and that she had been defrauded!

“No genuine organisation will ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using iTunes Gift Cards, or any other type of voucher. If you’re contacted by anyone that asks you to do this, you’re very likely the target of a scam.

“Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it’s a scam. Even if someone knows your basic details, such as your name and address, it doesn’t mean they are genuine.

“Genuine banks or other trusted organisations won’t pressure you to make a financial transaction on the spot. If something feels wrong then it’s usually right to question it.

“If you or someone you know is vulnerable and receives a call of this nature, please report it to the police by calling 101 or online, quoting Operation Signature.”

You can find more advice about how to spot and then prevent this type of fraud on the Sussex Police website and the Action Fraud website.

The Rocks have been told not to rest on their laurels after taking seven points from their first three games and have been warned: There are tougher tests to come.

Jack Pearce and Robbie Blake have seen their young side win two and draw one of their opening Bostik premier matches – scoring eight goals in the process, with Pompey youngsters Dan Smith and Brad Lethbridge netting five between them.

It’s left the Rocks second in the early league table but Pearce has again warned that the team’s performances so far are ‘nowhere near’ what he is looking for.

And he expects bank-holiday weekend trips to AFC Hornchurch on Saturday and Lewes on Monday to be stricter tests of how far the new-look Nyewood Lane squad have come.

After Smith and Lethbridge had scored a goal each in last week’s 3-1 home win over Merstham, both scored again – Smith twice – as three goals in the final 20 minutes saw them beat Bishop’s Stortford 3-0, also in front of the home faithful.

Pearce said: “We’ve done as well as could be expected – the lads have responded well to what we’ve asked of them. But we’re nowhere near where I want us to be.

“We’re going in the right direction but with young players comes inconsistency. This is a difficult league – there are about eight clubs, us included, who all have strengths and weaknesses but who have very little between them.

“This coming week will be very interesting. We go to Hornchurch on Saturday and they have a very fancied side and then head to Lewes on Monday and you wouldn’t expect either game to be straightforward.”

The Rocks are upset to have two away games in three days over the holiday weekend – normally they would expect one away and one at home to help revenue and cut down travelling. But Pearce said they must take it in their stride.

Coach Blake is also delighted with the unbeaten start but is working to keep the young players’ feet on the ground.

“It’s been a good start – back-to-back home wins are especially pleasing – but we have to keep pushing on. I felt confident we could have a good start but a strong pre-season doesn’t always mean you will,” he told us.

“Against Bishop’s Stortford I felt we were a little frustrating in the first half but we got stronger as the game went on and deserved the points.”

Blake said he was pleased by Lethbridge and Smith’s goals but also their willingness to work hard on the pitch – a quality he said the whole squad were displaying.

“All the lads have been great so far and it bodes well for a good season but it’s still very early,” said Blake.

Dan's double delights Rocks fans
Winger Walsh flies in
The squad has been further strengthened in the past week with the signing of 22-year-old winger Mason Walsh, who made his bow from the bench against Stortford.

The son of former England, Liverpool, Spurs and Pompey striker Paul Walsh, he joins after a stint in the National Premier Soccer League in the USA with New Orleans Jesters.

Blake said: “He’s a tricky winger who can play on either side but probably favours the left. He’s settling in well and gives us another option in attack.”

Other new recruits remain possible in the near future.

The Rocks have a full squad to choose from this weekend, with Tommy Block and Corey Heath both over bouts of illness and no new injuries reported.

They’ll find out early next week who their FA Cup first qualifying round opponents will be on September 8, with the draw being made after this weekend’s preliminary round, in which Pagham visit Newhaven.

Police are reminding residents across Sussex, especially the elderly, to remain vigilant about phone and online fraudsters who use Apple iTunes vouchers (and some vouchers provided by other companies) as a means to receive payment from victims.

The majority are frauds using the names of HMRC, PPI and online loans, though it has been seen as a payment method in romance and investment cases too.

Typically, a victim is contacted by telephone, threatened with legal action over an outstanding, non-existent debt and persuaded to purchase vouchers from a local store. The voucher numbers are provided to the fraudster over the phone as a means of payment.

Data from Action Fraud shows that nationally £6.5 million has been lost to this type of fraud during the three years to March 2018, with a significant proportion of the victims being over the age of 60.

An 80-year-old man in Sussex received a call on his mobile on Friday (August 17) from a man allegedly calling from HMRC telling him that there was an arrest warrant out for him due to unpaid taxes.

He explained that a way to make the arrest go away was to go pay them some money and then passed the phone to another man who told him to stay on the line and not let anyone know that he was on the phone to them.

The victim was asked to go to local stores and buy 10 £25 Apple Gift cards from one and £750 worth of Google Play gift cards from the other one. He went back home and passed the gift card codes over the phone for the suspect to use, thus losing £1,000.

During the conversation with the suspect the victim also inadvertently said that he had access to funds and was asked to attend a local bank to transfer £3,980 into an account. If this should fail then Western Union transfer could be done instead. Fortunately the bank realised that this was a fraud. They called police and prevented him from transferring the money.

PC Bernadette Lawrie, Sussex Police’s Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, said: “We have recorded 47 attempts of this type in Sussex so far this year – 24 of them have been unsuccessful thanks to a combination of awareness by people who answered the calls, and intervention from vigilant bank and shop staff.

“Gift cards, including App Store and iTunes gift cards can only be used to purchase goods and services from the retailer named on the card. Never provide the numbers on the back of iTunes Gift Cards to someone you don’t know.

“Most of these frauds use iTunes but we had a recent example of a slightly different method using Amazon vouchers.

“Earlier in August, a 78-year-old widow was contacted on Facebook Messenger by someone who seemed to be a good friend she has known for over 30 years. He told her that he had successfully received a grant from ‘Federal Government Social’ and saw her name on the list of people eligible for the grant.

“He then encouraged her to talk to a woman on Facebook Messenger who confirmed that she was due a grant of $150,000 which she would get delivered to her door in cash via UPS upon them receiving £1,550 in Amazon vouchers.

“She went to a nearby store and asked for the voucher. The staff there questioned her purchase and dissuaded her from buying the vouchers. On returning home and talking to the woman online again she was convinced that she would receive the grant and should go back and get the vouchers. She returned to the store and this time successfully bought the vouchers, sending all the receipts and voucher codes to the woman.

“When speaking to her friend by phone later that day he told her that his Facebook had been hacked, it was not him talking to her and that she had been defrauded!

“No genuine organisation will ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using iTunes Gift Cards, or any other type of voucher. If you’re contacted by anyone that asks you to do this, you’re very likely the target of a scam.

“Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it’s a scam. Even if someone knows your basic details, such as your name and address, it doesn’t mean they are genuine.

“Genuine banks or other trusted organisations won’t pressure you to make a financial transaction on the spot. If something feels wrong then it’s usually right to question it.

“If you or someone you know is vulnerable and receives a call of this nature, please report it to the police by calling 101 or online, quoting Operation Signature.”

You can find more advice about how to spot and then prevent this type of fraud on the Sussex Police website and the Action Fraud website.

Police officers in Sussex are ‘exhausted’ and missing out on time with their families because they are owed a staggering four years of time off.

But the 40,538 hours of overtime owed to our officers has been described as an ‘occupational hazard’ because of dwindling police numbers.

The stark figures were revealed following a Freedom of Information request submitted to Sussex Police by retired senior officer Kevin Moore, who is worried about officers’ welfare.

Simon Steele, secretary of the Sussex Police Federation, commented on the figures.

He said: “It has sadly become an occupational hazard that time and time again officers are having to put their personal lives on hold to cope with the demands being placed on them.

“This means they are unable to spend valued time with their families and loved ones and unable to recharge their already exhausted bodies.”

‘We simply do not have a sufficient number of police officers’

In addition to the overtime hours, officers have 11,045 rest days currently outstanding. These are days off that were cancelled so that additional officers could be on hand for things like extra security at big events.

Simon added: “We simply do not have a sufficient number of police officers to cope with the excessive demands that are being placed on them.

“What the public don’t understand is that the officers simply have no choice but to work when days off are cancelled.”

‘I am not allowed to take it off’

Former Detective Chief Superintendent Kevin Moore argued that many officers find it ‘practically impossible’ to take lieu hours back.

Kevin, who was head of Eastbourne’s CID said: “The ability to take that time off becomes practically impossible.

“You end up with this huge backlog of rest days and time off owing.

“You have got serving officers saying ‘I am not allowed to take it off’.”

Paying it off would cost Sussex Police £710,016

When an officer works overtime they are given the choice to have extra pay or take the time back as lieu, so it has always been a balancing act for police commanders, Kevin argues.

Kevin, who was also district commander at Brighton and Hove for a time, said: “When I was in charge if I wanted to line the streets with extra police officers I would have to balance budgets at the end of the year.

“By skill and the efforts of my finance manager we were able to always stay within budget.

“It is becoming more and more difficult for people to do that now because there is less money available.”

According to the Police Federation, the average officer eligible for overtime earns £36,547 a year.

Using that as a guide, it would cost £710,016 for Sussex Police to pay off all the overtime lieu hours owed to officers.

Sussex Police respond to the figures

Deputy Chief Constable Bernie O’Reilly said: “Looking after the well being of our officers and staff is critical so, in turn, they can protect the public.

“The figures are an indication of the commitment and selflessness of our people but also clearly raise a concern about making sure we get the balance right.”

“The time in lieu highlighted has been accrued over many years; it is monitored by managers who work with teams to ensure their welfare.

“Soon we will be welcoming more people into Sussex Police with an additional 200 officers working with us by 2022.

“I am confident this will reduce the need to cancel rest days in the future and the public and our teams will feel a difference as we spend the increase in council tax in areas we are the most stretched.”

However Simon from the Police Federation thinks the problem will only get worse.

He said: “It is even more worrying that these figures are likely to continue rising as there just isn’t the capacity that would allow officers to take the time off that is owed to them.

“The Federation warned the Government that the cuts to policing had gone too far and that there would be consequences.

“Sadly those consequences are now coming to the fore and it is the morale and health and wellbeing of police officers that is sadly being affected. Many are at breaking point and it can’t be allowed to continue.”

A new washing facility for the council’s fleet of vehicles is planned at its Westhampnett depot.

The project, estimated to cost £122,000, was approved in principle by cabinet members at Chichester District Council in January.

The council’s Contract Services depot at Westhampnett has been the subject of a major phased refurbishment and redevelopment programme of works over the past few years.

This has included improvements to the office and workshop accommodation, enhanced perimeter security works alongside a new service road and drainage works.

Cabinet members are due to approve £20,000 from reserves to appoint a civil engineering consultant to provide a design solution for the vehicle washing facility.

They will also be asked to accurately cost the drainage and resurfacing works required for the west side of the site.

According to officers having an on-site facility will allow the council’s 68 vehicles to be washed more frequently.

Since the services’ large freighters are used for both recycling and domestic waste collections on an alternate weekly basis the hopper has to be cleaned to ensure recyclables are not contaminated.

Currently staff use a hand-held water pressure washer to remove as much food waste as possible.

The cabinet meets on Tuesday September 4.

Investment in pipes carrying surface water drainage to the sea at Selsey could be approved next month.

The existing outfall system at East Beach, which also conveys combined sewer overflows, is reaching the end of its serviceable life requiring regular repairs with failures as a result of full blockages experienced on a number of occasions.

A replacement outfall, costing £149,000, has been designed by consultants and based on a like-for-like replacement.

A total of £100,000 worth of Community Infrastructure Levy funding was already allocated by Chichester District Council to the project, with the remaining £49,000 to be found from existing revenue budgets available for ordinary watercourse infrastructure.

Negotiations are ongoing with Southern Water about providing a possible contribution as the asset is used for storm overflow.

A contract for the works is set to be awarded by council cabinet members on Tuesday September 4.

According to an officers’ report: “The surface water outfall was originally constructed by the local authority in the 1940s, replacing an existing outfall which had failed.

“It is a culverted ordinary watercourse which means there is a legal requirement on the landowner (the district council) to maintain the free flow of water at all times.

“Failure to do so could leave the council liable for damage from any subsequent flooding. There are also increased health and safety risks in respect of the failing asset.”

As sporting weekends go, few get bigger than Roffey’s Bank Holiday.

By Sunday evening they could be Premier Division champions once again and have their place at finals day in the ECB National Vitality Club T20.

The Boars know what they have to do on Saturday to clinch their fourth Premier Division title in five years.

It is first versus second at the Saffrons with Roffey going into the penultimate league game of the season against Eastbourne with a 13-point lead in the standings.

A victory will all-but see Matt Davies’ side lift the crown, they need an 18-point swing to build an unassailable lead in the now two-horse race.

Davies admits there are some nerves ahead of another telling weekend in their history, but says they are the games they relishi.

He said: “They are the games you want to play in - the top of the table clashes and deciders. Now it is a two-horse race, so if we win we have pretty much wrapped up the league. If we lose it, it is over to Eastbourne to win it, so it’s pretty much a cup final.

“Obviously there are some nerves, but I think that’s a good thing. Most of all we are looking forward to it.

“We have experience of these big games before so that sets up in good stead for it.”

Eastbourne go into Saturday’s showdown having won ten of their 16 matches this season and the earlier meeting between the two sides in June earned a high-scoring draw.

Roffey will have one eye on Eastbourne’s leading scorer James Hockley, who has hit 954 runs this season with an average of 63 and high score of 240.

On how they will approach the game, Davies said: “We will look at the pitch, but especially with the game on Sunday, it would be good to have a bat first. To go about things the way we have gone about the season.

“They like to bat first and bat big, they have a history of that this season.

“James Hockley is a big player for them this year, so we will have a plan in place to try and get him out, but we will stick to our usual game plan.”

Any possible title celebrations will be muted on the Saturday as after the game, the team will jump in a minibus and make the way to the West Country.

They will be based in Plymouth for the night ahead of their T20 quarter-final clash on Sunday against Penzance.

A place in the semi-final against Hanging Heaton on finals day on September 16 at The County Ground, Derby, is in the offing.

Of their long trip - a 10.5 hour total round journey from Roffey - and opponents, Davies added: “We have looked at them a bit and know a couple of people that have played against them. But having said that, you can only go so far. We prefer to concentrate more on ourselves.

“We do know they are a good side, at this stage of the competition, they are all good sides. It is a T20 game so anything can happen in that respect, but we will have two big training session this week and be ready for it.”

Roffey have already booked their place in the final of the Sussex League T20 Cup and the last four of the ECB National Club Championship against Stanmore.

A review of future options to deliver 999 call handling and fire engine mobilisation in West Sussex could lead to the termination of a joint agreement with East Sussex.

The Sussex Control Centre has been in operation since May 2014, when the mobilising staff from East and West Sussex moved into a new facility at Haywards Heath.

The centre ran the two legacy systems for East and West providing 999 call handling and fire engine mobilisation across Sussex.

However back in March, East Sussex Fire and Rescue moved to a new 999 control room system, which has led to a number of problems, with an investigation finding 158 issues up to June.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was set to migrate on to the new system a few months later, but this may now no longer take place.

According to a West Sussex County Council decision issued last week: “The leader has approved plans for current and future service arrangements for emergency call response across the county and given authority for officers to prepare options for future consideration.”

No further information is publicly available as the rest is secret and only made available to councillors.

However when the decision was first published it made reference to giving officers the authority to terminate the agreement if necessary.

A county council spokesman said: “We have decided to review our plans to move over to a new system for handling emergency calls to West Sussex Fire and Rescue.

“The decision taken last week is simply to allow us to put our partners East Sussex Fire and Rescue Authority on notice of our wish to review the plans as they currently provide for a joint arrangement with them.

“Subject to ‘call-in’ on this decision, we will now take a fresh look at options in order to deliver the most efficient and cost effective mobilising system to serve the people of West Sussex. The decision follows an assessment of the proposals for the joint service at the Sussex Control Centre in Haywards Heath.

“Whilst our review is underway the service currently in place at Haywards Heath will continue to operate.

“We have had a really good working relationship with East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and look forward to that continuing.”

The spokesman confirmed a summary of a confidential report had been briefly published in error but did not itself contain any sensitive commercial information.

Meanwhile members of the East Sussex Fire Authority will be meeting to discuss the decision and its implications.

A spokesman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue said: “We can reassure the public that our operations will not be affected. We will continue to answer 999 calls and respond to emergencies as normal.”

In June East Sussex Fire Authority members heard an investigation had found 158 issues with the new Remsdaq 4i mobilising system.

Some of the problems were down to poor wi-fi at fire stations, others were teething problems with the new system, weaknesses in existing systems or could not be blamed on technology.

According to the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service the system has been used to manage more than 4,500 calls and incidents.

A spokesman added: “The introduction of any new system is carefully monitored and a small number of problems are to be expected.

“We therefore ensure there are back-up processes in place.

“We have resolved a number of reported defects with station-end equipment, the great majority of these issues were not the 4i system directly and affected a small proportion of the total number of mobilisations.

“These issues have been addressed as soon as they came to light and fixes have been put in place.

“Our staff have continued to gain experience with the new system, and have become highly proficient in using it.

“This has further reduced the number of reported errors.

“A joint investigation with the Fire Brigades Union is ongoing and a safety notice from the union was withdrawn several weeks ago.”

James Walsh, leader of the Lib Dem group at County Hall, said: “The new fire and rescue proposals do nothing to re-assure communities about fast response times to fires, where time costs lives.

“We already have severe undermanning at too many stations, with at times only half the fire engines able to turn out rapidly.

“Shelving the agreement with East Sussex will make fast co-operative mutual aid across county boundaries more difficult and slower.”

Back in July 2017, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne decided to drop plans to take over fire and rescue services in the county.

West Sussex County Council argued its fire service was heavily integrated into other services it provided.

However Mrs Bourne said she would review the decision two years’ later if the necessary collaboration between the two fire services set out in the review had not taken place.

Dr Walsh warned that any decision to terminate the agreement for a joint control centre would weaken the county council’s response to another potential takeover bid by Mrs Bourne.

He argued this would be bad for the fire service, given the PCC’s record of reducing police numbers, adding: “The public pay for the fire and rescue and have the right to expect a better service, not continuous cost cutting and worsening response times.”

Fine bowling performances from Danny Briggs and Will Beer restricted the home side to 140 from their 20 overs, with Ben Stokes top scoring with 34 after the Jets opted to bat first.

Although Durham made early inroads, Laurie Evans and Delray Rawlins were outstanding, with the former notching a composed half-century, to guide Sussex to a convincing victory.

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The Jets made a blistering start to their innings with Stokes and Graham Clark at the crease. Stokes led the assault, which included striking four boundaries off Jofra Archer's first over. Chris Jordan used his nous to make the breakthrough, sending a slower ball down to dismiss Clark, who was well caught by Rawlins

Sussex began to dry up the runs after Durham's early surge. Stokes paid the price for an ambitious reverse sweep off Beer falling lbw for 34. The pressure of the Sharks' spin bowlers paid dividends when Briggs trapped Tom Latham lbw for 16, while Paul Collingwood's advance down the track resulted in him being clean bowled by Beer.

Briggs dropped Will Smith early in his third over, but when presented with a second opportunity he made a fine grab to leave the home side 92-5. Ryan Davies ended the Jets' boundary drought of 10 overs with a clip into the legside, but was then undone by a slower ball from Archer after guiding Durham past the 100-run mark. Stuart Poynter made a late dart with an innings of 28 to allow the Jets to post a total of 140.

In response Phil Salt clipped his first ball for four, but then a leading edge off Chris Rushworth travelled straight to Stokes at mid-on. Luke Wright hit a couple of boundaries to attempt to build momentum. Wood produced a steep bouncer to remove the Sharks captain, with Davies taking the catch on the rope

Rawlins arrived at the crease and took the attack to the Durham bowlers, crunching three boundaries to the fence. He continued to dominate the home side using his power put Sussex well ahead of the rate. A crucial moment in the game came with the Sharks 66-2 when Rawlins drilled a shot down the ground off Ben Whitehead, only to be dropped by Nathan Rimmington.

Evans played the anchor role allowing Rawlins to continue blast away. Wood ended their partnership of 70 when he produced another sharp delivery before claiming the return catch to remove Rawlins for 42. Evans upped the ante to push the Sharks towards the victory line, reaching his fifty off 39 balls. Whitehead and Smith picked up late wickets, although Evans was there to guide his side over the line with back-to-back boundaries.

Sussex Sharks skipper Luke Wright praised spinners Danny Briggs and Will Beer and batsmen Laurie Evans and Delray Rawlins after his side reached the Vitality Blast finals day.

Sussex beat Durham by five wickets to reach the finals day at Edgbastion on September 15 - the first time the side have reached the showcase event since 2012.

Laurie Evans guides Sussex Sharks to first T20 finals day since 2012
Wright: "We dragged the game back with the spinners. We bowled all the big names with our seamers.

"I think throughout the tournament Danny Briggs has been absolutely outstanding, he's been my go-to-man.

"Will Beer getting those wickets dragged us back. I always felt that if we could get back in the game, we could finish the innings well with our seamers. The decision was made for me by Durham and the way they played. We tried to change up the pace and make them make their decisions, luckily we got some wickets and dragged it back.

"Laurie Evans has been our rock throughout the whole competition. His numbers speak for themselves. Just our calm he was tonight to keep backing it up again and again is tough. I thought his innings was perfect.

"He showed all of his experience as well. We've got a little superstar in Delray Rawlins. We've known how good he can be. He likes the TV cameras as well, but some of the shots he played were breathtaking. We're really excited about him, I think he has a very exciting future to come.

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"It's great for us as a club to reach Finals Day. I have to give the coaching staff a lot of credit as well. The environment they've set up has been outstanding. You go for the Finals Day, it will be a great day out, anything can happen on the day, but you've got to be there to win it."

Durham captain Tom Latham: "We got off to a flyer. Pace on the ball can sometimes work in the batsmen's favour. Everytime we threatened to build partnerships the spinners managed to take wickets. Trying to defend 140 you need everything to go your way. We managed to get a couple of early wickets, but those two [Evans and Rawlins] took the game away from us. Credit to the way Sussex played tonight."

So it’s three games in and seven points in the bag – unbeaten and maximum gain from the home fixtures. That is all that can be asked for from any side in any league, regardless of the level you are at.

In terms of the recruitment it’s pretty much the same story as it always has been at Bognor, with most being done quite late on, but I believe that so far it looks like business well done.

I feel that in Dan Smith and Bradley Lethbridge we have two players that would have ensured our safety had they been with us in the National South last season.

Smith and Lethbridge have contributed five of our eight goals already and look a threat all game, giving us the much-needed goal menace we were screaming out for last year.

We look solid at the back with Keaton Wood and Chad Field looking strong and assured. It is a pairing we didn’t get to see last year because of injury and considering we have Corey Heath back in the squad too, we look very resolute at the back just a few games in.

Harvey Whyte wrote in a recent column how much he’s enjoying the captaincy and I feel it I suiting him perfectly. By all accounts, he’s a real asset in the dressing room and on the pitch there have been times where you’ve seen him really take the game by the scruff of the neck and fire up the lads.

The Merstham game was a prime example where we were played off the park for the first 20 minutes until a few full-blooded challenges by Whyte rallied the troops and we settled into the game.

I have always been excited by the season ahead. I feel we have learnt a lot from the experiences of last season and, dare I say, I feel our squad this season looks stronger than the one we had last season.

That can only be positive for the Rocks. In Robbie Blake we have an ideal replacement for Darin Killpartrick and I can’t wait to see how his Premier League experience rubs off on the players.

Off the field the club continue for grow with more initiatives being introduced and am delighted with the in-house highlights packages we are now offering our loyal fans – and the initial feedback is excellent.

I hope this positive run continues, I know we cant’ win them all and I feel the test at AFC Hornchurch will be our biggest so far, and perhaps our biggest test of the whole season – so a point up there would be great to bring back to the Nye Camp.

COME ON YOU ROCKS!!

by Ian Guppy

Lions roar at Loxwood
This Rocks team can thrive but don't expect too much

Goodwood's weekend of racing and family entertainment got off to a cracking start with six races and entertainment capped by a superb fireworks display.

It's the traditional curtain raiser that will see top class flat racing staged on the Downs on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

On the track it was a good night for the bookes with every favourite beaten and a couple of 10/1 shots first past the post.

Grey Galleon and Floating Artist were both 10/1 winners at the start of the night while Baron Bolt and Sir Victor were also good value, winning at 8/1 and 7/1.

Rounding off the list of Friday winners among some close contests were Astromachia - trained by West Sussex's Amanda Perrett - and Bella Ragazza.

Saturday's racing is of high quality, with the Celebration Mile and the March Stakes among the highlights.

The crowd on the opening night were treated to live music, fire walkers and the usual spectacular end-of-night fireworks, which were very well received.

Our tips for Saturday: 130 Emerald Approach, 205 Altyn Orda, 240 Look Around, 315 Sir Titan, 350 Ben Vrackie, 425 Stylehunter, 500 Darksideoftarnside

Albion travel to Anfield this afternoon for one of their toughest matches of the Premier League season.

Liverpool, who beat Brighton 5-1 and 4-0 last season, have started the new season with victories over West Ham (4-0) and Crystal Palace (2-0).

Sadio Mane is a man in form for the Reds with three goals in Liverpool's opening two league games, while summer signing Alisson has kept two successive clean sheets.

Jordan Henderson, who has come on as a substitute in both games so far, is pushing for a first start of the season.

Likely Liverpool line-up: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane. Subs (from): Milner, Lallana, Sturridge, Moreno, Mignolet, Shaqiri, Matip, Clyne.

The Seagulls bounced back from their opening-day 2-0 loss at Watford with a 3-2 win over Manchester United last weekend.

Albion defender Lewis Dunk is likely to miss the game with the ankle injury he sustained in last week's victory.

Leon Balogun came on to replace Dunk after 20 minutes against United and apart from that one change, the Seagulls are likely to start with the same line-up they fielded against Manchester United.

Florin Andone, Jose Izquierdo and Bruno have all been ruled out.

Brighton: Ryan; Montoya, Duffy, Balogun, Bong; Knockaert, Stephens, Propper, March; Gross; Murray. Subs (from): Button, White, Bissouma, Jahanbakhsh, Locadia, Kayal, Bernardo