County Times, Thursday March 14

Sudden snowfall left many motorists seriously delayed or completely stranded on Monday night. One driver emerged as a local hero, having been stuck for several hours on his way home from Horsham. He told the County Times how he walked two miles to the nearest gritting bin, returning with a wheelbarrow full of grit. He and a neighbour soon freed the stranded lorry which had brought the A24 to a standstill. Meanwhile, emergency services were stretched to the limit, as police reported more than 200 crashes in just 24 hours.

Fatal crash case goes to court.

A driver has been charged with causing death by careless driving, and causing death while driving without insurance.

Crawley magistrates heard a brief description of the crash, which happened in Worthing Road, Southwater, on May 23 last year.

They committed the case to crown court, ruling that it was too serious for magistrates to deal with.

Cabinet minister Eric Pickles will make a ruling on controversial plans for 550 new homes east of Billingshurst.

Horsham District Council rejected the planning application, but the developers have appealed against the decison, and many locals are worried that the appeal will succeed.

The appeal decision is considered to be important enough for Secretary of State Eric Pickles to have the final say.

Reader offer: Two pots of tea for the price of one at Rosie Lee & Me in Piries Place, Horsham.