Large number of county children live in poverty

Action in Rural Sussex, established as a champion for rural communities, wants to highlight the problems faced by thousands of children across the county.

Research has shown that in many parts of West Sussex, 20 per cent or more of local children live in poverty- and in some areas the figure is more than 30 per cent.

On Monday, chief executive Jeremy Leggett wrote to Chancellor Gordon Brownb, using Universal Children's Day as the opportunity to press home the case.

He said: "Sussex is seen by many as an affluent area '“ often people tend to associate poverty as an issue for the inner city. Nothing could be further from the truth. We know that in rural areas there are many people who cannot share in the general prosperity of Sussex, living alongside those who are well off.

"Poor children are excluded from participating in society. They can't afford school trips and activities, school uniforms or warm winter clothes. They are unable to go swimming, have friends round for tea or celebrate their birthdays. Many will never have a holiday.

"In isolated rural communities, life can be even harder; children and their families need access to better public transport and to facilities like healthcare, playgroups, after school clubs, activity schemes in the school holidays '“ at prices they can afford."

( For full story see West Sussex Gazette November 22