John Milne MP: Concern for students

But this week there have been several incidents coming all at once in a small area around Horsham Park which have caused understandable alarm. Most alarmingly, on Thursday a number of Collyers students entering the park from the College were accosted by a waiting group of people, at least one of whom was carrying a knife. At least 10 students are believed to have been affected and a number of mobile phones were stolen. Ironically, Horsham police had met with Horsham District Council only the week before and been able to report a significant drop in the annual theft rate.

The Principal of Collyers, Dan Lodge, has written to police and myself expressing his concern for the students in his care. In the light of this on Friday I met with Inspector Neil Durkan as well as HDC representatives to discuss events. By that time there had been two further incidents nearby, one of them also involving a phone theft. Although it’s natural to think they must be linked, the evidence at that point suggested all these incidents are unconnected and involved different people.

Inspector Durkan has requested and received extra police resources. As a result residents may have noticed more police presence in the area. Police are making significant progress in identifying and detaining the perpetrators and I hope further announcements will have been made by the time this reaches the press.

A much happier education-related event last week which I also attended, was a spectacular service held in St Pauls Cathedral in celebration of the 350th anniversary of The Royal Mathematical College at Christ’s Hospital. The school was founded on good philanthropic principles and the need to develop vital mathematical and navigational skills for the navy. After relocating to Horsham in 1902, Christ’s Hospital now provide bursaries to roughly 70% of their intake. The school offers truly life-changing opportunities to children from a huge variety of backgrounds. Seeing their choirs perform in that magnificent cathedral setting was like a witnessing a celebration of the diversity of humanity.