Vandals get the message

For the last few months, residents, police and councillors have been working together to try and put an end to the steady stream of vandalism which has made the gardens in West Parade a no-go area.

And it looks as if their hard work has paid off '” last Thursday, more than 100 people packed into the caf in the gardens to hear how vandalism is now down thanks to flood lights, increased police patrols and residents reporting any trouble they see.

Speaking before the meeting, Phil Damen, of Winchelsea Gardens, said: "We have had real success. New lights have been installed at the back of the caf because vandals used to hide down there, all the graffiti has been removed and there are more police patrols.

"The garden is now beautiful and we feel safe about coming here."

Mr Damen highlighted the problems in Marine Gardens back in March when he produced a "wish you were here?" style postcard, complete with pictures of human excrement and vandalism, to show people exactly what was going on in the area.

The problems in the garden were getting out of hand. In October, 2003, yobs set fire to the shelter at the pitch and putt course and smashed windows and a clock at the bowling club.

In February this year, 25,000 worth of damage was caused when the bowling club's pavilion was set on fire by youths. And in a last-ditch attempt to stop the problems, more than 100 people packed the garden's caf in April for a meeting.

Mr Damen said: "I sent the postcard to the tourist board and local councillors to show them what was going on. I also sent a copy to you, the Worthing Herald. I just can't believe the impact the postcard had and how much of a difference it has made."

But now most of these problems seem to have faded away.

Speaking at last Thursday's meeting, Peter Felton, a resident, said: "I think it has been a fantastic success and has had a fundamental difference on the amount of crime."