Richard is a co-opted member of Sompting Parish Council and has lived locally  since 2008.

He says: “As current chair of the parish council planning committee, I am aware of the sensitive planning issues that arise in a neighbourhood skirting the South Downs Conservation Area. Current developments do not provide adequate provision for social or affordable housing. They do not recognise the requirement for a ‘Green Gap’ between urban conurbations; nor are they always compliant with the demands of the climate emergency. This should be a matter of public concern. 

I sit on the Harriet Johnson Centre committee. As a parish council we try to work across party lines where possible to achieve positive outcomes for the community; most recently on the ongoing Malthouse Meadow re-wilding project instigated by Councillor Glynn-Davies and the ‘Street scene’ innovations instigated by former-councillor Caroline Baxter.

We are establishing a sensory garden at the centre as an ongoing project. and have donated both funds and space to the Lancing Food Bank which operate from the premises.

Sompting Parish Council also financed the well-attended Harriet Johnson Centre Christmas Fayre. A collective effort with contributions from everyone involved.