"Mindless" Suspected Arsonists Burn Down Worthing Charity Race Lavatories

Monday, 24 May 2021 11:09

By John Warburton @Warblefly

Hill Barn Rec, Worthing (Photograph: © Valerie Turner)

It's believed arsonists were responsible for burning fifteen lavatories to the ground, after they were set up for a charity run in Worthing.

Four hundred athletes arriving at Hillbarn Rec for the Three Forts Challenge found the portable toilets, set up at Barn Playing Fields at Worthing College, completely destroyed early on Sunday.

But race organisers said replacements arrived ahead of a successful event supporting "Ferring Country Centre", for people with learning disabilites.

Worthing resident Valerie Turner told More Radio:

" It was very disappointing to arrive at Hillbarn Rec this morning, to set up for the annual Three Forts Challenge, and discover that the toilets ordered for the event had been burnt to the ground overnight, in an act of pure vandalism.

"Fortunately, our portable toilet supplier was able to deliver a back up facility.

"Despite this, the rain and the wind, the Three Forts Challenge was able to successfully go ahead and 400 runners were able to complete either the Marathon or Half Marathon route over the South Downs.

"This event raises several thousand pounds each year for Ferring Country Centre and it is sad that it was targeted in such a mindless way."

The cause supported by the event describes itself as a local, independent charity providing training and work experience for people with learning disabilities.

It operates a Riding Therapy Unit, Garden Centre, Rangers Café and Dales Farm, to help people achieve greater work and social skills.

More from Sussex News

Funding Available For Tree Planting In Chichester District as National Tree Week Begins

Chichester District Council is reminding landowners that funding is available to support tree planting projects across the Chichester District as part of its ‘Tree Chichester District’ initiative.
West Sussex Firefighters And Emergency Services Carry Out Training Exercise In Chichester Harbour

Firefighters have completed a joint training exercise with HM Coastguard, RNLI, and Chichester Harbour Masters Team to test their procedures in the event of a serious boat fire in Itchenor.
Shoreham Lifeboat’s Festive Look Boosted By Family-Run Business

A Brighton garden centre has declared itself 'delighted' to have been able to spread some festive cheer with a donation to Shoreham Lifeboat station.
Final Touches Being Made To £2m Sussex Wastewater Site Upgrade

A major improvement scheme at a West Sussex wastewater treatment works is being finalised to protect and enhance the local environment.
AllSaints Founder To Host Sustainable Fashion Show In Brighton To Raise Money For Homelessness In City

AllSaints Founder Stuart Trevor to host sustainable fashion show on Brighton i360 to raise money for homelessness in city
Chichester Community Warden Helping Fight Against Fraud This Christmas

A community warden at Chichester District Council is helping residents and businesses fight against fraud this Christmas.
Wealden Council Calls For Government Rethink On Winter Fuel Payment

Wealden councillors have called on the government to reconsider its decision surrounding the Winter Fuel Payment.
Snowy Protest At Lewes County Hall Calls For Fossil Fuel Divestment

Residents of East Sussex and Brighton & Hove braved snow and near-zero temperatures this morning (Thursday) to stage a 90-minute 'Divest for climate justice!' protest outside County Hall in Lewes.
Local MP Tours Firefighters’ Centre In Littlehampton

Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP Alison Griffiths visited Fire Fighters Charity’s Marine Court in Littlehampton last Friday, meeting with firefighters, service users, and charity staff to learn about the health and wellbeing support provided to fire and rescue service personnel, some of whom are recovering from injury and illness.
Former Portslade Scout Leader Convicted Of 79 Child Sex Offences

A Hove man whose jobs gave him repeated access to children has been convicted of dozens of child sex offences.