MADhurst signs have become a '˜roadside rash'

John Trueman, editor of the online community magazine Midhurst Pages has been waging war on the increasing problem of sign clutter for nine years and stepped up his campaign when Midhurst became part of the new South Downs National Park.

He said MADhurst signs this year were a ‘roadside rash’.

“Sign clutter, always a problem at the entrance to the small business park in Langham Lane, Lodsworth, has suddenly become more serious this week as the result of the injudicious placement of two combined Madhurst - King & Chasemore signs on the roadside sward.

“Madhurst - King & Chasemore signs have appeared everywhere like a roadside rash this year - with 14 spotted so far - and some are very intrusive, like the one dominating the entrance to Cowdray Golf Club.

“A lot more thought needs to be given to this type of advertising.”

Lesley Foulkes co-owner of Langhams who is organising a MADhurst Live@Langhams charity gig at the brewery this Saturday (August 27) said: “We appreciate the problem of sign clutter and apologise if our signs have upset anyone. This is only for ten days a year. MADhurst benefits the whole community and our gig is in support of a very good cause which needs all the help it can get.

“We will of course be removing the signs as soon as the event has happened.”

Langhams is joining the MADhurst celebrations with a mini beer and music festival in support of the Dame Vera Lynn Childrens Charity for families of children affected by cerebral palsy.

“Entry is free,” said Lesley, “and in return we ask that folk dig a little deeper for our amazing local good cause.

“This year public financial support is particularly important as DVLCC are moving.

“The new centre will allow them to offer families not only conductive education but many new services such as Saturday and holiday clubs, field trips, access to assistive interactive technology and other forms of physical and speech and language therapies, hire of equipment and an outreach service benefiting families in their own homes.”

Chairman of MADhurst John Barrett said: “I’m sorry to hear Mr Trueman regards the MADhurst signs as clutter, although I am pleased he has noticed them and hopefully so have the rest of the community. The signs are part of a much wider effort to encourage people to attend Midhurst’s annual arts and drama festival, MADhurst. This is a not for profit event that has been lovingly organised by a committed team of locals. All of the signs will be removed immediately once the festival is over.”

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