Arundel and South Downs MP Andrew Griffith has expressed strong disappointment after learning that a motion designed to support Royal British Legion poppy collectors in Petworth will not be amended by Chichester District Council. The issue centres on a recent policy change affecting the John Newton Military Collection, a long-standing supporter of the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal.
Earlier this week, at a full council meeting, Councillor Roy Briscoe tabled a motion asking the council to grant an exemption for the Royal British Legion and its volunteer groups. The request followed concerns raised in Petworth after the introduction of new charges for the use of council-run car parks, including the main car park where the military vehicle collection is usually displayed during fundraising activities.
Under the revised policy, the John Newton Military Collection is now required to pay a fee to display its full fleet of historic military vehicles in the Petworth car park. The group has traditionally used the space free of charge to support the Royal British Legion, helping attract visitors and raise funds during the Poppy Appeal period. Supporters argue that the new charge risks affecting the group’s ability to continue contributing to the annual event in the same way.
However, Chichester District Council’s Deputy Leader, Jonathan Brown, defended the policy change. He said the intention behind the updated rules is to ensure fairness and consistency for all charities and community groups using council facilities.
Andrew Griffith said: “It is deeply disappointing that Chichester District Council have determined to proceed with its policy changes without exemption. This will mean that the Military vehicles display for Remembrance Day in Petworth will have to pay to use the council’s car park, reducing their fundraising efforts.”
“It is quite shocking to see how Petworth is being attacked by the Liberal Democrat run council who are using our car parks as a way to increase revenues, but hitting residents, local businesses and charities with the costs, just as they did when they decided to bring in Sunday parking charges.”
The debate has sparked wider discussion among Petworth residents, some of whom feel the Royal British Legion’s long-standing work merits greater flexibility.
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