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Burgess Hill loses green fair to Horsham
MID Sussex has lost its green fair only months after the event was inaugurated in Burgess Hill.
Before negotiations for next year's fair were properly begun the organisers were approached by Horsham District Council to take the fair across the border.
They claim lack of uptake by Mid Sussex District Council meant early negotiations were held with Horsham which last week confirmed its support by pledging sponsorship of 10,000.
The fair's innovator Joanna Saady of Bolney-based green architecture firm Ecotecture said: "I think it is tragic that it has gone away from Mid Sussex because this area needs it. I would like to bring it back to Mid Sussex again in the future."
Leader of Mid Sussex District Council Gordon Marples said he was unclear as to what negotiations had taken place for next year's fair.
He said: "I did attend last year's fair and it was hugely successful and so my immediate reaction is one of disappointment."
A spokesman for the district council said it was sorry that the fair would not be held in Mid Sussex in 2008 although it hoped it would be able to return in future.
The 2008 Sussex Ecofair will now be held on July 20 when organisers say Horsham's main park will be transformed into a day-long celebration of everything environmentally-friendly.
Information and products on show will range from rainwater recycling, wind turbines and green heating systems to ecological shopping and weddings to food and health.
Joanna is joint director of Ecotecture, which was the main sponsor and organiser of last year's fair in St John's Park in Burgess Hill.
She wants the Sussex Ecofair to be a one-stop shop to buy all things sustainable and environmentally freindly.
Joanna said: "Thousands of visitors enjoyed the Burgess Hill event and we received enormous support from organisations who helped up plus the 60-plus stallholders."
Joanna said she was planning bigger and better things for Horsham in 2008. She said: "I want to bring the whole community together, not just the 'green' brigade, but all inspiring people in order that they can live a better lifestyle."
Joanna is seeking sponsorship to match the 10,000 pledged by Horsham District Council.
She added: "It is a maze out there for the consumer. I hope to lead a path to identify who is honestly green, and who is simply 'green-washing', or hoodwinking the poor customer."
For more information about the fair contact Ecotecture on 0845 026 4646 or go to the website
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Weather for Haywards Heath
Saturday 26 May 2012
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