They need not have worried, as residents flocked to the polls yesterday to vote on the way Mid Sussex District Council has handled the town's 'masterplan'.

It seems that anyone who hadn't seen one of the huge 'Vote YES - Haywards Heath Referendum' banners dotted about town, must have heard councillor Paddy Henry being driven around town with a loudspeaker during voting hours. "Don't forget to vote in tonight's referendum..."

Polling stations were certainly not deserted, as the referendum group may have feared and the district council had perhaps hoped. Instead, the group says that 4,289 people voted in the referendum with 4,053
supporting the demand for a rethink and proper consultation on plans for the new station quarter.

According to the group's figures, there was a 21.8 per cent turnout, with 94 per cent voting yes. Coincidentally, Thornfield Properties Ltd, which is responsible for drawing up plans to revitalise the town centre in partnership with the district council, claimed earlier this week that 94 per cent, an "overwhelming majority" of the community, want to see the station site developed and the public were broadly supportive of the current concept scheme.

But after yesterday's vote, there will be considerable pressure on Thornfield and the district council to reconsider their plans. While results of the referendum are not binding, it will be difficult for it to be dismissed by the council.

Councillor Brian Hall, one of the main protagonists of the referendum, said: "The council spent well over £4,000 of public money in putting its case to the electorate and it was found seriously wanting.

"The ruling group must think again and stop neglecting the interests of
Haywards Heath. The community has spoken strongly. The plans on offer would create traffic chaos and a massive diminution of public well-being.

"Clair Hall is threatened with closure for at least 29 months and in
one seriously considered scenario would be closed for good. The ball is now back in the council's court. We need real improvements to the
station and without paying a huge cost to the public."

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