Gatwick’s Chief Operating Officer says it could take three to four years for the airport’s passenger numbers to be at 2019 levels.

Chris Woodroofe says he is looking forward to the North Terminal opening next Monday, but the airline industry is going to have to rebuild itself after the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking to the BBC Mr Woodroofe says they are currently focused on preparing for passengers to return safely.

You can watch the full clip here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-sussex-52995354/inside-gatwick-airport-s-empty-north-terminal

Financial help is being offered for small businesses in Mole Valley who do not meet the required criteria for the Government’s Business Rate Grants.

Up to £10,000 can be claimed through The Discretionary Grant Scheme with applications needing to be in by the 30th June.

Almost £17m has already been paid out to 1,300 businesses with another 130 yet to apply.

Councillor Clayton Wellman, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy, said: “This new Discretionary Grant Scheme has been established to offer grant funding to those businesses who are not eligible for other support schemes offered by the government. It is important to say that there are still eligibility criteria that businesses applying for the Discretionary Grant Scheme need to meet, but we expect that many local businesses who have so far missed out on financial support will be covered here; particularly small or micro businesses.

“I would like to stress that we are still working hard to distribute funds to businesses within the earlier Business Grant schemes. We have paid out nearly £17m to over 1,300 businesses although there are still around 150 Mole Valley businesses who have yet to apply. If you think you might be eligible, please visit our support pages on our website to check www.molevalley.gov.uk/home/business/business-support-coronavirus.”

A man from Crawley has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexual offences against a young girl.

Adam Arnold, 32, pleaded guilty to multiple rape and serious sexual assault against the girl aged between 10 and 14 at Hove Crown Court on Tuesday.

Detective Constable Ellen Jones of the East Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit said; “Arnold came to know his victim, and five years ago began this horrific and systematic abuse which she suffered, unbeknown to anyone else, until she felt able to confide in someone she knew last year, and we were promptly informed.

“If you are a victim of sexual abuse, or know of someone else who is, no matter how recent or long ago, contact us at any time in confidence, and arrange to talk in confidence to experienced investigators. We have specialist officers who can also help you access to a range of independent advice and support.”

West Sussex’s Chief Fire Officer is carrying out pioneering research into decision making by firefighters in high pressure situations.

Sabrina Cohen-Hatton was featured on ITV earlier this week as she continued her work looking at how firefighters think and behave in potentially life-threatening situations. The research involves firefighters from across the UK being filmed to gauge their stress levels before and after being involved in mock high-pressure situations.

The study continues previous work the Chief Fire Officer has carried out, the results of which have already been used to shape national guidelines.

Surrey Police are looking for the driver of a yellow Mini who may have witnessed a crime in Banstead on Monday.

A vehicle crime incident took place shortly before 4.30pm in the Avenue Road area and officers are keen to speak to the driver of a yellow mini which was seen nearby as they may have witnessed the crime in progress.

Anyone with information should call Surrey Police on 101.