"Hey DJ, leave our town alone Jul 6 2005




By Maheesha Kottegoda


A RADIO DJ has described Crawley as "a dump" populated by under-age drinkers in a hate-fuelled rant on his breakfast show.

Duncan Barkes, from Spirit FM, launched into his attack after reading the town had been ignored in a tourist guide to West Sussex.

But when he was challenged by the News to repeat his tirade in a live broadcast from the town he refused, saying: "I don't rate the chances of the radio kit not being nicked. "I have been to Crawley several times as I used to live in Horsham," he said. "In my opinion the town is a dump and shouldn't be in West Sussex. It is a blot on the landscape in the county."

The shock jock's onslaught also included digs at residents - even though the Chichesterbased DJ doesn't actually know anyone from the area.

"I would not want to socialise with anyone in Crawley," he said. "My experiences have included the joy of watching the under-age female teenage population coat the pavements of the town with vomit on a Friday and Saturday night, Crawley men trying to pick a fight with anything that moves outside the town's nightclubs and not being able to find a decent pub or restaurant.

"I used to go to County Mall which is one over-sized toilet. I watched an Abba tribute band in Tilgate Park, which was full of dog poo.

"Crawley should have a fence put round it "

"It is no wonder that West Sussex County Council didn't include it in their recent brochure. The only good thing about the town is the road out of it."

Fuming Mercury fm DJ Chris Oxlade was prepared for a radio showdown with the rival presenter. "This bloke does not know what he is talking about.

"As a man who spends most of his time entertaining OAPs, he has no idea about youth culture. He refused to come here to do a show because he is scared and has no basis for his argument. Here he could find a theatre and music festivals like Pop in the Park. I don't even want to waste my breath on him.

"Spirit FM lacks any kind of county spirit, maybe Spiritless FM would be more apt."

County Mall boss, Andrew Bauer, said Duncan's comments were typical of the arrogance in Chichester.

"It's all very well for him to live there, but it is actually Crawley that makes the money to drive the county and someone that lives off that should choose his words more wisely."

Crawley youth centre leader, Raj Sharma, added: "What happens on Friday nights, happens in most big towns. I have lived in West London and I always compare Crawley with that.

"What Crawley offers is fantastic. Where else can you get a new leisure centre, great shopping and Tilgate Park? I think it is a great place to bring up children."

"

Hey, Crawley is a bit rough round the edges, but it is a big town with tons to offer. I worked in Crawley for about 5 years, my son Simon was born there, and I had my *AHEM* little op there recently - so no real complaints. Tilgate park is wicked, there is a huge amount to offer there, both my kids love going there.

The muppet should 'ave kept his 'north&south' shut! I wonder what he hopes to achieve with this nonsense.

BTW - I am doing a wedding in Crawley next Saturday if anyone fancies checking it out!

I have a friend who lives in Crawley.........................................so I'll make no comment ;)