This Week in Worthing

Worthing residents are experiencing a mix of excitement and concern this week. The town is buzzing with cultural and sporting achievements, alongside important community developments. Worthing FC has had a strong week, securing a convincing win over AFC Totton and a double-win on the road, putting them in contention for the league title. Their recent victory against Weston-super-Mare AFC was highlighted with match reports and photos. On a more individual level, a young Worthing conductor is being hailed as a rising star, and a Worthing karting star has reached the national stage. The town's cultural offerings are also expanding with the reopening of the Worthing Museum & Art Gallery after a year-long renovation, and a heritage charity is set to launch new films for a digital archive. Looking ahead, the town can anticipate the fifth annual town-wide tap takeover in 2026 and a new grappling star's debut this weekend. Community initiatives are also gaining momentum. Swimmers will soon play a direct role in coastal water testing thanks to a new citizen science facility, which includes AI-powered smart signs providing real-time seawater quality information. The Worthing Lido restoration is receiving a funding boost and a volunteer drive, while a community gym has launched a £20,000 Crowdfunder for refurbishment. The Goring area now has a reopened Post Office, restoring services after a two-year closure. Businesses are also stepping up, joining forces to support the Sussex Cricket Foundation, and a charity drive is combining business with cricket. However, some news items highlight ongoing challenges. Magistrates' court results from early March reveal a range of cases, including a woman ordered to repay over £23,000 for benefit fraud and a man jailed after a collision that left a woman with life-changing injuries. A former school teacher has been banned indefinitely for sexually motivated conduct towards a pupil. There are also reports of wastewater from 18 flats being sent directly to drains instead of the sewer, and a driver on the A27 testing positive for cocaine. Police are actively searching for a wanted man known to frequent Eastbourne and Worthing, and have issued an urgent appeal for a missing 44-year-old from Worthing. A medical incident also resulted in a person being airlifted to hospital. In other news, a seafront mansion has been redesigned as an upside-down house, and a community workshop is planned for a former town centre restaurant. MPs are welcoming a flood defence boost for Adur and Worthing.