Christian Mitchell Horsham District Councillor for Holbrook West
Christian, a local councillor has represented Holbrook West, the area where he grew up, since he was elected in 2003. Christian was educated locally at Collyer’s.  He graduated from London University before studying law at Guildford.  Christian, a barrister, practices law at a local set of Chambers where he prosecutes benefit fraud and drug importation cases for Gatwick HM Customs & Excise. Recognised as the “Peoples’ Champion” (Editorial, West Sussex County Times, 2 March 2007) Christian has fought hard for residents and has put them before party politics.  He has fought strong local campaigns against mobile phone masts so that a precautionary approach is maintained and through is efforts masts were halted in Pondtail Road/Warnham Road; North Heath Lane and Northlands Road in addition to three masts which were to be placed on the roofs of flats in April Close.  With his legal background Christian has regularly written articles in the local paper about the need to reform the planning system to ensure that residents’ wishes are put before those of mobile phone operators. Christian, as Chairman of the Licensing Committee, and with his legal background, has taken a zero tolerance approach to failing public houses and landlords.  Under his Chairmanship of the Licensing Committee he permanently revoked the premises licence from notorious Hoarse & Groom in Horsham town centre and he suspended the licence from a leading supermarket in Billinghurst village that was found to have sold alcohol to those underage. He publishes at least four ‘In Touch’ newsletters each year keeping residents informed of a wide range of local issues.