What is the deal with "The Needles" Horsham?

[RestingWanderer]

Hello

We are considering moving to Horsham and the area to the west of the town looks good (catchment area for good schools, manageable walk into town) but i've seen a couple of comments on forums saying the "the Needles estate" should be avoided. I'm just wondering exactly where that is, and why it should be avoided?

From looking online it seems to be mostly the area to the south west of town (eg, where Blackbridge Lane meets Hills Farm Road, and south of there), but i'm wondering if it actually includes everything south of Guildford Road? (eg, including streets like The Crescent, Hillside and Hills Farm Road, and the area around Arunside and St John's schools).

Also, why is it to be avoided? Is there more crime around here? Is it run-down? Is it what some people might call "a bit rough"? Are there other reasons?

Thanks

RW

My very first house 26 years ago was in this area, Groombridge Way off Hills Farm Lane. It was a very nice safe area back then. I use to go out running as a young woman even in the evenings and always felt safe. Not heard of the needles estate but I’m not originally from Horsham and only lived in that area of the town for about 3 years. However I might be out of date as I know a lot of new developments have gone up since I left the area in 2007. I live in Winchester now and haven’t really been back.

I left Horsham 12 years ago, and it was a place to avoid at the time - rougher estate, I think it was mostly ex-council houses, but most the people I knew at the time were very middle class.

It's the rougher part of town, but quite a small area, and really not that bad compared to some places. Council homes, but it's never given me danger vibes. I'll happily run on my own around there in daylight hours. And whatever negatives associated with it don't spread out to the Hills Farm Road area. Lots of very nice areas south of Guildford Road.

I think you must have read the same thread as me!
We're looking to move to Horsham also; currently up the road in Crawley.
We are looking at a property on Saturday just off of Hill Farm Lane. Which looks to be to the west of 'The Needles'. I'm hoping the area will be ok, but I honestly have no idea. My knowledge of Central and North Horsham is better.

People turn their nose up at The Needles and Roffey. I was talking to my DH about it, who isn't from around the area. And he laughed at me, because realistically all areas in Horsham are nice!

And compared to what you think of when you think of an 'estate' it isn't like that at all.