Call to keep Littlehampton Swimming and Sports Centre on the seafront

The call has been made by councillor Dr James Walsh, following the postponement of the vital meeting two weeks ago, after a substance at first feared to be asbestos, but later found to be harmless, was discovered in the ceiling space of the council chamber at the Civic Centre.

Dr Walsh said: “Arun’s cabinet has said that it wants to provide a newer and larger pool and sports centre, at a cost of up to £14m. The public have clearly said that they wish the pool and sports centre to stay where it is, and also not to have more flats on the swim centre site.

“If Arun means what it is saying, then the solution, which will please everyone, is to build the new swimming pool and sports centre at the current site, where there is clearly ample space to do so, without jeopardising the current operation, which would close and be demolished after the new facilities were opened.

“There would also be the assurance of ample car-parking, and the new facility would remain just as visible and usable to the tourists and Rustington/East Preston residents who currently find and access it easily on the seafront.

He also backed the idea of a new private operator such tendering to provide theatre and cinema at the town’s Windmill Entertainment Centre, to ensure its future.